DC Velocity - June 2012

Walkie end-rider: Mitsubishi Forklift has introduced a new electric walkie end-rider that is especially well-suited for low-level order picking, long-distance transporting, and loading and unloading trailers. The PWR30 Series is available in a 6,000-pound capacity and can travel up to 9. 3 miles per hour, making it the fastest end-rider in the industry, according to the manufacturer.

The new end-rider also features quick acceleration and regenerative braking. Whether the truck is coasting or braking, the responsive regenerative braking allows the vehicle to come to a stop prior to the electromagnetic brake’s being applied, minimizing additional wear on the system.

Mitsubishi Forklift also says that the walkie’s forks are designed to withstand tough environments. According to the manufacturer, they are the thickest fabricated forks in the industry and have cast-steel tips.

The truck also has an ergonomic floor pad. The foot alcove allows for a wider stance to help ensure the operator’s feet are fully on the platform.

Customers can choose to add an electric coast-control option, which eliminates the need for operators to step back onto the truck in order to move to the next pick location. A corrosion protection package—which includes galvanized chassis, pull rods, load wheel linkage, lift linkage, and forks—is also available to provide increased durability. (Mitsubishi Forklift, www.mit-lift.com)

Wireless PA: The Loudmouth Wireless PA system from Ritron Inc. allows warehousing and distribution facilities to use an existing portable two-way radio, base station, or mobile radio to deliver “live” voice messages. The messages can be broadcast at a distance of up to two miles away. The system can be used for general paging or announcements, weather emergencies, security announcements, and more.

The Loudmouth Wireless PA system consists of a 1-channel radio receiver, flex antenna, rechargeable emergency backup battery, 110-volt AC-power supply, and separate PA horn/speaker that attaches to the receiver. The receiver and PA are activated by the two-way radio, which serves as a microphone that allows live voice messages to be delivered to the PA from long range. Because the Loudmouth Wireless PA does not require trenching or extensive wiring, it can provide an economical live voice messaging system, according to Ritron. (Ritron Inc., www.ritron.com)

rollouts

Specialized freight forwarding: Caro Trans, a global nonvessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, has created a specialized breakbulk, out-of-gauge, and roll on/roll-off team that is positioned to serve local forwarders in all 14 CaroTrans U.S. office locations. This dedicated group joins CaroTrans’ existing full-containerload department.

This team will provide the following services: specialized equipment—flat racks and open tops, door-to-door service, shrink-wrapping, haulage, crating, and delivery to the exit port. (CaroTrans, www.carotrans.com)

Transportation software: Paradox Software Consulting, a developer of trucking and logistics software solutions, is now offering a new version of its transportation optimization suite. The suite includes tools for routing and scheduling, continuous move planning, and fleet sizing.

The latest release includes inbound and outbound less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment consolidation, schedule charts with event-level visibility, and compatibility with PC*MILER 25. 1 and MapPoint 2011. The software’s mapping capabilities have also been improved.

The release includes the latest version of Paradox’s Continuous Move Planner tool, which provides decision support for shipment ( typically truckload) lane matching for carriers and shippers. This version includes enhanced logging, net yield optimization, visibility to calculation source, and enhanced mapping and reporting.

Paradox continues to offer a free 14-day-trial version of all of its software. Customers can also choose to rent Paradox’s products through its subscription licensing offering. (Paradox Software Consulting, www.paradoxsci.com)