What is a grade A pallet?
Also called: #1 pallet, grade 1 pallet, A grade pallet, premium A
A grade A (#1) pallet is a used pallet, usually a 48 × 40 in GMA-style stringer pallet, in the best common condition grade: sound, with few or no visible repairs and no repaired stringers. There is no single standard definition, so each supplier's grade rules apply.
In depth: Pallet grades: Grade A, Grade B, remanufactured and combo pallets
Used pallet grades describe condition, not design. Most grade A pallets in the US are standard GMA-style 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) stringer pallets.
What grade A usually means
| Feature | Typical grade A |
|---|---|
| Stringers | Original, not repaired or plated |
| Deckboards | Intact; few if any replacements |
| Repairs | None or minimal |
| Appearance | Clean enough for most retail and grocery use |
| Construction | Usually the common 48 × 40 in partial four-way stringer design |
A buyer specification from Snap-on uses the terms Premium A, Grade #1 (A), Grade #2 (B) and Core. Other suppliers use similar but not identical rules, which is why the definition must be written down.
Why it matters
Grade A pallets are the closest used pallets get to new: good for automated lines, retail distribution and customer-facing shipments. They cost more than grade B. Dimensions and species still vary more than new pallets.
On a spec sheet or RFQ
Do not rely on "grade A" alone. State size, entry type, allowed repairs (none, or a limit), maximum deckboard damage, cleanliness, and treatment needs. The pallet grades guide has a checklist.
Common confusions
Grade A is not a lumber grade. Lumber grades such as Standard or Economy describe new wood; see lumber grade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between grade A and grade B pallets?
Grade A pallets are in the best condition with few or no repairs, and their stringers are not repaired. Grade B pallets have more repairs, such as companion stringers or plates, and may have mixed or replaced deckboards. Exact rules vary by supplier.
Are grade A pallets new?
No. Grade A is a condition grade for used pallets. New pallets are sold as new, not by grade.
Are grade A pallets heat treated?
Not necessarily. Heat treatment is separate from grade. For export, ask for pallets that are ISPM 15 compliant and marked, and remember that repaired pallets need their replacement parts treated and marked.
Related
- GuidesPallet grades: Grade A, Grade B, remanufactured and combo palletsUsed pallets are sold by grade. Grade A (#1) pallets are clean and sound with few or no repairs; Grade B (#2) pallets are sound but repaired, often with companion stringers. Remanufactured and combo pallets are rebuilt from used and new parts. Definitions vary by vendor, so write yours down.
- GlossaryGrade B palletA grade B (#2) pallet is a used pallet, usually a 48 × 40 in GMA-style stringer pallet, that has been repaired more than a grade A: it may have companion stringers, metal plates or replaced deckboards. It is functional but less uniform, and definitions vary by supplier.
- GlossaryRecycled palletA recycled pallet is a used pallet that has been collected, sorted, repaired if needed and put back into service, or a pallet rebuilt from reclaimed components. In the US it is usually a 48 × 40 in GMA-style stringer pallet sold by grade, such as grade A or grade B.
- GlossaryCore palletA core is a used pallet, usually a standard 48 × 40 in stringer pallet, that a pallet recycler buys or collects as raw material to sort, repair and resell. Cores that cannot be repaired are dismantled for parts or ground.
- TypesRecycled pallets: grades, remanufacturing, cost and how to buy themA recycled pallet is a used wooden pallet that has been sorted, repaired or rebuilt and resold. Used 48 × 40 in pallets are sold as Grade A (few or no repairs) or Grade B (repaired). They cost less than new, but grade definitions vary by supplier and any repair voids an existing ISPM 15 mark.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
More in Commercial and lifecycle
- GlossaryClosed loopA closed loop is a supply chain in which pallets travel between a fixed set of sites and are returned to the owner for reuse, for example between a parts supplier and an assembly plant. Because the pallets come back, higher-cost custom, plastic or metal pallets can pay for themselves.
- GlossaryCombo palletA combo pallet is a wood pallet built from a mix of new and recycled components, commonly new stringers with reclaimed deckboards or the reverse. It sits between new and fully recycled pallets in cost and consistency.
- GlossaryMOQ (minimum order quantity)MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest quantity a supplier will produce or sell in one order. For pallets it depends on the material and process: wood pallets need little setup, while custom molded plastic pallets need a mold and very large runs.
- GlossaryOne-way palletA one-way pallet is a pallet designed to make one trip and not come back, such as export pallets or shipments to customers who keep or discard the pallet. It is usually built lighter and from lower-grade material than a reusable pallet.
- GlossaryPallet exchangePallet exchange is an arrangement where a receiver hands back an equal number of empty pallets of the same type and quality for the loaded pallets it receives, so the shipper does not lose pallets with each delivery.
- GlossaryPallet poolingPallet pooling is a rental system in which a pool operator owns the pallets, issues them to shippers, collects them from receivers, and inspects and repairs them for reuse. Shippers pay fees per pallet instead of buying pallets.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 228 words.