Packaging Changes Require that Special Attention be Paid to Automated Carton Handling Equipment

For some time now the construction of vendor shipping cartons, used to ship all types of products, has been going through a redesign process leading to the accelerated use of “softer” and “lighter” materials. In one of the most extreme developments, cardboard is being replaced with stretch-wrap material. Many of these “cases” do not even have a cardboard tray on the bottom for support making them problematical for handling on powered roller conveyor and on some of the most common types of automated sorting equipment used in the DC.

While it’s relatively easy to understand how this initiative will directly lower packaging and shipping cost, its impact on overall logistics costs is just beginning to be understood.

One of the most obvious consequences of the wide spread use of...