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Tag: Transport

Randon develops innovative semi-trailer concept

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A new concept in semi-trailers is arriving on the highways of Brazil, equipped with the latest technology and on-board electronics. The new “Concept Trailer” is a dump truck developed by the engineers at Randon Implementos, a leading company in the Brazilian semi-trailer market, together with Volvo Trucks Brazil and other partner suppliers.

It will be tested for real during the country’s grain harvest on routes connecting the farming regions to the main ports. It is equipped with automated features and sensors and built to a design that reduces the total weight of the trailer. The new product is intended to optimise performance and reduce the operating costs of the transporter.

One of the main innovations of the Concept Trailer by Randon Implementos is the reduced weight of the road train dumper. It has fewer welded seams, uses high-strength aluminium and steel, which results in a product that is a ton lighter than current similar models and it uses manufacturing processes that are unprecedented in this sector.

The other difference is the design. The aerodynamic drag is reduced thanks to the lack of vertical struts on the body of the trailer and the inclusion of deflectors. It has an anti-tip system that helps to correct it in hazardous conditions.

In addition, the Concept Trailer has a set of electronics that improves operational efficiency and safety, such as a rear sensor and camera that is interlinked to the braking system, which trigger it automatically if there are obstacles in the way.

Coupling and decoupling has also been optimised. Sensors on the fifth wheel and an electric lifting device make this procedure safer and ergonomically easier. The cargo can be covered by a fully automated tarp, activated by remote control, which saves time and means that the driver does not need climb onto the trailer. In addition, the system identifies when the trailer is not loaded and automatically raises the axles, reducing tyre wear and fuel consumption.

“This new product has a special design, is a tonne lighter and is fully connected to the tractor and the driver – it brings the future to the present, as a new concept in transporting cargo,” explained the superintendent director of the Assembly division of the Randon Companies, Sandro Trentin. “The company’s next step is to apply the technology from this concept we are launching now, to the next generation of products that are already part of the company’s portfolio.”

The Concept Trailer is part of an innovative project in Brazil to develop a concept bulk transporter, in partnership with Volvo Trucks, and with the involvement of other important partners, such as Hyva and Continental, to help to introduce innovation to the hydraulic systems and tyres.

If only the Persians had known about AI…

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Other than the essential healthcare workers and law enforcement, hardly any other professionals would have to sleep in their office after working 8 to 9 hours and then repeat the same schedule the following day, writes Gabor Balogh (pictured), Co-Founder of transportation company Trucksters.

However, there is one profession that has been operating under such conditions for decades, travelling from sunrise to sunset and sleeping in the cab of their lorry for weeks at a time – the professional hauliers. For years they have been working unnoticed, out of the spotlight, until recently.

The conversation regarding the lack of freight drivers arises as the UK suffers from fuel shortages at service stations and stock shortages in many department stores. With the estimated driver shortage at 100,000, it is a situation that cannot be ignored. It is not dissimilar to what is happening to the UK’s continental neighbours. However, in this case there is a new layer of complexity of those drivers having to cross borders.

Twenty-six centuries ago, the First Persian Empire faced the dilemma of how to communicate effectively between regions that were more than 7,000km apart. The solution was found in the relay system. Relays were passed in succession by horsemen and horses, and thanks to this system the messages travelled from India to what is now Macedonia without ever stopping. Day or night.

Relay system is a fast and efficient form of transportation, and it is an application been utilised for many years. But by applying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data to the system, we are able to transform relay system into a powerful tool that would revolutionise the road transport industry and bring a new era to the sector.

Trucksters’ AI algorithm is already capable of reducing goods transit times by 50% and increasing efficiency by 20% compared to other express solutions. It can also reduce theft by 95%. This is not a theory; it is a practice that’s been deployed by us. This system prioritises the drivers and places them in the centre of the operation. Instead of replacing the drivers, technology comes to their aid. The AI integrated relay system allows the drivers to rest at home every day after driving 4.5 hours in one direction, swap cargo with another professional driving in the opposite direction at a relay point and then go home.

In the UK’s case, it would allow fewer drivers to cross borders; instead of just one international haulier making the whole journey, the relay system divides the entire route into shorter trips driven by different regional drivers.

