New trustees join Transaid board

International development organisation Transaid has welcomed two new trustees to its board, bringing significant experience and its first member from Uganda – a country where Transaid has operated long term road safety and access to health care programmes.

Dr Olive Kobusingye, a Senior Research Fellow at Makerere University School of Public Health, and Gavin Williams, Managing Director, UK & Ireland of GXO, join a diverse team of 13 trustees with collective experience spanning international development, governance, road safety, supply chain and transport and logistics.

Olive has spent the last 10 years at Makerere University School of Public Health in the Head, Trauma, Injury and Disability Unit, working on various projects including investigating risk and protective factors for motorcycle injuries in Kampala and improving the evidence for pedestrian safety in Uganda.

Between 2010 and 2016, she was also Board Chair and Head of Secretariat at the Road Traffic Injury Network, a global road safety research agency working to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries. She also worked for the World Health Organisation between 2003 and 2008 as African Regional Advisor for violence and injury prevention.

Gavin first became actively involved with Transaid in 2009, when he cycled 420km from Lusaka to Victoria Falls as a member of a team taking part in Transaid’s Cycle Zambia challenge. With close to 30 years of experience in the logistics sector, his current role sees him lead the UK and Ireland’s logistics business of GXO, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider (GXO spun-off from XPO Logistics on 2nd August, 2021).

Jo Godsmark, Chairperson of Transaid, says: “It is fantastic to welcome both Olive and Gavin to the board. Olive has been engaged with Transaid for five years, after Makerere University received a small grant from our innovation fund and delivered excellent work on post-crash response. She brings considerable expertise in road safety and access to healthcare research and programming in sub-Saharan Africa, and is highly respected in her field.

“Gavin’s appointment is also strategically important for Transaid, ensuring one of our longstanding corporate members and a major global logistics company is represented on the board. It is a real credit to the Transaid team that such senior business leaders are eager to become actively involved in steering Transaid’s life-saving work.”

Olive and Gavin join Jo and fellow trustees Joan Aitken, John Gurr, Bill Howie, Alan Hunt, James Keeler, Maeve Magner, Ishmael Muchemenyi, Phidelia Mwaba, Paul Orme and Helen Varma on the board.

For profiles of all trustees, visit: https://www.transaid.org/home/about-us/our-team/.

Caigan launches hydrogen vehicle conversion service

Caigan Vehicle Technologies Ltd. has entered the zero-carbon transport market with an innovative hydrogen fuel cell conversion for internal combustion engine vehicles.

Based in South Lanarkshire, Caigan’s engineers can replace a petrol or diesel engine with a complete hydrogen fuel cell power system to eliminate harmful emissions entirely. This novel approach allows fleet managers to gradually upgrade in order to meet targets without the cost and disruption of replacing all of their vehicles.

The conversion process involves removing the existing engine and fuel system and retrofitting a hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell to convert the hydrogen gas to electricity, a traction battery and an electric drive motor.

Caigan Managing Director Steve Turner (pictured) said: “Companies and organisations are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and there won’t be enough electric vehicles to meet demand as deadlines approach. We can design and integrate a hydrogen powertrain with negligible reduction in payload and range when compared to petrol or diesel power. This option allows fleet managers to upgrade their high-value assets and keep them in service instead of coming under pressure to dispose of them before good alternatives are available.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology isn’t a compromise or a half measure. Fuel cells only emit water vapour and a little heat so harmful tailpipe emissions are zero. The most polluting vehicles can drive into our workshop and drive out with no emissions at all. The latest fuel cell cars actually clean the air as they drive which is a game-changer for the environment.”

As well as the environmental and compliance benefits, Caigan also expect a converted vehicle to have significantly lower running and maintenance costs compared to original specification.

With its focus set on medium-duty (3.5-7.5t) vehicles, Caigan is looking towards local councils, emergency services and similar fleets as ideal candidates for its conversion packages.

Biodegradable wheel nut indicators launched

Haulage wheel safety solution company Checkpoint has pioneered product innovation in its range of internationally renowned wheel nut indicators by making them fully biodegradable and therefore better for the planet.

