Pallet volumes have been growing steadily across Scotland for over two years, supported both by Palletline’s commitment to quality and reliability and by a targeted drive to grow the network’s membership north of the border.

Over the same period, no fewer than five new Member Companies have joined the Palletline network, including Aberdeen-based ARR Craib Transport Ltd and R T McEwan Ltd in Arbroath. Many of the new Scottish Member Companies have clearly demonstrated real commitment to the Palletline concept, more than doubling their volumes in less than 12 months.

Introducing a fourth hub based in Cumbernauld to complement the network’s existing hubs in Birmingham, London and Manchester is expected to yield a range of benefits, from operational through to environmental. Advantages will include reduced road miles and efficiencies for Scottish Member Companies on freight bound for Scottish destinations, combined with the introduction of additional services including a next day service into Ireland from Scotland and return to meet growing customer demand.

“Recent growth in demand has seen volumes reach a critical mass where it simply makes sense to consolidate freight in Scotland rather than transport across additional miles to our other hubs,” stated Palletline’s Managing Director Kevin Buchanan. “The move is expected to be particularly valuable for Member Companies serving the more distant Highlands and Islands locations, improving competitiveness, as well as enhancing the Palletline service for all Scottish customers.”

The Fight Freight Crime campaign is looking for support and funding from the road freight sector it represents; to raise funding for TruckPol at a time when organised truck crime is a growing threat.

RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning said: “To manage a problem one must have the ability to first measure its true scale. TruckPol provides vital information on such criminal activity and is the only police resource dedicated to collating and disseminating data and intelligence on UK truck crime. To see the demise of this unit would be a catastrophe and would set us back ten years.”

Theo de Pencier, FTA Chief Executive also commented: “TruckPol plays a key role in the fight against criminal gangs which target a sector that is both vulnerable and attractive to thieves. The fact that the industry it helps to protect has kept it afloat this last year shows how highly regarded it is. Sadly, without government funding, TruckPol is once again facing closure and it is up to industry to save it at the eleventh hour.”

It costs approximately £120,000 to fund TruckPol for 12 months. However,in these straightened times the collective pot of private sector funding is still some £30,000 short of the mark and with April fast approaching time is running out.

As Russell Fairchild, operations director at WP Group says, “We have run our first Isuzu on a daily basis for over 11 years and its reliability, manoeuvrability and driver recommendation were all deciding factors in ordering an Isuzu again for this latest slightly bigger new midi tanker.”

Supplied by local Isuzu dealership, Ferndown Commercials Ltd, this newest vehicle within the WP fleet is an Isuzu F110.210 rigid, specified with Isuzu’s popular Easyshift transmission. The 4×2 rigid has been fitted with a 7500 litre, twin compartment Magyar aluminium tanker body that conforms to the latest ADR and UK petroleum industry regulations.

The tank is built on a subframe that gives it the necessary extra strength, but also allows the chassis to flex in normal operating conditions. One additional safety feature of the tanker body is its fuel metering system that allows the driver to read the tanker capacity levels from ground level, therefore keeping the driver off the top of the tanker itself.

WP Group currently operates 32 commercial vehicles, ranging from the Isuzu 8 tonne baby tanker right up to 44 tonne articulated tankers that are capable of delivering 37,000 litres of fuel. According to WP, the role of each of these vehicles is critical in the supply of fuels and lubricants to its customers and, although most of the WP fleet consists of much larger tankers, there is considerable demand from customers for a specialised service.

After considering a number of options, the versatility of the 11 tonne Isuzu was the best solution for this latest midi tanker acquisition and as Russell Fairchild confirmed, “The new Isuzu is currently performing really well in a number of demanding roles from those ‘hard-to-reach’ rural customers needing heating oil through to keeping large generators running at many public events across the South of England.”

This Isuzu 11 tonne midi tanker is based at the WP depot in Southampton and operates primarily in the South of England covering approximately 25,000 miles per annum. The standard tanker replacement policy at WP is 10 years, but in the case of Isuzu this timescale is flexible following the proven reliability of the first Isuzu tanker, which already has 11 years uninterrupted service under its belt.

“The Isuzu brand has many attributes that appeal to dedicated and specialist operations and is certainly carving a niche in the oil and fuel distribution sector. The reliability, manoeuvrability and long-term performance of the product are built-in features that are required to help maintain the high standards of operational service required by customers such as WP. We are confident that their new 11 tonne Isuzu will give them many years of premium quality service during its working life,” said Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

Cyber Fleet sees Pirelli extend to the haulage sector the Cyber Tyre technology designed for car tyre safety. The tyre was unveiled at Truck Safety Day, a heavy goods vehicle road safety event held in Livigno, Italy where a snow-covered track was used to test the new Pirelli 01 Series winter tyre.

Cyber Fleet is the latest in a line of innovative sustainable mobility solutions developed by Pirelli researchers. The new system is designed to provide continuous tyre monitoring, detecting irregularities and ensuring proper maintenance.

Tyre quality, maintenance and correct use are essential to road safety: having the correct tyre pressure at all times ensures steering precision and confident braking and cornering, whilst guaranteeing lower running costs by cutting fuel consumption and extending the tyre lifespan.

How Cyber Fleet works

Pirelli Research & Development has developed – in partnership with Schrader Electronics, world leader in on-board tyre pressure monitoring technology – an electronic sensor capable of ascertaining the condition of the tyre whilst on the move.

The sensor, called TMS (Tyre Mounted Sensor), is fitted to the internal surface of the tyre in order to collect all data regarding the tyre pressure, temperature and identification. The system transmits the data gathered by the sensor simultaneously to the truck driver and fleet manager. The fleet is therefore able to carry out diagnostic and repair procedures, thus guaranteeing maximum safety for each heavy vehicle.

The process of interpreting the data is not left solely in the hands of the truck driver, but also the fleet manager who handles the safety of the entire fleet from a remote position. Cyber Fleet will enable the manager to check that the tyres are kept at optimum pressure, such condition being essential for optimising fuel consumption and extending tyre lifespan to the maximum, whilst being aware of the mileage of each tyre, he can also schedule tread wear inspections with tangible benefits as far as safety is concerned.

