EP 301: OneCharge at MODEX 2022
David Suarez joins me this week from the booth at MODEX 2022. David Suarez is the VP of Business Development at OneCharge. OneCharge is a manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for the material handling industry. OneCharge offers the most extensive product line of lithium-ion electric forklift batteries for the material handling industry on the market. We discuss why the time is now for those in the material handling industry to make the switch to Lithium-ion. Key Takeaways David provides the most important reasons businesses should consider switching from diesel, LPG, and traditional lead-acid batteries to the more technologically advanced, economical, and safer lithium power. David shares the advantages from a lifecycle perspective of Lithium-ion battery technology compared to previous technology. This addresses one of the top concerns from attendees who show reluctance in switching. Customers are looking for advanced telemetry solutions that provide the most efficient asset utilization geared toward increasing efficiency and getting products out the door. OneCharge’s BMS or battery management system communicates with the charger and the forklift, ensuring the equipment only uses the amount of electricity it needs. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 301: OneCharge at MODEX 2022
Concentric LLC, an OnPoint Group Company acquires Industrial Power Products
Concentric, LLC, the national provider in DC power management and maintenance for the material handling and critical power industries, announced the acquisition of Industrial Power Products, the largest motive power distributor in the Mid-South. This acquisition will expand Concentric’s service footprint across West Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Industrial Power Products has seven branch locations, each featuring service technicians that are factory-trained in battery, charger, and battery handling equipment repair. The company’s digitally-enabled power services complement Concentric’s digital PM platform, ConcentricCARE. For almost thirty years, Industrial Power Products has been led by Owners and Operators Scott and Michelle Monteath who will remain in their roles after the acquisition. Under their leadership, the company has become well-known for its digitally-enabled forklift power services for manufacturers and distributors. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Scott and Michelle for years and this partnership is both personally and professionally exciting. The culture at Industrial Power Products is remarkable and they are renowned for their tech-forward service focus. We look forward to incorporating their DNA into our culture as we pursue our vision to provide a zero service interruption experience to customers,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. “We could not be more thrilled to join forces with Concentric, furthering our joint mission to bring safety, consistency, and cost savings to manufacturers and distributors across the country. We will now have the capability to utilize our service expertise to impact a national customer base,” said Industrial Power Products’ Owner, Scott Monteath.
Female drivers comprise 13 percent of driver workforce
Newly released data by Women In Trucking’s WIT Index shows a significant increase in recent years The percentage of professional drivers who are female has increased to 13.7 percent in 2022, an increase of more than three percent since 2019. This is according to new data highlighted in the WIT index, which was just released by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT). At a time when the industry is significantly struggling to recruit and retain an adequate number of professional drivers, this is good news. The number of women gaining their CDLs and becoming professional drivers has continued to grow in recent years. According to the 2019 WIT Index, women made up over 10 percent of over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers, an increase of almost 30 percent over the 7.89 percent seen in the WIT Index in 2018. The increase came after an industry-wide push to hire more women drivers in response to the capacity crunch in 2018. “We believe that you can’t change what you can’t measure, so we have initiated the WIT Index to monitor the growth of women’s involvement in transportation careers over the years,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “The double-digit data regarding female drivers is encouraging as we move toward a more gender-diverse driving force. We anticipate these numbers to continue to increase in the coming years.” Voie spearheaded the launch of the first WIT Index in 2016. The WIT Index is the official industry barometer to regularly benchmark and measures the percentage of women who are professional drivers, in corporate positions, and serve on boards of directors. Initiated in 2016, the index is comprised of average percentages of females in various roles that are reported by companies in transportation, including predominantly for-hire trucking companies, private fleets, transportation intermediaries, railroads, ocean carriers, equipment manufacturers, and technology companies. This data was confidentially gathered from January through April of 2022 from 180 participating companies and percentages are reported only as aggregate totals of respondents. This year, WIT has expanded its collection on the percentage of women in additional functional roles, including operations, technicians, human resources and talent management, and marketing. For more information on the WIT Index and to download a full executive summary of the 2022 WIT Index findings, visit https://www.womenintrucking.org/index.
