Author: teamA-GG

U.S. Protective Packaging Market to Reach $6.8 Billion in 2018

Posted on by teamA-GG

Protective packaging, including cargo securement for safety and damage prevention, is highly valuable and necessary for organizations transporting goods via rail, truck, or boat.

A recent market research study of the U.S. protective packaging market by Freedonia forecasts that the U.S. demand for protective packaging will reach $6.8 billion by 2018.

This increase is based on the continuing recovery of the manufacturing sector after the recession, as well as an increased prevalence of Internet shopping.

Dunnage bags, in particular, are expected to see moderate growth as the industry improves.

What Does This Mean for You?

Certain industries in particular will experience greater demand, which will result in the need to ship more product. It may also mean an increase in the amount of rail, truck, and boat traffic as the economy continues to improve.

This is great for business and cause for optimism in the manufacturing and shipping industries! However, as traffic increases, more product is shipped, and deadlines draw near, we must ensure that safety is at the forefront.

When loads are properly secured, product will arrive undamaged and personnel will be able to do their jobs safely.

Work with your cargo securement supplier – like us – to ensure that they’re informed of any increased volumes of production. That way, your supplier will be sure to manage stock accordingly so you will always have the products you need, when you need them.

>> Complete Packaging Systems provides cost-effective, high quality cargo securement products to Canadian and U.S. organizations, such as pulp and paper companies. Contact us to order products.

We also offer professional load planning services. Talk to a securement specialist now!

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Welcome to Our New Website!

Posted on by teamA-GG

We are excited to officially announce the launch of the new Complete Packaging Systems website!

As you’ll see, we have redesigned our website to make it even easier for you to find what you’re looking for. We’ve broken out our products on the main navigation menu, so you will always be able to go to right page for exactly the product you’re interested in.

Visit our new product pages:

Furthermore, we added a new page explaining our load consultation service. At Complete Packaging Systems, our team of cargo securement specialists can help you optimize your load. We can help you design customized load plans for rail, truck, and boat transportation that are compliant with the latest safety legislation.

Please visit our new Resources page, which includes a variety of downloadable PDFs to provide you with any additional information you may need to make your cargo securement decisions. If you would like to suggest helpful documents to add to our library, we encourage you to contact us!

This blog, which began on our old site, will continue on this site to inform you of the latest news and tips in cargo securement best practices, load planning, and securement products.

So explore our new website and let us know what you think! We hope youÂ’ll find it easy to navigate and informative.

If you have any questions about our products or load planning, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

>> Complete Packaging Systems offers industry-leading cargo securement and damage prevention products. Contact us today!

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New Report! Railroad Employees’ Use of Personal Electronic Devices and Safety Implications [Research Study]

Posted on by teamA-GG

A recent report, published in June 2014 by the U.S. Department of Transportation, discusses the impact of distraction from personal (and company-issued) electronic devices (PED) on safety-critical railroad employees. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Research and Development and Office of Railroad Safety conducted two studies to assess the potential distractions caused by PEDs in response to the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This report examines these two studies, which together shed light on how personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, affect railroad safety. The findings provide a baseline for outreach and education programs intended to reduce this kind of distraction.

The Studies

The first study began in 2010, and involved interviews with railroad employees coupled with analyses of railroad efficiency and accident databases. Study II began in 2012, and used focus groups and individual interviews to build upon the findings of Study I. Through data gathered from locomotive engineers, conductors, dispatchers, and car inspectors, the study discovered more information about employees’ use of PED and their attitudes about their impact on safety.

The Outcome

The results of these studies indicate that if the federal rule on PEDs is expanded, it should be customized to specific crafts. Some good news is that neither study found substantial evidence of frequent inappropriate use of PEDs while on the job, although the researchers recommend further study into this area.

Why This Is So Important

Although the study did not find significant evidence of PED distraction, it is still an issue that railroad employees must be extremely vigilant about. We have seen too many cases of distracted employees causing catastrophic accidents to ignore this important safety issue, including the incidents in Chatsworth, CA and Spain. It is great that the government acknowledges the impact PEDs have on railroad safety, and that they’re taking action. These studies may lead to better legislation that protects everyone. However, the people who absolutely must be aware of the danger of PEDs and take appropriate action are the railroad employees themselves. Only the front line employee can make the decision to not engage in this dangerous behaviour while on the job.

