Agriculture & Farming
Purpose-built pallet solutions for the Central Valley's agricultural heartland. From field to cold storage to retail, we keep your harvest moving.
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We Know the Central Valley
The San Joaquin Valley produces more than half of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts. As a Fresno-based company, we understand the unique demands of agricultural shipping — tight harvest windows, food safety requirements, cold chain integrity, and the relentless pace of peak season.
Our facility at 4691 E Commerce Ave sits at the heart of the Valley's distribution corridor. That means faster turnaround, lower delivery costs, and a team that speaks the language of Central California agriculture.
Fresno County alone produces over $7.5 billion in agricultural output annually, ranking as the number one agricultural county in the United States. When you add surrounding counties — Tulare, Kings, Madera, Kern, and Merced — the Central Valley represents a $50 billion agricultural powerhouse that feeds the nation and the world. This massive industry depends on a reliable pallet supply chain, and Fresno Pallets has been that partner for growers, packers, and shippers throughout the region.
Valley by the Numbers
Annual agricultural output from the Central Valley
Fresno County alone — the #1 agricultural county in the US
Crop varieties grown within 100 miles of Fresno
Acres of farmland in Fresno County alone
Days a year we supply pallets to Valley farms and packers
Field Heat Removal & Cold Chain Integrity
In the Central Valley, summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees F. Produce harvested in these conditions carries significant field heat that must be removed rapidly to prevent spoilage. Your pallet plays a critical role in this process.
Why Pallet Design Affects Cooling
When produce is placed in a forced-air cooling tunnel, cold air must pass through the pallet and around every box in the stack. A pallet with insufficient ventilation creates dead zones where hot air is trapped, causing uneven cooling that leads to accelerated ripening and spoilage.
Our ventilated agricultural pallets are engineered with precisely spaced deck boards that create consistent airflow channels. The spacing is calibrated for the types of produce containers commonly used in the Central Valley — wax-coated cartons, RPCs (Reusable Plastic Containers), and vented corrugated boxes.
- Deck board spacing optimized for forced-air cooling tunnels
- Compatible with vacuum cooling systems used for leafy greens
- Structural integrity maintained at temperatures from 32 degrees F to 110 degrees F
- Bottom board configuration allows cold air intake from below
- Compatible with hydrocooling systems for stone fruit and cherries
Cold Chain Requirements by Commodity
Table Grapes
Stone Fruit
Citrus
Leafy Greens
Berries
Agricultural Pallet Solutions
Every crop has different requirements. We design and supply pallets that protect your harvest at every stage of the supply chain.
Ventilated Pallets
Open-deck and spaced-board designs that allow airflow around produce, reducing spoilage and extending shelf life from field to retailer. Ideal for grapes, stone fruit, citrus, and leafy greens. Our ventilated pallets use precision-spaced deck boards that allow cold air to circulate through the pallet stack, maintaining consistent temperature throughout the load.
Lightweight Designs
Engineered to minimize tare weight without sacrificing load capacity. Every pound saved on the pallet means more produce per truckload and lower freight costs across the supply chain. Our lightweight agricultural pallets weigh 25-30% less than standard pallets while maintaining full structural integrity for loads up to 2,500 lbs.
Cold Storage Ready
Pallets built to withstand the moisture, temperature swings, and condensation of cold chain environments. Treated lumber resists warping and mold so your produce stays safe in refrigerated warehouses. Our cold storage pallets are tested to perform through temperature cycling from 32 degrees F to ambient conditions without structural degradation.
USDA & ISPM-15 Compliant
Heat-treated and certified pallets that meet USDA food safety standards and ISPM-15 international shipping requirements. Essential for export produce heading to global markets. Every pallet receives our official IPPC stamp and comes with full documentation for customs inspections at any port worldwide.
