The ExpressCube Media Blog

Media Release

Howard — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:25:00 -0700

ExpressCube has been awarded a U.S. Patent for its underlying technology

The ExpressCube™ countertop low-cost cubing and weighing system enables companies to meet shaped-based pricing criteria of the US Postal Service and dimensional weight billing criteria by commercial couriers

Toronto, June 9, 2008 – ExpressCube manufactures state-of-the-art dimensioning and weighing equipment that will eliminate chargebacks and optimize warehouse and logistic operations. The ExpressCube™ countertop system is a low-cost cubing and weighing system designed to meet point of sale, factory shipping and logistic applications. The unit is capable of measuring the dimensions of rectangular or square objects in inches or centimeters, weigh the object in pounds or kilograms, and calculate the dimensional weight based on user-defined cubing factors. ExpressCube is now a patented technology with the attainment of United States Patent 7,373,722 for its underlying technology.

ExpressCube is classified as a device for measuring package size in a patent issued May 20, 2008. Specifically, it is a package measurement apparatus comprising three measurement devices, one for each dimension. Each measurement device comprises a plurality of signal receptor modules. Each module comprises a row of signal receptors, and a signal energy source. In a first calibration step, the outputs of each receptor are standardized to reference maximums and minimums. In a second calibration step, calibration sets of receptor inputs are created and recorded. During measurement, a measurement of receptor outputs is obtained and matched with a calibration set of receptor outputs to determine the dimension of an object.

“Underlying the patent is the versatility of the ExpressCube technology,” commented Lorne Hull, VP Manufacturing. “Our desktop devices open simply and are ready to operate with no special ambient lighting or power requirements. The patent also describes a green friendly device with a power draw of less than 15 watts. That versatility has seen the device installed in a broad variety of interesting applications.”

The ExpressCube™ countertop system is a low-cost cubing and weighing system designed to meet point of sale, factory shipping and logistic applications. It enables shippers to meet dimensional weight billing criteria by major shipping companies and the shaped-based pricing criteria of the US Postal Service and similar rules for other postal services.

For more information, please contact us at www.expresscube.com, 1-877-428-2348 or xproducts@expresscube.com. Distributor enquiries are welcome.

About ExpressCube:

ExpressCube is a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing, and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the dimensioning (DIM) and weighing of parcels, ExpressCube was established to market ExpressCube products. ExpressCube utilizes 30 years of proven technology and innovative design. ExpressCube is the indisputable state-of-the-art dimensioning and weighing solution. Please visit us at www.expresscube.com for more information.

Contact Information:

Company Contact: Gordon Cooper – VP Marketing, 905-507-0007, www.expresscube.com

Media Contact: Howard Oliver, What If What Next – Web 2.0 PR, 416-638-8582

Media Release

Howard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:08:00 -0700

ExpressCube Launches ExpressCube Featherweight Gold™-M, a Mobile Cubing, Weighing and Slotting Workstation for Warehouse Cost Savings

Toronto, April 10, 2008 - ExpressCube manufactures state-of-the-art dimensioning and weighing equipment that will eliminate chargebacks and optimize warehouse and logistic operations. Responding to distributor and customer demand, ExpressCube has announced the launch of ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M, a mobile warehouse turnkey solution that incorporates its laser-free, robust and easy-to-operate ExpressCube 250. It is mounted on a sturdy workstation cart with a rechargeable battery power source that can operate for 12 hours. The ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M mobile workstation can be used in “fly-in operations” for multiple warehouses, green field warehouse operations for new facilities, warehouse turnarounds in concert with a new WMS system, or occasional use when new products and boxes must be sized and weighed.

"Last year, when the rules for dimensional weight and shipping charges were changed by all the major couriers, we were asked to help them explain the dimensional weight concept and our simple desktop static solution," said Gord Cooper, Vice President of Marketing, ExpressCube. "We are being asked about how to optimize warehouses for better slotting for warehouse optimization and cost control beyond the DIM weight chargebacks. Savvy logistics and operation managers, management accountants, and senior management are seeing the value of our ExpressCube device on the inbound side of their warehouse operations.”

Manual weighing and measuring is an inaccurate, tedious and labor-intensive task. The ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M mobile warehouse turnkey solution can interface real time with most WMS systems. Mobile applications uniquely suit the ExpressCube technology, which uses no lasers or moving parts. Dust and motion inherent to warehouse environments pose no challenge for ExpressCube. The device is simple to use, which minimizes the learning curve and encourages employees to adopt the device easily and rapidly. Employees capture accurate data at the point of origin, providing faster and more accurate inventory reporting.

The ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M mobile workstation has three parts and can be assembled in less than 30 minutes:

1. The core of the ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M mobile workstation is the ExpressCube 250. The EC-250 is a countertop dimensioning and weighing unit. This unit measures rectangular boxes with dimensions contained within a 24" x 24" x 36" measuring grid (12 ft. cube) and weight up to 70 lb. This larger capacity makes the EC-250 ideal for WMS uploads for slotting and expected cubes/weights population.

2. The ExpressCart is designed for the EC-150 and EC-250 units. The cart is 26 1/2" wide x 32" deep x 31" high. It is shipped and stored in a compact box (27” x 34” x 7.5”). It features a swivelling laptop stand; customized footpads to firmly secure the EC250; large bumpered wheels for easy maneuvering (2 wheels are lockable); handy pullout drawer; and a lower storage tray for the power units and other storage.

3. The Express Power Unit has an extra-large built-in battery permitting 12 hours of operation. It has a sleek compact design with a digital display that shows power draw and battery status. The Express Power Unit can function as an incremental power bar. It features a backup transfer switch to ensure power connection when operating as a back-up system

The ExpressCube Featherweight Gold-M mobile workstation is used for populating WMS systems on inbound cartons and master cartons, or for random weighing/dimensioning of palletized boxes expected to be the same weight and dimensions. It is perfect for slotting and creating entries for expected weights and dimensions for outbound orders to verify against.

For more information, please contact us at www.expresscube.com, 1-877-428-2348 or xproducts@expresscube.com. Distributor enquiries are welcome.

