Wood pellets have become an increasingly popular heating fuel option in recent years. Made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings, they provide an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to heat your home. While wood pellets are readily available at many hardware stores and home improvement centers, having them delivered right to your door is often more convenient.
Choosing a reliable wood pellet delivery service is important to ensure you never run out of fuel during cold weather. The best services provide high-quality wood pellets, flexible delivery schedules, fair pricing and excellent customer service. We will outline tips on how to select the right delivery service and highlight some of the top-rated wood pellet providers across different regions of the United States.
How to Choose a Wood Pellet Delivery Service
When evaluating wood pellet delivery companies, there are several key factors to consider:
Pellet quality
Not all wood pellets are created equal. High-quality wood pellets produce more BTUs, create less ash and are less likely to jam your stove or boiler. Be sure to choose a company that provides premium grade wood pellets from reputable manufacturers. The pellets should be certified by the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) to meet strict quality standards.
Delivery range
Determine how far the company delivers. Many pellet delivery services have a limited local delivery range while others ship pellets across an entire state or region. Choose a company that delivers to your exact location.
Delivery fees
Compare the delivery fees charged by different companies. Most charge a flat delivery fee or a fee per ton delivered. Larger delivery quantities often qualify for lower fees per ton. Consider the total cost of pellets and delivery to determine the best value.
Delivery schedule
The company should offer flexible delivery schedules to align with when you need more pellets. This includes regular weekly or monthly deliveries as well as one-time deliveries if you run short. Qualify if they offer emergency or “will call” deliveries.
Equipment services
Some pellet delivery companies also provide stove and boiler installations, cleaning and repairs. Choosing a full-service company can be convenient if you need equipment servicing.
Customer service
You want to choose a company with knowledgeable customer service available to answer any questions before and after sale. They should provide re-delivery in case you’re not satisfied with your order.
Reputation
Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of service of different pellet delivery companies. Companies with an overall excellent reputation are best. Be sure to read reviews on independent websites in addition to those on the company’s website.
By thoroughly researching providers using the criteria above, you can identify the best wood pellet delivery services in your local area. Let’s look at some of top regional pellet delivery companies across different parts of the United States.
Top Wood Pellet Delivery Services
Northeastern US
The Northeast has cold winters that create high heating demand. Here are some of the top pellet delivery companies serving states like New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania:
American Pellet Supply
With delivery depots across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, American Pellet Supply provides premium wood pellets for home heating. They carry quality pellets from manufacturers like Corinth and Hamer and deliver in bulk or bags.
Energex
Serving the New York market, Energex delivers bulk pellets and heating equipment including Harman and Enviro stoves. They provide discounts for bigger delivery quantities and offer flexible delivery.
Fire & Ice Heating
This New Hampshire-based company delivers bulk pellets to homes across New England. They have their own large inventory of pellets to ensure fast delivery and also provide stove installations.
Maine Woods Pellet Company
Focused on bulk pellet delivery in Maine, this company has an excellent reputation for customer service. They allow online ordering for one-time or recurring pellet deliveries.
Sandri
With over 60 years of experience, Sandri Energy provides premium wood pellets for delivery across Massachusetts. They also sell and service various pellet stove brands.
Southeastern US
Milder winters in the Southeast still require wood pellet heating. Recommended suppliers in this region include:
Appalachian Wood Pellets
Located in North Carolina, Appalachian Wood Pellets carries high-quality pellet brands like Lignetics and Barefoot for delivery across the state. Discounts are offered for multi-ton orders.
Florida Premium Pellet Fuel
This company provides free local Florida delivery on premium wood pellets made from locally-sourced Southern Pine. They have flexible delivery quantities starting at one ton.
Georgia Biomass
With six pellet depots across Georgia, this company delivers premium wood pellets from trusted brands like Enviva and Fram Renewable Fuels.
Tennessee’s Own Wood Pellets
Located in Tracy City, this supplier manufacturers their own premium wood pellets for delivery across Tennessee. Their online ordering system makes reordering easy.
Midwestern US
Braving cold Midwestern winters takes quality pellets and reliable delivery. Top Midwestern pellet delivery companies include:
Easy Heat
With personalized service, Easy Heat provides wood pellet delivery and equipment installation for homes across Iowa. They carry quality pellet brands like Lignetics and Vista.
Michigan Pellet
This Michigan-based company offers bulk pellet delivery, focusing on premium pellets made by Cubex, a local manufacturer. Discounted delivery fees apply for larger tonnage orders.
Ohio Pellets
Serving both Ohio and Indiana markets, this supplier delivers a variety of premium wood pellet brands like North American, Hamer and Corinth direct to homes.
Superior Pellet
Operating out of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Superior Pellet delivers premium wood pellets to residential and commercial customers across the state. They have flexible delivery options.
Western US
Dry climates in the West still require pellet heating, especially in mountain regions. Recommended wood pellet delivery services out West include:
Idaho Energy Pellets
This Idaho company manufactures and delivers their own Idaho Energy brand wood pellets across the state. They have some of the lowest prices in the region.