Weissman elected Harbor Commission President
Olvera was selected as vice president, both set for one-year terms Harbor Commission Vice President Sharon L. Weissman was elected as Board President on Monday to lead the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, the five-person board that oversees the Port of Long Beach. The board also selected Bobby Olvera Jr. as Vice President and Bonnie Lowenthal as Secretary. Every July, Commissioners select a President and two board officers to serve one-year terms. The Commission’s new officers will begin their terms on Aug. 8, when outgoing Commission President Steven Neal will hand the gavel to Weissman at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting that day. Weissman served as a senior advisor to Mayor Robert Garcia from July 2014 and transportation deputy beginning in 2017 until her retirement in June 2020. She is also active in the community, serving as Vice President of Public Affairs and former president of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and in the past on the boards of the Arts Council for Long Beach, the Long Beach Symphony, and the Fair Housing Foundation. Appointed to the Harbor Commission in 2020, Weissman was elected as Vice President of the Board in July 2021. “I am honored by the trust my colleagues on the Board have placed in me,” Weissman said. “In collaboration with my fellow Commissioners, Executive Director Mario Cordero, and staff, I look forward to navigating our way through the challenges of the supply chain, supporting the necessary infrastructure that will keep the Port competitive, and building upon the port’s robust green initiatives.” Under the City Charter, the Board sets policy for the Port and directs the Port’s Executive Director, who leads about 550 employees in developing and promoting the Port of Long Beach.
CLARK Material Handling Company announces appointment of Joe Raines as Chief Operating Officer
CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten global manufacturer of forklift trucks and spare parts, announces the appointment of Mr. Joe Raines as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Raines will oversee daily operations at CLARK, working closely with our CLARK dealer network, facilitating the continued innovation of the company, as well as working closely with the CLARK management team to build on the success of the company with a long-term strategic plan. He will report to Dennis Lawrence, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CLARK Material Handling Company. “Joe’s extensive background in global supply chain operations, along with his strong management and leadership skills will serve CLARK, our dealers, and our end customers well,” commented Lawrence. “Under his leadership, CLARK will continue to innovate and develop new products while enhancing our efforts to bring our dealers and our customers quality products that meet and exceed their expectations.” Raines has extensive experience in performance improvement initiatives, operations management, and supply chain and distribution oversight. Raines began his career with an eight-year deployment as a United States Army Officer. He then transitioned to management consulting where he worked another eight years with consumer goods companies on performance improvement initiatives. Over the last fifteen years, he has worked in operations management and most recently served as Supply Chain Leader in Costa Mesa, California. Raines will combine his leadership skills with his supply chain management and logistics skills to facilitate growth and innovation within the CLARK organization. “My experience in logistics, management, and supply chain organization will be of great use to me and the CLARK team as we look ahead to the future of the company,” commented Raines. “I am excited to join the CLARK team, expanding on the innovations and legacy of the 105-year-old brand. CLARK is known worldwide as one of the most durable and reliable forklift brands, with a solid legacy and impressive product offering, and I look forward to continuing to build that legacy and brand identity for years to come.”
Herc Holdings reports strong Second Quarter 2022
Second Quarter Highlights Equipment rental revenue increased 35.1% to a record $605.4 million Total revenues increased 30.5% to $640.4 million Dollar utilization increased 40 basis points to 42.5% Net income increased 53.3% to $72.2 million, or $2.38 per diluted share Adjusted EBITDA grew 36.8% to a record $284.2 million and the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 210 basis points to 44.4% Company amends and extends its senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility from $1.75 billion to $3.5 billion, maturing July 5, 2027 Announces plan to repurchase shares under the 2014 Share Repurchase Program Narrows FY 2022 adjusted EBITDA guidance by raising lower end of guidance range Herc Holdings Inc. has reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Equipment rental revenue was $605.4 million and total revenues were $640.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $448.0 million and $490.9 million, respectively, for the same period last year. Herc reported a net income of $72.2 million, or $2.38 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $47.1 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, in the same 2021 period. Second quarter 2022 adjusted net income was $74.8 million, or $2.47 per diluted share, compared to $47.6 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, in 2021. “We continued to see strong demand for our equipment rental services across all of our geographic regions,” said Larry Silber, president and chief executive officer. “Our rental revenue increased 35.1% over the prior year, while the average fleet increased 32.1% to $4.9 billion. Dollar utilization increased to 42.5% in the second quarter as market demand supported strong sequential and year-over-year rate growth. Adjusted EBITDA increased 36.8% to $284.2 million and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 210 basis points to 44.4% in the quarter.” 