About ExpressCube:

Contact Information:

Company Contact: Gordon Cooper – V.P. Marketing, 905-507-0007, www.expresscube.com.

Media Contact: Howard Oliver, What If What Next™ – Web2.0 PR, 416-638-8582

Save on the ExpressCube Dimensioning System

Howard — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:23:00 -0700

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ScanScale and ExpressCube Form an Alliance

Howard — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:11:00 -0800

ExpressCube recently conducted an interview with Daniel Ross, President of ScanScale, and an alliance partner of ExpressCube.

ExpressCube: Tell us about your company and the markets it serves.

Daniel Ross: ScanScale has 25 years of experience in the packaging, shipping and handling industry. Our solutions give new meaning to the phrase “saving time means saving money.” We provide effective, simple solutions to today’s complex material handling challenges. Our customers consider us to be an innovative, forward thinking company. ScanScale offers installation services, maintenance, training, and 24 hour technical assistance to our customers. ScanScale warehouse systems solutions will meet the material handling needs of our clients now and well into the future. We are the experts in parcel weighing, scanning and dimensioning.

ExpressCube: Why did you form an alliance with ExpressCube?

Daniel Ross: ExpressCube is a welcome addition to our line-up. ExpressCube is a producer of innovative desktop package dimensioning systems. ExpressCube, like our company, has a great deal of experience with more than 30 years in the packaging, shipping and handling industry. ExpressCube and ScanScale have formed an alliance to offer integrated hardware and software solutions for package dimensioning.

The business case for this combined dimensioning system is strong. In general, anyone shipping packages via UPS, FedEX or DHL must know the dimensions of the package. If you ship a package without knowing its dimensions, you could be charged back. Certainly, companies shipping 500-1000 packages per day can pay for the system in less than six months. At that level, significant savings can be obtained.

To be blunt, we feel strongly that people who ship about 200 packages per day would also want to know the dimensional weight of their packages. If I received an extra bill for even 10 packages that left the warehouse incorrectly weighed, even if the bill was for $100, I would want to know. As a business owner, I would like to know how I could stop additional charges in the shipping department. Even if the payback on the machine goes beyond one year, we immediately impact the way we charge our customers – so there is a marketing and customer service impact.

Moreover, you want it to be right! You don’t want the manifest that goes out that day to come back with a charge. Even if it is $10 a month, it is $10 that you shouldn’t have to pay if you had done it correctly to begin with. Over a year it is $120 that you could have spent on something else. Letting it go is unprofessional. You might say that requires buying the machine but you need a scale for your shipping operation anyway. As time goes on, and as couriers change dimensional sizes and move more toward charging based on dimensional weight, you would have the technology and your process in tune with the market. The issues of DIM will only become more important. Smart people are looking into the issue right now. Take a hard look at the ExpressCube technology, especially if you are starting a new business or looking to optimize your warehouse or shipping room.

Understand that the courier companies are always going to look at the sweet spot where they can get more money from dimensional weight than physical weight. Candidly, if you do not think this is going to happen you are being naive.

ExpressCube: Can you describe ScanScale’s contribution to the solution?

Daniel Ross: With the continuous collaboration of ExpressCube and actual customers, ScanScale developed a unique software module for the ExpressCube dimensioning system. ScanScale software processes all of the data from the ExpressCube system and records it to the customer’s UPS WorldShip program and online programs, as well as FedEX, USPS, DHL and other couriers’ programs. The operation and the integrity of the programs do not change with the installation of the ScanScale software. Every purchase of an ExpressCube dimensioning system from ScanScale will come with our software. We guarantee a trouble-free installation with optional software upgrades to meet your application needs. We can accommodate local carriers and other variations through customization – we can communicate with their special carrier host applications as well.

ExpressCube: Can you briefly describe ExpressCube technology?

Daniel Ross: ExpressCube countertop dimensioning systems deliver the answer for maximizing slotting, picking and packing, cubing, dimensioning, and weighing of packages. ExpressCube countertop cubing systems can help to eliminate shipping penalty charges by letting shippers use their couriers’ dimensional weight factor (DIM factor) to accurately determine the shipping weight used to calculate their invoices. ExpressCube products are precision devices that are quiet, utilize flexible interface communications, and are highly adaptable to a wide variety of working environments. Their new patent-pending dimensional arrays are safe – there are no lasers used in any of the products.

The key to this technology is a distributed microprocessor configuration that uses a combination of passive sensors and mathematical algorithms to quickly dimension boxes without moving parts or expensive laser technology. In addition to being relatively inexpensive, this approach provides a very robust device with very little maintenance required.

The ExpressCube™ countertop dimensioning and weighing system is unique in the industry with all of these attributes:

·        Out of the box and operating in 5 minutes

·        Does not require special lighting conditions

·        Not affected by the close proximity of other devices

·        Physical room dimensions do not limit the machine’s use

·        Does not emit any laser light, therefore no long-term adverse effects on the eyes

·        Can measure dimensions quickly and quietly

·        Free Data Logger software provided

·        Developer’s website for customization

·        Strong distributor network

The ExpressCube high performance countertop system is a low-cost cubing and weighing system designed to meet point-of-sale, warehouse management, factory shipping and logistic applications. The unit is capable of measuring the dimensions of cuboidal (rectangle/square) objects in inches or centimetres, weigh an object in pounds or kilograms, and calculate the dimensional weight based on user-defined cubing factors.

ExpressCube: What models are you going to recommend to your customers?

Daniel Ross: We will offer two different models.

ExpressCube 150
The ExpressCube 150 is a low-cost dimensioning and weighing system solution for moderate volume shipping applications. Designed to fit on a 24" countertop, this unit will measure and weigh boxes with dimensions of 18" × 24" × 30" or a measuring grid of 7.5 cubic feet, and weighing up to 70 lbs. A low-cost, reliable and user-friendly DIM solution, ExpressCube is designed out of the box and operating in 5 minutes. With the press of one key, a shipper can determine dimensional weight based on different dimensional factors used by different carriers and postal services. Errors are eliminated and savings are immediate.

