Schiphol Express optimises air cargo handling operations

Watch how Schiphol Express transformed their air cargo handling process with a Joloda Air Cargo Equipment solution.

See how our Truck Dock and Powered Rollerbed systems helped Schiphol Express increase efficiency, enhance safety, lower labour costs, and improve reliability.

For this installation, Schiphol Express needed a more efficient and reliable solution to speed up trailer loading and unloading, allowing them to handle greater air cargo volumes. Their existing system had become worn out and needed replacing with a modern version featuring the latest technology. The manual unloading of air cargo, such as ULDs and PMC pallets, was time-consuming and labour-intensive, leading to increased trailer turnaround times and higher operational staffing costs.

They sought a system that could streamline operations, reduce manual handling risks, and enhance overall efficiency in air cargo transfers between trailers and warehouses.

The Truck Dock system facilitates seamless cargo transfer between trucks and warehouses. It features hydraulic height and sideways adjustment for precise truck-to-dock alignment, ensuring a smooth transition of cargo between the trailer and warehouse. Additionally, it is equipped with motorised rollers, forming a powered rollerbed that moves cargo efficiently down the length of the truck.

Schiphol Express opted for a 20ft Truck Dock, allowing two 10ft PMC pallets or one 20ft pallet to be unloaded from the trailer simultaneously. Once the pallets reach the end of the truck dock, the operator hydraulically lowers the dock to align with the Powered Rollerbed system. The motorised rollers then propel the loads along the system before the cargo is unloaded and processed in the warehouse.

The Powered Rollerbed system consists of two 10ft rollerbed positions that work in conjunction with the Truck Dock, ensuring the entire system functions as one integrated unit. This setup allows a full trailer load of four 10ft PMC pallets to be unloaded or preloaded simultaneously, maximising efficiency.

The Powered Rollerbed’s motorised rollers propel air cargo further into the warehouse, eliminating manual handling and accelerating the workflow. The system was also equipped with weighing scales, enabling air cargo to be weighed and labelled with a printed sticker before further processing.

Automation plays a key role in making this a one-person operation. Photocell sensors automatically shut off the motors to prevent air cargo from being propelled beyond the length of the Truck Dock or Powered Rollerbed system, ensuring controlled and efficient cargo handling.

The team at Schiphol Express sees how this new air cargo handling system has increased productivity and reduced turnaround times since implementing the new system. Operators have noted a smoother workflow, and the ability to handle higher cargo volumes has improved service levels for their clients. The seamless integration with existing logistics processes further reinforced the effectiveness of the installation.

Christophe Darras, Manager Operators at Schiphol Express commented on the installation, stating:

“The installation of the air cargo handling equipment has transformed our operations. The automated system has significantly reduced trailer loading and unloading times, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced safety for our team.

The equipment has integrated with our existing processes seamlessly, allowing us to handle higher cargo volumes with greater reliability. This investment will be instrumental in optimising our logistics capabilities and performance.”

By installing Joloda Air Cargo Handling Equipment’s Truck Dock and Powered Rollerbed system, Schiphol Express has optimised its air cargo handling operations. This solution has streamlined workflows, improved efficiency, and reduced operational costs, reinforcing Schiphol Express’s position as a leader in air cargo logistics.

As global air freight demand continues to grow, businesses seeking to enhance cargo handling efficiency can rely on our proven expertise and innovative solutions.

Modular Rollerbed Systems (MRS) are versatile systems and are used widely at airports for loading and unloading aircraft cargo and freight. Their modular nature makes it possible to employ them on any flat surface, whether it’s a trailer, van, factory or warehouse floor and improves the speed and efficiency of loading and unloading.

In this article we look at modular rollerbed systems and how they improve operations when it comes to loading and transporting air cargo.

Around the world, we’re known as the number one; the global leader in loading and unloading solutions. This is not only because we are the largest but also the first too; we've been pioneering loading solutions since 1962.

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