2022 Second Quarter Financial Results Equipment rental revenue increased 35.1% to $605.4 million compared to $448.0 million in the prior-year period. Total revenues increased 30.5% to $640.4 million compared to $490.9 million in the prior-year period. The year-over-year increase of $149.5 million was related to an increase in equipment rental revenue of $157.4 million, offset primarily by lower sales of rental equipment of $11.0 million. The reduction in sales of rental equipment resulted from the strategic management of our fleet to maximize fleet size and minimize the sales of rental equipment as a result of strong rental demand. Pricing increased 5.5% compared to the same period in 2021. Dollar utilization increased to 42.5% compared to 42.1% in the prior-year period, primarily due to increased volume and rate. Direct operating expenses (DOE) of $270.7 million increased 33.3% compared to the prior year period. The $67.7 million increase was primarily related to strong rental activity and increases in payroll and related expenses associated with additional headcount, higher fuel prices, maintenance, delivery and freight, and facilities expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased 31.1% to $97.0 million compared to $74.0 million in the prior-year period. The $23.0 million increase was primarily due to increases in selling expenses, including commissions and other variable compensation increases, and travel expenses. Depreciation expense increased 28.8%, or $29.1 million, to $130.2 million due to a higher year-over-year average fleet size. Interest expense increased to $25.2 million compared with $21.0 million in the prior-year period due to increased balances and floating rates on the ABL Credit Facility. The income tax provision was $25.3 million compared to $14.7 million for the prior-year period. The provision was driven by the level of pre-tax income, offset partially by certain nondeductible expenses. The Company reported a net income of $72.2 million compared to $47.1 million in the prior year period. Adjusted net income was $74.8 million compared to $47.6 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA increased 36.8% to $284.2 million compared to $207.7 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 210 basis points to 44.4% compared to 42.3% in the prior-year period. 2022 First Half Financial Results Equipment rental revenue increased 33.5% to $1,132.2 million compared to $848.4 million in the prior-year period. Total revenues increased 27.8% to $1,207.7 million compared to $944.7 million in the prior year period. The year-over-year increase of $263.0 million was related to an increase in equipment rental revenue of $283.8 million, offset primarily by lower sales of rental equipment of $27.5 million. The reduction in sales of rental equipment resulted from strong rental demand and the strategic management of our fleet to maximize fleet size and minimize the sales of rental equipment. Pricing increased 4.9% compared to the same period in 2021. Dollar utilization increased to 42.0% compared to 40.4% in the prior-year period primarily due to increased volume and rate. Direct operating expenses (DOE) of $516.9 million increased 33.9% compared to the prior year period. The $130.9 million increase was primarily due to strong rental activity and increases in payroll and related expenses associated with additional headcount, increases in fuel prices, maintenance, delivery and freight, facilities, and re-rent expenses related to the corresponding increase in re-rent revenue. Depreciation increased 23.8%, or $48 million, to $249.5 million for the first half due to a higher year-over-year average fleet size. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased 33.6% to $186.4 million compared to $139.5 million in the prior-year period. The $46.9 million increase was primarily due to increases in selling expenses, including commissions and other variable compensation, general payroll and benefits, and professional fees. Interest expense increased to $47.7 million compared with $42.4 million in the prior-year period due to increased balances and floating rates on the ABL Credit Facility. The income tax provision was $33.9 million compared to $22.9 million for the prior-year period. The provision in each period was driven by the level of pre-tax income, offset partially by a benefit related to stock-based compensation and non-deductible expenses. The Company reported a net income of $130.7 million compared to $80.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted net income was $134.0 million compared to $81.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA increased 32.8% to $521.0
The Tragedy of the Business Commons
