Acquisition to Bring Automatic Truck-Loading Tech to U.S.

Photo: Ancra Systems

The Heico Companies has acquired Dutch firm Ancra Systems B.V. with plans to bring the company's automatic truck loading/unloading system to North American markets.

Ancra Systems is based in Boxtel, Netherlands and expands Heico's holdings of cargo management entities. Heico is a parent holding company for a portfolio of more than 36 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction and industrial services.

“This acquisition will bring advanced loading system technology to the North American trucking and material handling sectors and extend the advantages of automation throughout the warehouse, to the docks and into the trailers,” said Steve Frediani, president and CEO of Heico's Ancra unit. “The addition of Ancra Systems positions Heico as a global player in the automated cargo management, loading, control and unloading space.”

Ancra's automated system can load or unload a trailer with palletized cargo in about three minutes, according to the company. The system can also have safety benefits as forklift-based cargo movement leads to about 34,800 serious injuries each year, according to OSHA. The automated system can reduce the opportunity for human error within a facility and potentially increase safety.

“Automation and the efficiencies it brings has already permeated many dimensions of manufacturing and warehouse operations in Europe and North America,” said Marc Hezemans, managing director for Ancra. “The difference is that many European operations have been enjoying the additional benefits of our automated truck loading and unloading systems for more than 20 years.”

Ancra offers six different systems with custom-designed capabilities that include a Chain Conveyor System and Skate System for palletized freight, a Roller Conveyor System for air cargo, a Slat Conveyor System for mixed and palletized freight, a Plastic Belt System for mixed and palletized freight and a Belt Conveyor System for loose loaded parcels.

The Skate Loader and Load Runner Plus systems require no trailer mounted interface ...Read the rest of this story

Scania Awarded 2017 International Truck of the Year

Photo: Sven-Erik Lindstrand

Scania's new R- and S-series trucks have been awarded the 2017 International Truck of the Year award by a jury of 25 European commercial vehicle industry journalists.

The award was received by Henrik Henriksson, Scania president and CEO during the IAA truck show in Hannover, Germany.

The jury gave Scania's new truck range high marks for driver comfort, safety improvements, side-window curtain airbags, as well as improvements to the vehicle's total fuel economy .

The new cab has been developed from scratch together with sister company Porsche Engineering which, like Scania and MAN, is also part of the Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group. The cab has added new aerodynamic elements for reduced wind drag like an adjustable roof spoiler and modified rear mirrors.

Related: Seen at IAA 2016 Truck Show [Photos]

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Montreal bans heavy trucks from aging Champlain Bridge

Heico acquires Ancra Systems BV

Saia to Announce Third Quarter 2016 Results on October 26, 2016

Montreal Port opts for truck routing to cut wait times, GHGs

Ormond Beach Love’s offers fuel-and-go only through Biketoberfest

Thousands of motorcyclists will converge in the Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach area Oct. 13-16 for Biketoberfest. Daytona Harley Davidson (DHD), located next door to Love's in Ormond Beach, is a major participant of the annual motorcycle event and rally.

DHD's involvement causes unusually high traffic volume in and around the area, and Love's can only allow trucks to FUEL AND GO, according to the company. Long-term parking won't be available at this location throughout Biketoberfest.

read more