Combi-SC for quicker, safer and flexible container handling

Felixstowe based Imorex Shipping Services is one of the largest companies in the region in terms of the volume of groupage containers that it handles, and was one of the first in the area to recognise the benefits of Combilift’s Straddle Carrier (SC). Since the Combi-SC has been in operation on site it has enabled the company to achieve an increase of around 40% in the number of TEUs it can handle – from 70 a week to 110.

The previous handling method, using heavy duty forklifts and ramps, was less than ideal: driving forklifts up and down the ramps put a lot of wear and tear on the tyres and also involved tricky reversing manoeuvres for drivers. The size of the ramps also took up valuable yard space. MD Alan Nunn: “For a busy operation of our size the yard is relatively small, so best possible use of available space was also a key requirement which has been answered by the SC’s extreme manoeuvrability and tight turning circle.“

The Imorex team was won over by the engineering and simplicity of design as well as the reasonable cost. “Reliability is vital, otherwise everything backs up, and the SC is also testimony to my belief that over-complicated pieces of equipment are not always the best,” said Alan.

Imorex’s SC is a three wheel, two-wheel drive diesel powered 35t model, which can lift, transport and set down the 20’ and 40’ containers that are brought in from the port. Combilift’s SC range is also available with heavier lifting capacities and can handle 45’, high cube, reefer and flat rack containers, offering complete operational flexibility. Its low level cab ensures excellent visibility and it also benefits from a very low unladen weight, making it ideal for operation on poor surfaces without the need for costly ground reinforcement.

“The SC has enabled us to make substantial cost savings and improve health and safety procedures. It has made a huge difference to our daily operations,” said Alan.