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Enhancing Durability, Safety, and Efficiency in Logistics
The global logistics industry is under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable, durable, and cost-effective solutions to cope with rising demand and environmental concerns. This case study highlights an innovative project in India, where CJ DARCL, one of the leading logistics providers, partnered with Jindal Stainless Limited and Kamal Coaches, Jaipur, to design and manufacture stainless steel (SS) containers using high-strength JT stainless steel tubes and sheets. These containers are intended for the movement of various goods, including plastics, e-commerce cargo, packaged goods, etc, offering a paradigm shift from traditional carbon steel containers. The use of stainless steel not only enhanced performance but also addressed key sustainability and cost-efficiency challenges.
Project Overview
CJ DARCL, a prominent leader in India's logistics sector, like most logistic companies, has traditionally relied on carbon steel containers for its operations. However, following extensive discussions with Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), a leading stainless steel manufacturer, CJ DARCL made the strategic decision to transition to high-strength stainless steel (designated as JT or N7 per BIS 6911 specifications). The goal was to create containers that are lighter, stronger, and more durable, offering greater longevity and reduced maintenance costs. In June 2024, CJ DARCL placed an order for the development of 50 stainless steel containers, with each container requiring approximately 2.5 metric tons of JT stainless steel. These containers are being produced by Kamal Coaches, Jaipur, one of CJ DARCL’s approved vendors. This project is transformative not only for its material innovation but also for the scale of its potential impact, poised to revolutionize container design within the logistics industry.
Project Details
| Order Size: | 50 stainless steel containers |
| Fabricator: | Kamal Coaches, Jaipur |
| Material Used: | High-strength JT stainless steel (N7 as per BIS 6991) |
| Material Breakdown per Container: | JT Sheets: 2.0 MT , JT Tubes: 0.50 MT |
| Applications: | Movement of goods such plastics, e-commerce cargo, packaged goods, etc. |
Benefits of JT Stainless Steel
The adoption of JT stainless steel over traditional carbon steel presented numerous advantages for the design and functionality of the containers. Some of the key benefits are:
- Weight Reduction: By using JT stainless steel, the weight of each container was reduced by approximately 500 kilograms. This reduction in weight improves fuel efficiency, reduces logistical costs, and increases the overall payload capacity per container.
- Extended Durability: JT stainless steel provides prolonged life due to its superior corrosion resistance compared to carbon steel. This significantly reduces maintenance and repair costs, offering near-zero repair needs over the container's life cycle.
- Superior Safety: JT stainless steel exhibits excellent impact resistance, nearly 2.5 times that of carbon steel, making it a safer alternative for transporting goods. It also has high fire resistance, able to withstand temperatures up to 900-1000°C, compared to carbon steel's limit of 400°C and aluminium’s limit of 120°C. This feature enhances the overall safety of the logistics chain.
- Sustainability: The use of stainless steel is a sustainable choice due to its lower carbon footprint compared to other materials. Stainless steel is fully recyclable, and its long life cycle reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to environmental conservation.
- Cost Efficiency: JT stainless steel offers substantial life cycle cost savings compared to carbon steel or other materials. The combination of durability, lower maintenance costs, and increased longevity results in a more cost-effective solution for logistics providers over time.
Technical Collaboration and Support
TJSL provided comprehensive technical assistance to CJ DARCL and Kamal Coaches throughout the project. The partnership included:
- Designing the Containers: Conversion of all major structural components (sidewalls, end walls, roof, and underframes) from carbon steel to JT stainless steel.
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Welding Process Specifications (WPS): JSL worked closely with Kamal Coaches to develop appropriate processes for handling and fabrication of stainless steel.
- Training and Demonstration: A 3-day hands-on training session was conducted for Kamal Coaches’ shop floor employees to ensure proper handling and welding of JT stainless steel. The training included a demonstration on the first 2-3 containers to ensure successful implementation.
