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How does the FPU System reduce the logistical footprint, including airframes?
What are the FPU System's certifications and approvals?
How does the FPU System enhance mobility?
How does the FPU System provide full access to material even while on the move?
What does improved durability of the FPU System do for my life cycle cost savings?
How does the FPU System offer the maximum flexible configuration of containers, modules and drawers?
What are the time and cost savings of using the FPU System?
Does the FPU System provide reliable performance in the field?
What source provides the Field Pack-Up (FPU) Mobility System?
Are FPU systems fully intermodal?
Can we get the FPU System in any configuration we want?
Can I swap modules between containers?
Can I transport the modules independent of the FPU Container system?
How durable is your container?
Can I use my forklifts?
Are you sure you can load your Hazmat in with the other cargo and transport it?
What kind of cost savings can I expect if I use these systems?
How secure are these containers and modules?
Does your company provide any services?
What kind of connectors do I need to combine FPUs and configure for a load out and movement?
How can I order the FPU System?
How does the FPU System reduce the logistical footprint, including airframes?
- The FPU Mobility System reduces logistics footprint through maximum effective storage of all supplies within our modular and bulk containers to “free up” additional warehouse/shop storage space and reduce the number of organic transportation assets, including airframes, required. The FPU configures interchangeable modules, storage aids and container as one transportable unit. The FPU maximizes cubic storage space by eliminating unnecessary dunnage and blocking/bracing.
- Over the past 10 years, the modular FPU System has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to reduce the linear transportation footprint of units responsible for containerized movement of Class II, III (P), IV, VII , VIII and IX by an average of 56%. The very first test of the FPU’s footprint reduction potential was administered by the 512 th Maintenance Company, 21st Theater Support Command, Germany during the winter of 1999-2000 under the Army Materiel Command’s FAST Project #1000. Soldiers of the 512th were able to transfer and store the Class IX Repair Parts from cabinets stored in 4½ of their M-129 Milvans into a single FPU-20-1 container (filling up 9 of the 10 modules inside the single FPU container) with no loss of Class IX material.
- Ever since this first test of the FPU System’s ability to reduce footprint, it has continued to deliver the same kind of logistics footprint reduction (40-60%) for many different types of units throughout the U.S. Armed Forces, including heavy, mechanized, light combat, combat support and combat service support. For illustrated examples, please view the See It in Action page.
- If you can reduce your container footprint, you can reduce your strategic airframes, sealift, road and rail requirements, too. Check out See It in Action for Strategic Asset Reduction and Cost Savings example.
What are the FPU System's certifications and approvals?
BOH offers seven different ISO-certified container systems including:
FPU-20 Series Container (FPU-20-1, FPU-20-2 and FPU-20-3), 8’W x 8’H x 20’L
- Approved by the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
- ISO-certified 1C in accordance with ISO 668 and ISO 1496-1
- Certified by International Union of Railways (British Railways)
- Approved by U.S. Air Force for transport on C-130, C-5 and C-17 airlift
The FPU-20-2 was CSC Safety Approved and ISO-certified by American Bureau of Shipping on March 6, 2001.
The FPU-20-3 was CSC Safety Approved and ISO-certified by American Bureau of Shipping on September 10, 2007. (Bail bar equiped)
FPU-8 and FPU-12 Series Containers (20ft combined), 8’W x 7.6’H x 20’L
- Approved by the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
- ISO-certified 1CX in accordance with ISO 668 and ISO 1496-1
- Certified by International Union of Railways (British Railways)
- Approved by U.S. Air Force for transport on C-130, C-5 and C-17 airlift
The FPU-8-2 and Boh Cargo-12-1 was CSC Safety Approved and ISO-certified by American Bureau of Shipping on July 22, 2005.
The FPU-8-2-C and Boh Cargo-12-1-C was CSC Safety Approved and ISO-certified by American Bureau of Shipping on August 22, 2005.
The FPU-8-4 and Boh Cargo-3 was CSC Safety Approved and ISO-certified by American Bureau of Shipping on April 21, 2008. (Bail bar equiped)
FPU Flammable/Corrosive (HAZMAT) Module
- Certified for air transport aboard C-130, C-5, and C-117 aircraft INSIDE of FPU-8 Series Container (October 11, 2001)
- Certified for air transport aboard C-130, C-5, and C-117 aircraft OUTSIDE of FPU-8 Series Container (August 6, 2002)
Authorized Stockage List Mobility System (ASLMS), 8’W x 8’H x 20’L
- Approved by the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
- ISO-certified 1CX in accordance with ISO 668 and ISO 1496-1
- Certified by International Union of Railways (British Railways)
- Approved by U.S. Air Force for transport on C-130, C-5 and C-17 airlift
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How does the FPU System enhance mobility?
