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Month: July 2023

New Freight Forwarder Office in Porto

Posted on by David Priestman

The international freight forwarder Robert Kukla is opening a second branch office in Portugal on 15th July 2023. The new office with three employees is located in Porto and covers the northern region of Portugal.

It was only in 2021 that the service provider Robert Kukla, specialized in intermodal transport, started its business activities with a first branch office in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. Paula Dias, managing partner of Robert Kukla Portugal, explains the decision for a second location: “With the increased physical presence, we want to better provide the two regional economic centres in the north and south of Portugal with a more customized service. Our goal is to generate further growth, with our focus on shortsea transports.”

Robert Kukla has developed many shortsea concepts for the trade between northwest Europe and Portugal over the past two years. “Demand is particularly high for exports from the Benelux region, the UK and Scandinavia”, Paula Dias explains. Overall, the 54-year-old expects an increase in cargo volume of 15 per cent to 10,000 TEU this year.

Robert Kukla GmbH Internationale Spedition, headquartered in Munich, specialises in multimodal and intermodal transports, tank transports and truck transports worldwide and has extensive experience in warehouse logistics. The Munich-based logistics service provider has locations in Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Milan, Breda, Stockholm, Bilbao, Calais, Lisbon, London and Thessaloniki. Kukla has been in operation since 1941, works worldwide with a dense network of high-performance cooperation partners and employs around 280 people at all its locations. Of the approximately 180,000 units transported annually, about 60 per cent are accounted for by short-sea traffic and 40 per cent by shipments by rail and truck

Pallet Productivity Boost at the Ramp

Posted on by David Priestman

With ten technically improved models of pallet trucks, pallet stackers and double stackers, customers of Linde Material Handling (MH) can now make their loading and unloading processes even more productive. In all model variants, the stand-on platform is decoupled from the chassis as standard to protect operators from vibrations and impacts. An innovative swivel castor system provides additional stability during transport and load handling. Offering more advantages such as travel speeds of up to 14 km/h, a further developed, ergonomic power steering, and innovative safety and energy solutions, the trucks make a noticeable contribution to increased handling performance.

“Goods in and dispatch are the warehouse areas associated with the most demanding tasks in the intralogistics flow of goods,” asserts Peter Klug, Product Manager Warehouse Technology, Linde Material Handling. At these interfaces of internal and external logistics, especially at peak times, many people and industrial trucks work simultaneously in a limited space, moving large quantities of goods. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and, above all, safely between truck ramps, docks, containers and storage areas despite considerable time constraints, the equipment must be precisely designed to suit operators’ requirements. What is needed are powerful, ergonomic and safe vehicles that are service-friendly and digitally connected. “The new Linde models with fixed and folding driver’s platforms are geared towards meeting these high customer demands,” states Klug.

A unique product on the market

“The design of the SP model versions with a fixed driver’s platform is a truly unique selling proposition throughout the industry,” Peter Klug explains. A characteristic feature of the 2.0- and 2.5-ton capacity pallet trucks (Linde T20 SP and T25 SP), 1.4- and 1.6-ton capacity pallet stackers with a maximum lifting height of 5.3 meters (Linde L14 SP and L16 SP), and 1.2- and 1.4-ton capacity double stackers (Linde D12 SP and D14 SP, and Linde D12 HP SP) is the steel apron that extends far around the driver’s platform. It keeps the operator within the vehicle contour, provides a stable, padded backrest and effectively protects against injury in the event of jostling and collisions. Another notable feature is the slightly rotated position of the operator who stands at a 45° angle to the direction of the forks. This allows him to keep an eye on his surroundings in any direction of travel without having to change his body position or turn his head. This relaxed posture not only aids in driving manoeuvres during day-to-day operations, but also prevents tension and long-term health problems in the back or neck area.

While the SP models with fixed platform are designed to frequently cover longer distances, the AP models demonstrate their advantages in narrow areas that are difficult to access. For example, to reduce the turning radius in very tight spaces, the stand-on platform of the Linde T20 AP and T25 AP pallet trucks (with load capacities of up to 2.0 and 2.5 tons, respectively) and the Linde D12 HP AP double stackers (with a load capacity of up to 1.2 tons) can be folded up. For a higher level of safety, the creep speed function can be activated which adapts the travel speed to the tiller’s angle of inclination.

