So you thought because trucking companies haul goods, all they need is some truck tractors and trailers. Well, that may be true for some but certainly not for all. As this story illustrates, some go way beyond that in terms of equipment needed to ensure top-class productivity and efficiency.
The story revolves around Yellow Jersey Logistics, a full-service transportation company located in Germiston, Johannesburg which needed to replace its existing lifting equipment. With a relationship spanning some 10 years, Heavy Lift, a business division of EIE Group that specialises in the supply of premium port and container equipment, was called in by Yellow Jersey Logistics to provide the solution which came in the form of two Konecranes Liftace SMV 4532 TCE5 reach stackers.
According to Lenny Naidoo at Heavy Lift, these units offer reliability and performance, coupled with technological innovations to ensure operational longevity. While our prime focus is on the innovations incorporated into modern day truck-tractors, we find it interesting that these reach stackers have also developed into modern day marvels of high tech innovation. Check this out…
The reach stackers feature Konecranes’ state-of-the-art TRUCONNECT suite of remote service products that drive improvements in operational safety and productivity. Its remote monitoring feature allows operators to track the real-time usage of the truck and collects vital information pertaining to the truck’s condition from the various control systems and sensors.
And how’s this? The unit’s smart load-sensing hydraulics have been specially designed to sense the weight of the load and adapt lifting power accordingly. This means that the truck only provides maximum power when required, resulting in fuel savings and greatly reduced emissions and noise.
So it’s not only today’s truck tractors that are designed to achieve greater fuel savings but also the ‘truck’ that loads and offloads the containers. Driver comfort and ease of operation has also been thought of and in this regard, the OPTIMA cabin is driver-focused and spacious, ensuring all controls are within easy reach.
“It’s large, lowered windows with no corner posts, a thin but strong roof cross-member and curved panels also allows for excellent range of vision,” says Naidoo.
The reach stacker’s 7” touch screen allows operators to easily monitor all vital components and functions while the integrated CanBus technology allows for increased engine and transmission reliability as well as hydraulic and joystick control.
Yellow Jersey Logistics’ success comes from its ability to offer exceptional service and solutions to its customers and as such, it demands the same level of commitment and high standards when dealing with its equipment suppliers.
“We currently make use of four container handlers from Heavy Lift at our branches in Durban and Johannesburg,” says Hardus Britz, Intermodal Director at Yellow Jersey Logistics. “The build quality and reliability of the equipment is exceptional and coupled with first-class support means minimal downtime.”
Backup service is also a prime consideration and on this point, Britz reckons is important to find a supplier that takes the time to understand the business.
“Not having our own mechanics on-site sometimes comes with its problems but we can always be assured that the Heavy Lift team are on standby to assist us at any given time. We view them not only a supplier but an integral part of the Yellow Jersey Logistics team,” he says.
As mentioned, FleetWatch has always focused its attention on the rigs themselves and we stand in awe at the technological innovations that many OEMs have incorporated into their trucks. It seems that the guys who supply the equipment to load and offload containers onto and off the rigs are striving to achieve the same objectives in terms of productivity, safety and efficiency. Interesting!
