Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products, services, and processes.
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Looking for something specific? Use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to quickly find answers across all 41 questions below. Questions are organized into 8 categories for easy browsing.
1General(5 questions)
What does PackMesa do?
PackMesa buys, sells, recycles, and transports used and new industrial packaging materials including gaylord boxes, IBC totes, pallets, bulk bags (FIBCs), corrugated boxes, and packaging accessories such as stretch wrap, strapping, and corner guards. We operate from our 20,000+ sq ft warehouse in Mesa, Arizona and serve the entire Phoenix metropolitan area with daily delivery routes.
Where are you located?
We are based in Mesa, Arizona and serve the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond. Our primary delivery zone covers Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas. We also serve extended areas including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Maricopa, Casa Grande, and Tucson by arrangement.
What are your business hours?
Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Sunday: Closed. Our delivery fleet operates during business hours, and urgent requests can sometimes be accommodated outside normal hours by prior arrangement.
How long has PackMesa been in business?
PackMesa was founded in Mesa, Arizona and has grown from a small warehouse operation to a regional leader processing over 500,000 units annually. We now serve more than 200 business partners across Arizona and continue to expand our services and capabilities.
Do you serve businesses outside of Arizona?
Our primary service area is Arizona, with daily delivery routes in the Phoenix metro area. However, we can arrange shipping to neighboring states including Nevada, California, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado for larger orders. Contact us to discuss logistics and pricing for out-of-state delivery.
2Buying(6 questions)
What is the quality of used packaging?
All used packaging is inspected through our rigorous 6-step process and graded before sale. We use a clear A/B/C grading system so you know exactly what condition to expect. Grade A items show minimal wear and are suitable for demanding applications. Grade B items have moderate use but are fully functional. Grade C items show heavier wear but remain usable for standard applications. Detailed grade descriptions are available on our Quality Assurance page.
How much can I save buying used vs. new?
Typically, customers save 40-70% by purchasing quality used packaging materials compared to buying new. The exact savings depend on the product type, grade selected, and order volume. For example, Grade A gaylord boxes typically save 40-50%, Grade B saves 50-60%, and Grade C saves 60-70%. IBC totes offer similar savings ranges. Our Cost Savings resource page has detailed breakdowns by product type.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes, we offer competitive volume pricing on all products. The more you buy, the better the per-unit price. Volume breaks typically start at 50+ units, with additional discounts at 100+, 250+, and 500+ unit levels. For ongoing supply needs, we offer contract pricing that locks in rates for agreed-upon volumes. Contact us with your quantity needs for a custom quote.
Can I see the materials before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are welcome to visit our Mesa facility to inspect materials before purchasing. We recommend scheduling a visit in advance so we can have relevant inventory staged for your review. Facility tours are available Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings.
Do you sell new packaging materials too?
Yes, we carry both new and used packaging materials. For some applications, such as food-grade IBC totes or export-ready ISPM-15 pallets, customers prefer new options. We can supply new products from our manufacturing partners at competitive pricing, often bundled with used materials to optimize your overall spending.
What if I receive items that do not match the stated grade?
We stand behind our grading with a quality guarantee. If any item does not meet its stated condition grade, we will replace it at no additional cost or provide a full credit toward your next order. Simply contact our customer service team within 48 hours of delivery, and we will resolve the issue promptly. Our 99.5% quality acceptance rate means this rarely happens, but when it does, we make it right.
3Selling(5 questions)
What packaging materials do you buy?
We buy all types of industrial packaging including gaylord boxes, IBC totes (all sizes), wood pallets, plastic pallets, bulk bags (FIBCs), corrugated boxes, and packaging accessories. We accept materials in any condition: items that can be reused are refurbished for resale, and items that cannot are recycled. Nothing goes to landfill.
How do I get a price for my surplus packaging?
Contact us with details about what you have: type of packaging, estimated quantity, general condition, and your location. You can reach us via our website contact form, email, or phone. We typically provide a competitive offer within 24 hours. For larger quantities, we may schedule an on-site assessment to give you the most accurate pricing.
Do you pick up materials?
Yes, we offer free pickup services across the Mesa metro area and beyond for qualifying quantities. Pickup scheduling is flexible and we can accommodate both one-time pickups and recurring schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). For recurring programs, we coordinate pickup times that work with your operations. Contact us to discuss your specific pickup needs.
Is there a minimum quantity for pickups?
