Category Archives: Transportation

RS Components introduces Timestrip indicators for convenient asset monitoring and maintenance

Smart chemistry provides accurate, intuitive, at-a-glance time or time/temperature alerts in a convenient single-use label

OXFORD, UK, July, 2015 – RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, has introduced Timestrip time lapse indicators which are visual reminders for timely replacement or servicing and Timestrip PLUS temperature-threshold indicators, which enable convenient and cost-effective monitoring of temperature sensitive perishables.

Patent protected Timestrip time lapse indicators are activated with finger pressure and fixed like a label to the item being monitored. A red colour moves irreversibly against a scale to reach the end when the specified duration expires. 1, 3, 6, and 12-month versions are available, accurate to within ±15% (when used at room temperature), making them ideal for numerous professional and domestic applications. These include simple visual reminders to replace filters or other components in accordance with manufacturer-recommended cycles, or to perform regular maintenance such as heater descaling, inspection of electrical appliances, or servicing of industrial equipment.

Timestrip PLUS temperature-threshold indicators irreversibly show the length of time an item has been exposed above a pre-set temperature threshold. They are ideal for verifying compliance with regulated standards and are used widely for monitoring products whose quality or fitness for use is affected by excess temperature such as pharmaceuticals, perishables such as foodstuffs, and industrial or laboratory chemicals.  Temperature and time indications are accurate to within ±1°C and ±15% respectively.  They are inert until activated and each unit has a unique serial code, which helps manage large numbers of assets. Thresholds of 8C, 10C, 25C and 30C are available.

Compared to alternatives such as written maintenance sheets or electronic reminders, Timestrip indicators are direct, intuitive, and provide an instantaneous at-a-glance indication when action is due or if storage conditions have been breached. They are splashproof, can be stored unused at room temperature, and can be self-affixed to individual products or on packs or pallets.  These compelling and cost-effective indicators support efforts to maximise product quality or improve the performance and reliability of a wide range of equipment, resulting in better end-user experiences.

-Ends-

About RS Components

RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers. With operations in 32 countries, we offer more than 500,000 products through the internet, catalogues and at trade counters to over one million customers, shipping around 44,000 parcels a day. Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include electronic components, electrical, automation and control, and test and measurement equipment, and engineering tools and consumables.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2015 had revenues of £1.27bn.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.

Editorial Contacts:                                                            

Lisa Townsend

PR Manager – EMEA

RS Components

lisa.townsend@rs-components.com

+44 (0)1536 209026

Joanne Youson
Product Marketing PR Manager
RS Components
joanne.youson@rs-components.com
+44 (0) 1536 405752

PR Agency Contact:

Janice Fenton

Account Director

Publitek Technology PR

janice.fenton@publitek.com

+44 (0) 1225 470000

Further information is available via these links:

Twitter: @RSComponents; @alliedelec; @designsparkRS

RS Components on Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components

 

Relevant Links:

Electrocomponents plc

www.electrocomponents.com

RS Components

www.rs-online.com

DesignSpark

http://www.designspark.com

 

Cold Chain logistics – Nimble Wireless

Nimble Wireless have created an excellent info graphic on why temperature monitoring is important for Cold Chain logistics.

coldchain temperature monitoring

Thanks to Nimble Wireless for the item:

http://nimblewireless.com

USA

Nimble Wireless Inc.
1220 Corte Zafiro,
San Marcos, CA- 92069,
USA

Business: nimble-usa@nimblewireless.com

Contact Numbers:

Office: +1 858 935 7381
Fax : +1 858 201 6305

INDIA

Nimble Wireless (Pvt) Ltd.

12B, 1st floor, (Near HDFC bank)
Dhanalakshmi Street, Janaki Nagar,
Valasarawakkam, Chennai – 600 087.

Business: nimble-india@nimblewireless.com

Contact Numbers:

Office: +91-44-42656219
Mobile: +91-73054-11116

Life Sciences Supply Chain Benchmarking Survey 2015

A 2015 LogiPharma Benchmarking Study (download here) reveals that 56% of pharma professionals think it is important to work with other pharma companies to develop a more effective supply chain.

logipharma2015The study, which was researched from October to November 2014, received over 50 responses. The report also revealed that only 30% of supply chain pharma professionals are very prepared and have all of processes and technologies in place for the global serialization requirements outlined in the EU Falsified Medicines Directive.

The goal of the survey was to gain insight from senior pharma supply chain professionals from across Europe and what their biggest priorities are for the next 12 months are.

