Transportation & Delivery Services
Reliable pallet pickup and delivery across Southeast Michigan. Our fleet runs six days a week with same-day, next-day, and scheduled route options to keep your operation moving.
Schedule a Pickup or Delivery
Tell us your location, timing, and load requirements. We will confirm availability and pricing promptly.
Built for Reliability
Our fleet is purpose-built for pallet logistics. Every truck is maintained to commercial standards, GPS-tracked for real-time visibility, and operated by experienced drivers who know the region.
Fleet Capabilities
Our fleet includes flatbed trucks, enclosed trailers, and cargo vans to handle orders of any size. Flatbeds are our workhorses for high-volume deliveries and pickups. Enclosed trailers protect cargo from weather. Smaller vehicles access tight urban locations and handle rush orders with agility.
All vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking, which allows our dispatch team to provide real-time ETAs and reroute in case of traffic or weather delays. We communicate proactively — if your delivery is going to be late, you will know before the truck arrives.
On-Time Commitment
Reliability is not negotiable in logistics. A late pallet delivery can shut down a packing line, delay a shipment, or idle a crew. We understand this, and we have built our operation around on-time performance.
Our 98.5% on-time rate is tracked across all deliveries and pickups and reported to our management team weekly. When we miss a window, we investigate the root cause and implement process improvements. We hold ourselves to the same standard that our customers expect.
Our Trucks in Detail
Understanding our vehicle types and their capabilities helps you choose the right option for your delivery or pickup. Here is exactly what each truck type offers.
53-Foot Flatbed Trailers
5 units400-500 pallets per load (48x40 stacked)
44,000 lbs
High-volume deliveries, warehouse docks, open yard drops, multi-stop routes
- ✓Side and rear loading capability
- ✓Strapping and edge protector equipment
- ✓GPS tracking and real-time ETA
- ✓Hydraulic liftgate available on select units
53-Foot Enclosed (Dry Van) Trailers
3 units400-600 pallets per load (depending on stack height)
44,000 lbs
Weather-sensitive loads, heat-treated export pallets, food-grade facilities, clean environments
- ✓Full weather protection during transit
- ✓Clean interior for food-grade and pharmaceutical deliveries
- ✓Rear swing doors and optional roll-up doors
- ✓GPS tracking and temperature monitoring capability
26-Foot Box Trucks (Straight Trucks)
3 units100-200 pallets per load
16,000 lbs
Medium orders, retail locations, tight docks, urban deliveries, rush orders
- ✓Maneuvers in tight urban locations and small docks
- ✓Liftgate for ground-level deliveries
- ✓No CDL required for faster dispatch flexibility
- ✓GPS tracking for real-time visibility
Cargo Vans
2 units30-80 pallets per load (depending on pallet size)
4,000 lbs
Small orders, emergency deliveries, locations with no dock, sample shipments
- ✓Access any location a standard van can reach
- ✓No dock required — ground-level loading
- ✓Fastest dispatch for emergency and rush orders
- ✓Low-profile for parking garages and restricted areas
Coverage Area & Transit Times
Our service area radiates from our Warren, MI facility in four zones. Each zone has different transit time expectations and freight pricing structures.
Zone 1: Core Area (0-30 miles from Warren)
Same-day or next-dayWarren, Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills, Macomb, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Southfield, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Fraser, Utica
Included in pallet pricing — no separate freight charge
Zone 2: Extended Metro (30-60 miles from Warren)
Next-day standardAnn Arbor, Ypsilanti, Canton, Plymouth, Novi, Farmington Hills, Livonia, Westland, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, Flint, Brighton, Howell, Port Huron, Mt. Clemens, Monroe
Included in pallet pricing for orders of 100+ pallets; small delivery surcharge for smaller orders
Zone 3: Greater Michigan (60-120 miles from Warren)
2-3 business daysLansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Bay City, Jackson, Toledo (OH), Adrian, Holland, Muskegon, Midland
Per-mile freight surcharge applied; included for orders of 400+ pallets (full truckload)
Zone 4: Statewide / Extended (120+ miles)
3-5 business daysTraverse City, Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Petoskey, Alpena, Cadillac, and all other Michigan locations
Custom freight quote required; typically arranged for full truckloads only
Tracking & Communication
You should never have to wonder where your pallets are. Our tracking and communication systems give you real-time visibility from dispatch to delivery confirmation.
