Logistical unit

21. November 2024

The term “logistical unit” (unit loads) refers to a grouping of goods in order to subsequently move them inside or outside the warehouse using automatic or mechanical means of transport. The aim of combining individual units is to increase efficiency in the logistics chain.

The effort involved in bundling the units should be kept to a minimum. In the best case scenario, the units are retained across the entire supply chain without having to be broken down into partial quantities in the course of the process. Ideally, this would mean

Packaging unit = storage unit = order unit = loading unit = transport unit = sales unit

The advantages and disadvantages of a logistical unit

Theadvantages of forming logistical units are extensive. These include

Increased handling capacity
Facilitated automation
Coordinated units with the means of transport
Reduced storage space requirements, due to stacking of units
Reduced material flow costs

Thedisadvantage is that although the costs for the material flow are reduced, costs are incurred when forming units. For example, costs must be expected due to the administration of loading aids. Costs are also incurred for the return transport of loading aids. Loading aids are used to combine smaller units into a common unit in containers for transport or compact storage. This means that Euro pallets, ISO containers or pallet cages can be designated as loading aids.

Efficient Unit Load

“Efficient Unit Loads” means “efficient logistical units”. The Efficient Unit Load (EUL) concept is based on ISO 3676 “Packaging – Packages and loading units ready for dispatch – Dimensions of loading units”. The concept focuses on the optimisation of logistics units in terms of space and volume utilisation. Loads consisting of small standardised units are to be formed in such a way that the handling effort is minimised. The aim is to keep space and volume utilisation as high as possible.

You can find more information on small load carriers under KLT.