A widely known term, at least in academia, is “the tragedy of the commons.” The term “commons” describes a resource that everyone can use at no cost, such as air. Professor of Law at Harvard Law School Lawrence Lessig explains that the tragedy is that when there is a limited amount of a commons, the competition over it causes its depletion because people work out of self-interest, whereas if they were considerate, everyone would have enough. This doesn’t just apply to natural resources. It happens in business, too. It often starts with small things. For example, employees can walk by an unstable door latch and ignore it for weeks without getting a screwdriver and tightening the screws or reporting it to someone so it doesn’t break. When asked why it wasn’t reported, they might say, “It’s not my job” or “I didn’t think I was supposed to touch it.” It’s not even that they’re being negligent or insincere. They genuinely feel it is not their responsibility or their right to deal with anything other than the specifics of their job. It also manifests in bigger ways, that impact the health of the company overall. Consider how departments utilize budgets because the policy is “use it or lose it”. Or consume internal resources on department-specific projects and activities, rather than sharing those resources so another team can accomplish their goals. We frequently operate in a mindset of self-interest, where our team, department, or group will compete for limited “commons”, even if it’s to the detriment of the company’s big picture needs. There are usually two reasons why this occurs. First is incentives and culture. If a team’s success is measured solely on what they and they alone accomplish, their incentive to help others is diminished. This fosters internal rivalry for resources and gamesmanship where one department consistently claims its needs are more important than others in the organization. Second is the lack of common goals. While departments have activities they need to accomplish independently, they must tie directly to the bigger picture objectives of the organization. More importantly, everyone in the organization must understand how they connect. For example, getting a marketing campaign launched, or upgrading an old software platform are important components of an individual department’s function. But the marketing campaign and the software upgrade by themselves don’t achieve the bigger objectives of the organization. Those bigger objectives, such as increasing revenue or reducing costs – the department activities are only a means to reach them. And the diversity of those activities – the combination of the right activities – is what truly achieves the organization’s objectives. Only marketing campaigns or only software upgrades won’t make it happen. But in the concept of “tragedy of the business commons”, departments inherently try to consume more and more organizational resources for their area, expanding their scope and influence further and further until it becomes the dominant function in the company. This isn’t a mark of success. It’s a sign of overconsumption of the “commons” and not considering the resources of the organization in the context of its bigger goal – growth, and survival. Think about a department in your own organization that’s overgrown its space – that becomes the center of company gravity, where it consumes a preponderance of resources and unintentionally kills the productivity of other departments. While this happens frequently, it shouldn’t. Remember that the tragedy of the business commons is that there’s a finite amount of organizational resources and bandwidth to make the company flourish. And the objective isn’t to consume it but to share and leverage it for the best outcomes for the company. Otherwise, you may not have a company (or planet) that will survive. About the Author: Andrea Belk Olson is a keynote speaker, author, differentiation strategist, behavioral scientist, and customer-centricity expert. As the CEO of Pragmadik, she helps organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, and has served as an outside consultant for EY and McKinsey. Andrea is the author of The Customer Mission: Why it’s time to cut the $*&% and get back to the business of understanding customers, No Disruptions: The future for mid-market manufacturing, and her upcoming book, What To Ask, coming in June 2022. She is a 4-time ADDY® award winner and host of the popular Customer Mission podcast. Her thoughts have been continually featured in news sources such as Chief Executive Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Rotman Magazine, and more. Andrea is a sought-after speaker at conferences and corporate events throughout the world. She is a visiting lecturer and startup coach at the University of Iowa, a TEDx presenter, and TEDx speaker coach. She is also an instructor at the University of Iowa Venture School. More information is also available on www.pragmadik.com and www.andreabelkolson.com.
KEEN Utility introduces foundational American Built work built with the Independence Series
The new Independence series from KEEN Utility introduces a work boot built with quality materials, American ingenuity, and get-it-done grit. With an abrasion-resistant, supple leather upper, the Independence series brings the performance, safety, and comfort features KEEN Utility is known for. Product highlights of this medium-duty boot include a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane for dependable dryness, Luftcell midsole infused with nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter for all-day support, and asymmetrical carbon fiber toes are 15% lighter than steel. The Independence series is also EH rated and features KEEN.Toughsole, with an oil- and slip-resistant outsole that is lighter weight and more durable than rubber. The Independence is part of the American Built collection, assembled in the Pacific Northwest using carefully-sourced materials from around the world. Designed to perform and built for how you work, the Indepence series will be available in several colorways, safety toe, collar height, and insulation options.