Real-Time GPS Tracking
Every vehicle in our fleet transmits its location continuously via GPS. Our dispatch team monitors all trucks in real time and can provide you with a current location and estimated arrival time for any active delivery or pickup at any moment during transit.
Proactive Delay Notifications
If traffic, weather, or a mechanical issue is going to delay your delivery beyond the scheduled window, our dispatch team contacts you before the originally scheduled time with an updated ETA. You will never be left wondering where your truck is.
Delivery Confirmation
When your delivery is completed, the driver records the time, pallet count, and any notes about the drop. This confirmation is transmitted to our office immediately and becomes part of your delivery record. A signed delivery receipt is provided at the time of drop-off.
Historical Delivery Data
For managed program and contract customers, we maintain a complete history of every delivery and pickup including dates, times, quantities, and truck assignments. This data is available on request and is included in monthly management reports.
Dispatch Communication
Our dispatch team is reachable by phone during business hours for real-time updates on any active delivery or pickup. For managed program clients, your account manager can also provide status updates and schedule changes at any time.
Loading & Unloading Procedures
Different facilities have different dock configurations. We adapt our delivery method to match your setup, whether you have a full loading dock, a liftgate area, or an open yard.
Dock-Level Delivery (Flatbed & Enclosed)
For facilities with a standard loading dock, our driver backs the trailer to your dock door and your forklift operator unloads the pallets directly from the trailer. Our driver assists with count verification and load securement. Typical unloading time for a full truckload is 20-30 minutes with one forklift.
Requirements: Loading dock at standard trailer height (48-52 inches), forklift operator available
Ground-Level Delivery (Liftgate)
For facilities without a dock, our box trucks and select flatbeds are equipped with hydraulic liftgates. The liftgate lowers pallets to ground level where they can be moved with a pallet jack or forklift. This option adds approximately 5 minutes per pallet stack to unloading time.
Requirements: Level, paved surface adjacent to truck; pallet jack or forklift for moving pallets from drop point
Yard Drop (Open Area)
For facilities with an open yard or staging area, our flatbed driver can drop pallets directly on the ground using a forklift (customer-provided) or our liftgate. Yard drops are the fastest delivery method when dock access is limited or when pallets will be stored outside temporarily.
Requirements: Accessible, reasonably level outdoor area; forklift or pallet jack on-site
Driver-Assist Unloading
Our drivers are trained and equipped to assist with unloading using hand dollies and pallet jacks for smaller deliveries. For van and box truck deliveries, our driver can place pallets at your specified location within the delivery area. This service is standard for small-load deliveries.
Requirements: No special equipment needed for small loads; clear path from truck to placement area
Special Handling Procedures
Some loads require extra care during transportation. Here is how we handle special situations including export pallets, food-grade requirements, and contaminated material pickup.
Heat-Treated / Export Pallets
Heat-treated pallets must remain dry to maintain their ISPM-15 certification. We deliver these pallets exclusively in enclosed trailers or covered vehicles. Pallets are inspected before loading to confirm the HT stamp is legible. If pallets become wet during transit due to carrier error, we replace them at no charge.
Food-Grade Pallets
Pallets destined for food, beverage, or pharmaceutical facilities are transported in clean enclosed trailers that have been swept and inspected before loading. We do not commingle food-grade pallets with recycling loads or chemically contaminated materials. A clean trailer certification can be provided on request.
Fragile or High-Value Cargo Pallets
When transporting pallets that are loaded with fragile or high-value products (rather than empty pallets), we use enclosed trailers with load bars, strapping, and edge protectors to prevent shifting during transit. Our drivers follow designated routes that avoid construction zones and rough roads when possible.
