Written by a professional with over 35 years of experience in distribution, this helpful book traces the evolution of packaging/shipping methods and offers guidelines for researching and developing packaging as an integral part of the logistical process.

It identifies the cost sensitive areas for each activity in the logistical system. Illustrates how packaging in addition to protecting and preserving contents can affect total system cost efficiency if designed to adapt well to unitized shipping methods and equipment: efficiently utilize warehouse storage space, achieve maximum net payloads in transport vehicles; maximise the productivity of materials-handling methods throughout the system and reduce the amount of handling costs during the final distribution process, reducing the amount of packaging waste.

Offering insight and knowledge for the practical application of integrated packaging design principles, this book is important reading for materials handling, packaging and industrial engineers; packing and logistics managers; packaging design specialists; and transportation and distribution executives.