• More items can be handled at the same time, thereby minimising the number of trips required and, hence reducing handling costs and time.
• Enables the use of standardised material handling equipment, which will speed up the loading and unloading times.
• Allows better use of warehouse space as goods are well packed and stored.
• Minimises the risks of product damage and pilferage because items are bundled and secured.

Disadvantages of unit loads:

• Time spent on forming and breaking down the unit load.
• Cost of containers/pallets and other load restraining materials used in the unit load.
• Empty containers/pallets may need to be returned to their point of origin.

Six common types of unit load equipment are Pallets, Cartons, Bulk Load Containers, Intermodal Containers, Shrink-Wrap & Stretch-Wrap and Palletizers.

Material Handling Equipment