Minimum pickup quantities vary by product type and your location. Generally, we can arrange pickups for as few as 20-25 gaylord boxes, 10 IBC totes, or one full truckload of pallets within our primary service area. For smaller quantities, you are welcome to drop off materials at our Mesa facility during business hours.
How quickly can you pick up my materials?
For locations within our primary service area (East Valley and Phoenix metro), we can typically schedule pickups within 1-3 business days. For urgent situations, same-day pickup may be available depending on route scheduling. Extended service area locations may require additional lead time. Contact us and we will provide a specific timeline for your location.
4Services(5 questions)
How does your recycling service work?
We accept packaging materials that have reached the end of their usable life and process them through our recycling program. We handle corrugated cardboard, HDPE and other plastics, wood, woven polypropylene, and metals. Materials are sorted by type and sent to certified recycling partners. We provide documentation and reporting for your records. There is no cost for recycling when combined with a buy-back or purchasing program.
What is your delivery area?
Our primary service area covers the greater Phoenix metro area: Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, and Carefree. We deliver to these areas on daily routes with same-day or next-day availability. Extended service covers Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Yuma on scheduled or by-arrangement basis.
Do you offer rush delivery?
Yes, we offer rush delivery service for urgent needs. For locations within our primary service area, same-day delivery is often possible for in-stock items if ordered before noon. Next-day delivery is available for most items and locations. Rush delivery may carry a small expedite fee depending on the distance and order size. Contact us and we will do our best to meet your timeline.
Can you set up a recurring supply program?
Absolutely. Many of our customers operate on recurring supply programs tailored to their consumption patterns. We can set up weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries of specific products and grades, with quantities adjusted as your needs change. Recurring programs often come with preferred pricing and guaranteed inventory allocation.
Do you offer custom packaging solutions?
While we primarily deal in standard industrial packaging sizes, we can work with you to source specific dimensions, configurations, or specialty items. We have a network of suppliers and manufacturers that allows us to fulfill custom requests for items like non-standard pallet sizes, specialty IBC totes, or custom-printed bulk bags. Contact us with your requirements and we will provide options.
5Pricing & Payment(5 questions)
How do I get a quote?
You can request a quote through our website contact form, by emailing info@packmesa.com, or by calling us during business hours. Provide the product type, grade preference, quantity, and delivery location, and we will respond with pricing within 24 hours. For complex or high-volume orders, we may arrange a brief consultation to ensure we recommend the optimal solution.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept checks, wire transfers, ACH payments, and major credit cards. For new customers, payment is typically due upon delivery or in advance. Net-30 credit terms are available for established business accounts with approved credit. We also offer COD (Cash on Delivery) for first-time orders.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Minimum order quantities vary by product. For gaylord boxes, the minimum is typically 10-20 units. For IBC totes, as few as 5 units. For pallets, we can accommodate orders as small as 20 units. Corrugated boxes have a 50-unit minimum for most sizes. For full truckload orders, we offer the best per-unit pricing. Contact us for specific minimums on the products you need.
Are delivery charges included in the price?
Delivery pricing depends on your location and order size. For orders above certain thresholds within our primary service area, delivery is included at no extra charge. Smaller orders and extended service area deliveries may carry a delivery fee, which we quote upfront. We are always transparent about delivery costs so there are never surprises on your invoice.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
For large orders or equipment-level purchases, we can discuss flexible payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Our standard terms are Net-30 for approved accounts. For new customers looking to establish a relationship, we recommend starting with a smaller order to build credit history with us.
6Delivery & Logistics(5 questions)
How quickly can I get my order delivered?
For in-stock items within our primary service area, same-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon. Next-day delivery is standard for most in-stock products. For items requiring sourcing, grading, or special preparation, lead times are typically 2-5 business days. Extended service area deliveries are scheduled based on route availability, usually within 3-5 business days.
Do you deliver with flatbed trucks or enclosed trailers?
We use a variety of delivery vehicles depending on the order size and product type. Our fleet includes flatbed trucks for pallets and large items, enclosed box trucks for corrugated boxes and weather-sensitive products, and smaller vehicles for accessory deliveries. We select the most appropriate vehicle for each delivery to ensure your materials arrive in optimal condition.
Can I track my delivery?
We provide estimated delivery windows when your order is confirmed and will notify you by phone or email when your delivery is en route. For time-sensitive deliveries, we can provide more specific timing updates. We are working on implementing real-time tracking capabilities and expect to offer this feature in the near future.