Pallets Matched to Your Crop
Different produce requires different pallet configurations. This comprehensive guide covers the major Central Valley commodities with specific pallet recommendations, seasonal timing, and special handling notes.
| Commodity | Peak Season | Recommended Pallet | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table Grapes | Jul - Oct | Ventilated 40x48 | Requires consistent airflow. USDA Grade A preferred. Export volume peaks August-September. |
| Raisins | Aug - Nov | Standard Heavy-Duty | Bulk weight requires reinforced stringers. Moisture control critical during drying period. |
| Stone Fruit (Peaches, Nectarines, Plums) | May - Sep | Lightweight Ventilated | Extremely perishable. Field heat removal within 4 hours. Ventilation prevents bruising. |
| Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Mandarins) | Nov - Apr | Standard or Cold Storage | Heavier loads, longer storage periods. Pallet must handle 2,500+ lbs for packinghouse stacking. |
| Almonds | Aug - Nov | Heavy-Duty Standard | Bulk commodity, extreme weight per pallet. Moisture below 19% critical to prevent aflatoxin contamination. |
| Pistachios | Sep - Nov | Heavy-Duty Standard | Processing facility requirements. Must support 2,800+ lbs. Clean surface required for food contact. |
| Walnuts | Sep - Nov | Heavy-Duty Standard | Similar to almonds. Export pallets require ISPM-15 for Asian and European markets. |
| Tomatoes (Fresh) | Jun - Oct | Ventilated 40x48 | Temperature sensitive. Field-packed product needs immediate cold chain support. |
| Tomatoes (Processing) | Jul - Sep | Heavy-Duty Industrial | Massive bulk volumes during processing season. Pallets used in canning and paste facilities. |
| Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach) | Year-Round | Lightweight Cold Storage | Rapid cooling essential. Vacuum cooling compatibility. Pallet must perform at 34 degrees F. |
| Dairy Products | Year-Round | Cold Storage Certified | FDA food-contact required. Temperature never above 40 degrees F. Clean surface mandatory. |
| Cotton & Fiber | Sep - Dec | Heavy-Duty Oversize | Module and bale transport. Oversize pallets available. Does not require food-grade specs. |
| Wine Grapes | Aug - Oct | Ventilated Field Bins | Harvest bins and field pallets. Quick turnaround during crush season. Returnable programs available. |
| Garlic & Onions | Jun - Sep | Standard Ventilated | Requires curing airflow. Long storage periods. Pallet must resist moisture during curing. |
| Pomegranates | Oct - Jan | Cold Storage Ventilated | Growing export crop. ISPM-15 required for international shipments to Asia and Europe. |
| Blueberries | Apr - Jun | Lightweight Cold Storage | Extremely delicate fruit. Half-pallet options for smaller retail shipments. |
Do not see your crop listed? Request a custom pallet design tailored to your exact produce specifications. We have experience with virtually every commodity grown in the Central Valley.
USDA, Organic & Export Compliance
Agricultural pallets are subject to some of the most complex regulatory requirements in the pallet industry. USDA food safety standards, ISPM-15 international phytosanitary requirements, California Department of Food and Agriculture regulations, and organic certification compatibility must all be addressed.
At Fresno Pallets, we maintain full compliance with every applicable regulation and provide complete documentation to support your food safety audits and export inspections.
USDA Food Safety Standards
All agricultural pallets meet USDA standards for materials in contact with or proximity to food products. No chemical treatments, no contaminated wood, and no materials that could introduce foreign substances to produce.
ISPM-15 Heat Treatment
Core temperature of 56 degrees C for 30 continuous minutes, verified by calibrated internal temperature probes. Official IPPC stamp applied to every treated pallet. Required for all international agricultural exports.
Organic Certification Compatibility
Our pallets are compatible with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) requirements. We use only heat treatment — never chemical fumigation — which means our pallets do not introduce prohibited substances that could compromise organic certification. No methyl bromide. No chemical preservatives.
California CDFA Compliance
The California Department of Food and Agriculture enforces additional state-level requirements for packing house operations. Our pallets meet all CDFA standards for agricultural packaging materials.
Pest Treatment & Phytosanitary Certification
Wood packaging materials can harbor insects and diseases that threaten agricultural ecosystems. The ISPM-15 standard was created specifically to address this risk. As a certified ISPM-15 treatment facility, we provide the following:
- Heat treatment to 56 degrees C core temperature for minimum 30 minutes
- Debarked wood that meets ISPM-15 bark tolerance requirements
- Official IPPC mark with our facility registration number
- Treatment certificates with batch numbers and date records
- Compliance with APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) regulations
- Re-treatment available for pallets that have been repaired or modified
- Separate storage of treated and untreated inventory to prevent cross-contamination
Important: Pallets that have been repaired with untreated wood must be re-treated to maintain ISPM-15 compliance. We offer re-treatment services for pallets that have been modified after initial treatment.
