Caqital Equipment News October 2018

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS NEWS

Top-end Ctrack solution for Time Link Cargo fleet

Ctrack’s comprehensive fleet management solution has been fitted to all trucks in Time Link Cargo’s fleet. The top-end telematics solution gives Time Link Cargo, a leading South African logistics service provider, a full range of services, including visibility of who and what is being transported in their trucks at any given time. The Ctrack solution also enhances safety for Time Link Cargo’s drivers and provides additional security for the company’s supply chain operation. It consists of an advanced fleet management tracking unit, integrated cameras on trucks and trailers, an in- cab routing device, jamming detection technology and trailer tracking. Time Link Cargo’s immediate need was the complete security of its trucks and loads, primarily due to both the value of cargo transported and the length of time spent on the roads. Since deployment, Ctrack’s camera surveillance solution has given the long- haul transporter the 24-hour visibility it was looking for via three cameras inside each truck: one in-cab, one forward-facing and the other at the rear of the vehicles. Volvo Trucks presented a new transport solution comprising autonomous electric commercial vehicles which contribute to a much more efficient, safer and cleaner transportation solution. The long-term goal is to offer companies that need continuous transport services between fixed hubs a complement today’s offerings. Growing world population and increasing urbanisation are leading to significant challenges to solve environmental issues such as congestion, pollution and noise. Rising consumption, fast growth of e-commerce and widespread shortage of drivers are putting higher demands on efficient transport solutions. “The full potential of the transport industry is yet to be seen. Everything suggests that the global need for transportation will continue to significantly increase in the coming decade. If we are to meet this demand in a sustainable and efficient way, we must find innovative solutions,” says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks’ future transport solution is intended to be used for regular and repetitive tasks characterised by relatively short distances, large volumes of goods and high delivery precision. Transport between logistic hubs are typical examples, but

Ctrack’s integrated camera solution includes real-time video reporting, snapshot and video remote search and video downloads of incidents via Wi-Fi. It makes it possible to corroborate details of accidents, and give trusted accounts, recordings and snapshots before, during and after incidents. Furthermore, Ctrack’s fleet monitoring software, jamming detection devices and wireless trailer tracking systems have assisted in combating hi-jacking. This has given peace of mind to Time Link Cargo drivers, especially while moving through high-risk areas. “As a company which puts its clients’ safety first, we are pleased to see how effectively Time Link Cargo is using our full suite of solutions to gain complete visibility of their fleet operations. Ctrack remains committed to bringing innovative fleet tracking and fleet management tools to the market,” says Hein Jordt, MD of Ctrack South Africa. “The Ctrack solution provides a one-stop shop that enhances our fleet management capabilities,” adds Time Link Cargo CEO, Kamal Mitoo. “It provides me and my mangement team with live visibility which

Time Link Cargo’s immediate need was the complete security of its trucks and loads.

• 24-hour fleet visibility

allows us to stay on top of our fleet’s risk elements and productivity. It also contributes to the safety of our drivers and crew members.” b

Volvo Trucks presents its future transport solution

Volvo Trucks’ future transport solution is intended to be used for regular and repetitive tasks.

additional use cases can also be applicable. “Our system can be seen as an extension of the advanced logistics solutions that many industries already apply today. Since we use autonomous vehicles with no exhaust emissions and low noise, their operation can take place at any time whether day or night. The solution employs existing road infrastructure and load carriers, making it easier to recoup costs, thus allowing for integration with existing operations,” explains Mikael Karlsson, vice-president Autonomous Solutions. The operation is handled by autonomous electric vehicles linked to a cloud service and a transport control centre. The vehicles are equipped with sophisticated systems for autonomous driving. They are designed

to locate their current position within centimetres, monitor in detail, analyse what is happening with other road users, and then respond with high accuracy. The transport control centre continuously monitors the progress of the transport and keeps an accurate watch of each vehicle’s position, the batteries’ charge, load content, service requirements and several other parameters. As with an industrial production process, speed and progress are tailored to avoid unnecessary waiting and to increase delivery precision. In this way, it will be possible to minimise waste in the form of buffer stocks and increase availability. Vehicles that operate on the same route cooperate to create optimal flow. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 34