As automotive rail logistics evolve with technology and industry demands, efficient yard management and cutting-edge charging solutions are more essential than ever. Learn how FLEXRail’s all-encompassing automotive rail logistics services, combined with the innovative AUTOChargit Mobile UTV from Dasher Lawless Automation, boost operational efficiency and address new challenges. Together, these solutions enable rail operators to increase productivity and adopt sustainable practices for the future.
FLEXRail’s Comprehensive Rail Logistics Solutions
FLEXRail offers a wide range of services focused on optimizing automotive rail logistics for shippers, particularly in industries like automotive and bulk product transportation. Our key services include:
Transloading and Multi-Modal Solutions: FLEXRail bridges the gap between rail and truck transportation, enabling seamless transfer of goods to destinations not directly served by rail. This service combines the cost-effectiveness of rail with the flexibility of trucking for final delivery.
Contract Rail Switching and Yard Management: FLEXRail helps manage intraplant rail facilities by developing customized railcar switching plans that reduce dwell times, improve asset utilization and enhance overall operational efficiency. We also provide comprehensive yard management services and pre-trip inspections, ensuring smooth and efficient rail operations for your facility.
ailcar Maintenance: FLEXRail provides routine and non-routine railcar maintenance, including tank and hopper cleaning, inspection, repair, and scheduling mobile repair units. We also manage maintenance records through systems like UMLER/EMIS.
Rail Technology Solutions: FLEXRail supports shippers by offering rail service design, rate analysis, fleet management and demurrage management. These solutions empower clients to maximize logistics efficiency.
Specialized Automotive Rail Logistics: For automotive logistics, FLEXRail ensures detailed inspections and maintenance for vehicles in transit, improving transport reliability and safety.
The Importance of Extending Charging Capabilities
Logistical Challenges
The finished vehicle logistics network is vast and complex, spanning long distances and involving numerous storage facilities. One of the key challenges within this network is dealing with vehicles that become immovable when their batteries deplete, adding significant strain to logistics operations.
Jason Wilson, VP of Precision Vehicle Logistics, emphasizes the difficulty in moving these vehicles. “That logistical network is put under strain due to the inability to move vehicles that are going dead,” he said. “The reason they are going dead is because of the vast network, distances and time it takes for these vehicles to travel. They’re stuck in storage areas in facilities that are hard to get to.”
Solution: Extended Charging Cables
The AUTOChargit Mobile UTV offers a game-changing solution to this problem with its extended charging capabilities. Featuring charging cables that can stretch up to 60 feet, this feature enables the UTV to reach EVs in hard-to-access locations, such as railcars, transport trucks and remote storage areas.
Wilson further explains, “The most important thing is the ability to stretch the cords. The length of the charging cables is critical. When these vehicles end up stranded it’s not easy to get to. You can’t just drive up next to it and plug it in. The ability to extend these cables out to 60 ft allows us to get inop units into railcars and storage areas.”
EV Transportation Challenges: Increasing the Need for Mobile Charging EV in Automotive Logistics
Precision Vehicle Logistics identified the need for the AUTOChargit Mobile UTV during a collaboration meeting. EVs often arrive at dealerships with depleted batteries, rendering them immovable. The AUTOChargit UTV transports generator-powered Level II EVCS directly to these EVs, facilitating immediate charging and mobility.
Dasher Lawless Automation introduced the AUTOChargit mobile UTV equipped with twin Level 2 electric charging stations. This vehicle is designed to charge electric vehicles (EVs) that have depleted their batteries during transport, preventing the need for towing and ensuring seamless mobility.
Wilson emphasized the strain on the finished vehicle logistics network due to immovable EVs. “It’s hard for people to comprehend how big the finished vehicle logistics network is,” Wilson said. The AUTOChargit UTV offers a proactive solution, distinguishing Precision from competitors and enhancing overall logistics efficiency.
Innovation in EV Charging with AUTOChargit Mobile UTV
The AUTOChargit Mobile UTV brings innovation and efficiency to EV yard management, offering essential functions that streamline vehicle logistics and ensure seamless operations.
Core Functions
- Storage Management: Efficiently manages vehicle storage to optimize space and organization.
- Post-Production Modifications: Streamlines processes for vehicle customizations and enhancements after production.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Facilitates routine checks and repairs to maintain vehicle quality.
- Pre-Delivery Inspections: Conducts final inspections to verify vehicle readiness before delivery.
- Railcar Accessibility: Designed for easy retrieval of inoperable vehicles during the unloading process, ensuring smooth transitions.
Key Features
- Twin Level 2 Electric Charging Stations: Equipped with powerful charging stations to efficiently recharge EVs on-site, minimizing downtime.
- Utility and Flexibility: Mobile and versatile, the UTV can be deployed across multiple locations, including railcars, haulers and surface lots.
- Railcar Accessibility: Specifically designed to retrieve inoperable units from railcars during unloading, reducing delays and increasing efficiency.
The AUTOChargit Mobile UTV offers a comprehensive solution for meeting the growing challenges of EV logistics, enhancing productivity and ensuring vehicles are always ready for the next step.
With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, FLEXRail delivers the solutions shippers need to navigate today’s complex logistics landscape. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help.