KLT
Also: Kleinladungsträger, KLTs, VDA-KLT, Umlaufbehälter KLT, Kunststoff-Kleinladungsträger
AI-generated
KLT (Kleinladungsträger) is a stackable plastic container conforming to VDA standards, designed for automated material flow and closed container cycles in industrial and automotive supply.
Key facts
- KLTs are Kleinladungsträger with standardized external dimensions conforming to VDA standards, enabling their use in automated conveyor and storage systems.
- The standard dimensions are based on the European pallet grid, allowing different KLT types to be combined without gaps.
- KLTs are frequently operated in closed container cycles, which makes shrinkage management, cleaning, and labeling permanent operational tasks.
- Automatic identification is carried out using barcode labels or RFID transponders integrated into or affixed to the container.
What is a KLT?
KLT stands for Kleinladungsträger and refers to a plastic container whose external dimensions and stacking contours are standardized according to the VDA standard (Verband der Automobilindustrie). The standardization is based on a grid dimension built on the European pallet, allowing different KLT types to be combined without gaps. Common base dimensions are 300 × 200 mm, 400 × 300 mm, and 600 × 400 mm in various heights. This standardization ensures that containers from different manufacturers are compatible with one another — provided both comply with the VDA standard. In practice, however, proprietary designs from individual manufacturers or operators sometimes deviate from the standard, which limits interchangeability.
Use in Practice
KLTs are used wherever parts flow through a supply chain or facility in standardized quantities and weights. Typical applications include parts supply in automotive production, order picking in the warehouse, and supplier loops between vendors and the plant. The stackable containers can be coordinated with roller conveyors, chain conveyors, and automated small-parts warehouses (AS/RS), because their external dimensions are precisely toleranced. Smooth inner bases and defined grip recesses are helpful for automated retrieval by robots or gripping systems. Sensitive components can be secured using lids, inserts, or foam inlays. For identification, KLTs are equipped either with barcode labels or RFID transponders that are integrated into the container body or affixed to it.
Key Selection Criteria
Several factors come into play when selecting a KLT type:
- Part geometry and weight: The container volume and permitted load capacity must match the range of parts. Overloading damages the stacking contours.
- Automation compatibility: Conveyor and storage systems are often designed for specific KLT types. Before any expansion, it should be verified that the existing equipment and the intended container are compatible.
- Cycle model: In-house pool or pooling service provider — both models have different requirements regarding labeling, cleaning, and shrinkage management.
- Identification: Barcodes are sufficient for manual and semi-automated processes; RFID offers advantages at high throughput rates or when containers need to be captured without a line of sight.
- Cleanability: Food or cleanroom applications impose special requirements on material and surface structure.
The decision in favor of a particular container type commits the company over the long term, as conveyor systems and shelf dimensions are aligned to it. A thorough requirements analysis before making a final decision is therefore strongly recommended.
Related terms
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Bestandsmanagement
Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.
- Chaotische Lagerhaltung
Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.