Testing of Cyber Fleet by European and South American fleets will begin in February 2012 ready for marketing this coming September.

Volvo Trucks has long been the industry leader in the field of passive safety. For example in 1959, Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt – Volvo’s gift to the world. Today it’s a standard throughout the automotive industry and has made the world a better place by saving more lives in traffic than any other technical feature.

“The injury-reducing effect of the seatbelt is hard to beat when compared to other safety devices, but work still remains to be done: to get all truck drivers to use it,” says Lennart Svenson, former Head of Volvo Truck Accident Research Team at Volvo Truck Corporation.

Another good example of passive safety is a cab structure that gives enough survival space after an accident. Volvo Truck Corporation introduced pendulum-tested cabs in the 1960s and the crash-tested Volvo cab introduced a new level of safety to trucks, together with good ergonomics for its time.

Early traffic-safety development had a focus on passive safety, reducing injuries. For heavy-duty vehicles, the “golden age” of passive safety was from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Other milestones that stand out in the development of passive safety systems are the energy-absorbing steering wheel and under-run protections, which prevent the passenger car to end up under the truck in a frontal collision.

Truck safety was intensified in 1969 when Volvo started an accident research team manned by Kjell Högström and Lennart Svensson. During the 1970s Volvo Truck Corporation released the first external reports based on accident investigation and, as a result of this research, reinforcements in the doors and energy absorbing instrument panel were added.

Active safety, preventing accidents, was for many years synonymous with braking efficiency. Focus on steering and behaviours on the road were added. At the end of the 1990s, a system with the aim to assist the driver was introduced. Lately there has been more focus on detecting and acting on hazards that the driver might miss. The interface between man and machine becomes more and more important.

“It is a waste constructing a technically perfect vehicle if it is not adapted to humans and the traffic environment,” concludes Svenson.

The symposium was built on a newly introduced report called “Driving fleet fuel efficiency: The Road to 2020“. The report predicts how fleets will cope with cutting CO2 and increasing fuel efficiency in an era of rising fuel costs and environmental legislation.

The symposium was opened by Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Transport, who welcomed Goodyear Dunlop Europe’s ‘Driving Fleet Fuel Efficiency’ initiative. He emphasised that road freight is a key element of the economic system and its sustainable development is essential for the long term competitiveness of Europe. He also underlined that increased energy efficiency should be a bridge to alternative fuels. “To meet the policy objectives of the EU’s ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area’, the EU needs a clear and coherent vision helping to accelerate the use of alternative transport fuels”, he said.

A strong transportation industry is vital to the European economy, but at the same time, the EU has set a target for the industry to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.

Michel Rzonzef, Vice President of Goodyear Dunlop’s commercial tyre business across Europe, Middle East and Africa was pleased with the symposium’s outcome, which saw over 170 key stakeholders debate and discuss key issues affecting the sector in an open and transparent manner. In different panel discussions, some of Europe’s largest fleets came together with industry players, experts in the latest fuel-efficient technologies, and policy-makers, to debate on the practical and political steps to take to reduce fuel use and move toward a more sustainable future.

The Symposium built on recently conducted opinion research which confirmed that the overwhelming majority of fleets already have robust fuel efficiency measures in place and that many are increasingly struggling to see what else they can do to improve efficiency and lower carbon emissions to achieve even tougher targets. Rzonzef also described how low rolling resistance tyres are one option to improve a fleet’s fuel efficiency, amongst many others, such as eco-driving training for truck drivers, improved logistics, route planning and aerodynamics on vehicles.

Goodyear’s research also indicated that many fleets don’t know the factors influencing fuel efficiency and find it difficult to know whether the cost of investing in fuel saving equipment will pay off in fuel savings. According to the company’s survey, over a quarter of fleet managers believe a tool that could predict the lifetime costs and fuel savings of equipment would incentivise them to take measures to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. In order to answer this need and help enable fleet managers to make the right investment decisions and cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Goodyear Dunlop also announced it would launch a free-of-charge fuel efficiency calculator. Fleets will be trialing the free web-based tool before it is launched to the public on the 21st February.

“It was a landmark event for us”, said Rzonzef. “Every participant learned a great deal and our commitment to the sector is clear. The Road to 2020 report was very well received and our calculator is eagerly anticipated by the fleets.”

In this role, Terrie will be responsible for promoting the company’s contract hire and fleet management services into new and non-traditional market sectors for Euroway. Although Terrie will be working out of the company’s Bedfordshire head office, she will have a national remit for developing new business opportunities for the full range of value-added services offered by Euroway.

Prior to joining Euroway, Terrie spent 2.5 years at high profile operator Culina Logistics, in the role of group compliance manager, heading up the company’s compliance, fleet and driver training departments, working with over 900 assets. Prior to that, Terrie spent nine years in a variety of roles at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), latterly as a Section Head for 3PLs, Parcel Carriers and Hauliers.

On joining Euroway in January, Terrie said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of a forward thinking and innovative company like Euroway where, by offering tailor made solutions and a flexible approach to suit our customer needs, we can provide real value for money as well as a fully bespoke solution.”

Terrie added, ” In these tough economic times, we look to provide excellent service, focus on spend reduction for our customers and ensuring a compliant, well managed fleet. Working as a team, this means we ensure that we deliver and exceed our customers expectations and this focus on service allows me to offer our clients a range of options to compliment their fleet needs.”

Terrie Clifton can be contacted on 07500 601148 or by e-mail on Terrie.Clifton@eurowaygroup.com

The products were originally developed for the US military in the early 90’s and have been used extensively in the US trucking and courier industries for many years, as well as law enforcement and government agencies including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coastguard, U.S. Customs Service and the FBI.

The additive reduces friction between all moving parts in an engine, gearbox or axle and consequently improves performance and mpg. Lower operating temperatures have also been observed and there is strong evidence to suggest that CO2 emissions are also reduced.

