Andrew Page appoints new CFO

In line with expansion plans, Andrew Page Limited has appointed Paul Mohan as Operations & Logistics Director (Chief Operations Officer). Paul joins the company with immediate effect and will be based at the company’s Leeds headquarters.Paul has considerable experience in the areas of operations, business development, logistics and supply chain management for a number of high profile national companies. The appointment comes close on the heels of the announcement of the establishment of a new national distribution centre to be located in Derbyshire and will be operational by the summer.

In addition to managing the company’s logistics Paul will assume responsibility for all operational activities as well as branch development within the company. Andrew Page Limited continues to grow its branch network, which now amounts to 63, following the January opening of Ellesmere Port and Stoke on Trent outlets.

Team-CV launches new website

Team-CV, the truck and tanker commercial vehicle specialists has recently launch a new version of its website, www.team-cv.net. The new website showcases Team-CV’s service offerings, from fleet management and service plans, through to ad hoc repairs.

Visitors can learn about Team CV’s fleet management experience, from vehicle planning and notification, MOT/DOE applications and file management, through to our ad hoc repair service.

The website also includes a ring back service- ensuring visitors reach the right person to ensure their queries and bookings are resolved as quickly as possible.

Lee Cunliffe, Garage Manager for Team-CV, said: “We are pleased to offer a website showcasing our abilities. We feel we have created a website that is not only easy to navigate, but makes it clearer for visitors to see exactly what we can do to for companies.”

“The commercial vehicle industry is constantly changing, both in terms of technology and requirements to keep a fleet legal. We want to show visitors to the site that with us, your vehicles are in a safe pair of hands, letting clients do what they do best- proving their clients with a service which is both reliable and dependable,” he concluded.

New carbon calculator helps fleets save money

A new calculator released today by Goodyear Dunlop will help fleets understand which fuel savings investments will deliver maximum return on investment (ROI). The Fuel Efficiency Calculator, modeled to the real-life conditions of Europe’s road haulers, will allow fleet buyers to see their potential savings in terms of CO2, fuel and cost savings. The Fuel Efficiency Calculator can be accessed at: www.fleet-calculator.eu

As part of Goodyear Dunlop’s campaign to help fleets improve their fuel efficiency, the calculator is launching against a backdrop of rising fuel costs and carbon taxes likely to affect road haulers in the coming years. Fleets, while already doing what they can to improve fuel economy, are under cost and regulatory pressure to do even more. According to a report released recently by Goodyear Dunlop, a quarter of fleets said a procurement tool to predict ROI would help them to achieve greater fuel savings.

The calculator’s functionality will allow fleets, through a central location and user friendly graphical tools, to predict the effect tyre choice, investments in driver training, and various aerodynamic retrofit solutions will have on driving down fuel bills and increasing environmental credentials. Noticeably, the tool is ready to handle the Rolling Resistance labels in the format that tyre buyers will see them in the near future, as a result of the new EU labeling regulations. See tutorial on EU tyre labeling regulation at http://www.goodyear.eu/home_en/tire-advice/future-eu-tire-label/

Michel Rzonzef, Vice President, Goodyear Dunlop Commercial tyre business EMEA, said: “We work with fleet customers every day to find new ways to increase efficiency, and particularly for smaller fleets or single owner/operators, there is currently nothing on the market to help them accurately, and consistently understand what and when they can expect to see a return on the initial investment.”

The calculator was developed alongside Panteia/NEA which provided detailed market information from across Europe to ensure the model’s accuracy.

The calculator is available free of charge to any European fleet operator and any interested person, and will provide them with the following estimates:

- Fuel consumption reduction in litres/100 km

- Annual fuel savings in litres

- Annual CO2 savings in tonnes

- Net cost savings per year

Fleets are encouraged to enter specific details about their trucks, to ensure the resulting data reflects the nature of their business.

Francoise van den Broek, director at Panteia/NEA, commented: “Solutions that support the fleet fuel efficiency are becoming more and more important nowadays. The tool we have developed is transparent, objective and based on decades of experience in yearly cost monitoring and benchmarking within the road transport sector. The tool therefore gives a fleet manager a real understanding of the ROI and the total savings of the life time investment based on his own business situation. Furthermore, it is also a commercial tool for tire dealers with which they can support their business.”

