Next Gen Rolling Container System

Packaging innovator Loadhog has been working with its customers in the post, parcel, and ecommerce industries to design a new versatile rolling container system. This system offers increased versatility, better vehicle fill, improved handling efficiencies, and carbon reductions vs existing systems on the market today.

Loadhog’s new modular system can be adapted for transporting and storing. The versatility offers possibilities for segregated goods within various container types, loose goods within a bulk sleeve, and mixed goods within the same footprint by utilising Loadhog’s Sleeve Stacking Tray. The new dolly base enables users to adapt to the fluctuating nature of goods within their supply chain.

The versatility of the unit has won an initial order of 10,000 units, which will be incorporated into a new project for a global automotive parts distributor. The distributor will utilise the unit for delivery to independent garages, automotive retailers, and home delivery.

Loadhog’s R&D team began investigating the development of a new rolling container system after establishing a trend in the market, with numerous customers enquiring about alternative substitutions to the traditional roll cage, wrapped pallets, and pallet shippers.

Loadhog’s new dolly base, Dolly Max, boasts an innovative easy access one-touch brake mechanism, which is quicker and more ergonomic than the simple castor brake found on most cages today, ensuring the brake is always applied. The rolling container system also offers maximum transport efficiencies with +20% increased vehicle fill vs standard roll cages due to the standard ½ EU footprint and max capacity design.

Both systems have been designed to be deconstructed and returned as efficiently as possible. The bulk system has a 3/1 return ratio and ergonomic sleeve locks, with large safety shoe access to speed up system deconstruction. The rolling containers can be linked and manoeuvred by AGVs to reduce marshalling time. It can also be nested and stacked on MHE to transport multiple empty units, speeding up the returns process significantly.

The rolling container system has various features making Loadhog’s Dolly Max safer than substitute systems, including the brake’s coefficient of friction ensuring the unit remains still even on a sloped tail lift. The unit also presents no sharp metal touch points unlike roll cages, it doesn’t require MHE unlike pallet shippers, and the ease of brake application ensures the brake is always applied.

Innovative designer, Loadhog, won a King’s Award for Innovation in 2023 for their Pallet Lid invention. The Pallet Lid sits on top of the rolling container system to consolidate the load ready for transportation, no stretch wrap or banding required.

TechCenter for Testing Unit Load Security

Perfectly secured for transport; customers can now have their transport security systems thoroughly tested at Mosca’s new TechCenter. Starting on 28 June, load units can be subjected to sliding, tilting and vibration forces on different test stands. Using the data collected, customers can immediately optimise their load unit security and efficiently minimise material resources. At the same time, they can ensure compliance with legal restrictions in the event of an accident.

On long transport routes, load units and the systems used to hold them in place are subject to a wide variety of stress situations. Load security systems therefore need to be designed to withstand powerful forces from vibrations, impact from potholes or sudden acceleration and deceleration. Mosca opened its new TechCenter on 28 June to help freight companies ensure that their cargo can be safely transported without damage. The Mosca TechCenter uses four test benches to precisely simulate the different forces affecting load units. This enables customers to make sure their load security systems are ready to withstand the stress of transport.

Johannes Wieder, Sales Manager Logistics at Mosca, explains: “Our main objective is to pack and secure load units correctly and robustly in order to minimise damage and injury during transport. Companies need to be aware of their responsibilities when they transport goods. After all, they are liable for any damage caused by improper load unit security. Here at the TechCenter, we carry out testing in accordance with EUMOS 40509 and other key standards.” In the event of an accident, customers can use the detailed test reports from the TechCenter to prove that they have taken all the necessary precautions and thoroughly checked their load security systems.

Four test stations, one calculator and numerous optimisation options

The Mosca TechCenter uses several high-tech systems designed to simulate various load conditions. These include a tilt testing tool, a horizontal stability tester to measure acceleration and deceleration, an impact tester for measuring shock or crushing forces and a vertical vibration system. There is also a camera-supported evaluation unit that records and analyses deformations during stability testing. A data logger is used to record and compile the required data on shocks, vibrations and sudden acceleration during transport. This unit can also be loaned to customers to simulate load units on their specific transport routes. “The customised tests and extensive data collected enable our customers to analyse their transport routes in detail and precisely adapt their transport security systems accordingly,” Wieder explains.

An in-depth analysis of the material input is also conducted. “This often shows options to significantly reduce the primary packaging and save valuable resources,” Wieder says. “It also enables us to design packaging that minimises material input but still protects the goods from damage.” The CO2 product calculator developed by Mosca is used to provide the exact emission data for the specific packaging.

Uncomplicated process provides essential data

It’s easy for customers to arrange an appointment at the Mosca TechCenter. They can simply use the contact form on the company website and outline specific challenges that need to be taken into account during testing. Mosca experts then work with the customer’s technicians to create a test plan that is optimally tailored to the needs of the product as well as the transport route. They also take into account the relevant standards. Different legal requirements must be met depending on the country to which the shipment is being transported and specific tests may be required.

Once the test plan is finalised, customers can send multiple pallets with secured products and a maximum weight of 1.5 tonnes to Mosca. This way, if a pallet is insufficiently secured for transport and gets damaged during testing, there is enough material to complete the remaining tests. Mosca can optionally strap or stretch wrap the products using its own machines in an adjacent showroom. This enables a direct comparison between different types of packaging.

Action-packed opening event with company tour and live demonstrations

Mosca hosted the first group of interested visitors on 28 June. The grand opening of the Mosca TechCenter took place with live demonstrations of the testing routines, group discussions and a dynamic exchange of information. Mosca CEO, Timo Mosca: “Our TechCenter enables us to offer customers professional support when it comes to securing and efficiently packing their unit loads. At the same time, it helps us improve transport safety.”

Kite Launches Ventilated Pallet Wrap

Leading UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has launched an innovative ventilated pallet wrap ideal for packaging products that require ventilation to maintain their quality in storage and transit. This includes fresh produce, dairy products, meat, fish, beverages, and refrigerated and frozen goods. It is also intended for pharmaceutical and chemical products, animal feed and horticulture. The film is BRC certified, making it ideal for food products.

Small holes in the film’s surface stops condensation from forming and becoming trapped within stretch wrap layers. It does this by allowing air to escape via the holes, preventing any moisture from forming and spoiling packaged goods. Ventilated pallet wrap is 100% recyclable and uses less material due to its perforated surface, offering a cost saving when compared to other films.

Pallet Wrap Film

Manufactured from blown film, it offers great puncture resistance and strength, keeping goods stable and well-protected on a pallet during handling and transport. It comes pre-stretched to the optimum elastic point to ensure high quality adherence to products and pallets, further strengthening its protective qualities. Ventilated pallet wrap is compatible with all machine and hand dispensers.

To learn more about the products and services available at Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk

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