EP 300: MHS, Mujin and HAI Robotics at MODEX 2022
How fitting to have three guests join me for what is officially the 300th episode of The New Warehouse Podcast. Brian Reinhart, VP of Sales for HAI Robotics, Bruce Bleikamp, Director of Product Management at Material Handling Systems, Inc. (MHS) and Brandon Coats from Mujin join me from the booth at MODEX 2022 to discuss how the three companies have joined forces to provide the best user experience possible. Key Takeaways Brian, Bruce, and Brandon discuss what they feel are the most exciting products they have seen while at MODEX and what customers are most excited about as they look to take automation further into their processes. No two customers are alike, the needs vary from customer to customer depending on the operation, so it is important to maintain a flexible approach. We discuss how customer demands vary, which emphasizes the need to develop a solution that adjusts to the customer’s changing requirements. Brian discusses how a partner like MHS can bring that all together. We discuss pain points and challenges some of their customers are facing. We discuss how today’s automation solutions are designed to be scalable so that customers can start small and grow as their needs increase. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 300: MHS, Mujin, and HAI Robotics at MODEX 2022
Container Dwell Fee on hold through July 29
The San Pedro Bay ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will once again delay consideration of the “Container Dwell Fee” for another week, this time until July 29. Since the program was announced on Oct. 25, the two ports have seen a combined decline of 26% in aging cargo on the docks. The executive directors of both ports will reassess fee implementation after monitoring data over the next week. Fee implementation has been postponed by both ports since the start of the program. The Long Beach and Los Angeles Boards of Harbor Commissioners have both extended the fee program through Oct. 26. Under the temporary policy, ocean carriers can be charged for each import container dwelling nine days or more at the terminal. Currently, no date has been set to start the count with respect to container dwell time. The ports plan to charge ocean carriers $100 per container, increasing in $100 increments per container per day until the container leaves the terminal. Any fees collected from dwelling cargo will be reinvested for programs designed to enhance efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity and address congestion impacts. The policy was developed in coordination with the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, U.S. Department of Transportation and multiple supply chain stakeholders.
Statement on Shailen Bhatt’s nomination as Federal Highway Administrator from the IBTTA Leadership
In response to President Biden’s announcement of his intent to nominate Shailen Bhatt as Federal Highway Administrator, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them, offered the following reaction. “IBTTA commends the nomination of Shailen Bhatt as Federal Highway Administrator,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and 2022 IBTTA President. “The breadth of experience he brings to the role as the former leader of two state Departments of Transportation, CEO of ITS America, and senior vice president at AECOM will strengthen our nation’s highway system.” Patrick Jones, Executive Director and CEO of IBTTA said, “It’s vital we have an FHWA administrator, such as Bhatt, who understands the important role that tolling plays in advancing modern and safe transportation infrastructure and building and maintaining roads, bridges, and tunnels. IBTTA looks forward to our continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration on critical transportation issues.” In March 2022, Jones interviewed Bhatt one-on-one for IBTTA’s weekly webinar series, Café IBTTA. Bhatt talked about the genesis of his career in transportation and the importance of making decisions by keeping in mind the people who rely on and are affected by those decisions.
Empire Screen highlights wide range of warning, danger, and safety decals
Warning, Danger, and Safety Decals Promote a Safe Working Environment Across Verticals Empire Screen Printing, a manufacturer of screen-printed products, highlights its warning, danger, and safety decals that keep people safe by warning them of potential hazards. The application of these products is in line with Empire’s own commitment to the safety of its employees, with its proven safety record as an organization. These warning, danger, and safety decals are compliant with a range of standards, including ANSI, UL, CUL, RoHS, Prop 65, and REACH. This allows organizations to promote a safe working environment across a range of industry verticals, from OEM and sporting goods to medical device and electronics manufacturers. They come in multiple languages, allowing them to be employed by organizations across the world. The decals are offered in custom shapes and sizes. They are created from a variety of materials, including vinyl, polycarbonate, and polyesters, as well as rigid materials, such as aluminum, and Sintra. Sintra, a lightweight PVC board that is waterproof and unaffected by heat and weather conditions, is particularly ideal for outdoor and indoor signage. The decals are printed via screen, flexo, or digital output. Easy to peel and apply, with a wide range of materials and printing methods, organizations can choose the option that best fits the specific application they have in mind. These can be indoor and outdoor applications including everything from equipment warning decals, product safety labels, hazardous warning decals, and signage. Some customers also dome their decals to provide extra protection and scratch resistance. Empire itself has a commitment to safety across its organization, with its safety committee established in 2005. The organization provides CPR and First Aid Training, and has a record number of days with no loss time accidents, specifically, 1,437. Empire’s recent safety awards include the 2020 EHS Safety Standout Awards and M3 Insurance Nominee Letter for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. This experience gives Empire a deep appreciation for the value of warning, danger, and safety decals, which play a crucial role in keeping people safe.
DOE awards $2M Research Grant to study Propane blends
Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Sage Kokjohn and Co-Investigator Professor Dave Rothamer recently received a grant from the Department of Energy – National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to fund their project ‘High-Efficiency Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition Combustion of Propane Dimethyl Ether Blends.’ They are one of two total awards made under this topic area! The intended outcome of this work will be a detailed understanding of the potential emissions and efficiency benefits of using propane and propane DME blends in a mixing controlled combustion mode. The effort is expected to decrease CO2 emissions from medium-duty vehicles by over 15% with a total cost of ownership less than a current state-of-the-art LPG engine. The project period is April 2022 – March 2025 and the total award amount is $2,373,453.
