Pallet Repair Services

Repair Services Include:

• Deck board replacement
• Stringer repair and replacement
• Block repair and replacement
• Fastener replacement (nails, screws, bolts)
• Structural reinforcement
• Complete refurbishment

Types of Pallets We Repair:

• Standard GMA 48x40 pallets
• Custom and specialty pallets
• Block pallets
• Stringer pallets
• 2-way and 4-way entry pallets
• Heat-treated pallets (maintaining ISPM 15 compliance)

Benefits of Pallet Repair:

• Cost savings of 50-70% vs. buying new
• Reduces environmental impact
• Maintains ISPM 15 certification when applicable
• Quick turnaround times
• Extends pallet lifespan by 3-5 years
• Maintains standardized pallet fleet

Our Repair Process:

We inspect each pallet, identify needed repairs, and restore it to safe, functional condition. Repaired pallets are tested to ensure they meet safety and quality standards before being returned to service.

Detailed Repair Procedures

Norfolk Pallets employs skilled technicians and professional-grade equipment to restore pallets to optimal condition. Our repair process includes:

• Initial Inspection: Each pallet is examined to identify all damage, wear points, and structural issues requiring attention.
• Grading Assessment: We determine the current grade and the target grade after repair to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Board Replacement: Damaged deck boards or bottom boards are removed and replaced with matching lumber of appropriate grade and dimensions.
• Stringer/Block Repair: Cracked or damaged stringers and blocks are reinforced or replaced to restore structural integrity.
• Fastener Replacement: Loose, rusted, or missing nails are removed and replaced with new fasteners properly sized for the application.
• Reinforcement: Additional support is added where needed, such as sister stringers or extra blocks for heavy-duty applications.
• Cleaning: Repaired pallets are cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants, improving appearance and safety.
• Quality Inspection: Final inspection ensures all repairs meet our quality standards and the pallet is safe for intended use.
• Load Testing: Critical repairs undergo load testing to verify structural capacity before being returned to service.
• Marking: Repaired pallets can be marked or stamped to indicate repair date, grade, or ownership as requested.

Repair vs. Replace Decision Guide

Not every damaged pallet should be repaired. We help you make informed decisions about when repair makes economic sense:

• Excellent Candidates for Repair: Pallets with 1-3 broken boards but intact stringers/blocks. Repair cost typically 30-50% of replacement cost.
• Good Candidates: Pallets with minor stringer damage and some board damage. Repair cost typically 40-60% of replacement cost.
• Marginal Candidates: Extensive damage but critical dimensions or heat treatment status. Repair cost typically 60-75% of replacement cost.
• Poor Candidates: Extensive damage to stringers and boards, rot present, or repair cost exceeds 75% of replacement. Better to recycle and replace.
• Special Considerations: Custom pallets, pallets with ISPM 15 stamps, or pallets needed urgently may justify higher repair costs.

We provide honest assessments and won't recommend repairs that don't make economic sense. Our goal is maximizing your value, not maximizing our repair revenue.

On-Site vs. Facility-Based Repair

Choose the repair location that best fits your operational needs and volume:

On-Site Repair Services:

• Ideal For: Very large pallet fleets (500+ pallets), dedicated pallet programs, or pallets that are difficult to transport.
• Advantages: No transportation time or cost, pallets remain on your property, repairs completed during off-hours to avoid disruption.
• Equipment: We bring portable repair stations, tools, lumber, and fasteners to your location.
• Technicians: Experienced repair teams work efficiently with minimal supervision required from your staff.
• Turnaround: Pallets are available immediately after repair with no transportation delays.
• Minimum Volume: Typically 200+ pallets to justify mobilization of equipment and technicians.

