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Month: July 2019

STILL High-Lift Truck Offered as Counterbalance Alternative

Posted on by David Priestman

The use of high-lift trucks is becoming increasingly popular, chiefly in truck-free zones or as an alternative to conventional counterbalance trucks. They have one other advantage: whereas appropriate training in theory and practice is needed to drive a fork-lift truck, pedestrian-operated trucks with a speed up to 6 km/hr can already be driven in many countries even without a forklift licence after only a brief company-specific instruction course. STILL offers the EXV-CB high-lift truck with a counterbalance weight and self-supporting forks as a real alternative for applications that do not want to lose flexibility. The machines in this model range, which has been modernised all round and enlarged, are as flexible as a stacker truck and as easy to operate as a high-lift truck. All load carriers, e.g. closed plastic pallets or even disposable paperboard pallets, can be picked up and transported thanks to the adjustable fork arms. STILL enables even greater flexibility through up to three optional hydraulic functions to operate add-on attachments. Because of the self-supporting forks and the mast tilt that they make possible, even smaller push-through or push-back racks with a slight slope can be accessed safely.

Short, compact version for loads up to 600 kg
In the new edition, STILL is now launching a compact 600 kg version onto the market alongside the previous 1.0-, 1.2- and 1.6-ton classes. This extremely short model makes work easier in especially confined areas of use. Lift height is between 3,324 mm and 4,224 mm, with a residual load-carrying capacity. The battery voltage and maximum driving speed remain unchanged at 24 V and 6 km/hr: this allows all the trucks in the product series to be manoeuvred safely through aisles or in the pre-storage zone. Powerful, reliable, low-maintenance 3-phase drive and lift motors for greater lifting speeds offer high goods-handling performance. Sensitive proportional valve steering allows precise steering in the narrowest space. Moreover, the electrical steering can be operated smoothly with one hand by left- or right-handed individuals. The EXV-CB also has optimum driving programs for every situation. Using the modern, language-neutral colour display, the operator can not only access all the information but also select between different driving programs: ECO, BOOST or Blue-Q.

The centre-mounted tiller gives free visibility at all times when driving. The OptiSpeed tiller also automatically adjusts speed depending on the distance from the driver. As soon as the tiller reaches the vertical position, speed is reduced still further for the operator’s safety. For even safer driving, STILL has equipped the machine as standard with the tried and tested Curve Speed Control function, which adjusts the truck’s speed to its steering angle. Furthermore, the frame of the EXV-CB extends down to a low level, thus avoiding the risk of foot-trapping. STILL offers an optional load protection grill, especially for use with high loads.

Sideways battery change for high availability, including in cold-room applications
As an option, the EXV-CB can be equipped for sideways battery change. This guarantees quick, simple battery changing which, together with easy access for servicing, ensures high equipment availability. Moreover, the machine is adaptable for several drivers: the pedestrian-operated truck stores more than just one driver’s profile, and can be linked to STILL FleetManager via a web-based application. This allows operators to gain access to all the trucks and to all the data for needs-based analyses – at any time, anywhere. The optional MMS Preparation enables a EXV-CB to be integrated into an existing goods management system in an optimum way.

The optional accessories bracket allows further equipment options to be attached. A cold-room model can be chosen for use in refrigerated warehouses or similar areas.

STILL EMEA Product Manager Maik Eckerkunst says: “The EXV-CB with its self-supporting forks is altogether as flexible as a Swiss army knife. This makes the high-lift truck a real alternative to conventional forklift trucks all the way from the pre-storage zone to the shelf aisles.”

UK Premier for Interroll DC Platform at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

Conveyor technology expert Interroll Ltd is set to showcase a number of innovations at IMHX 2019, the UK’s largest logistics event, which takes place on 24-27 September at the Birmingham NEC. A UK premier will be handed to the company’s DC Platform, which comprises a new RollerDrive EC5000 motorised roller, controls and power supplies, while the innovative Pallet Flow range will also be present on the stand.

Interroll’s new DC Platform is a combination of 24V and 48V solutions that provides outstanding advances in automated conveyor technology and makes it possible to embrace the digital world, namely autonomous conveyors, predictive maintenance and more. The 48V specification is an optimum solution because it allows users to utilise fewer power supplies and more cost-effective wiring, thus reducing installation time and overall system cost.

With Interroll’s new RollerDrive EC5000, users will be able to choose between different power levels, depending on the application. For instance, 35W and 20W can be deployed for light‐duty applications, or 50W for heavier loads. Notably, RollerDrive EC5000 is backwards‐compatible with current controls and power supplies, which means it is easy for customers to retrofit their existing system.

