Pallet Buyback Program
Turn your surplus pallets into cash. We buy all grades, all conditions, and all standard sizes. Free pickup, fast payment, and zero pallets sent to landfill.
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Get competitive pricing on sustainable pallet solutions
How the Buyback Program Works
Six simple steps from first contact to payment in your account. We handle the logistics so you can focus on running your business.
Contact Us
Reach out through our website contact form or email info@fresnopallets.com with details about your surplus pallets — approximate quantity, sizes, and condition. Photos are helpful but not required. We respond to all inquiries within one business day.
Tip: photos from your phone showing the pallet stacks help us give a faster, more accurate quote.
Assessment & Grading
Our team evaluates your pallets either on-site or from photos you provide. We assess quantity, grade (A/B/C/scrap), size, condition, wood type, and any special characteristics. Each pallet is categorized to determine fair market pricing. On-site assessments are free for any quantity.
Assessment typically takes 15-30 minutes for 100-500 pallets on-site.
Quote Approval
We provide a clear, itemized quote breaking down the price per pallet by grade and quantity. The quote includes the total buyback value, confirms free pickup logistics, and specifies the payment timeline. No hidden fees, no deductions, no surprises. You approve the quote and we schedule the pickup.
Quotes are valid for 14 days from the date of assessment.
Scheduled Pickup
We schedule a pickup at your location using our own fleet — flatbed trucks, forklifts, and experienced drivers. No need to transport pallets yourself. We handle all loading. For recurring programs, we set up regular pickup schedules (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) that align with your pallet accumulation rate.
Most pickups scheduled within 1-3 business days of quote approval.
On-Site Count & Verification
Our driver conducts a final count and grade verification on-site during pickup. If the count or condition differs from the original assessment, we adjust the payment accordingly and explain any changes transparently. Both parties sign a pickup receipt documenting the final numbers.
Count verification takes approximately 5-10 minutes for standard loads.
Payment
After pickup and final count, you receive payment promptly. Small loads (under $500) can be paid by check on the spot. Larger amounts are processed via check or direct deposit within 3-7 business days. Recurring contract customers receive consolidated monthly payments with detailed invoices.
Payment terms: On-site check, or 3-7 business day ACH/check mailing.
Buyback Pricing by Grade
Pricing for standard 48x40 GMA pallets. Other sizes are accepted at adjusted rates. Volume discounts apply for 200+ pallets.
Grade A
$2.50-4.50/palletLike new or lightly used
Pallets in excellent condition with no broken boards, minimal wear, full structural integrity, and clean appearance. These command the highest buyback prices because they can be immediately resold with little to no processing.
Condition Criteria
- No broken, cracked, or missing boards
- All nails tight and flush
- No significant staining or contamination
- Stringers/blocks fully intact
- Dimensions within 1/4 inch of nominal
Grade B
$1.50-3.00/palletGood, minor cosmetic wear
Pallets with some cosmetic wear but solid structural condition. May have minor staining, slight board discoloration, repaired sections, or up to one replaced board. Still fully functional for most applications.
Condition Criteria
- Structurally sound overall
- Minor cosmetic wear acceptable
- Up to 1 previously repaired board
- Tight nails, no protrusions
- Light staining or discoloration OK
Grade C
$0.50-1.50/palletFair, needs repair
Pallets that are usable but need board replacement or stringer repair before resale. Missing 1-3 boards, minor stringer cracks, or loose components. We buy these at lower rates because they require our repair investment.
Condition Criteria
- Missing 1-3 boards (repairable)
- Minor stringer cracks
- Some loose components
- Still has core structural value
- Not severely broken or rotted
Damaged / Scrap
Free removalBroken or non-repairable
Pallets that cannot be economically repaired for resale. Severely broken, multiple missing components, or significant rot. We accept these for recycling into mulch, bedding, or biomass — they will not go to a landfill.
Condition Criteria
- Multiple broken stringers
- More than 50% of boards missing/broken
- Significant rot or moisture damage
- Structural failure
- Removed and recycled at no charge
Accepted Pallet Sizes
We buy all standard pallet sizes. The 48x40 GMA pallet has the highest resale demand and commands the best buyback pricing, but we accept and pay for all common sizes.
Standard grocery/retail pallet — best buyback pricing
Common in telecom, paint, and drum shipping
Used in drums, barrels, and square-load applications
Military and specific industrial applications
Dairy and some beverage applications
Beverage and some food applications
Small footprint applications
European standard — growing demand in US
Priced individually based on market conditions
What We Cannot Accept
We accept the vast majority of wood pallets regardless of condition. However, there are a few specific exclusions for safety and processing reasons.
Not sure? When in doubt, email us photos at info@fresnopallets.com and we will let you know if we can accept your pallets. We say yes to 99%+ of inquiries.
What Determines Your Buyback Price
We believe in transparent, fair pricing. Several factors determine the buyback value of your pallets, and we are happy to walk you through the assessment so you understand exactly how your price is calculated.
