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Month: August 2021

DHL Express orders first electric cargo planes

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider, and Eviation, the Seattle-area based global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, write aviation history in announcing that DHL is the first to order 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Eviation. With this engagement DHL aims to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation’s Alice is the world’s leading fully electric aircraft, which enables airlines – both cargo and passenger – to operate a zero-emission fleet. Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024.

“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.

“From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft,” said Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. “Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”

The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure. The Alice can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express’ tight schedules.

“My compliments to Eviation on the innovative development of the fully electric Alice aircraft” says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation for DHL Express. “With Alice’s range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network. Our aspiration is to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For us and our customers, this is a very important step in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.”

With innovation, performance and sustainability serving as its North Star, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation’s Alice all-electric aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year.

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing,” said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski. “With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

The decarbonization of its operations is one of the main pillars of DPDHL Group’s new Sustainability roadmap announced in Q1 2021. The Group is investing a total of 7 billion euros (Opex and Capex) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go in particular towards electrification of last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings. On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. For example, as part of the renowned Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Big Creek terminal pact signed

Posted on by David Priestman

Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), the Honduran subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., has signed a sister port agreement with the Port of Big Creek in Belize to strengthen relations and promote interconnectivity between the two Central American ports. The partnership benefits both ports and their respective areas of influence.

Since commencing operations in 2013, OPC has been continuously investing in Puerto Cortés – improving infrastructure, acquiring new equipment, and rolling out state-of-the-art port technology – with the aim of transforming the region’s trade and reducing the cost of goods for the end consumer. These investments, along with the modernization of Puerto Cortés, are expected to pay off as the agreement with the Port of Big Creek is seen to increase the flow of cargo through the terminal.

“We are helping to transform the region through innovation, technology and the application of processes, as well as best international practices. This gives us tangible advantages among the terminals in the isthmus and positions us as the better option for cargo and transportation, unloading of containers and general cargo in the region,” said Juan Corujo, OPC Director-General.

He added: “The possibilities of diversification in services, reprocessing and storage at competitive costs benefit all the actors in the logistics chain and position Central America as one of the most important logistics poles. The agreement with the sister terminal of Puerto Big Creek in Belize is a clear example of the benefits offered by the investment and modernization of Puerto Cortés.”

The Port of Big Creek, through a cabotage barge service by the Big Creek Group, is set to benefit from Puerto Cortés’ global connections with OPC handling more than 23 weekly services. The agreement also gives the Port of Big Creek the advantage of having a free zone in OPC’s yards for its import and export cargo in transit, which will boost Belize’s foreign trade.

Operated by the Big Creek Group, the Port of Big Creek is in the Stann Creek district south of Belize. The port is mainly used for the export of banana, sugar, citrus, shrimp, and oil, and is accessible by land, air, and sea. Its location and ability to handle large ships make it a strategic alternative for interconnection with Puerto Cortés.

Big Creek terminal pact signed

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), the Honduran subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc., has signed a sister port agreement with the Port of Big Creek in Belize to strengthen relations and promote interconnectivity between the two Central American ports. The partnership benefits both ports and their respective areas of influence.

Since commencing operations in 2013, OPC has been continuously investing in Puerto Cortés – improving infrastructure, acquiring new equipment, and rolling out state-of-the-art port technology – with the aim of transforming the region’s trade and reducing the cost of goods for the end consumer. These investments, along with the modernization of Puerto Cortés, are expected to pay off as the agreement with the Port of Big Creek is seen to increase the flow of cargo through the terminal.

“We are helping to transform the region through innovation, technology and the application of processes, as well as best international practices. This gives us tangible advantages among the terminals in the isthmus and positions us as the better option for cargo and transportation, unloading of containers and general cargo in the region,” said Juan Corujo, OPC Director-General.

He added: “The possibilities of diversification in services, reprocessing and storage at competitive costs benefit all the actors in the logistics chain and position Central America as one of the most important logistics poles. The agreement with the sister terminal of Puerto Big Creek in Belize is a clear example of the benefits offered by the investment and modernization of Puerto Cortés.”

