Wood pallets are a cornerstone of shipping, storage, and logistics across industries. But if you’re sourcing pallets for your business, you might wonder: Are pallets pressure treated? Understanding how pallets are manufactured and treated is important for safety, compliance, and the longevity of your shipping materials.
At Trumbull Forest Products, we specialize in high-quality hardwood pallets designed to meet the exact needs of businesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Here’s what you need to know about pressure treatment, pallet safety, and the types of wood we use.
What Does “Pressure Treated” Mean?
Pressure treating is a process in which wood is infused with chemical preservatives under high pressure. This treatment protects the wood from insects, rot, mold, and decay—extending its lifespan in outdoor or high-moisture environments.
Pressure-treated wood is commonly used for outdoor structures like decks, fences, and landscaping timbers. However, not all pallets are pressure treated. In fact, whether a pallet is treated depends on its intended use, the type of wood, and shipping regulations.
Are All Pallets Pressure Treated?
The short answer: no. Most pallets, particularly those used for domestic shipping and industrial applications, are made from untreated hardwoods such as Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Ash. These woods are naturally strong, durable, and suitable for carrying heavy loads without the need for chemical treatment.
Pressure treatment is typically reserved for pallets that will be shipped internationally. This is because international shipping standards require pallets to be heat treated (HT) or chemically treated in compliance with ISPM-15 regulations. Heat treatment kills insects and pathogens, preventing the spread of pests across borders. Chemical pressure treatment is sometimes used as an alternative, but it is less common today due to stricter environmental and safety standards.
Why Trumbull Forest Products Uses Hardwood Pallets
At Trumbull, we focus on premium hardwood pallets rather than pressure-treated wood for most industrial applications. Here’s why:
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Durability Without Chemicals: Hardwoods like Oak and Maple provide natural strength and shock resistance for heavy-duty shipping.
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Sustainability: We source wood from responsibly managed forests in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, supporting sustainable forestry practices.
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Custom Solutions: Every pallet can be designed to your specifications—size, weight capacity, and even finish—without relying on chemical treatments.
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High-Volume Production: Whether you need standard pallets or large custom orders, our mills can produce them consistently and reliably.
When Pressure-Treated Pallets Might Be Needed
While most pallets are untreated, there are situations where pressure-treated or specially treated pallets are required:
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International Shipping: Pallets leaving the U.S. often need heat treatment or chemical treatment to meet ISPM-15 standards.
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Outdoor Storage: In environments where pallets are constantly exposed to moisture, certain chemical treatments can extend their lifespan.
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Specialty Industrial Uses: Some industries may require treated pallets for safety or regulatory reasons.
Even in these cases, heat treatment is the preferred standard, as it avoids the use of potentially hazardous chemicals while ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Key Takeaways
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Most wood pallets are not pressure treated; they are made from durable hardwoods like Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Ash.
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Pressure or chemical treatment is typically reserved for international shipping or specific outdoor applications.
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Trumbull Forest Products focuses on high-quality, sustainable hardwood pallets that provide natural strength and long-term performance.
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If your business requires treated pallets for shipping compliance, we can provide heat-treated options designed to meet ISPM-15 standards.
Partner With Trumbull Forest Products for Your Pallet Needs
When it comes to pallets, quality, reliability, and safety are critical. At Trumbull Forest Products, we design and manufacture custom hardwood pallets to meet the needs of your business, whether you need heavy-duty industrial solutions or internationally compliant heat-treated pallets.
Contact us today to discuss your pallet requirements, and let us help you get the right solution for your shipping, storage, and logistics operations.