When asked what the top 3 current challenges pharma professionals are facing, respondents answered with:

  • Balancing cost management versus providing excellent customer service
  • Managing the supply chain for a rapidly changing portfolio
  • Managing the supply chain

Download the report here

To see the other key findings as well as stats, facts and figures, you can download the full report here: http://wbresear.ch/oz

Harrison Solway take ‘fast- track’ Krone Trailers

Harrison Solway take ‘fast- track’ Krone Trailers as pallet numbers rise

Harrison Solway, the Hull based distribution and warehousing specialists have recently expanded their trailer fleet with the addition of six Profi Liner curtainsiders from Krone, which, says the company are needed to keep up with the continuing increase in pallet movements for their customers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

A founder mKroneember of Pallet Track, the UK’s fastest growing pallet network, Harrison Solway is now in its 15th year and says the company is growing all the time. Much of the work is for a national supplier of modular bathrooms, although virtually all types of palletised cargo can be handled by Harrison Solway’s nationwide distribution fleet and 120k sq. ft. of secure warehousing. The company can store and control up to 10,000 pallets at any given time.

“We have built our operation on sound practice and reliability. It’s what our customers and the industry expect.” says Director Lee Solway, “Key to this is having the flexibility to handle a cross-section of customer requirements with speed and efficiency, while ensuring maximum safety and load security at all times. We can accommodate customers with as few as 5 or as many as 1,500 pallets per week, but whatever the throughput , the level of service must remain the same. ”

To this end, Harrison Solway required a curtainsider which enabled them to load through the roof from either end of the trailer as well as through the rear and sides, using forklifts or cranes according to the product. Furthermore, the company required additi831114 Harrison Solway take 'fast-track' Krone Trailers -Paul Harrison left, Lee Solway right.onal internal loading height, multiple strapping points for load security and the facility to strap from inside the curtain when it is closed. The objective being to increase load safety, add flexibility and speed up turnaround times.

“Initially, we hired a Profi Liner to test things out and after three months we were convinced that this was the way to go.” adds Lee Solway, “The advantages over a conventional curtainsider are numerous.” Krone’s Multi Lock strapping system is, according to Lee Solway, an outstanding feature which keeps every load ‘safe and secure’. The sliding roof meanwhile, adds a further advantage by opening from both ends.

“Our policy is to keep in tune with new systems and technology.”  continues Lee, “This is important, not just to remain ahead of the competition but to ensure we deliver the very best service to our diverse client base. For example, the systems we use to support our ‘Just-in-time’ delivery network include: – end-to-end traceability (real time, track and trace); specialist consolidation; contract packing and stock auditing. Moreover, our vehicle fleet is equipped with satellite tracking and in-cab communications to ensure tight control and fast response whenever it’s needed.”

831114 Harrison Solway take 'fast-track' Krone Trailers as pallet numbers rise (1)“Our trailers too, need to fit this policy and Krone was certainly more than able to match up to all our safety and loading requirements. During initial consultations, Krone worked closely with us and provided in-depth advice, which enabled us to reach our optimum specification. Also worthy of note is the fact that we only had to wait 6 weeks for delivery. Fast- track by any standards.”

Further Information:                                                                           

KRONE TRAILERS UK

Peckfield Business Park
Phoenix Avenue
Micklefield
Leeds
LS25 4DY

Tel: +44 (0) 1132 878817
Fax: +44 (0) 1132 878819

E-Mail: trailers@krone-uk.com

Web: www.krone-trailer.com

The ‘More Load – Less Cost’ Logistics Experts go from strength to strength

The ‘More Load – Less Cost’ Logistics Experts go from strength to strength as the growth plan unfolds.

Buffaload Logistics is a family-owned business with 15 years’ experience in the temperature-controlled sector and during this time has pursued an ambitious growth programme. It has tripled in size over the last two years and intends to double the size of the business in the next 30 months.

031014 The 'More Load - Less Cost' Logistics experts go from strength to strengthPlans include a new 6-bay vehicle workshop at its 16-acre Huntington site and further expansion of the vehicle fleet. Already this year, 31 refrigerated double-deckers have been ordered and will be delivered before the year end.  Each carries the impressive new Buffaload livery, which reflects the familiar black and red Buffaload theme.

The company has also recently added 3 new cross-docking terminals at its 16-acre Huntingdon headquarters to provide an additional 50% pallet handling capacity. Furthermore, Buffaload has branched out into double-deck and urban trailer hire, including repair and maintenance.

Currently, Buffaload operates over 60 double-deck trailers and is renowned in the cool chain for its imaginative use of this type of temperature-controlled trailer.