PDF Download the free report: “Safety of Railroad Employees’ Use of Personal Electronic Devices”. >> Complete Packaging Systems works closely with all rail carriers and shippers to ensure compliance standards are met on a consistent basis. Should you wish for one of our securement specialists to review your loading practices, please do not hesitate to contact us. More from Complete Packaging Systems:

 

One Year Ago: The Lac-Mégantic Train Derailment

Posted on by teamA-GG

This July, we mark the passage of one year since the tragic train derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec in Canada. On July 6th, a 74 car freight train carrying crude oil went off the tracks, leading to the explosion of several tank cars.It became the fourth deadliest rail accident in Canadian history when the explosions destroyed over 30 buildings in Lac-Mégantic and killed 42 people (with another 5 missing and presumed dead).

Regulations in Canada were changed in 2011, two years prior to this incident, to require that tank cars have a thicker shell. This safety standard was changed because of the “high incidence of tank failures during accidents” of the older models. Unfortunately, the older tank car models were still allowed to operate and were therefore still in use on many trains in 2013 – including the train involved in this accident. According to news reports of the incident, the derailed tank cars created a ball of fire that was around 3 times the height of the downtown buildings, rupturing and causing 4 to 6 initial explosions that could be felt up to 2km away from the site.

Our thoughts are with the people of Lac-Mégantic, a town of only 6,000, who are grieving for those lost in this tragic accident last July. They have dealt with the aftermath of this event all year round, banding together as a community to work toward recovery. One of the responses to this event has been an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The organization requested a review of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules from Transport Canada, as well as special securing instructions for railways.

This accident drives home the importance of safety first when transporting goods – regardless of what those goods are. Of course, crude oil classifies as “dangerous goods”, but all rail transport has a responsibility to maintain safe procedures and proper securement at all times. We hope incidents like this can be prevented in the future.

>> Complete Packaging Systems works closely with all rail carriers and shippers to ensure compliance standards are met on a consistent basis. Should you wish for one of our securement specialists to review your loading practices, please do not hesitate to contact us. More from Complete Packaging Systems:

 

Complete Packaging Systems Volunteers at Camp for Children with Cancer

Posted on by teamA-GG

Here at Complete Packaging Systems, we firmly believe in giving back and doing our part for the community.

That’s why on June 13th, we closed up shop and our entire staff spent the day volunteering at Camp Oochigeas!

Camp Oochigeas is a volunteer-based organization for kids with cancer. The camp gives these children a place to just be kids and enjoy the fun of summer camp, despite their illness. What makes Camp Ooch (for short) so amazing is the medical care it provides for the kids while they’re on-site.

Camp Ooch is partnered with the Hospital for Sick Children, with a paediatric oncologist and three oncology nurses available 24/7 while the kids are at camp. This way, they can receive the expert medical attention they need in the “Med Shed”, without having to forgo the experience of summer camp.

Right now, Camp Ooch is the only camp in Canada to offer IV chemotherapy, and blood and platelet transfusions on-site.

We feel that Camp Ooch’s cause is important, and that children with cancer should be able to get the fun, exciting, summer camp experience that most of us remember so fondly from our own childhoods. On June 13th, we helped prepare the camp for the incoming onslaught of kids by painting, cleaning, fixing up fishing equipment, getting the stations ready, and more!

It was a great experience and we are glad to have been able to play a small part in helping kids with cancer have a fun-filled summer to remember. Complete Packaging Systems is committed to helping Camp Ooch prepare for the summer every year, and we look forward to going back next spring!

If you’re interested in donating to Camp Ooch, click here! It’s a worthy cause. They also provide information for people who’d like to volunteer. >> Learn more about Complete Packaging Systems here, or contact us today. Recent Posts from Complete Packaging Systems:

Announcement: Dunnage Bag AAR Compliance

Posted on by teamA-GG

As we recently discussed in a previous blog post, making sure your dunnage bags are AAR compliant and up-to-date with their AAR safety verification is absolutely essential. Otherwise, you face significant risks to personal and public safety, as well as potential damage to your cargo.

Complete Packaging Systems is proud to announce our Cyclone Dunnage Airbags are listed in the Association of American Railroads PPPPD Verification Listing.

Attached you will find the most up-to-date AAR table/chart, which illustrates all manufacturers/distributors having achieved successful product verification. The document displays the verification date, by dunnage bag level, type of proprietary valve system, and the materials used to produce the dunnage bag.

PDF Click here for the latest AAR Verification List.

This list is the latest version of the AAR Verification List, which you will notice has been updated since our last post on this topic.

Remember, to determine whether you are using a “verified” dunnage bag, and meeting compliance with the AAR and all Class 1 railroads associated, review the verification date published, then evaluate whether today’s date is in excess of 3 years. All dunnage bag manufacturers are required to submit products, by level and material substrate every 3 years for “re-verification”.

If you are using a product deemed not to be “verified” by AAR, you could be positioning your company to be non-compliant and potentially liable for all costs related to matters proven to be the fault of a failed dunnage bag.

