DTI conducts training on unit load system

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau Product Standards (DTI-BPS), in cooperation with the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS), is conducting a training program on Unit Load System (ULS) for pallet manufacturers, raw material suppliers, pallet leasing, academe, testing institutions, government agencies and other local and foreign stakeholders of pallet technology.

"This training program is part of the Bureau’s efforts to enhance stakeholder’s understanding of the importance of pallet technology standardization in transporting goods and facilitating trade," DTI-BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull said.

The ULS training program aims to promote ULS in Asian countries by increasing awareness on the benefits and importance of unit load systems, especially palletization and standardization of logistics equipment.

A pallet is a rigid horizontal platform of minimum height compatible with handling by pallet trucks, and/or fork-lift trucks and other appropriate handling equipment used as a base for assembly, stacking, storing, handling or transporting goods and loads.

The pallet standardization or the process of establishing a common size, dimension, and performance of pallet trims cost across all levels of industry.

It helps accelerate the transfer of goods in basic unit load like sacks, crates, etc., by eliminating the need for manual or individual handling of products.

Moreover, it reduces damage on goods and loads during transfer, thus, enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of the products.

At present, the BPS, which is the National Standards Body of the Philippines, has adopted the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6780 - Flat pallets for intercontinental materials handling - principal dimensions and tolerances.

The Bureau is currently deliberating on ISO 8611-1 which specifies the test methods on pallets for materials handling.

Distinguished local and foreign technical experts from the Philippines, Japan and Korea will attend the training program to impart expertise in pallet and ULS.

Program discussion focuses on pallet standardization in the Philippines and Asia as a region, current situation of logistics, concept of pallet/ULS and technical standards, basic information on pallets, strength and testing methods of pallets, and current situations of palletization in each Asian country.