RFQ
An RFQ (request for quote) is the document a buyer sends to pallet suppliers asking them to price a pallet. A good pallet RFQ states the size, the load and how it is supported and handled, the quantity and annual volume, delivery details, and compliance needs such as ISPM 15 or a PDS report.
Also called request for quote, request for quotation, quote request
Reviewed
What a pallet RFQ should include
| Area | Fields |
|---|---|
| Pallet | size (L x W, stringer length first), type, drawing or spec, or "design to requirements" |
| Load | maximum and average weight, load type (cartons, bags, drums), unit load size |
| Support and handling | rack type and span, stack height, forklift or pallet jack, conveyors or AS/RS, deflection limit |
| Use | reusable or single-use; new, recycled or combo allowed |
| Compliance | ISPM 15 (HT), moisture content, PDS report or ASTM D1185 / ISO 8611 test, retailer program |
| Commercial | initial quantity, annual volume, release frequency, ship-to, delivery method, quote due date |
| Quality | tolerances, samples or first-article approval, marking and branding |
Why requirements beat board sizes
Giving the load and support conditions lets a mill propose a design, value-engineer it and rate it. Giving only board sizes invites like-for-like quotes that may carry the load poorly or cost more than needed. NWPCA's LoadSync tool was built around this idea.
palletdesign.ai turns a plain-language description into a drawing, parts list and cost estimate that can be attached to an RFQ. See how to write a pallet RFQ and bill of materials.
Questions
- What information do pallet suppliers need to quote?
- Size, load weight and type, how the pallet is stored and handled, quantity and annual volume, delivery location and any compliance requirements such as ISPM 15.
Related
- How to write a pallet RFQ (with checklist)How to write a pallet RFQ that gets comparable quotes: the design, load and handling needs, quantities, delivery, compliance, marking and quality fields.
- LoadSyncLoadSync is a free tool NWPCA released in 2013 that let pallet buyers define their load and handling requirements and send them to a PDS-licensed manufacturer.
- Bill of materialsA pallet bill of materials (BOM) lists every part with size and count. A GMA-style 48x40 BOM has 15 wood parts, 84 nails and about 13.5 board feet.
- What does a wood pallet cost? The cost drivers explainedWhat drives wood pallet cost: board feet, species, grade, drying and heat treatment, nails, labor and volume, and how to estimate cost from a parts list.
- ShinerA shiner is a nail that misses the stringer or block and leaves its shank or point exposed. The Uniform Standard allows no shiners on exposed faces of a pallet.
- ShookShook is lumber cut to finished size for pallet parts: deckboards, stringers and blocks ready to assemble. Pallet mills cut shook from cants or rough lumber.