Estimating the Optimal Ratio of Standard Pallet Use for Logistics Standardization

This paper analyzes how levels of logistics standardization are related to logistics costs. The study surveyed ratios of standard pallet use in order to measure levels of firms' standardization in logistics management. Research focused on how firms' logistics costs were related to their levels of logistics standardization and ratios of standard pallet use. After measuring use of standard pallets and logistics costs, optimal levels of logistics standardization were estimated based on survey data. Logistics costs and standardization were more related to labor than to freight volume or export. Results indicated that firms could reduce logistics costs by raising levels of logistics standardization; optimal levels of standard pallet use out of Korean firms' total manufacturing cargo volume were estimated at 44.26% for multi-standard pallets and 57.99% for a single standard pallet (a unit load system). The study demonstrated that adopting a single standard pallet results in better cost saving logistics systems than use of multi-standard pallet types. These results may explain why firms pursue standardization in logistics systems.