What happens if my delivery is damaged in transit?
While rare, if any items are damaged during delivery, we take full responsibility. Simply note the damage at the time of delivery or contact us within 48 hours, and we will replace damaged items at no charge on our next delivery route. Our drivers are trained in proper loading and securing techniques to minimize any transit damage.
Do you offer will-call pickup at your facility?
Yes, will-call pickup is available at our Mesa warehouse during business hours (Mon-Fri 7 AM - 5 PM, Sat 8 AM - 12 PM). Place your order in advance and we will have it staged and ready when you arrive. This is a great option for smaller orders or customers who prefer to inspect materials before taking delivery.
7Recycling & Sustainability(5 questions)
What materials can you recycle?
We recycle corrugated cardboard, HDPE and other plastics (from IBC totes and plastic pallets), wood (from pallets), woven polypropylene (from bulk bags), steel and aluminum (from IBC tote cages), and LLDPE (from stretch wrap). We process each material type separately and send it to the appropriate certified recycling facility for maximum material recovery.
Do you provide recycling documentation for reporting?
Yes, we provide detailed recycling reports for customers enrolled in our recycling programs. Reports include weight of materials collected, material type breakdown, recycling destination, estimated environmental impact (CO2e avoided, landfill diverted), and processing dates. This documentation supports your sustainability reporting, ESG goals, and green certification applications.
Is there a cost for your recycling service?
Our recycling service is typically free when combined with a buy-back or purchasing program. For standalone recycling services (where we collect materials you cannot sell), there may be a nominal collection fee depending on the material type, quantity, and your location. Contact us for specific pricing based on your situation.
Can you help us achieve zero-waste-to-landfill goals?
Absolutely. We have helped numerous customers achieve zero-waste goals through our combined buy-back and recycling programs. We start with an assessment of your packaging waste stream, design a program that maximizes reuse and recycles everything else, and provide ongoing reporting to document your progress. Several of our partners have earned green business certifications with our support.
What is the environmental benefit of buying used packaging?
Buying used packaging reduces the demand for new manufacturing, which significantly reduces carbon emissions, water use, energy consumption, and raw material extraction. On average, choosing a used gaylord box over a new one reduces carbon emissions by 85%. Used IBC totes save approximately 83% in CO2e per unit. These savings compound with volume: a business using 1,000 gaylords per month can avoid over 10,000 kg of CO2e annually.
8Technical(5 questions)
What sizes of gaylord boxes do you carry?
We carry gaylord boxes in all standard industry sizes, with the most common being 48"x40"x36" (full-size, fits a standard pallet) and 48"x40"x48" (tall version). We also stock 48"x40"x24" (half-height), 48"x48"x36" (square), and other dimensions. Wall types include single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall corrugated. Visit our Sizing Guide for complete dimensions and specifications.
What IBC tote sizes and types are available?
We stock IBC totes in 275-gallon and 330-gallon capacities, which are the most common industrial sizes. We carry caged (steel frame) and uncaged models, with options for food-grade, UN/DOT-rated, and general industrial use. Valve types include 2" NPT butterfly valves and 2" camlock fittings. We also stock replacement lids, gaskets, and valves.
What pallet sizes do you carry?
Our most common pallet size is 48"x40", the GMA/ISPM standard used across most industries. We also stock 48"x48", 42"x42", 48"x36", and other standard sizes. Available in wood (heat-treated and non-treated), plastic, and export-grade configurations. Our Sizing Guide has complete specifications including weight capacities for each type.
What is ISPM-15 and when do I need it?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) requires that wood packaging used in international trade be heat-treated to prevent the spread of pests. If you are shipping products internationally using wood pallets or crates, you likely need ISPM-15 compliant pallets with the HT stamp. We stock heat-treated pallets and can provide them on request. Our Shipping Regulations resource has detailed information.
How do I choose between Grade A, B, and C?
The right grade depends on your application. Choose Grade A for customer-facing, food-adjacent, pharmaceutical, or clean-room applications where appearance and maximum integrity matter. Choose Grade B for standard industrial use, warehousing, shipping, and manufacturing where function is the priority. Choose Grade C for internal storage, single-use applications, or situations where maximum cost savings are the goal. Our team can recommend the best grade for your specific application.
Explore More Resources
These resources provide in-depth information on topics commonly asked about in our FAQ.
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