Oversized / Non-Standard Pallets
Pallets larger than 48x48 or taller than standard configurations may require special load planning. Our dispatch team calculates the optimal stacking pattern and selects the appropriate vehicle to ensure oversized pallets are transported safely and efficiently. Wide loads that exceed standard trailer width require advance planning.
Contaminated Pallet Pickup
When picking up pallets that have been exposed to chemicals, petroleum products, or other contaminants, we use dedicated load containment procedures. Contaminated pallets are not commingled with clean inventory on the same truck. Our drivers carry absorbent materials and PPE for handling contaminated loads safely.
Right Vehicle, Right Load
We match the vehicle to the job so you get efficient, cost-effective transportation whether you need 50 pallets or 500.
Flatbed Delivery
Our flatbed trucks handle the majority of pallet deliveries. Flatbeds allow fast loading and unloading from either side or the rear, making them ideal for dock-equipped facilities and open yard deliveries. Standard flatbed capacity is 400-500 pallets stacked, depending on pallet size and weight.
400-500 pallets per load
Dock deliveries, open yards, high volume
Enclosed Trailer
Enclosed trailers protect pallets from weather during transit, which matters for heat-treated and export-grade pallets that must remain dry. Enclosed delivery is also preferred when delivering to food-grade, pharmaceutical, or clean-room facilities where contamination control is a factor.
400-600 pallets per load
Weather protection, clean environments, export pallets
Van / Small Load
For smaller orders or tight delivery locations, our cargo vans and straight trucks can access loading areas that full-size trailers cannot. This option is popular with small businesses, retail locations, and urban facilities with limited dock space.
50-150 pallets per load
Small orders, tight spaces, urban deliveries
Fuel Surcharge Transparency
Fuel costs are a significant component of transportation pricing. Rather than hiding fuel costs in opaque per-trip rates, we use a transparent fuel surcharge model that adjusts monthly based on the U.S. Department of Energy's weekly national average diesel price.
How Our Fuel Surcharge Works
- ✓Base freight rates are calculated at a diesel price of $3.50 per gallon
- ✓When the national average diesel price exceeds $3.50, a percentage surcharge is applied to the base freight rate
- ✓The surcharge percentage is published monthly and applies to all deliveries and pickups that month
- ✓When diesel prices fall below $3.50, no surcharge is applied — base rates remain unchanged
- ✓Fuel surcharge adjustments are itemized separately on your invoice so you can see the exact impact
Contact us for the current month's fuel surcharge percentage. Managed program clients may have fuel surcharges built into their contract rate for simplicity.
Route Optimization Technology
Efficient routing is not just about saving fuel — it means faster deliveries, lower costs, and more reliable scheduling. Here is how our dispatch technology works for you.
Multi-Stop Route Planning
Our dispatch software sequences daily deliveries and pickups to minimize total route distance and time. When your delivery is part of a multi-stop route, you benefit from shared transportation costs that make per-stop pricing more competitive than dedicated single-stop trips.
Traffic-Aware Dispatch
Our routing software incorporates real-time traffic data from Southeast Michigan's major highways and arterials. Dispatch adjusts departure times and route selections based on current traffic conditions, construction zones, and known congestion patterns to maintain on-time performance.
Combined Delivery and Pickup
For customers who both buy and sell pallets, we combine delivery of fresh pallets and pickup of empties or damaged pallets on the same truck trip. This eliminates redundant trips, reduces your freight costs, and minimizes truck traffic at your facility.
Dynamic Rerouting
When road conditions change during the day (accidents, severe weather, road closures), our dispatch team reroutes trucks in real time. Drivers receive updated directions via their GPS systems, and affected customers receive proactive delay notifications with new ETAs.
Seasonal Route Adjustment
We adjust our route network seasonally to account for changing customer volumes, construction season detours, and weather-related access issues. Routes that work well in summer may need modification in Michigan winters, and our team plans ahead for these transitions.
Weekend & After-Hours Service
Your operation does not stop at 5 PM, and neither do we. We offer extended service options for businesses that need pallet support outside standard weekday hours.