Facility-Based Repair Services:

• Ideal For: Smaller volumes (under 500 pallets), mixed condition lots, or when you need space cleared immediately.
• Advantages: Access to full shop equipment, wider lumber selection, quality control in controlled environment.
• Process: We pick up damaged pallets, repair them at our facility, and deliver repaired pallets back to you.
• Turnaround: Typically 3-7 business days depending on volume and complexity of repairs needed.
• Cost Efficiency: Generally more cost-effective for smaller volumes due to shop efficiencies.
• No Minimum: We can repair as few as 10 pallets economically at our facility.

Pallet Management Programs

For businesses with ongoing pallet needs, we offer comprehensive management programs that include regular repair services:

• Scheduled Inspections: Regular visits to inspect your pallet fleet and identify pallets needing repair before they fail.
• Proactive Maintenance: Minor repairs performed before damage worsens, extending average pallet life significantly.
• Fleet Size Optimization: Analysis and recommendations on optimal fleet size to balance inventory costs with availability needs.
• Rotation Programs: Strategic rotation of pallets to distribute wear evenly and maximize total fleet lifespan.
• Budgeting Support: Predictable monthly costs for pallet repair and replacement based on historical data and projected needs.
• Performance Tracking: Detailed reporting on pallet lifespan, failure rates, repair costs, and fleet health metrics.
• Emergency Response: Priority service for urgent repairs when pallet shortages threaten to disrupt operations.
• Custom Solutions: Tailored programs addressing your specific industry requirements, seasonal fluctuations, and operational constraints.

Heat Treatment and ISPM 15 Compliance

Repairing pallets while maintaining international shipping compliance requires specialized knowledge and certification:

• ISPM 15 Standards: We fully understand international phytosanitary measures and requirements for treated wood packaging.
• Heat Treatment Facility: Our facility is certified to perform heat treatment, allowing us to re-treat pallets when necessary.
• Repair Guidelines: We follow ISPM 15 repair guidelines - repairs using heat-treated lumber maintain certification, extensive repairs may require re-treatment.
• Stamp Re-Application: When pallets meet requirements after repair, proper ISPM 15 stamps are reapplied by our certified staff.
• Documentation: Complete records maintained of all heat treatment and repairs for audit trails and customs requirements.
• Compliance Assurance: We guarantee repaired pallets meet all requirements for international shipping to avoid costly rejections.
• Material Sourcing: All repair lumber is from certified heat-treated sources, ensuring no introduction of untreated wood.

Custom and Specialty Pallet Repair

Beyond standard GMA pallets, we repair all types of specialized pallets:

• Custom Dimensions: Repair of non-standard sizes including oversized pallets, specialty industry pallets, and unique configurations.
• Block Pallets: Complex repairs to 4-way entry block pallets requiring specialized expertise and block replacement capabilities.
• Double-Face Pallets: Repair of pallets with deck boards on both sides, requiring additional labor and materials.
• Plastic Pallets: Plastic welding and repair services for damaged plastic and composite pallets.
• Specialty Woods: Sourcing and replacing exotic or specific wood species for high-value custom pallets.
• Engineered Pallets: Repair of pressed wood, plywood, and other engineered materials requiring specialized techniques.
• Pallets with Attachments: Careful repair of pallets with permanent fixtures, runners, or special features.

Quality Assurance and Warranty

We stand behind our repair work with strong quality commitments:

• 30-Day Warranty: All repaired pallets covered for 30 days against defects in workmanship or materials used in repair.
• Quality Standards: Repairs meet or exceed industry standards for structural integrity and safety.
• Skilled Technicians: All repair work performed by experienced technicians trained in proper pallet repair techniques.
• Material Quality: Replacement lumber meets or exceeds the quality of original materials in grade-appropriate repairs.
• Safety First: Repaired pallets are safe for intended use with no protruding fasteners or splinters creating hazards.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not satisfied with repair quality, we'll re-repair or replace at no additional charge.

Contact us for a quote on repairing your pallet inventory. We offer on-site and facility-based repair services depending on your needs. Fill out the form above or email [email protected] to discuss your pallet repair requirements and receive a detailed proposal.