Pallets and containers are ordered by customers through a Web-based interface, and they are reported on the Web once items are shipped in order to transfer liability to the trading partner. Distributors ship the retail ready containers and pallets through to their retail outlets and return them to their distribution center for shipment to the washing plant.



Often has been the case with retail ready packing used in container pooling that stores are reluctant to return retail ready package because they make attractive displays which are easy to move around the store.

When container pooling has been introduced to the fresh produce packing operations are labor-intensive, they can change over from expendable to reusable boxes on short notice. One bonus has been that produce can be harvested and packaged in plastic containers during rainy conditions; previously, packing operations would have to cease in the rain because of the detrimental impact on cardboard containers from moisture. The reusable containers also benefit fresh produce because unlike wood they are resistant to odors. So onions can be shipped on a pallet one week and the next week strawberries can be sent with out having to worry about odor contamination.

Product losses can be reduced substantially because of the superior protection offered by the reusable plastic crates in container pooling. Labor costs have been reduced, too. "The consensus has been that a retail store with 100 employees will save approximately one employee on a yearly basis due to less handling required with the RTI versus expendable packaging," according to an industry expert. Container pooling utilizes retail ready packing, cuts waste costs, and saves on storage and labor cost.