Thanks to an advanced CANopen Bus, the latest RollerDrive EC5000 offers several benefits: it is not only a standard drive but is capable of positioning items in an accurate fashion. What’s more, it is possible to turn a powered conveyor into a gravity conveyor, if needed. Further features include a signal that provides information on the lifetime status of RollerDrive, which no other motorised roller on the market can do. Users can also schedule all predictive maintenance work ahead of time.

Also being promoted at IMHX for the first time in the UK will be the Interroll Modular Pallet Conveyor Platform (MPP), the market’s most comprehensive integrated solution for pallet handling. When combined with Interroll’s Pallet Flow, MPP gives system integrators the possibility to provide customers with a proven, highquality solution for the entire flow of pallets through manufacturing plants and distribution centres.
MPP, which is designed to be reliable, versatile, energy-efficient, safe and scalable, is a combination of pallet conveyor modules (roller or chain conveyors) and specialty conveyors, such as transfers, lifts and turntables.

Additionally, a stacker crane system for loading and unloading pallets, as well as a transfer car system, can be offered. MPP is a fully modular platform, which means configuration is very easy, and different conveyors and accessories can be added at a later stage.

Another innovation being promoted at IMHX will be Interroll’s Dynamic Storage portfolio that makes picking and shipping processes much more efficient. Such solutions save up to 50% on space and reduce travel distances by up to 80%. Included in the portfolio are Interroll’s Pallet Flow and Carton Flow solutions that optimise the available space and offer maximum flexibility and efficiencies to store fast-turnover stock. Both can be configured for first-in, first-out (FIFO) as well as last-in, first-out (LIFO) applications.

Interroll’s Pallet Flow features the unique MSC 80 magnetic speed controller, which significantly reduces the risk of damaging goods conveyed on gravity roller conveyor sections, while Carton Wheel Flow beds are designed for simple installation with dramatically reduced mounting time.
Any logistics or supply chain professionals attending IMHX are welcome to call by the Interroll stand, where the company’s team of friendly specialists will be more than happy to discuss any current or future conveyor challenges.

Wightlink Launches Flexible Freight Shipping Initiative

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

UK ferry service Wightlink is offering haulage companies the opportunity to deliver goods to and from the Isle of Wight in a more flexible way by using its new ‘drop trailer’ system.

By arrangement, lorry drivers delivering to the Island can drop off their trailers securely at Portsmouth International Port (PIP) at the entrance to the city and they will be moved to Wightlink’s car ferry terminal in Gunwharf Road for later shipment. Island-based freight companies taking goods to the mainland can also leave their trailers at PIP and return to base by the next available sailing.

“We are responding to requests from our freight customers who would like more flexibility in their deliveries,” explains Business Development Director Clive Tilley. “Trailers will be transported at agreed times, leaving drivers free to carry out other deliveries.”

Wightlink is working with partners Paul Davis Freight Services Ltd (PDFS) on this initiative.

Pictured: Ian Diaper from Portsmouth International Port and Wightlink Business Development Account Manager Travis Cooper

BluJay Release Aims to Eliminate Supply Chain Friction

Posted on by David Priestman

BluJay Solutions has released BluJay Global Trade Network (GTN) portfolio version 19.2. It says BluJay’s newest software updates deliver enhanced features to help companies eliminate friction in their supply chains and manage logistics, compliance, and commerce worldwide. BluJay’s cloud-based technology platform delivers a suite of supply chain execution applications and Global Trade Network ecosystem.

“We are focused on developing purpose-built technology that helps our customers create high-performing supply chains. This being the first software release since I’ve joined BluJay, it’s inspiring to see the significant strides we are making toward powering a frictionless supply chain for shippers, brokers, forwarders, LSPs, carriers, and others in our ecosystem,” said David Landau, Chief Product Officer at BluJay Solutions. “For BluJay, helping customers create frictionless supply chains means that goods cross borders more quickly, information is shared more readily, users operate more productively, and waste (i.e., cost) is eliminated from operations. This latest release is only the beginning of exciting things to come.”

BluJay’s GTN version 19.2 includes the following enhancements that drive the frictionless supply chain forward:

• Effortless Data Sharing – BluJay’s Transportation Management, a core solution, is a single platform and workflow handling transportation planning, execution, settlement, and procurement processes. Delivering increased efficiency and lower costs for shippers, Transportation Management in version 19.2 introduces document sharing between shippers and carriers. Both parties can now upload and share documents to the platform, eliminating the need to attach them to a load. By creating document threads, users can add and replace files and easily identify the most recent version of a document.

