Supply Chain industry dependence on pallets is obvious. On one way, it is needed in the movement of materials and goods. On the other hand, it is an expense that cuts deeper when pallet damage causes product damage. The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) of the USA is solving this issue with the formation of an industry-wide pallet supplier management system. The program will be directed by a not-for-profit entity, giving pallet owners a cost-effective advantage at the outset. It will be governed by a board of directors comprised of pallet purchasers and providers. Pallet quality will be guaranteed through rigorous and continuous third-party inspections by qualified inspection agencies. Pallet movement will be managed by a secure closed-loop logistic tracking system operated by NWPCA in cooperation with pallet suppliers and owners. Each pallet will be a block style and have RFID and bar code identification. This program is being modeled on Europe’s EPAL and the Canadian Pallet Pool (CPC).
