What does iGPS offer?
iGPS is leading a paradigm shift in the pallet-rental business from wood to plastic pallets with radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking capabilities. As the world’s first and only large-scale supplier of an all-plastic RFID-tagged pallet pool, iGPS’ business model provides manufacturers and retailers with compelling advantages.
What are the advantages of iGPS’ pallet versus wood?
iGPS’ plastic pallets are far superior to the best wood alternatives.
- Weight. Weighing around 50 pounds, iGPS pallets are up to 35% lighter than the typical multi-use wood pallet. Estimated 27-pound weight savings per pallet makes our pallets easier to lift for employees and saves up to 2,200 pounds per truckload, which translates into tremendous fuel and transport savings.
- Durability. iGPS meets both GMA and applicable ISO 8611-3 requirements and easily holds 2,800 pounds (edge rackable). Already in use at Fortune 100 companies nationwide, our pallets have passed every test and challenge they have been subjected to and continue to demonstrate exceptional durability every day in the supply chain.
- Contents protection. Our pallets feature 95% top-deck coverage for Gen 1, 87% for Gen 3 and Gen 6, providing greater rigidity and content protection than the typical multi-use wood pallet.
- Uniform size, shape and weight. Unlike wood pallets, our pallets are consistent in appearance and performance. With no broken boards or protruding nails, iGPS pallets work superbly in automated environments.
- Hygiene. Unlike wood pallets, which readily absorb liquids and can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, iGPS pallets are impervious to liquids and do not present a health risk. They are cleaned with simple detergent and water. In addition, iGPS pallets do not need to undergo heat treatment (which can result in mildew) or fumigation with methyl bromide.
- RFID. Each iGPS pallet has four identical RFID tags embedded in its frame, enabling shipment tracking in real-time.
- Environmentally Responsible. iGPS’ business model has been created with sustainability as a cornerstone. Our pallets are 100% recyclable. Should a pallet become damaged, it can be ground and remolded into new pallets, making its useful life indefinite.
What are the specifications of iGPS pallets?
iGPS pallets are made to exacting specifications by world-class suppliers and either meet or exceed both CBA and ISO 8611-3 standards, the world’s benchmarks. They are of uniform dimension (48″ x 40″)**, weigh between 49.5 – 54lbs (depending on the model), can handle loads up to 2,800 pounds and are fully edge rackable. For more details please visit our Pallet Spec page.
** Due to the effects of thermal expansion and contraction, and deviations in the manufacturing process, all dimensions are approximate.
Are iGPS’ pallets better for the environment than wood pallets?
Yes, and by a wide margin. An independent consulting firm, Environmental Resource Management, conducted two studies (2008 and 2020) to compare the full environmental impact of iGPS’ all-plastic pallet versus the typical multi-use wood pallet rented today. The study covered all aspects of environmental impact, including contribution to global warming, smog, ozone layer depletion and acidification. The study found that iGPS’ recycled plastic pallet had dramatically less environmental impact than the pooled multi-use wood pallet—on 6 out of 7 measurements. See this page for more detail.
How does RFID work?
The ability to tag a pallet with RFID is a major breakthrough in product traceability. Each iGPS pallet contains four redundant Gen 2 RFID tags embedded in its frame. All tags are readable in three ways— via RFID, bar code, or alphanumerically. Each pallet carries a unique serial number that is tracked throughout the supply chain, reducing administrative costs and facilitating billing reconciliation. No extra charge is assessed for use of RFID.
How does iGPS pricing compare to renting wooden pallets?
iGPS’ pricing is fully competitive with the rental of multi-use wood pallets. iGPS customers enjoy the advantages of using a pallet that costs 3-4 times more than wood if purchased. Among the benefits are: up to 35% lighter weight, resulting in lower fuel and transport costs, as well as decreased greenhouse gas emissions; the absence of protruding nails and splinters that can injure workers and damage products and equipment; increased supply chain visibility resulting from RFID; and proven operational savings.
What is the unit cost per pallet?
The cost of an iGPS pallet is significantly greater than the cost of a wood pallet to manufacture. However, because our pallets are more durable and require less maintenance over their lifespan, we can rent our pallets at a cost fully competitive with those made of wood. Each iGPS pallet will be in service longer and used with greater frequency than a wood block pallet, reducing the long-term cost to iGPS and our customers.
What are the benefits of renting pallets versus owning them?
A pooled system allows customers to contract for the exact number of pallets they need, rather than having to stock for peak seasons and keeping idle pallets in storage. Companies that have been using wood pallets – which are difficult to RFID-tag and track – can readily upgrade to iGPS pallets and avoid the expense of purchasing and maintaining a pallet inventory. In addition, the consistent weight and 48″ x 40″ dimensions of iGPS’ plastic pallets will allow customers to plan their shipments to closer tolerances and improve the volume of goods moved per load.
What industries can utilize iGPS’ services?
Any industry that ships unitized loads can benefit from our services. Prime examples are the grocery, pharmaceutical, consumer electronics, and consumer packaged goods industries.
Where is iGPS headquartered?
iGPS is headquartered in Orlando, FL.