CONTAINER & CARGO HANDLING

Look to achieving cost efficiency

21 years ago

Dan Pettersson, product manager at Kalmar, puts the view of the equipment providers: ” For some time now theres been really a very high demand for dedicated empty handlers. This is partly driven by the growth of empty containers needing to be handled and also a continued strong trend for separating the handling of empty boxes from the loaded ones. This is clearly a global trend also in smaller terminals and also in less developed markets. As the volume of empty boxes goes up it makes sense to separate the handling of them.

“There could be several reasons behind the decision,” Pettersson continues. “Of course one is the cost. Since no-one is prepared to pay too much for moving an empty box, it makes it especially important to have this done in a cost efficient way. The answer could be to move the handling of empty containers away from the expensive land close to the quay to cheaper land a bit further away and utilise this land in an optimal way, i. e. stacking the containers as high as possible. The handling should be done by less costly dedicated empty handling equipment. Efficiency can be further increased by utilising more sophisticated machines, for example double handling ECHs.”

Big and smaller operators are looking to outsource the handling of empty boxes to empty container depots who specialise in this business. By specialisation they are performing in a more cost efficient way and so can offer good value to their customers.” And another valid point: “One other advantage for the customer is that he knows exactly what cost he is paying for each move, which may not be the case if he does it himself.” Kalmar’s strategy is to have a wide product range, dedicated masted empty container handlers, stacking from 3 to 8+1 high plus empty container reachstackers.

“In addition we offer a wide range of services connected to this which makes it possible for us to look at the individual needs of each customer and give advice on the optimal solution for their operations,” says Pettersson.

“It can be having solutions for different needs of lift heights or a need of medium or heavy duty equipment. It can also be questions regarding leasing or buying the equipment, full maintenance contracts, fleet management or short term rentals.

“We also give advice on the optimum number of machines and different combinations of equipment, for example using double-stacking masted ECHs for efficient ‘digging’ in combination with Empty Container reachstackers in order to achieve a high level of selectivity in an efficient way. Caption