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Day: 4 November 2020

Cost-Effective Lorry Curtains for Clean Lines

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK’s largest suppliers of lorry tension curtains have launched the Adaico Ada-Slider for commercial vehicle operators looking for a cost-effective sliding curtain for easy access and vibrant graphics. The Adaico system features a reinforced sliding curtain, secured at either end with a single tensioning lock to provide a smooth surface for branding and designs.

Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Structure-flex, said, “As the Ada-Slider has had limited availability in the UK, we’re glad to be making it widely available to hauliers and fleet operators. And with our Sales Manager’s in-depth experience with the system, we know it delivers great value and durability.”

The Ada-Slider system is manufactured in Spain by Adaico and has won fans across Europe for its lower overall cost than comparable systems. The Ada Slider is available for heights up to 2.4m and lengths between 3.5m and 7m. Weighing less than many curtain systems, a single door lock at each end provides easy access and a smooth tensioned surface for vehicle graphics. The system also achieves the EN 12642-XL standard for load containment within commercial vehicles and trailers.

Despite being a new addition to Structure-flex’s range, their Area Sales Manager Blaine Durno, appointed in early 2020, has extensive experience with the product from a previous role. Blaine states, “the beauty of the Ada Slider is it’s simplicity. It is easy to open, close and secure with a single latch. Using our print technology, we can create highly impactful graphics that stay vibrant for longer.” Norfolk-based Structure-flex have provided lorry tension curtains since 1970 and the Ada-Sider is intended to complement their existing range which includes their innovative Smoothside buckle-free curtain.

Structure-flex’s operation are one of the largest and most capable in the UK, with the firm recently announcing a supply contract to Eddie Stobart Logistics. Investment in the latest ink technology has increased the intricacy of designs they can print onto tension curtains and ensures colours remain stronger for longer than ever before.

Blaine concludes, “Lorry curtains are more effective than ever as a place to build brand recognition and boost sales. Using reinforced PVC, high-frequency welding and the latest inks technology we can make any vehicle stand out on UK and European roads.” Previously available through a single UK supplier, Structure-flex were keen to stock the Adaico system and Blaine and his colleagues have already completed orders for individual vehicles and entire fleets.
More on trailers here

Cost-Effective Lorry Curtains for Clean Lines

Posted on by David Priestman

The UK’s largest suppliers of lorry tension curtains have launched the Adaico Ada-Slider for commercial vehicle operators looking for a cost-effective sliding curtain for easy access and vibrant graphics. The Adaico system features a reinforced sliding curtain, secured at either end with a single tensioning lock to provide a smooth surface for branding and designs.

Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Structure-flex, said, “As the Ada-Slider has had limited availability in the UK, we’re glad to be making it widely available to hauliers and fleet operators. And with our Sales Manager’s in-depth experience with the system, we know it delivers great value and durability.”

The Ada-Slider system is manufactured in Spain by Adaico and has won fans across Europe for its lower overall cost than comparable systems. The Ada Slider is available for heights up to 2.4m and lengths between 3.5m and 7m. Weighing less than many curtain systems, a single door lock at each end provides easy access and a smooth tensioned surface for vehicle graphics. The system also achieves the EN 12642-XL standard for load containment within commercial vehicles and trailers.

Despite being a new addition to Structure-flex’s range, their Area Sales Manager Blaine Durno, appointed in early 2020, has extensive experience with the product from a previous role. Blaine states, “the beauty of the Ada Slider is it’s simplicity. It is easy to open, close and secure with a single latch. Using our print technology, we can create highly impactful graphics that stay vibrant for longer.” Norfolk-based Structure-flex have provided lorry tension curtains since 1970 and the Ada-Sider is intended to complement their existing range which includes their innovative Smoothside buckle-free curtain.

Structure-flex’s operation are one of the largest and most capable in the UK, with the firm recently announcing a supply contract to Eddie Stobart Logistics. Investment in the latest ink technology has increased the intricacy of designs they can print onto tension curtains and ensures colours remain stronger for longer than ever before.

