There is an increasing trend in the use of steel cages for reverse logistics today. This provides a range of benefits including a control on waste, sustainable logistics solutions and a long-term cost-effective approach. In this article, we’ll be focusing on using steel cages for reverse logistics and offering some opportunities and advice on this solution. But first, what is reverse logistics?
Reverse Logistics
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First coined by James R. Stock in 1992, the term was not applicable before this time because stores and businesses were notorious in fighting tooth and nail against goods being returned even if they were damaged. It was only when the customer outcry for warranties, refunds, and replacements became loud that reverse logistics began to take effect.
Reverse logistics involves any activity associated with the backward movement of parts or goods back up through the supply chain. Alternatively, it is all activity associated with a product after the point of sale. So, it either involves products and goods that are returned to the seller or manufacturer because of faulty or defective quality, or it is the ability to reuse logistics materials over and over again to transport products or in shipping back returned or unused products.
Why Use Steel Cages?
There are many reasons why steel cages are useful for increasing cost control and productivity with reverse logistics. Some of these benefits are listed below.
Steel Cages for Cost-Effective Reverse Logistics
The traditional method of shipping goods to customers or to other sites is by shrink-wrapping or plastic wrapping parcels on wood pallets. Once received, the plastic wraps are disposed of. The wood pallets may be reused once or twice, but not beyond, since wood quickly becomes flimsy. And when products need to be returned for any reason, the whole process of shrink plastic wrapping on wood pallets is done again.
With steel cages, nothing is wasted. No plastic shrink-wrapping is needed because the goods or parcels are safe inside the steel cages. Goods that need to be returned can just be placed back in the steel cages and shipped. If no goods need to be shipped back, the metal cages can be collapsed and returned without taking up so much space.
Sustainable Logistics Solutions
One of the objectives of reverse logistics is to minimise the environmental footprint in doing business. This makes steel cages eco-friendly. Using steel cages will do away with single-use plastic and flimsy timber pallets that are wasteful. The reduction of waste and implementation of sustainable steel cages for reverse logistics not only improves the eco-friendliness of the supply chain but improves productivity for the operators who can continually re-use these solutions.
Reliable Protection for Parts
Steel cages offer durable, reliable protection for items in transport and storage. With a range of cages available, there are logistics solutions available to protect and organise items. Drop down gates, steel mesh construction, sheeted solutions and galvanised steel are all features that boost the longevity of the cage, as well as safeguard the stored items from impact damage.
What Makes DAYWALK Steel Cages a Good Choice for Reverse Logistics?
DAYWALK metal cages are economical since they can be used to transport multiple heavy parcels to a freight provider or customer and can then be returned empty because they are collapsible. Thus, steel cages are reusable over a long period, a proven cost-effective and long-term investment for any site or distribution centre.
Steel cages are ecologically friendly because their reusability does away with the need to shrink-wrap parcels to a pallet. This reduces the need for single-use plastics and wood pallets. Steel cages are built for safety right across the supply chain. Steel cages are carefully designed to be compatible with all pallet racking and forklifts. Their half fold-down gates allow for easy access during inspections, even when stacked. The gates and lid can also be locked for added security against theft.
Steel cages have proven durability. The galvanised steel finish and sheet flooring protect from rusting and corrosion. It also has steel mesh sides that protect the products inside the cage while still keeping everything visible for inspection.
Discuss Reverse Logistics Improvements
Talk to the DAYWALK team by calling us on 1300 662 987 or send us your enquiry here. We provide systems and solutions to complex storage and transport challenges, including reverse logistics and the use of metal cages. We are ready to talk over your latest ideas and challenges, to help you remove delays and component damage during transport and storage.