Power for loading and transporting goods

Both the models with fixed and folding driver’s platform are optimized to deliver maximum performance. A 3 kW three-phase motor enables the vehicles to accelerate up to 14 km/h without load. To effectively absorb vibrations and shocks caused by uneven ground, the driver’s platform and the tiller are decoupled from the chassis as standard on both AP and SP trucks. This unique feature is exclusive to Linde. It offers the advantage that drivers stay alert and focused for longer and their health is protected in the long term. Additionally, an innovative castor system has been developed to keep the load as stable as possible on the forks. Large swivel castors with shock absorbers compensate for vibrations and automatically adapt to the driving situation and speed. This ensures a high level of safety and increases productivity.

If particularly high power is needed on the ramps, the High Performance (HP) double stacker models come into play. They offer high travel and lifting speeds, while at the same time featuring a stable 5-point configuration with a centred drive wheel, and either mechanically sprung or hydraulic castor wheels.

New options for individual customer requirements

The SP version models are equipped with another safety feature: the Linde Feet Detection assistance system. As soon as the driver’s feet leave the sensor-protected area, the truck slows down in a controlled manner. To alert pedestrians and other drivers of an approaching vehicle, the SP versions offer the newly integrated ‘Linde BlueSpot’ warning light emitter. Both the SP and AP models will feature a new module of the ‘Linde connect’ fleet management solution from next year: ‘Zone Intelligence’ allows individual zones to be defined. If a vehicle enters a defined storage area, the travel speed is automatically reduced.

Wide and deep storage compartments, which can be used to store wrapping paper, work gloves, writing utensils etc., ensure effective workplace organization. The range of holders has been expanded once again to keep the necessary work materials close at hand. Another new option is the colour multifunction display. Thanks to the higher contrast, information on operating hours, battery status and maintenance status is clearly visible even in difficult lighting conditions.

New, so-called trough batteries have been designed for both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries so that customers can choose and retrofit as they wish. Integrated on-board chargers are available for both battery options. The digital vehicle architecture enables predictive maintenance, and new functions can be added to the vehicles at any time via software updates. Finally, all data can be transparently managed via the digital twin.

Linde Material Handling GmbH, a KION Group company, is a globally operating manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. With a sales and service network that spans more than 100 countries, the company is represented in all major regions around the world.

Pallet Control Tower Europe Launch

Posted on by David Priestman

During the international annual meeting of all European EPAL members, Pallet Control Tower b.v. (PCT) joined the Dutch EPAL department. PCT launches a new European standard in collection, delivery and matching of Euro pallets and other RTIs.

The 24/7 online platform uses blockchain technology and is therefore able to convert the value of new and used pallets into e-Credits. These e-Credits are collected, stored, and spent in the participants’ e-Wallet. This creates an open pooling system with the strengths of a closed system.

In recent years, the price of Euro pallets has risen and fluctuated. The physical ‘swapping’ of pallets is becoming increasingly difficult due to the increasingly complex international logistics chains. The use and settlement of pallets, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly important and more comprehensive. Rules between companies are not always clear. Drivers don’t have the time or knowledge to ‘swap’. And transporting empty pallets in trucks is certainly not sustainable. Something that Buck Consultants International also observed in an earlier study.

The research was part of the basis for this new platform. In the system, end users, transporters / DCs and pallet depots, traders and manufacturers are linked to each other. A virtual network is created in which Collection, Delivery & Matching of EPAL Euro pallets and other RTIs is possible 24/7 and throughout Europe. Pallets are given a value based on the EUWID and are discounted in a wallet via an e-Credit. Physical delivery is thus reserved to nearby depots, traders or manufacturers. This creates a sustainable system that anticipates new regulations from Brussels.

PCT Online will be rolled out throughout the entire logistics chain in the coming months. Interested parties can find more information (including a video) on the website www.palletcontroltower.eu or request a demo.

