Glossary

Load Unit

Definition

A load unit, also known as a unit load, is a standardized, pre-assembled, and secured group of items bundled together for efficient handling, storage, and transportation. Load units can vary in size and form, but they are generally designed to optimize the use of space in warehouses, trucks, or containers. Common examples of load units include pallets, crates, cartons, and containers. The use of load units streamlines the logistics process, as it allows for easier handling, reduces the risk of damage, and simplifies tracking and inventory management.

— sennder Team

FAQ

The main purpose of using load units is to improve the efficiency of handling, storing, and transporting goods. By grouping items together into a single load unit, the number of individual items that need to be handled is reduced, which can save time, labor, and resources. Load units also help to protect the goods from damage during transportation and facilitate easier tracking and inventory management.
There are several types of load units, including pallets, crates, cartons, and containers. Pallets are flat platforms made of wood, plastic, or metal, which can be loaded with goods and easily moved using forklifts or pallet jacks. Crates are rigid boxes made of wood, plastic, or metal, designed to protect and transport goods. Cartons are lightweight boxes made of cardboard, often used for smaller items. Containers are large metal boxes used for intermodal shipping and can be easily transferred between trucks, ships, and trains.
The size of a load unit depends on the type of goods being transported, the mode of transportation, and the storage capacity available. Load units should be chosen based on their ability to efficiently utilize the available space, protect the goods, and facilitate easy handling. In some cases, standard sizes may be used, while in others, custom load units can be created to meet specific requirements.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

A beverage company needs to transport a large quantity of bottled drinks from its production facility to various distribution centers. The company decides to use pallets as load units for efficient handling and transportation. The bottled drinks are arranged on the pallets in layers and secured with shrink wrap. The loaded pallets are then transported using forklifts to trucks, where they are efficiently loaded and secured. The trucks deliver the pallets to the distribution centers, where the load units can be quickly unloaded and moved to the appropriate storage area.

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