“Although we provide a diverse range of transport and storage services, our particular logistics ability lies in the provision of temperature controlled 44-pallet double-deck trailers,” says Buffaload’s Business Development Director Ian Perks. “These high-cube trailers are equipped with moving floors which provide a combination of loading flexibility and increased pallet capacity. This, for our customers equates to reduced handling costs, fewer road miles and increased fleet efficiency.”

For customers whose loading bays cannot accommodate double deck trailers, Buffaload’s dedicated engineering team will provide the necessary technical support to make modifications as needed.

Ongoing technical support for double-deckers along with general fleet service requirements is provided on a round-the-clock basis from Buffaload’s own workshops. In addition, fully equipped mobile service vans are ready to provide routine maintenance and emergency support when required throughout the UK and from all three of Buffaload’s key depots in Huntington, Avonmouth and Wigan.

Significant investment in pallet-handling software, new trailers and additional cross-docking bays has significantly enhanced turnaround time and further enabled Buffaload to provide an end-to-end and diverse service to retailers, food producers and handlers in the cold chain. Moreover, the new trailer and vehicle rental operation, coupled with the company’s on-site frozen and chilled pallet storage facility, has added even greater flexibility to the national operation.

Buffaload offers the following services:-

  • Temperature Controlled Transportation
  • Ambient, Chilled and Frozen storage
  • Rental of Double Deck Trailers
  • Rental of Urban Multi temp trailers
  • Temperature Controlled Consolidation with cross dock loading
  • Storage and Distribution of High Value and Perishable Goods
  • Double Deck loading bay modifications
  • Double deck serving and & repairs
  • Trailer servicing and repairs
  • Fridge repairs
  • Emergency Courier Logistics
  • Loading Dock modification to accommodate double deck trailer

 

 

Buffaload Logistics

Tel: 08700 343343

Email: info@buffaload.co.uk

Web: www.buffaload.co.uk

New Loading Docks Boost Pallet Capacity for Buffaload

Buffaload Logistics has opened a new 6-bay cross-docking facility at its 16 acre Huntingdon headquarters which, says the company, will increase capacity by up to 50% and provide a permanent ‘buffer’ for peak seasonal demands.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADesigned to accommodate Buffaload’s unique high capacity double deck temperature controlled trailers, the chilled facility will take in trunked loads from various suppliers during the afternoon and then cross-dock via specific customer-designated lanes for consolidation and onward movement to various retailer RDCs throughout the night.

“This impressive new chilled pallet handling facility” says Sales Director Graham Usher, “complements our existing cross-docking operations and gives us the capacity to cope with any level of demand. We currently operate 65 double deck reefers, each of which can carry up to 44 pallets at up to 1.85m in height and at 60% greater capacity than a conventional 13.6m trailer, that adds up to a significant pallet throughput  every night”.

Buffload As a further part of the company’s ongoing growth programme and due to come on stream during next year and 2016, Buffaload expects to open a  7,500 sq. metre temperature-controlled warehouse and 6 bay workshop  at the Huntingdon site. Buffaload will also be taking delivery of additional double deck trailers during 2014.

Buffaload offers the following services:-

  • Temperature Controlled Transportation
  • Ambient, Chilled and Frozen storage
  • Rental of Double Deck Trailers
  • Rental of Urban Multi temp trailers
  • Temperature Controlled Consolidation with cross dock loading
  • Storage and Distribution of High Value and Perishable Goods
  • Double Deck loading bay modifications
  • Double deck serving and & repairs
  • Trailer servicing and repairs
  • Fridge repairs
  • Emergency Courier Logistics
  • Loading Dock modification to accommodate double deck trailer

Buffaload Logistics

Grove Lane

Ellington

Cambridgeshire

PE28 0AA

Tel: 08700 343343

Email: info@buffaload.co.uk

Web: www.buffaload.co.uk

Buffaload Logistics Appoints National Transport Manager

Brian Lafferty joins the ‘More Load – Less Cost’ logistics experts

With responsibility for the company’s 65 double deck reefers and 35 Urban & 13.6m trailer fleet, tractor units and courier express vehicles Brian Lafferty joins Buffaload Logistics as the Cambridgeshire based family-owned company is poised to double in size over the next four years.

National Transport Manager

Brian Lafferty – National Transport Manager

Brian brings a wealth of transport and logistics ‘know-how’ built up over a long and successful career in the wider transport industry. From driver to transport management, spanning numerous commercial transport businesses, he has gained a detailed knowledge of compliance management, driver training and road traffic expertise. Brian has also spent a number of years as a traffic examiner with VOSA and more recently has managed his own transport consultancy – all skills which will come to the fore as he takes responsibility for the broad scope of Buffaload’s diverse national operation.

