Wooden pallet purchasing costs are far higher than for solid-fibre, corrugated or plastic slipsheets. Since the implementation of the FAO's new worldwide ISPM 15 measures (Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade), pallet producers have had to raise their prices to cover additional administrative costs. Additional costs can vary anywhere from 5% to 10% of their sale price and are being passed on to pallet users. In many countries, insurance companies have imposed strict requirements in response to fire department safety measures. Rules are becoming increasingly stringent and in some cases, insurance premiums have increased by as much as 300%. (Source: EPVisie, Iss. 11, 2003).
Pallet return costs
Pallet usage also entails pallet return costs. In many cases, used pallets are under deposit and have to be sent back to the supplier. This means that
trucks loaded with pallets drive thousands of extra miles every year shipping thin air! Other disadvantages of pallets are the pallet rental companies themselves. Pallets also need to be accounted for – the quantity of pallets being returned remains a perpetual uncertainty, as is the time of their return. Moreover, there is the wasted space used to store empty
pallets in warehouses. Ultimately, all these additional costs are passed on to the customer. Although actual shipping and administration costs are unknown, savings can be considerable.
Slipsheet benefits
- lower purchasing costs
- greater volume/weight utilization
- 98% less empty stacking space
- reduced handling
- no administration costs
- environmentally friendly
- no damage to goods
- improved hygiene
- easier to clean
- HACCP and ISPM 15 compliant
A disadvantage of slipsheets is that a special attachment is required, e.g. a push-pull system. |
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Slipsheets... environmentally friendly
The environment is a major issue nowadays. Slipsheets are particularly environmentally friendly. Increasing numbers of companies are producing slipsheets from recycled materials, e.g. cardboard or plastic, that are of the same quality as regular slipsheets.
More information about inexpensive single-use pallets.
