IN BRIEF: New Services and Solutions
Lufthansa Cargo started operating freighters from Munich for the first time on July 6, 2024. An A321 freighter connects Munich with Istanbul Airport twice a week, complementing the existing belly network from Munich. The new freighter connection is planned every Saturday and Sunday.
Transportation
• ONE launched its new West India North America (WIN) service at the Port of Charleston with the arrival of the ONE Modern on June 26, 2024, at Wando Welch Terminal. The WIN service connects India’s West Coast and the U.S. East Coast. South Carolina Ports offers five weekly services to India, including the new WIN service.
• PITT OHIO launched next-day LTL shipping lanes from Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo, Ohio to Buffalo, New York. In addition to LTL, PITT OHIO provides ancillary services including warehousing, drayage, fleet management, and freeze protection.
• ZIM now offers a premium service connecting China and Los Angeles. The ZIM Central China Xpress (ZX2) service commenced operations on July 3, 2024, and provides a transit time of 13 days from Ningbo to Los Angeles.
Technology
← The upgraded VERSO Series rugged computers from JLT Mobile Computers speeds up 3D-mapping, simulations, image processing, and other tasks with high requirements on CPU power. It provides statistical analysis or simulations of large amounts of data from sensors, drones, or cameras to support decision making.
• Real-time item-level visibility technology provider Mojix updated its SaaS platform to improve performance for traceability, retail operations, and digital product passport execution. The updates help companies gain transparency across the supply chain and protect brand reputation.
• Rithum (formerly CommerceHub, ChannelAdvisor, and Dsco) launched two products—Rate Shopping and End-to-End Monitoring—to help retailers expand operations and prepare for peak season. Rate Shopping allows retailers to find the best price for delivery with a shipping provider while End-to-End Monitoring gives retailers operational insights that can help prevent late shipments and simplify the order management process.
• TradeBeyond now offers an artificial intelligence-powered functionality called PO Line Risk Rating for supply chain quality inspection management. The toolset uses AI to analyze thousands of historical data points. Part of TradeBeyond’s Pivot88 platform, the functionality uses advanced machine learning algorithms to continuously improve risk assessments.
• 4flow introduced 4flow VIA, a software suite that provides shippers with an end-to-end view of their supply chain networks. The platform combines visualization, analysis, and optimization to provide transparency and help clients reduce network costs, optimize inventory allocation, and cut carbon emissions.
→ ORBCOMM unveiled the latest generation of its reefer container monitoring solution. The CT 3600 device offers installation support via an iOS and Android app and has reduced component requirements to help simplify installation, deployment, and management of reefer IoT applications.
Products
↑ The EcoGen2, distributed by Green Road Energy in the United States, is a hydraulic generator for commercial trucks that converts a diesel transport refrigeration unit into a hybrid electric-powered unit during transit. Powered by the engine drive power take off, EcoGen is estimated to last 10 to 12 years and can be moved from one tractor unit to another.
← The new WALTCO MDV liftgate series from Hiab, part of Cargotec, speeds up dock loading and distribution. The MDV liftgates are available in 3,000 or 4,000-pound lifting capacities and several platform sizes. All models in the series have a low weight, reducing its carbon emission footprint and vehicle energy consumption.
→ Treston’s next-generation Cornerstone workbench, now manufactured in the United States, offers a 1,500-pound weight capacity and robust steel construction; it can be customized to optimize workflow and productivity. The workbench is designed for heavy-duty tasks including testing and packing as well as repairing and inspecting.
• Bridgestone Americas introduced the new Bridgestone V-Steel Container Lifter G-Smooth (VCLG) 18.00R25 port tire for port and industrial operations. Designed for reach stackers, the Bridgestone VCLG provides extended tire life and improved heat resistance and load capacity.
↑ Ergodyne launched eight new wrist wrap supports and sleeves designed to provide wrist support to help workers when performing repetitive tasks or lifting items. Wrist wraps help stabilize the wrist joint, helping to reduce the risk of hyperextension or excessive movement that could lead to injuries.
Services
↑ Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS Group member, increased handling capacity by 60% at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport by opening its fifth cargo terminal. The new terminal increases WFS’ total cargo facility footprint in Madrid to more than 180,000 square feet and supports its 65 airline customers.
• Drone Express launched last-mile delivery operations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The provider uses drones to transport bundle boxes, such as pizza party and s’mores night packages, to consumers’ residences.
• DACHSER USA expanded its locations in Miami and New York. DACHSER’s branch in Miami, which moved to its new site in April 2024, is now located in a class A office building directly next to Miami International Airport. Its New York branch is located close to the John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and major ports in New York and New Jersey.