S.T.I. Polska Sp. z o.o. Contributes to Scientific Conference in Zakopane
Pallet exchange in the road transport of food products – facilitation, threat, profit, or cost?
Our Polish team proudly took part in a scientific conference organised by Helena Chodkowska University of Technology and Economics in Zakopane, held as part of the university’s jubilee edition in 2026. The event brought together researchers and industry experts to exchange knowledge and discuss key challenges shaping the future of transport, logistics, and supply chain safety.
The conference created a valuable platform for connecting academic research with real operational experience from the logistics sector.
The paper, titled “Pallet exchange in the road transport of food products – facilitation, threat, profit, or cost?” examines the pallet exchange system commonly used in European road transport and its impact on transport operations.
The research shows that pallet exchange, although designed as a facilitation tool, can in practice become both:
The conference created a valuable platform for connecting academic research with real operational experience from the logistics sector.
STI POLSKA REPRESENTATION AND RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION
STI Polska was represented by Michał Kalkowski, who delivered a professional presentation and presented a research paper focused on a highly relevant operational topic in food transport: pallet exchange processes in road transport.The paper, titled “Pallet exchange in the road transport of food products – facilitation, threat, profit, or cost?” examines the pallet exchange system commonly used in European road transport and its impact on transport operations.
RESEARCH FOCUS: PALLET EXCHANGE IN FOOD TRANSPORT
The main objective of the study was to assess whether pallet exchange truly supports efficiency in food transport or whether it creates additional risks and costs within the logistics chain.The research shows that pallet exchange, although designed as a facilitation tool, can in practice become both:
- a cost driver
- a safety risk
These effects can ultimately impact the entire supply chain and, in many cases, the final consumer.
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND INDUSTRY IMPACT
The presentation highlighted how operational standards in logistics, including pallet circulation and handling practices, directly influence transport quality, food safety, and efficiency. Inconsistent standards can lead to delays, additional costs, and increased sanitary risks.By contributing to this academic discussion, our Polish team supports the development of better practices and higher standards within the European food supply chain.
The study was based on a combination of:
- literature review
- participant observation
- surveys among transport companies and logistics stakeholders
- photographic documentation of real operational cases
The findings confirm that inconsistent pallet quality, lack of unified documentation, and hygiene risks can lead to operational inefficiencies and measurable increases in transport costs.
By actively contributing to research and professional dialogue, STI Polska supports the development of responsible, high quality, and temperature controlled transport solutions across Europe.