E-Commerce Fulfilment Paper Packaging System

Posted on by David Priestman

SEE (formerly Sealed Air) has expanded its range of automated E-Commerce packaging systems with the launch of the SEE® AUTOBAG® brand 850SP – a compact fulfilment packaging system designed for paper stream mailing bags.

Designed to work with the range of AUTOBAG® brand all-paper recycle-ready bags, the system provides retailers with sustainable packaging on a high-speed machine for mail order fulfilment and E-Commerce applications.

AUTOBAG® brand 850SP can open, label, and seal up to eight bags per minute, using high-quality seals. It also offers optional resealable capabilities for mailing bags, allowing consumers to reuse the same packaging for product returns to minimise waste and improve packaging recyclability.

The system’s high-speed performance is achieved with easy-to-use bag threading for fast and efficient product changeover, while next-bag-out printing prevents product queuing and reduces waste material. AUTOBAG® brand 850SP prints high resolution shipping labels directly on the bags, reducing the requirement for a separate labelling operation, and has been designed for packaging single and multiple orders of products such as ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

The system helps minimise maintenance requirements and enhances productivity with an intuitive interface that provides fulfilment operatives with access to machine diagnostics, performance monitoring and support. The system can also be easily integrated into a packaging network system to facilitate centralised monitoring and deliver productivity information in real time.

Ingo Lublow, EMEA Director Protective & Equipment Marketing at SEE comments: “The demand for buying goods online has grown rapidly in recent years. At the same time, retailers have had to adapt fulfilment processes to meet new sustainability requirements and drive efficiencies to manage production and labour costs.

“AUTOBAG® 850SP answers these challenges. The system delivers a high-quality and high-speed solution that streamlines mail order fulfilment and packaging processes, to support sustainability goals.”

The AUTOBAG® 850SP is compatible with AUTOBAG® brand all-paper recycle-ready bags. They are currently available in two formats: 355mm (width) x 480mm (length) and 480mm (width) x 600mm (height).

SEE is in business to protect, to solve critical packaging challenges, and to make our world better than we find it. The company’s automated packaging solutions promote a safer, more resilient, and less wasteful global food, fluids and liquids supply chain, enable e-commerce, and protect goods in transit from damage.

LogiMAT’s Kazander Takes Step Toward Retirement

Posted on by David Priestman

EUROEXPO, the Munich-based organizer of the intralogistics trade show LogiMAT in Stuttgart, is quietly bidding a fond farewell: After 20 years with the company, Managing Director Peter Kazander took the first step toward retirement on June 30th.

Kazander (67), a native Dutchman, joined EUROEXPO, a HUSS Group company, as Event Manager in 2003. Under his leadership, LogiMAT grew over the past 20 years from a small trade show at Stuttgart’s old Killesberg convention centre the most important international intralogistics event in the world. LogiMAT now fills all ten halls of the new Messe Stuttgart convention centre every year with exhibitors representing the entire spectrum of intralogistics, drawing over 60,000 industry professionals who come ready to do business and discover the latest products, trends, and solutions in manufacturing and materials handling. Kazander assumed the position of Managing Director of the subsidiary Logistics Exhibitions GmbH (LEG) in 2013, tasked with gradually developing and expanding LogiMAT’s overseas events in China and Thailand, and became Managing Director of EUROEXPO in 2015.

“He and his team made LogiMAT into one of the world’s leading intralogistics trade shows, a must-attend event in the logistics calendar,” remarks Christoph Huss, Managing Partner of EUROEXPO, praising his outgoing Managing Director. Huss also cites Kazander’s efforts in setting up the digital event platform LogiMAT.digital, which helped LogiMAT survive the difficult years without any in-person events during the pandemic. “He was always ready to blaze new paths,” Huss recalls of their time working together.

Kazander also looks back on his successful trade show team with gratitude and pride. “Our success has always been rooted in good teamwork in the turbulent trade show business. With this small but highly motivated and dedicated team, we have been able to achieve extraordinary things with LogiMAT. That will always remain our bond,” he promises his employees.