It is unclear of how the Persians would feel about AI and Big Data, but they would certainly appreciate of its usage, if a shortage of riders were to jeopardise the integrity of the empire. The relay system is a solution with dual benefits. The drivers will be able to sleep at home and spend more time with their families, while the companies will be able to have a more cost-efficient delivery system in place, as the cargos will always be on the move.

With supply chains under tremendous stress, the lack of drivers requires solutions that would help the profession to be more appealing and sustainable, especially when it comes to providing the drivers with a healthier work-life balance. Until the next revolution happens, and we reach an intermediate stage where human drivers and semi-autonomous trucks interact, the relay system is the effective solution for long-distance freight transport. And it is a solution that is under practice.

Silk Way West offers bookings on WebCargo platform

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Fast-growing Azerbaijan-based freight operator Silk Way West Airlines is set to enable Digital Air Cargo real-time pricing and eBooking for thousands of forwarders on WebCargo, the world’s largest air cargo booking platform.

Supply chain challenges this year, which saw air cargo demand 10% higher than 2019 levels and ocean rates four times higher than already elevated prices at the start of the year, have reinforced the need for more efficient air cargo capacity utilisation and booking. Digital Air Cargo has emerged as a key tool to address this, with strong support from both airlines and forwarders.

Continuing this trend of air cargo innovation, Silk Way West Airlines, a top-25 global all-freighter airline, is joining WebCargo’s air cargo booking platform, enabling access to real-time pricing and booking across their rapidly growing fleet for over 10,000 freight forwarder offices globally. As of mid-January 2022, capacity across Silk Way West Airlines’ 13 freighters, which connect over 40 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, will be made available to WebCargo forwarders around the world starting from Europe.

“It has become clear that the pandemic and increased global logistics demand has accelerated the need to offer digital booking capabilities for air freight,” said Wolfgang Meier, CEO and President of Silk Way West Airlines. “Building on the strength of a full freighter network, Silk Way West Airlines looks forward to the new year by extending greater service accessibility and capacity visibility to our valued customers 24/7.”

Demand for Digital Air Cargo via the WebCargo platform has soared during 2021, with over 10x growth on a strong 2020, resulting in hundreds of thousands of eBookings on WebCargo. Airlines have also encouraged adoption; Silk Way West Airlines’ addition brings the level of global capacity across top-100 airlines digitised on WebCargo to over 35%.

“In 2017, air cargo digitisation was a question of if the industry could adapt. By 2019 it was a question of when. Today, we’re asking how much faster it can go. Freighters like Silk Way West Airlines are showing that the answer is ‘faster than you can possibly imagine’,” said Manuel Galindo, CEO of WebCargo.

“We’re witnessing a massive shift towards Digital Air Cargo reflected on WebCargo’s booking and rate management platform and are proud to welcome Silk Way West Airlines to our list of innovative partner airlines.”

Solvares Group acquires Opheo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the acquisition of Opheo Solutions GmbH, Solvares Group is expanding its portfolio to include solutions for truck dispatching and route optimisation in the transport sector and is continuing its course of strategic growth.

Solvares says SaaS-based software provider Opheo is an ideal fit for its strategic course. Opheo optimises route planning across truck dispatching. This industry focus is on logistics for building materials and food & beverage, among others. The software automates the dispatch process and relieves dispatch teams of all calculations.

Thanks to AI-based route optimisation and smart forecasting algorithms, kilometres can be reduced and transport resources better utilised. Opheo combines route planning, route optimisation, telematics, and ETA forecasting in a modern workplace environment for dispatchers and drivers – the digital transport control centre.

Opheo, with its 50 employees, is now the fourth company in the Solvares Group. The beginning of the group was the acquisition of FLS – FAST LEAN SMART in 2018. FLS GmbH is the technology leader for route optimisation and specialises in software-supported real-time optimisation for efficient scheduling, route and delivery planning of vehicle, expert, and technician fleets.

Before Opheo, Austria’s impactit GmbH and Germany’s Städtler Logistik joined in 2021. With its SaaS solution portatour, impactit offers its customers targeted and personalised tour planning and route planning, especially in field service optimisation for sales, consulting, and service. Städtler Logistik optimises complex and company-specific logistics and transport processes with software products such as TRAMPAS and LP/2. It takes control of governance tasks such as freight auditing for its customers and has been advising on all logistics issues for over 60 years.