Striving to achieve environmental sustainability across multiple vehicular industries, Checkpoint spent two short years, in a laboratory, testing and re-testing components that would make the company’s product range completely biodegradable, whilst maintaining the quality of manufacturing that is synonymous with Checkpoint.

Selling 17 million products per year to over 65 countries globally, the company estimates that by the end of 2021 all of its products produced will be the newly innovated version called Bio-Checkpoint.

The now biodegradable wheel nut indicators remain at the forefront of the market for premium quality, and continue to be available in any colour, personalised to match each individual customer’s signage and livery.

Commenting on the company’s sustainable invention, CEO Mike Marczynski said: “30 years ago, we were pioneers of the world’s first loose nut indicators, and now we are continuing to lead the vehicular industry sectors by re-launching our already recyclable Checkpoint products as biodegradable – this is a landmark moment for us, our clients and the industry.

“We have always had visual safety and preventative maintenance at the core of our business, and for some time now, we have wanted to do better for the environment and today marks our commitment to do that globally.”

Checkpoint has absorbed the total cost of this investment within the business. Marczynski continues: “With 200 tonnes of plastic sold each year alone by Checkpoint, we couldn’t sit back and watch, we had to do something about it. It’s on us as a business and we won’t be passing this cost onto our customers in any way.”

The Bio-Checkpoint’s key benefits include:

  • An instant visual indicator of wheel-nut movement
  • Indicates possible faults with brakes or bearings through melting or distorting
  • Supports fleet safety checks
  • Cost effective and easy to implement
  • Fully recyclable
  • Now fully biodegradable

Checkpoint was the first-ever product of its kind on the global market to provide an indication of wheel nut movement on commercial vehicles. This clever solution helps to ensure that every truck driver and fleet operator can carry out quick and easy visual checks and audits on their vehicle wheels. Its application has since been introduced to a wide range of sectors in order to provide a solution to loose nuts on plant structures, rail tracks etc.

The Checkpoint visually indicates nut movement. By placing the Checkpoints in a recognisable pattern such as point to point, any movement of the nut is clearly visible at a glance. This assists the visual inspection of wheel nuts, identifying when a nut loosens, to prevent the wheel from coming off. It also melts at a specific temperature to highlight any overheating issues with the wheel or equipment.

£500,000 of funding available to retrain in international trade

The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) is making £500,000 of funding available to help workers who have been furloughed, made redundant or become unemployed.

The IOE&IT is the UK’s leading professional body for those involved in international trade, and is ready to help companies with skills shortages and those facing a change in circumstances as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In recognition of the end of the furlough scheme, the IOE&IT has developed a new Step into International Trade training programme.

International trade is integral to the UK’s economy and making sure that it continues to flourish will be a hugely important part of the country’s recovery from the pandemic. At the same time, since the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK is also undergoing the most significant set of revisions to its trade policy for half a century. That means that there is a need for more skilled people to work in international trade.

IOE&IT director general, Marco Forgione said: “Step into International Trade is about offering workers who have recently had a change in circumstances a chance to train for a new career path. The UK is at an historic junction in terms of its trading relationship with the rest of the world and businesses need more skilled people to work in international trade.

“We have made £500,000 available to kick start this effort and introduce new people into the jobs market. Average salaries for customs and logistics managers start between £35,000 – £40,000 and this training package is designed to help people enter this exciting field.”

Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP, said: “International trade is the backbone of our economy, creating better jobs and higher wages, more choice and lower prices for British consumers, and economic security and prosperity for British families.

“It’s fantastic that the Institute of Export & International Trade is launching a new training package that will help boost the nation’s trading expertise as we look to build back better from the Covid crisis. I’m pleased to note this initiative is in line with DIT’s own UK Export Academy.”

The Programme

Step into International Trade has been specifically designed for individuals whose employment status has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff with international trade skills are needed so that firms can adapt to new post-Brexit rules, make the most of the UK’s new trade agreements and expand into overseas markets. The programme, which will see its first course begin on the 2nd September 2021, is comprised of two steps.

