Logistical Packaging Units

Building block concept of logistical packaging:

(1) Unit Load - individual products packed into cartons, then loaded onto a pallet. This pallet will be known as unit load.

• Advantages of unit loads:
  -More items can be handled at the same time, thereby reducing the number of trips required and, definitely, reducing handling costs, loading and unloading times, and product damage.
  -Enables the use of standardized material handling equipment.





• Disadvantages of unit loads:
  -Time will be spent on forming and breaking down the unit load.
  -Cost of containers/pallets and other load restraining materials used in the unit load.
  -Empty containers/pallets may need to be returned to their point of origin.

(2) Unitisation- refers to loading bundles into pallets or the practice of placing several packages of cargo into a single unit in order to expedite and make easier for loadings and unloading of such goods. (http://www.agostini.com/insurance101U.html)

• Advantages of unitisation:
  -A uniform handling method and the use of combined, larger, quantities at one time, resulting in reduction of handling time, labour cost and damage to the produce.
  -Standard units will have standard shipping tariffs. (http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5016e/X5016E05.htm#5.%20Unitisation%20and%20standardisation)
  
  
  
• Containerisation- using of standard ISO container that can be loaded and sealed intact onto container ships. This term also applies to determining the right box and the best placement inside that box in order fulfillment.
• (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containerisation)