 in Georgia](https://file-host.link/website/meridianpkg-2xoisx/assets/blog-images/6f51b9df-5bbf-4cdc-aea6-fa6ea3ed4dec/1772046146729665_80f9ff31a300410aaaf858636af534e7/360.webp)
Introduction
Georgia's position as a logistics powerhouse is no accident. The Port of Savannah handled nearly 5.7 million TEUs in 2025, securing its rank as the nation's second-busiest port, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport processed over 1.16 million metric tons of cargo. That infrastructure keeps Georgia's pallet demand among the highest in the Southeast — and heat treated (HT) pallets that meet international compliance standards are central to keeping it moving.
ISPM-15 heat treatment compliance is mandatory for exports to over 180 countries — and many Georgia shippers struggle to find suppliers who can consistently deliver certified pallets at scale. The wrong choice means shipment rejections at customs or non-compliant materials destroyed at the border, both of which cost far more than the pallets themselves.
This guide profiles the top 10 heat treated pallet manufacturers serving Georgia, evaluated on certification credentials, production capacity, service coverage, and industry reputation — so you can make a faster, more confident sourcing decision that keeps your supply chain compliant.
TL;DR
- ISPM-15 certified HT pallets are legally required for most international exports, making certified manufacturers critical supply chain partners
- Georgia's port infrastructure and manufacturing concentration create one of the Southeast's most active pallet markets
- Manufacturers vary widely in capacity, lead times, product range, and geographic coverage — match suppliers to your specific requirements
- High-volume buyers can cut procurement complexity by consolidating through a specialized partner like Meridian instead of managing multiple suppliers
- Evaluate each supplier against your volume, compliance, and delivery needs before committing
Overview of Heat Treated Pallets in the Georgia Market
Heat treated pallets are wood pallets heated to a core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes to eliminate pests, fungi, and pathogens—a process that directly satisfies ISPM-15 compliance mandated by over 180 countries for wood packaging materials used in international trade.
Georgia's role as a pallet demand hub is quantifiable. The Port of Savannah's 5.7 million TEU throughput ranks second nationally, while the Atlanta metro area hosts Fortune 500 distribution operations for companies like The Home Depot, UPS, and Coca-Cola.
The Georgia Ports Authority's $4.5 billion infrastructure expansion, which includes five new container berths in Savannah, will further intensify demand for certified HT pallets. This concentration of freight volume, manufacturing output, and distribution center growth creates exceptionally high demand for ISPM-15 certified pallets across the state.
Each manufacturer on this list was evaluated against four criteria:
- ISPM-15 certification and documented compliance
- Production capacity sufficient for commercial volumes
- Service area coverage within Georgia
- Industry reputation among procurement professionals managing export-grade requirements
Top 10 Heat Treated Pallet Manufacturers in Georgia
These manufacturers were evaluated on ISPM-15 certification status, production capacity, delivery reliability, product range (new, recycled, custom), and customer service responsiveness. Georgia's position as a major Southeast logistics hub — anchored by the Port of Savannah and Atlanta's freight networks — makes reliable, certified pallet supply a genuine operational priority.
PalletOne
As the largest new pallet manufacturer in the United States, PalletOne processes over 200 million board feet annually and operates a dedicated manufacturing facility in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Their in-state production provides direct access for Georgia-based buyers requiring high-volume, certified pallet supply.
Key differentiators:
- Production scale maintains supply continuity even during peak demand seasons
- Full pallet grade range from premium new to combo units
- ISPM-15 certification backed by compliance audits at the facility level
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Hazlehurst, GA facility serving Georgia and Southeast U.S. region |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified with ALSC authorization; facilities undergo compliance audits |
| Key Offerings | New custom pallets, recycled pallets, combo pallets; block and stringer designs; custom dimensions available |
CHEP USA
CHEP operates a unique pallet pooling model with its U.S. headquarters located in Atlanta on Jonesboro Road. Rather than selling pallets outright, CHEP rents standardized units through a circular system that includes pickup, repair, and redistribution—ideal for businesses seeking capital preservation and sustainability benefits.
What sets CHEP apart:
- Pooling model eliminates pallet ownership costs entirely
- ISPM-15 certified export pallets (CHEP PLUS PS) with global compliance infrastructure
- Supply chain visibility tools for tracking pallet movements across distribution networks
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Atlanta headquarters with service centers throughout Georgia |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 compliant CHEP PLUS PS pallets with HT stamps; ISO and sustainability certifications |
| Key Offerings | 48x40 block pallets (Mark 55) for North American export; pallet rental, exchange, and repair services |
Conner Industries
Conner Industries maintains a manufacturing facility in Hogansville, Georgia (southwest of Atlanta), specializing in custom-engineered packaging solutions. Their operational history focuses on complex, integrated packaging rather than standard commodity pallets.
