No Forklifts? No Warehouse? No Problem for Clothing Retailer

The popular clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters is building a new distribution center that will handle both store replenishment and direct-to-consumer orders from the same inventory. Typically, these two functions are handled by different operations, but the new AEO distribution center currently under construction in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, will be a streamlined, fully-automated facility that … Read more

Forklift Rodeo Reality Show an Actual Thing in New Zealand

Commentary and Opinion Regular readers of this blog may recall when I facetiously pitched an idea for a reality show based on the growing popularity of forklift rodeos. Well, apparently a television production company in New Zealand had the same idea because the “World Forklift League” TV show currently is filming in locations throughout the … Read more

Modular Acoustic Panels Help Reduce Noise in Welding Operations

A company in the UK has introduced new soundproof acoustical panels that can be customized to reduce noise in welding operations. Weldability-Sif introduced the welding bays that are constructing using floor-mounted acoustical panels that are made out of steel covered in an epoxy coating that absorbs sound. The panels can be secured to welding work … Read more

Despite New Pact, Aftershocks of West Coast Port Labor Dispute Still Being Felt

In today’s Thursday Feature, we examine the lingering effects of the West Coast port labor problems, which created a logjam at cargo container ports from Seattle to San Diego that some are saying could take months to clean up. Even though the union representing West Coast dockworkers and port owners finally reached a new contract … Read more

Technological Developments Make Sharing the Road Safer

A UK-based company has combined a few common sensor technologies to create a new safety system for trucks that can alert drivers when they are in danger of colliding with cyclists and other obstacles. The Bike Hotspot, developed by Sentinel Systems — a family-owned business based in Gloucestershire — features sensors located at the front … Read more

Trucking Companies Oppose Proposed New Rules Against Driver ‘Coercion’

Proposed new work rules that would prevent trucking companies from using “coercion” to encourage truckers to drive more hours than legally allowable are being opposed by some shippers. In a brief filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) said the agency’s proposed new rules — which were … Read more

ProMat 2015 Preview: The Biggest. Show. Ever.

When the 30th annual ProMat materials handling trade show is held March 23 to 26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place South convention Center, it will feature more than 800 exhibitors and is expected to set all-time attendance records. The event is presented by the materials handling trade group MHI. In addition to the exhibit hall, ProMat … Read more