According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "rigid containers have definite retained shape and form and that are self-supporting" (EPA, n.d.) Some of the differences between rigid and non-rigid containers, according to this week's reading, "Ridged improves material movement efficiency, reduces damage in handling and transit Reduces pilferage, Reduces protective package requirements, Provides greater protection from element environment, Provides a shipment unit that can be reused a substantial number of times, thereby reducing waste and the need to dispose of the container" (Bowersox, D., Closs, D., & Cooper, M., 2013). An example of a non-rigid unitization is the umtyaton standard wooden pallet with stacked master cartons (Bowersox, D., Closs, D., & Cooper, M., 2013).

One example of a rigid container that I use in my current billet, is an engine container made out of steal. These reusable containers are used to ship new and rebuilt engines to a location and the receiving customer replaces the engine with the bad engine to return the carcass to be rebuilt and placed back into the supply stock for issue. This method is also a great example of reverse logistics to the multiple times the same container is used to ship and return secondary repairable engines to the using unit and the supply system.

Cargo unitization is a great way to save money in shipping like items. The importance of load securing in unitization is to maximize the economy of weight and density in shipments. Additionally, unitization is important to increase the handling and transport efficiency in cargo movement (Bowersox, D., Closs, D., & Cooper, M., 2013). Unitization is mostly used for lumber, plywood, hardboard and veneer, usually stacked two or three units high (Cargo unitization, 2014). 

References

Bowersox, D., Closs, D., & Cooper, M. (2013). Supply chain logistics management (4th ed.). Boston, Mass,; McGraw-Hill.

Cargo unitization. (2014). Retrieved August 31, 2015, from http://www.wlshipping.com/en/equipment/cargo.php

EPA. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2015, from http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/frequently-asked-questions-container-and-containment-labeling-requirements

NOTE:

Write your personal statement  with the essay on the top page and cite it in APA style .

Answer this question also.   Post your answer on the last paragraph.

Do you know of  other companies that utilizes either  type of containers.?