With the third M&A expansion this year, the Solvares Group demonstrates its ability to grow dynamically through mergers & acquisitions. The continued focus is that the group grows sustainably – as a team and to the benefit of all involved. Thus, Dr. Stefan Anschütz, CEO of Opheo, will continue his entrepreneurial work at Solvares and play a key role in driving growth in the tour optimisation business segment both strategically and operationally.

“Solvares convinced me because I can continue to act as an entrepreneur, but move as part of a team with related businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Anschütz. “This allows me to focus primarily on my product and my clients while benefiting from the know-how and synergies of the group. Opheo joining the Solvares Group is a booster for the growth of our business.”

Dr. Jens Stief, CEO of Solvares Group, is pleased with the group’s strengthening: “Stefan Anschütz complements our management team in the field of logistics and will help us to further expand the route planning segment in particular. Opheo enhances our penetrating power in logistics with a universally applicable intelligent product as well as a motivated and capable team.”

The Solvares Group is backed by its investment partner DBAG (Deutsche Beteiligungs AG). Like the Solvares Group, DBAG is thus focusing on SaaS-based solutions, a future market in the field of logistics along the entire value chain.

Ragnar Geerdts, member of the management board of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, added: “With Opheo, Solvares Group is consistently pursuing its buy-and-build strategy to position itself as a European champion for resource optimisation and to grow both organically and through M&A.”

Inchcape partners with Horizon in the Americas

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Inchcape Shipping Services and Horizon Air Freight have formed a new partnership they say will streamline Inchcape’s last-mile spares logistics and door-to-deck delivery throughout the Americas.

The alliance is set to strengthen Inchcape’s new Marine Supply Chain Solutions (MSCS) service line that manages integrated marine services for shipping companies across all ports, for enhanced customer efficiency, simplicity and value.

Inchcape customers can now use the Horizon WorldTrack portal, which gives them real-time, consolidated updates on all their purchase orders.

“Prior to partnering with Horizon, management of this service was a detail-intensive process internally. Horizon has really streamlined that process, allowing our customers to log in and extract any documents or data they require,” said Crystal Waldroup, senior manager of MSCS – Americas.

Inchcape, as one of the world’s oldest and largest port agency and marine services providers, has created MSCS as part of its vision for a “smoother, smarter ocean”.

In this connection, the company needed a logistics partner with excellent internal processes, timely communications, resourceful solutions and technical sophistication – and Horizon fit the bill.

“I was in search of a marine logistics company which would partner closely with us as we built this service line together,” Waldroup explained. “I wanted a partner which had a global network of transportation companies already in place, and could handle both last-mile and door-to-deck deliveries anywhere in the world.”

She added: “Horizon was the obvious choice. We had worked informally with Horizon before and knew their reputation as the logistics company that could solve the most complicated shipping challenges. The time was right to formalise a true partnership.”

Horizon CEO Steve Leondis said: “I couldn’t be happier with this new partnership. Inchcape shares our commitment to do whatever it takes to keep ships sailing safely and on schedule. We look forward to serving their customers throughout the Americas.”

TDS invests in BYD emission-free trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Top Delivery Services (TDS) has made a major commitment to emission-free city distribution following the purchase of 10 BYD ETM6 pure-electric eTrucks in collaboration with Bluekens EV, strategic partner and BYD eTruck dealer for the Netherlands. The vehicles will be used specifically for eco-friendly zero-emission delivery services of IKEA in Amsterdam.

René Wissink, Director of TDS, said: “TDS has already done a lot in the field of electric transport. This is an exciting development as we instantly become one of the major players in the market for emission-free distribution. The collaboration with strategic partner Bluekens EV is indispensable in this regard.”

In the search for a solution for the goal of IKEA, TDS got in touch with Bluekens EV. BYD eTruck dealer, Bluekens EV based in Breda, is an expert in emission-free city logistics and also fleet management solutions. René Wissink continued: “TDS would not have been able to take this step without Bluekens EV, being such a major name in the transport world. The organisation has enormous expertise in the field of electric transport and we have the assurance of aftersales and maintenance, all of which gives us a lot of confidence.”