  • Step into International Trade training course
  • Certificate in International Trade, Customs and Logistics

The programme will be delivered online by the IOE&IT team of customs and trade experts. The programme allows time for learners to research and read papers and articles as well as using the learning materials which will supplied online. Crucially, The Institute will also provide them with a subject specific tutor for each module who will be able to guide their learning. Interested applicants, who should be either on furlough, at risk of redundancy or have been recently made redundant, who would like to learn more and take advantage of the free starter course, should sign up here.

Marco Forgione, Director General of IOE&IT, added: “This is the perfect opportunity to forge a new career path. With 50,000 customs specialists needed to handle post-Brexit documentation let our expert trainers give you the skills you need to take your first steps into international trade.”

The Courses

First, learners will take an introductory two-day course to learn about the basics of international trade. The course will cover:

  • Opportunities in international trade
  • How and why firms import and export
  • How goods are moved across borders
  • Role of customs authorities
  • Importance of compliance with customs rules

Secondly, if, after successfully completing the two-day course, they decide a career in international trade is right for them, they can move on to take the Certificate in International Trade, Customs and Logistics, a Level 3 Qualification awarded by the Institute.

The Introduction to Trade and Customs course consists of six units:

  • Unit 1: Export documents
  • Unit 2: Getting paid
  • Unit 3: Cargo and credit insurance
  • Unit 4: Trade customs and logistics facilitators
  • Unit 5: Methods of international transport
  • Unit 6: Customs procedures and documents

PSI delivers WMS upgrade to Weiss Chemie + Technik

PSI Logistics GmbH is again delivering an upgrade for the PSIwms warehouse management system to the Weiss Chemie + Technik GmbH & Co. KG. With the current functionalities, the ergonomics, efficiency and the possibilities for analysing the KPIs of the processes in the warehouse can be further improved.

At the production facility in Haiger Weiss Chemie + Technik produces more than 6,300 tonnes of adhesives, 950 tonnes of cleansers and 650,000 sq m of sandwich panels annually. The PSIwms system, implemented as early as 2000, controls the processes through dynamic storage space conversion with a number of pallets on a triple-euro storage space, route-optimised order picking as well as needs-based material provision and on-time transportation of the finished goods. By means of the cross-location functionality, the multi-level processes of the production stations including staging areas and stocks are also reproduced.

With the new upgrade, new functionalities such as activity tracking can be used to log activities and KPIs in the warehouse to record process times for in-depth analysis and optimisation of processes. In addition, the PSI Click Design provides better flexibility in customising user interfaces.

PSIwms Release 2021 offers easier goods receipt and placement. In addition, the dashboard improves ergonomics on mobile touch devices, which can be used to visualise warehouse information on all common devices via the cloud.

The PSI Group develops its own software products for optimising the flow of energy and materials for utilities (energy grids, energy trading, public transport) and industry (metals production, automotive, mechanical engineering, logistics). PSI was founded in 1969 and employs more than 2,100 people worldwide.

Europe Snacks revolutionises warehouse operations

Europe Snacks, a major European snack company, has overhauled its warehouse operation in London putting employee health and safety at the heart of its design.

The aim was to improve how goods were stored and moved within the warehouse. This had previously been done with forklift trucks, and although this was efficient, there was a belief that using bespoke mezzanine goods lifts to easily and quickly move the goods between floors would deliver an even more efficient system.

Europe Snacks operates on a 24/7 schedule, and our task was to provide the solution to lift pallet loads, weighing up to 750kg to the upper mezzanine level on a high-intensity duty cycle.

The whole project, from concept to final installation, took just 12 months. Comprehensive training for Europe Snacks‘ diverse workforce was also provided. Ben Francis, UK Distribution Manager, said: “I was particularly impressed with the training that was provided. It was instructional, but very clear and that’s essential for our workforce. Their safety in the warehouse is a key consideration.”

Scissor Tables UK designed, manufactured and installed customised lifting platforms to move goods up to the mezzanine floor, providing an ergonomic solution for warehouse staff. The goods lifts are also operated using a single touch control making them even more efficient to use.