Yale expands lineup of lift trucks with factory integrated lithium-ion power
Yale Materials Handling Corporation extends its range of electric lift trucks with the introduction of 4,000-pound capacity integrated lithium-ion powered three-wheel and four-wheel models. Designed and manufactured with lithium-ion power from the factory, the new models allow warehouses in industries like food and beverage, 3PL, and retail and e-commerce to reap the benefits of this advanced electric power source, whether transitioning from internal combustion engine-powered trucks or lead-acid batteries. Both the ERP040VTL, the three-wheel model, and the ERP040VFL, the four-wheel model, buck the traditional approach in which a battery box replacement converts counterbalanced lift trucks from lead-acid to lithium-ion battery power. Instead, the trucks are designed from the ground up around a fully integrated, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack. “Counterbalanced trucks in this low-capacity range are critical workhorses and operations need lithium‑ion options backed by a trusted leader in lift truck technology,” says Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “We’re making it easier for warehouses to take advantage of lithium-ion power without having to jump through hoops to find a compatible aftermarket lithium-ion battery supplier and retrofit their trucks.” The trucks pack the advantages of lithium-ion power, including fast charging, zero tailpipe emissions and no gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes, and lower energy costs compared to fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. They are also strategically engineered to deliver other key benefits: Ergonomics – an open-space design increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience Efficiency – Zero battery maintenance and fast charging times allow operators to focus more of their time on moving, for meaningful productivity advantages Stability – a repositioned center of gravity enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance The trucks join the Yale lineup of factory-integrated lithium-ion lift trucks, which already include pneumatic and cushion tire models in the 5,000 to the 6,000-pound capacity range, as well as a 15,500 to 19,000-pound capacity series.
Yellow Corporation opens Detroit Driving Academy
Motor City is home to LTL carrier’s newest tuition-free professional truck Driving Academy Yellow Corporation has announced the opening of its 21st Driving Academy, the company’s first in Michigan, to train the next generation of professional semi-truck drivers amid a nationwide driver shortage. Yellow’s Driving Academies are comprehensive, tuition-free training programs that provide students with classroom and behind-the-wheel training while preparing them to pursue their commercial driver’s license (CDL). After receiving a license, students are offered a driving position with additional on-the-job training at Yellow. Students will also learn the operations side of the trucking and logistics business while being paid a competitive hourly wage throughout the program. “Our Driving Academies open the door to an entirely new career for men and women who want to earn a good living with benefits. Training our own drivers is also the best way to tackle the driver shortage in America,” said Tamara Jalving, vice president of safety and talent acquisition at Yellow. “We’re thrilled to own and operate 21 permanent Driving Academies throughout the United States. In the last year, we have opened nine new Academies, with more scheduled to open later this year in other parts of the country.” Addressing the nationwide shortage of qualified professional truck drivers, estimated at 80,000 by the American Trucking Associations, is at the forefront of Yellow’s Driving Academy strategy. “We’re not only bringing in new drivers but we’re also meeting more diverse candidates as we aim to train 1,000 new drivers this year,” said Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow. “We’re introducing a wider and broader audience to the trucking industry.” Each of Yellow’s Driving Academies is certified as a Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program, which is designed to provide paid on-the-job instruction for workers as they prepare for a career that is in high demand. Click here to learn more about the apprenticeship program. Yellow was recently named a DOL Apprenticeship Ambassador to help to promote, expand and diversify other skilled apprenticeship programs across the country. “Yellow Corporation has been a strong partner in the Department of Labor’s work to champion Registered Apprenticeships as a valuable workforce strategy that expands access to underserved communities to high-demand industries, such as trucking,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The success of Yellow’s CDL Driving Academy in producing some of the safest drivers on the road reflects the benefits of high-quality, earn-as-you-learn training that connects drivers to good jobs, and strengthens our nation’s supply chains.” “We’re honored to serve as a DOL Apprenticeship Ambassador,” Hawkins said. “Our Driving Academies serve as a model for other employers looking to train professionals for careers in transportation and logistics.” Yellow also has career opportunities available for sales professionals, dock employees, diesel mechanics, and terminal leadership coast-to-coast. Click here for more information. In addition to the new Driving Academy in Detroit, other Yellow Driving Academies are located in Atlanta/Marietta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Fort Worth, TX, Hagerstown, MD, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Maybrook, NY, Memphis, Nashville, Pico Rivera, CA, Portland, Salt Lake City, South Bend, IN, and Tracy, CA. Learn more about Yellow’s Driving Academies at https://www.myyellow.com/us/en/careers/driving-academy.
