[Who is it for?]

[How does it work?]

[Program Services]

[Benefits]

What is the "Pallet Assistance Program" (PAP)

The Pallet Assistance Program is a comprehensive pallet management program that encompasses all facets of the customer's pallet program. Services include, but are not limited to, on-site sorting, repair, waste removal, report generation, and inventory control.

In short, the PAP takes care of all aspects of the pallet program with complete accountability. This allows the customer to concentrate fully on their primary business functions.

Who is the "Pallet Assistance Program" best suited for?

The program is best suited for companies that are dealing with high volume manufacturing or distribution. The reason is that these facilities tend to have high volumes of inbound and outbound pallets along with extensive production rotation. Through normal daily operations and the use of a pallet exchange system, these operations tend to accumulate sub-standard pallets in their pallet pool.

How does the "Pallet Assistance Program" work?

At the Beginning:

The basis of this program is its flexibility. The following is a list of the basic components of the program. Each program is customized to fit the customer's individual needs. Your company may utilize some or all of the listed services.

In order to determine which services are going to be the most effective, we will create a pallet program file for your company. The activities involved with this profile are as listed:

  • Questionnaire regarding basic historic pallet usage and your "wish list".
  • Interviews with key personnel to determine any problems they are currently facing.
  • On-site survey of the space (if any) delegated for sorting, trailer drops, etc...
  • On-site observation of system flow.
  • During the transition phase of the PAP, all steps possible to make the transition as smooth as possible will be taken.

    • Basic Program Services

    1. Pallet Sorting: This is the start of any complete program. All pallets that enter into the system through pallet exchange or pallets that have been through a rotation in the warehouse are brought to the sorter. The reason for this is two-fold. First, it ensures that all pallets that enter into the system are of the proper specification. Secondly, all pallets that are sorted as ready-to-go save in repair costs. Pallets will be sorted to the following grades:

    • R.T.G.'s=> (Ready-to-go's) These pallets meet the minimum company specifications (which is set by that particular customer) and are put directly into circulation.
    • Un-repaired / Misc.=> These pallets have some sort of deficiency (damaged deck or runner, or odd sized). These pallet are then sent to be repaired.
    • PECO / NPLS / CHEP=> Program pallets will be sorted out and put onto the appropriate trailer. PECO pallets will be put on the "white wood" trailer because WestWind is a PECO Depot.
  • 2. Pallet Repair: After sorting, all non-suitable, program, and misc. pallets are put on a "spot-trailer" (We will drop as many trailers as necessary). When the trailer is full it is then brought back to the WestWind repair facility. Once the trailer arrives at APWFC, it is quickly sorted in the following categories:
    • TBR GMA's: To be repaired 48x40 4-way pallets.
    • Program Pallets: PECO, NPLS, or CHEP. These pallets will be returned to appropriate depots.
    • Disposables: Misc. and non-repairable pallets to be recycled to mulch or component parts.
  • All pallets brought to the repair line are refurbished to the highest possible specification. Pallets that brought back to acceptable specifications are returned to the customer at a repair price. Repaired pallets are graded as follows:
    • #1 48x40 4-way pallets: All three runners are in tact (no companion runners or plugs), pallet is a hardwood, and the lead boards are 6" in width.
    • #2 48x40 4-way pallets: Plugs are acceptable (only full 18" notched plugs), but only one per quadrant.
    • #3 48x40 4-way pallets: Basically "the rest" as far as repairable pallets are concerned. There can be more than one plug per quadrant and 6" block are permitted.
    • Un-repairable: These pallets are beyond repair and are torn apart for components or ground for mulch.
  • 3. Inventory Management: The essence of this entire program is the formation of a business partnership. Communication between the two parties is a must. The basics and terminology of the inventory management portion of the program are as follows:
    • Minimum Quantity Inventory (MQI): When the program is installed, the customer and WestWind set a MQI for all sizes and grades of pallets involved in the program. The bulk of the inventory is to be kept through sorting and repair. If minimum quantities cannot be obtained through these means, WestWind will supplement the inventory with purchased pallets.
    • Pallet Bank: If there is a surplus of pallets suitable for your company's use through sorting and repair, WestWind will "bank" the surplus inventory at our facility to be called on as necessary.
    • Ceiling Buy-Back: In certain situations, companies may generate an extreme excess of pallets in their pallet bank. If this is the situation, a ceiling can be put on the "bank quantity". Once the bank reaches this level, WestWind would automatically buy the surplus at a pre-determined, agreed upon price.

      All activity will be tracked and disclosed in a weekly or monthly report. (see Accountability Section) As mentioned earlier, communication is a must. If there are projected surges in pallet usage, it must be communicated.
  • 4. Accountability: This is where the power of the program really becomes apparent. Every aspect of the program is tracked to the last pallet. Imagine having your entire pallet program in a easy to read report. It will eliminate the guess work in what your pallet program costs.

    • Again, all aspects of the program and the information on the reports are customizable. Listed below is just a glance of the information that you will receive.

    • Sorting results: This will show you the number of pallets brought to the sort station, the number of RTG's obtained from the sort, and information on trailers loaded with non-RTG pallets.
    • Repair results: You will get a breakdown of the repair results by grade, and a summary of the pallets you have available to you in your bank.
    • Pallet buy-back summary: This gives you a breakdown of the non-spec. pallets purchased from your company by WestWind Co.
    • Pallets purchased summary: This is a breakdown of the supplemental pallets purchased from WestWind (if any) to meet your pallet needs.
    • Program Cost or Revenue summary: This section shows you what the pallet program cost or generated for a given period.
    • VIEW A SAMPLE REPORT

    PAP_thumb

     

    Let's sum it all up!  Click on the image to the left to get a diagrammed view of the fully implemented program.

    Benefits of the program:

    • Saves you employee labor, freeing time and money for core business activities.
    • Total accountability of entire pallet program (inbound and outbound).
    • The use of drop trailer and outside repairs frees valuable warehouse space.
    • Revenue generated from non-spec excess pallet "buy-back".
    • Increased quality of pallets throughout system due to sort after every cycle.
    • Increased safety due to high quality, correctly repaired pallets.
    • Improved customer relations (elimination of pallet complaints due to poor quality).
    • Complete inventory control.
    • Totally customizable service.
    • Free wood waste and scrap pallet disposal.
    • Knowing your exact cost per unit load.

    recycler

    The Environment is everyone’s responsibility.  At WestWind Logistics, LLC, we recycle 100% of our wood waste. We are looking to the future!

    [Pallet Assistance Program]