Export Pallet Requirements by Destination
Central Valley agricultural products ship to markets around the world. Each destination has specific wood packaging requirements. A rejected shipment at a foreign port can cost tens of thousands of dollars in delays, re-treatment, and spoiled product. Here is what you need to know.
Canada
Top exports: Grapes, almonds, citrus, leafy greens
ISPM-15 heat treatment mandatory. IPPC stamp required. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may inspect at border.
Pallet Recommendation
Standard ISPM-15 treatment sufficient. No additional requirements beyond US standard.
Mexico
Top exports: Almonds, dairy products, processed tomatoes
ISPM-15 heat treatment required. SENASICA may require additional phytosanitary certificates for certain wood packaging.
Pallet Recommendation
Heat-treated pallets with clear IPPC marking. Documentation must accompany shipment.
European Union
Top exports: Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, raisins
ISPM-15 mandatory. EU regulations on wood moisture content. Some countries have additional import restrictions on certain wood species.
Pallet Recommendation
Premium heat treatment with verified documentation. Some receivers prefer kiln-dried lumber.
Japan / South Korea
Top exports: Almonds, walnuts, citrus, table grapes
Strict ISPM-15 enforcement. Additional fumigation certificate may be required. Extremely thorough port inspections.
Pallet Recommendation
Highest-grade heat treatment. Clean, new pallets strongly preferred. Full documentation package required.
China
Top exports: Almonds, pistachios, cherries, wine
ISPM-15 required. AQSIQ registration. Chinese customs may require additional pest-free zone documentation.
Pallet Recommendation
New heat-treated pallets recommended. Documentation must be precise and complete for customs clearance.
Australia / New Zealand
Top exports: Almonds, processed foods
ISPM-15 mandatory. Biosecurity Act compliance. Among the strictest import controls for wood packaging in the world.
Pallet Recommendation
New or Grade A heat-treated pallets only. Any sign of bark, live insects, or contamination results in rejection.
Seasonal Demand Handling
Harvest does not wait, and neither do we. Our inventory and production scale with the seasons so you never run short during peak demand.
Spring
Ramping UpPre-season ordering begins. We stock inventory and prepare custom runs for early harvests. Blueberry and early stone fruit demand increases. Irrigation equipment palletizing for growers.
Summer
Peak SeasonStone fruit, tomatoes, and table grapes hit full swing. Our capacity doubles to meet harvest demand. 24-hour production runs. Emergency orders fulfilled same day.
Fall
High VolumeNut harvest, late-season grapes, cotton, pomegranates, and wine crush drive sustained high demand across the Valley. Export shipments peak during this period.
Winter
SteadyCitrus season keeps volume consistent. Ideal time for off-season maintenance and bulk pre-orders. We offer the best pricing for advance commitments during this period.
Pre-Season Reservation Program
Lock in your pallet supply before the rush. Our pre-season reservation program lets agricultural clients reserve inventory months ahead of harvest, guaranteeing availability and locking in pricing. Growers who reserve early benefit from priority delivery scheduling and dedicated account support throughout the season.
The program is simple: tell us your estimated seasonal volume by crop type, and we allocate dedicated inventory in our warehouse specifically for your account. During peak season, when pallet demand across the Valley can exceed supply, reserved clients always receive priority. We also offer volume-tiered pricing — the more you commit up front, the lower your per-pallet cost. Contact us at info@fresnopallets.com to learn more.
Irrigation Equipment & Farm Supply Pallets
Agriculture is more than just produce. The Central Valley's farming operations require massive quantities of irrigation equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, farm machinery parts, and packaging materials — all of which move on pallets.
We supply heavy-duty pallets for drip irrigation tubing, PVC pipe bundles, sprinkler components, and pump assemblies. These pallets are built for weight and durability rather than ventilation, with reinforced stringers and thicker deck boards to handle loads up to 5,000 lbs.
- Heavy-duty pallets for irrigation pipe and tubing bundles
- Oversize pallets for farm equipment components
- Chemical-resistant pallets for fertilizer and pesticide packaging
- Reinforced pallets for seed, feed, and bulk agricultural inputs
- Custom pallets for nursery stock and transplant trays
- Returnable pallet programs for farm supply distributors
Bulk Seasonal Programs
For agricultural operations with predictable seasonal patterns, our bulk programs deliver significant cost savings and guaranteed supply. Here is how it works:
Volume Commitment Discounts
Commit to seasonal volume estimates and lock in per-pallet pricing up to 20% below spot-market rates.