Market conditions do fluctuate, but we strive to offer competitive rates that make it worthwhile for you to sell rather than discard your surplus pallets. For recurring programs, we can lock in pricing for agreed periods of 6 or 12 months.
Pallet Grade
Higher-grade pallets in better condition command higher buyback prices. The difference between Grade A and Grade C can be $2-3 per pallet.
Quantity
Larger quantities earn better per-pallet rates. Volume pickups are more efficient for our operations, and we pass those savings on to you. 200+ pallets unlocks our best rates.
Pallet Size
Standard 48x40 GMA pallets have the highest resale demand and therefore the best buyback rates. Less common sizes are still accepted but may command different pricing.
Location
Pickup distance from our Fresno facility affects logistics costs. Locations within Zone 1 (25 miles) typically receive the best net pricing. We service the entire Central Valley.
Market Conditions
Pallet buyback prices fluctuate with lumber markets and seasonal demand. Prices tend to be highest during peak shipping seasons (Q3-Q4). We update our rate sheets monthly.
Contract vs. One-Time
Recurring buyback contracts with guaranteed volume receive 10-15% better per-pallet rates than one-time pickups. We lock in pricing for the contract term to protect you from market dips.
Benefits of Our Buyback Program
Earn Money from Surplus
Those pallets stacking up in your yard or warehouse are worth money. A typical buyback pickup of 200 Grade A/B pallets generates $400-800 in revenue for your business.
Free Up Valuable Space
Surplus pallets consume warehouse and yard space that could be used for revenue-generating inventory. We remove them quickly and efficiently — most pickups take under an hour.
Eco-Friendly Disposal
Every pallet we buy back is either refurbished for reuse or recycled into mulch, bedding, or biomass. Zero pallets go to landfill through our program — guaranteed.
Hassle-Free Process
We handle everything — assessment, pickup, counting, sorting, and payment. Your team does not need to sort, stack, or transport a single pallet. Just point us to the pile.
Volume Tiers & Pricing Guidance
The more pallets you sell, the better your per-pallet rate. Choose the tier that matches your volume for the best value.
Small Volume
50 - 200 palletsIdeal for small businesses and occasional surplus. We pick up at your convenience with standard pricing. Perfect for businesses that accumulate pallets over several weeks or months.
- Scheduled pickup
- Standard buyback rates
- Payment within 7 days
- Single pickup service
- Free pickup within Zone 1
Medium Volume
200 - 1,000 palletsFor warehouses and distributors with regular pallet turnover. Better per-pallet rates and more flexible scheduling. This is our most popular tier.
- Priority scheduling
- 10% better per-pallet rates
- Payment within 5 days
- Biweekly pickup option
- Free pickup all zones
- Dedicated logistics coordinator
High Volume
1,000+ palletsEnterprise-level buyback programs for large operations. Best pricing, dedicated logistics, and custom payment terms. Designed for DCs, large manufacturers, and multi-site operations.
- Dedicated pickup routes
- Best per-pallet pricing (15%+ premium)
- Payment within 3 days
- Weekly or custom schedule
- Free pickup all zones
- Monthly sustainability reports
- Locked-in annual pricing
Partnership Programs
Beyond standard buyback, we offer specialized partnership programs designed for businesses that want a deeper, more integrated relationship with their pallet management.
Pallet Exchange Program
Trade your used pallets for a credit toward recycled pallet purchases. For every Grade A pallet you sell back, receive a credit toward your next order of recycled pallets. Simplifies accounting and keeps your pallet supply steady.
Recurring Buyback Contract
Set up a standing agreement for weekly, biweekly, or monthly pickups at a locked-in rate. We guarantee a minimum price per pallet for the contract term (6 or 12 months), protecting you from market downturns.
Multi-Site Program
Centralized buyback management for businesses with multiple locations across the Central Valley. One contract, one point of contact, consolidated payments, and unified reporting across all your sites.
The Circular Economy
Every pallet you sell back to us enters a circular economy. Reusable pallets are cleaned, repaired if needed, and put back into service. Pallets beyond repair are broken down and recycled into valuable secondary products.
Selling Pallets Is Good for the Planet
An estimated 420 million pallets end up in US landfills every year. When you sell your surplus pallets through our buyback program, you are directly preventing that waste. Each pallet reused saves approximately 3.4 board feet of lumber, reducing the demand for new timber.
By participating in our buyback program, your business joins a growing network of Central Valley companies committed to sustainable supply chain practices. We can provide environmental impact documentation for your sustainability reporting.
Per 1,000 Pallets You Sell Back
Ready to Turn Surplus Pallets into Cash?
Contact us today for a free assessment of your surplus pallets. We will give you a fair quote, schedule a convenient pickup, and have payment to you fast. No obligations, no hassle. Email info@fresnopallets.com.