• Easier Movement of Goods – Transportation Management now also supports product classification details for Dangerous Goods and U.S. Export Filing – Partner Governing Agency (PGA) requirements. This information can roll up from the order to other screens in the TMS. UPS Dangerous Goods enhancements are also added for BluJay’s Parcel solution, an enterprise-class, multi-carrier shipping management system. This includes lithium batteries support, declaration and manifesting, keeping shippers current with transport regulations while eliminating disruptions that can delay delivery times. BluJay’s Transportation Management for Forwarders now has full integration with Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as 10+2, enabling users to electronically file and send data to United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours in advance of an ocean shipment’s departure, as required to seamlessly transfer goods into the United States.

• Seamless Trade, Anywhere – BluJay’s Customs Management is a multi-country, multi-language software solution designed to automate customs compliance documentation for friction-free global trade. Release 19.2 adds New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) support for Latvia and Slovakia, and complete UK readiness for Brexit and frontier declarations. For Customs Management-US, an Auto Add 9930 feature has also been included, to automatically insert the appropriate numbers for United States retaliatory tariffs, along with Entry Type 86 (Section 321) processing for eCommerce low value shipments.

• Better User Experiences, Increased Mobility – Providing real-time tracking and last-mile routing across the supply chain, MobileSTAR helps deliver enhanced customer experiences. A number of improvements have been added to MobileSTAR, including enhancements to visibility in transit and delivery, along with filtering for positions and by roles. Also in release 19.2, Control Tower has been mobilized, allowing searchable statuses of Purchase Orders, Transport Orders and Customs records using MobileSTAR, making it easier to do business.

Across the platform, BluJay also addresses data security and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), continually implementing business processes, services, contracts, and policies to support data protection laws.

Landau adds: “We’ve already kicked off development for release 20.0 and can’t wait to share with our customers the enhancements centred around connectivity, new tools designed to identify hidden opportunities to save money, and user experience with a big focus on visualization – all coming in November.”

Industry View: IRU Logistics and Innovation Forum in London in February 2020

Posted on by Keith McKinley

On 21st February 2020, IRU will host its second Logistics and Innovation Forum in London. The conference will be a unique opportunity for transport operators, service providers and national transport associations to share knowledge, connect and learn about new solutions on a subject of utmost importance to the industry: safety.

Among other leading figures in the road transport sector, attendees will hear from Kristian Kaas Mortensen, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Girteka Logistics, who will deliver a keynote speech at the conference. Girteka Logistics is a Lithuanian Logistics Company that operates over 6,000 trucks and employs more than 13,000 truck drivers.

Ahead of the LIF Event, IRU caught up with Kristian to talk little bit about safety in the road transport sector:

Hi Kristian, you’ll be travelling to London for our Logistics & Innovation Forum in February. What is Girteka Logistics most looking forward to getting out of the event?

Firstly, I’m grateful for the invitation and truly looking forward to joining everyone in London! My primary interest at events is always to meet other people from across the industry, and to listen and learn about the very latest trends and developments.

Secondly, I hope to be able to share some of Girteka Logistic’s experience and challenges both today and going forward. Girteka Logistics sees a strong opportunity for continuous, sustainable organic growth in our industry. Our vision is to own and operate a fleet of 10,000 trucks and trailers by late 2021, so at the event I look forward to discussing how we plan to achieve this growth while at the same time remaining focused on road safety and innovation.

You mentioned safety there, which happens to be the theme of this year’ forum. How is Girteka Logistics using innovation to improve safety?

We are working on a number of initiatives to improve safety throughout our fleet, including working on our own e-Transport platform in the years to come, which I will speak about in much more detail at the forum.

We are also making the most of what technology can offer us. Just last year we invested in a high-technology tablet for every single truck and a paired smart phone in the hands of every single driver. Now we have 6,000 high-tech trucks where we can support the driver on the road in real time, wherever he or she is.

Additionally, we have a new fleet equipped with a high degree of systems such as automatic emergency braking systems, stability control, and lane departure warning. Longer term, automation will improve safety by reducing human error and congestion on the roads.

What role do you see governments playing in improving driver safety?

I believe our number one priority is our core asset – our more than 13,000 fantastic drivers. For years, we have invested in our professional driver’s academy, to ensure safety on the road. This has helped us to attract and keep the best drivers in the industry.

