The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (Full Version)

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Thoughtful -> The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (6/21/2008 7:15:08 AM)

The main reason for the introduction of the block pallet was not to provide equal four- way entry but to use less wood.  A substantial part of three load bearing stringers has been eliminated.   Is this correct?
 
Most pallet loads are positioned and extracted from the same direction. This is dictated by fixed storage locations and movement area needed for handling equipment.  Then why is so much credibility given to four-way entry pallets?  To what percentage degree is this really valid in industry?  Or is it just on the DC’s manager’s wish list, kind of “just in case”?
 
The GMA pallet has performed nicely and still does primarily as a two-way pallet, though a partial four-way.  
 
Is the four- way entry block pallet a functional myth?
 
Correction, moderating or verification comments welcomed.
 
T



mxr4ever -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (6/27/2008 7:23:31 PM)

Vastly superior, I opened another company that is actually a end user of the block pallet, much less hasle, much more durable.



Sincerely Interested -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/3/2008 4:02:19 PM)

Hey, T.  Apparently the NWPCA doesn't think so...check this out.

http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6573901.html?q=pallets



Driver -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/3/2008 4:19:15 PM)

Another wonderful example of the “we know what is best for you” disease that permeates Washington DC and surrounding area.



hysch -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/3/2008 6:00:43 PM)

I don't think I like this kind of "help" from the NWPCA.



Thoughtful -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/4/2008 12:29:54 AM)

Hi SI.  I became aware of the NWPCA intention after posting, but it may confirm something. The decision to go "block" not stringer is more for economy than function.  With over 600 million blocks and not stringers in the EPAL system this seems to verify this. They just selected the cheaper wood option for Europe. Most blocks are still positioned and extracted the same way. Yes?

Is Bruce Scholnick's "guaranteed buy back system" a significant chunk out of your book? Is it time?

If this as a system kicks off it will change the industry as Driver and Hysch may have concluded.  You could substitute the 'If' with 'When'.

T



Sincerely Interested -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/9/2008 10:36:25 AM)

T, the block design is favored by grocery retailers (e.g. Kroger) because they can use pallet jacks from both sides, thus the "true 4-way" label.  A GMA stringer is only 4-way when using a forklift with narrow forks.  The cost of a block pallet is significantly higher than a GMA stringer pallet, thus I assume it is not an economic alternative.  Shippers (e.g. Kraft, P&G) do not favor the block pallet for functionality reasons or for cost reasons.  Besides cost, another downside factor of the block pallet is weight, which is a safety risk issue.

Driver, hysch, your concerns are legit in my view.  This is a significant shift in strategy/purpose for the NWPCA.  Do they see themselves looking like the CPC or EPAL in the future??



Small time guy -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/10/2008 10:15:33 AM)

Regardless of the pallet the NWPCA uses, this does represent an interesting twist to the industry.  While the obvious move within the industry has been towards the pallet pool, or more aptly, the logistic management of pallets, most of us haven't had the clout or the contacts to really become a serious player.  So the lobbying group takes the gloves off and starts the process themselves.  It's one sure way to increase membership in their organization, as well as ensure they are the uncontested voice of the industry.  The one thing that puzzles me though is why the block pallet?  The first thought that comes to mind is they are trying to weed out the white wood us recyclers depend on and force their pallet into the market, once again ensuring their growth.  Compliance from the bully pulpit.  I don't know.  Just a guess, but it seems a relatively logical one.  Thoughts?




hysch -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/10/2008 12:49:05 PM)

So here I am in 2009 maybe 2010 and I get this letter explaining the NWPCA's new "Asset Recovery Program" in which they will pay me $1.25 for every pallet that I return to them that has been marked "Property of NWPCA"
Excuse me while I pull the knife out of my back.

But really, rather than sit here and whine, if you are a member and you have an opinon then please share it with the NWPCA. If there are others who don't think they should use our money to compete with us then let them know. Or if you think that this is the only thing that will keep wooden pallets in demand then I'd love to hear your reasons behind that.



Sincerely Interested -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/14/2008 3:51:02 PM)

STG, you're being too paranoid about the "why".  It's more likely the result of a "me too" approach to strategic planning...offer a product that looks, smells and tastes like what is already out there.  CPC, EPAL, CHEP, block, RFID, 3rd party managed, etc. 

hysch, the reality is just the opposite...if this "system" were to "work" it would open the market to products that have a higher initial cost but longer life...plastics? metals?



mxr4ever -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/18/2008 3:46:28 AM)

Plastics may have better shelf life, but initial production costs are through the roof because of OPEC.  While used plastic pallets can be recylced, new ones must be produced, with enhanced procedures to meet fire codes, only from raw, petroleum based methods.



Driver -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/18/2008 10:42:09 AM)

A couple of points…
 
This NWPCA program adds to the generally accepted perception that the association continues to be out of touch with the main street views of our industry.  This revenue program is necessary because the association continues to attract only a couple of percent of pallet manufacturers. It also perpetuates the belt way tradition of the small interest groups dictating to the general population. 
 
Why a block pallet?  Could it be that the NWPCA knows that the true 4 way capability and other advantages over the stringer pallet, provides the best product for industry in North America? Not likely. The NWPCA picked block pallets because of its small market share. Like any other market manipulation scheme, you either use vast resources to change the majority product or promote the minority product as the next great thing.



Small time guy -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/18/2008 1:58:01 PM)

I'm glad to see I'm not the only conspiracy theorist on the board.  Regardless of the "why", the effect this will have is to replace established white wood with another block pallet that is the domain of someone I'd rather not associate with.  And while I agree with SI's point that this could be the introduction of a higher quality product into the market, I fail to see the positive ramifications it has for non-members of NWPCA. 

Obviously there are customers already in the planning stages of jumping to this, or else it would still be a dream.  Any ideas as to who they are?



Driver -> RE: The Block Pallet, A Functional Myth??? (7/18/2008 3:25:48 PM)

STG,
 
The phrase “The NWPCA is asking for industry help in further developing and refining it.”  says it all. It is simply marketing research (fishing expedition). I agree to the extent that customers have been identified. Maybe even a few cocktails shared at the local country club. But I believe we are (if ever) a long way from even a pilot program.  



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