As well as this knowledge, Bluekens EV also offered TDS the advantage of a 360° sales and aftersales service plan. This is enhanced further with a range of added-value services including charging infrastructure, fleet management and complete leasing solutions.

A multitude of innovative features inherent to the BYD ETM6 eTrucks makes them the ideal zero-emission vehicles to fulfil environmental goals, while also being very safe, quiet and practical for operating in high density city centres. Powered by BYD Iron-Phosphate Battery technology, the BYD ETM6 zero-emission electric truck offers the longest driving range, 200km with a full load, in the market within its 7.5 tonnes category, as well as extended battery life and high levels of safety.

TDS is a joint venture of logistic service providers comprising Holwerda Transport, Transportbedrijf P.A. van Rooyen and Brakenhoff Transport. Wissink concluded: “There is an increasing need from the customer for electric transport, a trend which has been going on for some time. As a transporter, you automatically go along with such developments, but we always try to anticipate.”

Gert-Jan Jonker, General Manager, Bluekens EV, said: “The BYD ETM6 is perfect for emission-free city logistics. Compared to most electric trucks, this model drives smoothly, has a long range for everyday use, a low TCO and fast charging technology. In addition, smart solutions for the charging infrastructure at TDS were considered in the preliminary phase. As a result, new charging facilities have been developed at one location, which will allow the surplus of solar energy from the solar panels to be used for charging.

“Bluekens EV also takes care of the fleet management, which supports TDS. It is our job to monitor the fleet, keep it running and provide insights into costs. The uptime of the vehicles should be as high as possible. In the event of a breakdown, we contact the driver and help him or her to get back on the road quickly. We initially try this by telephone, otherwise our technicians will quickly arrive on site to solve the problem.”

Mahmut Mobassit, eTruck Director, BYD Europe B.V., said: “We are proud that BYD eTrucks have been selected by such a well-known name as TDS and also for the role they will play in providing such an important zero-emission delivery service for IKEA in Amsterdam.  Quiet, clean and safe, our BYD ETM6 eTrucks embrace a new era in electric powered commercial transportation, without compromising on performance, efficiency and practicality. Together with our partner in the Netherlands, Bluekens EV, we are pleased to support TDS with a comprehensive aftersales service and fleet management solution to continually elevate operating efficiencies, in the knowledge that our eTrucks are being sympathetic to the environment.”

“Smart” freight wagons undergo pilot project

Posted on by Keith McKinley

TX Logistik AG and Mercitalia Intermodal have launched a pilot project to test the use of innovative sensors and communication technologies in Combined Transport (CT). The project for a smarter freight train is scheduled to run for 15 months.

In the pilot test, several freight wagons owned by TX Logistik and Mercitalia Intermodal, both part of Mercitalia Group (Gruppo FS Italiane), will be operated with a big range of innovative sensors and communication technologies to determine how digital technology can best be integrated into combined transport operations and how processes can be further improved as a result.

The “smart wagons” will be tested on various Combined Transport commercial services operated by TX Logistik, will use the wagons in order to obtain the most meaningful data possible from everyday operations.

The freight wagons are equipped with a variety of modern sensors and communication technologies provided by different manufacturers, in particular from Nexxiot and PJM, which represent the latest state of development in terms of innovation and market readiness. For example, the sensors monitor the condition of the braking system during the journey and record the mileage determining the exact location at any time. The data collected by the sensors will also be used directly for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

A special focus is placed on the trestle monitoring system, which is important for CT. The digital technology checks the correct position of the kingpin, changes in the locking status, and the loading condition. Furthermore, the target is to move from “smart wagons” to “smart train” where each wagon is connected to the other wagons as well as to the train driver in order to enable the Automatic Brake Test and the monitoring of the train dynamics during the journey.

Based on this data pool, possible further fields of application for process improvement in combined transport should be identified. Further potentialities are expected in this field, thanks to the involvement of various experts from the areas of wagon management, IT, data analysis, and operations with the help of the latest machine learning techniques.

The pilot test will be the pioneer in collecting this huge variety of data directly form combined transport operations and the outcome is expected in spring 2023.

Delivering to a security-sensitive site

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A global outsourcing giant required a secure logistics model that adhered to the specific requirements of the Olympic Games and the G8 Conferences – two of the most security-sensitive events in the world. Given the critical nature of these events, maintaining operational delivery models was near impossible.

