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Day: 29 July 2021

BIFA releases report into container shipping fundamentals

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In response to concerns expressed by its members, the trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies has been monitoring conditions in the global container market for some time, liaising with international organisations in order to compare market conditions around the world.

BIFA has now prepared a report for all of its members, to help them highlight and explain to their clients how the present difficult position has arisen; the impact the current issues are having on the container market and wider economy; why it is so difficult to ameliorate the situation in both the short and longer term; as well as the potential for the immediate future.

In regards to rates, the report warns members to expect more surcharges to be imposed by the lines, in part to cover higher charter rates, as well as additional port fees, quay rent and demurrage.

Commenting on that, Robert Keen, BIFA Director General says: “BIFA has been challenging the legitimacy of arbitrary surcharges on behalf of our members – and their customers – for many years. There is a suspicion that the container shippping lines and others are cashing in on a crisis in global container shipping, created in no small part by their own actions.

“Over the last few years, we have seen surcharges for fuel, equipment imbalances, the peak season and currency fluctuations. Just this week a global port authority has announced an energy transition fee of £5 per laden import container! The number of surcharges and fees continues to grow – often with no real explanation or justification.”

In regards to capacity, BIFA predicts little prospect of additional allocations; and expects the shortage of landside transport will remain, whilst carriers will not accommodate low yield freight.

BIFA adds that there is likely to by ongoing short tern changes to schedules and routings; accompanied by service speed reductions and blank sailings.

Keen concludes: “The fundamentals that underpin demand and supply within the container shipping market show no signs of significant changes, which leads us to conclude that there is little chance of there being any improvement in the current situation for many months, or possibly even years.

“That is why we felt it necessary to provide our members with a report that helps them explain the ongoing issues that the freight forwarding industry faces, to a very disgruntled client set.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

 

BIFA releases report into container shipping fundamentals

Posted on by David Priestman

In response to concerns expressed by its members, the trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies has been monitoring conditions in the global container market for some time, liaising with international organisations in order to compare market conditions around the world.

BIFA has now prepared a report for all of its members, to help them highlight and explain to their clients how the present difficult position has arisen; the impact the current issues are having on the container market and wider economy; why it is so difficult to ameliorate the situation in both the short and longer term; as well as the potential for the immediate future.

In regards to rates, the report warns members to expect more surcharges to be imposed by the lines, in part to cover higher charter rates, as well as additional port fees, quay rent and demurrage.

Commenting on that, Robert Keen, BIFA Director General says: “BIFA has been challenging the legitimacy of arbitrary surcharges on behalf of our members – and their customers – for many years. There is a suspicion that the container shippping lines and others are cashing in on a crisis in global container shipping, created in no small part by their own actions.

“Over the last few years, we have seen surcharges for fuel, equipment imbalances, the peak season and currency fluctuations. Just this week a global port authority has announced an energy transition fee of £5 per laden import container! The number of surcharges and fees continues to grow – often with no real explanation or justification.”

In regards to capacity, BIFA predicts little prospect of additional allocations; and expects the shortage of landside transport will remain, whilst carriers will not accommodate low yield freight.

BIFA adds that there is likely to by ongoing short tern changes to schedules and routings; accompanied by service speed reductions and blank sailings.

Keen concludes: “The fundamentals that underpin demand and supply within the container shipping market show no signs of significant changes, which leads us to conclude that there is little chance of there being any improvement in the current situation for many months, or possibly even years.

“That is why we felt it necessary to provide our members with a report that helps them explain the ongoing issues that the freight forwarding industry faces, to a very disgruntled client set.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

 

PF Whitehead to sponsor Transaid challenge

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of London’s leading warehousing and logistics experts, PF Whitehead Logistics, says it is proud to be a silver sponsor of – and take part in – charity Transaid’s long-awaited Way of the Roses cycle challenge.

This years’ challenge will involve two days of cycling through the Lancashire countryside and Yorkshire Dales, covering a total distance of 170 miles. The Way of the Roses challenge is named after the 15th Century Wars of the Roses, where English civil wars were fought between the royal houses of Lancaster and York over control of the throne.

All money raised will go to transport charity Transaid who transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport. They work with communities, partners, and governments to solve transport challenges throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Florence Bearman, Transaid’s Head of Fundraising, said on the charity website: “We were bitterly disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our planned events last year, and so we are absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new fundraiser.

“Our cycle challenges are always a sell-out, with a real sense of camaraderie among the riders – but most importantly because they are a fantastic chance for supporters to raise essential funds for our lifesaving programmes – a cause close to all our hearts.”

This years’ Way of the Roses runs over the 23rd-26th September 2021, and marks Transaid’s sixth UK-based cycle challenge. Managing Director of PF Whitehead Logistics, Peter Whitehead, will be one of 40 participants to take part in the Morecambe to Bridlington adventure.

