Other Programs > Palletization

Requirements

The requirements to be able to perform the functions documented in this Guide are as follows:

  • DAT-MAIL software must be installed and registered on the server and then any workstations (if applicable).

  • DAT-MAIL’s Palletization Module must be enabled.

    For all users of the Mother Pallet View:

  • A MID that will only be used in DAT-MAIL to avoid duplicating pallet barcodes with your presort software.

  • Set up Pallet Tracking and Intelligent Mail Barcodes in Program Settings > Program Setup. See Advanced Navigator - Palletization - Pallet Tracking Database for more information.

Overview

The DAT-MAIL Palletization Module creates ‘mother pallets,’ which are pallets that hold sacks or trays. However, it does not palletize flats or bundles of flats directly onto a pallet; this must be done by a presort program.

When running the Palletization Module, you have options to palletize loose trays or sacks or repalletize an entire job. You can also palletize each segment individually (each segment is usually a separate production run or presort) or palletize across all segments (traditionally done for copalletization).

This Palletization Module is NOT designed as a replacement for your presort program’s palletization option. A presort program’s palletization routines can palletize flats on pallets and change the production sequence to pallet order so that pallets can always be built as mail comes off the production line. Creating USPS sorted pallets with this module can require you to stage multiple pallets simultaneously since an unpalletized file may not be produced in pallet sequence. This is not a problem for mailers who copalletize nor mailers who run a job on multiple production lines and often find themselves in this situation.

The DAT-MAIL Palletization Module is designed to supplement a presort program’s palletization program. This module creates what was formerly known as ‘courtesy pallets’ for all loose trays and sacks remaining after the presort program’s palletization program runs. It can also be used to create USPS sorted pallets for non-palletized Mail.dat files from outside vendors.

Another important use for this module is copalletizing multiple jobs or versions together by merging the Mail.dat files for such jobs and versions, then running the palletization program across segments. This will reduce the number of pallets you create and maximize the cost-effectiveness of drop shipping. The challenging aspect of copalletizing is the logistics of combining sacks or trays from different production runs without the necessary labor costing you more than is saved.

Most palletization options can be run automatically at the end of the import process so that you can easily enjoy the benefits of this program without changing your standard operating procedures. However, creating USPS sorted pallets cannot be done without running a freight plan after the palletization is complete.

Why Use DAT-MAIL’S Palletization Module

Some critical reasons to use DAT-MAIL’s Palletization Module include, but are not limited to:

  • Palletization ensures that all mail is electronically represented on pallets within a Mail.dat, which can be passed to USPS PostalOne!.

  • Palletized mail is easier to transport and track using the USPS FAST system.

  • By electronically representing all of your mail on pallets, you can use DAT-MAIL to print barcoded pallet placards and skid sheets for every pallet.

  • The Sack/Trays on Pallet Reports can provide concise instructions to your shop floor for producing the pallets. If you are copalletizing, the Copalletization Breakout Report will show you the make-up of each pallet by the original job.

  • DAT-MAIL features a Pallet Tracking Database that crosses all jobs, which will provide valuable reporting and eventually provide the basis of some exciting new capabilities. For any of these reports or features to be helpful, all mail must be represented on pallets, and all pallets must carry our system-generated User Container ID (UCID).

Continue Palletization Steps