Multiple communication ports on the rear of the ExpressCube provide data input and output for integration to the customer’s computer, WMS systems, bar code readers, and digital data displays. The ExpressCube 150 has no moving parts, providing low or no maintenance and increased reliability. Customers’ anxieties will also not be raised, as there are no lasers used in this device or noisy ultrasonics.

ExpressCube 250
The ExpressCube 250 is a countertop dimensioning and weighing unit with an expanded dimensional measuring capability over the ExpressCube 150. This unit will measure boxes with dimensions of 24" × 24" × 36", or a measuring grid of 12 cubic feet, and weighing up to 70 lbs.

ExpressCube utilizes 30+ years of proven technology and innovative designs. ExpressCube is now the indisputable state-of-the-art, dimension and weighing solution provider. Please visit www.expresscube.com for more information.

ExpressCube: Can you cap off our discussion?

Daniel Ross: My objective with any customer is to sit down and listen, understand the application, and try to find ways where we can deliver a solution that is efficient, seamless and trouble free. Once we have done that, we go back through the same application again and try to figure out where we can reduce costs and create more value. ExpressCube, our software solution and the collective expertise we have, creates a win-win situation for the customer. Ultimately we are delivering a new way to look at the shipping department.

ExpressCube Selects LOGITRADE - Netherlands, to head up its European Distributorship

Howard — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:58:00 -0800

ExpressCube recently conducted an interview with Peter Leerintveld, President of LOGISTORE and LOGITRADE, who is heading up the European Distributorship for ExpressCube.

ExpressCube: Can you give us some background on yourself, your team, and your companies?

Peter Leerintveld: Twenty years ago I started two companies: LOGISTORE, a company that provides logistics consultancy services, and LOGITRADE, an import and trading company for logistic components and equipment. Let me tell you about LOGISTORE. LOGISTORE is an engineering consultancy and knowledge centre for internal business logistics. LOGISTORE knows how to establish and perfect a flow of goods utilizing sophisticated solutions. We have a specific philosophy. We start from the basic processes and devise smart logistic concepts which are appropriate for our customers’ products and approach. Our aim is to develop concepts from the shop floor and operate within the parameters of a company’s objectives in relation to its strategy, technology, organization, information and finances. We understand that a solution which enjoys widespread support within a company will ultimately yield the greatest return. We focus on the details without losing sight of the overriding corporate interests. LOGISTORE draws on sound, practical experience acquired in highly diverse companies and has personnel with excellent qualifications. Our LOGITRADE operation will be the vehicle for the distribution of ExpressCube in Europe.

ExpressCube: How can LOGITRADE, which is located in Rossum, the Netherlands, best serve as the exclusive ExpressCube dealer for the European market?

Peter Leerintveld: Generally, we have a lot of experience in trading with foreign countries. The Dutch are great traders as you know. In the logistic sector, we are very successful in KHT measure & weighing computers for dimensioning individual products (mostly incoming goods). We know what to do in the marketplace.

ExpressCube: How do you plan to market the product?

Peter Leerintveld: LOGITRADE has the contract as the exclusive European importer with and we will settle dealers in several countries and areas. We will work with fixed prices that will be favorable relative to those of the competition (CubiScan, Mettler Toledo, and Sick). We will support and service the dealers personally, over the telephone, over the Internet, and at key exhibitions. Serious Dealers will have to buy five machines. We will supply six machines (order five, get six) so one machine can be used in demonstrations.

ExpressCube: What in a nutshell is your mission at LOGISTORE?

Peter Leerintveld: LOGISTORE’s smart logistic concepts can help our clients to cope with growth by obtaining
more output with the same amount of effort. LOGISTORE’s smart logistic concepts can help them to achieve massive cost savings with less effort and the same amount of output. We are very focused on providing practical approaches that always yield a profit! Some of the sectors we have been involved with include: audio and video, automotive, computer supplies, electrical engineering, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, equipment and parts, household goods, medical equipment, furniture storage and shipments, multimedia, e-commerce and incentives, office supplies, sanitation, shoe wholesalers, textiles, value-added logistics, and foodstuffs.

ExpressCube: How did you become aware of ExpressCube?

Peter Leerintveld: I saw the ExpressCube at the Chicago Material Handling Fair in January 2007. Subsequent discussions with Gord Cooper, VP Marketing at ExpressCube, convinced us that they were a good match for us organizationally and that their product ExpressCube had strong potential in the European marketplace that we know so well. In the EU more parcels are sent via airfreight and CEP companies. ExpressCube is a simple, easy-to-use machine that can help those increasing numbers of parcel shippers. More broadly, we see the following markets as ripe for ExpressCube: airfreight parcel shipping, couriers, companies offering value-added logistics, and companies that have their own larger bigger mailrooms.

Overall, we know that ExpressCube will best serve internal pick-check-pack operations that send rectangular boxes. Our slogan will be “Check Right, Pay Right”. Because we are close to the market we know there is strong demand in the EU market for logistics products and services – demand for no-nonsense people – and labor-saving logistic concepts and equipment.

ExpressCube: Can you briefly describe ExpressCube technology?

Peter Leerintveld: ExpressCube countertop dimensioning systems deliver the answer for maximizing slotting, picking and packing, cubing, dimensioning, and weighing of packages. ExpressCube countertop cubing systems can help to eliminate shipping penalty charges by letting shippers use their couriers’ dimensional weight factor (dim factor) to accurately determine the shipping weight used to calculate their invoices. ExpressCube products are precision devices that are quiet, utilize flexible interface communications, and are highly adaptable to a wide variety of working environments. Their new patent-pending dimensional arrays are safe – there are no lasers used in any of our products.

The key to this technology is a distributed microprocessor configuration that uses a combination of passive sensors and mathematical algorithms to quickly dimension boxes without moving parts or expensive laser technology. In addition to being relatively inexpensive, this approach provides a very robust device with very little maintenance required.

ExpressCube: What is the influence of CEE regulations?

Peter Leerintveld: Imported products will have to fulfill regulations regarding warranty and safety.

ExpressCube: Which countries could have the most interest in ExpressCube and why?