“As a proud Transaid ambassador, this will be my third challenge, after previous rides in Tanzania and Zambia,” says Peter. “I’m so excited to be climbing back on my bike. This charity not only improves transportation services within communities but also empowers people.”

The Way of the Roses’ cycle jersey design has also recently been revealed, with sponsor PF Whitehead Logistics’ logo clearly displayed on the left arm. The jersey itself is deep maroon with roses on both the back and front to symbolise the region’s infamous battle past.

Other riders for the event include like-minded individuals from across the transport sector who are all keen to fundraise for Transaid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa improving road safety and access to healthcare.

Family-owned and run since 1963, PF Whitehead Logistics was founded with a single van. Today, it operates a large fleet of modern vehicles across the UK and South East from it 50,000 sq m facility in South London. It offers warehousing, third-party logistics, pallet distribution and outsourced transportation, all, it says, with exceptional service and dependability.

To support Peter’s challenge and make a donation to Transaid, please click here.

 

 

PF Whitehead to sponsor Transaid challenge

Posted on by David Priestman

One of London’s leading warehousing and logistics experts, PF Whitehead Logistics, says it is proud to be a silver sponsor of – and take part in – charity Transaid’s long-awaited Way of the Roses cycle challenge.

This years’ challenge will involve two days of cycling through the Lancashire countryside and Yorkshire Dales, covering a total distance of 170 miles. The Way of the Roses challenge is named after the 15th Century Wars of the Roses, where English civil wars were fought between the royal houses of Lancaster and York over control of the throne.

All money raised will go to transport charity Transaid who transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport. They work with communities, partners, and governments to solve transport challenges throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Florence Bearman, Transaid’s Head of Fundraising, said on the charity website: “We were bitterly disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our planned events last year, and so we are absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new fundraiser.

“Our cycle challenges are always a sell-out, with a real sense of camaraderie among the riders – but most importantly because they are a fantastic chance for supporters to raise essential funds for our lifesaving programmes – a cause close to all our hearts.”

This years’ Way of the Roses runs over the 23rd-26th September 2021, and marks Transaid’s sixth UK-based cycle challenge. Managing Director of PF Whitehead Logistics, Peter Whitehead, will be one of 40 participants to take part in the Morecambe to Bridlington adventure.

“As a proud Transaid ambassador, this will be my third challenge, after previous rides in Tanzania and Zambia,” says Peter. “I’m so excited to be climbing back on my bike. This charity not only improves transportation services within communities but also empowers people.”

The Way of the Roses’ cycle jersey design has also recently been revealed, with sponsor PF Whitehead Logistics’ logo clearly displayed on the left arm. The jersey itself is deep maroon with roses on both the back and front to symbolise the region’s infamous battle past.

Other riders for the event include like-minded individuals from across the transport sector who are all keen to fundraise for Transaid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa improving road safety and access to healthcare.

Family-owned and run since 1963, PF Whitehead Logistics was founded with a single van. Today, it operates a large fleet of modern vehicles across the UK and South East from it 50,000 sq m facility in South London. It offers warehousing, third-party logistics, pallet distribution and outsourced transportation, all, it says, with exceptional service and dependability.

To support Peter’s challenge and make a donation to Transaid, please click here.

 

 

Innovative logistics system developed based on printed sensors

Posted on by Keith McKinley

InnovationLab, an expert in printed electronics, has been working with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to integrate its printed sensors into an innovative logistics application. Trelleborg says its IntelliStok inventory management system eliminates the need for the manual scanning of items, thereby saving time, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

IntelliStok works seamlessly with existing Kanban-based systems to provide real-time inventory tracking of the company’s sealing products. The system uses printed pressure sensor matrices from InnovationLab, which are placed inside existing storage bins at a warehouse. These sensors weigh the products in each bin and wirelessly send this data to the cloud.

“This was a challenging application. As our seals can weigh less than 1g, we needed a sensitive, cost-effective system that could reliably provide accurate information,” said Domenico Tucci, IoT Solution Architect at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. “InnovationLab worked closely with us to develop a solution that exceeded our expectations and then manufactured the sensor matrices for us.”

“We provide tailored solutions for our customers’ challenges, from the initial concept to the industrial production of the final product,” said Luat Nguyen, Managing Director at InnovationLab. “Our expertise is based on an in-depth understanding of materials, processes and printing technologies – for Trelleborg, we researched and analysed possible solutions, and then designed and manufactured the optimal sensor matrix that met their specific needs.”

Trelleborg set multiple requirements for the sensor matrix material such as low cost and sufficient durability to prevent deformation or creasing during use. InnovationLab undertook detailed research and testing of various materials, until it found a material that perfectly met all the criteria.

Trelleborg offers IntelliStok as a service to its customers – triggering orders automatically for the replenishment of stock, directly in Trelleborg’s systems. The customer receives an email informing them of the order and the stock arrives shortly thereafter.

