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Grocery stores, distribution centers and manufacturing plants all use pallets to handle food and beverages. To ensure the process of moving products between warehouses and locations is quick and standardized, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has established a set of guidelines for all food industry pallets.

These GMA pallet guidelines contain detailed dimensions and specifications, as well as quality classification parameters.

What are the specs of GMA pallets?

Pallets manufactured to GMA specifications are typically referred to as GMA pallets. A GMA pallet is one of the six most common size pallets, and is by far the most popular size in the US. A GMA pallet has:

• An overall footprint of 48” by 40”
• A minimum load-bearing capacity of 2,500 pounds
• Four-way forklift entry with two notches on the side
• Top and bottom deck boards that are 5/8″ thick
• A 5 1/2″ x 40″ board on each end of the pallet top, and five 3 1/2″ x 40″ boards in the center
• A 5 1/2″ x 40″ board on each end of the pallet bottom, and three 3 1/2″ x 40″ boards between the notches

What are the different grades of GMA pallets?

The GMA pallet is a recycled pallet categorized into two grades: A and B.

• Grade A or #1 is the highest quality recycled pallets. These are products that are in excellent condition, with no stringer repairs and only minor discoloration. Many recyclers use subdivisions within the category to distinguish between pallets with a cleaner appearance, such as food grade or premium grade.
• Grade B or #2 pallets show indication of more extensive use than Grade A pallets. They may be worn and discolored, or have broken stringers that have been repaired with companion runners. Grade B is very popular due to the lower cost than a Grade A pallet.

At Kamps, we sort, repair and deliver thousands of GMA pallets every day – you could say it’s our specialty. Our first and main location, in Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to many food processors and manufacturers, as well as grocery stores and restaurants. Our clients rely on Kamps to provide the pallets that keep this food chain moving so that fresh and packaged food gets to their customers on time and in good condition. We take this responsibility very seriously.

If your business uses GMA pallets and you would like to discuss which grade pallet would best meet your needs and your company’s budget, call us. We’d love to go through your options and supply you with a great pallet at a great price.

Whether we want to accept the fact that another winter season will soon be here, preparations for snow, slush, and wet conditions are already taking place at Kamps Pallets. Kamps has always been committed to safety in our plants and to forklift safety in particular. Although not all of our customers nationwide will be affected by the wet winter season, many of our plants are reacquainting staff with safety measures for when the cold and snowy weather could hit.

What potential winter weather challenges could arise?

• Machinery – Forklift and van trailer brakes lock up in inclement weather in unpredictable ways. Both truck and forklifts find it hard to operate in heavy snow as well. This can make the loading dock a more dangerous place.
• Timeliness – Most pallet yards have outdoor storage and working areas. Employees naturally want to get their work done fast to get out of the cold, but rushing can lead to mistakes and accidents.
• Poor road conditions – Combine trucking with bad weather, and you will have delays. No one is happy when deliveries and pick ups do not operate on schedule because at the end of the supply chain a customer is inconvenienced.
• Wet Pallets – Snow and rain can create a big headache in an outdoor yard. Wet pallets are more challenging to work with in every aspect of our process.

How does Kamps overcome the challenges of winter weather and bad traveling conditions? With planning and discipline. Although the first snow of winter is always a bit of a shock for everyone and requires a learning curve, outlining the proper safety procedures, creating a winter safety checklist, and clearly communicating potential challenges or delays helps us conquer the winter season and keep deliveries on time. It also  allows our customers to continue operating as normal.

Winter can be a challenge, but we don’t have to let the winter blues frustrate or overcome us. With the right planning and training, we will conquer this winter as we have all the ones of the past.

FACT or FICTION? Here are some common ideas about pallets, the pallet market and our company with our straight take on the truth of each.

95% of wooden pallets in the market are being recycled

FACT: At Kamps Pallets, we track our efforts to preserve natural resources with our Green Scorecard. Over the last year we have recycled over 53.8 million pallets!

There are more than 1.8 billion pallets in service in the US each day

FACT: 93% of these pallets are all made from wood

Kamps Pallets only builds new pallets

FICTION: Kamps Pallet specializes in reconditioned, or recycled pallets that work just as efficiently as new pallets. Reconditioned pallets have shorter lead times, promote recycling and are more cost effective. Kamps also offers other types of pallets; new, heat-treated, plastic, corrugated, and shipping boxes and crates.

The popularity of pallets skyrocketed during World War II

FACT: In the 1940’s, pallets evolved even further with the development of the 4-way pallet. This allowed forklifts to pick up pallets from any direction, doubling material handling productivity per person.

Kamps only services local, Midwestern markets

FICTION: Family owned and operated since 1973, Kamps prides itself on building relationships, providing excellent customer service and conducting business with the utmost integrity. These core values have helped us grow over the years into every market in the US while still remaining true to our roots. Our future depends on the relationships we develop with each of our customers; and we work hard each and every day to meet and exceed your expectations.

Wooden pallets are on the way out

FICTION: Wood pallets, unlike plastic, are biodegradable. Environmental concerns are increasingly important to our customers. The wooden pallet, with its benefits in cost and versatility, stands out as one of the greenest choices you can make when selecting a pallet that is right for your business.

Kamps has been a family owned business for over 35 years

FACT: Now in its second generation of leadership, Kamps Pallets has grown from one hardworking visionary to a nationwide team– all who believe the treasure of a satisfied customer is worth the extra elbow grease.

There is no question that social media has grown and evolved over the last ten years and truly consumes our modern day world. Facebook has changed from becoming a place to connect with old friends to catching the latest news, seeing what events are happening around town, or posting a photo of your latest shareable moment. In short, Facebook and other social media platforms alike do not exclude much these days. As far as marketing is concerned, the same principle applies. The general belief was that social media is only for businesses selling directly to consumers, but that is not the case. Social media and online marketing is just as important to the manufacturing industry and should not be excluded.

A well rounded marketing strategy is more than just trying to sell your product.  Potential buyers want to know about all aspects of your business – the people, culture, production and more. This is where social media comes in. Social media is where potential buyers come to validate your company, and see what you’re really all about. They want to know what it’s like to work with you, before they even talk to you. Social media allows you to share a consistent message, establish your company as an industry leader, and engage with future customers and prospective employees.  

Social media can also be leveraged as a recruiting and advertising tool. Both LinkedIn and Facebook allow you to run specifically targeted job postings and ads. The manufacturing industry is facing a skilled labor shortage, and are needing to recruit those who aren’t necessarily looking for a new job. Social media marketing allows you to get your company in front of those people. In short, social media is more than just connecting with your old pals, it provides a wealth of information across all types of industries, including manufacturing, and is a key piece to any successful company’s marketing strategy.