The head of European distribution, Mr Bill Friend of EFPT Products said when the products were launched: “I understand the scepticism within the haulage industry for this type of product making these types of claims, as I know many products in the past have promised miracles and not delivered. All I can say is that all the evidence I have seen from the USA and the 23% improvement in the mpg of my own car, have given me the belief that these products actually do work.”

And recently added: “It’s good to see that companies are putting aside years of scepticism and taking a serious look at products which can offer long term financial benefits”.

DSX Extra has proven over time to extend parts and engine life, improve fuel economy and system efficiency, as well as lower CO2 emissions, resulting in a reduction of carbon footprint.

Having been told many times from companies and individuals within the haulage industry that they’ve “heard it all before”, Bill Friend has a final word for all those sceptics : “I know you’ve all heard it all before about wonder products to improve mpg and reduce your running costs, but with the levels of interest being shown in our products, if they are the ones which work, can you afford to be left behind”

And when asked about his search for testimonial companies to trial the product he replied: “We’ve received strong levels of interest since our launch and due to this our testimonial prices will not be available for much longer. Any operator with a glimmer of interest would be wise to take advantage of them now, before somebody proves the product for them and reaps the long term financial benefit of these great prices”.

EFPT Products is still for the moment looking for forward thinking haulage operators to undertake trials of the product at greatly reduced costs, in return for testimonials to help with marketing when the trial is complete, but this offer will not last for much longer.

If you’re interested in finding out more and possibly undertaking a trial, click on the link below and visit the company web site now !

For more information click on the following link:

An evaluation of existing MOT test standards and frequency took account of the views and evidence offered by a wide range of organisations, including VOSA and MOT testing stations.

The government has decided to retain the existing rules on MOT test frequency.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening says: “Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows that there is room for improvement.

“I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service.

“Giving drivers the very best information about garage performance is absolutely key to achieving this goal. It means that responsible garages will be well placed to reap the commercial benefits of transparency. Garages where performance is not up to scratch will find themselves under pressure to do more for their customers.”

As a result, the government will work with industry, motoring organisations and consumer groups to focus on the reliability and standards of all garages – not just MOT stations – to:

· Work with motoring organisations to find out what problems motorists experience and enable them to share examples of good customer service – in particular to find ways to make it easier for customers to give feedback on their experiences of garages in a way that others can see – potentially in the manner of existing online hotel and restaurant review websites.

· Shine a light on the performance of MOT testing stations by releasing hitherto unpublished VOSA survey data on whether the sector is complying with test standards. This is published today at www.vosa.gov.uk/fleet-compliance-survey

· Encourage the take up of industry codes of practice – and expand them to include MOT testing – so that customers can find garages signed up to schemes delivering the highest standards and take action if they have not received the service they expect.

· Help motorists to spot “clocked” second-hand vehicles, by changing MOT certificates so that they carry the last three years’ mileage information as well as the mileage on the day of the test, and encourage car buyers to check full MOT histories using the online MOT database.

· Arrange “mystery shopper” tests to help improve performance in addition to those already carried out by VOSA.

Louise, 28, joins Continental with strong sales and marketing experience from her previous role as sales and marketing manager for Ardmore Language Schools.

Louise said; “I am delighted to join Continental in this exciting role. My initial activities will be focussed on getting to know the network partners and gaining a broader understanding of how the Conti360° network can be developed moving forward.”

Having studied business management at the University of Bath, Louise will be responsible for implementing the overall strategic direction for the Conti360° network.

This will include implementing growth plans to develop new business opportunities with both existing and new customers as well as managing the performance of the network to maintain highest service levels to end users.

Tracey Hyem, Commercial Marketing Manager said; “I am delighted to have Louise on board the commercial team. Her enthusiasm and experience will really add value and help develop and improve the Conti360° network going forward.”

Louise, who lives in Windsor, enjoys travelling having recently visited Turkey and Vietnam. She is also a keen runner, competing in several half marathons per year.

For more information and to contact the Continental Commercial team, visit www.continental-tyres.co.uk/truck

The Scheme is the only sector based initiative that records, reports and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the logistics sector. During 2011 Scheme membership grew to 59 companies operating between them over 56,000 commercial vehicles (HGVs and vans). The Scheme received the endorsement of Logistics Minister Mike Penning MP in April last year.

During 2010 a reduction in emissions intensity was recorded of 2.6 per cent, meaning that participants were emitting less carbon dioxide even though their vehicle mileages may have grown or remained the same.

The Scheme works by collecting fuel usage data from participating companies and calculating carbon dioxide emissions that result from its combustion in commercial vehicles. CO2 emissions from fuel represent over 90 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of most road transport operators and are the most easily measured and managed part of their ‘carbon footprint’. The data are anonymised and aggregated to produce a series of indicators for the Scheme overall. Data on vehicle mileages and company turnover are also collected to allow the intensity of emissions per kilometre and per million pounds turnover to be measured. Participants have committed to achieving an overall 8 per cent reduction in these measures by 2015.

“Pressures on businesses during the current tough trading times have not deterred Scheme participants from continuing their investment of time and money into a wide range of carbon saving techniques,” said James Hookham, Managing Director of Policy and Communications at FTA.

“The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme is showing the benefits of investments and efforts that are continually being made in transport operations to make them more efficient. These have always been going on but now we can quantify the effects and take credit for the progress being made. Scheme participants can be proud of their achievement so far and the Government satisfied with the vote of confidence it gave the Scheme last April.

“Our goals for 2012 are to continue and maybe accelerate this promising trend. During 2011 we commissioned a powerful and unique web application from Heriot-Watt University that allows fleet managers to calculate the best carbon saving technique for them to invest in. The ‘Carbon for Money’ application compares the effects of nearly 40 different fuel-saving techniques from driver training to a switch of traffic from road to rail or water. This allows fleet managers to quantify the carbon savings from the investments they are asking their companies to make and guide them through the maze of different fuel-saving techniques available. The application is free to use for Scheme members.”