For Trelleborg’s customers, there are five standard-size sensor units available, which fit most bin types. The sensor matrices are integrated into a module that incorporates a microcontroller (MCU), a Wi-Fi chip for wireless connectivity and a 3.6V lithium battery.

Innovative logistics system developed based on printed sensors

Posted on by David Priestman

InnovationLab, an expert in printed electronics, has been working with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to integrate its printed sensors into an innovative logistics application. Trelleborg says its IntelliStok inventory management system eliminates the need for the manual scanning of items, thereby saving time, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

IntelliStok works seamlessly with existing Kanban-based systems to provide real-time inventory tracking of the company’s sealing products. The system uses printed pressure sensor matrices from InnovationLab, which are placed inside existing storage bins at a warehouse. These sensors weigh the products in each bin and wirelessly send this data to the cloud.

“This was a challenging application. As our seals can weigh less than 1g, we needed a sensitive, cost-effective system that could reliably provide accurate information,” said Domenico Tucci, IoT Solution Architect at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. “InnovationLab worked closely with us to develop a solution that exceeded our expectations and then manufactured the sensor matrices for us.”

“We provide tailored solutions for our customers’ challenges, from the initial concept to the industrial production of the final product,” said Luat Nguyen, Managing Director at InnovationLab. “Our expertise is based on an in-depth understanding of materials, processes and printing technologies – for Trelleborg, we researched and analysed possible solutions, and then designed and manufactured the optimal sensor matrix that met their specific needs.”

Trelleborg set multiple requirements for the sensor matrix material such as low cost and sufficient durability to prevent deformation or creasing during use. InnovationLab undertook detailed research and testing of various materials, until it found a material that perfectly met all the criteria.

Trelleborg offers IntelliStok as a service to its customers – triggering orders automatically for the replenishment of stock, directly in Trelleborg’s systems. The customer receives an email informing them of the order and the stock arrives shortly thereafter.

For Trelleborg’s customers, there are five standard-size sensor units available, which fit most bin types. The sensor matrices are integrated into a module that incorporates a microcontroller (MCU), a Wi-Fi chip for wireless connectivity and a 3.6V lithium battery.

Fronius offers modular and flexible charging solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Fronius Perfect Charging says it offers customised and modular complete solutions for electrically powered forklift trucks that expand flexibly as challenges rise.

In many industries, agility and flexibility are among the greatest challenges in day-to-day business. In order to be able to react in the best possible way to fluctuating demand when also under high time and cost pressure, internal storage and transport processes must be optimised accordingly. The available space must also be used to its full potential and, if necessary, expanded. This also applies to the charging technology and charging infrastructure for electrically powered forklift trucks.

Electric forklift trucks are a cost-effective, powerful and sustainable choice for a company’s internal flow of materials. However, to ensure availability and performance, they need a reliable power supply. This becomes particularly clear when organisational changes are made: Are new storage areas or vehicles being added? Are operating times or travel distances being extended? Is the changeover to a new battery technology imminent? In these cases, the charging infrastructure often also has to be adapted in order to continue to guarantee the fleet operates reliably.

Next-level, innovative charging solutions

When it comes to designing the charging infrastructure, Fronius Perfect Charging focuses on quality and individuality. The specialist has a large portfolio of charging modules and racks for setting up single charging rooms, charging stations and charging rooms. These can be combined with each other and expanded, and are compatible with all lead-acid and lithium-ion battery chargers from Fronius.

Thanks to their ingenious, high-quality design, the charging solutions can be reused many times over and are easy to assemble and disassemble. This gives users a high degree of flexibility when designing their intralogistics and allows them to make any necessary changes at any time. For short-term capacity bottlenecks or space problems, Fronius has also developed a sophisticated and practical solution for outdoor use: the mobile Energy Hub.

Fronius Perfect Charging also provides expert advice on the planning, installation and operation of customised system solutions. The expert delivers an individual complete package to its customers that meets all the requirements of modern intralogistics. Operating companies benefit from a reliable and efficient energy supply for their forklift truck fleet, with which they are also ideally equipped for future changes.

 

 

Fronius offers modular and flexible charging solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Fronius Perfect Charging says it offers customised and modular complete solutions for electrically powered forklift trucks that expand flexibly as challenges rise.

In many industries, agility and flexibility are among the greatest challenges in day-to-day business. In order to be able to react in the best possible way to fluctuating demand when also under high time and cost pressure, internal storage and transport processes must be optimised accordingly. The available space must also be used to its full potential and, if necessary, expanded. This also applies to the charging technology and charging infrastructure for electrically powered forklift trucks.