“The road freight sector is facing huge change, and fleets need to be able to plan for a sustainable future,” said Rzonzef. “This calculator will put an end to customer confusion over the multiple and competing manufacturer claims of the fuel savings their products promise to deliver. We are confident that our customers, particularly in small and medium size operations, will see clear commercial benefits from visiting our fuel efficiency web portal and trialing the calculator.”

The use the fuel calculator, please visit www.fleet-calculator.eu

A2B-Online makes Olympic deliveries

Palletforce member A2B-Online has been helping keep preparations for the London Olympics on track.

The Felixstowe firm has delivered four lorry-loads of trees to the Olympic stadium and has made dozens of deliveries of bricks to various sites being used during the games.

“We didn’t have any issues with any of our Olympic deliveries and we were proud to be part of such an historic event for the UK,” said Paul Caruana, UK Sales Manager at A2B-Online.

“We’re always ready to take any opportunity that comes up and the Olympics is such a huge logistical operation that there are bound to be plenty of them.”

A2B-Online specialises in full load, part load and pallet consignments to and from the United Kingdom, Benelux and Germany, and has bases in England, the Netherlands and Germany.

Professional bodies join forces

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), which is a Professional Sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE). The three organisations have agreed to work together to create a career path for motivated and inspired vehicle technicians.

There are approximately 30,000 technicians maintaining O-licensed vehicles and semi-trailers in the UK. With rapid advancements in vehicle technology in recent years, focusing particularly on cleaner and more environmentally efficient power trains, and with Euro 6 engined vehicles becoming mainstream for all new commercial vehicles from the end of 2013, training and assessment of technicians is of vital importance.

However, there are a lack of training options for premium technicians and fleet engineers with higher skill requirements who maintain these vehicles, and vehicle operators are increasingly concerned that vehicle downtime and higher costs will become more burdensome in the future unless industry starts to prepare.

Theo de Pencier, FTA’s Chief Executive, said: “Some vehicle operators are already experiencing excessive vehicle downtime due to a lack of higher-level engineers, emphasising the long overdue need to consult with the industry to provide a structured career path for premium technicians and fleet engineers. It is also important to start recognising and valuing these skills when acquired. Vehicle downtime is bad news for the supply chain, especially when the vehicles affected may be the newest and cleanest in the fleet.”

James Hobbs, Director of Marketing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said: “This agreement will help ensure the UK makes the most of the home-grown talent we have in vehicle engineering. We need to ensure the UK can maintain and improve the cutting-edge skills needed to develop the country’s future transport infrastructure.”

SOE Chief Executive Nick Jones added: “The IRTE is proud to work with FTA and IMechE on this joint initiative that will directly benefit the industry, and provide a path for committed technicians to develop their careers. The evolving skills of technicians are crucial in creating efficient and environmentally sustainable commercial vehicle maintenance. It is imperative we, as representatives of engineering professionals, provide the platforms to enable our technicians to continue their vital work.”

The three organisations have agreed to work together to establish a joint steering group with the aim of creating a career path for motivated and inspired technicians. Between them they will organise industry consultation reviews during 2012; the longer term aim will be to produce an industry agreed technical syllabus that is relevant to current industry needs but which also prepares technicians and technical managers for the future as new technology vehicles are incorporated into modern fleets

de Pencier concluded: “Sophisticated electronics are now standard and will only grow more complex with greater vehicle volumes of Euro 6, hybrid and electric powertrains. Our partnership is a win for fleet operators, repair workshops and the technician or fleet engineer; the primary aim is to provide the skills required to improve repair diagnostics of modern, high tech vehicles.”

Paragon launches new software at CV Show

Paragon Software Systems will launch a major upgrade of its routing and scheduling optimisation software at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show (NEC, Birmingham, 24 to 26 April, 2012).

Transport operators who want to cut operational costs, make better use of their fleet resources and significantly improve service levels are encouraged to meet the Paragon team on Stand 3G52 to learn more about this exciting new version of the company’s advanced transport planning solution, which is used by customers worldwide.