The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme is managed by FTA but is open to all commercial vehicle operators to join.

Hookham concluded: “The current and very real concerns about the economy have tended to drown out the equally serious need to tackle climate change and meet statutory carbon reduction targets. The Scheme presents a very low cost and low effort way for businesses of all sizes ‘to do their bit’. FTA is determined that the logistics sector takes a leading role in the economy by showing how the never-ending quest for improved efficiency is also producing environmental benefits for everybody.”

“Roger Dyson understood our hesitancy and offered an excellent deal, with a guaranteed buy-back if things didn’t work out. There’s no chance of that, though – it’s only been on the road a couple of months but we couldn’t possibly manage without the Landoll now!”

Auto Services Perth is an approved Iveco truck servicing agent, and required to provide 24-hour emergency cover for the manufacturer’s customers under its Assitance Non-Stop scheme.

“We’d previously relied on other operators to provide heavy recovery services,” recalls Mr Crozier. “But because we wanted to guarantee the exacting level of service required, we took the important decision to bring this aspect of our business in-house.”

The Landoll 410.48 has a fully hydraulic, 48ft platform (Landolls are also available at 41ft) and offers an ultra low loading angle of less than six degrees. Other features include optional side-mounted outriggers and a 20,000lb remote-controlled winch which is recessed into the floor and does not, therefore, restrict the load space.

Fitted with three Haldex EBS electronically braked 11,000kg axles SAF low-loader axles, it is designed to a gross vehicle weight of 53,000kg. This gives a maximum carrying capacity of 44,000kg, sufficient to recover a six-wheeled tractor unit with fully laden tri-axle trailer.

Mr Crozier says: “The Landoll is easy and safe to use for a single operator, and superbly engineered. It works full-time with a 44-tonne 440hp Iveco Stralis, which we sourced as a used vehicle though the Iveco network, and has been kept extremely busy ever since we took delivery.”

He continues: “We run seven other recovery trucks but this is our first piece of Dyson equipment. Having met Roger at last year’s Tow Show, and seen the quality of vehicles he had on display, it definitely won’t be our last though. In fact, we’re already talking to Roger with a view to ordering a Hydraloader SLa (Super Low approach) slidebed and an accident unit with a PM crane and second vehicle lift, both of which will be mounted on 12-tonne Iveco Eurocargo chassis.”

As well as working for Iveco and for organisations such as RAC Commercial, Auto Services has seen a new and unexpected avenue of business open up since introducing its Landoll.

“We received a call from the AA saying they had a stranded stretched limousine which needed recovering from a roadside in Dundee, but they weren’t sure how to lift it. I told them we had the perfect piece of kit for the job!” says Mr Crozier. “Since then we’ve been in touch with every stretched limousine operator across Central Scotland, so if they break down they know exactly who to call.”

The aim of restructuring the business into three coherent sales and marketing regions – Americas (North and South America), EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and APAC (Asia Pacific) – is to create an organisation which can meet its customers’ needs more effectively and better exploit the commercial potential of the Group’s different truck brands.

At the start of the year, Claes Nilsson became President Volvo Trucks EMEA Sales & Global Brand, with operational sales and marketing responsibility for the EMEA region. The position also involves responsibility for managing the global product strategy and developing the Volvo Trucks brand.

“I think that our new structure offers us significant opportunities. The strategy for Volvo Trucks has been in place for some time and is very much still valid. We will continue to develop Volvo Trucks’ unique qualities and supply trucks which meet our customers’ high standards and expectations,” says Claes Nilsson.

The organisational changes came into effect at the start of the year. The new management team will continue to take a highly customer focused approach and will also be investing in expanding the service and aftermarket network.

“We already have more than 2,300 dealers and workshops all over the world and this figure will grow. Our relationship with our customers plays a central role and our business goes much further than just selling trucks. This is only the beginning of what we do. For us it is all about offering our customers effective transport solutions with guaranteed quality, safety and the greatest possible care for the environment,” he adds.

The Mode Shift Centre is the result of discussions between FTA, government and the rail and water freight industries to try to raise awareness across the logistics sector of what other modes can offer as a complement to road. The service will link with and expand the continuing work of Freight by Water – the UK’s Short-sea Promotion Centre, which FTA took on at the end of 2010.

Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of Supply Chain Policy, said: “To meet the needs of the modern supply chain, and to meet our challenging climate change targets, it is vital that all aspects of the supply chain are used to their fullest extent. Our aim is to help those potential users that are not yet familiar with non-road operations to learn more about them in a non-commercial environment.”

Many major shippers, such as supermarkets and manufacturers, are already making use of rail and water transport. But smaller shippers, hauliers and forwarders may not yet be making use of all the potential benefits.

Snelling continued: “The Mode Shift Centre aims to supply the information needed for shippers, hauliers and forwarders who are unfamiliar with these alternative modes to understand their possibilities and to start exploring their potential.”

To help launch the Mode Shift Centre, FTA has produced ‘On Track’ – a report which documents the successful use retailers are making of rail freight today, exploring why it works for them. Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, the Co-Op and B&Q all contributed case studies to the report. It also draws out the factors limiting further use of rail. FTA intends to follow this up with a second publication aimed at water freight services that will cover the whole of the market.

Registrations grew in France (+2.5), the UK (+13.4) and Germany (+16.3), while results were negative in Italy (-0.8%) and Spain (-14.2). Over the year 2011, a total of 1,935,392 new vehicles were registered. This is 9.9 per cent more than in 2010 but still about one-fifth below pre-crisis levels when annual volumes averaged 2.5 million units.

In 2011, France remained the largest market, with 482,823 new vehicles and an expansion of 5.6 per ent. Germany registered 334,822 units, a growth of 18.7 per cent, followed by the UK (+17.6) with 306,488 new vehicles. The Italian (-3.4) and the Spanish markets (-6.6) contracted.

The decision by Tadmarton to specify Isuzu for the first time for this replacement vehicle was due to the proven payload and reliability of the Isuzu marque for 7.5t distribution operations.