Oregon Pellet Fuel Company
Oregon Pellet delivers premium wood pellets from manufacturers like Bear Mountain Forest Products to homes across Oregon and Washington.
Rocky Top Resources
With five pellet depots across Colorado, Rocky Top Resources provides premium pellets, equipment and installations across the state. They also service portions of Nebraska and Wyoming.
Southwest Forest Products
Based in Phoenix, this company delivers quality wood pellets to homes across Arizona. Their online Shop & Schedule system makes pellet ordering and delivery easy.
How Wood Pellet Delivery Works
Most wood pellet delivery companies follow the same basic process to ensure customers receive timely, convenient service:
Placing your order – The first step is to contact the company and place your pellet order. Most allow you to order by phone, online or in person if they have a local showroom. You will specify details like the delivery quantity and pellet brand.
Delivery scheduling – Next, you will coordinate a delivery date and arrival time window with the company’s dispatch center. Many providers offer real-time inventory tracking to confirm available delivery dates.
Delivery confirmation – On the scheduled date, the company will confirm the driver’s estimated time of arrival so you know when to expect your pellets.
Delivery completed – The driver will deliver your wood pellets using a pneumatic blower truck. This pumps pellets from the truck either into your storage hopper or directly into your pellet stove/boiler depending on connections.
Payment – Most companies accept payment upon delivery by cash, check or credit card. Payment can also be made upfront or billed to an account. Make sure to obtain a paid-in-full delivery receipt.
Follow-up – After delivery the company should follow-up to confirm satisfaction with your pellet order and service. Let them know if any issues need to be addressed.
The best wood pellet delivery companies make this process fast and hassle-free. Advance planning helps ensure you order new pellets before running low. Many suppliers recommend ordering about 2 weeks before needing more fuel so deliveries can be optimally scheduled.
Wood Pellet Delivery Pricing
The cost of delivered wood pellets depends on several factors:
- Base pellet price – The underlying cost of the raw wood pellets themselves accounts for the biggest portion of the total price. Base pellet pricing fluctuates seasonally and by region. It also depends on the brand/quality.
- Delivery fee – The delivery company charges a fee to transport pellets to your home, typically quoted per ton delivered. Fees average $30-$60 per ton but decrease at higher tonnages.
- Fuel surcharges – Some companies add fuel surcharges that change periodically to reflect diesel costs. These compensate for pricier transportation fuel.
- Taxes – Some states and municipalities levy taxes on delivered heating fuels like wood pellets that get passed on to the consumer.
- Discounts – Companies offer discounts or lower delivery fees for larger delivery quantities, usually 5+ tons. First-time customer discounts are also sometimes available.
For example, a shipment of 3 tons of premium wood pellets at $250 per ton plus a $45 per ton delivery fee would be $750 for the pellets plus $135 delivery, for a total delivered cost of $885. Ordering 6 tons may qualify for a $20/ton discount on both the pellets and delivery.
When comparing pellet delivery pricing, calculate the per ton cost including both materials and delivery. Larger delivery quantities often provide the best value. Also factor in any discounts, taxes and surcharges.
Wood Pellet Delivery Equipment
To receive bulk wood pellet deliveries, your home must have the proper storage and handling equipment:
Pellet storage bins/silos
Also called hoppers, these large bins hold excess pellets to meet your heating demand between deliveries. Bins are sized from 1-6+ tons capacity and may be indoor or outdoor units. They should keep pellets dry.
Auger or conveyor system
An auger automatically feeds pellets from the storage hopper into your pellet stove/boiler as needed, allowingheating to operate unattended. Flexible conveyor hoses are also used.
Vacuum wye or connection
This inlet connects to the storage bin and allows the delivery truck’s vacuum hose to pump pellets directly into your bin through a sealed connection.
Vent pipes
Vents allow displaced air to escape from bins during pneumatic pellet delivery. Proper venting prevents air pressure buildup.
If you lack the needed equipment, many wood pellet delivery companies offer equipment supply, installation and maintenance services to create the necessary infrastructure. This may include installing new pellet silos, conveying lines and custom truck connections.
Delivery Truck Types
There are three main types of delivery trucks used to transport residential wood pellets:
Tanker trucks
These trucks have an open top tank that is manually filled with loose pellets loaded by a scoop. Pellets blow through a hose for delivery. Limitations include exposure to moisture and slower delivery speeds.
Pneumatic grain trucks
Also called blowers, these are fully enclosed trucks that use a vacuum to suck pellets into an underground tank, then blow them using pressurized air. Pneumatic trucks allow faster delivery and protect pellets.
Auger trucks
Auger trucks have an enclosed screw that pulls pellets forward to the rear door for delivery through a chute. They allow precise metering of pellets, but are slower than pneumatic trucks.
For residential delivery, pneumatic blower trucks are most common because they provide fast, airtight pellet transfer directly into storage bins. This minimizes handling and keeps pellets dry. Tanker and auger trucks are more often used for bagged pellet delivery.