Blaine concludes, “Lorry curtains are more effective than ever as a place to build brand recognition and boost sales. Using reinforced PVC, high-frequency welding and the latest inks technology we can make any vehicle stand out on UK and European roads.” Previously available through a single UK supplier, Structure-flex were keen to stock the Adaico system and Blaine and his colleagues have already completed orders for individual vehicles and entire fleets.
More on trailers here

5-point Strategy Against Corona

Posted on by David Priestman

How do we deal with the rising COVID-19 numbers and the immediate effects on employees, supply chain and turnover calculations? At this year’s German Logistics Congress, Günther Jocher, Managing Director of GROUP7, presented his company’s 5-point strategy. The first point of the strategy is to quickly adapt to the changed needs of the market. “We recognized the increasing demand for medical protective equipment early on and supported our customers with the initially difficult import process. By transporting a total of 31 million pieces of equipment, we were able to compensate the reduced volumes in other sectors such as automotive and textiles”, Jocher explained.

Surprise customers with new services such as Skype inventory

Point 2 of the GROUP7 strategy is the development of new products and services, adapted to the new Corona restrictions. “An important stock-taking of a customer gave us the idea to handle the process digitally. Our customers and the auditors were able to view the inventory virtually via Skype, and our employees could take samples on site”, Günther Jocher explains. This environmentally friendly and time-saving process will also be used by the logistics service provider after Corona.

Use the crisis to strengthen cohesion in the company

GROUP7 Managing Director Jocher’s point 3 was very important: “I deliberately avoided short-time working – we used the time to reduce vacation and strengthened our sales department”. According to him, this had already proven itself in the past: Thanks to the strong sales activities in the 2008/09 crisis, GROUP7 was able to generate a 64 percent increase in sales in the following year.

Continue to drive investments such as the Hamburg construction project

The 4th point in GROUP7’s pandemic package is aimed at investments in future business areas. Despite the difficult situation, the company was certified according to the GDP guidelines (Good Distribution Practice) in order to further advance the Pharma & Healthcare sector. “Our new construction project – a logistics center in Hamburg-Billbrook will also start on schedule in 2021,” said Jocher on the subject of investments.

Using the pandemic as a driver of the digitalisation process

The final point of the GROUP7 strategy is to use the pandemic as a driver of the digitalization. “Our further developed, digital security net has proven itself useful for our customers in the current crisis,” says Jocher. GROUP7 also tested agile working earlier than planned and will in future use it in the forwarding departments where it brings added value. “With our 5-point strategy for dealing with Corona, we are planning to be even more innovative in the future,” concludes Jocher.

More freight news here.

5-point Strategy Against Corona

Posted on by David Priestman

How do we deal with the rising COVID-19 numbers and the immediate effects on employees, supply chain and turnover calculations? At this year’s German Logistics Congress, Günther Jocher, Managing Director of GROUP7, presented his company’s 5-point strategy. The first point of the strategy is to quickly adapt to the changed needs of the market. “We recognized the increasing demand for medical protective equipment early on and supported our customers with the initially difficult import process. By transporting a total of 31 million pieces of equipment, we were able to compensate the reduced volumes in other sectors such as automotive and textiles”, Jocher explained.

Surprise customers with new services such as Skype inventory

Point 2 of the GROUP7 strategy is the development of new products and services, adapted to the new Corona restrictions. “An important stock-taking of a customer gave us the idea to handle the process digitally. Our customers and the auditors were able to view the inventory virtually via Skype, and our employees could take samples on site”, Günther Jocher explains. This environmentally friendly and time-saving process will also be used by the logistics service provider after Corona.