According to Tadmarton’s managing director Mike Mourant, “When we were looking to replace an existing 7.5tonne vehicle in our 10 strong distribution fleet, it was Euroway that suggested we take a look at Isuzu. We have also noticed the Isuzu’s popularity with other companies operating similar distribution operations as ourselves using temperature controlled trucks at 7.5 tonnes.”

Operating on a six-year contract hire agreement with Euroway, that includes their popular FleetSure fleet maintenance programme, the Isuzu N75.190 4×2 rigid has been specified with a single compartment G&A refrigerated box body that uses a Carrier Transicold Xarios 500 direct drive refrigeration system.

The vehicle is operating out of Tadmarton’s main distribution hub in Banbury, delivering chilled produce to customers in 19 counties across the Midlands and in particular supporting the company’s growth in the South West.

Handing over the vehicle to Tadmarton Products, Geoff Howard from Euroway said, “For this particular operation at 7.5tonne, the Isuzu Forward chassis cab is a proven workhorse, with outstanding payload, and it is sure to provide Tadmarton with excellent service over its working life. Tadmarton has been a customer with Euroway for many years now and we know their operation well and are able to specify the right vehicles for each individual operation.”

Further information on the full range of contract hire and fleet management services available from Euroway can be obtained by visiting their website on www.eurowaygroup.com

The RET sets ferry fares to the equivalent cost for vehicles travelling the same distance by road and in 2008 a pilot scheme was introduced for the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree. But from April lorries will not be included in the scheme, which will continue for cars, coaches and small commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

Christopher MacRae, FTA’s Head of Policy in Scotland, said: “Ending RET for lorries is bad news for operators and the island communities themselves. It will increase transport costs further and, if these costs are passed on, it will see the cost of living rise too. RET was introduced to boost the local tourist trade and island economies, and it has been widely acknowledged that in this respect it has been very successful, but let’s not underestimate the vital role that freight has played in the success of island life. In the current economic climate, threatening inflation to Scotland’s tourist industry is a grave misjudgement.”

RET will be replaced by an enhanced discount scheme offering up to 25 per cent discount on ferry fares (up from the pre-RET maximum level of 15 per cent). It is also intended that the new larger commercial vehicle discount scheme be made more inclusive than its predecessor to avoid bias against small to medium volume users. It is intended to implement the scheme by the end of March to coincide with the ending of RET. Further, it is understood there may be transitional arrangements.

MacRae concluded: “It is understood that the new lorry discount scheme will not apply to occasional users, and even with a 25 per cent discount, costs to larger commercial vehicles will increase by over 100 per cent.

“Budgetary pressure is cited by Scottish Government as the reason for the financial cutback of RET for lorries, and we understand that the proposed new lorry discount scheme will not be extended to other routes. Yet RET will be extended for cars, small commercial vehicles and coaches to inter island services across the Sounds of Barra and Harris and there will be further RET pilots but again lorries are not included. It is also planned to extend RET to other West Coast and Clyde islands, but again not for lorries. FTA has written to the Minister for Housing and Transport expressing our dismay and concern at these decisions.”

Members whose operations or supply chains are affected by these changes are asked to contact Christopher MacRae cmacrae@fta.co.uk 07818 450353

The initiative is relieving customers of McCarthy & Stone of much of the stress and aggravation that moving to a new home can entail, particularly for those who may have been settled in their previous property for 30 or 40 years.

The service is being co-ordinated and delivered by removals specialist House to Home UK, which commissioned the vehicles. The 10 fuel-efficient 3.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313CDIs are fitted with streamlined ICON bodies that offer market-leading payloads of more than 1,200kg.

The chassis were supplied by Birmingham dealer Midlands Truck & Van while the bodies were fitted by leading manufacturer Bevan Group, of Halesowen, West Midlands. Wearing eye-catching McCarthy & Stone liveries, and manned by uniformed staff, the vehicles are among the most distinctive on Britain’s roads.

Bournemouth-based McCarthy & Stone will sell over 1,300 homes this year and expects to provide a removals service for around 80 per cent of these. Its National Sales Director Lorena Brown says: “We spoke to a lot of potential customers and were shocked to discover how many of them found the prospect of moving out of the family home just too daunting. So we set out to help them through the process and the House to Home service is an important part of that. It’s a great benefit for the customer and a great benefit for us. Our branding looks great and we’ll be adding to the fleet as demand increases.”

House to Home UK is part of the Vogue Group of companies and operates from headquarters in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Managing Director James Sandbrook explains: “The ICON-bodied Mercedes-Benz Sprinter combines high levels of productivity, user-friendly-practicality and safety, with excellent environmental credentials.”

The Euro 5 Sprinter 313CDI is 15 per cent more efficient than its Euro 4 equivalent, this improvement equating to an extra 4.5 miles per gallon, while CO2 emissions are down by 13 per cent. Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, it also offers a driving experience more akin to a luxury car than a van, and is equipped with a comprehensive armoury of active and passive safety features, including the Adaptive ESP® anti-skid program; this monitors a vehicle’s changing load status and is thus able to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision in critical situations.

The ICON body was developed by Bevan Group in partnership with independent aerodynamics experts from Cranfield University and Hatcher Components, and launched at the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show.

Its innovative, modular panels – moulded cab deflector and collar, side walls and roof – were created using three-dimensional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technology then honed in a wind tunnel, and are manufactured in a lightweight and recyclable composite GRP material.

Adds Mr Sandbrook: “To contain costs we’re naturally keen to make maximum use of the available loadspace. The ICON offers impressive volume and payload capacities, while its aerodynamic design contributes to improved fuel economy. It also has a fantastic on-road presence allowing our vans to double as highly visible mobile advertising spaces, reinforcing consumer awareness of the McCarthy & Stone brand.”

The East Midlands-based company says the 26-pallet, 13.6m tri-axle Schmitz Cargobull reefer – purchased in 2007 – has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable investment which has served a long-term rental contract on national and regional distribution operations for up to six days a week.

