Pallet Repair Services
Repairs that can keep your pallets in service longer
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Need pallets for your business? Looking to sell your surplus inventory? Tell us what you need and we will pass your request to partner suppliers in our network.
Fill out the form and a partner supplier will contact you with a quote based on your requirements.
- One request reaches local partner suppliers
- Buy, sell, recycle, repair or transport pallets
- Free to submit
- No obligation to accept a quote
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Pallet Repair in Hampton Roads
Why replace when you can repair? Norfolk Pallets passes repair requests to partner pallet suppliers in our network. A repair can often keep a pallet in service longer, saving money and reducing waste.
Common Pallet Repairs:
- Deck board replacement
- Stringer repair and replacement
- Block repair and replacement
- Fastener replacement (nails, screws, bolts)
- Structural reinforcement
- Complete refurbishment
Types of Pallets That Can Be Repaired:
- Standard GMA 48x40 pallets
- Custom and specialty pallets
- Block pallets
- Stringer pallets
- 2-way and 4-way entry pallets
- Heat-treated pallets (see ISPM 15 notes below)
Benefits of Pallet Repair:
- Repair often costs less than buying new
- Reusing or repairing a pallet avoids building a new one
- A repair can often keep a pallet in service longer
- Helps keep a consistent set of pallets in use
How Pallet Repair Typically Works
Repair processes vary by supplier, but commonly include:
- Inspection: Each pallet is examined to identify damage, wear points, and structural issues.
- Grading: The current grade and the likely grade after repair are assessed to see whether repair is worthwhile.
- Board Replacement: Damaged deck boards or bottom boards are removed and replaced with lumber of matching dimensions.
- Stringer/Block Repair: Cracked or damaged stringers and blocks are reinforced or replaced.
- Fastener Replacement: Loose, rusted, or missing nails are removed and replaced.
- Reinforcement: Extra support, such as sister stringers or added blocks, may be added for heavier loads.
- Final Check: The repaired pallet is checked for stability and protruding fasteners.
Repair vs. Replace Decision Guide
Not every damaged pallet is worth repairing. General guidelines:
- Good Candidates for Repair: Pallets with a few broken boards but intact stringers or blocks.
- Possible Candidates: Pallets with minor stringer damage and some board damage.
- Marginal Candidates: Extensive damage, but the pallet has a hard-to-replace size or heat-treatment status.
- Poor Candidates: Extensive damage to stringers and boards, or rot present. Usually better to recycle and replace.
- Special Considerations: Custom pallets, pallets with ISPM 15 stamps, or pallets needed urgently may justify higher repair costs.
Ask your supplier for their assessment and pricing before approving repairs.
How Repairs Are Arranged
Some partner suppliers pick up damaged pallets, repair them at their location, and return them. Turnaround and minimums are set by the supplier who quotes you.
Heat Treatment and ISPM 15
Repairing pallets used for international shipping involves some extra rules:
- ISPM 15 Basics: Wood packaging used in international trade generally must be treated and marked under ISPM 15.
- Repairs: Repairing a treated pallet can affect its ISPM 15 status, so check current regulations.
- Ask Your Supplier: If you need repaired pallets for export, say so in your request and ask your supplier how they handle treatment, marking, and documentation.
Custom and Specialty Pallet Repair
Beyond standard GMA pallets, you can request repair of specialty pallets. Some partner suppliers work with:
- Custom Dimensions: Non-standard and oversized pallets.
- Block Pallets: 4-way entry block pallets that need block replacement.
- Double-Face Pallets: Pallets with deck boards on both sides.
- Plastic Pallets: Some damaged plastic pallets can be repaired.
- Specific Wood Species: Matching particular lumber for custom pallets.
- Pallets with Attachments: Pallets with fixtures, runners, or special features.
Quality and Warranty
Quality standards and any warranty on repair work are set by the supplier who does the work. Ask about their inspection process and what happens if a repair does not hold up. Before use, check repaired pallets for protruding fasteners, splinters, and loose boards.
Request a quote on repairing your pallets by filling out the form above or emailing [email protected]. We will pass your request to a partner supplier in our network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pallet damage can be repaired?
Common repairs include replacing broken deck boards, repairing or reinforcing stringers and blocks, and replacing loose or missing fasteners.
How is it decided whether a pallet should be repaired or recycled?
Suppliers inspect each pallet. Pallets that can be safely repaired are fixed, while pallets that are not worth repairing are usually recycled or taken apart for parts.
Can repaired pallets be used in racking?
That depends on the pallet and the repair. Tell your supplier if you need pallets for racking so they can advise.
How fast is the turnaround for repairs?
Turnaround is set by the supplier who takes your request and depends on volume and the type of repair.
Can damaged pallets be picked up for repair?
Some partner suppliers collect damaged pallets, repair them, and return them. Mention it in your request.
Can mixed pallet inventories be standardized?
Some suppliers can sort, repair, and re-grade mixed stacks. Describe your inventory in your request.
Is repairing pallets more cost-effective than buying new?
Often, yes. A repair can often keep a pallet in service longer for less than the cost of a new one, though it depends on the damage.
Are repaired pallets checked before use?
Ask your supplier how they inspect repaired pallets. It is also good practice to check pallets yourself before each use.