Peter Leerintveld: Germany, the UK, France, Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey would have the most interest. These are trading countries and countries with a lot of postal activities.

ExpressCube: What models are you going to recommend to your customers?

Peter Leerintveld: There are two different models:

ExpressCube 150
The ExpressCube 150 is a low-cost dimensioning and weighing system solution for moderate volume shipping applications. Designed to fit on a 24" countertop, this unit will measure and weigh boxes with dimensions of 18" × 24" × 30" or a measuring grid of 7.5 ft³, and weigh up to 70 lbs. A low cost, reliable and user-friendly DM solution, ExpressCube is designed to be set up and operating out of the box in 5 minutes. ExpressCube provides an instant determination of gross and dimensional weight. With the press of one key, a shipper can determine dimensional weight based on different dimensional Factors used by different carriers and postal services. Errors are eliminated and savings are immediate.

Multiple communication ports on the rear of the ExpressCube provide data input and output for integration to the customer’s computer, WMS systems, bar code readers, and digital data displays. The ExpressCube 150 has no moving parts, providing low maintenance and increased reliability. ExpressCube is designed to be operating in less than 5 minutes from removal of its shipping box. Customers’ anxieties will also not be raised, as there are no lasers used in this device or noisy ultrasonic.

ExpressCube 250
The ExpressCube 250 is a countertop dimensioning and weighing unit with an expanded dimensional measuring capability over the ExpressCube 150. This unit will measure rectangular boxes with dimensions contained in 24" × 24" × 36" measuring grid (12 ft³) and weight up to 70 lbs. This larger capacity makes the ExpressCube 250 ideal for e-Commerce and order fulfillment applications.

Express Cube: Thanks for talking to us!

The ExpressCube Dimensioning System, a package cubing and reweighing solution for the Packaging Industry

Howard — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:55:00 -0700

As you might know, effective January 2007, UPS began charging for dimensional or “Dim” weight for ground shipments. This was a big change for package shippers, with potential increases of up to 75% for large packages (source: Freight International). Other couriers are expected to follow suit.   The USPS will also be making a similar move with the shift to Shape-Based Pricing on May 14, 2007. Our discussions with freight auditors have established that couriers are arbitrarily adjusting bills upwards. At the USPS, if the postage is not correct, the post office will either return the package or charge the receiver. Recent studies of a National Post Office found that 35% of its parcels had incorrect dimensioning and/or weights which resulted in lost revenue.

Some background. To determine the dimensional weight, it is important that the package shipper obtain the dimensioning factor (Dim Factor) that is going to be used by a particular carrier. This number is usually published on carrier websites. For example, the shipper would take a Dim Factor of 194 (a popular Dim Factor with large carriers) and use it to divide the volume calculation. Therefore, the Dim Weight equation is (L x H x W)/194. The shipper now has two weights, the actual scale weight and the calculated Dim Weight. The carriers will base their charges on the higher figure, and, for the lighter and bulkier items, it is usually Dim Weight.

It looks simple enough, but it isn’t. The variable is accuracy of measurement, particularly of a lighter and larger-sized pack¬age. When faced with different Dim Factors and application rules from the various carriers, selecting a cost-effective carrier and determining the actual charges can be a formidable task for most package shippers. Those parcel shippers who ignore the new reality of Dim Weight face an ever-increasing stream of supplemental charges from their carriers, usually sent to the shipper long after the package’s arrival. There is an associated customer service problem – the dilemma of passing on that additional charge to the customer or absorbing it. It’s safe to assume that Dim Weight considerations are the death knell for educated guesses and the old reliable tape measure. Costs and penalties are too prohibitive to rely on guesstimates. That is why accuracy is paramount in calculating Dim Weight. Shippers are looking to technology to eliminate human error, avoid customer relations issues and maintain, if not improve, profit margin.

Technology has rapidly responded with several scanning and Dim Weight systems on the market ranging from simple stationary devices to ceiling-mounted laser scanning devices. Shortly, wherever you find a scale in business, you are going to find a cubing machine. The attention that our industry is garnering with venerable companies such as Mettler-Toledo Cargoscan, Quantronix with Cubiscan and ourselves is proof of the shift. The systems that rely on lasers tend to be significantly more expensive, with some overhead automated cubic scanners costing $100,000 or more. Predictably, most of the laser-based systems require higher costs for set-ups and ongoing maintenance due to sophisticated moving laser parts. But there is a new highly effective, cost-effective solution for package shippers.

ExpressCube is a division of Global Sensor Systems Inc. a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the dimensioning and weighing of parcels, the ExpressCube division of Global was established. A team of innovative designers and engineers utilizing 30 years of experience and proven technology created the ExpressCube DIM weighing solution that is now considered the most advanced countertop system in the world.

ExpressCube Counter Top Dimensioning Systems delivers the answer for maximizing slotting, pick and pack, cubing, dimensioning and weighing of packages. ExpressCube countertop cubing systems can help eliminate shipping penalty charges by letting shippers use their courier’s dimensional weight factor ( dim factor ) to accurately determine the shipping weight used to calculate their invoices. The ExpressCube products are precision devices that are quiet, utilize flexible interface communications and are highly adaptable to a wide variety of working environments. Our new patent-pending dimensional arrays are safe – there are no lasers used in any of our products.

The key to this technology is a distributed microprocessor configuration that uses a combination of passive sensors and mathematical algorithms to quickly dimension boxes without moving parts or expensive laser technology. In addition to being relatively inexpensive, this approach provides a very robust device with very little maintenance required.

Three different models are available:

ExpressCube 150
The ExpressCube 150 is a low cost dimensioning and weighing system solution for moderate volume shipping applications. Designed to fit on a 24" countertop, this unit will measure and weigh boxes with dimensions of 18"x24"x30" or a measuring grid of 7.5ft3 , and weigh up to 70 lbs. A low cost, reliable and user-friendly Dm solution, ExpressCube is designed to be set up and operating out of the box in 5 minutes. ExpressCube provides an instant determination of gross and dimensional weight. With the press of one key, a shipper can determine dimensional weight based on different. Dimensional Factors used by different carriers and postal services. Errors are eliminated and savings are immediate.