“A fridge trailer to a small company like ours is a significant upfront investment,” said Stuart Robinett, Owner of Cedartone. “Prudent cost management is essential; what may be a modest problem to some fleets may be something that costs me a disproportionate amount of money.

“It’s up to every rental company to make their own judgements on what equipment is best suited to their operations, but I find Schmitz Cargobull trailers some of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market.

“Given the high mileage covered, the minimal maintenance the trailer has needed certainly disputes the view that disc brake systems are significantly more costly to run in comparison to traditional drum brakes. In its four and a half years of continuous use, the trailer has not suffered any mechanical or structural failures, which is very impressive.”

Cedartone, which typically operates its trailers for between five and six years, cites the two top considerations when specifying both reefers and curtainsiders as low cost of operation and high residual value versus capital cost.

Schmitz Cargobull S.KO reefers feature patented FERROPLAST® insulated panels – made up of quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam housed between steel skins – offering vapour diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant.

“Importantly to me, Schmitz Cargobull reefer trailers command strong residuals and are saleable across numerous European markets – giving me the best flexibility and profit potential when they finish their time with us,” added Stuart.

The company has a contract fleet of three curtainsider and three refrigerated trailers. It also looks after a further 15 trailers and 11 other vehicles under local fleet management contracts.

“We achieved a 20% higher pass rate across the board than the National Average, with up to 32% difference in one Unit at our Reading centre,” said RHA Head of Training, Steve Ellis.

“We can honestly claim that “you stand a much better chance of passing with RHA”.

“We lead the field in preparation for the first of the new Freight CPC exams in March 2012. Ninety five delegates have already booked and most venues are already full.

To avoid disappointment, candidates for this essential qualification should consider booking at one of our 5 locations to train in preparation for the June exams.

For further information and booking details, contact RHA Training on 01733 261456 email training@rha.uk.net www.rha.uk.net

At a dedicated fleet symposium that took place in Brussels this week, Goodyear Dunlop presented several recommendations to help commercial road transport sector to improve their fuel efficiency.

The fuel consumption of a vehicle has a direct impact on its CO2 emissions. Goodyear Dunlop’s Road to 2020 report shows that a third (30%) of European fleets currently has no plans in place to respond to expected Europe-wide CO2 regulation. In its most recent Transportation White Paper, the European Commission gave fleets clear indications that further regulation and taxation on fuel and CO2 emissions will be introduced in the coming decade.

At the same time, fleets are looking at industry and policy-makers to help them achieve greater efficiency:

- 1 in 3 want the EU to invest in fuel efficient technology and development programs;

- 1 in 4 want a modelling tool that predicts the cost and CO2 savings of investments in green equipment and training;

- 1 in 4 want more information on the factors affecting fuel efficiency;

- 1 in 5 want European legislation that incentivises efficient fleets.

“The road freight sector is facing enormous pressure to help meet Europe’s ambitious climate change targets, but despite their commitment to fuel economy, we found many fleets could be better prepared to handle the cost and operational impacts of a potential carbon regulation,” said Michel Rzonzef, Vice President, Goodyear Dunlop commercial tyre business EMEA. “The research confirmed that the overwhelming majority of fleets already have robust fuel efficiency measures in place, and therefore struggle to see what else they can do to improve efficiency and lower carbon emissions to achieve even stronger goals. Low rolling resistance tyres are one option to improve a fleet’s fuel efficiency amongst others, such as eco-driving training for truck drivers, improved logistics, route planning and aerodynamics on vehicles.“

Fuel efficiency, priority #1

With prices at the pump rising and 2 in 5 fleets reporting they are under customer pressure to green their operations, it is unsurprising that over 9 in 10 fleets are already working to improve their fuel economy:

- 7 in 10 have invested in eco-driving training;

- 6 in 10 have procured more efficient vehicles;

- 2 in 5 have improved logistics and route planning;

- 2 in 5 have switched to more fuel efficient tyres.

Target 2020

With only 8% of fleets having taken no action to reduce their fuel use, Europe’s road hauliers are sceptical about how much more they can do to increase efficiency and drive down emissions.

7 in 10 European fleets currently work toward a self-imposed target for either fuel savings or CO2 savings. With substantial efforts already underway, fleets are conservative in estimating possible further efficiency savings:

- 52% of fleets do not think they can achieve further efficiency savings of more than 10%;

- Only 1 in 10 believes the sector can achieve the 20% efficiency savings target outlined in the EU’s 20-20-20 low-carbon commitments;

- 1 in 5 fleets are unsure as to whether any further savings can be made.

Interestingly, fleets from countries with lower fuel prices are more optimistic. In both Poland and Spain, where fuel costs are below the EU average, a fifth of fleets are confident they can achieve a further 20% efficiency savings by 2020. In the UK, however, where fuel prices are higher than the European average, a third of fleets says that they have done all they can to improve fuel efficiency, and no more savings can be made.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, Goodyear Dunlop calls on policy-makers to consider the following recommendations to help the commercial road transport sector reduce emissions and improve efficiency:

- Making tyre pressure monitoring systems mandatory on all new Heavy Duty Vehicles;

- Investing in improved tyre pressure monitoring technology for Heavy Duty Vehicles;

- Offering incentives to those fleet operators who invest in aerodynamic improvements or purchase tires that achieve A, B, C grades on the new EU tyre label, in both rolling resistance and wet grip;

- Adjusting EU restrictions on weight and height for Heavy Duty Vehicles to improve efficiency.

Cedars has therefore been investing heavily in new, LEZ-compliant chassis over recent months, and relying on leading recovery equipment manufacturer Roger Dyson to prepare them for work.

Some have been fitted with brand new bodies. Examples include a pair of Hydraloader slidebeds with 3000kg capacities – one, a 3000SLa with Super Low approach angle of just 4.9 degrees, is mounted on a 7.5-tonne gvw Isuzu NQR chassis; the other is a 3000La with Cedars’ first aluminium deck, and a second vehicle lift, which is based on a 7.0-tonne Iveco 70C18 crew cab chassis.

