How West Coast Warehouses Can Reduce Stretch Film Cost Per Pallet

Start with a controlled baseline

Record the current film label, width, nominal gauge, roll length or net film weight, core and case pack. Then select representative pallets and normal operators or wrapper settings.

Count complete pallets per roll and document film breaks, rewraps, damaged loads and unusual operator effort. A one-shift observation is better than a catalog assumption, but multiple shifts provide a more reliable baseline.

Use cost per pallet, not price per roll

Divide the roll price by the number of complete pallets wrapped per roll. Compare the proposed film using the same load types and acceptance criteria.

If one film costs more per roll but wraps more accepted pallets with fewer breaks, its cost per pallet may be lower. The result should still be checked against containment and distribution performance.

• Roll price
• Pallets per roll
• Film breaks and rewraps
• Applied film weight
• Load stability after handling

Turn the trial into a purchasing specification

Once a film is approved, put width, gauge or micron, net film weight, core, packaging and agreed performance checks in the quote or purchase specification.

For Southern California buyers, include the ship-to ZIP, delivery cadence and whether scheduled Riverside will-call could reduce freight on suitable orders.