Repair & Refurbishment
Expert pallet repair extends useful life by 3-5 additional cycles. Save up to 50% compared to buying new while maintaining the same structural integrity and load capacity. Our trained technicians handle everything from simple re-nailing to complete refurbishment.
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Types of Repairs
From minor fixes to complete overhauls, our repair facility handles every type of pallet damage. Each repair is performed by trained technicians following NWPCA quality standards.
Board Replacement
Cracked, broken, or missing deck boards and bottom boards are replaced with graded lumber that matches the original specifications. We keep a large inventory of standard board sizes so repairs can be completed quickly without waiting for custom cuts.
Stringer Repair
Damaged stringers are the most common structural failure in pallets. Our technicians use companion stringers, plating, and full stringer replacement techniques to restore structural integrity to NWPCA standards.
Re-Nailing & Fastening
Loose boards, popped nails, and weak joints are re-fastened with pneumatic nailers using the correct nail type and length for each application. We ensure all fasteners are driven flush to prevent product damage.
Block Repair
For block-style pallets, we replace cracked or crushed blocks with properly sized replacements. Block pallets are common in European and pharmaceutical applications where precision matters.
Heat Treatment (ISPM-15)
Pallets destined for international shipping require heat treatment per ISPM-15 standards. We heat-treat pallets to 56 degrees C core temperature for 30 minutes and apply the official IPPC/HT stamp.
Full Refurbishment
Complete pallet overhaul including board replacement, stringer repair, re-nailing, trimming, and optional painting or branding. Returns pallets to near-new condition at a fraction of the cost.
Built to Perform
A repaired pallet should perform just as well as a new one. That is why we follow strict quality standards at every stage of the repair process. Every pallet leaves our facility ready for real-world use.
NWPCA Standards
All repairs follow National Wooden Pallet and Container Association guidelines for structural integrity and load capacity.
ISPM-15 Compliance
Heat treatment services meet International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, required for all international shipments.
Multi-Point Inspection
Every repaired pallet undergoes a comprehensive inspection: board integrity, nail depth, stringer condition, dimensional accuracy, and overall structural soundness.
Load Testing
Repaired pallets are tested to ensure they meet or exceed the original load capacity specifications. Static and dynamic load ratings are verified.
Grade Certification
Each repaired pallet is assigned a quality grade (A, B, or C) so buyers know exactly what they are getting. Grade certificates are available on request.
Cost Savings: Repair vs. New
Repairing pallets is significantly cheaper than buying new ones. Here is a typical cost comparison for standard 48x40 GMA pallets.
* Prices are estimates for illustration purposes. Actual pricing depends on volume and specifications.
Lifecycle Extension
A well-repaired pallet can be used 3-5 additional times before it needs to be recycled. This dramatically reduces your per-use cost and environmental impact.
How We Can Help
Whether you need a one-time batch repaired or an ongoing repair program, we have a service level to match.
Ship-In Repair
Send your damaged pallets to our facility. We repair and return them on your schedule. Ideal for businesses that accumulate damaged pallets over time and want them restored in batch.
On-Site Repair
Our mobile repair crews come to your facility with all tools and materials needed. We set up, repair your pallets on-site, and clean up when done. Zero disruption to your operation.
Ongoing Program
A managed repair program with regular service, dedicated technicians, and continuous quality tracking. We manage your pallet repair needs end-to-end so you can focus on your core business.
What Happens During Pallet Repair
Every pallet that enters our repair facility goes through a systematic process designed to restore it to optimal performance. Here is a detailed look at each stage of the repair workflow.
Intake & Sorting
Damaged pallets are received, counted, and sorted by type, size, and severity of damage. This initial triage determines the most efficient repair path for each pallet and allows us to batch similar repairs for maximum productivity.
Damage Assessment
Each pallet is individually inspected by a trained technician who identifies all damage points and determines the specific repairs needed. Pallets beyond economical repair are diverted to our recycling program for material recovery.
Repair Execution
Technicians perform all required repairs: replacing broken boards, repairing stringers, re-nailing loose components, trimming damaged edges, and replacing crushed blocks. All work follows NWPCA standards for structural integrity and load capacity.
Quality Inspection
Every repaired pallet undergoes a multi-point quality inspection. Inspectors verify board integrity, nail depth, dimensional accuracy, stringer condition, and overall structural soundness. Pallets that do not pass are sent back for additional work.
Grading & Staging
Repaired pallets are assigned a quality grade based on their final condition. Grade A, B, and C designations are applied according to industry standards. Pallets are then staged for delivery or customer pickup.
When to Repair vs. Replace
Not every damaged pallet is worth repairing, and not every damaged pallet needs to be thrown away. The key is knowing when repair makes economic and practical sense. As a general rule, if the repair cost is less than 60% of the replacement cost and the pallet can be restored to the required quality grade, repair is the better option.
