Zero emissions struggle
NewsTerminal operators in LA and Long Beach face challenges in meeting the 2030 zero-emissions goal, with slow progress on replacing diesel-powered equipment.
AUCOS is the automatic tractor/ trailer kingpin connection system developed and patented by Rüdiger Metternich, who is MD of Germany’s RMM Metternich Mechatronik GmbH.
AUCOS enables a fifth-wheel tractor to hook up a trailer automatically, by connecting the tractor’s compressed air and electrical supply to the trailer through the kingpin assembly, eliminating the need for a tractor driver to get in and out of the cab to ‘hook up’ hoses and cables.
Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) opted to install AUCOS on the terminal tractors at its new automated terminal. These are manned machines which transfer containers between the main yard and the intermodal cranes. Speaking to WorldCargo News, LBCT president Anthony Otto endorsed AUCOS, saying the system is very fast and has improved both productivity and safety considerably. LBCT has also saved a significant amount of money on insurance costs, as the drivers not having to leave the cab lowers its risk profile for accident claims.
AUCOS is also being installed at GCT’s Deltaport terminal in Vancouver, where it will be used with new Künz widespan cranes currently being installed, which will be operated by remote control.
AUCOS can be installed on any brand of tractor, usually without modifications, depending on the frame design – for Kalmar’s new T2 tractor, one small hole has to be drilled in the bottom plate. At LBCT, the trailers (bomb carts) do not require brake lights, but the units for GCT Deltaport were specified for the complete system, including air, power and data connection.
For the Americas, RMM chose Magnum Trailer and Equipment Inc. from Abbotsford, Canada, as its strategic partner for trailers.
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This complete item is approximately 300 words in length, and appeared in the October 2016 issue of WorldCargo News, on page 2. To access this issue download the PDF here.
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