FPL-GTR-52, USDA GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT: UNITIZING GOODS ON PALLETS AND SLIPSHEETS (NOV 1986

FPL-GTR-52, GENERAL TECHNICAL REPORT: UNITIZING GOODS ON PALLETS AND SLIPSHEETS (NOV 1986)., The main purpose of this manual is to provide a basic understanding of factors that must be weighed in choosing an optimal method of unitizing goods on pallets and slipsheets. These factors are many and, in most situations, a variety of persons are eventually involved in making the decision how a load is to be unitized. Part I deals with major considerations in the preparation of the unit load. Discussion includes questions of standards for stacking a load; unitizing equipment, and the several ways to stabilize the load: by antiskid treatment to diminish the movement of its parts, or by strapping, shrink wrapping, or stretch wrapping or netting to restrain the load. When unitized, the load should be compatable with the storage, handling, and shipping facilities by which it is sent to its destination. Shipping cost must, of course, be kept to a minimum, and a number of the factors discussed bear on the total cost of shipment. Moreover, the level of production and the nature of the loads may justify more or less new investment in equipment to reduce overall cost and improve the system. Most often unitization involves the use of wood pallets or wood-derived slipsheets as bases for the unitized load. Part II, therefore, is devoted to a discussion of pallets and slipsheets. It covers the classification by use of wood pallets, description of a variety of designs, and consideration of the properties intrinsic to the wood or resulting from how the wood members were prepared and the pallets constructed. Common defects and restrictions on substandard pallets are noted. Sometimes, nonwood pallets or slipsheets are desirable, end these also are discussed, to extend the usefulness of the, manual as a guide to the use of all the materials employed in unit-load preparation. The manual contains sufficient information to provide only a general understanding of the factors involved in choosing an optimal unitizing method. To learn the specific requirements for individual products and situations, of which a wide variety exist, copies of the standards and specifications listed in Appendix B should be obtained from the issuing organizations. Because every product and every situation is different, it is recommended that packaging, material-handling, warehousing, distribution, and marketing personnel should work together carefully to analyze the internal situation of the particular producer with regard to the method of unitization, and then work closely with outside material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and the transport industry.