Logistics cost reduction continues to top the agenda as companies face pressure in a tight economic environment. However, it's not just about cutting back on spending; it's about enhancing efficiency and improving logistics operations to stay competitive.One way of achieving this is through innovative solutions from companies like 2ndLevel Solutions. The company has introduced Porter Pallet, a plastic or cardboard sleeve and cover that allows pallets to be safely and securely double-stacked when they otherwise could not be. The solution is so efficient it can halve the number of trucks or railcars needed to transport palletised goods.According to Sean Petzer, owner of ESBD, the Africa agent for 2nd Level Solutions, significant savings can be made by the transporter as well as the exporter or owner of cargo using this product."Many types of cargo moved by sea or road require dedicated and exclusive space during transport, meaning the pallets cannot have anything stacked on top. This can apply to various high-value items or fragile products like pasta," explains Petzer. "Pallet Porters are available in reusable plastic that is f lat packed when not in use, as well as single-use cardboard covers. The cover is easily and quickly placed over a pallet, allowing for stacking. Up to 750 kilograms can be loaded on top, thus eliminating all dead space."Environmentally friendlyIt is also far more friendly to the environment, not only because the cardboard boxes are easily recycled, but it means fewer trucks on the road, more efficient transit and an overall reduction in costs, both direct and indirect, says Petzer."For example, a truck with a load capacity of 30 pallets can carry 55 pallets in the same truck using this solution," he explains. Currently, the market sees trucks either running half full or, in some cases, product owners paying for specialised mezzanine levels or even customised trailers to be built for their product to achieve load efficiency."This is not only a premium for the owner of the product or cargo, but the limitations to the trucking company are that they can only load the product into those trailers either due to the exclusivity of the agreement or the technicalities in the design of the custom-built trailers."According to Petzer, low or half loads make it difficult to hit breakeven and profitability for the trucking company.Dead space"This is why transporters will bill for dead space if their customer provides cargo that cannot be stacked. If they were to load their trucks more efficiently, breakeven would be achieved a lot sooner, without the need to run half-filled vehicles at high cost."He says another major challenge, theft or pilferage on the lower level of any cargo load because it's the easiest to access, is addressed with this solution. "Our plastic reusable solution has a lockable lid that can be sealed and is extremely difficult to break or cut, thus eliminating pilferage."He says the benefits of the pallet covers are not just to transporters but, ultimately, the owners of product as they no longer need to pay for more than what is needed in terms of space.Significant savings "We provide significant savings while eliminating the risk of theft or damage to the actual product or c a r go."For Petzer and the team at 2ndLevel Solutions, it is simple: for the cost of transport to come down, the cost of running transport solutions must come down. "This doesn't seem possible with global costs rising in every aspect of transport. But, if you can maximise your load capacity, you can increase profitability by reducing your costs because you now use fewer trucks. The same can be said about rail as well as sea freight. Efficiencies or smarter transportation are what will reduce your overall cost," says Petzer.
