How do you calculate a thermal container return rate?

Divide units returned within the window by units dispatched in the same cohort; track late returns and environmental data separately.

6 August 2026Updated 24 September 2026

Short answer

Divide timely returns by same-cohort dispatches. Log late and lost units separately; the rate alone does not prove environmental benefit.

Define the dispatch cohort and return window before calculating a rate.

Return rate

The numerator is units from that cohort returned within the window; the denominator is units dispatched in the same cohort. Divide numerator by denominator.

Status log

Units dispatched
Returned within window
Late
Lost or under review

Environmental interpretation. The rate alone does not prove environmental benefit. Track washing, empty returns, losses and replacement within the same service boundary.