The Port of Big Creek, through a cabotage barge service by the Big Creek Group, is set to benefit from Puerto Cortés’ global connections with OPC handling more than 23 weekly services. The agreement also gives the Port of Big Creek the advantage of having a free zone in OPC’s yards for its import and export cargo in transit, which will boost Belize’s foreign trade.

Operated by the Big Creek Group, the Port of Big Creek is in the Stann Creek district south of Belize. The port is mainly used for the export of banana, sugar, citrus, shrimp, and oil, and is accessible by land, air, and sea. Its location and ability to handle large ships make it a strategic alternative for interconnection with Puerto Cortés.

Every parcel should be your brand ambassador

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Remember when receiving a parcel was an event? For your birthday, perhaps, or for Christmas, a complete surprise, or a purchase you had saved up for and keenly anticipated, writes Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for packaging solutions at Quadient.

Now, of course, parcels are a daily occurrence, and our attitude towards packaging is somewhat different – more enlightened. With the same- or next-day, ‘free’ delivery, our orders are smaller and smaller but it seems that the boxes are bigger and bigger. Actually finding the lipstick or the printer cartridge in a mountain of void-fill is a challenge – is there anything in this box at all? And what are we supposed to do with all this packaging and void-fill?

Surveys show that up to half of consumers rate grossly oversized packages among the things they really don’t like about Internet shopping. And if you don’t believe surveys, just look on social media. ‘Unboxing’ is a ‘thing’ on Instagram and the like. Someone has estimated there are at least 74 million unboxing videos across the social media channels. Many of these, of course, are entirely positive, but what social media really feeds on is the epic fail, and gross mismatches between box and product rate highly.

What do we do with all these cardboard boxes? We break them down, squash them up and cram them into our recycling bins, if we can. But with the bins only emptied every two or three weeks, it is unsurprising that a large cardboard manufacturer claims that 22% of consumers say there isn’t enough room in their bins to dispose of all their boxes. 44% of consumers hoard cardboard boxes – for future arts and crafts projects or storage needs, or for no obvious reason at all – “135 million are believed to be sitting in sheds, garages and wardrobes in the UK”. With the boom in e-commerce over the least 18 months, it’s hardly surprising that cardboard is being called ‘beige gold’.

But it isn’t just the outsize boxes themselves that annoy consumers; it’s all the void-fill, such as air bags, bubble wrap, and horrid polystyrene beads. At least with card we know it’s recyclable.

And although, as consumers, we are seduced by the idea of ‘free delivery’, we know that all this excess material must have a cost. While we may not be up to speed on the intricacies of Dimensional or Volumetric Weight as applied to shipping rates or realise that the average shipped box contains 60% air, we intrinsically know that shipping fresh air around the country has a significant financial, as well as a high environmental, cost. Consumers are increasingly aware, even anxious, about the negative impact of wasteful shipping practices on air quality and bigger than necessary boxes mean more vehicles on the road, more congestion, more particulates and more CO2.

In one survey, 77% of consumers said they believe that the packaging a brand uses reflects its environmental values – and by implication, its other values as well. Loading consumers with excessive and unnecessary volumes of packaging isn’t just annoying – it’s seen as lazy, irresponsible and uncaring – not a good brand look for the merchant or their carrier.

For ecommerce businesses with high order volumes, this is an issue that needs to be solved. But how? They can’t have packers manually cutting boxes down to size – far too slow and messy, and the result may be a box that fails in delivery, let alone if it’s re-used for a return, as many are. There are limits to the number of different-sized preforms a packing station can cope with. And, particularly if there are multiple items in one box, packers, who may be inexperienced, or casual staff, have to guess which size is just big enough to accommodate a jumble of different shapes.

However, there is a solution that will greatly improve packing line productivity and maximise transport utilisation, while minimising the monetary and environmental cost of materials and giving the consumer a consistent, positive brand experience.

The CVP Everest and CVP Impack automated packaging solutions from Quadient create ‘right-size’ boxes in seconds by scanning and measuring the goods – single or multi-item orders – cutting and erecting the box, sealing, weighing, and labelling, all in one seamless process.
With the CVP Impack, one or two operators can pack up to 500 parcels an hour; with the CVP Everest, two operators can pack 1,100 an hour. Typically, this replaces between 8 and 20 manual packing stations. On average, right-sizing packages cuts parcel volumes by 50% – significantly reducing freight charges – and saves up to 30% on material costs.

