Redefinition of pallet configurations

In English Current pallet configurations, specifically pallet heights, are hindering the packaging solutions provider, Boxon Pak AB, from making an optimum use of transport resources. Differences in pallet heights in combination with the vertical space limitation of the transportation units sometimes preclude double stacking the pallets, which delivers as a consequence the shipment of unfilled trucks and undesirable transported air, increasing the transportation cost per product.
The main purpose of this study is to analyze and suggest pallet configurations for one Boxon´s suppliers of corrugated cardboard boxes, Mondi, in order to achieve cost efficiency of inbound transport operations by increasing the fill rate of the trucks. With the thesis it is also aimed to obtain environmental impact reduction and to develop guidelines to redefine pallet configurations


The current average fill rate of the standard semi-trailers delivered from Mondi to Boxon can be increased if pallets are redefined to a height of 1300 mm, if non-full pallet deliveries are avoided and if some changes in layer pattern configuration are assumed. The study carried out only on the 88 materials responsible for the 80% of the volume transported from each Mondi factory showed that, if changes are applied, potential annual savings up to 94.000 € can be achieved. Additionally, 79 pallet positions in total can be released in the warehouses studied, 64 trailers less would be needed a year, and also 11% of the pollutant emissions per m3 used during transportation can be reduced. Also a decrease of 14% in the total annual emissions can also be perceived. Guidelines were developed in order to extend the study to the rest of Mondi products and to other providers.