Posts Tagged “pallet”
Rehrig Pacific Company, a market leader in logistics & supply chain management, reusable transport packaging, and environmental waste & recycling solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of their new GMA Rackable Plastic Pallet.
The GMA Rackable Plastic Pallet is the latest in Rehrig Pacific’s supply chain solutions. “We’ve engineered the GMA Pallet as a result of customizing innovative products and solutions that help our customers achieve a lower cost-per-trip, improve sustainability, and ultimately provide efficiency in every aspect of the supply chain,” said Jerry Koefelda, General Manger for Rehrig Pacific Company.
The new GMA Pallet is 100% recyclable and made from a high-density polyethylene resin using high-pressure injection molding that prevents moisture and bacteria absorption. The GMA Pallet meets current FMSA and ePedigree traceability standards, providing the ability to track and trace product movement throughout the supply chain. The precise monitoring system tracks temperature conditions, shock and vibration to lower the risk of liability due to product damage or loss.
About Rehrig Pacific Company
Rehrig Pacific has been helping customers find better ways to transport and store their products for 100 years. Founded in 1913, Rehrig Pacific has become a world-leading provider of logistics & supply chain management, reusable transport packaging, and environmental waste & recycling solutions. In addition to roll-out carts, recycling bins and commercial containers for the waste & recycling collection industry, Rehrig Pacific also manufactures plastic pallets and containers servicing the agriculture, bakery, beverage, dairy and materials handling industries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., Rehrig Pacific serves customers with manufacturing and service locations throughout the United States and Mexico in addition to sales offices in South America and Europe.
Press Release: Rehrig Pacific Co.
Hauling fresh produce tends to provide much higher freight rates than dry freight, obviously because of the perishability of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the extra care required with temperature, humdity, air circulation in the load, etc.
The higher risk to which truckers are exposed, also includes the possibilites of claims that reduce a driver’s pay check, or even worse, having the load rejected.
The degree of exposure to problems upon arrival at destination can depend on the honesty and integrity of the parties involved. Did the shipper pre-cool the product? Did the driver maintain proper temperature settings? Did the buyer or receiver pay too much for that product five days ago when the order was placed, and now the fruit on the market is worth $2 a box less? All of these examples can lead to claims or rejections with produce loads.
There have been studies over the years including the recent one titled Comparison of Pallet Cover Systems to Maintain Strawberry Fruit Quality During Transport which provides some interesting information. For example, this research concludes that TransFresh Corp’s Tectrol process reduces fruit decay by increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in pallets covered by bags.
With CO2 levels increased by 11 to 16 percent, Tectrol beats its competitors in the important area of decay in strawberries by up to seven percent following delivery and two days on the shelf.
So how does this translate into a reduction in claims and load rejections for the produce trucker, if there is less decay in product being transported?
“That’s an interesting equation,” states Rich Macleod of TransFresh Corp. , Salinas, CA. “No one will ever talk about that. No one gives us their data. We’ve never been able to prove that (fewer claims, rejected loads), because we get it (information) by hersay.”
Macleod says experienced drivers know if they pick up a load of strawberries covered with bags, they are confident there will be no problems with that load. The expert in controlled atmosphere loads has been told by retailers “…their strawberry program is much easier” since using Tectrol.
However, when he asks that customer for data relating to load rejection and claims for strawberries comparing shipments with and without CO2 infused bagged pallets, he hits a stone wall. Those receivers acknowledge the benefits of Tectrol, but refuse to provide any statistics.
(This is the last of a 6-part series featuring an interview with Rich Macleod, vice president, pallet division North America for TransFresh Corp., Salinas, CA. He has been with company since 1976, and has a masters degree in post harvest science from the University of California, Davis.)
Equipment Modifications Announced by TransFRESH Now Make Tectrol Available to Strawberry Shippers Who Employ Reusable Plastic Containers
SALINAS, CA May 16, 2012 ‒ TransFRESH Corporation has announced that 
palletized Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) used by a select number of growers and shippers in the berry industry now work seamlessly with the company’s proprietary Tectrol® Modified Atmosphere system due to innovative equipment modifications made by the TransFRESH team.
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TransFresh squeeze completes the cycle of inserting the bottom seal on a pallet that is now ready for the Tectrol bag and seal.
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“We’ve implemented certain adjustments that make our equipment ‘RPC Capable’ for shippers who use RPCs as part of their box or carton mix,” according to Rich Macleod, vice president, TransFRESH Pallet Division North America. “This makes it possible for berry growers, shippers and retailers to take advantage of the benefits of Tectrol® regardless of the package method.”
Previously, growers and shippers using RPCs experienced a more complicated process that involved placing the bottom seal on the pallet in the field. However, with the new modifications, it’s now possible to run RPC pallet units on the company’s automated equipment provided at the coolers, ensuring the ease and integrity of the sealing process.
“The goal of our Tectrol Service Network is to remain ahead of the curve in terms of marketplace and customer demands,” said Macleod. “We realized that with some adjustments and retooling, we would be able to ensure a viable seal on all sides of the RPCs, making it possible for shippers who provide Tectrol® to readily apply our technologies with RPC palletization.”
Studies have shown that Tectrol’s high CO2 (carbon dioxide) modified atmosphere may reduce decay and thereby protect the quality of fresh strawberries throughout the distribution process. Berries shipped using the Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging System are shown in university, USDA and private studies to deliver strawberries with less decay.
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About TransFRESH® TransFRESH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands (NYSE: CQB), is a pioneering and established global company, with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol ® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFRESH® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFRESH®. The Tectrol® Service Network™ services, markets and supports the Tectrol Pallet Systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFRESH’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol® as the industry standard.