In the past, methods of cross-border road transport were not efficient, due to the use of cages and other old fashioned methods. In order to streamline operations both domestically and cross-border, while saving costs, the IPC Pallet Box was created. The IPC Pallet Box allows for a more efficient use of road transport through minimising equipment tare weight and maximising use of the load capacity.

How does it work?

The IPC Pallet Box has been designed to be a 100% recyclable, environmentally friendly, durable, light weight and weather- and chemical-resistant. A durable construction with smooth internal surfaces ensures ease of cleaning and a longer and reliable service.

As a cost-effective Reusable Transit Packaging (RTP), IPC Pallet Boxes are both collapsible and have a very low tare weight, offering many advantages to the repatriation processes and storage between uses.

Stacking IPC Pallet Boxes, allows the fullest volume exploitation across operations especially lorry cargo space and load capacity utilisation, but also storage floor area during pre-transport staging and receipt at a destination Office of Exchange.

The Pallet Boxes are equipped with three RFID tags (one on each element of the Pallet Box), allowing for centrally managed tracking of assets. This data provides the backbone for IPC’s Central Pool Management, which tracks unit levels in circulation and stock levels at operating stations, thereby enabling a maximum use of the units while ensuring member posts have sufficient stock at all times.

 

Vital statistics

Benefits

Pallet BoxTransport

Postal Offices of Exchange benefit from double stacking, allowing for 66 “Euro Pallet” IPC Pallet Boxes to be transported on one truck, with a potential weight of more than 21 tonnes. Loose mail in stacked Pallet Boxes can significantly increase the load factor per truck and thus, reduces the number of trucks required.

Folding & storage

Sequential folding, performed by one person in approximately 30 seconds. No splinters, nails, screws or rotten loose boards. A foldable sleeve allows for easier repatriation and storage of empty and unused receptacles.

Easy sleeve

The IPC Pallet Box ‘Easy Sleeve’ with easy-access flap provides unrestricted access for efficient unloading of mail. The ‘Easy Sleeve’ reduces the need for bending and stretching, thereby reducing the potential of manual-handling injuries.

Security

An incorporated locking system that allows for security tags make it a secure and tamper-evident receptacle, thereby ensuring the safety of mail items.

Automated stock management

RFID compatibility allows for centrally managed streamlining to maximise the efficiency of operations in real time, equaling better stock management and delivering greater unit rotation efficiencies.

Facts and figures

  • Used by seven posts
  • 9,600 Pallet Boxes in use
  • 157,517 Pallet Boxes exchanged in 2018
  • 86 international routes

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More information

To find out more about the Pallet Box, please contact [email protected].