DC Velocity - March 2009

Making a connection: Eastern Connection (EC), a regional express overnight parcel carrier serving the East Coast, has launched two new shipping modules. EC worked closely with Kewill and Pitney-Bowes to develop the two new Technology Integration options, which are designed to ease a customer’s transition into the Eastern Connection system. These rate modules allow a shipper to plug Eastern Connection rates into its current stand-alone system and to participate in rate shopping among EC’s and competitors’ pre-programmed rates. This development will increase the efficiency of IT integration for new customers and speed up the transition process.

Eastern Connection has also invested in the development of an EC stand-alone Kewill Clippership system to replace EC’s Partnership system. This system will be pre-programmed with EC rates and has the ability to load competitors’ rate modules in order to rate shop. EC’s new customers also have the option of integrating with their own propriety software or shipping online via Web-based ECShip. (Eastern Connection, www.EasternConnection.com)

Calm and cool: Horizon Lines Inc. offers the ReeferPlus GPS con-tainer-tracking and shipment-monitoring solution for refrigerated ocean containers moving between the continental United States and Puerto Rico. This solution is designed to improve the visibility and security of high-value perishable cargo requiring cold chain logistics. It is engineered to assure proper product temperature through the entire transport chain, from packing to delivery.

Key capabilities of ReeferPlus GPS include GPS-enabled real-time container tracking; in-box sensors reporting temperature, atmosphere, and security updates via the Web; and remote mon-

itoring and adjusting of reefer conditions with one computer click.

The ReeferPlus GPS solution uses Impeva Labs’ Global Sentinel Unit, which links multiple two-way communication channels, real-time wireless sensors, and a direct two-way interface to the refrigerated container’s controller. With continuous real-time supply chain visibility and remote configuration, Horizon Lines’ ReeferPlus GPS customers can track, trace, monitor, and take corrective action from their offices anywhere in the world. (Horizon Lines, www.horizonlines.com)

Belt way: Conveyor Technologies Ltd. has developed a line of Modular Plastic Belt (MPB) conveyors that combine increased durability, improved performance, and reduced maintenance in a quiet, compact package. The MPB conveyors are available with 0.5- or one-inch pitch belting in widths from two to 24 inches and lengths to 29 feet. They are suited for a large range of industrial, packaging, labeling, automation, and processing systems.

A 200-degree positive-contact drive sprocket belt engagement, combined with the elimination of return link contraction, lower chordal action, and center tracking, contributes to greater belt and sprocket life and smooth, quiet operation.

The quiet, compact drive occupies approximately one-half the space of conventional systems, and the reduced height beyond the drive end allows the conveyors to fit into shallow height applications. The drive is devoid of belts, chain, sprockets, couplings, and their related maintenance, and it can be totally replaced and ready to run in under five minutes. Also, the drive does not require disengagement when removing or installing the belt. (Conveyor Technologies Ltd., (513) 248-0663, www.Conveyor TechLtd.com)