Multiple communication ports on the rear of ExpressCube provide data input and outputs for integration to the customer’s computer, WMS systems, bar code readers and digital data displays. The ExpressCube 150 has no moving parts, providing low maintenance and increased reliability. ExpressCube is designed to be operating in less than 5 minutes from removal of its shipping box. Customer's anxieties will also not be raised, as there are no lasers used in this device or noisy ultrasonic.

ExpressCube 250
The ExpressCube 250 is a countertop dimensioning and weighing unit with an expanded dimensional measuring capability over the ExpressCube 150. This unit will measure rectangular boxes with dimensions contained in 24"x24"x36" measuring grid (12ft3) and weight up to 70 lbs. This larger capacity makes the ExpressCube 250 ideal for e-Commerce and order fulfillment applications.

ExpressCube EC- 2448-CL-W2
The ExpressCube EC-2448-CL-W2 is a fast conveyor dimensioning unit that can individually scan*, dimension and weigh packages at a typical rate in excess of 500 packages per hour.

Further details on these products, associated accessories, software and systems integration services are available on our website.

ExpressCube is interested in all opportunities worldwide and will respond promptly to requests for further information, pricing, quotes and distributor inquiries.

Media Release

Howard — Tue, 01 May 2007 07:54:00 -0700

ExpressCube 150 is a low cost dimensioning and weighing system solution for moderate volume shipping applications.

(PRWEB)May 2, 2007 -- The ExpressCube 150 is a low cost dimensioning and weighing system solution for moderate volume shipping applications. Designed to fit on a 24" countertop, ExpressCube 150 will measure and weigh boxes with dimensions of 18"x24"x30" and weigh up to 70 lbs. ExpressCube is a division of Global Sensor Systems Inc. a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the Dimensioning (DIM) and weighing of parcels, the ExpressCube division of Global was established. A team of innovative designers and engineers utilizing 30 years of experience and proven technology created the ExpressCube DIM weighing solution that is now considered the most advanced countertop system in the world.

"Recent studies of a National Post Office found that 35% of its parcels had incorrect dimensioning and/or weights which resulted in lost revenue. This is especially relevant given the shift to Shape-Based Pricing by the USPS stating May 14, 2007," said Gordon Cooper, CEO, ExpressCube. "If the postage is not correct, the post office will either return the package or charge the receiver. Couriers will arbitrarily adjust the bill upwards."

"We recently demonstrated the ExpressCube 150 at an open house," said Jim Spates, Partner, Innovative Mailing and Shipping Systems Inc., Long Island. "It generated a lot of excitement with potential customers."

With almost every order different, the variation in billing costs due to dimensional weight becomes very difficult to predict without time consuming measurements and weight calculations. The ExpressCube 150 provides an instant determination of gross and dimensional weight. With the press of one key, a shipper can determine dimensional weight based on different DIM factors used by different carriers. Errors are eliminated and savings are immediate.

Multiple communication ports on the rear of ExpressCube provide data input and outputs for integration to the customer's computer, WMS systems, bar code readers and digital data displays. The ExpressCube 150 has no moving parts, providing low maintenance and increased reliability. ExpressCube is designed to be operating in less than 5 minutes from removal of its shipping box. Customer's anxieties will also not be raised, as there are no lasers used in this device or noisy ultrasonic.

About Express Cube:

Global Sensor Systems Inc. is a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing, and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the Dimensioning (DIM) and weighing of parcels, the ExpressCube division was established to market the ExpressCube products. ExpressCube utilizes Global's 30 years of proven technology and innovative designs. ExpressCube is now the undisputable state-of-the- art, Dimension and weighing solution. Please visit at www.expresscube.com for more information.

Contact Information:

Company Contact: Gordon Cooper - CEO; 905-507-0007, www.expresscube.com.

Media Contact: Howard Oliver, What If What Next™ - Web2.0 PR, 416-638-8582.

Link: http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/4/emw522311.htm

Shape-Based Pricing will increase shipping costs for businesses

Howard — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 07:12:00 -0700

Beginning May 14 the USPS will be using a Shape-Based Pricing system for packages.

See: http://del.icio.us/HowardPR/shapebasedpricing for articles on the subject. Stay tuned for more coverage on this blog....

ExpressCube Gets Business in Shape for Shape-Based Pricing

Postal rate increase and product changes effective May 14, 2007

Howard — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:33:00 -0700

An important piece on Shape-base pricing was published recently. These changes were the big buzz at the Postal Show we attended recently in Washington. The cost impact to shippers will be huge.

The complete article can be found at: http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/business/bizcolumns/postal-rate-hike-70410.shtml

Shape-based pricing
The new prices also reflect differences in the costs of handling letters, large envelopes (flats), and packages. Instead of using an item’s weight as the primary factor to establish shipping costs, a size, thickness and weight combination will now become the standard. Essentially, mail items that are easier for the USPS to process will be rated lower than items that are not. Because of their shape differences, letters, flats and parcels will now all be priced differently because each is handled and processed differently. The proposed Shape-Based Pricing structure will significantly increase postage costs for various types of mailing applications. It also means there are going to be changes to how mail is processed.

Shape-Based Pricing is a form of dimensional weight. It promotes the use of easily sorted postal flats as well as high-density packages. On the other hand, it penalizes shippers of larger, lightweight packages.

The effects of Shape-Based Pricing will impact all mailers to one degree or another. Just how much will be determined by the type and volume of mail pieces sent. Small volume mailers will need to manually measure the size and thickness of their letters and flats to ensure proper postage is applied. Mid- to high-volume mailers will need to utilize some form of automation to help apply proper postage and keep the mail stream efficiently flowing. The bottom line is that all mailers will now need to be conscious of the size, thickness and weight of their mail pieces if they expect to save money and maintain productivity under the new structure.