From governments, we value investment in infrastructure, i.e good pavement quality, lane-markings, road signs and signals. These are all vital to improving safety.

Finally, what does Girteka Logistics see as the major innovation opportunities for road transport?
You can’t pick up a newspaper these days without reading about automation. It will obviously be revolutionary when we start being able to fully benefit from it. Although full adoption is still some way off, at least part automation is already on the horizon. This will improve safety in many ways, and we are eager to adopt these technologies into our business.

Please click here to register your interest in the Logistics and Innovation Forum and keep updated with the event.

UK University Launches New Logistics Degree Course

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK’s University of Bolton has launched a pioneering degree course in partnership with well-known transport and logistics company Eddie Stobart.

The Eddie Stobart and University of Bolton’s three-year BSc degree programme in Logistics & Supply Chain Management guarantees a graduate job for successful students.

Students will be interviewed by representatives of both the university and Eddie Stobart before being accepted on the course.

They will combine classroom learning with a variety of work placements and get the opportunity to be exposed to all key areas of the business.

Once they have successfully completed the degree, they will be taken on in a graduate job role in the company.

The university is now inviting applications for the degree programme, which will start its first cohort in the forthcoming academic year (2019-20).

To apply for the course, visit https://www.bolton.ac.uk/eddie-stobart/

Pictured: Kondal Reddy Kandadi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, joined Alex Laffey, Chief Executive Officer of Eddie Stobart, at the company’s headquarters in Warrington to sign the contract.

CSR Commitment in Q-Pall’s New Netherlands HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

The construction of European plastic pallet specialist Q-Pall’s new Netherlands headquarters has begun. The new location in Veghel along the A50 and is expected to be complete by the end of this year. The new building will house both the new European headquarters and a new industrial hall and will further expand this company, which was founded in 2005, and also offers good opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is especially important to Q-Pall.

Q-Pall’s commitment to CSR is shown by the design and the construction of the new headquarters and the new industrial hall. Foundation piles were already present at the building site, which were taken into account in the design of the location. This not only saves on construction costs, but also prevents unnecessary use of materials. In addition, the new construction enables Q-Pall to take other major steps in the field of CSR. For instance, an air/heat pump and solar collectors will not be missing on the roof, and the new building will be virtually energy-neutral.

The design of the building is sleep and simple, but due to large windows, large overhangs and the integration of things like the awning into the facade, it will be a beautiful building. It is the next and large step in Q-Pall’s desire to produce sustainable plastic pallets in an efficient way.

Q-Pall is a major European player in the field of manufacturing plastic packaging materials, particularly plastic pallets. What is characteristic is that Q-Pall has the production of plastic pallets take place on the location where there is a need for those pallets as much as possible. This is achieved by transporting the moulds that are used to create the pallets to the local production facility. Transporting only those moulds results in enormous savings on transport kilometres, and therefore, on CO2 emissions and the costs of trucks.

A concrete example: if plastic pallets are produced in the Netherlands that are intended for the French market, this means many full trucks need to make long trips to the south and back. By only transporting the mould to France and producing the pallets locally, huge savings are achieved in terms of transport kilometres and, as a result, the CO2 emissions. There are currently production locations in Balk (NL), Ringe and Marktoberdorf (D), Ribe (DK) and Nantes (F).

 

Open Days Hosted at UK VNA Manufacturer Narrow Aisle

Posted on by David Priestman

Narrow Aisle Ltd – the VNA materials handling solutions specialist – recently hosted a series of distributor open days at its UK Flexi manufacturing plant in Great Bridge, West Midlands. Attended by some 200 visitors, the open days gave guests the opportunity to see a live presentation of the latest additions to the Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks – the Flexi LiTHiON.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Flexi LiTHiON features state-of-the-art digital electric motor technology to control all drive, hydraulic and power-steering functions and is described by Narrow Aisle Ltd as a ‘tour de force’ in articulated lift truck technology.

“The development of digital multiplex control systems for our battery powered trucks’ key functions delivers a more integrated performance and results in fantastic reliability and higher productivity, combined with significantly reduced operating and maintenance costs,” said Narrow Aisle Ltd’s managing director, John Maguire.

With all drive, hydraulic and power-steering functions digitally controlled and integrated with the truck battery’s advanced software systems, the Flexi LiTHiON is able to perform at full power throughout a typical shift with no drop off in performance levels. This ability to distribute consistent power levels means maximum efficiency is achieved even during the busiest multi-shift operation.