Where Conner stands out:
- Custom pallet manufacturing for non-standard specifications
- ISPM-15 certification covering both export lumber and pallets
- Integrated packaging solutions that combine pallets, crates, and dunnage for complex shipments
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Hogansville, GA facility serving Atlanta metro and surrounding regions |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 certified for export treatment and stamps; ALSC authorized |
| Key Offerings | Custom pallets, crates, industrial lumber; mixed material solutions for complex packaging needs |
Millwood Inc.
Millwood operates over 30 facilities nationwide with multiple service locations throughout the Southeast. Their "unit load" consulting approach helps customers optimize packaging design to reduce damage and improve handling efficiency.
Value-added services:
- Pallet management programs covering inventory tracking and replenishment
- Just-in-time delivery coordinated with production schedules
- ISTA-certified lab testing for packaging design validation
- Heat treatment performed at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes, meeting ISPM-15 core temperature requirements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Multiple Southeast facilities serving Georgia buyers with regional distribution |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified; NWPCA member; ISTA-certified packaging lab |
| Key Offerings | New, recycled, and custom pallets; unit load design consulting; pallet management programs |
iGPS Logistics
iGPS provides an all-plastic pallet pooling service that offers a unique alternative to wood pallets. Their 48x40 plastic pallets are embedded with RFID tags for real-time tracking and are exempt from ISPM-15 requirements since they contain no wood material.
Best suited for food, pharmaceutical, and hygiene-sensitive supply chains:
- Plastic pallet construction eliminates wood-related contaminants and splinter risk
- Embedded RFID tags provide real-time supply chain tracking
- ISPM-15 exemption simplifies export compliance for applicable use cases
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Atlanta and Savannah service coverage throughout Georgia |
| Certifications | USDA and IPPC exempt from ISPM-15 (plastic pallets); food-safe certifications |
| Key Offerings | 48x40 plastic pallet rental with embedded RFID; pooling model with pickup and exchange services |
Atlanta Pallets & Services
A locally owned, fully integrated manufacturer operating for over 25 years in the Atlanta/Decatur area. Atlanta Pallets controls its supply chain by cutting logs at its own sawmill in Shady Dale, Georgia, providing vertical integration that ensures material quality and availability.
Advantages for Georgia-based buyers:
- 24-hour delivery commitments backed by a fleet of over 60 tractor-trailers
- Custom sizing using CAD-CAM design systems
- Deep familiarity with Georgia logistics and manufacturing sector requirements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Atlanta/Decatur metro with 24-hour delivery throughout Georgia |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified with official stamps and documentation |
| Key Offerings | New pallets (Southern Yellow Pine, Oak, Poplar), recycled GMA pallets, custom builds, pallet repairs |
Heritage Pallets of Georgia
A family-owned company located in White, Georgia (Bartow County), strategically positioned between Atlanta and Chattanooga. Heritage Pallets services the entire Southeast with its own fleet, providing reliable regional coverage.
Notable capabilities:
- Pallet buyback program for businesses managing return volumes
- Custom and oversized pallet production for non-standard applications
- Dedicated fleet operations eliminate third-party carrier dependency
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | White, GA (Bartow County) serving Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified for international shipping compliance |
| Key Offerings | New, recycled, custom, and oversized pallets; pallet buyback program; fleet delivery services |
United Pallet Solutions
Located in Brooklet near Savannah, United Pallet Solutions serves the coastal region with direct proximity to the Port of Savannah. This geographic positioning makes them a critical partner for exporters requiring rapid turnaround on compliant packaging.
For port-adjacent exporters, United Pallet offers:
- Heat-treated pallets built specifically for international compliance
- Custom crate manufacturing alongside standard pallet supply
- Lumber and dunnage fulfillment for complete packaging requirements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Savannah/Brooklet area serving coastal Georgia and port-adjacent operations |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified with official stamps for export compliance |
| Key Offerings | Custom crates, block pallets, GMA pallets, lumber/dunnage; heat-treated export pallets |
Kamps Pallets
A national pallet company with over 400 locations, including dedicated operations in both Atlanta and Savannah. Kamps offers "Comprehensive Pallet Life-Cycle Services" (CPLS) and Total Pallet Management (TPM) programs that handle procurement, inventory, and return logistics.
Strengths for multi-location Georgia buyers:
- Aggregated purchasing power translates to pricing leverage
- Geographic redundancy across Atlanta and Savannah supports supply continuity
- Standardized service levels across all locations
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Atlanta and Savannah facilities with statewide Georgia delivery capabilities |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified for all export shipping requirements |
| Key Offerings | New, reconditioned, remanufactured, and custom pallets; CPLS and TPM programs; 24-48 hour stock delivery |
Pallets and More LLC
A regional service provider in Zebulon, Georgia, specializing in wood pallet heat treatment services since 1986. Pallets and More focuses on agricultural and industrial exports, with particular expertise serving fresh produce, seeds, and food/beverage sectors.