Electric forklift trucks are a cost-effective, powerful and sustainable choice for a company’s internal flow of materials. However, to ensure availability and performance, they need a reliable power supply. This becomes particularly clear when organisational changes are made: Are new storage areas or vehicles being added? Are operating times or travel distances being extended? Is the changeover to a new battery technology imminent? In these cases, the charging infrastructure often also has to be adapted in order to continue to guarantee the fleet operates reliably.

Next-level, innovative charging solutions

When it comes to designing the charging infrastructure, Fronius Perfect Charging focuses on quality and individuality. The specialist has a large portfolio of charging modules and racks for setting up single charging rooms, charging stations and charging rooms. These can be combined with each other and expanded, and are compatible with all lead-acid and lithium-ion battery chargers from Fronius.

Thanks to their ingenious, high-quality design, the charging solutions can be reused many times over and are easy to assemble and disassemble. This gives users a high degree of flexibility when designing their intralogistics and allows them to make any necessary changes at any time. For short-term capacity bottlenecks or space problems, Fronius has also developed a sophisticated and practical solution for outdoor use: the mobile Energy Hub.

Fronius Perfect Charging also provides expert advice on the planning, installation and operation of customised system solutions. The expert delivers an individual complete package to its customers that meets all the requirements of modern intralogistics. Operating companies benefit from a reliable and efficient energy supply for their forklift truck fleet, with which they are also ideally equipped for future changes.

 

 

Element Logic enters Czech market

Posted on by David Priestman

With more than 100 implemented AutoStore systems around Europe, Element Logic is now entering the Czech market.

With increased demand for automation of all processes and the overall Industry 4.0 revolution, implementing modern technology is essential. The growth in e-commerce has created demand for faster logistics, especially for companies selling electronics, fashion, sports equipment, or cosmetics.

“These sectors experienced a boom during the pandemic, when the number of daily orders reached pre-Christmas sales,” Jindřich Kadeřávek, Managing Director of Element Logic Czech Republic explains. “AutoStore is an efficient solution for them because it can pick thousands of orders per hour.

“Companies are looking for opportunities to optimize all logistic processes,. Modern warehouse solutions are a key part of business sustainability. Thanks to decades of experience, Element Logic is able to create an attractive and contemporary solution that reacts to the current demands.”

First installation

The first installation of AutoStore locally will begin at Continental Automotive in the end of September 2021. It is designed to supply online materials to the production line to make the production more efficient. The goods to person process is ensured through 13 robots and four swing ports which transport the bins from mezzanines down to the ground. The installation should be completed by December 2021.

“Continental is expanding its production and the space for warehouse management is getting smaller,” Kadeřávek explains. “We designed AutoStore in the mezzanine to save floor space as much as possible, because it is used for receiving materials and following expedition processes.”

“With AutoStore, Element Logic offers the ideal solution for businesses with an intense preparation of orders in the smallest possible space, a model that has been amply validated with more than 100 implementations throughout Europe,” says Armin Gesslein, Executive VP Central & Southern Europe.

“We are very proud to announce the opening of our office in the Czech Republic and with Jindřich’s professional experience within the industrial and logistics sector, we are convinced that we will get a strong development and the growth we need.”

 

Element Logic enters Czech market

Posted on by David Priestman

With more than 100 implemented AutoStore systems around Europe, Element Logic is now entering the Czech market.

With increased demand for automation of all processes and the overall Industry 4.0 revolution, implementing modern technology is essential. The growth in e-commerce has created demand for faster logistics, especially for companies selling electronics, fashion, sports equipment, or cosmetics.

“These sectors experienced a boom during the pandemic, when the number of daily orders reached pre-Christmas sales,” Jindřich Kadeřávek, Managing Director of Element Logic Czech Republic explains. “AutoStore is an efficient solution for them because it can pick thousands of orders per hour.

“Companies are looking for opportunities to optimize all logistic processes,. Modern warehouse solutions are a key part of business sustainability. Thanks to decades of experience, Element Logic is able to create an attractive and contemporary solution that reacts to the current demands.”

First installation

The first installation of AutoStore locally will begin at Continental Automotive in the end of September 2021. It is designed to supply online materials to the production line to make the production more efficient. The goods to person process is ensured through 13 robots and four swing ports which transport the bins from mezzanines down to the ground. The installation should be completed by December 2021.

“Continental is expanding its production and the space for warehouse management is getting smaller,” Kadeřávek explains. “We designed AutoStore in the mezzanine to save floor space as much as possible, because it is used for receiving materials and following expedition processes.”

“With AutoStore, Element Logic offers the ideal solution for businesses with an intense preparation of orders in the smallest possible space, a model that has been amply validated with more than 100 implementations throughout Europe,” says Armin Gesslein, Executive VP Central & Southern Europe.

“We are very proud to announce the opening of our office in the Czech Republic and with Jindřich’s professional experience within the industrial and logistics sector, we are convinced that we will get a strong development and the growth we need.”

 

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