New cradle containers revolutionise log transportation

Leading shipping container supplier Royal Wolf and KiwiRail have jointly developed a bespoke logging container that significantly improves efficiencies and capacity when transporting logs to the Port of Tauranga for export.

The 484 logging cradle cassette containers, built by Royal Wolf’s Intermodal Business Unit, were specially designed as a replacement for KiwiRail’s old log wagons which were designed to only carry logs.

The new 20-foot cassette containers can be loaded and secured onto different types of railway wagons to increase compatibility and capacity across KiwiRail’s network.

“We’re problem solvers,” says Michael Horne, Royal Wolf General Manager Intermodal. “We modify containers to meet a company’s specific logistics and transport needs. KiwiRail’s logging cassettes are a perfect example of us tailoring a container solution to help increase efficiencies and capability for a client.”

Royal Wolf worked closely with KiwiRail to develop a prototype container followed by the manufacture of a batch of containers and then the final product.

Mr Horne says having the right container is essential to enable logistics companies to maximise loading and capacity for products as they transport freight around the country.

“There are a wide range of commodities and products transported in our containers but coming up with a solution for the safe transportation of logs required a very specific design.

The cassette containers are functional but also highly innovative because they are able to be secured to a range of different wagons in the KiwiRail fleet.”

KiwiRail’s network extends the length of the country with approximately one third of New Zealand’s export goods transported by rail. Each week KiwiRail operate 800 freight services carrying goods around the country.

“We support sustainable practices and rail is certainly an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient transport solution. Companies are always looking at opportunities to reduce costs and we help them do that with simple, yet highly efficient containerised solutions.”

As well as creating bespoke intermodal and freight solutions, Royal Wolf’s standard Intermodal and Freight range includes 20, 25, 40 and 48-foot Curtainside and hard sided containers, and a selection of side door containers which allow easy side access to goods.

Royal Wolf is the leading provider of shipping container solutions in Australasia, from high volume fit for purpose storage containers for hire, through to tailored modications.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.