Pathfinder

The Mi-Jack Pathfinder is the future of intermodal terminal operations. It’s an incredibly versatile container-turning system with varying applications for intermodal, distribution, and data centers, as well as ports, rail yards, warehouses, and more.

How it works

Designed to work seamlessly with overhead cranes, the Pathfinder is a two-tiered (or higher) system. It eliminates the need for a ground machine to decouple containers from trucks and can effectively handle two containers at once. The Pathfinder allows drivers to unload containers without any assistance or even leave the cab. Using an automatic, color-coded system, they simply back into an assigned ‘Pathfinder Lane’ until the container is lifted and the driver can move on. 

Meanwhile, the Pathfinder system automatically moves the container to the top tier, while the ground Pathfinder station is cleared and available for the next truck. On the top tier, the overhead crane easily picks up waiting containers, allowing the whole system to run continuously and concurrently. 

mi-jack pathfinder system on site

See the Mi-Jack Pathfinder in action.

Capacity

Pathfinder eliminates the live lift. There’s no downtime waiting for limited container handlers or overhead cranes to become available. Containers are decoupled on demand, and the system holds the container in place until its ready to be picked.

a render of mi-jack's pathfinder system being used with overhead gantry crane
a render of mi-jack's pathfinder system being used with overhead gantry crane

Safety

The Pathfinder system keeps humans safe and away from overhead equipment. Not only do drivers never have to leave their cabs, but overhead cranes never even touch the trucks. This also eliminates the need for driver safety kiosks or laser curtains.

Land Utilization

Thanks to the Pathfinder, you can reduce or eliminate the need for chassis pools, ground container handlers, hostler trucks, or other ground crew. Plus, the rapid turnover of driver lanes results in less square footage for mitigating traffic and better overall land allocation.

mi-jack pathfinder loaded with containers at terminal

Solve terminal operation issues with the Pathfinder system.

Eliminate live loads by installing a one-high Pathfinder outside the dock door. Drivers back in and the Pathfinder holds containers at the appropriate height, freeing up drivers for another pick or assignment.

Port Operations

Landside 
Pathfinder fully automates the transfer process so overhead cranes never interact with drivers.

Waterside 
Pathfinder ensures that RTG or ASC cranes in the stacking area can be latent 100% of the time.

a render of a truck loading container in pathfinder
a render of a truck using pathfinder to unload containers

Pathfinder Advantages for General Operations

  • Improves container turn time and increases efficiency loading/unloading
  • Eliminates live lifts/unloads 
  • Automates operations and reduces terminal congestion
  • Eliminates material handling equipment availability crunches 

Pathfinder Advantages for Crane Operations

  • Streamlines crane operations, providing exact ‘home’ positions for cranes to pick
  • Improves driver safety, as overhead cranes don’t need to interact with trucks 
  • Helps modernize terminal operations 
a render of mi-jack's pathfinder system being used with overhead gantry crane

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