BSLBATT surpasses milestone of 37,000 lithium batteries shipped
BSLBATT Battery – Industrial, is a fast-paced, high-growth (200% YoY) hi-tech company leading the adoption of lithium-ion technology solutions. BSLBATT Battery-Industrial designs, manufactures, and sell advanced lithium-ion battery packs that are disrupting the 100+-year-old market for lead-acid batteries, has announced that over 37,000 battery packs have been shipped to customers. The start of the milestone dates back to 2012 when the company first introduced its pallet jacks battery packs. BSLBATT Battery battery packs are used to power all makes and models of forklift trucks (Class I, II, and III forklifts), airport ground support equipment (GSE), golf carts, aerial work platforms, floor machines, micro excavators, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and stationary energy storage, etc apps provide power. BSLBATT’s batteries offer powerful solutions for companies in manufacturing, e-commerce, retail, distribution, supply chain logistics, and commercial transportation. At the same time, BSLBATT Battery-Industrial has a complete ISO management system and has become the first forklift lithium battery in China to obtain a UL2580 listing. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications demonstrate the company’s strong commitment to employee health, safety, environment, and process quality. In addition, BSLBATT’s commitment to its global customers is to provide high-quality products in a short period of time, always with respect for its employees, local communities, and the environment. “We are excited to reach this milestone at BSLBATT,” commented CEO Eric Yi. “We believe these 37,000+ battery packs are a testament to the contributions of our employees and the customer demand for innovative and safe lithium-ion solutions.” Let the world’s top 10 forklift dealers help you navigate the available power options. BSLBATT Battery has provided customers with more than 37,000 lithium batteries. Rely on our experience to help you explore the operational and financial benefits of advanced technology. BSLBATT continues to witness growth in its material handling battery products. We have grown from 2 locations that started to enter overseas markets in December 2018 to today have 48 dealers and 10 exclusive agents around the world, covering more than 50 countries around the world. If you looking to go lithium for your electric material handling equipment email: [email protected]
AASHTO commends nomination of Shailen Bhatt to lead FHWA
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials have applauded the nomination of Shailen Bhatt to lead the Federal Highway Administration. “Shailen Bhatt has been a tireless transportation advocate for decades, especially in the areas of safety and technology, and he makes an excellent choice by the Biden administration to lead FHWA,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “His leadership roles at both the Delaware and Colorado Departments of Transportation—as well as his time at the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and AECOM—demonstrate his ability to bring people together to ensure we have a safe, sustainable, equitable, and multi-modal transportation system that enables mobility for everyone. We look forward to building upon our already strong relationship with Shailen and urge the Senate to consider his nomination quickly so that he may partner with states to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and improve the quality of life for people in every community throughout the country.” Bhatt currently serves as global vice president of global transportation innovation at engineering firm AECOM. Prior to that role, Bhatt was president and CEO of ITSA, championing safety, sustainability, and equity by advancing the deployment of new transportation technologies such as connected and automated vehicles. He also led the Colorado Department of Transportation as its executive director and, before that, the Delaware Department of Transportation as its secretary. He also has federal government experience, previously serving as a presidential appointee to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
KPI Integrated Solutions acquires Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors
Further strengthening KPI’s capacity and expertise to provide end-to-end distribution solutions for clients KPI Integrated Solutions, a supply chain consulting, software, systems integration, and automation supplier have announced the acquisition of Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors, a Boston-based, independent supply chain consulting firm that designs innovative demand-centric distribution networks, facilities, and systems. Driven to solve clients’ distribution challenges and provide complete end-to-end solutions, the acquisition of a second consulting firm allows KPI to strengthen our capacity to help our clients address their supply chain and operational challenges. The combined firms will continue to provide innovative solutions that drive scalable and resilient distribution networks and power agile order fulfillment operations for existing as well as new clients. Commonwealth founder and President Ian Hobkirk will be continuing in a senior leadership role at KPI, and all of Commonwealth’s consultants will be making the move to KPI as well. “I am excited to welcome Commonwealth to the KPI team as we continue to provide data-driven network and warehouse designs that speed up order fulfillment and reduce labor dependence for our clients,” said Larry Strayhorn, CEO of KPI. “The deep bench of our combined KPI and Commonwealth teams provides unmatched distribution network strategy, innovative facility plans, and advanced automated systems that deliver business results,” he continued. “By joining KPI, we have significantly increased our pool of consulting resources and added some great analytical tools to our toolbox,” said Hobkirk. “We’ll have the same core consulting team that we’ve spent a decade building but we’ll be able to offer our services on a much larger scale.” Hobkirk added, “Our combined organization offers end-to-end solutions that build agile operations, provide the most resilient and scalable distribution systems, and ultimately help our clients build stronger businesses. It’s an exciting day for Commonwealth and for our customers.” KPI Integrated Solutions, a portfolio company of ARES Management, was formed in 2021 with the combination of Kuecker Logistics Group, Pulse Integration, and QC Software
