Swiss Post International invests in dual-view x-ray technology
Swiss Post International has invested in new x-ray screening technology in the UK to “drastically” speed up the time it takes air freight to be cleared as safe for flying. The cross-border mail and logistics division of the Swiss national postal service said today it has been among the first in the UK to use the PX 10.10-MV machine manufactured by L3 Security and Detection Systems, part of US firm L-3 Communications.
Unlike conventional xray machines, the PX 10.10-MV uses two power x-ray generators to provide a multiple view of items being screened, offering a greater penetration, SPI said.
The dual view means small or medium-sized freight items do not need to be repeatedly checked, avoiding delays in dispatching freight.
SPI said the technology also means cargo can be screened that would be too dense for conventional x-ray screening, including metal objects.
“Confident”
Paul Taylor, the SPI UK chief executive, said that while postal operators are only legally obliged to use single-view x-ray machines, investing in the new technology ultimately meant better quality of service for customers.
“We understand that our customers want their goods – regardless of size or shape – to arrive at their destination quickly and seamlessly,” said Taylor.
“With conventional x-ray checks, you cannot always guarantee a speedy process for every piece of cargo handled. With the latest ‘smart’ technology, our customers can be confident that any dense and oddly-shaped freight will be handled quickly and that their items will not get snagged during additional checks.”
SPI said the PX 10.10-MV machine complies with existing UK and EU laws, including SCDAO1/2010, and also meets the requirements of new legislation expected out this Spring in the form of the UK Direction on the screening of cargo.
Massachusetts-based L-3 Security & Detection Systems introduced its new PX 10.10-MV machine back in November, stating that the technology was aimed at customers looking to comply with existing screening regulations and forthcoming tighter regulations as security in the global supply chain is stepped up.
The company states that it now has more than 50,000 screening systems deployed around the world.
