Decide on returnable containers using actual trip, return, maintenance and route costs.
Cost items
| Item | Source |
|---|---|
| Container and repair | Invoice |
| Washing | Labour record |
| Return freight | Freight invoice |
| Loss | Event record |
| Alternative | Matched-route invoice |
Cost per completed trip. Divide pilot purchase, cleaning, repair and return costs by completed deliveries. Compare invoices for the same route and period.
Use containers returned, not trips merely expected.
Track the return loop
Track dispatch, return, damage and cleaning by container ID. Calculate losses from pilot counts and invoices, not an assumed rate.
Observe useful life
Log damage, repair and performance changes. Test thermal suitability separately; cost advantage is not proof of performance.
Pilot records
Container ID and each round trip
Washing, labour and freight costs
Damage, loss and repair invoices
Matched invoice for alternative packaging
Make the payback decision
Refresh the calculation with actual cost and deliveries. Qualify additional routes before applying pilot results there.