In several other cases, though, technicians at Dyson’s production facility in Droitwich, Worcestershire, have removed equipment from older vehicles, before refurbishing and remounting it on new, LEZ-compliant chassis.

Among these was a small crane body demounted from an ageing, US-built Ford 350 chassis which had been something of a ‘mascot’ for Cedars Recovery – company boss Gary Driscoll had bought the vehicle from a previous employer in 2005 and Roger Dyson undertook an initial refurbishment.

“We ran it for a few years but the chassis had reached the end of the road and was just worn out,” says Gary. “So Roger overhauled the crane and fabricated an additional locker, repainted where necessary, then fitted it to a 7.5-tonne Renault Midlum also supplied by Dyson.

“It’s now proving very useful to recover vans as well as cars,” continues Gary. “It looks great too – in fact, you’d never know the body had ever been on anything else.”

With roots that go back to 1955, Cedars Recovery operates from headquarters in Bermondsey, south-east London.

The business was purchased by Gary in 2002, when it had three old trucks and a couple of vans, and a staff of four; today, Cedars runs a fleet of 50 service vans and recovery trucks, including several heavy units. Since acquiring the former Queens Motors last summer it also has a second depot in the south London suburb of Norwood.

With a handful of exceptions, all of the company’s recovery equipment was supplied by Roger Dyson. Adds Gary: “When you buy a conversion from Roger you know it’s been done properly – that it’s going to work as it should, and is going to stand the test of time, so you won’t get rust coming through within a couple of years as you do with some other manufacturers’ equipment.”

Lucky Red is part of the Yearsley Group, since it was acquired as part of the takeover of Ice Pak Seafood Specialists earlier this year. Lucky Red chose Isuzu because of the combination of the product’s strong reputation for reliability and impressive payload carrying capacity.

The two new Isuzu N75.190 refrigerated 7.5 tonners, both fitted with Solomon 4.26m refrigerated bodies, are now operating on multi-drop regional work, delivering frozen food predominantly to Chinese restaurants in the north of England, each covering an estimated 80,000 miles per annum.

As Mark Haslam, head of logistics at Yearsley Group says, “We’ve been operating vehicles at 7.5 tonnes, but we now need the improved payload that is achievable by switching to Isuzu. Before committing to the brand however, we did speak to other operators of Isuzus and were even given access to telematics information. From that we could see accurate fuel consumption figures and reliability performance, which certainly helped us to make our final decision”.

Supplied by local Manchester dealer The Hulme Group, both of the Isuzu 7.5t rigids feature the company’s popular Easyshift semi-automated transmission system whilst the Solomon reefer bodies have Carrier Transicold Xarios 600 direct drive refrigeration systems, together with triple opening rear doors, and a single pallet width side door to the nearside.

Based in Middleton, North Manchester, Lucky Red specialises in the temperature-controlled delivery of premium foodstuffs. The products are sourced from throughout the world, and then stored and delivered from the Middleton warehouse, with fish being a particular speciality.

“Temperature controlled food distribution is a very significant market sector for Isuzu Truck UK. The proven performance of our 7.5 tonners, in terms of reliability and payload, has become recognised as industry leading. Our customer CARE philosophy has generated unprecedented levels of customer loyalty and as a consequence many companies such as Lucky Red are switching to Isuzu. At the end of the day, commercial vehicle operators have to trust the products they buy and the organisation they’re dealing with. I think it’s fair to say that, certainly amongst the food distribution fraternity, word is getting around that we’re living up to their expectations,” said Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

Proposals to impose a road user charge for vehicles over 12 tonnes have been broadly welcomed by FTA, which has long argued that foreign lorries should pay their way on the UK’s road network, as long as it doesn’t bring with it an extra cost or administrative burden to UK business.

Commenting on a government consultation on lorry road user charging published this morning, Simon Chapman, FTA’s Chief Economist, said:

“Foreign lorries don’t contribute a penny to Treasury coffers, leaving the taxpayer to foot the bill for the external costs they cause. To compound the situation, foreign trucks fill up with diesel bought outside the UK, where fuel duty is far lower, so not only do they avoid contributing to the UK economy at the pumps, they also put domestic companies at a massive commercial disadvantage. Clearly, ensuring that foreign lorries pay to use our roads is the right thing to do, after all many UK hauliers spend thousands every year on using roads in Europe via different road user charging schemes.

“The proposal recognises that for this system to work it needs to be both revenue neutral and not administratively burdensome for UK hauliers. The proposal to ask for payment from UK hauliers at Vehicle Excise Duty renewal time is sensible. But as ever the Devil is in the detail and FTA will be making sure that the final proposal works for, and not against, the industry.”

The high-rate of duty of UK-purchased diesel compared to diesel purchased elsewhere in Europe has provided foreign carriers with a cost-advantage over UK-based hauliers. Meanwhile the gradual liberalisation of domestic haulage markets in Member States has allowed hauliers to compete fiercely for business on price, and undercut domestic rates charged by UK hauliers – pushing rates to uneconomic levels in certain parts of the UK, particularly around East Coast ports.

Chapman concluded:”A lorry road user charge will go some way to assuage industry fears over threats from Europe that restrictions governing the number of freight movements allowed in a foreign country could be removed.

“This ticks the right boxes in terms of fairness, firmness and forward thinking on future competitive challenges that the UK haulage industry may face.”

“This scheme is good news for UK transport operators and should be welcomed also by motorists, many of whom have complained that foreign hauliers pay nothing for using our roads,” said RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs.

“The RHA has been working with government officials to get the best scheme possible under EU rules and we believe this is what the new proposals represent. We are urging ministers to press forward with this project as a priority, both in terms of Parliamentary time and commercial dealings, so that the original deadline of spring 2014 start-up can be met.”

Most EU states charge lorries for using their roads, which means that British vehicles have to pay to drive in Europe, while foreign lorries can drive for free in the UK.

