Printing News serves the entire Printing Industry with targeted content for the large commercial print segment.
Issue link: https://foodlogistics.epubxp.com/i/151974
C O V E R S T O R Y frequent service or ship in smaller lot sizes," the executives remark. From their perspective, Brown and Webb believe the 53-foot temperaturecontrolled container has been a game changer in the industry. "NFI is proud to lead the way with this equipment, which has fundamentally changed the cost structure of reefer truckload transportation—whether over-the-road (OTR) or rail," say the two. "Typical domestic intermodal trains can hold 140 trailers or 250 containers. The ability to spread the fixed cost of the train over more container loads is simply more efficient than traditional trailer-on-flatcar service." They add that, "Initially, the trade off—as it is with dry intermodal—was weight. The container/chassis combination is heavier than a trailer. NFI has worked with our partner, Hyundai, to reduce the weight of temperature-controlled containers from the initial build by over 750 pounds. Coupled with our rail car to reduce fuel burn and improve security; and collaborating with our refrigeration unit partner, Thermo King, to customize our units to achieve industry-leading fuel consumption." Even something as seemingly simple as an insulated blanket can be improved upon, points out APL Logistics' Howland. "We've been able to move in to the new generation of insulated blankets to provide 'freeze APL Logistics uses the protect' for products, rather latest technology to than having to use a fully monitor temp-controlled refrigerated unit," he explains. intermodal shipments. For products that don't require a constant temperature, just network of ultra lightweight dray trucks, we protection from extreme hot or cold temhave all but eliminated any weight disadvanperatures, "then these blankets do a very tage in the core intermodal lanes." good job on a five- to seven-day transit, and NFI has made other improvements to in intermodal that's all you need." temperature-controlled containers, according Overall, Howland says APL Logistics is to Brown and Webb. getting more inquiries from customers about "They include working with Hyundai to refrigerated capabilities. In the meantime, improve the thermal efficiency of the reefer the company is continuing to make sizeable containers by almost 20 percent; loading investments in information technology, parreefer containers in the bottom well of the ticularly in load optimization and routing. ◆ Green Express Targets Perishable Shippers By NICK PACITTI C an rail improve the quality and speed-to-market for fragile, perishable products? The simple answer is Òyes.Ó In light of driver shortages, hours of service constraints, CSA 2010, tighter truckload capacity, rising rates and carbon footprint reductions, early adopters are now thinking there has to be a better way. Given the double-digit increases in the consumption of perishable foods, time-to-market improvement targets are now at the forefront. And, reducing time-tomarket goes hand-in-hand with transport reliability. With its operating partners CSX and Iowa Pacific, Green Express (GX) has developed an innovative approach in moving perishable goods from South 20 AUGUST 2013 Florida to the Chicago metro area and beyond. Shippers are pressuring transportation providers to rein in rates and they also want tighter intransit quality controls. These are two areas where GX performs well. The use of CSXÕs dedicated unit train (a combination of refrigerated box cars, containers and trailers) will match the transit times of trucks, while monitoring the condition of products in ways that are meaningful for the shipper and their customers. Simply put, it is not business as usual. When we combine the rise in demand for more wholesome, fresh food with more stringent food safety regulations, and top that with ever-increasing customer quality mandatesÉand oh, by the way, make sure itÕs less expensiveÉa new operating model is required. • FOOD LOGISTICS GX will be able to move perishable products about four times more efficiently than truck. It does this using highly prescribed and controlled ways assuring products arrive at optimal quality. In addition, GX and its partners are taking the lead in optimizing the use and combination of ocean vessels, ports, rail and last-mile delivery fleets in expediting fresher products to market. Complementing GXÕs distribution economies is its focus on food safety. GX has built-in systems and processes in compliance with standards proposed in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), as well as conformity to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The GX team is well versed in GFSI, considering that one of their executive team members headed the technical subcommittee ÒGuidance for Food Sector Category 25 and 26 Ð Warehouse, Logistics and Transportation.Ó GX will be a GFSI certified train, and this is key because the GFSI sets standards that are recognized throughout the world. The GX strategy starts and ends with the customer. It does this at significantly less cost for growers, processors, shippers and retailers, and with controls in place that assure safe, quality products. Ultimately, the consuming public benefits. GX plans to launch the service in Q4 of this year. Nick Pacitti, a partner with Sterling Solutions, is responsible for project management and improvement initiatives in its food safety and logistics practice. www.foodlogistics.com