- Whether in garrison or in the field, the FPU System is a user-friendly, durable mobile distribution center that enables combat/expeditionary, combat support, and combat service support units to operate in the field or theater as they would in garrison: Close the doors, Move, Open the doors, & Issue. The Warfighter can take the FPU System straight from storage/transportation and immediately into the theater of operations with limited or no staging.
- Modules can be moved in and out of the containers and placed in configurations that allow the user to modify and maintain a mobile warehouse that is packed and ready to go at all times.
- The FPU is 100% strategically and tactically mobile, being USAF-approved for air transport on C-130, C-5 and C-17 aircraft. All series of FPU Systems are designed to be transported by standard MHE, PLS, HEMTT-LHS, M-871 and dolly set / mobilizer systems. BOH has even designed our own FPU Transport System (trailer) to enhance mobility of any 20-ft container or FPU containerized mission system in theater.
- One of the greatest challenges to any deploying force is time. Soldiers must ensure they have the required equipment and supplies to complete the unit’s mission. The FPU System allows the soldiers rapid access to maintenance tools and supplies during the duty day while allowing maintenance and supply units to stay uploaded and prepared for deployment operations.
Load planning experts must have accurate unit input to the load plan’s required equipment and material in order to accurately request the appropriate strategic lift assets. The FPU’s modularity and ease of access simplifies the unit’s load planning since the unit is already utilizing them day to day (in already-uploaded FPU modules) to complete support missions. Additionally, the modular FPU System allows for rapid inspection by qualified USAF loadmasters, HazMat inspectors, customs inspectors and the US Coast Guard, thus decreasing the time required for verifying loads for strategic lift.
Leadership at all levels must inspect load plans, containers and deployable vehicles for completion and success of unit mission while safeguarding soldier lives. The FPU System eases the burden of unit leadership to take inventory for critical items required for deployment and provide Commanders at all levels have approximately 95% access to all items stored within the FPU Systems without having to unload a single piece of equipment, repair part or special tool.
How does the FPU System provide full access to material even while on the move?
- Side-load doors and fully-accessible, well-organized drawers, slide-out pallets and bulk compartments enable the user to get what they need in the container in a hurry... in garrison, in theater or in transit. No more re-ordering what you can’t find in your short timeline!
- The FPU System will ease the burden of unit leadership to take inventory for critical items required for deployment and provide Commanders at all levels approximately 95% access to all items stored within the FPU Systems without having to unload a single piece of equipment, repair part or special tool.
What does improved durability of the FPU System do for my life cycle cost savings?
- Improved durability and life cycle cost savings are based on quality engineering, all-steel construction and third-party performance certification. Our FPU containers have been repeatedly rammed with forklifts during normal operations and pushed across 400 yards of rough terrain with a D-7 bulldozer with no adverse effect on structural integrity or system performance.
- Over the past 10 years, over 4,700 FPU Systems have been deployed worldwide. No container or module has come out of service due to damage or need for repair parts.
- The FPU requires low maintenance and is repairable at lowest organizational level with no impact on training or MOS using organic hand tools (mallet, sledge hammer, crow bar or welding torch).
How does the FPU System offer the maximum flexible configuration of containers, modules and drawers?
- BOH’s patented FPU System enables the user to configure over 30 storage, shipping, and office modules to fit their mobility needs. All FPU modules all are interchangeable between FPU-8 and FPU-20 series containers.
- Containers can be easiily configured to include Weapons Modules, Flammable/Corrosives Module, Parts/Bulk (Short/Helo) Module, 9 man-portable Stackable Modules, and over 20 standard storage/shipping modules for small, medium and large parts. Glide-Outs Racks for bulk storage can also be used in the place of or along side the FPU Modules.
- All of the FPU storage/shipping module's drawers are built with adjustable drawer slides for maximum flexibility of loads.
What are the time and cost savings of using the FPU System?
- The FPU's 56% average reduction in container footprint means more efficient troop time in logistics operations. The FPU's modularity allows for significantly less containers, time packing, unpacking and re-packing of those containers with less handling of material. This equates to reduced strain on strategic lift and prive mover/trailers requirements. Reduces fuel, tires, driver crews, maintenance for prime movers/trailers. Smaller footprint reduces soldier vulnerability during convoy operations.
- No blocking and bracing requirements means reduced lost hours due to packaging and handling of material.
- One of the greatest challenges to any deploying force is time. Soldiers must ensure they have the required equipment and supplies to complete the unit’s mission. The FPU System allows the soldiers rapid access to maintenance tools and supplies during the duty day while allowing maintenance and supply units to stay uploaded and prepared for deployment operations.