Use the crisis to strengthen cohesion in the company

GROUP7 Managing Director Jocher’s point 3 was very important: “I deliberately avoided short-time working – we used the time to reduce vacation and strengthened our sales department”. According to him, this had already proven itself in the past: Thanks to the strong sales activities in the 2008/09 crisis, GROUP7 was able to generate a 64 percent increase in sales in the following year.

Continue to drive investments such as the Hamburg construction project

The 4th point in GROUP7’s pandemic package is aimed at investments in future business areas. Despite the difficult situation, the company was certified according to the GDP guidelines (Good Distribution Practice) in order to further advance the Pharma & Healthcare sector. “Our new construction project – a logistics center in Hamburg-Billbrook will also start on schedule in 2021,” said Jocher on the subject of investments.

Using the pandemic as a driver of the digitalisation process

The final point of the GROUP7 strategy is to use the pandemic as a driver of the digitalization. “Our further developed, digital security net has proven itself useful for our customers in the current crisis,” says Jocher. GROUP7 also tested agile working earlier than planned and will in future use it in the forwarding departments where it brings added value. “With our 5-point strategy for dealing with Corona, we are planning to be even more innovative in the future,” concludes Jocher.

More freight news here.

Logistics Expert: “Gear up for Record Breaking Returns this Christmas”

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics supply chains face chaos if they don’t get their act together when it comes to managing returns during this Christmas and into the new year according to the UK boss at multi-modal transportation management platform provider C.H. Robinson.

Nick Ghia (pictured), General Manager, North West Europe at C.H. Robinson, believes that supply chains will face unprecedented pressures throughout December and January as an expected surge in online shopping leads to more consumers returning goods. His warning comes as a recent report reveals that more than three quarters (77%) of British consumers now do at least part of their shopping online, up 16% on 2019, with UK online spending expected to exceed £74bn by the end of 2020.

He says: “There’s a real risk that supply chains will be caught out and be overwhelmed by a massive increase in returns due to what will be a record breaking year for online sales as people stay away from shopping centres and social distancing restrictions remain in place.”

Many retailers offer extended returns policies for items bought before Christmas and industry analysts predict that up to 40 per cent of online purchases are returned. The rush of returns typically start at the end of November following Black Friday and Cyber Monday and 2nd January is known as National Returns Day, with some 72% more returns than on a typical day in December. Also, more than three quarters (78%) of consumers look at the returns process before choosing where to shop.

Critical considerations

Ghia adds: “Companies need to ensure they have a robust return management strategy in place so they can provide the best possible customer experience and maximise value recovery from the returned items. There are a number of critical considerations and collecting data is key across the board so artificial intelligence, together with predictive analytics technologies, will have a significant role to play this year to make sense of all the information on millions of expected returns.

“Firstly, data needs to be collected on item condition and reason for return to determine whether an item coming back to the warehouse is suitable for resale or instead needs to be scrapped or repaired.

“Secondly, it’s crucial to gather data early in the return process as returned items can be unpredictable and follow no obvious pattern. It’s therefore critical that close tabs are kept on the items as they enter transit. Upon delivery back to the warehouse, the importance of visibility of the returned items is equally important so that the goods can be verified thereby preventing unnecessary inventory loss.

“Finally, controlling the items that are sent back to the warehouse in the first instance is key. Having every return go back to the warehouse can tie up vital operations. By controlling returned items, companies can dispose of or donate items that are not saleable in store.”

 

Logistics Expert: “Gear up for Record Breaking Returns this Christmas”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics supply chains face chaos if they don’t get their act together when it comes to managing returns during this Christmas and into the new year according to the UK boss at multi-modal transportation management platform provider C.H. Robinson.

Nick Ghia (pictured), General Manager, North West Europe at C.H. Robinson, believes that supply chains will face unprecedented pressures throughout December and January as an expected surge in online shopping leads to more consumers returning goods. His warning comes as a recent report reveals that more than three quarters (77%) of British consumers now do at least part of their shopping online, up 16% on 2019, with UK online spending expected to exceed £74bn by the end of 2020.

