Retail brands are increasingly recognising the power of returnable transit packaging (RTP) to improve their sustainability credentials and slash logistics costs.
With rising labour, fuel and single-use packaging costs, today’s retailers seek solutions that deliver lower transport and handling costs. In response, Loadhog has developed Dolly Max, the next-generation rolling container system. A modular solution with unrivalled versatility, Dolly Max enables retailers to adapt to the fluctuating needs of their supply chains.
The Dolly Max transport dolly is compatible with a whole host of container configurations for segregated or loose bulk goods, as well as traditional cardboard boxes. This makes it the ideal substitute for roll cages, shrink-wrapped pallets and pallet shippers – all of which have disadvantages. Roll cages can prove heavy to manoeuvre, often have inefficient brakes and can feature sharp metal touchpoints. Shrink-wrapped pallets, meanwhile, are not environmentally friendly and, along with pallet shippers, require separate handling equipment that takes up valuable shop-floor space.
By combining the Dolly Max with Loadhog containers – whether attached-lid, bail-arm or collapsible – and Loadhog’s award-winning Pallet Lid, retailers achieve a secure end-to-end handling system that is almost infinitely configurable. An eco-friendly alternative to stretch wrap, the reusable Pallet Lid features retractable straps and an integrated tensioning mechanism to secure the load. In this way, the Dolly Max provides the ultimate RTP solution, completely eliminating the need for single-use packaging.
The Dolly Max system is also ideal for handling ‘uglies’, with items such as cushions and footballs capable of being transported – and even presented to consumers – within a foldable sleeve unit. The ergonomic, one-touch sleeve lock has a large access point for safety shoes, and enables rapid system construction. Various sleeve sizes can be topped with Loadhog’s Stacking Tray, creating a secure platform for adding containers to form a mixed load.
Savings for Harvey Nichols
Capable of being wheeled directly onto the shop floor, dollies significantly reduce the need for additional handling, thereby easing labour issues. For example, by using Loadhog’s Pally 86 dolly, luxury department store Harvey Nichols has been able to pick goods from the warehouse shelf and not touch them again until the shop floor, removing no less than four touchpoints. The solution has also eliminated a significant amount of one-trip packaging from the retailer’s operation, reducing waste to landfill.
Features of the Dolly Max include an innovative, one-touch brake mechanism with easy access, which is both faster and more ergonomic than the castor brake found on most roll cages. The dollies can be linked and moved together to reduce marshalling time in distribution centres. The Dolly Max has excellent ground clearance and manoeuvrability, making it easy to navigate from delivery vehicles at the roadside into retail stores. In addition, the tare weight and footprint of the system enables use on all vehicle types, including smaller sprinter vans. Labelling, tracking and branding options are also available to safeguard both the packaging assets and the goods.
Of course, the Dolly Max system ticks all the boxes when it comes to sustainability, supporting companies to reduce their carbon footprint. The solution features recycled material to avoid UK plastic tax and can, as an option, be manufactured from 100% recycled material. Dolly Max also improves transport efficiency, increasing vehicle fill by 20% compared to standard roll cages. In addition, Loadhog offers a swap-out scheme at the end of the packaging’s life, when it can be reground and remoulded into a new, reusable solution.
Loadhog has supplied innovative RTP solutions for numerous leading retail brands including Pets At Home, Sky, Penguin Random House UK and Butcher’s Pet Care.
Tel: +44 (0) 114 2800 800