Paragon Version 5.6 includes important new features and functionality developed in direct response to real world requirements and technological advancements. For example, the software has enhanced automatic routing, which allows users to specifically target fleet reduction as a key cost-cutting objective. With many options available to make the optimisation process work even harder as it searches for more efficient solutions, there is also a new option to stop routing before completion and keep the current result. It is also now possible to store job specific macros, filters, tables and reports together for easier use.

Mapping developments in this version include special map edits, filters and congestion profiles designed to help clients model and route vehicle movements during the London Olympic and Paralympic games. These help Paragon users to prepare for the disruption and challenges such as automatically identifying delivery points that may be affected and understanding where the likely areas of congestion will be due to specific road-based events. They will also be able to identify and exclude those sections of the network likely to affect their delivery operations so that delivery vehicles avoid them on the day of the event.

Mapping enhancements continue within the Paragon user interface (Workbench). Users can now show information on a Google Map display automatically to give a fast, accurate and familiar visual reference.

For Paragon’s international clients, the new system enables language choice to be set at individual user level, and the software now also supports “ unicode” capability. This means that international clients wanting to host the software centrally no longer need different servers dedicated to different regions. This can significantly cut central IT costs.

New chairman of FTA Road Freight Council

The Freight Transport Association’s freight councils have a well-earned reputation for turning powerful argument into demonstrable achievement; from defeating poorly devised and potentially counter-productive proposals to make ‘eco-driving’ a mandatory part of professional driver training, to seeing off EU proposals banning operators from calibrating their own tachographs.

TVS to sell Globe

TVS Logistics, the parts warehousing and logistics business owned by the TVS Group of India and headquartered in Chorley, Lancashire has agreed the sale of its subsidiary Globe Transport Products for an undisclosed sum.

Globe is a commercial vehicle motor factor specialising in truck parts and components and was launched in 2002 with a single branch in Oswestry. The business was purchased from its management by the Multipart Group in 2009, and has since expanded rapidly with seven branches located in Oswestry, Crick, Cardiff, Warrington, Birmingham, Sheffield and Avonmouth. It employs a total of 34 people.

Globe is being purchased by TVS Europe’s former CEO, Chris Gateley. Mr Gateley led the buyout of Multipart Group, including Globe, from the Imperial Group and subsequently oversaw its acquisition by TVS in 2010. He stood down from his TVS role during 2011 and has since then been assisting the organisation with its European development plans.

The new CEO of TVS Europe, Richard Slee, commented: “We are delighted to complete this sale having concluded that whilst we can see the potential in Globe, it is not core to our ongoing business strategy.

“We wish the team at Globe under Chris Gateley’s leadership well for the future”, said Mr Slee.

Lighting upgrade for M4 junction 7

Work has commenced to improve street lighting on slip roads serving the M4 at junction 7, near Slough in Berkshire.

A total of 123 streetlights will be replaced, on the eastbound and westbound entry and exit slip roads, and along the Huntercombe spur road to the A4. The new lights will use brighter, more energy efficient bulbs and will minimise any light spill on to land next to the motorway or into the night sky.

Signs and safety barriers along the road will also be upgraded as part of the scheme, which is expected to be completed in six weeks.

Highways Agency project manager Graeme Steward said: “The lighting along these slip roads was installed in 1972, and has reached the end of its useful life. Replacing it will help keep journeys on the M4 safe and reliable for the thousands of drivers who use junction 7 every day.”

The work will be carried out in three phases, each focussing on a separate section of road. Phase 1, starting today, will see work carried out on the southbound Huntercombe Spur Road and the eastbound entry slip road at Junction 7. Phase 2 will be on the northbound Huntercombe Spur Road and the eastbound exit slip road at Junction 7. Finally Phase 3 will see work on the westbound entry and exit slip roads at Junction 7.

The hard shoulder of the slip roads and the spur roads will be closed throughout the scheme, and there will be additional restrictions overnight when traffic flows are lowest – including some closures of the slip roads themselves, when fully signed diversions will be in place. Weather permitting, work will be complete at the end of March.

