Do you ever think what the little stamp on a wooden pallet means, you’re not alone. The most common one you’ll see is HT meaning Heat-Treated and it tells a useful story: that the pallet has been through a kiln to kill bugs, eggs, and anything else that might hitch a ride. Heat-treated pallets meet international phytosanitary rules (ISPM-15), so they’re the go-to if you’re shipping, reusing for furniture, or just want a safer, cleaner bit of timber. PalletOne Inc.+1
What “heat-treated” actually means
Heat treatment simply means heat. The wood’s core is raised to a set temperature (about 56°C / 133°F) and held there for a minimum time (typically 30 minutes) to sterilize the wood of insects and larvae. After that, compliant pallets are stamped with the IPPC/ISPM-15 mark so handlers and customs know they’ve been treated properly. Challenger Pallet+1
Why that matters to you (especially in Phoenix)
Here in the Valley the sun and heat do effect wood: it dries fast and can check or split if it’s not been handled properly. A heat-treated pallet is usually more stronger and, importantly, safer to use around your yard, workshop, or warehouse than chemically fumigated alternatives. If you’re re-using pallets for garden beds or DIY furniture, an HT pallet is the one to choose. A & I Pallets+1
The stamp — what to look for
Look for the little IPPC stamp: country code, producer number, and the treatment code (HT for heat-treated, MB for methyl-bromide fumigated). Avoid MB-stamped pallets for projects where the wood could touch skin, plants, or be burned, they were chemically fumigated and aren’t ideal for DIY or garden use. Universal Pallets+1
Heat-treated vs. kiln-dried vs. chemically treated
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Heat-Treated (HT): Killed pests with heat, export-friendly and DIY-safe. The Pallet Guys
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Kiln-Dried (KD): Dried for moisture control, great for indoor projects, not a pest treatment by itself.
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Chemically Fumigated (MB): Effective pest control but environmentally and health wise more fraught but avoid for craft/garden use. Heritage Pallets of Georgia
Quick tips for Phoenix shoppers
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Buy HT if you plan to use the pallet for furniture or raised beds.
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Check the stamp before you walk away. If it’s unmarked, ask to see the stamp. There is no point in otherwise jeopardizing a great project.
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Watch for overly dry, cracked boards that may break under load. Remember the sunshine in Arizona can be very brutal.
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Want to ship overseas? You’ll almost certainly need HT pallets to meet customs rules. Olympic Forest Products+1
Heat-treated pallets are the practical, safe choice, whether you’re running a warehouse in Phoenix, crafting a reclaimed coffee table, or planting herbs in a raised bed. At AAA Pallet Co., we keep HT stock on hand and can help you pick the right pallet for shipping, storage, or your next DIY project. Swing by our yard or visit aaa.palletco.com to see what we’ve got in stock.
Need a hand identifying stamps or picking a pallet for a specific project? Drop us a note and we will be happy to help.
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.