The continuity of this success has been ensured. At LogiMAT 2023, the most successful show in the event’s history, Kazander handed off the last of his responsibilities to Michael Ruchty, who had already assumed responsibility as Exhibition Director for LogiMAT Stuttgart. “I have learned a lot from Peter Kazander over the last years. Now it’s time for me to take the reins of LogiMAT Stuttgart on my own and fill his shoes as best I can,” acknowledges Ruchty upon his predecessor’s retirement.

But this is a gradual goodbye: Kazander remains Managing Director of LEG, running LogiMAT China and responsible for the success of the second LogiMAT | Intelligent Warehouse in Bangkok, Thailand, where Logistics Business will be exhibiting.

Efficient Load and Unload in Minutes

Posted on by David Priestman

Are you looking for an automated solution to help you to load or unload trailers and containers in one shot all in just a few minutes? Ancra Systems will help you to find the best solution to improve the loading and unloading efficiency.

Ancra Systems is a renowned ATLS leader in providing automatic trailer/container loading and unloading systems. The company has a wide range of advanced technology-based systems, including Automatic Trailer Loading and Unloading Systems; Automatic Container Loading Plate System; and Automatic Trailer Loading and Unloading AGV.

These systems are designed to improve the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, reduce operational costs, and, thereby, streamline different industries’ operations. The industries that can benefit from these systems include retail; logistics; e-commerce; food and beverage; automotive; and many more.

Ancra Systems’ Automatic Trailer Loading and Unloading Systems are designed to cater to the specific requirements of different industries, enabling companies to streamline their operations and increase throughput. These systems use cutting-edge technology — including advanced sensors, computer vision, and control systems — to load and unload trailers and containers quickly, safely, and efficiently.

The company’s Automatic Container Loading Plate System is a highly specialized system specifically designed to streamline the container loading process for long or heavy goods in containers used in the wood, forest, and steel industries. This system can significantly improve the efficiency of container loading, thereby saving time and labor costs for businesses while increasing safety for workers and goods.

Moreover, the Automatic Trailer Loading and Unloading AGV is a fully automated system that uses advanced 3D slam positioning technology and BrightEye solutions to load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers. The system is highly flexible because no bulky equipment needs to be installed, and no modifications to buildings or trailers are required. Therefore, it offers an excellent automation solution to improve logistics efficiency without changing the existing processes.

In addition to their Automated Loading Systems, Ancra Systems also provides Automatic Loading Dock Equipment to help companies complete the loading and unloading process. The equipment includes Automatic Dock Doors, Trailer Positioning Frames, and Trailer Lifting System, among others. These systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with the company’s Automatic Trailer/Container Loading and Unloading Systems, offering companies an end-to-end solution for their loading and unloading needs.

Ancra Systems is committed to providing high-quality systems, innovative solutions, and good service to meet their clients’ needs. The company’s systems are designed to offer superior performance, reliability, and safety while minimizing operational costs, enhancing productivity, and streamlining loading and unloading processes. Having prioritized both quality and customer satisfaction, Ancra Systems has gained an exceptional standing, positioning itself as a preferred partner for businesses looking to enhance logistics operations.

Bigger & Better: AntwerpXL ’23

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Upwards of 3,700 delegates from the likes of Caterpillar, Vestas, Shell, Solvay, Sumitomo, Thyssenkrupp, Desmet Ballestra, Siemens, Storaenso, ArcelorMittal, and many more, will visit AntwerpXL this November to connect, learn and do business.

The industry’s best and brightest will share their ideas and insights during the three-day Main Deck conference, and the much-celebrated XL 40 Under 40 will return to champion the next generation of industry leaders.

C.Steinweg, Conti-Lines, MSC, Spliethoff, Fednav, BBC Chartering, Konecranes, Varamar, and Zuidnatie are just a few of the industry stalwarts making up this year’s exciting exhibition. On top of that, visitors will have the chance to enjoy an exclusive tour of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a recruitment day, a champagne reception, an after-party, project cargo forwarding training sessions, and so much more.

Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director at AntwerpXL, says, “Antwerp has one of the busiest maritime ports in the world, which handled over 12 million tonnes of breakbulk last year. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges hosts 1,400 companies and has over 15 terminals dedicated to breakbulk. That, on top of its strategic location at the crossroads of major European transport corridors, makes Antwerp the home of breakbulk.

“AntwerpXL is much the same, the highlight of the diary for everyone in the industry, and we’re so excited to be returning in 2023, bigger and better than ever before. Building on the success of last year, AntwerpXL 2023 will have more exhibitors, more knowledge sharing, and more opportunities to network and do business. We look forward to seeing you all in November!”

REGISTER NOW: AntwerpXL, the world’s only event dedicated exclusively to breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift, will return to the Antwerp Expo, Belgium, 28 – 30 November 2023.

Multimodal Impact on Sustainability

Posted on by David Priestman

It’s a competitive world out there, and every organization comes up with its best strategy to maximize its hold on its market share. With the ascendancy of e-commerce channels needling the conversation towards customer retention and more significant satisfaction metrics with days passing by – the supply chain industry has its task cut out to match the goals set out by the ever-increasing success metrics.

And, to tap into the presented market opportunities, a company’s logistic leg is at the epicentre to carry much of the heavy lifting, more so when accelerated delivery process is becoming the main driver to generate better revenue statements on a regular quarterly basis. But ensuring faster deliveries comes with a tag of solid infrastructure which subsequently means more investment from the company’s management. However, if planned right, the transit balance sheet might not necessarily be a burden on management. More so if the opted shipment network is multimodal.

Multimodal transit, by definition, involves optimized usage of every possible mode of transportation to reduce overall shipping costs and also ensure a large quantity of product movement. This could include air, waterways, rail and road collectively or in some combination per an organization’s need. The benefit of multimodal conveyance includes saving time in the context of large shipments and furthering operations under approved financial guidelines while not limited to demography constraints (for international cargo movement). But the most significant advantage that swings the conversation of integrated transportation in its favour – is its contribution to sustainability.

Multimodal Transportation & Sustainability

Shipping goods through integrated transportation holds an edge over singular transit methods as it collectively narrows down on the overall carbon & related GHG emissions. Let’s put this exercise into theory; a single rail freight movement can cover hundreds of trucks relying on road networks responsible for tons of CO2 emissions annually. And when it comes to international shipments, multimodal transit, with its involvement of waterways and railways, combines to reduce close to 63% of emissions when put in context to truck shipments.

With intelligent freight planning across various modes, a value chain management can make the most of integrated transit for its virtue of cost-effectiveness and also lower overall emissions capping. Here are a few essential pointers underlining multimodal transportation’s impact on scale and operational value.

Can Traverse Geographical Limitations

For supply chain industries across Europe, seaway transit is one of the crucial pillars of its logistical application. With countries sharing international water borders, integrated transport acts as a significant foundation for trade pacts across nations while keeping the metrics of scalability & emissions well in check. Simply put, combined transportation acts as a boon for supply chain management looking to enhance their business across the globe.

Equal load distribution across transportation modes

With multimodal transit, a company’s daily logistical transaction gets an intelligent edge, keeping one mode of transportation from bearing all the brunt of the shipment. For instance, an organization deciding to ship all its products via road stands to leave a larger carbon footprint than integrated shipping.

Better prospect for sustainability

With its lower emissions application value running parallel to the sustainability goals, multimodal transit has become a boon in the organization’s roadmap toward minimizing its GHG footprint. On the back of active investment in titular transportation, especially in Europe, where its application is set to see an increase to the north of 80% by 2050, integrated shipment will hold the key to a more competent and sustainable logistical process.

While it may seem a lot of hard work managing multiple modes of transportation, intelligent logistical platforms with their intuitive dashboards & advanced machine learning interface nullify complications in overseeing shipment operations irrespective of the scale. 3SC, with its range of end-to-end supply chain services, sidelines potential bottlenecks in an organization’s value chain operation to give them intelligent foresight helping them oversee the entire procedure from production to delivery.