DAF LF earns global success

The DAF LF – in its North American specification, as the Peterbilt Model 210 – has just been named by the American Truck Dealers (ATD) as the ‘2012 Commercial Truck of the Year’ in the medium duty category.

Powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine, it earned the award based on its innovative cab comfort, visibility, excellent manoeuvrability and ease of maintenance, all features which have made the DAF LF model range a success in Europe and are now giving the truck true global appeal, selling in worldwide markets from Australia to Israel, from Russia to Chile.

Closer to home, DAF achieved a record market share in the UK last year where over 38% of all trucks sold between 6 and 16 tonnes GVW were the DAF LF model, designed and built by Leyland Trucks in Lancashire. Growing sales in other European markets such as Germany, Italy, Poland, France, Netherlands and the Czech Republic last year reflect the DAF LF’s international success.

The Peterbilt 210 is assembled in PACCAR’s Mexico plant for the North American and South American markets. The LF model will also be assembled in the new DAF Brazil plant scheduled to begin operations in 2013.

Bell to attend RHA training conference

Acting Senior Traffic Commissioner, Beverley Bell, has agreed to present at the Road Haulage Association (RHA) Training Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th June.

The one-day Conference will focus on training issues, with particular reference to Driver CPC and will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th June.

“I am delighted that Mrs Bell has been able to accept our invitation to present at this unique event”, said RHA Head of Training, Steve Ellis. “The Traffic Commissioners’ view of the importance of well-structured training is pivotal to operators’ acceptance of the need for investment in their staff.

“The attendance of the Acting Senior Traffic Commissioner will send a very strong message regarding the important part that trainers play in delivering the skills required to ensure compliant operation of Goods Vehicles”.

Motorway driving – safety comes first

The Road Haulage Association is concerned that proposals to allow learner drivers to use the country’s motorway network, prior to passing their driving test, could soon become a reality.

“This is an issue that raises many concerns”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “However, safety, for the learner driver and for other road users, has to be of paramount importance”.

“While we are not in favour of learners drivers using the motorway prior to their test, we would welcome the introduction of formal motorway training by a qualified instructor before new drivers venture out unsupervised.

“We would also welcome the mandatory use of green P-Plates for newly qualified drivers and consider that their use should be included in the New Drivers Act*.

“P-Plates provide a simple, safe and cost effective method of showing others that there’s a new driver on the road who should be given due consideration.”

DEF / AdBlue® – Fact and Fiction

The latest European emissions legislation has meant that of the 440,000 commercial vehicles on the Britain’s roads, about 180,000 are now equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and use AdBlue® diesel emission fluid – or DEF as it is known in North America. Thanks to the changes in legislation there has been a dramatic reduction in noxious nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in recent years.

However, the SCR/AdBlue® system is still relatively new and elements of it are widely misunderstood. So, to clarify, there are two different innovations: Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). Both of these require an exhaust gas after-treatment. At present, EGR cannot meet the requirements of Euro VI legislation, whereas SCR can.

Gentech Sensing Solutions has put together a useful ‘Fact and Fiction’ page to clear up some of the common myths surrounding DEF / Adblue and exhaust aftercare treatment.

What is AdBlue®?

AdBlue® is a clear liquid made up of 32.5% urea (which comprises carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen) and 67.5% demineralised water. In the SCR process this solution reacts with and neutralises nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Is it added to diesel?

No it is a completely separate system and doesn’t come into contact with the diesel.

Is there a separate tank?

Yes and it usually has a blue filler cap or stickers.

How do you top up?

With an ordinary nozzle; vehicles use so little AdBlue® that this only has to be done periodically.

Is it hazardous?

As it is made up of water and an organic compound, it is completely safe, and less corrosive than brine to metal or concrete. It is clean, harmless and environmentally friendly. It is indeed the least hazardous of all of all the fluids used in a truck.

How do I find it?

Go to www.vda.de or www.AdBlue®4you.com for stockists.

What happens if I put diesel into the AdBlue® tank accidentally?

