DC Velocity - May 2013

Japan-to-U.S. airfreight service: Express delivery firm DHL Express has expanded its trans-Pacific and intra-Asian air express service with new direct flights linking Japan with its Americas air hub in Cincinnati. The company is also doubling weekly flight frequencies between Japan and Australia.

The daily service from Nagoya, Japan, to Cincinnati provides next-day deliveries to the United States from all Japanese locations served by DHL Express. On the westbound leg, flights will operate from Cincinnati to Tokyo, providing two-day deliveries for exporters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Both routes will be served with Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft.

DHL will also increase the number of flights between Japan and Australia to four from two. In addition, it will launch daily freighter service linking Taipei, Taiwan; Incheon, South Korea; and Nagoya. That flight will connect to the Nagoya-Cincinnati service, providing additional freighter capacity for customers shipping to the U.S. from those Asian points. (DHL Express, www.dhl-usa.com)

Electric forklift truck: Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has introduced a new series of 4,500- to 6,500- pound capacity electric four-wheel cushion-tire forklift trucks. The FBC22N2 – FBC30LN2 forklift truck series includes both 36- and 48-voltage options and features enhanced operator ergonomics and high performance levels.

The new forklift trucks are engineered to be energy efficient. To that end, the vehicles are equipped with powerful three-phase AC technology, which enhances acceleration and lift speeds, according to the company. They also have separate drive, hydraulic, and steer motors. This feature allows the motors to provide the performance level that the truck requires while also minimizing overall energy consumption, Mitsubishi says.

The lift trucks are also comfortable to operate, according to the manufacturer. Trucks in the new series have a bigger operator compartment and a three-way adjustable full-sus-pension seat. The trucks’ hydraulic levers are located next to the seat, allowing the operator’s arm to rest in a natural, relaxed position.

An array of options are available, including LED work lights, four-stage “quad” masts, sideshifters, and foot directional control. (Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, www.mit-lift.com)

Scissor lift: The new Cushman Titan T-1145 scissor lift combines an aerial work platform with an electric burden carrier. The device offers 17 feet of working height, a load capacity of 1,750 pounds, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. A single operator can deploy the aerial work platform in under 60 seconds. With the scissor lift detracted, the vehicle functions as a burden carrier, able to transport a 1,750-pound payload and tow 4,250 pounds at 13 miles per hour.

The Cushman Titan T-1145 has seating for two passengers and comes with a fully electric, zero-emissions 48-volt powertrain. Other features include a 19-inch slide-out deck extension, swing-out battery tray, front and rear bumpers, a DC-to-DC converter, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and headlights with turn signals.

Because the vehicle is electric, it is quiet, which makes it well-suited for indoor use. The T-1145 is built and tested in accordance with ANSI A92.3 standards. Operator safety is further enhanced by interlocks and vehicle stabilizers. (Textron Inc., www.textron.com)