Migros exclusively works with the open EUR/EPAL pallet pool; we cannot accept pallets from private pools. The EPAL exchange criteria serve as a Benchmark for EUR pallet quality and the exchange of EUR pallets. This means, for example, that the color of the pallets is not an exchange criterion.
According to the wood used, there can be light and dark versions of the exchange pallets. As a result, it is not possible to object to the color or exchange pallets for this reason.
Pallets of STANDARD quality comply with the EPAL exchange criteria.
As a general rule, this quality standard serves as the benchmark for EUR pallet quality and the exchange of EUR pallets within the Migros community.
However, a small number of Migros companies have higher requirements for EUR pallets due to their automated conveyor systems and high-bay warehouses. Details of these requirements can be found in the Migros Supplier Net, where you will also find numerous other pieces of information for suppliers.
Analogous to the SortMech quality, EUR pallets of the SortHell type are additionally visually sorted according to brightness. The number of SortHell pallets is very limited, and therefore we cannot guarantee continuous availability. SortHell pallets are available only in Villmergen.
Higher-quality EUR pallets of the SortMech or SortHell type can be ordered in myMTM for an additional charge.
Please refer to the Reusable Equipment Price List for the current rates.
If, as a Migros supplier and MTM partner, you have received defective pallets from a Migros company and only discover this once they have arrived at your own premises, please consult the MTM Regulations, section 8.1. The procedure to follow is described there in detail.
Most importantly: Do not create any corrections in myMTM for pallets received in a defective condition.
In principle, it is your responsibility to check the quality of the pallets at the time of collection. If you determine that individual pallets are defective, you may request that they be replaced. The EPAL exchange criteria apply in this regard, under which minor damage to pallets is permissible, while brightness and dimensional accuracy (permitted deviation from the specified nominal dimensions) are not considered criteria.
Once you have signed the delivery note, the quality of the pallets is deemed to have been accepted. After that, it is no longer possible to raise any claims regarding defects.
Please note that complaints regarding pallet quality can only be raised on-site at the loading dock. The driver is required to check both the quantity and quality of the pallets collected, including full truckloads. Pallets that do not comply with the EPAL exchange criteria may be exchanged individually or by pallet stack. If the Migros cooperative is unable to replace the defective or incorrect pallets, it must record the corresponding quantity separately on the delivery note and countersign it. Pallets that are rejected by the Migros cooperative upon delivery and are therefore not exchanged may be reclaimed by the driver; in such cases, the driver will receive the same number of defective pallets as originally delivered.
Once the driver has acknowledged receipt of the pallets and signed the delivery note, the quantity and quality are deemed to have been accepted. Subsequent complaints are not possible.
If no agreement can be reached regarding the quality of the delivered pallets, the case may be submitted to MTM for assessment. Please document the disputed case as thoroughly as possible, preferably with photographs of the pallets concerned, as well as details of the location, time and contact person. The exact procedure for handling such disputes is described in section 4.3 of the driver handbook “Reusable Equipment Handling for Drivers.”
Provided that the pallets are not supplied together with the product, a Migros supplier has three options for exchanging EUR pallets with the Migros Group:
As an MTM partner, you manage all EUR pallet transactions through the myMTM reusable equipment management system. If you wish to have borrowed pallets returned, you can arrange this through your myMTM account and select the desired collection location from the 10 Migros cooperatives available in the system. The costs of returning the pallets are borne by you.
Benefits of an MTM Partnership
Account Management on the myMTM Online Platform
Simple Data Transmission
No Need for 1:1 Pallet Exchange
Costs of an MTM Partnership
Administration Fees
Booking Responsibilities
The account and all bookings must be maintained accurately and kept up to date.
A direct exchange (1:1 exchange) of EUR pallets is possible at one of the 10 Migros cooperatives. You exchange the EUR pallets you have delivered for exchangeable EUR pallets in accordance with the EPAL exchange criteria. If you deliver pallets that are not exchangeable, no pallet exchange is possible.
As a general rule, pallet exchange is not possible at the Migros logistics centres (MVB Suhr, MVB Neuendorf and MVB Volketswil).
If a direct pallet exchange is not possible, pallet vouchers will be issued at the relevant receiving locations of the Migros Group, particularly at the Migros logistics centres (MVB Suhr, MVB Neuendorf, MVB Volketswil). These vouchers can be redeemed at one of the 10 Migros cooperatives for exchangeable EUR pallets in accordance with the EPAL exchange criteria. If you deliver pallets that are not exchangeable, they will not be listed on the pallet voucher.
If you wish to collect more than 34 EUR pallets at one time, please notify MTM at least two working days in advance. As a general rule, pallet vouchers cannot be redeemed at the Migros logistics centres (MVBS, MVBN, MVBV).
IMPORTANT: Pallet vouchers are valid for six months from the date of issue. Expired pallet vouchers become void and cannot be redeemed at a later date.
For smooth transportation and safe handling, it is essential that EUR pallets are in perfect condition. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Too many non-exchangeable pallets enter the Migros Group's pallet pool. This has a negative impact on the overall quality of the pallet pool and causes unnecessary costs for handling, repairs and replacements. As the Migros Group is not prepared to bear these costs alone, it has decided to intensify visual pallet inspections at the goods receiving areas of the cooperative distribution centres.
At the goods receiving areas of the distribution centres, random inspections are carried out to verify whether the delivered pallets comply with the EPAL exchange criteria. If this is not the case, we must note this on the reusable equipment delivery note and charge CHF 25.00 per defective pallet delivered to cover our additional handling costs. We are unable to credit defective pallets in myMTM. However, you have the right to take back the same number of defective pallets on the same day. If you choose not to do so, the distribution centre will either send the defective pallets for repair or arrange for their disposal.
At MVN, pallet quality is checked as part of the goods receipt process. If pallets do not meet the requirements, charges may be applied. For further information, please contact Migros Distribution Centre Neuendorf directly.
Migros Distribution Centre AG Suhr (MVS)
At MVS, pallet quality is checked automatically at goods receipt. If pallets do not meet the requirements, charges may be applied. For further information, please contact Migros Distribution Centre Suhr directly.
For deliveries of EUR pallets to M-Industry companies, the EPAL exchange criteria generally apply. Depending on the company, however, higher requirements may apply due to the use of automated systems. Please refer to the Migros Supplier Net or contact the respective company for information on the applicable delivery requirements.
The market price varies from supplier to supplier. The key factors are the quantity required and the quality specification. As pallet prices are subject to significant market fluctuations, we are unable to provide a fixed price.
We recommend requesting a quotation from an EPAL-certified manufacturer. Detailed information can be found on the EPAL website.
Unlike other types of reusable equipment, it is possible for your myMTM account to show a negative balance for EUR pallets. This negative balance represents your pallet credit. Your pallet credit should not exceed the total number of pallets you have delivered during a given month.
Number of MTM Partners: 1’000
Saved cardboard per year: 100’000 tons
movements per year: 2 Mio.