Our technicians evaluate every pallet against a repair-or-recycle decision matrix that considers the cost of repair, the expected additional lifecycle, the target quality grade, and current market pricing for comparable used pallets. This data-driven approach ensures you only pay for repairs that deliver positive ROI.
For managed repair programs, we track repair-vs-replace decisions over time and provide quarterly reports showing the total savings generated by choosing repair. Most clients find that 60-80% of their damaged pallets are economically repairable, translating to significant annual savings compared to a buy-new-and-dispose approach.
Repair Makes Sense When...
Damage is limited to 1-3 boards or minor stringer issues
The pallet structure (stringers/blocks) is fundamentally sound
Repair cost is less than 60% of buying a comparable used pallet
The pallet can be restored to the grade level you need
You have ongoing pallet needs and want to maximize lifecycle
Environmental goals make reuse preferable to disposal
Consider Recycling Instead When...
Multiple stringers are broken or severely damaged
More than 50% of deck boards need replacement
The pallet has significant structural warping or twisting
Repair cost would exceed 60% of a comparable used pallet
The pallet has been contaminated and cannot be cleaned
Dimensional integrity cannot be restored to specification
Industries That Save With Pallet Repair
Pallet repair delivers value across every industry that uses pallets. Here are the sectors where repair programs generate the greatest return on investment.
Food & Beverage
Food industry pallets face strict quality requirements but also endure heavy use in cold storage and frequent washing. Repair programs extend the life of food-grade pallets while maintaining compliance with FSMA and other food safety regulations. We ensure all repaired pallets meet the hygiene standards required for food contact applications.
Manufacturing
Factories move heavy products and raw materials that accelerate pallet wear. Our on-site repair programs keep pallets cycling through production without interruption. We station repair crews at high-volume facilities to perform same-day repairs, ensuring damaged pallets are back in service within hours instead of being discarded.
Retail & Distribution
Retail distribution centers process massive pallet volumes and encounter damage from automated material handling systems. Our managed repair programs integrate with DC workflows to sort, repair, and return pallets without disrupting receiving and shipping operations.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical supply chains demand precision and documentation. Repaired pallets for pharma applications receive enhanced inspection including dimensional verification, cleanliness confirmation, and contamination screening. Full documentation accompanies every repaired pallet.
Automotive
Automotive supply chains use specialty pallets designed for specific parts and assemblies. These pallets are expensive to replace. Our repair team handles custom pallet configurations including metal-reinforced, oversized, and application-specific designs that cannot simply be replaced with standard models.
Export & Logistics
International shipping requires ISPM-15 compliant pallets. Our repair and heat treatment combination service restores damaged pallets to export-ready condition at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new heat-treated pallets. We handle the full process from repair through HT certification.
Pallet Repair Questions Answered
How long does pallet repair typically take?
Turnaround time depends on the service model. For ship-in repairs, standard turnaround is 5-7 business days from the time pallets arrive at our facility. On-site repair is typically completed the same day for volumes up to 500 pallets. For larger on-site jobs, we work through the backlog over multiple days. Managed repair programs have built-in SLAs for turnaround time that we customize to your operational needs.
Do repaired pallets carry the same load capacity as new ones?
Yes. All repaired pallets are restored to meet or exceed their original load capacity specifications. Our repair techniques and materials are selected specifically to maintain structural integrity. Stringer repairs use companion stringers or metal plates that actually reinforce the original structure. All repaired pallets undergo load testing verification before being returned to service.
Can you repair pallets to a specific grade level?
Absolutely. When you submit pallets for repair, you can specify the target grade level you need. If a pallet can be economically repaired to that grade, we proceed. If the damage is too severe to achieve the target grade, we will inform you and recommend alternatives such as a lower-grade repair or recycling. You always have the final say on how each pallet is handled.
What is the minimum quantity for repair services?
For ship-in repair at our facility, we recommend a minimum of 50 pallets to make the logistics cost-effective. For on-site repair, minimums vary by location but typically start at 100-200 pallets to justify crew mobilization. For managed repair programs, minimums depend on the frequency and scope of service. Contact us to discuss your specific volume and we will find the right solution.
Do you offer warranty on repairs?
Yes. All repairs carry a workmanship warranty. If a repair fails under normal use conditions within 90 days, we will re-repair or replace the pallet at no charge. This warranty covers the specific repair performed, not pre-existing conditions or new damage from handling. For managed repair programs, warranty terms can be customized as part of your service agreement.
Can you handle specialty pallet repairs (plastic, metal, etc.)?
Our primary expertise is wood pallet repair, which represents the vast majority of pallets in circulation. For plastic pallet repairs, we can handle minor structural issues like welding cracked cross-members, though severely damaged plastic pallets are typically better suited for recycling. Metal pallet repairs are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with details about your specialty pallets and we will advise on repair feasibility.
Stop Throwing Away Good Pallets
Most damaged pallets can be repaired for a fraction of the replacement cost. Send us photos of your damaged pallets and we will tell you exactly what it would cost to bring them back to life.