Furthermore, Flexi LiTHiON trucks require no battery maintenance – the truck monitors the battery function constantly and reports the battery status in real-time. And the combination of fully integrated digital motors and lithium-ion power is so effective when it comes to eliminating wasted power that truck availability is typically increased by 25 per cent every day.

During the open days, Narrow Aisle also demonstrated the grocery retail order picking capability of its FlexiPiCK layer picking system.

Customers in the USA and the UK have adopted the layer picking concept as an effective way of reducing manual handling fatigue and accuracy in high volume case picking facilities. Layer picking allows retail customers to distribute fully locked multiple layers of products safely and effectively on pallets. Layer case pick rates of over 1500 per hour can be achieved with the FlexiPiCK and, importantly, the unit requires no additional infrastructure investments to implement. Users have achieved payback for the system in fewer than nine months.

Guests were also given a tour of Narrow Aisle’s Flexi production facility. The current site in the ‘Black Country’, which Narrow Aisle has occupied since the mid-1980s, has recently benefited from a sizable investment that has increased production capacity to allow the sustained and growing demand for Flexi trucks – both from within the UK and worldwide – to be met.

John Maguire added: “As sales of trucks in the Flexi range continue to grow, we have to ensure that our production facilities are able to keep pace with demand. The recent and ongoing investment in our UK manufacturing site is a reflection of our confidence in our business, our products and our hugely skilled engineering teams.”

Q2 Gross Volume Growth for DP World

Posted on by David Priestman

DP World PLC handled 35.8 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first half of 2019, with gross container volumes growing by 0.5% year-on-year on a reported basis and 0.5% on a like-for-like basis.

Strong performance across Asia Pacific, Indian Subcontinent and Africa drove growth in 2Q 2019, but weaker volumes in the UAE and Australia offset this trend, it said.

At a consolidated level, terminals handled 19.5 million TEU during the first half of 2019. Consolidated volumes in 2Q2019 grew by 10.6% on a reported basis but down 0.6% on a like-for-like basis. The strong reported growth in Americas and Australia region is due to the consolidation of Australia and acquisition of Pulogsa which consists of two terminals in Chile.

DP World Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “In line with our expectations, we have delivered a broadly stable volume performance in the first half of 2019. Encouragingly, despite uncertainty from the trade war, we have seen robust volumes in Asia Pacific and Indian Subcontinent, while growth in Africa remains strong. In contrast, UAE and Australia volumes have been soft due to a loss of lower-margin cargo and challenging market conditions. However, we expect a more stable throughput performance in the UAE for the second half of the year.

“On our broader portfolio, we have made good progress in strengthening our product offering, allowing us to enable trade and connect directly with end customers to deliver a range of logistic solutions. Our near-term focus is on integrating our recent acquisitions, managing costs and disciplined investment to cement DP World’s position as the trade partner of choice.”

Innovative Pallet Maker Ramps Up Production to Combat No-Deal Threat

Posted on by David Priestman

Pallite, an innovative UK-based paper pallet and shipping crate maker, which recently secured over £1,150,000 funding on Crowdcube, says it will use the funding to ramp up production to ensure supply should the UK leave the EU without a deal on 31st October. The company says its products can help combat a potentially severe pallet shortage in that scenario.

Because they are made from paper, Pallite products are exempt from ISPM-15 requirements which require heat treating or fumigation of wooden packaging to prevent disease transfer. The EU applies lower standards to members, allowing untreated pallets to move across borders but this benefit would be lost in a no deal scenario. It has been reported that only 1/3rd of existing UK pallets would be compliant should we leave with no deal.

If suitable pallets were unable to be sourced, millions of tonnes of goods carried between the UK and EU may not be allowed to be transported. According to The Guardian more than 3m pallets move between the UK and EU every month and this scenario “could potentially lead to food shortages”.

Pallite’s products reduce raw material use and carbon emissions to help businesses reduce their impact on the environment. Its pallets and pallet boxes are up to 83% lighter than traditional wooden and plastic alternatives – which can weigh over 60kg – and this reduces emissions in transit. If 30,000 pallets were air freighted from the UK to New York using Pallite® rather than wooden pallets you’d reduce CO2 emissions by 4,612 tonnes.

CEO Ian Hulmes (above) said: “Any business concerned about being able to move goods between the UK and EU should consider our sustainable and regulation-exempt pallets and boxes to ensure they can keep their supply chains moving.”

 

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