Extensions to Ship Charters on North Sea Routes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

P&O Ferries has confirmed its long term commitment to its North Sea routes by extending the charter agreement with Bore Ltd on the MS Norsky and MS Norstream, boosting the flow of trade between Belgium and the UK, and maintaining its presence on the Zeebrugge-Teesport and Zeebrugge-Tilbury routes for the long term.

The three-year extension to the charter agreement ensures that freight customers will be able to rely on regular P&O Ferries’ services to key routes across the North Sea. The MS Norsky and MS Norstream play a vital role in linking customers to P&O Ferries’ Zeebrugge hub, unlocking access to freight destinations across Europe.

As well as extending charter agreements on the MS Norsky and MS Norstream, P&O Ferries has reinforced its commitment to the Zeebrugge-Teesport route through a separate extension of the MS Finnpulp charter agreement with Finnlines. The MS Finnpulp will continue serving the route on two midweek sailings a week, giving customers more options on the key trading routes between the UK and Belgium.

The extension of key charter agreements ensures the continuation of P&O Ferries’ 30-year presence at Teesport where P&O Ferries manages a specialised terminal and berth, providing an exceptional service to our customers at the port.

Ship Charters

Peter Hebblethwaite, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: “Our continued cooperation with Bore Ltd and Finnlines is in response to the importance of our North Sea routes to our customers, who are playing a key role in ensuring smooth trade between Europe and the UK.

“We’re delighted to be reinforcing our presence on our North Sea routes and ensuring our customers continue to receive great service and consistent sailings between Zeebrugge and our UK ports in the years ahead.”

P&O is a leading pan-European ferry and logistics group at the heart of Europe’s economy and a part of DP World, the leading provider of smart logistics solutions and enabler of the flow of trade across the globe. P&O Ferries is a major provider of freight transport and passenger travel services, sailing on eight major routes between Britain, France, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Holland and Belgium. Working closely with P&O Ferries, its logistics business P&O Ferrymasters operates integrated road and rail links to countries across the continent including Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain and Romania, and facilitates the onward movement of goods to Europe from Asian countries via the Silk Road.

Körber and Hai Robotics Enter Strategic Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Körber, an international technology group, is entering into a strategic partnership with Hai Robotics (“Hai”)— a leading provider of intelligent automated warehouse solution. The partnership allows Körber to offer Hai Robotics’ products as part of its solutions globally, particularly Hai’s industry-leading autonomous case-handling robots (ACR).

Since 2016, Körber has remained active in establishing strategic partnerships for the integration of mobile robotic solutions. With Hai Robotics’ ACR systems, operators can automate their warehouses within very short lead times. Warehouse operation efficiency will also increase by three to four times, and storage density by 80% to 400% respectively. The Körber portfolio consists of a mix between its own products and that from third party suppliers. This technology-agnostic approach allows supply chain experts to implement optimal and individualized solutions for their customers.

“As one of the leading integrators of automated intralogistics solutions, the Körber Supply Chain Business Area is always searching for new and innovative partners to ensure that customers are getting the best solutions”, said Michiel Veenman, Vice President of Körber Fulfilment Solutions. “We believe the solutions from Hai Robotics are sufficiently different from some of the other offerings in the market, thus making it a good addition to our portfolio.”

“From increasing costs to scarce labor, alongside intense developments in mobile robotic solutions, logistic operators are constantly under the pressure to meet stakeholder demands,” said Kane Luo, Vice President of International Business Center at Hai Robotics. “Our continued dedication to flexible automation has already provided clients with the efficiency required to fuel warehouse activity, and we are excited to continue such through our partnership with Körber. Through this partnership, both Hai’s and Körbers’ position as industry pioneers will be further strengthened.”

Hai Robotics, a leading global provider of Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems, is committed to providing flexible, intelligent, and efficient warehouse automation solutions through robotics technology and AI algorithms. The HaiPick solution, independently developed in 2015, is the world’s first ever ACR solution. Hai Robotics is a global enterprise that has more than 1,000 projects worldwide and serves customers from more than 30 countries and regions. We have offices to cover the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and Australia. We strive to combine global experience with local expertise to provide our customers with tailored, quality solutions.

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