Media Release

Howard — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 08:42:00 -0700

The National Postal Forum: We are going to be telling the “UGLY BETTY” story of the shipping world

Toronto, March 25, 2007 – Business leaders will be following the “UGLY BETTY” story of the shipping world. We will be discussing what industry watchers should know about the unloved, odd sized and bulky packages being shipped across North America. For starters they are more expensive, more difficult to ship and are causing big headaches for businesses in the Internet economy. We will be at the National Postal Forum March 25-28, 2007 - Washington, DC, Booth 484. The National Postal Forum is the premier educational event/experience and tradeshow for shipping, fulfillment and mail professionals. We will be providing for media representatives individual briefings behind the story on the huge costs being experienced by shippers across North America. The briefing will include an inside discussion about the serious implications of the industry shift to Dimensional (DIM) Weight calculations by major carriers. Freight auditors will be contributing their expertise to this dialogue. It is a developing story and the media are welcome to visit our booth or to contact us directly.

Background to this developing story should include:

- Looking at the DIM weight issue for organizations

- Calculating DIM weight and what it means

- Paying the price for oversized and bulky packages

- The implications of shifting to DIM weight calculations

- Avoiding DIM Back Charges

- Understanding Dimensioning for Parcel Handlers

- A low-cost solution for package mailers and fulfillment services

About Express Cube:

ExpressCube is a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the Dimensioning (DIM) and Weighing of parcels, ExpressCube has designed, developed and manufactured the undisputable state-of-the- art, ExpressCube System. Please visit our blog (http://expresscube.blogware.com) for more information and media kit.

Contact Information:

Company Contact: Gordon Cooper – CEO; gordon.cooper@expresscube.com, 905-507-0007, www.expresscube.com

Media Contact: Howard Oliver, What If What Next™ - Web2.0PR, 416-638-8582, holiver@whatifwhatnext.com

Media Advisory: visit us at the National Postal Forum

Howard — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:59:00 -0800

We will be at the National Postal Forum March 25-28, 2007 - Washington, DC, Booth 484

The National Postal Forum is the premier educational event/experience and tradeshow available to mail professionals today. Join us at the National Postal Forum to get a complete education in the "Business of Mail."

ExpressCube is a successful veteran in the sensor development, manufacturing and marketing business. Recognizing the worldwide opportunity in the Dimensioning (DIM) and Weighing of parcels, ExpressCube has designed, developed and manufactured the undisputable state of the art, ExpressCube System. Join us with this incredible opportunity.

For the Media: We will be presenting, for individual journalists, a special briefing on the huge costs being experienced by shippers across America from the shift to DIM weight calculations by major couriers. We have worked with freight auditors who know what is going on to gather this information for you.

In addition, we can help you cover the following story angles:

- Have you looked at the DIM weight issue for your organization?

- How to calculate DIM weight and what it means

- Odd sized, bumpy packages pay the price

- ExpressCube offers an innovative solution

- Shifts by major carriers to DIM weight calculation

- Avoid DIM Back Charges

- A Practical Solution to Dimensioning for Parcel Handlers

- Why DIM Weight?

- An opportunity for regional and national couriers

- A low cost solution for package mailers and fulfillment services

Please consult this blog for more information. Note the media kit listed on the side bar.

To arrange a meeting with Gordon Cooper, CEO of ExpressCube or for access to our story backgrounders please contact our media representative: Howard Oliver - 416-638-8482 or holiver@whatifwhatnext.com.

ExpressCube - a rugged Cube & Weigh system

Howard — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:05:00 -0800

ExpressCube^TM is a unique and rugged Cube & Weigh system, which features accurate measuring sensors plus an integrated scale.

ExpressCube - operator's guidelines

Howard — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 09:05:00 -0800

All the operator is required to do is place the parcel on the ExpressCube^TMtop, touching the back wall of the unit and sitting the item inside the outer edges of the system. They then scan the item SKU or waybill barcode, this command instructs the system to capture the actual weight off the scale, and the dimensions to memory. Dimensional weight [DIM Wt.] is instantly displayed at your preset value. Once the results are displayed on the LCD Control Unit, the system can store the data to your PC using *SizeIt software or the operator can prompt the system to print a shipping label.

Errors are recognized and indicated to the operator. This warning ensures the ExpressCube^TMSystemalways operates at full efficiency.

A very unique feature of the ExpressCube^TMCT-150 & CT-250systems is that it takes less than 5 minutes to set-up. The hinged back is lifted upright, 4 screws are inserted, tightened, the system is plugged in and after the power switch is activated, ExpressCube^TMis ready to perform.

A detailed User Guide is available upon request.

Express Cube - description, features and benefits

Howard — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:14:00 -0800

The ExpressCube^TMcomes in a number of practical sizes (L x W x H)

Model CT-150

Weight Capacity 70 lb

Cube Maximum 24 x 20 x 30

Model CT- 250

Weight Capacity 70 lb

Cube Maximum 24 x 24 x 36

Additional Items:

LCD controller unit

SizeIt software program

Alternatively, a user supplied computer running Windows XP and the

SizeIt software program can be used tocontrol the

ExpressCube^TMunit through a USB port.

ExpressCube^TMwill do the job for your company and we look forward to the opportunity to prove it.

Global Sensor Systems Inc., the parent company, is a 30-year veteran in developing sensing technology for the transport industry and has learned how to build reliable products for tough environments.

Features & Benefits:

No harmful laser lights

Use stand-alone or interfaced with LAN or PC

Most cost-effective Cube & Weigh Systems on the market.

Robust construction, requires no special ambient conditions

Set – Up in just 5 minutes

Training:

As you will observed, little training is necessary. A pdf formatted instruction booklet will get most people through the initial installation and training. To preview the instruction booklet, please contact me and request a copy of the ExpressCube^TM “Countertop User Guide Booklet” which can be downloaded in pdf format.

A video is also being prepared.

Warranty:

Each component of the system is warranted for one year from date of purchase.

Shipping:

ExpressCube^TMcan ship directly to each of your branch locations upon your standing order or you may choose to transport them from a central store via carrier, Collect.

Transportation Charges:

Transportation charges will be passed on at cost. ExpressCube^TMhave arranged with of express carriers from Buffalo to transport our system and supplies to our customer locations.

