DC Velocity - June 2012

West Coast LTL service: Pitt Ohio has enhanced its less-than-truckload (LTL) service to the West Coast with the introduction of TRNet Express. TRNet Express offers two- and three-day shipping to points in California, Arizona, and Nevada when customers ship their LTL freight on Thursday or Friday.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., Pitt Ohio serves the entire Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions and the remainder of the United States, Canada, and Mexico with The Reliance Network. TRNet Express is offered in conjunction with The Reliance Network carrier Mountain Valley Express. (Pitt Ohio, www.pittohio.com)

Asia-U.S. East Coast shipping: Evergreen Line together with MOL is launching a new all-water service linking major Asian ports to key destinations on the U.S. East Coast via the Suez Canal. The new service will commence in June.

The new Asia-U.S. East Coast Service 3 (AUE3) will add more direct calls to Evergreen’s service network, including Cai Mep, Vietnam; Singapore; and Jacksonville, Fla.

Ten ships of 4,500– 5,600 TEU will be deployed in the joint service; Evergreen Line will provide one vessel with others operated by MOL. The port rotation for the 70-day voyage is as follows: Hong Kong; Yantian, China; Singapore; Suez Canal; Algeciras, Spain; Norfolk, Va.; Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Charleston, S.C.; Algeciras; Suez Canal; Singapore; Cai Mep; and Hong Kong. (Evergreen Line, www.evergreen-line.com)

Mobile computer and inventory software: Wasp Barcode Technologies has introduced a new wireless mobile computer, the Wasp HC1 Mobile Computer. The HC1 Mobile Computer allows users to read one-dimensional bar codes using the integrated laser scan engine and review records using the 3.8-inch- wide color touch LCD screen.

The HC1 is rugged. Its case, which has an IP65 ranking, shields the computer against water and dust. It is also durable as it is able to withstand multiple five-foot drops onto concrete, the company says.

The company has also launched Wasp CountIt, new inventory counting software for QuickBooks. The software, which is designed for small and medium-sized businesses, can be used with any Wasp mobile computer.

Wasp CountIt uses bar-code technology to expedite the inventory counting process while also increasing accuracy. The software then automatically syncs with QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel and sends existing data to any Wasp mobile computer. The Wasp mobile computer is used to quickly scan bar codes to count inventory items. Once the inventory is counted, CountIt transfers the new inventory data back to a PC, updating the existing inventory file and creating a variation report if needed. The CountIt solution can be used with physical counts, cycle counts, and monthly or year-end inventory counts. (Wasp Barcode Technologies, www.waspbarcode.com)

Battery watering system: Flow-Rite has recently made improvements to its Millennium Plus+ single-point battery watering system. The latest features include a debris-resistant shroud, lower shut-off level, improved versatility, and a new ergonomic installation tool.

The new shroud has large pass-through holes on the sides and bottom, which allow debris to flow freely through the shroud. This minimizes the chance of large debris being caught between the shroud and displacer while still protecting the internal components from impact.

In addition, Flow-Rite has improved the design of its shroud and displacer to achieve a 0.20-inch-lower shut-off level while maintaining the same overall valve length. This provides more room for electrolyte expansion inside the cell.

The water system also has a nonmechanical optical level indicator that allows the operator to verify that each cell has been properly filled after watering. The indicator signals the presence of liquid, with black for “full” and white for “water needed.” According to Flow-Rite, the built-in indicator is independent from the valve function, and as a result, it can give a true reading of the water level even if the valve is damaged.

The water system now features flip tops that are color-coded to match valves for quick valve length identification. These user-friendly access ports eliminate the need to drill into cell covers and remove the watering system to check specific gravity levels. (Flow-Rite, www.flow-rite.com) ;

TAKE COMMAND!

Forklift Battery Management Software

Pallet truck e-commerce site: Cat Lift Trucks has launched an online Hand Pallet Truck Store at www.catliftstore.com.

The Hand Pallet Truck Store, which showcases the Cat Lift Trucks 5,500-pound capacity pallet jack, includes pallet truck specifications, product features, and warranty information. Customers can purchase the pallet truck directly from the site for one standard price with free shipping. (Cat Lift Trucks, www.catliftstore.com)