Colli

Colli designates the smallest packaging units of a consignment of goods. The individual packaging unit is a collo. In German-speaking countries the spelling collo or Kolli is also common. The term is derived from the Italian collo or the French colis for package.

In contrast to collo, packaged goods refers to the unit of goods. The definition of colli (singular collo) is sometimes unclear. In general, colli are the smallest possible packaging units of a good that can be transported individually. The size and weight of the collis of a shipment can also vary. For example, a collo can be

a packed pallet
a big bag
a big box
one coil
etc.

etc.

collo contains collis

A collo, like a packed pallet, can again consist of several collis. The pallet may contain smaller packaging units. An article has an outer packaging, but is packed as a bundle with other repacked articles in a cardboard box. These cartons are in turn packed on the pallet. Collo and Colli therefore also depend on the perspective.

In contrast to this, general cargo is always delivered to the recipient as a complete shipping unit. Collis may well contain individual shipments for different recipients. This applies to groupage transport, where the collis are assembled in the logistics centres and divided up again.

The collo as a packaging unit is of particular importance in logistics, as the exact number of items is not important for the transport. What is decisive is the number of units to be transported, i.e. the number of similar collis. This makes transport planning easier, as the transport company thus has an overview of the units to be transported and can optimally utilize the loading capacity. Loading and unloading is also simplified, as only the number of collis is counted, without having to count or weigh individual items.

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