Will this delight your customers? Well, if the ‘free’ and almost instant delivery model that is so valued by consumers is to be sustainable, these sorts of savings in cost and in labour are essential. But, more significantly, opening the box is the only ‘In Real Life’ touch point you have with your consumer, and as we have seen, wasteful and careless packaging can strongly alienate them from your brand – which, in an age of endless social media comment, means all their friends as well. With right-sized packaging every parcel serves as a brand ambassador.

Every parcel should be your brand ambassador

Posted on by David Priestman

Remember when receiving a parcel was an event? For your birthday, perhaps, or for Christmas, a complete surprise, or a purchase you had saved up for and keenly anticipated, writes Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for packaging solutions at Quadient.

Now, of course, parcels are a daily occurrence, and our attitude towards packaging is somewhat different – more enlightened. With the same- or next-day, ‘free’ delivery, our orders are smaller and smaller but it seems that the boxes are bigger and bigger. Actually finding the lipstick or the printer cartridge in a mountain of void-fill is a challenge – is there anything in this box at all? And what are we supposed to do with all this packaging and void-fill?

Surveys show that up to half of consumers rate grossly oversized packages among the things they really don’t like about Internet shopping. And if you don’t believe surveys, just look on social media. ‘Unboxing’ is a ‘thing’ on Instagram and the like. Someone has estimated there are at least 74 million unboxing videos across the social media channels. Many of these, of course, are entirely positive, but what social media really feeds on is the epic fail, and gross mismatches between box and product rate highly.

What do we do with all these cardboard boxes? We break them down, squash them up and cram them into our recycling bins, if we can. But with the bins only emptied every two or three weeks, it is unsurprising that a large cardboard manufacturer claims that 22% of consumers say there isn’t enough room in their bins to dispose of all their boxes. 44% of consumers hoard cardboard boxes – for future arts and crafts projects or storage needs, or for no obvious reason at all – “135 million are believed to be sitting in sheds, garages and wardrobes in the UK”. With the boom in e-commerce over the least 18 months, it’s hardly surprising that cardboard is being called ‘beige gold’.

But it isn’t just the outsize boxes themselves that annoy consumers; it’s all the void-fill, such as air bags, bubble wrap, and horrid polystyrene beads. At least with card we know it’s recyclable.

And although, as consumers, we are seduced by the idea of ‘free delivery’, we know that all this excess material must have a cost. While we may not be up to speed on the intricacies of Dimensional or Volumetric Weight as applied to shipping rates or realise that the average shipped box contains 60% air, we intrinsically know that shipping fresh air around the country has a significant financial, as well as a high environmental, cost. Consumers are increasingly aware, even anxious, about the negative impact of wasteful shipping practices on air quality and bigger than necessary boxes mean more vehicles on the road, more congestion, more particulates and more CO2.

In one survey, 77% of consumers said they believe that the packaging a brand uses reflects its environmental values – and by implication, its other values as well. Loading consumers with excessive and unnecessary volumes of packaging isn’t just annoying – it’s seen as lazy, irresponsible and uncaring – not a good brand look for the merchant or their carrier.

For ecommerce businesses with high order volumes, this is an issue that needs to be solved. But how? They can’t have packers manually cutting boxes down to size – far too slow and messy, and the result may be a box that fails in delivery, let alone if it’s re-used for a return, as many are. There are limits to the number of different-sized preforms a packing station can cope with. And, particularly if there are multiple items in one box, packers, who may be inexperienced, or casual staff, have to guess which size is just big enough to accommodate a jumble of different shapes.

However, there is a solution that will greatly improve packing line productivity and maximise transport utilisation, while minimising the monetary and environmental cost of materials and giving the consumer a consistent, positive brand experience.

The CVP Everest and CVP Impack automated packaging solutions from Quadient create ‘right-size’ boxes in seconds by scanning and measuring the goods – single or multi-item orders – cutting and erecting the box, sealing, weighing, and labelling, all in one seamless process.
With the CVP Impack, one or two operators can pack up to 500 parcels an hour; with the CVP Everest, two operators can pack 1,100 an hour. Typically, this replaces between 8 and 20 manual packing stations. On average, right-sizing packages cuts parcel volumes by 50% – significantly reducing freight charges – and saves up to 30% on material costs.

