Unitisation

Unitisation is the grouping of individual items into a single standardized load unit, a container, pallet, or unit load, so the assembly is handled, stowed, and moved as one piece. It cuts per-piece handling, speeds loading and discharge, and lowers damage and pilferage compared with loose break-bulk, which is why containerization on ISO boxes transformed liner trade. Common unit loads are the ISO container, the shrink-wrapped pallet, and the pre-slung or strapped bundle. Unitisation underpins intermodal transport, since the sealed unit transfers between ship, rail, and truck without rehandling the contents.