Dedicated Inventory Allocation
Your pallets are manufactured or sourced and held in our warehouse specifically for your account, ensuring availability during peak demand.
Scheduled Delivery Routes
Set up regular delivery schedules — daily during peak harvest, weekly during off-season — with flexible adjustment as your needs change.
Pallet Return & Buyback
We buy back your used pallets at the end of season, giving you a credit against next year's order. Keeps pallets out of the landfill and money in your pocket.
Central Valley Success Stories
Real results from agricultural operations across the Valley that switched to Fresno Pallets for their pallet supply.
Fresno County Table Grape Grower
Challenge
A large table grape operation shipping 200,000+ boxes per season was experiencing 12% pallet rejection rates from their previous supplier, causing harvest delays and lost revenue during the critical August-September window.
Solution
We implemented a dedicated ventilated pallet program with pre-season inventory reservation, weekly quality audits, and same-day emergency delivery. Every pallet was ISPM-15 certified for their significant export volume to Japan and South Korea.
Results
Rejection rate (down from 12%)
Annual savings from reduced waste and chargebacks
ISPM-15 compliance across all export shipments
Emergency delivery during peak harvest
Central Valley Almond Processor
Challenge
A major almond processing facility handling 50 million pounds annually needed pallets that could support extreme weight loads (3,000+ lbs per pallet), resist moisture in their processing environment, and meet export requirements for shipments to 30+ countries.
Solution
We engineered a custom heavy-duty pallet with reinforced stringers and moisture-resistant lumber. The program included a dedicated inventory allocation of 5,000 pallets per month during harvest season, with ISPM-15 certification on every unit.
Results
Structural pallet failures in first year
Cost reduction vs. previous new-pallet supplier
Pallets delivered monthly during peak season
Export countries served with ISPM-15 pallets
Multi-Crop Packing Operation in Tulare County
Challenge
A diversified packing operation handling citrus, stone fruit, and grapes throughout the year needed different pallet types for different seasons but wanted a single supplier to simplify procurement and reduce administrative overhead.
Solution
We designed a year-round pallet program with three different pallet specifications — ventilated for stone fruit and grapes, standard cold storage for citrus, and lightweight options for export. Automatic seasonal transitions and dedicated account management eliminated the need for the client to manage multiple vendors.
Results
Vendor instead of 3 — simplified procurement
Overall cost reduction from volume consolidation
Days per year of guaranteed pallet availability
Average delivery time from order placement
Built for Cold Storage
Cold storage environments present unique challenges for pallets: condensation, temperature cycling, and constant moisture can destroy standard wood pallets within weeks. Our cold-storage pallets are specifically engineered to thrive in these conditions.
The Central Valley has one of the highest concentrations of cold storage facilities in the United States. With millions of square feet of refrigerated warehouse space in the Fresno-Tulare corridor alone, the demand for cold-storage-compatible pallets is enormous. We supply pallets to cold storage operations ranging from small grower-owned coolers to massive third-party cold storage facilities handling hundreds of thousands of pallets per year.
- Kiln-dried lumber with controlled moisture content below 19%
- Mold-resistant treatment for prolonged cold storage use
- Reinforced joints that resist expansion and contraction cycles
- Smooth surfaces that prevent product contamination
- Compatible with automated cold storage racking systems
- Tested to perform through 100+ freeze-thaw cycles
- Resistant to condensation-related wood degradation
USDA Considerations
Agricultural pallets used for food products must meet strict federal guidelines. Our pallets address the key requirements:
Heat Treatment (ISPM-15)
Core temperature of 56C for 30 minutes. Required for all international produce shipments. Documented with batch-specific treatment records.
Food Contact Compliance
No chemical treatments that could contaminate produce. Clean, untreated wood surfaces for direct food contact. Compatible with organic certification programs.
Traceability
Marked and documented pallets for food safety audits and recall readiness. Every batch is traceable from lumber source through treatment to delivery.
Produce Safety Rule
FSMA Produce Safety Rule requires that food contact surfaces — including pallets — do not become a source of contamination. Our inspection process verifies compliance.
Ready to Upgrade Your Agricultural Pallets?
Whether you need 100 ventilated pallets for grape season or 50,000 heavy-duty units for almond harvest, we have the capacity and expertise to deliver. Contact us at info@fresnopallets.com or visit us at 4691 E Commerce Ave, Fresno, CA 93725.