DC Velocity - March 2016

inbound

As melting sea ice opens new sailing routes through Arctic latitudes, the U.S. Coast Guard is accelerating plans to add new icebreakers to its aging fleet.

In September, President Obama moved up plans to buy at least one new Arctic icebreaker from 2022 to 2020. And in January, the Coast Guard took another step toward that goal, announcing it would set acquisition requirements by March for two heavy icebreakers that will cost up to $1 billion each and be capable of operating for up to 40 years.

These herculean vessels must be able to crack through ice up to six feet thick, breaking an 83-foot-wide channel while steaming along at a speed of three knots. Combining endurance with great strength, the ships must also be capable of cruising at 12 knots in open water, with a range of 21,500 nautical miles and 80 days without taking on food or fuel.

Even on the new schedule, the U.S. will be playing catchup to its international rivals. The new additions would bring the U.S. ice-breaking fleet up to five vessels, lagging far behind the estimated 40 icebreakers under Russian command.

Coast Guard orders
extra icebreakers Forklifts are crucial tools for moving heavy loads in bustling DCs, but when mistakes or
errors occur, the results can be fatal. Now, a
Tampa, Fla., company has launched a prod-
uct for keeping forklift drivers and the pedes-
trians around them safe.

The Forewarner LED warning spotlight, made by electronic safety and weighing device maker Keytroller LLC, shines a brightly illuminated blue or red spot on the floor directly in the path of a forklift’s motion. The unique light spot warns pedestrians and other vehicles that a forklift is operating in the area.

The warning spotlight on the floor is particularly effective on forklifts exiting an aisle or a trailer, giving a visual warning to those in intersecting aisles, the company says. The symbol acts as an extra warning to traditional backup audio alarms that tend to blend into the ambient noise in a busy building.

Detachable LED spotlight
boosts forklift safety

Consumers are accustomed to enrolling in rewards programs when they shop at their local pharmacy, coffee shop, or pet supply store.

Now, a Chicago-based third-party logistics service provider (3PL) has launched a customer loyalty program for shippers. Customers of Apple Express can earn rewards with each shipment made through the carrier, saving up points to spend on anything from high-tech toys to basics like gas and groceries.

Founded as a local delivery business in 2012, Apple Express has since expanded to serve large healthcare, IT, and retail businesses with offerings that range from transportation and logistics services to last-mile supply chain solutions.

With its new rewards program, Apple hopes to make its customers’ days that much brighter, the company says. “With Apple Rewards, you can afford the latest gadgets, top up on gas, grab a meal, or even go grocery shopping, just by making shipments,” Apple Express president Matt Leszczak said in a release. “Had a tough day and need to rewind with a cup of joe at your local coffee shop? No need to look for spare change—Apple Rewards has you covered!”

3PL rewards clients with loyalty points Professional drivers aren’t the only ones who rely on truck stops for fuel, pit stops, showers, and food. These sites are also frequented by people who are homeless or destitute.

Now, an online course developed by the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), a trade group representing travel plazas and truck stops, offers guidance to truck-stop owners and employees on how to assist people who are homeless or without resources. Titled “How Truckstops Help the Homeless,” the 30-minute course is the second online learning tool in NATSO’s series on how to respond to requests for help from people in need of assistance in various life-threatening scenarios.

The series began with a module called “The Role of Truckstops in Combating Human Trafficking.” The group plans to add units on what to do for drivers who are suffering distress, and how to respond during a natural disaster. NATSO members can view the courses for free at www.natso.com/ onlinelearning.