ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. - Through the use of new technologies, JMC is working to reform munitions transportation to better support our customers and to create a leaner and more efficient way of doing business.
JMC is partnering with industry to implement an alternative ammunition restraint product to be used as replacement for wood blocking and bracing, enabling overseas shipment of ammunition in times of lumber shortages. For JMC's Joint Service customers, the alternative ammunition restraint product is quicker to remove with less waste, expediting the ammunition unloading process on the receiving end.
In addition to ensuring that JMC depot outloading capabilities are not limited or delayed due to wood shortages, testing has revealed that for many munitions types, additional pallets of materiel can be added to the containers by using the alternative restraint product versus the standard rear wooden blocking bracing. This product reduces the number of containers required for munitions worldwide distribution and decreases the amount of inland transportation costs, as well as port handling and ocean sailing costs.
JMC conducted a proof of concept test in shipping items with the new system to Korea. The test went extremely well and revealed intact rear gates with minimal movement.
Employees at JMC installations are training on the use of the new restraint system, and have successfully begun to utilize the product for approved munitions.
The incorporation of the new cargo restraint system reduces labor costs associated with munitions containerization; reduces the number of containers used in shipping munitions; reduces material costs associated with blocking and bracing containerized loads; reduces weight of blocking and bracing materials in containerized loads; and safely secures a containerized munitions load for transit via road, rail, or sea. Based on the average number of containerized loads shipped from 2016-2018, this represents a potential cost avoidance of $300,000 annually.
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