The project team of Passport Global Inc. (Passport) recently visited the ID Parcel & Mail Solutions headquarters in New Britain, CT for the factory acceptance testing of their new automated parcel sorting system. This is the first of three Packet Parcel Sorting Systems (PPSS) that ID is building for them. The factory acceptance testing was a critical step towards ensuring that the system is meeting the specified design criteria and functionality, and after successfully passing, the PPSS has shipped to their New Jersey facility
Passport is an international shipping and global ecommerce solutions provider that helps ecommerce businesses, particularly direct-to-consumer brands, sell and ship internationally. They offer cross-border shipping, compliance support, store localization, and in-country enablement solutions around the globe. This first of three automated parcel sorting systems will be located in New Jersey. The other two will support their operations in Illinois and California.
Key features of the PPSS system include an induction conveyor, top-down barcode reader, inline weighing and dimensioning systems, two sorting outlets via one MODSort conveyor, and a belt conveyor for further manual sorting. Passport expects to expand the PPSS with additional sorting outlets in the future.
The system also includes a Manual Labeling Station (MLS) positioned at the start of the Induction conveyor for overlabeling packages that need a final mile label. The PPSS will provide accurate data capture and validation of packages that Passport is sending out via its partners and shipping carriers.
The new system will process mixed streams of small packets and parcels by the first-mile container tracking number within the pre-defined size and weight range. A SQL database is used to store all machine data on the PPSS. This provides a dynamic and robust database architecture for the PPSS.
The two-person manual induction feeding conveyor of Passport’s new automated parcel sorting system allows Passport the ability to use one or two operators to feed compatible packets and parcels at speeds up to 2,000 pieces per hour. As throughput requirements grow, the addition of a conveyor between the inline scale and sorting conveyor, will allow the system to run continuously for a faster throughput up to 3,000 packages per hour.
The Induction belt design provides clear guidance to the feeding operators for the correct orientation and spacing of parcels for successful PPSS processing. This ensures each item is properly aligned and separated before entering the DWS and automated sorting line. The PPSS uses sensors to automatically modulate the Induction belt speeds This regulates the flow of packages resulting in minimized jams, improved barcode scanning and sorting accuracy and ultimately higher throughput. It also helps reduce processing errors and rejects caused by misaligned packages.
The dimensioning system will scan and measure the size of parcels as they move down the line. The inline scale will capture the weight of the package. Since more and more carriers are charging shipping rates based on both weight and volumetric size, having accurate measurements is key to keeping shipping costs as low as they can be for each parcel.
The MODSort conveyor is modular in design, allowing for the automated parcel sorting system layout to be flexible and easily expandable. This is a high-speed sorter that handles parcels gently. It’s also known for its easy maintenance, quick installation and efficient sorting capabilities for a wide variety if parcel types, sizes and weights.
Because Passport handles a wide range of parcel types, a Manual Package Workstation (MPW) is included for each site to process non-machinable items. These are items that are too large, heavy, or are not capable of processing on the PPSS. The system will scan the parcel to capture the tracking barcode, automatically weigh and dimension it, and print a final mile label and/or commercial invoice at the same time as capturing the processing data.
The MPW is often used by organizations that are seeking to automate a portion of their parcel processing without having to make the full investment in a PPSS, or supplement a PPSS for a 100% operational processing solution. In the case of Passport, the MPW is an excellent complement to their PPSS machines as it allows them to efficiently process packages that are not automation compatible with the PPSS.
Passport’s system is a perfect example of a smaller automated parcel sorting system that is designed to grow with the organization. We’re looking forward to delivering the system and we are taking steps to design and built the next two. At ID Parcel and Mail Solutions we pride ourselves on high quality, affordable automated parcel sorting solutions for operations with smaller throughput needs. Please reach out if you are considering the value of automation.
ABOUT PASSPORT
Founded in 2017, Passport is a global ecommerce solutions provider that empowers merchants—like Dolls Kill, Ridge, Ogee, OneSkin, and HexClad—to grow profitably and confidently in over 180 countries. Combining innovative technology, global logistics, and expert compliance and growth support, Passport delivers the right solutions for the right markets at every stage of global growth. With in-house licensed customs brokers and international trade specialists, Passport offers a seamless, flexible experience—from cross-border logistics and in-country enablement services to duty and tax compliance—to help D2C brands unlock their full global potential. To learn more about the company and its end-to-end solutions, visit passportglobal.com.