Will this delight your customers? Well, if the ‘free’ and almost instant delivery model that is so valued by consumers is to be sustainable, these sorts of savings in cost and in labour are essential. But, more significantly, opening the box is the only ‘In Real Life’ touch point you have with your consumer, and as we have seen, wasteful and careless packaging can strongly alienate them from your brand – which, in an age of endless social media comment, means all their friends as well. With right-sized packaging every parcel serves as a brand ambassador.

Semiconductor Supply Chain shortage must be tackled

Posted on by David Priestman

As the ongoing computer chip shortage continues to hamper UK industries,* Jennifer Bisceglie, CEO and founder of Interos, comments below on how the UK government and commercial organisations require transparency throughout the supply chain to elevate operational resiliency and help alleviate the current semiconductor disruption.

“Over the past several months, supply chains, including the semiconductor – or ‘chip’ – supply chain saw massive disruption. However, the frequency and severity of these semiconductor supply chain shocks can no longer be considered entirely unpredictable. After all, the semiconductor supply chain is extremely complex, globally interconnected, and the production of a single computer chip often requires more than 1,000 steps passing through international borders over 70 times. The supply of semiconductors to satisfy the demand of Apple, AMD and Intel consumers is only a sliver in the huge threat the shortage represents – failure to address the risk and develop alternative sources of supply impacts future integral national capabilities such as utilities, aerospace and defence, and the development of 5G.

“To prevent these impacts occurring, we recommend that the UK government and commercial organisations require transparency throughout their multi-tiered supply chain and elevate operational resilience as a core business and mission priority. Maintaining domestic – or friendly nation – manufacturing capabilities is an essential part of ensuring the semiconductor industry has a highly resilient, geographically diversified supply chain. This allows the many industry sectors that rely upon semi-conductors to continue providing their products or services in the face of adverse market or supply chain shocks. The impact of the semiconductor shortage is far reaching, and it is vital that the UK government and private companies tackle the issue head on.

“Clearly there are already attempts to approach this on a policy level, with the government’s increasing interest in activities like the proposed sale of Arm, or the concerns over the Newport Wafer Fab. But policy is only one avenue for handling the issue. Technology now makes it possible to have a living and continuously monitored global map of supplier networks, and an assessment of a broad range of risks, from natural disasters, like COVID, to malicious attacks like Kaseya, or concentration risk. The availability of these technology-based solutions raises the acceptable standard of supply chain visibility, and organisations and governments need to advance to meet the occasion – shifting how they think about risk from protection and reaction to detection and pre-emption.”

Semiconductor Supply Chain shortage must be tackled

Posted on by David Priestman

As the ongoing computer chip shortage continues to hamper UK industries,* Jennifer Bisceglie, CEO and founder of Interos, comments below on how the UK government and commercial organisations require transparency throughout the supply chain to elevate operational resiliency and help alleviate the current semiconductor disruption.

“Over the past several months, supply chains, including the semiconductor – or ‘chip’ – supply chain saw massive disruption. However, the frequency and severity of these semiconductor supply chain shocks can no longer be considered entirely unpredictable. After all, the semiconductor supply chain is extremely complex, globally interconnected, and the production of a single computer chip often requires more than 1,000 steps passing through international borders over 70 times. The supply of semiconductors to satisfy the demand of Apple, AMD and Intel consumers is only a sliver in the huge threat the shortage represents – failure to address the risk and develop alternative sources of supply impacts future integral national capabilities such as utilities, aerospace and defence, and the development of 5G.

“To prevent these impacts occurring, we recommend that the UK government and commercial organisations require transparency throughout their multi-tiered supply chain and elevate operational resilience as a core business and mission priority. Maintaining domestic – or friendly nation – manufacturing capabilities is an essential part of ensuring the semiconductor industry has a highly resilient, geographically diversified supply chain. This allows the many industry sectors that rely upon semi-conductors to continue providing their products or services in the face of adverse market or supply chain shocks. The impact of the semiconductor shortage is far reaching, and it is vital that the UK government and private companies tackle the issue head on.