Load planning experts must have accurate unit input to the load plan’s required equipment and material in order to accurately request the appropriate strategic lift assets. The FPU’s modularity and ease of access simplifies the unit’s load planning since the unit is already utilizing them day to day (in already-uploaded FPU modules) to complete support missions. Additionally, the modular FPU System allows for rapid inspection by qualified USAF loadmasters, HazMat inspectors, customs inspectors and the US Coast Guard, thus decreasing the time required for verifying loads for strategic lift.
Leadership at all levels must inspect load plans, containers and deployable vehicles for completion and success of unit mission while safeguarding soldier lives. The FPU System eases the burden of unit leadership to take inventory for critical items required for deployment and provide Commanders at all levels have approximately 95% access to all items stored within the FPU Systems without having to unload a single piece of equipment, repair part or special tool.
Does the FPU System provide reliable performance in the field?
- The FPU requires low maintenance and is repairable at lowest organizational level with no impact on training or MOS using organic hand tools (mallet, sledge hammer, crow bar or welding torch).
Boh Environmental, LLC (Corporate HQ) | Boh Environmental, LLC (FPU Sales/Customer Service) |
Are FPU® Systems fully intermodal?
The FPU® System is transportable by conventional sea, air (all USAF Air Mobility Command aircraft) and ground systems, including the Rough Terrain Container Handling (RTCH) system, the Pallet Loading System (PLS), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck – Load Handling System (HEMTT-LHS) and existing M871 trailers with tractor. Several of the systems are ABS – tested and CSC – certified. When ordering, discuss your typical transportation needs with BOH to help us determine the optimum system for your mission.
Can we get the FPU System in any configuration we want?
BOH’s patented FPU System enables the user to configure over 30 storage, shipping, and office modules to fit their mobility needs. All FPU modules and Glide-Out racks all are interchangeable between FPU-8 and FPU-20 series containers.
Containers can be easiily configured to include Weapons Modules, Flammable/Corrosives Module, Parts/Bulk (Short/Helo) Module, 9 man-portable Stackable Modules, and over 20 standard storage/shipping Modules for small, medium and large parts. Glide-Outs Racks for bulk storage can also be used in the place of or along side the FPU Modules.
FPU® modules and systems can accommodate the following:
- HAZMAT and HAZMAT equipment
- Command & Control, Workshops, Office Modules, Training Rooms and Conference Rooms
- Supply and Maintenance functions, CL I-IX, Tools, and Sets / Kits / Outfits
- Mass Decon Stations and Mass Casualty
- Showers, Latrines, Medical, Housing, Dining and Laundry
- Small Arms Weapons and Class C Ammo
Can I swap modules between containers?
All modules are specifically designed to be fully interchangeable between the FPU-8 and FPU-20 series container systems. All FPU module drawers, drawer dividers, and shelves are also adjustable and can be interchanged/replaced within BOH’s FPU System.
Can I transport the modules independent of the FPU® System?
The FPU System provides primary warehousing and strategic transport capability. Once in garrison or on the battlefield, the modules can be removed from the parent FPU and using the optional Module Transfer Plate (MTP) and Module Slip Cover (MSC). In this way, the modules can be uploaded and locked down for transport on FMTV/LMTV or flatbed type vehicles independently.
Stackable Modules actually require no MHE and have man-portable drawers with break apart frames. These highly mobile modules can travel inside and outside of the FPU container systems and are VOD, COD, Helo or AMC capable. The Stackable Modules are also interoperable with all modes of ground transportation.
How durable is your container?
The reinforced tubular steel construction makes the FPU System one of the most durable containers on the market. These containers should last through the Army’s transition force and into the objective force. The system is designed for maximum repair and servicing at the lowest level of maintenance - typically unit level.
Can I use my forklifts?
All FPU modules, as well as the containers, are designed for use with a standard MHE. You can use any commercial 2K for modules and any large 10K or above for containers. For the Army, these containers and modules have been designed for the Atlas 10K with dual fork set.
Are you sure you can load your Hazmat in with the other cargo and transport it?
The FPU Flammable/Corrosive Module is built to store and tranport HAZMAT. It is an independent container that is fully compliant, self-contained, and is approved by Air Mobility Command for shipment aboard AMC aircraft. AMC has approved the Flammable/Corrosive Module for flight inside or outside of the FPU-8 and FPU-20 series containers.
What kind of cost savings can I expect if I use these systems?