Important Safety Tips
Wood pellet delivery involves large heavy loads and powerful equipment. Here are tips to ensure safe practices:
- Keep children and pets indoors during delivery to avoid accidents.
- Clear the delivery area of toys, vehicles or other obstructions that could get damaged.
- If feasible, schedule deliveries for warmer months to avoid slippery ice and snow conditions.
- Ensure storage bins have proper ventilation pipes to prevent pressure buildup.
- Keep the pellet fill inlet free of debris which could clog the delivery truck’s transfer hose.
- Avoid overfilling storage bins, which puts weight stress on structures.
- Only allow qualified professionals to install or repair pellet equipment.
- Ensure pellet conveying systems and stoves/boilers are properly maintained and cleaned before the winter season.
Following appropriate safety measures helps prevent issues when receiving bulk wood pellet deliveries.
Financing Pellet Deliveries
Since several tons of pellets may be delivered at once, the total cost can be expensive. Payment plans and financing options help spread the cost over time.
Payment plans
Many suppliers offer monthly payment plans that divide the total amount due into equal payments over 6-12 months. Small fees or interest may apply. This evens out cash flow required for pellet purchases.
Credit financing
Some pellet companies partner with lenders to offer financing programs or credit cards to fund pellet deliveries. You repay the balance in monthly installments over a fixed term. Interest rates and terms vary.
Budget plans
With budget plans, estimated yearly pellet usage and costs are divided into equal monthly payments. Delivery charges get billed as incurred, with periodic true-ups based on actual usage.
HEAP assistance
The federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) issues grants through state programs to help pay winter energy bills, including pellets, for low-income households. Availability depends on location and funding.
Evaluating financing options allows you to purchase necessary pellet deliveries, spreading the cost over time. Just ensure the repayment terms align with your budget.
Why Choose Pellet Delivery vs. Pickup?
Here are some of the major advantages of having pellets delivered rather than buying and transporting them yourself:
- Convenience – Delivery right to your storage hopper avoids the need to arrange pickup and transport from the store.
- Efficiency – Bulk pneumatic delivery trucks pump pellets faster than manually loading bags. It also prevents breakage that can occur moving bags.
- Labor savings – Hauling heavy pellet bags requires significant physical effort and risks back injuries. Delivery removes this strenuous labor.
- Accessibility – Delivery trucks can reach storage bins in areas difficult for consumer vehicles to access, like backyard or basement hops.
- Cost savings – Bulk delivery allows purchasing bigger quantities for a lower per-ton price compared to smaller bagged quantities. It also saves fuel costs of driving to purchase pellets.
- Reliability – Having pellets automatically delivered on a schedule provides peace of mind that you won’t run out during cold snaps.
For most homeowners, wood pellet delivery offers significant advantages over buying and transporting pellets yourself. The increase in cost of delivery is usually more than offset by the convenience and other benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many consumers have questions about the wood pellet delivery process. Here we answer some of the most common queries:
How much do deliveries cost?
Delivery fees average $30-$60 per ton but decrease at higher tonnages. Total cost depends on base pellet price, fees, and local taxes. Bigger delivery quantities usually offer the best value.
How are pellets delivered?
Most residential deliveries use pneumatic blower trucks that pump pellets rapidly into storage bins through a sealed connection. Auger and tanker trucks are also used in some cases.
Do I need special equipment?
Yes, you need a pellet storage bin, interior conveying system, and exterior fill connection. Many providers can install required equipment if lacking.
How are deliveries scheduled?
Contact the supplier to request delivery when your bin is low. Most dispatch deliveries within a 1-4 day window but may charge fees for quicker or emergency deliveries.
Can pellets get wet during delivery?
Pneumatic trucks keep pellets enclosed so they stay dry. Open tanker trucks have some moisture risk but won’t deliver in rain. Avoiding winter deliveries also reduces moisture issues.
How do I pay for deliveries?
Payment options include check, credit card or cash on delivery. Suppliers may also offer payment plans over 6-12 months or longer-term financing options.
What quantity should I order?
Order enough pellets to fill your storage bin capacity, typically 3-12 tons. Suppliers can help calculate the right amount based on your bin size and usage rate.
When should I schedule deliveries?
Schedule the next delivery 2 weeks before you’re expected to run out to ensure new pellets arrive in time. For winter, schedule a full bin by late Fall.
How often are deliveries needed?
Delivery frequency depends on usage, but most homeowners need multiple deliveries per heating season – one early Fall fill-up and 1-2 midwinter top-offs. High demand households order monthly.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a wood pellet delivery company with an excellent reputation, quality pellets, transparent pricing, and flexible delivery options.
- Ensure you have proper pellet storage and handling equipment, including bins, augers and fill connections.
- Schedule deliveries about 2 weeks before you expect to run low to avoid depleting your pellet supply.
- Pneumatic blower trucks provide the fastest, most efficient residential pellet delivery directly into storage bins.
- Bigger delivery quantities (5+ tons) typically offer the lowest per-ton price including delivery fees.
- Consider payment plans or financing to spread the upfront cost of bulk pellet deliveries over time.
- Have pellets delivered rather than self-pickup and