An international order is ready to leave Phoenix. The product is packed, the carrier is booked, and the customer is waiting. Then someone notices that the wooden pallets do not have a clear treatment mark.
That small detail can become a large shipping problem. Many countries regulate solid wood packaging because untreated wood can carry insects and plant pests across borders. When the destination follows ISPM 15, the pallet must satisfy its requirements before the shipment leaves.
Domestic and International Shipping Are Different
A wooden pallet used for a shipment from Phoenix to Tucson does not automatically require ISPM 15 treatment. Once the same load crosses an international border, the rules may change.
The United States Department of Agriculture advises exporters to confirm whether the destination country requires compliant wood packaging material. Pallets, crates, dunnage, and other solid wood packaging may all fall within the standard.
Do not make the decision based only on where the carrier is taking the trailer first. The final destination of the goods is what matters.
What Heat Treatment Accomplishes
Approved heat treatment is intended to reduce the risk of transporting wood pests. Under the United States heat treatment program, the wood core must reach at least 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes.
A compliant pallet receives an official ISPM 15 mark through an authorized program. The mark identifies the country, treatment provider, and treatment method.
Simply leaving a pallet in the Arizona sun does not qualify. Neither does purchasing ordinary lumber and applying an unofficial stamp. Treatment and marking must follow the recognized program.
Inspect the Mark Before Loading
The mark should be permanent and legible. A badly faded, painted over, or damaged mark may create questions during inspection.
Check both the pallet and any other solid wood packaging used with the load. A compliant pallet does not correct an untreated wooden crate or loose piece of dunnage placed on top of it.
Exporters should also avoid assuming that every used pallet with an old mark remains suitable. Repairs or alterations can affect compliance. When the history of a pallet is unclear, speak with a knowledgeable pallet supplier before using it for an international shipment.
Match the Pallet to the Receiving Country
Treatment is only one part of export planning. The receiving company may require a particular footprint, entry style, load capacity, or pallet material. Warehouse racking and handling equipment at the destination should also be considered.
Confirm the customer’s pallet specification before production begins. Discovering that the pallet is the wrong size after the load reaches a foreign warehouse can be just as disruptive as a treatment problem.
Order Export Pallets in Phoenix
AAA Pallet & Lumber Company supplies heat treated pallets, export pallets, custom pallets, crates, and other wood packaging for Arizona businesses. Our team can help you select pallets that fit the shipment and its destination requirements.
Get a hold of AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., for all of your pallet needs, we sell new and new pallets, export pallets, and can even recycle your used pallets. Call us at 602-278-1450 for more information.