The mezzanine goods lift has integrated both lower and upper levels as a means of transporting pallets of crisps goods between production to Goods Out. The lifts were surface mounted, removing the need for pits ensuring building work was kept to a minimum.

As identified in initial consultation, reducing the activity of the forklift within Goods Out has been fulfilled – increasing safety for employees.

Francis continued: “There’s no doubt this has been an investment for the future in our warehousing capabilities. But it’s also been a real sign of our commitment to the staff’s health and safety – this investment has led to a boost in morale across the whole warehouse.

“These two hydraulic goods-only lifts have revolutionised our warehouse logistics. We are now able to move our goods in a much more structured way, creating a safe and efficient environment for our colleagues. It’s been so successful, we’re considering installing similar solutions at our other warehouses across the UK.”

Geek+ launches smart palletising solution

Geek+, a global AMR leader, has launched a new solution for Smart Mixed Case palletising, co-developed with WSR Solutions, a provider of intelligent warehouse management tools.

The solution combines Geek+ autonomous mobile robots and WSR’s intelligent palletising algorithm to help warehouse operators systematically handle the processing of multiple outbound orders in an efficient, safe, and flexible way.

Lit Fung, Vice President of APAC, UK and the Americas at Geek+, says: “We are thrilled to work together with WSR Solutions to provide a tool that targets every aspect of the outbound logistics process, from how goods are stored and moved around the warehouse to how pallets are stacked, streamlining processes by eliminating the need for re-palletisation, and optimising overall space utilisation.”

Based on real-time demand, Geek+ autonomous mobile robots optimise the movement of ordered goods between the storage area and picking station. At the picking station, WSR’s intelligent algorithm support warehouse operators to stack cases of varying weight, height, width, and so on in an optimal way. It is a one-stop solution that takes warehouse automation one step further, allowing operators to not only modernise logistics processes inside the warehouse but ensure agile supply chains through the efficient use of truck space.

Marcel van Schijndel, CEO of WSR Solutions, says: “Together with Geek+ we provide a full framework for the changing market requirements. Innovative mixed palletising solutions that in effect serve one single goal: to optimise the customer’s supply chain with efficient, flexible, and affordable automation solutions.”

The solution has four key components – storage area, buffer area, case picking area, and loading area.

Storage Area

The storage area is built on multiple layers using high-density racking and bulk lifts for more storage capacity. After inbound processing, pallets of incoming goods (donor pallets) are stored in high-density racking. Donor pallets are then moved horizontally by four-way shuttles and vertically by lifts. The system flexibly solves bottlenecks caused by rapid changes in required throughput. With no need for wires and long installation periods, the number of shuttles can be flexibly adjusted to handle changes in required throughput, and peak values can be changed using the system’s scheduling tool.

Buffer Area

Upon receiving the outbound order, items of high outbound volume go to a buffer area between the storage area and the workstation. Upon registering an incoming order, a picking robot picks up the donor pallet from the storage area and moves it to the buffer area for temporary storage. At the buffer area, picking robots streamline the movement of pallets, ensuring the smooth supply and optimal sequencing of source pallets to the workstation.

Case Picking Area

At the workstation, an operator picks cases from a donor pallet and stacks them on an order pallet based on a pre-calculated stacking pattern. The user-friendly interface provides the operator with information on outbound orders such as required type and quantity of goods, and the SAT laser pointer specifies case placement.

If one type of good is included in different orders, picking robots will move the donor pallet of that good to the next workstation, and new donor pallets containing other SKUs will automatically arrive at the previous workstation for continued order picking. The remaining items that do not require further picking will go to the storage area, creating a dynamic transit cycle.

Loading Area

At the loading area, optimally stacked pallets are loaded onto trucks by autonomous forklifts without the need for re-palletisation. By optimising how pallets are stacked it improves truck space utilisation, lowering overall transport costs. The algorithm enables efficient organisation and order sequencing of large-scale, mixed case combinations. It can be tailored to fit customers’ actual business needs for allocation and priority management, making a powerful tool applicable to a wide range of industry scenarios.

