Returnable transport packaging (RTP) has moved on significantly since the emergence of that retail staple, the metal roll cage. Manufactured from durable plastic, Loadhog says its Dolly Max Rolling Container System delivers more versatility, a safer user experience, greater manoeuvrability and improved vehicle fill.
Many retailers are turning away from single-use packaging and looking to RTP to provide sustainable and costeffective transport of goods between their distribution centres and stores. While pallet loads are usually stretch wrapped on automated wrappers and ship from the DC, returning goods from the stores requires time-consuming manual wrapping or boxing up. Roll cages have helped overcome the drawbacks of pallets and boxes in the supply chain but they have their own disadvantages, being notoriously difficult to handle and often featuring sharp metal touchpoints.
The latest Dolly Max Rolling Container System from Loadhog takes the humble roll cage to a new level, according to its manufacturer. This modular system features the Dolly Max wheeled deck, which can be used in conjunction with containers (for segregated products), a foldable sleeve (for bulk items/uglies) or – with the addition of a shelf – a combination of the two in a hybrid solution for mixed goods. The sleeve is fixed to the Dolly Max by two foot-operated locks avoiding the need for staff to bend down to secure it in place. It also features a drop-down door for easy access with picking in warehouses and replenishing at store level.
With its mix-and-match design, Loadhog says it is the most versatile rolling container system on the market, giving users the flexibility to adapt to the fluctuating nature of goods within their supply chain. Loads can be secured with Loadhog’s reusable Half Euro Pallet Lid, which features retractable straps and an integrated tensioning mechanism. Other accessories include a quick-connect
pull handle, a sleeve tray for containers to be stacked on and a tow hitch to link dollies in a train for easy manoeuvrability around warehouses and stores.
One-Touch Brake
The lightweight Dolly Max is easy to manoeuvre and features an easyaccess, one-touch brake that is more ergonomic than the simple castor brakes found on roll cages. The ease of brake
application encourages use, enhancing safety for employees, and the innovative mechanism ensures the unit remains still even on a sloped tail lift.
Loadhog says the Dolly Max system offers 20% more vehicle fill compared to standard roll cages, reducing carbon footprint. In addition, the embodied carbon of the recycled polypropylene system is significantly less than that of roll cages manufactured from coated metals, securing further sustainability gains. Also, the tare weight and footprint of the Dolly Max system enable it to be utilised on all vehicle types, even smaller sprinter vans.
As well as avoiding the need for a forklift or pump truck, the system can also be attached to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for easy manoeuvrability around the DC. The system has been designed for fast deconstruction to ensure efficient returns, with containers nesting, sleeves folding, and the Dolly Max frame featuring castor cups for stable stacking. The return ratio is typically
Loadhog also offers labelling, tracking and branding options for all elements of the system to safeguard both packaging assets and goods. Of course, branding enhances the in-store aesthetic,
especially if the packaging doubles up as a product display unit.
The versatility of the Dolly Max has resulted in a recent order for 10,000 units, which will be used for nationwide distribution of automotive products. Having supplied RTP solutions to many high-street brands – including Harvey Nichols, Pets at Home, Sky, TK Maxx and Dunelm – Loadhog says it has considerable expertise in meeting the logistics needs of today’s retailers.
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