He says: “There’s a real risk that supply chains will be caught out and be overwhelmed by a massive increase in returns due to what will be a record breaking year for online sales as people stay away from shopping centres and social distancing restrictions remain in place.”

Many retailers offer extended returns policies for items bought before Christmas and industry analysts predict that up to 40 per cent of online purchases are returned. The rush of returns typically start at the end of November following Black Friday and Cyber Monday and 2nd January is known as National Returns Day, with some 72% more returns than on a typical day in December. Also, more than three quarters (78%) of consumers look at the returns process before choosing where to shop.

Critical considerations

Ghia adds: “Companies need to ensure they have a robust return management strategy in place so they can provide the best possible customer experience and maximise value recovery from the returned items. There are a number of critical considerations and collecting data is key across the board so artificial intelligence, together with predictive analytics technologies, will have a significant role to play this year to make sense of all the information on millions of expected returns.

“Firstly, data needs to be collected on item condition and reason for return to determine whether an item coming back to the warehouse is suitable for resale or instead needs to be scrapped or repaired.

“Secondly, it’s crucial to gather data early in the return process as returned items can be unpredictable and follow no obvious pattern. It’s therefore critical that close tabs are kept on the items as they enter transit. Upon delivery back to the warehouse, the importance of visibility of the returned items is equally important so that the goods can be verified thereby preventing unnecessary inventory loss.

“Finally, controlling the items that are sent back to the warehouse in the first instance is key. Having every return go back to the warehouse can tie up vital operations. By controlling returned items, companies can dispose of or donate items that are not saleable in store.”

 

New Addition to Turning Attachments Product Range

Posted on by David Priestman

Forklift technology company B&B Attachments has introduced its new box turning attachment product (pictured). This high visibility unit with its robust construction is a low maintenance solution to handling and rotating a range of different box sizes.

This turning attachment is intended exclusively for the transport and lateral discharge of produce and Dolav boxes. It improves productivity through speed of rotation and elimination of dropped loads.

The specially positioned arms are fitted directly to a KAUP 360 degree rotating head. The arms secure the box load at both the top and sides, providing a safe and secure hold on the load. The arms are manually adjustable to handle different box sizes securely and are fully bushed to ensure smooth arm movement. There are several different types of top and side arm options available. The attachment can be supplied with a side arm on either one or both sides of the rotator.

This attachment can be fitted with a rear spacer to help the truck discharge produce closer to the centre of vehicles or when its receiving hoppers, ensuring safety and increased productivity with every lift. The arms can also be made as ‘quick release’ which allows the operator to revert to a standard rotator and forks in under two minutes, allowing all other palletised loads to be handled by the same forklift truck.

The rotator is rated 3200kg at 500mm load centre. All capacities, sizes and types are available through B&B Attachments.

New Addition to Turning Attachments Product Range

Posted on by David Priestman

Forklift technology company B&B Attachments has introduced its new box turning attachment product (pictured). This high visibility unit with its robust construction is a low maintenance solution to handling and rotating a range of different box sizes.

This turning attachment is intended exclusively for the transport and lateral discharge of produce and Dolav boxes. It improves productivity through speed of rotation and elimination of dropped loads.

The specially positioned arms are fitted directly to a KAUP 360 degree rotating head. The arms secure the box load at both the top and sides, providing a safe and secure hold on the load. The arms are manually adjustable to handle different box sizes securely and are fully bushed to ensure smooth arm movement. There are several different types of top and side arm options available. The attachment can be supplied with a side arm on either one or both sides of the rotator.

This attachment can be fitted with a rear spacer to help the truck discharge produce closer to the centre of vehicles or when its receiving hoppers, ensuring safety and increased productivity with every lift. The arms can also be made as ‘quick release’ which allows the operator to revert to a standard rotator and forks in under two minutes, allowing all other palletised loads to be handled by the same forklift truck.

