Total pallet management – Picking the right partner

In last week’s post, we examined how to select the right services for your pallet management.  This week we explore how to pick the right partner to handle your unique requirements.

First, establish a clear scope. As mentioned, there are many pallet management services from design, repair, inspection/sortation, and inventory management to pallet sales and waste removal. Once you know what you need, develop a written specification. Your standards may include pallet type, grade, size, or material, and may extend to policies and procedures. When you reach the bidding stage, present this specification to all providers. This enables you to compare price on an apples-to-apples basis. (Written standards also help to hold your chosen vendor accountable.)

Next, research providers near you (or with affiliates near you) with the capabilities you desire. It is always beneficial to work with a vendor that offers a multitude of services. That way, if you need to upgrade in the future, it is easy to do.

What to Ask Potential Pallet Management Partners

When you narrow it down to a few finalists, be sure and discuss the following:

1. Who are your current customers? (Follow up with these referrals and verify satisfaction.)
2. Do you abide by OSHA and other government regulations?
3. Is your workforce verified as legally allowed to work in the United States?
4. How is quality control measured or managed? (Some vendors may entice you with a lower cost, but then cheat you on pallet counts, use different pallet grades, or otherwise cut corners.)
5. What type of equipment will be used?
6. Discuss insurance (for product and workers) and liability coverage.
7. Do you require a contract? What are the terms?

Ultimately, however, you have to be able to trust your supplier. If you select on-site pallet management, they will be coming into your facility and must abide by certain regulations and other conditions. If you select off-site pallet management, your provider must operate efficiently, ethically, and handle any pallet issues without your direct supervision.

The provider you choose should also be flexible and willing to experiment with different pallet management programs. If one program doesn’t seem to be working or yielding expected results, a reputable pallet provider will help you develop and implement a different approach.

Want to know more, contact the pallet pros at Rose Pallet. We’re ready and prepared to help you for the long haul.