Equipment report

CieTrade expands software capabilities for ocean shipping

CieTrade Systems Inc., Stamford, Connecticut, is offering specialized software and integration methods to help clients deal with new regulations created by an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.

Beginning, July 1, 2016, all shippers must submit a verified gross mass (VGM) for each of their containers before they are loaded on ships. VGM is defined as the total weight of the container, including the net weight of the cargo and the tare weight of the container.

CieTrade says it helps recycling and export clients submit VGM certificates, whether through the carrier’s website, via email, through electronic data interchange (EDI) messaging or through middleware platforms, such as CargoSmart or INTTRA.

Clients using INTTRA can submit their e-VGM messages to a wide range of participating carriers, directly from cieTrade, where initial submissions and acknowledgements can be tracked. VGMs also can be sent from cieTrade using the industry standard verification of mass (VERMAS) EDI document format, created specifically for VGM messages. CieTrade says it also can generate its own compliant Email-VGM spreadsheet document.

For recyclers and brokers that need to supply container tare weights, VGM weight and the container equipment tare weight fields can be recorded and have been added to critical documents, such as the Bill of Lading and the Booking-Export Packing List.

The company also recently updated its ciePhoto mobile app, which is used to capture container export photos, so that it also can capture the container’s tare weight at the point of loading and automatically apply it to the corresponding container shipment within the system.

“Our ciePhoto app has been an indispensable tool for many recyclers by greatly reducing the amount of work involved with capturing export container photos,” says David Haber, president of cieTrade. “Our latest update to also record container tare weights, which is required to calculate a VGM, adds even greater value by eliminating double-entry and avoiding a potential loss of productivity with the new SOLAS/VGM requirements.”

Sierra International adds dealer in Canada

Sierra International Machinery, Bakersfield, California, has announced that Recycling Equipment Canada (REC), based in Waterloo, Ontario, will now represent its REB line of two-ram balers and the Macpresse line of high-production auto-tie balers.

“We are thrilled to extend our coverage of and commitment to the Canadian marketplace through this new partnership,” says Brian Mihm, director of two-ram and Macpresse sales for Sierra. “We have been very selective in choosing dealers because we want to ensure the Sierra level of service and customer commitment is always delivered for our machinery customers. Recycling Equipment Canada delivers that quality standard.”

“Recycling Equipment Canada only aligns our business with the highest-quality products, which equates to many years of productive service for our customers,” says Pete Mulvany, CEO of REC. “We have been helping customers build profitable recycling businesses for over 20 years. The addition of the Sierra line helps us to allow our customers to achieve all their production goals,” he adds.

Sierra maintains sales and service centers on the East and West coasts and stocks some $20 million in spare parts.

Wastequip partners with Compology

Wastequip, Charlotte, North Carolina, says it has reached a partnership agreement with Compology, a San Francisco-based firm that provides waste container tracking and monitoring solutions.

Wastequip has exclusive rights to Compology sensors sold on new roll-off containers purchased through Wastequip. Wastequip customers can schedule device installation directly with Compology. These devices contain GPS-enabled sensors and cameras to allow container location tracking and real-time fullness monitoring through Compology’s web-based dashboard.

“By partnering with Compology, Wastequip is able to provide our customers with value-added solutions that help them operate their business more effectively by relying on technology, rather than manual tracking methods, to indicate when service is needed,” says Kirk Warren, director of product management for Wastequip’s steel division.

Visit www.wastequip.com for more information.

Accent Wire to acquire L&P Wire-Tie Systems

Accent Wire, based in the Houston area, has announced that it is acquiring L&P Wire-Tie Systems (LPWT), Carthage, Missouri, from Leggett & Platt Inc. The combined company will be called Accent Wire Tie.

L&P Wire-Tie is a manufacturer of wire-tying machinery and a baling wire distributor.

“We are delighted to welcome L&P Wire-Tie to the Accent family,” says Bill Sims, president and CEO of Accent Wire Tie. “This acquisition couples LPWT’s legacy and establishment in the industry with Accent’s innovation and reputation for service. The recycling and waste industry will enjoy an unrivaled supply chain for baling wire and an enhanced ability to supply and service equipment.”

According to a news release issued by Accent, by combining resources, Accent Wire Tie will become the global leader in supplying baling wire, wire-tying machinery and service, and other bale packaging solutions to the recycling and waste industry.

Marine Transport International launches SOLAS VGM

As of July 1, 2016, contracting governments to the International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) treaty must implement new requirements related to the verified gross mass (VGM) of packed containers that will be transported via ship. The new regulation puts the responsibility on the shipper to ensure the accurate VGM is provided to the terminal/carrier for every container loaded prior to it being allowed to be loaded on a vessel.

In response, Marine Transport International and Black Swan, one of the U.K.’s leading technology companies specializing in big data, digital engineering and communication, have developed new software, SOLAS VGM, that is compatible with Android, Apple and PC devices.

More information is available from Tyrone Loader by calling 201-377-5487 or by emailing support@solasvgm.com. Interested individuals also can fill out the contact sheet at www.solasvgm.com.