In some vehicles, the neck of the AdBlue® tank has been designed with a circular magnet to prevent a diesel nozzle fitting into it. Others have stickers. In the rare cases where somebody has accidentally filled the AdBlue® tank with diesel, the entire SCR system has to be changed which is expensive.

I’ve heard AdBlue® is expensive.

No, it’s not. Surveys of the market by the trade press have reported a wide diversity of prices – from less than 30p per litre for bulk buys, up to 85p per litre for one can. For an idea of how long it will last, a 75 litre tank would be enough for a two axle tractor to travel from London to Istanbul and back; the actual amounts used however depend on the nature of the work. Also, SCR used with AdBlue®, improves fuel economy which more than compensates for the cost of AdBlue®.

What if it freezes?

It won’t freeze completely until it reaches -11°C. It starts freezing at -10°C.

Freezing does not affect its performance once thawed. Also, AdBlue® tanks tend to be next to exhausts, which keep the temperature of the contents above freezing when the engine is running. Where the AdBlue® tank is situated elsewhere, it is heated using engine coolant which is circulated through the tank.

Will I damage the engine if the AdBlue® tank becomes contaminated?

The purity of AdBlue® needs to be protected throughout production and handling. Should it be contaminated by inadequate storage or handling, then the SCR system will cease to work correctly and this could result in a vehicle operating illegally. Depending on the extent of the impurity, degradation leading to the clogging of the catalyst can happen gradually or quickly. Also, because contaminated AdBlue® damages the SCR System this will affect any related insurance claims.

Funnels or containers that have been previously used for lubricants or fuel must not be used for AdBlue dispensing or storage as this will contaminate the AdBlue®. Do not store AdBlue in direct sunlight.

Running out of AdBlue® shuts down the engine.

No it doesn’t. Firstly there is an AdBlue® gauge which will give you plenty of warning. If you did run out, the vehicle would go into 60% of original torque, enabling you to drive to a supplier. Keeping a few litres of AdBlue® with you in the vehicle will enable the necessary mileage to find a top up.

If I drive a vehicle without AdBlue® am I breaking the law?

Yes. Exceeding maximum emissions runs the same risk whether the system is SCR or EGR.

Find out more about Gentech’s SCR sensing solutions at www.gentechsensors.com

FTA calls on government to cut fuel duty

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called on the Chancellor to cut fuel duty by at least five pence per litre and scrap the increase planned for August.  In its pre-Budget submission to the Treasury, the leading trade body argues that such action could save consumers and businesses £3.6 billion and prove to be a vital shot in the arm for the UK’s ailing economy.

Following sustained and concerted lobbying by FTA and its partners in the Fair Fuel UK campaign, the last Budget saw two planned increases in fuel duty deferred and an unprecedented cut in fuel duty of 1ppl, a move which saved businesses some £500 million.  However, despite this the price of diesel increased by 7ppl in 2011, adding £3,284 to the annual operating cost of a typical 44 tonne articulated vehicle.

James Hookham, FTA’s MD of Policy and Communications, said: “Never mind quantitative easing, cutting the still-disproportionately high amount we spend on diesel, which is, after all, a business essential, would be a simple and effective way to stimulate the economy.  The billions that industry and consumers will save over a year would be invested elsewhere in the economy, giving the impetus to growth that is so badly needed.

“George Osborne gave industry a lifeline in the last budget, but with the economy still in the doldrums and a new round of duty rises looming, we are asking the Chancellor to extend this logic further for the sake of businesses, consumers and UK plc.  It is clear that the economy still needs it.”

FTA’s Budget submission calls for tax on road fuel gases to be fixed relative to diesel rates for at least five years to provide confidence for truck operators and investors to commit to use of lower emission vehicles.

Hookham continued: “Logistics is helping to decarbonise the economy; members of FTA’s voluntary Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme are on track to meet their self-imposed eight per cent greenhouse gas reduction target by 2015.  But much more could be achieved with greater government support. For example, biomethane from landfill sites could be a real option for articulated truck operators, but uncertainty over duty rates on natural gas and biomethane is a bar to investment in this sort of technology.  We are simply asking government to help industry help the environment by fixing duty rates for the next five years.”   

