Returnable container physical distribution management system using information system

A returnable container physical distribution management system using an information system characterized in that a computer network interconnects a terminal at a management center for governing the system as a whole, a terminal at a returnable container delivery center for distributing returnable containers having IC cards attached thereto, a terminal at a producer who produces and ships products, a terminal at a wholesaler and/or warehouse who wholesales and warehouses the products, and a terminal at a retailer,

• and in that data are transmitted and received between the computer network and the IC cards at the terminals in routes for physical distribution of the returnable containers to allow physical distribution of the returnable containers to be managed at the management center on a comprehensive basis;
• wherein the IC card is any of only a first IC card, a combination of the first IC card and a second IC card,
• the returnable container has the first IC card of an embedded type and wherein transmission/reception of data to/from an external device is performed on non-contacting basis, and
• an IC card holding pocket in which the second IC card can be contained and an entry section for visibly entering required information using pictures, characters or the like are provided on a side of the returnable container.