Working collaboratively with the client, security agencies and delivery partners, NSC Global’s highly skilled, certified field engineers and logistics managers created innovative technical solutions, to provide a full suite of impenetrable onsite resources, including security-cleared equipment deliveries and pre-cleared engineers based on site – ensuring zero downtime.

The results:

  • NSC Global enabled millions of viewers around the world to receive live feeds, broadcasts and rolling news, uninterrupted
  • Ensured security for the events was never at risk within NSC Global’s sphere of influence
  • Achieved zero downtime for these critical events

BlueBox and Tive sign strategic partnership

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BlueBox Systems, provider of the BlueBoxAir tracking platform that monitors air cargo in real time, and leading in-transit visibility provider Tive have announced a strategic partnership aimed at effectively reducing delays and damage on global air cargo routes by combining their respective solutions.

BlueBox Systems’ BlueBoxAir real-time tracking platform enables companies, shippers and logistics service providers to track air cargo shipments down to the minute, compare airlines, airports or entire supply chains for performance metrics. In addition, the platform offers the possibility to display and compensate the real CO2 values of a shipment. Due to the open structure, third-party tracking systems can be integrated without any problems, thus refining the data even further. For this reason, the partnership with Tive is the logical step.

“For us, Tive is one of the most important drivers in the digitalization of logistics,” said Martin Schulze, CEO, BlueBox Systems. “With their monitoring and tracking solutions, they already offer the market a portfolio of both innovative and future-oriented solutions. So, it is logical for us to enter a partnership with Tive and jointly develop value for our customers.”

“The next generation of in-transit visibility is adding more ways to deliver meaningful data in real-time, so logistics professionals can actively manage shipments and eliminate delays and damage,” said Krenar Komoni, Founder and CEO, Tive. “Hyper-accurate location and condition are a cornerstone – and together with BlueBox Systems we are creating a new industry standard in saving air freight loads.”

BP acquires stake in biomethane provider

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BP has acquired a 28.57% stake in Gasrec, the UK’s largest dual provider of bio-Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to road transport. The company builds, owns and operates biomethane refuelling stations, providing renewable solutions to the HGV industry.

BP will supply Gasrec with renewable biomethane produced mainly from organic wastes, such as food and dairy manure. The investment will expand BP’s UK footprint in renewable gas production and distribution, adding to its market leading position in the US.

Carol Howle, EVP Trading and Shipping at BP, said: “Bio-LNG and bio-CNG play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonisation of the heavy-freight industry and is another example of how we’re helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. We’re excited to work with an industry leader like Gasrec to increase the supply of biomethane for HGV customers. This investment further expands BP’s global renewable gas portfolio, an area which we believe will have an increasingly important role on the path to net zero.”

Founded in 2003, Gasrec was the UK’s first supplier of biomethane to the road transport sector. Its customers include some of the UK’s biggest retailers, parcel delivery companies and hauliers – Asda, Ocado, Gregory Distribution and Reed Boardall. By offering lower-carbon solutions for HGVs, Gasrec lowers the carbon emissions associated with the road transport supply chain and the customers who transport goods.

Gasrec’s network of 10 biomethane refuelling stations across the UK is capable of refuelling approximately 1,250 vehicles per day and includes one of Europe’s largest gas refuelling stations, at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). With a strong market position, refuelling around 40% of the UK’s gas-powered HGVs, Gasrec is seeking to expand its network of refuelling stations at logistics parks.

In the UK, road transport is reported as being responsible for 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. HGVs represent just 5% of vehicle miles travelled, yet their associated emissions are disproportionately greater, producing around 16% of road transport emissions. Renewable gas is an important part of the energy transition for the HGV sector, providing a commercially viable option for fleet owners to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 85% in comparison to diesel.

From producing and supplying biomethane through to building and operating the fuelling stations, BP and Gasrec are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable, renewable gas solutions.

Rob Wood, CEO of Gasrec, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for our company as we look to continue increasing our impact on the UK’s heavy goods vehicle industry. Building on our 18 years’ experience and leading position in the HGV gas supply industry, we are excited to be working with BP to help expand our reach.”

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