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Customs brokerage: Pilot Freight Services, a worldwide provider of transportation and logistics services, has launched Pilot
Customs Brokerage (PCB). PCB now processes and handles the
customs clearance of imports for Pilot customers everywhere in
the United States. This allows customers to rely on Pilot for every
step in an international move—from pickup, air/ocean haul,
and customs clearance to delivery—eliminating the need for
third-party involvement. Pilot also offers customs brokerage as a
standalone service for companies that are not current customers.
(Pilot Freight Services Inc., www.PilotDelivers.com)
Vertical lift module for heavy goods: The Shuttle XP 1000, a
new vertical lift module from Kardex Remstar, can accommodate
loads weighing up to 2,205 pounds ( 1,000 kg) per tray. The
unit is the newest addition to the Shuttle XP vertical lift module
series, which includes the 250, 500, and 700 models.
The Shuttle XP 1000 allows users to
store heavy tools and large goods as well
as a large number of small parts per tray.
The module comes with the new “Super
Strong” tray. The 4.1-foot-wide ( 1,250 mm)
tray can accommodate up to 2,205 pounds
( 1,000 kg), and the 13-foot-wide ( 4,000
mm) tray can handle up to 1,764 pounds
(800 kg). For ease of use, the new tray
uses casters instead of conventional plastic
sliding shoes.
All models in the Shuttle XP series provide
high-density storage and are designed with
the “goods to person” principle, meaning the stored goods are
brought from the extractor to the access opening, where they
can be ergonomically removed by the operator. (Kardex Remstar,
www.kardexremstar.com)
Order picking workstation: The new UltraBatch dynamic batch
order picking workstation from Integrated Systems Design (ISD)
creates continuous automated batch-picking operations.
The UltraBatch system automates the batch-picking process
by inducting new orders and automatically sending filled orders
to the next workstation without any action by the operator. The
system’s software queues up the orders in a logical sequence
based on commonality. The operator simply follows the integrated pick-to-light system’s cues to place the correct item and
quantity into the proper open-order tote or box.
With this automated system, the orders sitting in a batch no
longer have to wait until the last item and order is completed to
move to the next zone. This improves the productivity of other
picking zones, consolidation areas, and shipping operations since
they receive a more consistent workflow.
The UltraBatch automated workstation can improve the picking throughput of each operator by up to 33 percent, according
to ISD. The company also says that when UltraBatch is combined
with an automated goods-to-person picking system, throughput
can increase by up to 600 percent and the combination can
help companies extend order cut-off times. It can be integrated
into all types of order picking systems, including horizontal and
vertical carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), miniloads, shuttle
systems, robots, and conveyor systems. (Integrated Systems
Design, www.ISDDD.com/)
Compact powered stacker: Presto Lifts has redesigned its
PowerStak line of compact powered stackers to improve performance and ergonomics.
Several new features have been added as standard equipment
on all PowerStak models. A “turtle” speed setting reduces drive
speed by 50 percent for more precise positioning. Straddle legs
fabricated from solid steel provide rigidity and eliminate deflection, even under maximum load ( 2,200 pounds). The electrical
system has been upgraded with a reliable, industry-recognized
controller and contactors. Power is now delivered by two sealed,
maintenance-free AGM batteries. In addition, the new heavy-duty, built-in charger has fuse protection and a rugged casing.
Other changes include a new component arrangement for better
heat dissipation and better maintenance access.
PowerStak units are built on a short yet stable wheelbase to
enhance maneuverability, even in tight quarters. An ergonomically designed handle puts all controls within easy reach of the
operator. Forward- and reverse-drive thumb switches are located
on both sides of the handle to accommodate left- or right-hand
operation. The unit’s narrow mast and offset control handle
ensure a clear forward view, with virtually no blind spots. An
auto-reversing belly switch protects operators from potential injury when walking the unit backwards, while an automatic brake
halts travel when the drive/steering handle is released.
The PowerStak model is available in fork-over design for use
with open-bottom pallets or adjustable straddle design for use
with closed-bottom pallets. Maximum lift heights range from 62
inches to 150 inches. (Presto Lifts Inc., www.prestolifts.com) ;
