Loading Multiple Pallets

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of loading pallets with non-identical items, i.e. what has been called the ‘Distributor's Pallet Packing Problem’. It concentrates on the situation where the consignment to be loaded cannot be accommodated on a single pallet. A greedy procedure for tackling this problem, which is based on a published approach for loading single pallets, is described and evaluated. Also discussed is a series of possible modifications of the basic method, whereby the pallets involved are packed simultaneously. A detailed performance analysis is undertaken. The paper concludes with suggestions for further work in this area.