Quotation:

This offer is made subject to discussion and acceptance. Prices quoted are in US Dollars excluding applicable taxes and will remain firm for 30 days.    F.O.B. Mississauga, Ontario.

Terms of Payment:

We require 30% deposit payment with placement of an order. Balance on delivery.

Delivery:

The items quoted are available approximately 4 to 6 weeks from receipt of order with payment.

Express Cube Spec Sheet

Howard — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:19:00 -0800
Please click below for the ExpressCube Spec Sheet.

Covering a developing news story: Millions in back charges being incurred by shippers across US and beyond

Howard — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 07:57:00 -0800

We heard yesterday from a freight auditor that one of his customers is experiencing $1600-$2000 in excess charges from DIM Weight miscalculations weekly. It seems charges are especially high from odd shaped and reused larger boxes containing light weight products.

While this story is flying under the radar of the major media, we expect that it will emerge as an important story.

This blog will present a series of investigative pieces on how the DIM weight issue is rolling out across the US and beyond. Our intent is to make this blog a resource for the coverage of this issue.

ExpressCube

ExpressCube: Set-up and operating in less than 5 minutes

Howard — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:18:00 -0800

Special Applications:

Freight Auditors have been using ExpressCube in the field to perform spot DIM Weight audits. The easy set-up capability of the unit makes it ideal for this purpose.

ExpressCube technology (sensor arrays) can easily build into Kiosk's and drop off counters.

Time Was Animation

Howard — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:48:00 -0800

Our industry contacts are telling us that inaccurate DIM weight calculations are unnecessarily costing companies money - day-in-day-out.

Click on the TIME WAS file below to see how people are coping ....   or not......

Dimensional Weighing

Howard — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:34:00 -0800

Dimensional Weight

Howard — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:19:00 -0800

Very soon all courier and shipping companies will start charging by the "Dimensional Weight" of a parcel instead of by weight alone. If your parcels are going out the door not "dimensionally weighed", your courier will back-charge you for the difference.

ExpressCube has a solution before Dimensional Weighing becomes a problem. The ExpressCube 150 is a high-quality device designed and manufactured with proven technology which will enable you to measure the Dimensional Weight of a parcel in a matter of seconds, keeping your operation moving and preventing unexpected charges from your courier.

Most cost-effective dimensioning product on the market
USES NO LASER LIGHT
Use stand-alone or interfaced with LAN or PC
Robust construction, requires no special ambient conditions
Out of the box and ready to use in 5 minutes

For a free white paper "Understanding Dimensional Weight & DIM Factor" or more information on ExpressCube products, go to www.expresscube.com

or call 905-507-0007.

ExpressCube(tm) is a product of

Global Sensor Systems Inc.

400 Brunel Road

Mississauga, ON L4Z 2C2

Canada

Distributorships are available now !

Howard — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:15:00 -0800

Has the New UPS and soon FedEx dimensional weight change put your customers at a disadvantage ?
ExpressCube calculates the dimensional weight and dead weight of a parcel in a second and displays to your customer how they will be charged.
ExpressCube is looking to work with your company to provide a defense for your customers against courier back charges.

For further information please contact

Gordon Cooper
905 507-5227
gordon.cooper@expresscube.com
www.expresscube.ca

Have you looked at the DIM weight issue for your organization?

Howard — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:36:00 -0800

Have you looked at the DIM weight issue for your organization? Here is some background:

As you might know, effective January 2007, UPS will begin charging for dimensional or “dim” weight for ground shipments. This will be a big change for shippers, with potential increases of up to 75% for large packages (source: Freight International). Other couriers are expected to follow suit.

Note this reference from a recent article in DC Velocity:

The Weight of Measures

Accurate calculation of "dimensional weight" is carrying greater, well, weight in parcel shipping rates. That's leading to greater interest in tools that measure up to the demands of high-speed cubing and weighing.

Size matters?
….. the implications for shippers are huge. As the volume of packages subject to DIM weight rates increases, so will shippers' need to obtain precise information on the weights and dimensions of packages leaving their DCs with parcel and express carriers. If we're talking a package here or a package there, gathering the weight and cube information might not be a big deal. If you're talking thousands of boxes, though, it quickly becomes a complex—and costly—business challenge. All too often, warehouse and shipping workers make a rough stab at the package's dimensions or, more commonly, ignore the size altogether because they're in a hurry to get orders to the dock, and rely solely on weight taken from a scale.

…… Weighing and measuring used to be two of the simplest tasks in the DC. Over the past few years, they have become more and more high tech. Every sign suggests that the trend will continue as shippers and carriers keep trying to balance—and dimension—the fees and costs of moving packages through the supply chain.

(By George Weimer, Contributing Editor, DC Velocity, December 2006)

Our client ExpressCube, a firm whose founder has deep first-hand experience in the courier industry, will be using ProMat 2007 to launch a low-cost dimensioning and weighing system. A quick and easy way to take the price uncertainty out of dimensional-weight shipping, ExpressCube technology could be a rapid deploy solution for the DIM weight issues at your company

Specs: ExpressCube’s revolutionary design and technology provides a robust dimensioning device costing thousands less than comparable products on the market, ideally suited to applications like company mailrooms and factory or warehouse shipping operations. ExpressCube countertop systems can accommodate parcels up to 24”x24”x36” weighing up to 70 lbs. ExpressCube units do not emit any laser light, require no special lighting conditions, and can be used stand-alone or interfaced with a LAN or local PC.

Are you or your colleagues planning to attend ProMat2007? Would you like to set up an appointment to visit our booth (4833)? Alternatively, would you take a call with Gordon Cooper (905-507-0007)?

We are also actively looking for distributors. Could this also be an opportunity?

Do contact us at your convenience.

Cheers!

Howard Oliver for ExpressCube

What If What Next – PR

416-638-8582

ExpressCube(TM) to Unveil Low-Cost Dimensioning and Weighing System at Promat 2007

Howard — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 11:40:00 -0800

Press Release
Release date: December 27, 2006

Mississauga, Ontario (December 2006) -Attendees of Promat 2007 this January in Chicago will get the first public look at the ExpressCube countertop dimensioning and weighing system which accurately measures the length, width, height and weight of cuboidal (rectangle or square) objects in one operation. The device immediately provides the "dimensional weight" of the package which is quickly becoming the accepted standard calculation for shipping charges required by freight and courier companies.