Nearly six in 10 U.S. Workers say their paycheck is not enough to support themselves or their families
Employed Baby Boomers were much less likely to search for a new job, and also cited age as a potential barrier to finding new work Nearly six in 10 U.S. workers are concerned their paycheck is not enough to support themselves or their families as employees look to keep up with the rise of inflation, according to the latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor® online survey. When asked, 58% of employed U.S. adults expressed concern that their paycheck is not enough to support themselves or their families. This number was even higher for Hispanic workers (69%) and for parents with children under 18 (66%). As the cost of living increases, workers are looking to change their circumstances. Twenty-eight percent of employed U.S. adults plan to search for a new job in the next six months, while 27% plan to start a second job to supplement their income, and 20% plan to ask for a raise from their current employer. Twenty-one percent of employed Americans say they would use a staffing agency if they wanted a new job, including 26% of employed millennials. Searching for new work in response to inflation skews to younger generations—40% of employed Millennials and 36% of Gen Z plan to look for higher-earning jobs in the next six months. Meanwhile, only 13% of employed Baby Boomers plan to look for a new job in response to increased living costs, and only 8% plan to ask for a raise. Age is a perceived barrier for Baby Boomers, as 46% of employed Baby Boomers say age is a factor that could prevent them from getting a new job if they wanted one. “Workers are concerned about the effects of inflation, and they’re planning on taking action,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “Employers need to provide competitive compensation and work flexibility, and invest in employees’ professional development if they want to keep and recruit quality talent in this labor market.” Method This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of ASA June 2–6, 2022, among a total of 2,027 U.S. adults age 18 and older of whom 1,165 were employed. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data are accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Megan Sweeney at 703-253-1151.
Raymond welder wins gold in global Toyota Material Handling Group competition
The Raymond Corporation proudly announces Dave Micha, a welder at Raymond, has won gold in the international Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) Skills Competition, beating competitors from China, France, Italy, and Sweden, as well as additional U.S. participants. Micha’s win is a testament to Raymond’s century-long reputation of dedication to innovation, quality, and service. The end-to-end solutions provider maintains a constant focus on delivering the utmost quality and works for continuous improvement in every aspect of its business. “The Raymond Corporation heartily congratulates Dave Micha on this high achievement. The passion and dedication our welders like Dave Micha bring to the craft is inspiring and is a testament to the best-in-quality forklifts we build at Raymond,” said Tony Topencik, vice president of operations, quality, and environmental health and safety at The Raymond Corporation. “For an industry that touches almost everything, there will always be a need for skilled workers who provide essential services to help keep the supply chain moving. Our skilled team members are a major part of what has helped Raymond be a leader in the material handling industry for the past 100 years.” The competition consisted of welding a steel pressure vessel, which required performing tack welding, executing semiautomatic welding, and finishing of the vessel’s surface. “It was an honor to represent Raymond in the competition and secure this win,” Micha said. “I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes quality and values the skilled trades such as welding.” Raymond’s internal welding competition began in 2015, with the goal of helping promote friendly competition and enhancing skills and knowledge among its welding teams. Since then, Raymond welders have earned invitations to compete in the TMHG Skills Competition. “Customer safety and product quality are absolutely essential elements in the products produced by Toyota Material Handling Group,” said Haruhiko Kimata, executive officer of Toyota Industries Corporation and chief supply officer and Takahama plant manager at Toyota Material Handling Group. “The skills of welders, who are directly involved in the production, play a decisive role in product quality. I would like to express my great respect for Raymond’s welders who have consistently been top performers in the TMHG Skills Competition and its mission to improve the skills and motivation of welders.”