Complete Packaging Systems is an industry leader in the securement of forest products, and other “high density” shipments, and we take great pride in providing the best technical resources to our valued customers. We provide on-site technical training to our customers, as well as rail shippers in general.  CPS representatives are diligent to ensure best practices are deployed, ensuring a safe and efficient workplace for all.

>> Please contact us at any time, should you wish to review your compliance requirements.  We would be happy to provide guidance focusing on development of comprehensive SOP’s (Standard Operating Practices) in your shipping department.

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IBC Paper Training Offers Online Courses for Pulp and Paper Professionals

Posted on by teamA-GG

IBC Paper Training, a company that has organized training programs for the pulp and paper industry since 2006, offers online e-Learning courses.

IBC Paper Training’s e-Learning modules combine video, text, audio, animation, and images to ensure that clients have the best possible experience. Pulp and paper industry professionals can attend these sessions from their desks, making it easy for people from all around the world to attend.

You can attend Public Live e-Learning or Self Paced e-Learning through IBC Paper Training:

‘Public Live e-Learning’ Pulp and Paper Training

Public Live e-Learning sessions allow attendees listen to subject matter expert lecturers speak live as they follow along with the presentation slides.

Due to the real-time nature of these presentations, IBC Paper Training can frequently offer new sessions based on the latest problems and trends for the pulp and paper industry. Each session is valuable, featuring different experts and offering fresh solutions.

Their next course, “Recycled Fibers and Deposit Control” is coming up on June 23-26, 2014! Click here to get the full details.

This live e-Learning will focus on stickies, recycled fiber trends and savings, process technology and chemistry, and best practices for controlling and reducing deposits.

‘Self Paced e-Learning’ Pulp and Paper Training

IBC’s Self Paced e-Learning modules are the first of their kind in the industry. These provide the ultimate convenience – you can attend them at your own pace, during your own time (they are as flexible as you need them to be), at your own desk.

They offer:

  • 20 Modules in Papermaking
  • 10 Modules in Corrugating

We encourage you to check out IBC Paper Training and their online courses!

>> Complete Packaging Systems is happy to serve the pulp and paper industry. If you need cargo securement products or assistance with load planning, contact us right away!

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Safety Warning! Make Sure You Know If Your Dunnage Bags are AAR Approved

Posted on by teamA-GG

Are your dunnage bags up-to-date with their AAR safety verification? If not, you are assuming significant risk, in the form of personal and public safety, damage, and the associated costs.

Many options are available for dunnage air bags. You may simply look for the best price or a local supplier who will provide easier access. However, you must not overlook whether the dunnage bags are approved for use on railways by the Association of American Railroads.

The Product Performance Profile for Pneumatic Dunnage (PPPPD) General Information Bulletin No. 9, approved by the damage prevention and freight claim committee of the AAR, explains the guidelines for dunnage bag approval. Developed with input from manufacturers, this document provides the acceptable confidence level for use of dunnage bags for shippers, vendors, and transportation carriers.

 Click here to download the PPPPD General Information Bulletin No. 9. 

Beyond outlining the performance requirements for approval, the document details the re-verification requirements and procedures for after test failures. Today, we must concern ourselves with the re-verification requirements; we encourage rail shippers to periodically check the AAR website to verify the bags they are using are compliant.

According to the document:

“All pneumatic dunnage that has successfully completed testing, as outlined in this document, will require Association of American Railroads re-verification every three years. … Failure to re-verify will result in revocation of existing verification.” *emphasis added.

This means any manufacturer that does not have their product re-verified after three years is no longer AAR approved, and their dunnage bags could potentially suffer from product deficiencies.

Finding out which products are still AAR approved is a relatively straightforward process. The AAR provides a PPPPD Product Verification List, which lists manufacturers, the level of verification, and – most importantly – the date of verification.

If the date of verification is over three years ago, that product is no longer approved. It has not been re-verified. On today’s date of April 25, 2014, anything from before April 25, 2011 is now outdated.

You will note, for example, the first outdated item on the list: Cargo Perfect Co., Ltd. Level 1, which has a verification date of January 13, 2011. There are many others on the list.

We encourage you to investigate this list for yourself, to ensure that you are not using unapproved and potentially unsafe products.

 Click here to download the PPPPD Product Verification List.


>> All Complete Packaging dunnage air bags are currently AAR approved and verified. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately.

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Are You Still Using Steel Banding? 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be.

Posted on by teamA-GG

Do you want to enhance workplace safety?

Do you want a cost-effective strapping solution?

Are you still using steel banding?

Traditional steel banding has long been the industry standard and is still in widespread use today. You may be using steel banding to secure your heavy-duty cargo because it’s what you are familiar with.

But steel banding is no longer the only choice.

