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Returnable Item Management | Freight-Academy™

RIM

GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Returnable Item Management

Returnable Item Management (RIM) comes into play wherever reusable containers, pallets, or specialist transport packaging circulate through a supply chain rather than being discarded after a single use.

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Returnable Item Management (RIM) comes into play wherever reusable containers, pallets, or specialist transport packaging circulate through a supply chain rather than being discarded after a single…

The system tracks each asset through its fill, transport, empty, and return phases, monitors condition and wear, and schedules cleaning or replacement accordingly.

Logistics providers rely on RIM platforms to control shrinkage – assets that go missing or are retained by recipients – and to maintain sufficient availability across distribution networks.

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.oracle.com/applications/supply-chain-management/returnable-container-management/

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Returnable Item Management

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Definition & Explanation

Returnable Item Management (RIM) comes into play wherever reusable containers, pallets, or specialist transport packaging circulate through a supply chain rather than being discarded after a single use. The system tracks each asset through its fill, transport, empty, and return phases, monitors condition and wear, and schedules cleaning or replacement accordingly. Logistics providers rely on RIM platforms to control shrinkage – assets that go missing or are retained by recipients – and to maintain sufficient availability across distribution networks. Unlike standard inventory management, RIM must account for reverse flows, pooling arrangements, and deposit or rental cost reconciliation between trading partners.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Returnable Item Management (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/returnable-item-management), accessed 2026-09-12
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). Returnable Item Management. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/returnable-item-management
BibTeX: @misc{returnableitemmanagement2025, title = {Returnable Item Management}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/returnable-item-management}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-12} }

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