The uneven playing field between domestic and foreign hauliers could be addressed by introducing a time based lorry road user charge or UK Vignette, according to FTA’s Budget submission.

Hookham concluded: “It is only right that foreign lorries pay for their use of UK roads.  But the industry’s support for a ‘UK vignette’ will be entirely contingent on how the Department for Transport can ensure that it does not impose additional costs on domestic hauliers; the only solution as far we can see is through a rebate on VED – the Chancellor needs to confirm this is what will happen in his Budget statement.  Until a workable rebate mechanism is confirmed by government, I expect our members’ reception for a UK vignette will be only lukewarm.”

(FTA) has called on the Chancellor to cut fuel duty by at least five pence per litre and scrap the increase planned for August. In its pre-Budget submission to the Treasury, the leading trade body argues that such action could save consumers and businesses £3.6 billion and prove to be a vital shot in the arm for the UK’s ailing economy.

Following sustained and concerted lobbying by FTA and its partners in the Fair Fuel UK campaign, the last Budget saw two planned increases in fuel duty deferred and an unprecedented cut in fuel duty of 1ppl, a move which saved businesses some £500 million. However, despite this the price of diesel increased by 7ppl in 2011, adding £3,284 to the annual operating cost of a typical 44 tonne articulated vehicle.

James Hookham, FTA’s MD of Policy and Communications, said: “Never mind quantitative easing, cutting the still-disproportionately high amount we spend on diesel, which is, after all, a business essential, would be a simple and effective way to stimulate the economy. The billions that industry and consumers will save over a year would be invested elsewhere in the economy, giving the impetus to growth that is so badly needed.

“George Osborne gave industry a lifeline in the last budget, but with the economy still in the doldrums and a new round of duty rises looming, we are asking the Chancellor to extend this logic further for the sake of businesses, consumers and UK plc. It is clear that the economy still needs it.”

The FTA’s Budget submission calls for tax on road fuel gases to be fixed relative to diesel rates for at least five years to provide confidence for truck operators and investors to commit to use of lower emission vehicles.

Hookham continued: “Logistics is helping to decarbonise the economy; members of FTA’s voluntary Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme are on track to meet their self-imposed eight per cent greenhouse gas reduction target by 2015. But much more could be achieved with greater government support. For example, biomethane from landfill sites could be a real option for articulated truck operators, but uncertainty over duty rates on natural gas and biomethane is a bar to investment in this sort of technology. We are simply asking government to help industry help the environment by fixing duty rates for the next five years.”

The uneven playing field between domestic and foreign hauliers could be addressed by introducing a time based lorry road user charge or UK Vignette, according to FTA’s Budget submission.

Hookham concluded:“It is only right that foreign lorries pay for their use of UK roads. But the industry’s support for a ‘UK vignette’ will be entirely contingent on how the Department for Transport can ensure that it does not impose additional costs on domestic hauliers; the only solution as far we can see is through a rebate on VED – the Chancellor needs to confirm this is what will happen in his Budget statement. Until a workable rebate mechanism is confirmed by government, I expect our members’ reception for a UK vignette will be only lukewarm.”

Volvo FH 6-wheelers feature in Ice Road Truckers

History Channel’s top-rated ‘IRT (Ice Road Truckers): Deadliest Roads’ stars can be seen in the present series driving a trio of ageing Volvo FH 6-wheelers across the awesome and exceedingly narrow ‘Death Road’ high up in the Andes in Bolivia. These ‘old, but nonetheless good’ FH Globetrotters were originally from the UK and the drivers featured in the series report that they have given great service during filming in the toughest conditions imaginable.

So, when one of the drivers, Texan ‘bad boy’ biker GW Boles, made a short stopover in the UK, he asked if he could, by way of comparison, have a test drive of one of the latest FH tractor units.

Volvo Trucks Press Office in the UK were happy to oblige and duly arranged for ‘GW’ to drive on the roads around Warwick at the wheel of a fully-freighted FH artic, accompanied by Driver Development team member and press road test co-ordinator Andy Collett.

