Difference Between Grade A and Grade B Pallets?

What is a 48 x 40 Pallet

This is the standard shipping size used across the united states. A pallet consists of three basic parts: a top deck, a bottom deck, and the wood boards. They typically come in two different base models. The stringer and block pallet. Typically you will be dealing with stringer pallets unless you require a more heavy duty skid.

Different types of pallet grades

There are 3 main grades when it comes to the standard pallet size. Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C.

• Grade A: #1 skids. These are the most expensive option in terms of reuse. Grade As don’t require any repairs. AAA or “club grade” pallets are almost identical to brand new, and are suitable to put on a retail floor. Although the grading system is often times up for personal interruption and a Grade A from one company can be completely different from another businesses grade a. If you are super concerned with the quality, it may be best to play it safe and go with brand new.

• Grade B: Often Called #2 Skids. Grade Bs have had repairs done to then. Often times they have replaced deck boards, runners, or stringers. While still structurally solid and should be suitable for many types of businesses looking for affordable pallets. Although again it is up to the discretion of the company you are purchasing from for what meets the criteria of a grade b. it is best to be careful especially when buying B Grades from unknown suppliers or brokers.

• Grade C: AKA  #3. These skids often times have poor appearance and may not be in good shape structurally. They usually come directly from a manufacturer who is paying to have them removed. The potential for a pallet failure is high at this GMA pallet grade, and many pallet companies don’t even offer this tier.  Not recommended for use with high-value or anything to do with food production .

With each grade, there is a large degree of variation. Pallet grading is subjective. Much of this variation is due to the unpredictability of the wood type used in production, which has led many in logistics and transportation to look for a more consistent and reliable pallet material.