“This company sets itself apart because of its high standards, skill base and ability to prescribe cost effective transport and handling solutions to a cross section of businesses in the cold chain”, says Brian. “Our mission is to build on these attributes, whilst keeping a close eye on regulatory issues and all round best-practice.”

Further information for editors:

Buffaload offers the following services:-

  • Temperature Controlled Transportation
  • Ambient, Chilled and Frozen storage
  • Rental of Double Deck Trailers
  • Rental of Urban Multi temp trailers
  • Temperature Controlled Consolidation with cross dock loading
  • Storage and Distribution of High Value and Perishable Goods
  • Double Deck loading bay modifications
  • Double deck serving and & repairs
  • Trailer servicing and repairs
  • Fridge repairs
  • Emergency Courier Logistics
  • Loading Dock modification to accommodate double deck trailer

Tel: 08700 343343

Email: info@buffaload.co.uk

Web: www.buffaload.co.uk

Keeping Ireland’s Krone Trailers on the Move

This year saw the appointment of Fleet Solutions as Service Partner for Krone Trailers. Fleet Solutions MD and founder Brian Balfe explains what lies behind the operation.

Fleet Solutions was established in 1984 and since then has expanded steadily into virtually every aspect of commercial trailer and truck service and support. Now, with over 50 employees, the Clondalkin- based company is renowned as one of Ireland’s foremost trailer service and maintenance specialists.

For Krone Trailers this was an important factor and necessary to provide a premier support service for its fast-expanding customer base in Ireland.

“The partnership is a natural one” says Brian Balfe. The Krone trailer is a top-end product with a no-nonsense specification. Good quality equipment and used by discerning operators throughout Europe. Similarly, Fleet Solutions has a reputation for expert technical back up with modern processes designed to meet the needs of today’s increasingly sophisticated transport and logistics operators”

Sophisticated is certainly one way to describe the way things are done at Fleet Solutions: Brian Balfe explains:

“Many years ago we introduced modern procedures which, using an end-to-end mapping process, enables us to tightly control every job, from the moment it is booked in until the vehicle or trailer is returned to the customer.820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (3)

“This way, we can ensure consistently high quality and efficiency each time a job is raised. For example, our bespoke-designed administration and mapping system automatically processes each step of every job using a modular process which embraces: booking in, quotation, warranty clearance, parts provision, customer acceptance, production/engineering, quality control, and invoicing. Furthermore,” adds Brian, “our system recognises every previous job, which enables us to quickly inform the customer regarding exact costs and time frames to carry out the work required”

But it’s not all about sophisticated mapping systems. Fleet Solutions’ success also lies in the expertise and experience of its highly trained technicians, who apply their skills across a wide range of services. Brian Balfe again:

“All of our workshop technicians are fully trained and many are specialist in particular areas. Although we are best known for trailer service and refurbishments, we also provide truck maintenance, body shop facilities, tail-lift maintenance, vehicle livery and bespoke curtain manufacturing. And, as an official RSA (Vosa-equivalent) testing station, we of course need to ensure that all workshop employees are kept up to date with the latest regulations and working practices”820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (2)

One-stop Service Solutions.

Providing a  cross section of  commercial vehicle services all ‘under one roof’ enables Fleet Solutions to deal with every fleet requirement – from the smallest owner driver one-off jobs, to regular maintenance and repair schedules for the largest tractor and trailer fleets. Leading brands including Krone, Schmitz Cargobull, Jost, BPW, ROR and Meritor are fully supported and operators the length and breadth of Ireland  can rely on round-the-clock service and roadside recovery if required.

In brief, the operation comprises a  6 bay trailer repair workshop and 6 bay commercial vehicle repair centre; on-site LCV, HCV and CVR testing centre; NSAI-licensed tachograph, speed limiter and plating facility; tail lift inspection; 3,000 sq.m. parts and components centre; curtain manufacturing facility; shot-blast, painting  and  refurbishment; mobile service and breakdown vans; fleet scheduling, reporting and budget planning.

For Krone Trailer and all other trailer operators, Fleet Solutions provide a state-of-the-art trailer workshop which employs a ‘pit-stop’ philosophy to ensure fast turn-round and cost effective maintenance and repairs:

  • 20ft pit bay for full inspections
  • Dedicated ABS & EBS diagnostics bay
  • All 6 bays equipped with specially designed trailer lifts and stands
  • Retractable airlines and air points at front and rear of each bay
  • Three phase and one phase wiring to each bay
  • High quality equipment and tools
  • In-depth code of practice and procedures adhering to the highest Health & Safety standards

Commercial Vehicle Testing Centre

Fleet Solutions’ commercial vehicle test centre is licensed and regulated by the RSA.