Uzbekistan joins freight loyalty scheme as gateway

In a boost to its global trade networks and partnerships, Uzbekistan has today joined the World Logistics Passport (WLP) as a Gateway. The signing event took place in Tashkent and was attended by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; H.E. Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Republic of Uzbekistan and Mahmood Ahmed Al Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer, DT World and General Manager of the WLP.

The WLP is a global, private sector-led initiative designed to smooth the flow of global trade, unlock market access and provide economic efficiencies to members. With its global presence, it is providing benefits to members such as priority handling and faster clearance – helping to reduce supply chain costs and increase trade volumes.

The WLP will bring increased traffic and revenues for Uzbekistani traders, will increase visibility of Uzbekistan to the WLP global network and will boost global connectivity. The Government of Uzbekistan will also be on hand to facilitate and support traders in Uzbekistan to register as WLP members.

With the World Bank predicting that the country’s economy will grow by 4.8% in 2021, this partnership is set to spur trade between Uzbekistan and the world. Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s largest consumer market, and a leading exporter of cherries, apricots, and carrots. With its growing economy driving domestic consumption complemented by demand for exports, the country’s trading ecosystem is set to unlock numerous benefits.

As a Gateway, Uzbekistan will be able to access the benefits of the WLP when trading via the UAE, where it joins a network of Hubs and many other Gateways that span Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Other countries that are part of the WLP network include India, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Brazil, Senegal, South Africa, and the UAE, amongst others.

Mahmood Ahmed Al Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer, DT World and General Manager of the WLP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Uzbekistan to the World Logistics Passport. Our program helps countries grow their economies and create jobs by boosting trade and making their products more competitive and accessible through more efficient supply chains.

“As Uzbekistan continues its export-driven economic program, traders in the country will now be able to expand and discover opportunities through our network of Hubs and Gateways across Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

H.E. Laziz Kudratov – First Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said: “WLP membership is great news for traders and freight forwarders who will benefit from a network of multimodal trade Hubs across the global South by delivering time- and cost- efficiencies. We look forward to the development of Uzbekistan as a WLP Gateway, opening up new opportunities for the country”.

The WLP is a unique loyalty program which overcomes non-tariff trade barriers by incentivizing increased trade through more efficient and cheaper trade processes. Traders and freight forwarders get increased benefits the more they trade through member Hubs. The Benefits include cost and time savings, and faster customs clearances. Unlocking these Benefits allows nations and regions to gain access to new markets, diversify trade in existing products, and increase market shares in key export products in developing economies. As demonstrated in fully operational Hubs, traders and freight forwarders that are members of the WLP can expect to have an annual increase in trade on average of up to 5-10%. Free to join, the WLP is inclusive, covering the entire trade ecosystem from freight and logistics to trade finance.

Refrigerated lorry fleet electrified to reduce emissions

FRIGOBLOCK, one of the leading suppliers of transport refrigeration units in Europe and brand of Thermo King®, collaborated with BIOGROS, a Luxembourgish wholesaler and distributor of bio products and part of Oikopolis Group, put the first fully electric refrigerated truck on Luxembourg’s roads. As part of the project, FRIGOBLOCK equipped the prototype MAN eTGM truck with the inverter driven FK25i refrigeration unit. BIOGROS calculates that in the first eight months of operations they saved over 2900 litres of diesel equalling to approximately 9.4 tonnes of CO2, compared to similar diesel-fuelled truck in their fleet. By end of the year, they expect to save a total of approximately 22 tonnes of CO2, more than 20% of their entire fleet’s emissions.

Environmental responsibility and operating in a sustainable manner are part of BIOGROS’ culture. In late 2020, as part of their strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and decrease fuel consumption, BIOGROS decided to expand its distribution fleet with a new refrigerated e-truck, the first one to operate on Luxembourg roads. To find the most efficient, electric refrigeration unit for the prototype MAN eTGM truck, BIOGROS reached out to Gradius, Thermo King’s official dealer in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The truck required a refrigeration unit, which could work fully on electric power and that could be connected and powered by the truck’s main battery with low impact on the vehicle’s operational range. FRIGOBLOCK’s FK25i unit ticked all the boxes.