1) The FPU System reduces container footprint by and average of 56%. Therefore, the US Armed Forces' use of the FPU System to reduce container deployment requirements and associated costs for:
- Prime Movers & Trailers
- Driver Crews
- Fuel (Prime Movers)
- Portside Loading / Unloading Operations
- Maintenance Required on Prime Movers & Trailers
- Tires (Prime Movers & Trailers)
- Rail Positions on deployment
- Ship Positions on deployment
- Strategic Airframes (pallet positions) on deployment
2) Reduces container repair and replacement cost. The all-steel construction is one of the most durable containers on the market.
3) Reduces the need for leased containers and the need to pack and unpack these containers on delivery and return. The FPU's modules can be moved directly into garrisons/warehouses and used within minutes upon return.
4) Reduces the unnecessary / redundant purchase of containerized material by making material more accessible to the user. Users won't need to reorder what they can not find.
5) Reduces damage to containerized material, like generators, starters, major assemblies, etc., that occurs often in standard ISO and non-ISO containers where stored material is not braced properly or secured like it is in the FPU System.
6) The bail bar equipped FPU-20-3 and FPU-8-4/Boh Cargo-12-3 eliminates the need for flatracks, which also reduces the payload weight.
A good example would be a unit that normally deploys via air with 51 containers on 463L Pallets. The FPU could reduce this unit to 20 containers or 463L pallet positions. At $22,700 per pallet position on an AMC aircraft (typical move through east coast to Germany), this unit could avoid approximately $700,000 for a single deployment one way.
A line haul commercial carrier from Fort Hood to NTC costs approximately $2,700 per truck one way. A rail car in the continental U.S. costs $3,600/car one way not including any Rail Inspection Service costs. Multiply the number of trucks/rail cars reduced by the cost of a round trip to estimate your specific cost avoidance.
Another avoidance is in a unit that spends approximately $2,000 in packaging material to over pack material for each move. This cost would be avoided as well by acquisition of the FPU.
Another example is a unit that spends in the excess of 350 man-hours in their section to pack out and prepare for shipment. It takes the unit 2-3 days to prepare to move and they must be augmented. The FPU System would virtually eliminate this requirement. So when estimating your cost savings versus acquisition cost, you might consider all of the assumptions discussed above.
These cost estimates were obtained from the 1st Cavalry Division Transportation Office.
How secure are these containers and modules?
Based on input from lessons learned, the hinges and door edges on the FPU-8 and FPU-20 series containers are hidden making them inaccessible from the outside. Individual modules can also be internally locked via the 3G locking bar. The Weapons Module and the Flammable/Corrosives Module (HAZMAT) have individually locking doors. The all-steel structure makes penetration through the outer skin very difficult.
Does your company provide any services?
BOH provides support 24/7 - before, during and after acquisition at no cost or obligation to the customer:
- Requirements support
- Order / delivery status
- Equipment training and stand up into FPU Systems
BOH will assist interested customer organizations in determining their specific FPU configuration requirements at no cost or obligation to the customer. On-site assistance teams can be requested for detailed analyses of the organization’s business practices, operational needs, storage, deployment, and restart needs. A Product Integration Team (PIT) may be available upon request to assist in training and transition from your old practices into the new FPU Systems again at no cost or obligation.
BOH encourages soldier feedback to ensure we provide what is needed.
What kind of connectors do I need to combine FPUs and configure for a load out and movement?
There are two type of connectors used in the FPU combined systems. One is the Universal Bridge Clamp and the other is the Horizontal Connector. The Universal Bridge Clamp (part # 15150118) is used with the two FPU-8-2 and Boh Cargo 6 combination in order to maintain a 20-ft envelope and allow for use of the ISO pins on trailers and M-1077 Flatracks and eliminate the need for tie down chains. The Horizontal Connectors are used with the FPU 8 and Boh Cargo 12 combination to also maintain the 20-ft envelope. These connectors provide longitudinal and latitudinal restraint for movement only. REMEMBER, do not try to lift combinations while connected together. These specific combination systems were designed for individual loading using unit level MHE or Flatracks. The fully intermodal ASLMS System (currently being developed by BOH for PM- FSS, SBCCOM-SSC) consists of a combination FPU-8-3 and Boh Cargo-12-2 and can be lifted using the appropriate MHE while connected. The ASLMS system will be CSC – certified for combined lift from below and above. It has been available through SBCCOM since 2004.
How can I order the FPU System?
There are several ways to order your system. We accept purchases via VISA and Master Card. You can contract through GSA (Contract No. GS-07F-0516N) or Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (Contract No. SPM8ED-08-D-0251). The FPU System and allied components have either a part number or NSN recognized in either government system. Call BOH or send an email to discuss the various options that fit your capabilities.