The rotator is rated 3200kg at 500mm load centre. All capacities, sizes and types are available through B&B Attachments.

Double-Trailer Truck Investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, is the first logistics company in Abu Dhabi to operate double-trailer trucks, which will improve operational efficiencies for its customers and reduce emissions by cutting the number of trips made.

Agility operates an extensive fleet of trailers in Abu Dhabi. About 50 of those are now double-trailer trucks. Double trailers significantly reduce the number of trips required to haul cargo, decreasing overall wear and tear on tires and vehicles. In the first six months of operation, Agility’s fleet management data demonstrates that double trailers reduce fuel use by 26% per container, eliminating about 2,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. More Agility news here.

Houssam Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer for Agility Abu Dhabi, said: “In addition to being environmentally friendly, the double trailers will positively impact productivity – and that’s good for both Agility and our customers. We are able to pass a lot of these benefits to our customer by providing greater flexibility and a significant reduction in the number of required trips.”

Acquiring the permit to operate double-trailer trucks took six months of proposals, trials, accident simulations, and safety demonstrations. Agility worked together with a local automotive distributor to develop the safest possible solution for the market, including Active Brake Assist 4, proximity control, and lane assist. Agility conducted a transport route survey to identify any routes that might be risky or challenging for drivers. Agility insisted on lane assist capability for the vehicles, and proposed it to the supplier after determining that drivers would need help to navigate sharp round-a-bouts.

In the United Arab Emirates, Agility has an industry-leading safety record, linking driver incentive pay to safety, rather than speed of operations, and has voluntarily provided extensive third-party training on double trailers to ensure it maintains its excellent record.

Agility is a global logistics company with $5.2 billion in annual revenue and 26,000+ employees in more than 100 countries. It is one of the world’s top freight forwarding and contract logistics providers, and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a pioneer in emerging markets and one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Agility’s subsidiary companies offer fuel logistics, airport services, commercial real estate and facilities management, customs digitization, and remote infrastructure services.
For more information about Agility, visit

Double-Trailer Truck Investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, is the first logistics company in Abu Dhabi to operate double-trailer trucks, which will improve operational efficiencies for its customers and reduce emissions by cutting the number of trips made.

Agility operates an extensive fleet of trailers in Abu Dhabi. About 50 of those are now double-trailer trucks. Double trailers significantly reduce the number of trips required to haul cargo, decreasing overall wear and tear on tires and vehicles. In the first six months of operation, Agility’s fleet management data demonstrates that double trailers reduce fuel use by 26% per container, eliminating about 2,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. More Agility news here.

Houssam Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer for Agility Abu Dhabi, said: “In addition to being environmentally friendly, the double trailers will positively impact productivity – and that’s good for both Agility and our customers. We are able to pass a lot of these benefits to our customer by providing greater flexibility and a significant reduction in the number of required trips.”

Acquiring the permit to operate double-trailer trucks took six months of proposals, trials, accident simulations, and safety demonstrations. Agility worked together with a local automotive distributor to develop the safest possible solution for the market, including Active Brake Assist 4, proximity control, and lane assist. Agility conducted a transport route survey to identify any routes that might be risky or challenging for drivers. Agility insisted on lane assist capability for the vehicles, and proposed it to the supplier after determining that drivers would need help to navigate sharp round-a-bouts.

In the United Arab Emirates, Agility has an industry-leading safety record, linking driver incentive pay to safety, rather than speed of operations, and has voluntarily provided extensive third-party training on double trailers to ensure it maintains its excellent record.

Agility is a global logistics company with $5.2 billion in annual revenue and 26,000+ employees in more than 100 countries. It is one of the world’s top freight forwarding and contract logistics providers, and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a pioneer in emerging markets and one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Agility’s subsidiary companies offer fuel logistics, airport services, commercial real estate and facilities management, customs digitization, and remote infrastructure services.
For more information about Agility, visit

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