“We are also a member of the Vehicle Testing Network, “adds Brian. “ Unlike the National Car Test (NCT), it is mandatory for commercial vehicles to be tested annually. There are two classifications of vehicles: light goods vehicles – up to and including 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight and heavy goods vehicles -above 3500Kgs gross vehicle weight. Given the already diverse nature of our service, it was a natural fit to open the test centre and I’m pleased to say we have been very busy since it opened in 2009”.

The sum of the (trailer) parts

Fleet Solutions is a l820914 Krone - Keeping Ireland's Krone trailers on the move (1)eading supplier of commercial vehicle spare parts and body components for Jost, Meritor, BPW,SAF, Granning, Wabco, Haldex, Knorr-Bremse, Jonesco and Featherwing. A stock of Krone Trailers’ ‘fast-moving’ parts is kept on site and if any major components should be required then they are despatched from Krone’s central parts depot on a next day basis.
“All-in-all” concludes Brian Balfe, “Fleet Solutions are here to keep Ireland’s commercial transport on the move and of course that includes the increasing number
of trailers carrying the Krone badge. No matter whether we are talking curtainsiders, reefers, box vans or skellies, our trailer service is geared to meet and exceed the daily demands of operators across the transport industry”

Tel: +44 (0) 1132 878817, Fax: +44 (0) 1132 878819

trailers@krone-uk.com

www.krone-trailer.com

Fresh Logistics adds three new temperature controlled Volkswagen Crafters

Fresh Logistics has added to its impressively growing fleet with three new purpose built temperature controlled Volkswagen Crafters.

temperature controlled transport vehiclesWith a customer base requiring a wide range of requirements, Fresh Logistics have a variety of vehicles including MWB and LWB vans, 7.5t’s with and without tail-lifts and bulkheads and 18t’s.

This round of new vehicles includes two MWB and one LWB vans supplied by Volkswagen Van Centre West Yorkshire with the bodywork supplied by GRP.

The vehicles are fitted with the latest ThermoKing V300-201 Max refrigeration unit, Seven Transcan KTS2 C200, cruise control and moveable bulkheads allowing for either frozen and chilled, chilled and ambient or heated in the same vehicle. The vehicles can carry loads ranging from -25c through to +20C.

Oli Saffell, Business Development Manager stated ‘We are currently busier than ever with an ever increasing customer base, so we are delighted to welcome the new additions. This will add to an already impressive fleet and the new vehicles will also enable us to strengthen our London based depot.’

If you would like any further information as to the services Fresh Logistics can offer please call the 24/7 line on 0800 612 6512 or visit the website on www.freshlogistics.co.uk.

For the full press release please see here

MMD Shipping take a fresh look at the Saveris temperature and humidity monitoring system

If you are eating some nice fresh fruit such as a banana, pineapple, apple or a citrus variety then the chances are it was imported in to this country by MMD Shipping in Portsmouth – and the quality and freshness of the product has been significantly maintained by the newly installed Testo Saveris wireless temperature and humidity monitoring system.

The sheer scale of the MMD Montage MergedMMD operation is truly impressive, utilising approximately 700,000 pallets per annum. Some 70% of all UK banana imports alone are handled by the company operating five dedicated warehouses where the different fruits are taken directly from the ships at the quayside. Previously the company had relied on a combination of conventional thermometers and visual checks whilst using the massive doors as a cooling method in their own right. However, this system didn’t allow for ongoing accurate written records of the air quality. Maintenance Manager David Simpson instigated a thorough assessment of specialist systems on the market and having visited Testo at Alton for a demonstration of the Saveris system and the calibration facilities realised that this would be the ideal solution for his needs. The system comprises of a quickly installed base unit which controls multiple wireless probes with a range of up to 300 metres positioned throughout the complex and linked to the Ethernet via adjacent converters which are not affected by other radio waves. Where structural conditions may interfere then routers maintain the signal.

To indicate the scope of the base unit – which is connected to a PC – it can incorporate up to 150 probes or over 250 measurement channels and can save typically a year’s worth of data with its built in memory. In actual performance terms Mr Simpson is very pleased with the investment “The Testo technology means that I can watch over the whole operation from my desk and ensure that absolute varied conditions can be constantly and accurately maintained to meet individual product requirements which range from 0 to +20 degrees. Where we reach a critical measurement value at any moment then the automatic alarm system alerts me. The data recording benefit has proved to be of great value for example where a fruit producer has had a deterioration situation along the route to market. We will certainly be turning to Testo when our new storage building is completed and the overall system contributes significantly to our quality control and business image”.

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