“When planning our transport and logistics operations, we have always looked for the best possible compromise between the protection of the environment and food safety,” said Marco Gasper, logistics manager at BIOGROS. “BIOGROS recently received the Lean & Green 2 Stars-Award thanks to the restructuring and the optimisation of our logistic processes to reduce the CO2 emissions. Our collaboration with FRIGOBLOCK is part of this success.”

“Part of our philosophy is to be close to our customers and provide them with turnkey solutions that are right both from an operational and a sustainability point of view,” said Samer Hawat, area sales and service manager for Belgium and Luxembourg, Thermo King. “We’re proud to work with BIOGROS and be part of this important project, which emphasized the importance of green, quiet and environmentally friendly transport.”

BIOGROS’ 26 tonnes eTGM truck with FRIGOBLOCK FK-25i can carry 18 pallets and has an autonomous reach of up to 200km. This is perfectly suitable for the BIOGROS’ regional distribution of organic food, which is characterised by a lot of stop-and-go operations. One of the additional key advantages of the refrigerated vehicle is the virtual absence of noise pollution, which contributes to whisper-quiet and zero-emission deliveries.

“For years, we have worked closely with BIOGROS providing them with immediate support and specialist advice when and where they needed it,” said Paulo Marques, account manager at Gradius. “Knowing their operations and requirements well, we could offer them with the right refrigeration solution to help maximise the results of this project.”

“With Gradius’ support and FRIGOBLOCK’s expertise we were able to achieve significant savings with the new vehicle. Along with the CO2 emissions that shrank from 97 kg to 1.3 kg per 100 km, the energy consumption is also by two thirds lower than the one of a regular diesel truck,” said Marco Gasper. “We believe the fleet electrification in the retail sector is a trend that is set to continue. Working with Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK will help us ensure high performing, reliable and sustainable refrigeration for our current and future fleet.”

Antwerp port expansion for reefer shipper

Seafrigo’s recently-launched joint venture with Antwerp Cold Stores, combined with its new LCL (Less-than-Container) reefer service between the Belgian city and New York in the USA, is proving so popular with customers that the logistics provider is now looking to further expand its operations and capacity in the port.

Antwerp is set to play an important role in the further development of the Seafrigo Group, which is headquartered at Le Havre in France. Demand in the USA for high quality Belgian products such as chocolate and biscuits has surged over the last 12 months and in order to support the further development of the trade lane the Seafrigo Group is now looking at taking on an additional warehouse in the Port of Antwerp with at least 25,000 pallet positions for temperature-controlled cargo.

As a result of the joint venture, which became effective in April this year, Seafrigo and Antwerp Cold Stores are already the leading player in Belgium for temperature-controlled perishable goods handling and storage. An expansion of the port facility will further enhance their combined market position.

Says Seafrigo Belgium’ Managing Director, Ben Van Wolput (pictured): “Food logistics really does require specialist knowledge and capabilities. Combine that with our commitment to the highest possible service standards and we believe it makes our service offerings really stand out. The US market for luxury Belgian foods is immense and relies on a global player such as Seafrigo with in-house expertise on both sides of the Atlantic to deliver the goods in perfect condition. These specialist products demand the expertise that our highly trained teams can deliver end-to-end and we are hugely optimistic about the ongoing demand for this service between Antwerp and New York”.

Seafrigo’s temperature-controlled warehouse at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey is the ideal entry point to the USA for the LCL service from Antwerp as, within its own hub, the company can handle deconsolidation and Customs formalities, and then deliver on its own dedicated refrigerated trucks, so maintaining the integrity of the cold chain right through to ultimate destination. “Seafrigo USA is proud to offer tailored services based on a large, scalable multi-temp warehouse network,” adds Van Wolput.

The addition of its own temperature-controlled handling capabilities at Antwerp has created a European hub within the Seafrigo network with a focus on growing Europe-US services. It can also now offer customers a growing number of new route options and destinations for their perishable exports, based on the port’s extensive worldwide sailings. Antwerp’s accessibility by road and rail to all the important industrial areas of Europe means Seafrigo customers located over a wide radius from the port can use it as a hub for their international traffic.

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