Thank you for the shipping suggestions... it gives me a direction to go... I found someone local selling IBC containers for $25 each... Im going to buy one and see how many boards fit and therefore how many pallets/ IBC containers total... homework

Might hit up your local grocery stores if they sell any produce from gaylord boxes. (Stores here have pumpkins/watermelons typically) and often they just recycle the boxes and don't reuse. I've been able to get them for free.

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Here to learn more so I can recycle more
My grades are my own opinion and not an official grade from Boardsort

This is what ive been doing. Im getting enough material in and shipping from my location is so high I decided the best route for me is to assemble a pallet of boxes. Fruit and produce boxes are perfect! Stackable and heavier duty

Talking Gaylord boxes.
I almost hesitate to post. I already I know how these big guys operate.
Try to contact the major food warehouses in your area. You mentioned Texas. You got them big time in Texas. I looked.
These big warehouses have gaylords on site. They are the ones whom distribute the pumpkins and watermelons to the local grocery stores etc.
Examples of these power food warehouses are:
Sysco.
U.S. Foods
Performance Food Group
Gordon Food.
Many foods are seasonal. Duh? Pumpkins for example. No doubt.
That makes those food warehouses store unused gaylords on site. Warehouse space is so valuable in organizations like that. [I have first hand knowledge].
Look up which big warehouses may be in your area. They MAY cooperate with you in making a gaylord deal. Honestly they may give them to you for nothing. Warehouse space can be that valuable.
But. Those guys are basically a closed system. Won't deal with the public. If you know anybody who works for those people. You got an "in".
They actually buy supplies from a company similar to Uline. Which sells gaylords. But. They operate big also.
Give it a try. Check out the big food warehouses near you. Someone might cooperate with you. Warehouse managers are real people who understand real problems. Next thing you know you might end up picking up thier escrap. Turkey season is coming. They will be stacked wall to wall with turkey and pumpkin pie.
Good luck.

I don't do enough shipping right now to worry about lots of gaylords, just catching the produce manager when I need and see one (almost) empty is usually enough for me right now.

_________________
Here to learn more so I can recycle more
My grades are my own opinion and not an official grade from Boardsort

This forum is great...