Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS), which offers plastic rental pallets with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in the pallets, said it will use Ryder System Inc. to provide reverse logistics solutions to support the continuous flow of pallets to, from and among its customer base of manufacturers and retailers.
The plastic iGPS pallet contains RFID tags for tracking and tracing and is 100% recyclable, says the company. Under a multi-year contract, Ryder will provide pallet distribution, RFID tracking and timely, efficient reverse logistics/redeployment of up to 175 million iGPS pallets per year for iGPS customers in North America.
“When we formed iGPS in 2006, our business model was to offer the supply chain the world’s finest, most innovative pallet, with key support services to be delivered by best-of-breed companies,: said Bob Moore, iGPS CEO. “The advantages for our customers would be operational excellence and low cost. It made total sense for us to call on Ryder, as they are known around the world for their world-class infrastructure, sophisticated carrier management information system and 75 years of knowledge in logistics and transportation. We were confident that their solutions would ensure consistent, quality customer service around the clock, everywhere that we operate. Today, despite these difficult economic conditions, we are investing in millions of additional pallets to meet growing customer demand. The Ryder team is right by our side, helping us put our investment to work immediately and to leverage additional customer efficiencies.”
As part of the solution, Ryder will continue to operate a Web-enabled transportation and procurement function based on iGPS’s business parameters to manage all inbound and outbound third-party transportation providers supporting iGPS’s North American operations. Ryder will also continue to provide on-site management, procurement of transportation, routing instructions, compliance management, and freight bill audit and payment services. Expanded services include development of a customized reverse logistics optimization solution for iGPS based on actual historical data, company-specific processes, and real-world experiences gained serving as iGPS’s logistics provider through its rapid expansion since 2006.
The iGPS plastic pallet weighs 30% less than the typical multi-use wood pallet, contains four RFID tags for tracking and tracing and is 100% recyclable, says the company. iGPS pallets meet or exceed GMA requirements and have received fire performance certification under FM Approvals 4996 and UL 2335 (file no. R25482).
“iGPS has worked collaboratively with shippers and receivers to re-engineer and completely rethink a staple element of the standard manufacturing and production process that had remained essentially unchanged through the past 60 years of manufacturing process improvements,” said John Willford, president of Ryder Supply Chain Solutions. “We are extremely proud to play a role in bringing this multi-faceted innovation to a broader base of manufacturers and retailers, while helping iGPS and its customers derive even further benefits from the efficient movement and utilization of its pallet pool.”