“Clearly there are already attempts to approach this on a policy level, with the government’s increasing interest in activities like the proposed sale of Arm, or the concerns over the Newport Wafer Fab. But policy is only one avenue for handling the issue. Technology now makes it possible to have a living and continuously monitored global map of supplier networks, and an assessment of a broad range of risks, from natural disasters, like COVID, to malicious attacks like Kaseya, or concentration risk. The availability of these technology-based solutions raises the acceptable standard of supply chain visibility, and organisations and governments need to advance to meet the occasion – shifting how they think about risk from protection and reaction to detection and pre-emption.”

Auckland Airport expands cargo facility

Posted on by David Priestman

GEODIS, a leading global transport and logistics operator, has announced a strategic move to a new facility at Auckland Airport, following strong and sustained growth in the New Zealand market. The 5700 sqm facility – with its prime location, advanced enterprise-grade systems, and extensive storage space – will offer GEODIS’ expanding client base the capacity needed to ensure seamless end-to-end supply chain support across both local and cross-border markets.

The unprecedented surge in consumer demand brought about by the pandemic, has heightened the need for resilient supply chain strategies, particularly within the healthcare industry, with pharmaceutical companies forced to reinforce their logistical requirements. Keeping these needs in mind, GEODIS’ new site will feature specially designed temperature-controlled areas to facilitate the optimal storage of pharmaceutical products at +15-25 degrees as well as +4 degrees Celsius.

The growing demand will also be addressed by the site’s high productivity storage solution, which consists of two-metre wide aisle racking that affords 5,000 pallet locations. There is a tier one Warehouse Management System (WMS) that offers automated operating systems to support the thriving e-commerce fulfillment business. The purpose-built facility is located at one of Auckland’s most prominent industrial hubs at Auckland Airport with connections to the main arterial routes used for distribution. It will also house GEODIS’ international container freight station (CFS), contract logistics and last mile distribution set-up to enable full-service supply chain management under one roof.

“Significantly, this new facility is in harmony with our commitment to being a strong growth partner to our customers. As GEODIS continues to expand, we will also continue to enhance our infrastructure and processes to align our evolution with our customers’ development ambitions,” said Stuart Asplet, Sub-Regional Managing Director, Pacific & Regional Director Sea Freight, Asia Pacific. “The supply chain industry has certainly been disrupted by the pandemic, yet GEODIS’ passion to stay ahead of the curve has continuously pushed us to deliver industry-leading solutions that add value to our customers’ business goals. Our core belief to make a tangible impact on our clients’ goals, has allowed us to remain one of the fastest-growing logistics operators globally”.

The move further emphasises GEODIS’ focus on the APAC market and follows a series of investments and advancements made in the region over the past few months. The consolidation of the company’s operations from multiple sites to a single site will also boost efficiencies. The logistics provider has signed a long-term lease for the Auckland facility, encouraged by a healthy growth trajectory in the market.

“We’re confident that the facility at Auckland Airport will be a gamechanger for our customers. Features like the increased capacity, temperature control rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced security measures ensure more precise and cost-efficient warehousing,” said Hugh Mackay, Managing Director, New Zealand. “This new site reflects the scale of things to come for our operations in New Zealand. Our laser sharp focus on providing a robust set of solutions and unmatched service to our customers holds the key to strengthening our presence in a competitive marketplace.”

The move will take place in October 2021 and is slated to amplify GEODIS’ offerings to more businesses including key verticals such as pharmaceuticals, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Auckland Airport expands cargo facility

Posted on by David Priestman

GEODIS, a leading global transport and logistics operator, has announced a strategic move to a new facility at Auckland Airport, following strong and sustained growth in the New Zealand market. The 5700 sqm facility – with its prime location, advanced enterprise-grade systems, and extensive storage space – will offer GEODIS’ expanding client base the capacity needed to ensure seamless end-to-end supply chain support across both local and cross-border markets.

The unprecedented surge in consumer demand brought about by the pandemic, has heightened the need for resilient supply chain strategies, particularly within the healthcare industry, with pharmaceutical companies forced to reinforce their logistical requirements. Keeping these needs in mind, GEODIS’ new site will feature specially designed temperature-controlled areas to facilitate the optimal storage of pharmaceutical products at +15-25 degrees as well as +4 degrees Celsius.

