I have been talking about it for the past few years, and now the day has finally arrived. We are excited to announce the availability of our completely updated and revised book about pallets, Pallets a North American Perspective, now available for purchase in paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon.com. Bulk and educational discounts are available. Please contact me for details: rick@packagingrevolution.net.
As back in the original 2003 edition, the goal of our 271-page love letter to pallets remains grounded in providing a broad introduction to pallets and the pallet industry. Our hope is that it will serve as a refresher to industry veterans and provide a useful introduction to newer pallet industry professionals as well as supply chain and procurement professionals. While not written for a single audience, we believe it will provide insights for pallet buyers, corporate pallet program managers and others interested in leveraging the power of pallets, including the rich history, current statistics, design, control and management, strategy and future outlook.
Here’s the script from Amazon:
Written by industry veterans Rick LeBlanc and Stewart Richardson, this completely updated and revised edition of Pallets a North American Perspective provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic of pallets and the pallet industry. It is a valuable introduction for anyone wanting to get a grounding in the subject of pallets and pallet markets. For industry insiders, the book is helpful in broadening your scope of industry knowledge and, for pallet customers, a useful introduction. Increasingly, customer education is a crucial component of building enduring sales relationships.
A lot has changed since the first edition was published in 2003! This new work explores the importance of pallets as an element of supply chain strategy. It tells the history of the pallet’s invention and evolution and the industry’s emergence. It reports current industry statistics and structure. It discusses pallet design considerations, helping you navigate your journey to finding your perfect pallet. The topic of pallet control and management is discussed in considerable detail and concludes with informed speculation on what lies ahead for pallet usage in North American supply chains.
No doubt we have missed important narratives or possibly got some wrong, so please feel free to reach out, and we will endeavor to update the book as new information is brought to our attention. Thanks to the wide support we have received from so many to make this publication possible.
Pallets: A North American Perspective
Table of Contents
Preface: The Power of Pallets Reimagined
The Pallet Market: One or Many?
Have Supply Chains Failed to Keep Pace with Pallet Innovation?
Book Organization
The Power of Pallets Reimagined
Preface – Discussion Points
Introduction (first edition, 2003)
Chapter 1 Why Palletize
Chapter 1 – Discussion Points
Chapter 2 Onward and Upward – The Origin and Early Use of Pallets
Pallets: How Did the Name Originate?
What Came First, the Pallet or the Forklift?
Transport Packaging at the Dawn of Palletization
The Beginnings of Palletization
The Emergence of Double Faced Pallets
Early Examples of Palletized Handling in Action
The emergence of pallet manufacturing plants
Chapter 2 – Discussion Points
Chapter 3 Called to Action
A History of Pallets During World War II
Sourcing and Managing Pallets for Quartermaster Supply Depots
Case Study: Williamsburg Millwork during World War II
GOPOs and the Standardization Initiative
Pallet Standardization
Pallet and Unit Load Research
Cahners and the Four Way Pallet
Role of Pallets in the Pacific and Beyond
Chapter 3 – Discussion Points
Chapter 4 An Industry Emerges
The Development of Pallet Manufacturing
Case Study: Nepa Pallet – 1970s Saw Rapid Growth
Overcoming Resistance to Palletization
The Emergence of Non-Timber Pallets
Steel Pallets
Plywood Pallets
Plastic Pallets
Molded Wood Pallets
Case Study: That Would Be Something!
Pallet Pooling.
The Move to Pallet Pooling in the United States
Pallet Rental in the U.S.
Pallet Pooling in Canada
An Industry Takes Root
Chapter 4 – Discussion Points
Chapter 5 The Emergence of Pallet Recycling
What Is Pallet Recycling?
The Emergence and Development of Recycling
Advantages of pallet recyclers versus in-house repair
The evolution of pallet repair equipment
Associations and Consolidation Efforts.
Case Study in Pallet Recycling: The Pallet Factory
Case Study of a Pallet Recycling Pioneer: John McGill
Recycling From the Perspective of Pallet Users
New or Recycled Wood Pallets: What’s the Best Choice?
Recycling Plays a Vital Role
Chapter 5 – Discussion Points
Chapter 6 Today’s Pallet Industry
Overview and Statistics
How Many Pallets Are There?
Industry Structure and Consolidation
Main Activities: New, Recycled, Brokerage, Onsite Services
Pallet Usage by Industry
Segmenting the Pallet Market by Pallet Material
U.S. Wood Pallet Statistics
Canada Wood Pallet Statistics
Mexico Wood Pallet Statistics
Plastic Pallet Market
Chapter 6 – Discussion Points
Chapter 7 Principal Pallet Designs
Pallet Classes
Block Pallets
Stringer Pallet Types
Stringer Pallet Styles
Block Pallet Types
Block Pallet Styles
Bottom Deck/Base Considerations
Pallets Designed for Every Application
Chapter 7 – Discussion Points
Chapter 8 Designing the Perfect Pallet
Designing the Perfect Pallet
The Perfect Pallet Balances Performance and Price Criteria
A Perfect Pallet for Whom?
Time for a Pallet Design Checkup?
Pallet Design Factors
Unit Load Characteristics
Unit Load Support Conditions
Unit Load Handling Environment
General Requirements
Transport Conditions
Government Regulations
Chapter 8 – Discussion Points
Chapter 9 Alternative Material Pallets (Alphabetical Order)
Compression Molded Pallets
Corrugated Paperboard Pallets
Engineered Wood Pallets
High Pressure Injection Molded Pallets
Profile Extruded Pallets
Rotational Molded Pallets
Metal Pallets
Structural Foam Molded Pallets
Thermoformed Pallets
Wood Pallets
Discussion Points – Chapter 9
Chapter 10 Developing and Maintaining Pallet Policy and Control
The Sustainability Imperative for Pallet Control
The Urgent Need for Pallet Control
Pallet Policy: Context and Definition
Bringing the Pallet Policy to Life
Executive Sponsor
Change Agent
Cross-functional Team
Pallet Program Manager (Pallet Controller or Pallet Coordinator)
Checklist for Top Management Sponsors of Pallet and Container Initiatives
Determining Pallet Costs in a Reusable Pallet System
The Pallet Policy Letter
Tracking Pallets
Poolside Behavior or Pallet Citizenship
The Ongoing Evolution of Pallet Tracking Technologies
Chapter 10 – Discussion Points
Chapter 11 Third Party Pallet Management
Open Loop or Closed?
Basic Pooling Models
Third Party Rental
Customized or Niche Third Party Management Programs
Chapter 11 – Discussion Points
Chapter 12 Future and Emerging Trends
Sustainability and Green Pallet Purchasing
Automation, Robotics and AI
Systems Thinking and AI
Government Regulation, Nearshoring, and More
A Long Way from a Bed of Straw
Discussion Points – Chapter 12
Trade Associations to Know
Glossary of Pallet Related Terms
Pallets a North American Perspective, is now available for purchase in paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon.com.