Dairy Companies Lose Millions Each Year From Milk Crate Theft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Sarah Lake (402) 558-0637

Help Hiland Dairy Keep Costs Down by Returning Milk Crates

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – November 23, 2009 – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) estimates that dairy companies lose nearly $80 million a year due to milk crate theft. Each year, over half a million milk crates are lost or stolen from Hiland Dairy.

“Rather than purchasing new milk crates, we would much rather recycle and reuse our existing crates to help keep costs down, reduce waste and protect the environment,” said Gary Aggus, president of Hiland Dairy.

Milk crates branded with the name of a dairy belong to that company. Every time someone takes an empty milk crate, a new one needs to be made – each crate costing the dairy approximately $3. These costs add up – it doesn’t take too many crates before a grand larceny case develops.

On November 12, five people were indicted in Maryland for stealing nearly $400,000 worth of plastic pallets and crates. The defendants face 17 counts of theft, each carrying a maximum jail sentence of 15 years. For more information on this particular case, please visit the IDFA website.

Many times, like the case in Maryland, the crates disappear because of theft, not misuse. Criminals steal them and sell the material for scrap. However, a great number are taken by people who end up using the crates for storage or another personal use. When the crates are no longer needed, they generally end up in landfills or are littered. If you or someone you know has surplus milk crates, please contact Hiland Dairy to arrange a pickup.

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About Hiland Dairy
Hiland Dairy is proud to be farmer owned by families who are committed to preserving the land and their way of life for future generations. For over 70 years, Hiland Dairy has delivered pure, wholesome milk and dairy products fresh from our farms to your table. Hiland Dairy is a six-plant operation with locations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. As a “full-service dairy,” Hiland’s quality products include milk, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and dips, half and half, whipping cream, orange juice, butter and cheese. For more information, visit www.hilanddairy.com.