Through technological advancements, synthetic cord strapping/lashing has become as strong and reliable as steel – but with fewer risks and costs. In my experience, synthetic strapping alleviates many of the common problems with steel strapping without any major drawbacks.

So ask yourself: why you would continue to use steel banding when a superior option is available?

I will explain the key reasons why you should switch from steel strapping to synthetic cord strapping based on an analysis of the benefits of synthetic strapping.

1. Synthetic Strapping is Less Expensive

Steel banding is more costly than synthetic cord strapping. Furthermore, steel banding can be difficult to budget for because the cost can change based on the price of the base metal.

Synthetic strapping is more cost-effective and the price remains stable, so you will always be able to factor it into your budget with confidence.

2. Synthetic Strapping is Safer

Even when smoothed and de-burred, steel banding can be a safety hazard. All it takes is a moment of carelessness, and even an experienced employee can be injured. When a tightened steel band is cut improperly, it releases with strength. Its sharp edges can cause deep gashes on the user, particularly on the face.

Synthetic cord strapping is made of polyester, addressing this safety hazard. Securing cargo with synthetic strapping and lashing reduces lost-time accidents and injuries. Not to mention, fewer injuries = fewer liability claims.

3. Synthetic Strapping is Ergonomically Friendly

On average, steel banding coils weigh about 100 pounds. Many users struggle with loading these heavy coils into the dispenser. The weight of the steel can cause an accident that leads to an injury, or create a built-up strain injury over time.

Synthetic strapping/lashing is lighter and easier to handle. Each coil weighs only 50 pounds on average, which is much more manageable for the user.

4. Synthetic Strapping Won’t Damage Your Cargo

Scratches. Tears. Rust. Stains. Steel banding can damage your cargo, particularly if you’re transporting anything with exposed paint, vulnerable surfaces, or tires.

Synthetic strapping has rounded edges that don’t scratch paint or damage loads. It won’t rust or stain your cargo, either.

5. Synthetic Strapping Conforms to Settling Loads

Once applied, steel banding does not stretch. If your load settles while in transit, your steel banding will no longer be wrapped tightly around it. This leads to shifting loads, potential damage, and safety hazards. I have often seen pallets with loosely hanging steel-banding after the load has settled.

As you may expect, synthetic strapping stretches. If your load settles, synthetic cord strapping will simply conform to the new load perimeter and continue to hold tightly.

The Bottom Line

Steel banding is rapidly becoming an outdated form of cargo securement. Synthetic cord strapping/lashing is superior, while maintaining the strength necessary for heavy loads.

>> Get Tex-Steel synthetic cord strapping/lashing from Complete Packaging Systems – it’s as strong as steel and suitable for railcar, truck, or ocean containers! Contact us today.

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3 Factors that Impact the Air Pressure in Your Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

In this blog, I will discuss the 3 main factors that will impact the air pressure in your air dunnage bags. These potential issues apply to not only our dunnage bags at Complete Packing Systems, but to dunnage bags industry-wide.

Luckily, performing simple air pressure checks will prevent excessive movement, damage, and injury. This is one thing you don’t want to rush.

A lot of the time, people are busy and may cut corners to save a few minutes. For example, many people know of the “30 minute rule” – but they may neglect it. After your initial inflation, you must always check the pressure again after 30 minutes. If the pressure is low, you must top up your bags.

1. Stretching

Although you may think the loss of pressure would be caused by a hole, this is often not the case.

Dunnage bags are made from a woven synthetic outer shell and a thick plastic inner bladder. When filled to the recommended PSI, the air pressure will stretch the bladder after 30 minutes and cause a pressure drop. This is when you should top up your bags back to the original PSI.

2. Weather

Weather, in many cases, plays a large role in how dunnage air bags perform. Cold weather will reduce air pressure, much like in your car tires. In hot weather, the bags could expand past their recommended PSI.

Shippers must be aware of the weather their shipments will be experiencing and adjust accordingly.

3. Altitude

Finally, I must mention altitude. Recently, I drove from Las Vegas, NV to the Grand Canyon. This was an increase of nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. A bag of chips that I hadn’t opened yet was lying on the floor of my car. When I arrived at the Grand Canyon, the bag of chips looked as if it would burst at any moment.

This story is a good reminder: if you are shipping from a lower area to a high altitude or vice versa, you must ensure you take altitude into account when assessing your dunnage bags.

Summary

Dunnage bags are most effective when they are filled to the recommended PSI. You can save your shipments from moving around and becoming damaged by watching out for these simple factors that affect your bags’ air pressure.

>> Complete Packaging Systems can help you with your shipments. Our goal has always been to ensure our customers’ products arrive safely and damage free. Just give us a call at 1-800-858-8800!

 

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