The basics and problems of pallet exchange in Europe

For years, Euro-pallets have been increasingly popular. Their popularity lies in the form of furnishings in different kind of shapes. A large growth of pallet use is in the transportation world, where the wooden pallet has its original usage. But where is the problem with pallets?

The rise of reusable pallets in European goods transport has increased in the last years and it is now necessary. Some European countries have approximately 100 million wooden pallets in circulation each year. The problem with goods exchange delivered on pallets is the problem because of returns for empty pallets. At first sight, it’s a simple pallets exchange, but it’s still trouble with all involved sides. First, you have a transport company, a driver who transports goods, and the recipient of the unloaded goods. All these sides have their own set of problems.

How pallets exchange work

When the driver came to the loading place, he give empty pallets and they load goods that are usually packed on pallets. Then, the driver does the same exchange at the unloading place and he receives the same number of empty pallets for goods already packed on pallets. Every time goods are loaded or unloaded, the driver and the recipient of the goods must agree upon the number of pallets to be exchanged. These numbers are recorded on the pallet note.

But not all situations are ideal. The exchange process has become significantly more complex.

Problems with the exchange process?

Why does the pallet exchange have such a bad reputation?

Every truck driver needs to transport 33 exchangeable Euro-pallets. Since the lorry has to offer full capacity if no palletized goods are to be transported. In particular, in international traffic, changing conditions must be foreseen. But, if the driver does not carry any empty pallets to exchange, because he received none at the last unloading point, for example, he is then in debt with the following loads. So, the transporter is then committed to delivering them at a later point or paying for the invoice.

On the other hand, there are also difficulties such as when the recipient is at the ramp of the unloading point. When the company receives the goods but gives the driver an incomplete number of pallets or damaged ones. All the process of exchanging pallets needs to be documented on pallet note.

Why is pallet exchange different when using Palletiva software?

It can help you track the status of pallets of your warehouses and trailers. Every exchanged pallet can be recorded in the software. Any pallet that is not on record can potentially cost you. Keep records of pallet replacements and quantities in the warehouse.

Every pallet that you have in track means that it is a pallet that the company will not have to pay for. With different reports, you can review every documented exchange.