ExpressCube's revolutionary design and technology provides a robust dimensioning device costing thousands less than comparable products on the market, ideally suited to applications like company mailrooms and factory or warehouse shipping operations. ExpressCube countertop systems can accommodate parcels up to 24"x24"x36" weighing up to 70 lbs.

The ExpressCube units do not emit any laser light, require no special lighting conditions, can be used stand-alone or interfaced with a LAN or local PC. Attendees can get a hands-on demonstration of the ExpressCube in Booth 4833. More information is also available by visiting the company's web site at www.expresscube.com or by calling 905-507-0007.

Comment on Potential Postal Rates Changes Could Affect eBay Sellers

Howard — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 10:03:00 -0800

Ty Tribble comments on the UPS change

http://ebay.business-opportunities.biz/2006/12/18/potential-postal-rates-changes-could-affect-ebay-sellers/

Media coverage on the International Facility Management Association web site

Howard — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:19:00 -0800

More Than Ever, Size Matters

The United States Postal system, and all others in the business of delivering parcels, are in for a “shipping shock” come January, 2007. That’s when UPS changes over to charging for “Dimensional Weight,” i.e. charges based on the size of a parcel as opposed to simply its scale weight.

What this means to shippers, are increases of up to 75 percent for large packages. What it means to postal services, couriers and other potentially lost revenue if they can’t follow suit. While this can be argued as an over-simplistic view, the facts are that major shippers—FedEx, DHL, or the USPS have been charging dimension / weight combinations for years. Even the local postal counters keep a tape measure handy for large packages. It’s entirely possible that a package’s dimensional cost will exceed its actual weight charges (for example, a box of feather pillows). Industry analysts agree that the recent UPS announcement will have the others scrambling for their share of the “Size Matters” action.

Industry experts see a challenge for small couriers and shipping companies unable to cost-justify the complex laser-based systems used for dimensional measurement. Such carriers will be losing major revenue opportunity.

Richard Cooper is President of a mid-size Canadian courier business, Cardinal Couriers.

“Our company was forced into dimensioning charges by the big players.” says Cooper. “The problem was that Cardinal couldn’t possibly measure each package manually, so we sought out the same systems used by organizations like UPS and FedEx. These were laser measuring devices, hardly affordable for our size of operation.”

The Cardinal solution was to contract with Global Sensor Systems (GSS), a Canadian company specializing in electronic sensing technology. The system developed combines horizontal and vertical sensor bars containing passive dimensioning sensors. The bars are mounted on a custom weigh scale. When a package is placed on the scale, its dimensions are instantly determined and the shipping weight is calculated by a computer within the measuring device.

“Our first system”, says Cooper, “Was installed right in our conveyor line. The operator simply positioned the parcel on the scale up against the sensor bars. The weight and dimension data are captured by the system automatically for logistical and billing transactions.

“The ExpressCube is completely self-contained,” Cooper continues, “with all the software needed to interface with our accounting system. We are able to dimension and weigh up to 500 packages per hour per system. It accepts boxes from 15cm to 122 cm length, 15cm to 91cm high, and 15 cm to 61.5cm depth. Data collection speed is about 1.3 seconds per package.”

“Apart from being an extremely cost-effective solution,” says Cooper; “we liked the concept of measurement without using laser beams. From a safety perspective on the shop floor, and from the maintenance angle as well—there’s no need for alignment checks on the measuring beams and the equipment is suited to being knocked about on a conveyor line.”

Along with the UPS “shipping shock” there will be a rush for front-end dimensioning / weight systems capable of protecting shipping customers from the inconvenience and paperwork associated with “supplemental billing”, i.e. major carriers are now billing their shipping clients additional charges—frequently two weeks after shipment. These charges are based on dimensional data captured by the dimensional equipment used by the carriers.

One thing is certain, world postal authorities will not be sending customers a secondary postage charge two weeks following a parcel delivery, and continued use of tape measures at postal counters will soon be a thing of the past.

For more information visit www.expresscube.com.

White Paper on Understanding Dimensional Weight and DIM Factor

Howard — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 11:07:00 -0800

Understanding Dimensional Weight & DIM FACTOR

                 The Importance of Volume and Weight of Cargo for Transportation

All ...

ExpressCube Applications

Howard — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:32:00 -0800
For our range of applications click here.

White Paper: Understanding Dimensional Weight & DIM Factor

Howard — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 07:36:00 -0800
http://www.expresscube.com/pages/Understanding%20Dimensional%20Weight.pdf

Be Prepared for the UPS Change to Dimensional Weight Pricing - Effective January 1, 2007

Howard — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 06:08:00 -0800

About US

Howard — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:45:00 -0800

ExpressCube is a manufacturer of state-of-the-art dimension and weighing equipment for use by the courier, freight, postal parcel services, their customers; and, companies employing logistics to manage their warehouse, packaging, and shipping needs.

Express Cube systems use of advanced technology engineering resulted in a superior product that is more economical than comparable systems on the market. The Express Cube products are precision devices that are quiet, utilize flexible interface communications and are highly adaptable to a wide variety of working environments. Our new patent-pending dimensional arrays are safe – there are no lasers used in any of our products.

Express Cube systems are perfect for regional and national couriers that are currently losing recaptured revenue opportunities because dimensioning and reweighing equipment has been prohibitively expensive. Express Cube has economical systems that can interface into your conveyor system with the ability to cube and scan over 500 boxes a minute. These systems typically generate enough recaptured revenue from dimensional weight ( volume weight ) to pay for themselves in just a few months of operation.

Express Cube countertop cubing systems can help eliminate shipping penalty charges by letting shippers use their courier’s dimensional weight factor ( dim factor ) to accurately determine the shipping weight used to calculate their invoices.   Using Express Cube’s own CubeIt program or our API interface for third party shipping programs; shippers now have the opportunity of saving money by comparing courier/ shipping rates for a given dimension, weight and destination.