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# What Is the Best Way to Track Pallets and Returnable Packaging?
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/track-pallets-returnable-packaging/
- Published: 2026-10-13T21:16:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T21:16:36.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

A dependable way to **track pallets and returnable packaging** is to record every pallet or container that leaves with a delivery and every one that comes back, keeping a running balance per customer and following up on balances that stay open too long.

In **Jestor**, packaging movements are linked to deliveries and customers, so balances are always current.

## Why do pallets disappear?

Pallets, crates and returnable containers leave with deliveries and rarely come back on their own. Drivers forget to collect them.

Over time, the company loses money buying new packaging while hundreds of units sit at customers' sites.

## What problems does packaging tracking solve?

- Pallets and crates never returned
- No balance per customer
- Disputes about how many units were delivered
- Unplanned purchases of new packaging
- Drivers unaware of what to collect

## How do I track returnable packaging in Jestor?

1. **Create a packaging types table** with unit value.
2. **Record outbound units** on each delivery.
3. **Record returns** when drivers collect packaging.
4. **Calculate the balance** per customer with formula fields.
5. **Show drivers** which customers have packaging to collect on their route.

| Movement             | Recorded by | Effect on balance          |
| -------------------- | ----------- | -------------------------- |
| Delivered with goods | Driver      | Increases customer balance |
| Collected            | Driver      | Decreases customer balance |
| Damaged or lost      | Operations  | Written off with reason    |

## How do I recover packaging from customers?

A view of customers with high or old balances guides collection efforts.

Sharing the balance with the customer, based on recorded movements, makes the conversation objective.

## Why use Jestor for returnable packaging?

- **Balances per customer**: calculated from every movement.
- **Driver views**: collections planned with the route.
- **Movement history**: evidence for disputes.
- **Dashboards**: total units outside by customer and type.

## What else helps you track pallets and returnable packaging?

- Packaging value also deserves attention. Multiplying units outside by their value shows how much money is sitting at customers' sites, which helps justify collection efforts or deposit rules.
- Clear rules with customers help recovery. Agreeing on return deadlines or deposits for packaging, and showing balances in each delivery confirmation, makes customers more likely to return units on time.
- Drivers also know exactly what to collect at each stop.

This is how you track pallets and returnable packaging and stop losing assets.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can drivers record returns on mobile?

Yes. Jestor forms work on any phone.

### Can I try this before committing?

Yes. Jestor offers a free account at [jestor.com](https://www.jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com).

### Can I see the value of packaging outside?

Yes. A formula multiplies balances by unit value.

## Get to know Jestor

With **Jestor**, you can automate workflows, connect teams, and build internal systems your way — all without code and powered by **AI**.

Discover Jestor at [jestor.com](https://www.jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) and see how to take your company's operations to a new level of efficiency and control.