Saturday Delivery and Pickup
Regular Saturday service is available for an additional fee of 15-20% over standard weekday rates. Saturday service is popular with facilities that operate weekend shifts and cannot afford to wait until Monday for pallet supply or removal. Scheduling must be arranged by Thursday at 3 PM for guaranteed Saturday service.
Early Morning Delivery (Before 7 AM)
Some facilities need pallets staged before the morning shift begins. We offer early morning delivery starting at 5:00 AM for an additional scheduling fee. Early deliveries are dropped at your dock per your standing instructions — no dock staff required if your facility allows unattended delivery.
Evening Pickup (After 5 PM)
Facilities that generate pallets throughout the day often prefer end-of-day pickups. We offer evening pickup windows until 8:00 PM for a modest scheduling surcharge. Evening pickups are popular with distribution centers and manufacturing plants running second shifts.
Holiday Service
We observe major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) but offer emergency service on holidays at premium rates. If your operation runs on holidays and you need pallet support, contact us at least 48 hours in advance to arrange holiday service.
Flatbed vs. Enclosed: Which Do You Need?
Choosing between flatbed and enclosed trailers depends on your application, load type, and facility requirements. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Weather Protection
Flatbed
No weather protection. Pallets are exposed to rain, snow, and sun during transit. Acceptable for standard used pallets going to warehouse environments.
Enclosed
Full protection from all weather. Required for heat-treated export pallets, food-grade applications, and any delivery where moisture damage is a concern.
Loading Speed
Flatbed
Fastest loading and unloading. Fork access from both sides and the rear. A full truckload can be unloaded in 20-30 minutes.
Enclosed
Rear-only access (unless using curtain-side trailers). Unloading takes slightly longer because the forklift must work from one direction. Typical unload time is 30-45 minutes.
Capacity
Flatbed
400-500 pallets per load for standard 48x40 pallets. Height is limited by DOT regulations (13.5 feet total height) and load securement requirements.
Enclosed
400-600 pallets per load. Interior height allows slightly taller stacking, and the enclosed space prevents wind-related stack shifting at highway speeds.
Cost
Flatbed
Standard pricing. Flatbed is our most cost-effective delivery method for large orders.
Enclosed
Slight premium (5-10%) over flatbed for the same route and volume due to higher equipment and maintenance costs.
Best Use Cases
Flatbed
Warehouse and distribution center deliveries, yard drops, used pallet pickups, multi-stop routes where fast unloading matters.
Enclosed
Export pallet delivery, food and pharmaceutical facilities, long-distance hauls, rainy/winter conditions, and any application where pallet cleanliness is critical.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Whether you need pallets today or want a standing weekly route, we have a scheduling option that fits your operation.
Same-Day Service
Need pallets today? If your request comes in before 10:00 AM and the product is in stock, we can deliver or pick up the same business day within our core service area. Same-day service is subject to truck availability and carries a modest expedite fee.
Next-Day Service
Orders placed by 3:00 PM are queued for next-business-day delivery. This is our most popular option for businesses that need fast turnaround without the same-day premium. Next-day delivery is included at standard pricing for orders within our core service area.
Scheduled Weekly Routes
For recurring needs, we set up standing weekly delivery and pickup routes. Your facility gets a dedicated time slot on the same day each week. This predictability helps your dock team plan labor and reduces wait times. Route pricing is our most competitive tier.
On-Call / As-Needed
Do not need a regular schedule? No problem. Call us when you have a load ready for pickup or need a delivery, and we will fit you into the next available truck. Typical lead time for on-call service is 1-3 business days.
Cities We Serve Regularly
Our core service area is a 60-mile radius from our Warren, MI facility at 7236 Murthum Ave, Warren, MI 48092. Extended service is available statewide for qualifying orders.
Do not see your city listed? Contact us — we likely serve your area or can arrange extended delivery. We regularly expand our routes based on customer demand.
Ready to Simplify Your Pallet Logistics?
Whether you need a one-time delivery, a regular pickup route, or a comprehensive transportation solution bundled with pallet supply and recycling, Ace Pallet Service has you covered.