Parcel handling at TNT Express

Background

TNT Express is one of the world’s largest express delivery companies and since May 2016, part of FedEx. On a daily basis, TNT Express delivers close to one million consignments ranging from documents and parcels to palletised freight. The company offers road and air delivery services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

TNT had problems with injuries due to manual lifting with the associated sick leave and rehabilitation costs. As part of a worldwide Health & Safety Program, the challenge was to find a lifting aid that maintained or increased speed and productivity while lifting.

The lifting aid should be able to handle at least 75% of the parcels. The solution also had to be user-friendly and adaptable to both left and right-handed persons.

Solution

Several Vaculex® TP were installed, at TNT Express, to increase the speed and productivity.

Result

After installing several Vaculex® TP at TNT, injuries were reduced to a minimum. The vacuum tube lifts maintained or increased speed and productivity as parcels became weightless and easier to handle, no matter what size or shape. Vaculex® TP proved to handle 99% of the parcels with ease.

Thomas Engman, Operations Manager at TNT, Sweden: “Vaculex® was the only contractor that could offer a lifting system where the usage didn’t decrease productivity. The cooperation worked out very well and afterwards we can certify that the lifts are working even better than we had hoped for. TP is very easy to operate and only a short instruction is needed for beginners. The ergonomic benefits of TP also involve economic benefits due to cut down sick leave and lower rehabilitation costs, which in turn will make it easier to attract and maintain qualified staff.“