Georgia ranks among the top U.S. states for agricultural exports, and Pallets and More has built its business around that demand. Nearly four decades of heat treatment experience gives them specialized ISPM-15 knowledge that generalist suppliers rarely match.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location / Service Area | Zebulon, GA serving central and southern Georgia regions |
| Certifications | ISPM-15 HT certified with expert heat treatment services since 1986 |
| Key Offerings | Heat-treated pallets for export, shipping, and specialized agricultural/food applications |
How We Chose the Best Heat Treated Pallet Manufacturers in Georgia
Manufacturers were assessed on ISPM-15 certification status, production and inventory capacity, geographic coverage within Georgia, product range (new vs. recycled vs. custom), delivery reliability, and available customer support. Many buyers make the mistake of selecting solely on unit price, which often leads to compliance failures, supply gaps, or poor lead time performance that can outweigh initial cost savings.
Key selection factors tied to business outcomes:
- ISPM-15 certification — Verify suppliers carry valid ALSC authorization and provide official HT stamps with unique registration numbers; required to avoid export shipment rejections
- Production capacity and lead times — Stock pallets typically ship in 24-48 hours; custom orders require 1-3 weeks. Matters most during seasonal demand spikes
- Proximity to major Georgia logistics corridors — suppliers near the Port of Savannah or Atlanta airport reduce freight costs and transit times
- Product range flexibility — ability to supply custom dimensions, mixed grades, or treatments beyond standard GMA pallets
- Supplier redundancy — single-source dependency creates fragility; access to qualified backup suppliers prevents costly disruptions
These criteria apply whether you're sourcing from one supplier or several. For enterprises managing $500K or more in annual pallet spend, however, evaluating individual manufacturers addresses only part of the problem — pricing leverage, supply continuity, and compliance management compound across relationships.
Meridian works with mid-to-large enterprises to consolidate that complexity. Through a network of 2,400+ pre-qualified pallet suppliers across Georgia and the broader US, they give procurement teams competitive pricing, tiered backup sourcing, and a single point of accountability — without requiring buyers to manage each supplier directly.
Conclusion
Georgia's logistics infrastructure—anchored by the Port of Savannah's 5.7 million TEU throughput and Hartsfield-Jackson's cargo operations—makes it one of the Southeast's most active pallet markets. Access to ISPM-15-certified heat treated pallet manufacturers is essential for businesses involved in domestic distribution or international export.
The "best" manufacturer isn't universal—it depends on volume requirements, delivery geography, compliance needs, and budget. Use the selection criteria outlined above to evaluate suppliers against your specific operational goals rather than defaulting to the largest or most recognizable name.
Three factors are worth prioritizing during that evaluation:
- Production capacity during peak seasons
- Geographic proximity to your facilities
- Supplier backup options to prevent single-source dependency risks
If you're a mid-to-large enterprise spending $500K to $10M+ on pallets annually, a structured procurement approach can uncover savings most sourcing teams miss. Meridian offers a free spend analysis to identify cost inefficiencies and supply chain risks across your pallet category.
With a network of 2,400+ vetted partners—including suppliers across Georgia and all major U.S. markets—Meridian clients see an average of 16% cost savings, 99% uptime through tiered supplier backups, and procurement timelines that move 90% faster. Contact Meridian at info@meridianpkg.com or (214) 444-8963 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISPM-15 heat treatment and why is it required for wood pallets?
ISPM-15 is an international phytosanitary standard requiring wood packaging materials to be heat treated to 56°C for 30+ minutes to prevent the spread of invasive pests and pathogens across borders. It is mandatory for exports to over 180 countries. Non-compliant pallets can be seized, destroyed, or returned at customs, often causing denial of entry for the entire shipment.
How can I verify that a pallet manufacturer in Georgia is ISPM-15 certified?
Certified manufacturers must be authorized by the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC). Compliant pallets carry an official HT stamp with the manufacturer's ALSC registration number and country code (US). Request documentation and verify registration before placing orders.
What types of wood pallets can be heat treated?
Most standard wood pallet types—including stringer pallets, block pallets, and custom-dimension pallets—can be heat treated. The treatment applies to the wood material itself rather than the pallet design, meaning any new or recycled wood pallet can be certified if processed correctly through kilns that reach the required 56°C core temperature.
Are heat treated pallets more expensive than regular wood pallets?
HT pallets typically carry a premium of $1-$3 per pallet over non-certified options, reflecting treatment processing, certification costs, and additional handling. The premium varies by supplier, volume, and region, but shipment rejections from non-compliance cost far more.
Can heat treated pallets be reused or recycled?
Yes — but any pallet repaired with new wood components must be re-treated and re-stamped to maintain ISPM-15 compliance. Businesses running pallet return or reuse programs should confirm their repair supplier holds re-certification capabilities.
What is the lead time for heat treated pallets from Georgia manufacturers?
Lead times vary by manufacturer, order volume, and pallet specification. Standard stocked orders typically ship within 24-48 hours; custom or high-volume runs generally require 1-3 weeks.
