Recruits for the container bandwagon
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NEW makes of containers and interesting ancillary equipment were on show at the 3rd Export Services Exhibition opened on Monday by Mr. George Woodcock, TUC General Secretary. British exporters could be proud, he said, of the extensive transport and supporting services on offer.
The exhibitors were "not merely talking about Britain's vital need to export—they were doing something about it and deserved the support of firms who had yet to export.
Joseph Sankey and Sons Ltd., of Wellington, Shropshire, part of the massive Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Group, displayed a special 20ft container constructed to show a variety of designs and claddings. Complying with the latest ISO and BSI specifications, the Sankey container incorporates a patented corner casting, allowing the corner pillars to be double-secured by welding and a special key joint.
The container is rated for 20 tons with a tare of 29/32cwt depending on its materials. Sankey sees a big future in containers. Its production facilities—with up to 4,000-ton capacity presses—can cope with large orders.
The fourth largest container-maker in the United States, Ginty Manufacturing Corporation, showed a 40ft marine container: 2,400 like it have been supplied to Sea Train, and the British ACL group has ordered a batch.
Mr. Arne Gliicksman, European agent for Ginty, is arranging for European production of the wide range of Ginty containers. He believes 40ft containers will rapidly become popular as transport ministries progressively authorize their road movement.
W. E. and F. Dobson had on view a new system of hydraulic supports for containers. Two types are available: the simpler version utilizes an under-body assembly; in the version illustrated the rams retract neatly into wells incorporated in the van body.
The DobsOn company, part of the Dobson-Hardwick Group which is a prominent maker of hydraulic pit props, is well placed to produce its vehicle equipment economically.
John Player and Sons, I understand, has ordered some sets of this container-lifting equipment. The hydraulic actuation incorporates ingenious safety devices.
'Mini-branch' Containerway and Roadferry Ltd. has developed vehicle control equipment enabling traffic operators to plot vehicle movements throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Ireland at hourly intervals. Its stand, equipped with a teleprinter, was described as a mini-branch-an enterprising innovation of great interest to professional road haulage operators.
The simple pegboard recording device is likely, I understand, to be superseded by a computerized, electronic recording system before long.
MAT enterprise
MAT Transport Ltd.—its international container handling depot was opened this year at Peterborough—has pioneered in development of specialized containers for road and rail. Open-sided or open-topped and refrigerated containers are available and leasing arrangements can be made.
Typical of MAT's enterprise is its recently introduced overland container service to Basle and Vladivostok — substantially quicker to Japan than sea transit.
A new general-purpose 20ft container with steel frame and light alloy panelling designed jointly by the research teams of Duramin Engineering Co. Ltd. and Rubery Owen and Co. was of great interest. Small Rubery Owen containers and tote boxes were shown (on the Duramin stand) being loaded in a large container by a Conveyancer fork-lift truck.
Big impact
Metropolitan-Cammell Ltd. (making a substantial impact in the container field) has developed a standardized repair system for patching the sides of corrugated containers —a valuable aid for quick repairs when no skilled labour is available. MC's range of containers of all-welded steel or alloy-riveted construction is evidence of great depth of productive know-how, much of it gained on transport equipment.
Hays Wharf companies were prominently represented. Channel Road Services, with groupage routes to France, Italy, Benelux and Germany, as well as full-load movements, offers a rebate scheme for volume and regular traffic; Hays International Services Ltd. is shortly launching a comprehensive export advisory service including pack design and testing, preservative treatments and proper documentary procedures.
Seawheel Ltd., now operating more than 600 units (containers and Lancashire Flats), has its own trained staff in the UK, Denmark, the Continent and Eire. The company's 30ft containers are Joloda-equipped, for the rapid off-loading of palletized traffic.
Veteran
Continental Ferry Trailers Ltd., a veteran of unit load work, showed a 20ft doubledeck ISO container equally suitable for international goods movement or liner train operation. CFT has working arrangements with experienced transport operators in Europe, Canada and U.S.A.
Seaway Containers Ltd.'s selection from its range of products included a fibreglass container made for Geest Industries.
York Trailer Co. Ltd. repeated its Brighton container floating demonstration. And 40 Envoy containers are being built for Ulster Ferry Transport.