Minister Penning said: “We want to ensure that UK hauliers get a fairer deal and help maintain the competitiveness of our logistics industry.

“Each year there are around 1.5 million trips to the UK by foreign registered lorries – but none of them pays to use our roads, leaving UK businesses and taxpayers to foot the bill.

“The proposals I have set out today will ensure that all hauliers who use our roads are contributing to their cost, regardless of where they are from.

“I want UK hauliers to get involved and respond to this consultation to make sure that the final scheme works for them – helping level the playing field with foreign hauliers, boosting their market share and increasing employment and promoting growth in the UK.”

The proposed scheme will levy a time-based charge of around up to £10 a day for lorries of 12 tonnes or over using any road in the UK. The precise level of charges will depend on exchange rate and inflation at the time of implementation – likely to be 2015, subject to the legislative programme.

By law, the scheme cannot discriminate between UK-registered vehicles and vehicles from elsewhere in the EU so this charge will apply to all lorries but, for the vast majority of UK hauliers, this will not mean an increase in costs because the Government proposes to compensate them for the charge.

The most likely compensation measure will be a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty for UK-registered vehicles.

For 94% of UK-registered HGVs over 12 tonnes, hauliers would not pay any more than now. Four per cent would pay no more than £50 a year more and a further 2% would pay slightly over £50, but the maximum extra cost would be £79. Even these small increases could be avoided by most vehicles if they were replated to carry a slightly reduced weight.

Under the plans, UK hauliers would pay an annual (or six month) charge for each HGV at the same time and in the same transaction as they pay its Vehicle Excise Duty. Foreign hauliers could pay daily, weekly, monthly or annual charges.

The consultation will run until 18 April 2012 and can be found here: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-03

The SARTRE project is being driven by seven European partners and is the only one of its kind to focus on the development of technology that can be implemented on conventional highways in which platooned traffic operates in a mixed environment with other road users.

“Our participation in the SARTRE project enables more efficient and safer transports with the potential of also saving fuel. It gives us the opportunity to explore future transport solutions and take advantage of the extensive research carried out at Volvo Trucks and Volvo Technology,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director, Volvo Trucks.

Stakeholder dialogue

Recognizing that the challenge of implementing road train technology on Europe’s highways is not solely a technical matter, SARTRE also includes a major study to identify what social infrastructure changes will be needed for vehicle platooning to become a reality. A number of stakeholder discussions will therefore be held. The participants in the first discussion included technical experts, politicians, legislators and traffic safety researchers. At the workshop a number of non-technical challenges for road trains were discussed, such as legal regulations, product liability and driver acceptance of automated vehicles.

Key future requirements identified were the need to agree a common terminology for platooning, such as criteria for defining when a vehicle becomes fully, as opposed to partially or even highly automated, and the need to address multiple and varied national regulatory law or to harmonize regulatory law.

Many benefits

Road trains promote safer transport since the vehicle platoons are led by a professional driver in e.g. a truck and inter-vehicle reaction response times are much quicker. Environmental impact is reduced since the cars follow close behind each other and reap the benefit of lower air drag. The energy saving is expected to be in the region of up to 20 percent. Road capacity will also be able to be utilised more efficiently.

GreenRoad is designed to dramatically reduce crash incidents and cut fuel consumption by enhancing driver performance while behind the wheel.   A typical GreenRoad customer sees up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions as well as a 50% reduction on collision costs.

Van Excellence is an industry-led initiative to raise standards and improve the image of the UK’s growing van sector and includes a tough accreditation system and a strict code of practice, and is backed by many household names.  The launch of Van Excellence in 2010 has been widely welcomed in the industry, and many businesses have joined the scheme.  Van Excellence is a standard set by van operators for use by van operators, sharing and formalising working practices already used by leading companies in the sector.

Mark Cartwright, FTA’s Van Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to have GreenRoad on board as partners of Van Excellence.  As leaders in driver performance and safety management they bring a huge amount of value to the scheme in terms of experience and expertise, and their support is invaluable.”

GreenRoad will be providing a regular column for  the FTA’s magazine Freight covering relevant issues.  Aidan Rowsome, general manager of GreenRoad, said: “We chose to partner with FTA because its Van Excellence scheme plays an important role in helping fleets become safer and more fuel-efficient.  We hope that through this partnership we will help van fleet managers understand that it is possible to change driving behaviour and achieve considerable savings in accident costs, fuel, insurance and wear-and-tear.”

Commenting on the award, Managing Director Jim Kirkwood said: “We are particularly pleased to receive this accolade as this award is unique in the fleet industry and voted for exclusively by the readers of Business Car magazine and Business Car online, with no outside influence being brought to bear. It’s gratifying to hear that so many senior people in the fleet industry took the trouble to vote and therefore express their satisfaction with our contribution to business driver welfare and fleet running cost reduction.”

Further details about AA DriveTech’s wide range of driver risk management and training products for the drivers of cars, vans, trucks, coaches and 4x4s can be obtained by visiting www.AAdrivetech.com

According to a survey of more than 400 fleet managers, almost a third (28%) say a lack of information is preventing them from making greater fuel efficiency savings.

The web portal and related Twitter feed (@efficientfleet) feature the latest industry information; Goodyear Dunlop’s top tips for helping fleets improve fuel efficiency, and best practice case studies in green fleet management.

The web portal also hosts information on Goodyear Dunlop’s upcoming fleet symposium ‘Driving fuel efficiency in Europe’s road freight transport’. The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium on January 25th.

European policy makers, industry experts, and transportation academics will share the latest innovations, legislative trends, and research to help fleets from all sectors and regions improve their overall fuel efficiency and reduce their CO2 emissions. The keynote speech will be delivered by Mr. Siim Kallas, the Vice-president of European Commission and Commissioner responsible for transport.

“We see the website as a forum for fleets across Europe to come for advice, support, and information for improving their fuel efficiency,” said Boris Stevanovic, EMEA Marketing Director Truck Tyres, Goodyear Dunlop Europe.