The growing demand will also be addressed by the site’s high productivity storage solution, which consists of two-metre wide aisle racking that affords 5,000 pallet locations. There is a tier one Warehouse Management System (WMS) that offers automated operating systems to support the thriving e-commerce fulfillment business. The purpose-built facility is located at one of Auckland’s most prominent industrial hubs at Auckland Airport with connections to the main arterial routes used for distribution. It will also house GEODIS’ international container freight station (CFS), contract logistics and last mile distribution set-up to enable full-service supply chain management under one roof.

“Significantly, this new facility is in harmony with our commitment to being a strong growth partner to our customers. As GEODIS continues to expand, we will also continue to enhance our infrastructure and processes to align our evolution with our customers’ development ambitions,” said Stuart Asplet, Sub-Regional Managing Director, Pacific & Regional Director Sea Freight, Asia Pacific. “The supply chain industry has certainly been disrupted by the pandemic, yet GEODIS’ passion to stay ahead of the curve has continuously pushed us to deliver industry-leading solutions that add value to our customers’ business goals. Our core belief to make a tangible impact on our clients’ goals, has allowed us to remain one of the fastest-growing logistics operators globally”.

The move further emphasises GEODIS’ focus on the APAC market and follows a series of investments and advancements made in the region over the past few months. The consolidation of the company’s operations from multiple sites to a single site will also boost efficiencies. The logistics provider has signed a long-term lease for the Auckland facility, encouraged by a healthy growth trajectory in the market.

“We’re confident that the facility at Auckland Airport will be a gamechanger for our customers. Features like the increased capacity, temperature control rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced security measures ensure more precise and cost-efficient warehousing,” said Hugh Mackay, Managing Director, New Zealand. “This new site reflects the scale of things to come for our operations in New Zealand. Our laser sharp focus on providing a robust set of solutions and unmatched service to our customers holds the key to strengthening our presence in a competitive marketplace.”

The move will take place in October 2021 and is slated to amplify GEODIS’ offerings to more businesses including key verticals such as pharmaceuticals, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

First data logger meets IEC standard

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The G-Log 2 data logger from Germany-based Aspion GmbH is the first shock recorder on the market to implement the continuous shock/vibration test of the European transport standard EN IEC 60721-3-2:2018 with its 2M4/2M5/2M6 classes during transportation.

This standard specifies the common environmental influences to which products may be exposed during transport in their ready-for-shipment form.

“Reliably detecting transport damage, verifying it simply and transparently according to recognised and agreed on rules in order to minimise risks and avert costs – this is no longer a pipe dream for supply chain managers and quality managers,” says Aspion Managing Director Martina Woehr. “With the implementation of transport standards in a low-cost and easy-to-use data logger, the proof of transport damage in multimodal transport becomes, for the first time, as simple and transparent as monitoring the cold chain.”

The use of an international standard improves understanding among all parties involved in transport and eliminates misunderstandings. Specialist knowledge is no longer necessary. The procedure is simple: the manufacturer classifies or tests their product according to the standard/class for integrity under normal transport conditions, usually carried out during packaging tests in testing facilities.

The data logger now monitors the transport for environmental conditions of the applied standard and directly indicates deviations in the data analysis. The result is either: the standard was complied with or it wasn’t. In the latter case, the recorded data enable experts to carry out an in-depth analysis of the exact sequence of impacting shocks or vibrations. They know that not only the amount of acceleration per axis is relevant, but also the duration of the shock or vibration.

The Aspion G-Log 2 data logger is the only device in its price class to document the course of a shock or vibration per axis in millisecond increments. This is made possible by an intelligent algorithm that ensures that the very first shock, as well as the other eight highest shocks and vibrations in the entire transport process, is available for analysis in this level of detail. All further shocks or vibrations are reliably logged by the data logger with date and time in a ring memory with their respective height and direction on all three axes.

The German specialist hopes that the use of the shock recorders will lead to more conscious handling of goods by all those involved in their transport. “Our Aspion G-Log 2 creates evidence through the transparency of the stored data, which significantly simplifies claims processing – for shippers, transporters and, last but not least, insurers,” says Woehr, adding: “With this innovation, we not only simplify the evidence in the event of a claim but also give our customers a clear competitive advantage.”

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