Expo 2000, the 17th International Intermodal Expo, held at the World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, drew about 4,500 people from throughout the world. About 240 companies exhibited their products and services.
The 18th International Intermodal Expo is scheduled for April 9 through 11, 2002, at the World Congress Center.
Martrac, a UPS Logistics group company, participated in real-time demonstrations of ReeferTrak by StarTrak, a remote monitoring and control system for trailer, container, and railcar refrigeration. StarTrak in Morris Plains NJ developed the system technology, including a flat antenna on the trailer roof for satellite communication and a control system that interfaces with the refrigeration unit controller. The equipment is always on and can respond to a command via the Web within about one minute. For instance, pretrip diagnostic routines can be initiated remotely prior to sending equipment for loading. Temperature setpoints and system alarms also can be checked remotely. Smart Systems in Toms River NJ provides monitoring service and repair for StarTrak and is a distributor of the system.
Sales of Carrier Transicold's EverFresh controlled atmosphere system built into its Thinline refrigeration units have increased 300% from 1998 to 1999, says David Dinh, director of marketing for Carrier Transicold container products. The membrane-separator CA system alters the gas mixture in the container to slow produce aging in transit.
Kevin McKinney and Ed Stasio exhibit a drawing of ExpressTrak's refrigerated railcar under development for produce and other perishables. ExpressTrak teams with Amtrak to provide truck-competitive service coast-to-coast with 67 hours transit time. The refrigerated railcars travel as part of Amtrak passenger trains at speeds up to 90 mph. Proposed Amtrak route and service expansions will allow ExpressTrak to expand routes. At present, ExpressTrak uses refrigerated RoadRailers.
An advanced scroll compressor and variable speed fans in the Thermo King CSR-40 Magnum container unit draw less power than units with reciprocating compressors. In field tests, the CSR-40 Magnum has reduced overall energy consumption an average of 50%, says Steve Bryant of Thermo King.
Gloria Moore, Reefer Parts Inc, York PA, a division of Klinge Corporation, displays the company's web site (www.reeferparts.com) for buying container parts online. Users have password access to search the site by title, part number, or key name.