Despite it being the first time that he had driven on the UK’s roads, ‘GW’ soon got to grips with the traffic, thanks to the FH’s I-Shift automated gearbox. When asked how the old FHs performed in the IRT Deadliest Roads series, ‘GW’ complimented their reliability: “We tried to break them, but they just kept going. Apart from the routine maintenance, all we had was a few air leaks and a broken steering shaft, which it turned out had been previously repaired at the roadside over in Bolivia by somebody welding it together again using a very thin piece of steel plate !”

As a professional driver in his ‘day job’ back in Texas, GW Boles drives, by his own admission, ‘a little of everything’, delivering sea containers from Galveston to Florida and even as far afield as Canada. During his time at the wheel of the latest Volvo FH, he expressed considerable interest in the truck’s safety features such as Lane Change Assist, I-Roll and I-Shift saying: “I can see where buying one of these new trucks would save a lot of money on maintenance and on fuel too.”

Commenting on his trip on UK roads in the Volvo FH, GW Boles said: “I’m usually used to driving on the deadliest roads, so driving in the UK has been one of the nicest possible experiences. The roads here are safe, very clean, the people are very courteous and very friendly. It’s something I don’t experience, even in the USA. I’m used to the ‘crash and dive’ school of driving ! The Volvo is by far the nicest truck I’ve ever driven. Y’all have a few narrow roads here, but I don’t have to worry about falling off a 5,000 foot cliff if I go off the road. IRT World’s Deadliest Roads is the absolute pinnacle of truck driving. If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space !”

Road freight greenhouse gases on decrease

Although rising concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to pollute the atmosphere, it may be pleasing to know that in the road freight transport sector, greenhouse gases are in fact on the decrease.

According to the UN’s weather agency national levels of CO2 rose to a record high in 2010 (latest data available). However the latest data available from the Department for Transport website state that the road freight transport industry has shown a 16% fall in greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2009.

Road freight emissions contribute to only 1.9% of total emissions of all industries. The fact that the levels in greenhouse gas emissions from road freight transportation continues to fall year after year shows that a real emphasis to make an impact has been sounded and echoed throughout the industry as the need to stem human-induced climate change becomes more and more important to every company within the sector.

The majority of the plaudits can go to the companies themselves as they continue to tackle their own carbon footprints. Initiatives introduced over the past few years have begun to show positive signs of change. Internal initiatives managed by the freight forwarders involve:

To ensure the continued decrease in greenhouse gas emission, the transport companies need help from other sources. Schemes from the European Transport Conference (ETC) are constantly pushing proposals to increase awareness and promote eco-friendly haulage. An excerpt from their latest abstract goes into detail about the monetary benefits of eco-friendly options to encourage companies within the industry to reduce their carbon footprints: “A closer look (at the proposals in the scheme) reveals that a reduction of one billion kilograms (approx. 10%) in Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV >3,5t GVW) emissions can be achieved by 2020, with a cost effectiveness of €100 to €200 per ton. At the same level of cost effectiveness, a reduction of one billion kilograms (approx. 20%) in Light Goods Vehicles (LGV

A result of collaborative schemes between company and organisation have helped to decrease carbon emissions by 24% over the last 10 years. In 1999, road freight vehicles produced 15,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent however in 2009 (latest data available), road freight vehicles produced only 12,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This goes to show the significance that these industry voices can have on the environment if they choose to flex their muscles.

The authority figure of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) are making the loudest noises in the industry and are really rallying for change. They are thinking outside the box and are not only looking nationally but internationally. They are looking to gain formal recognition from the Government and are looking to engage with road freight transport companies rather than issuing mandatory changes which may be frowned upon by the members of the industry.

By gaining trust this way, they are ensuring a positive collaborative effort which will not only be in the interests of the freight companies but will be in the interests of the consumer, in the interests of the Government and in the interest of mankind by minimising the impact that the road freight transport industry has towards greenhouse emissions.

About The Author

Adam Veitch writes on behalf of First European Logistics Ltd. (www.1st-european.com) , a UK based freight forwarding company from Burnley, Lancashire.

TV programme leads to new customer for Isuzu Truck

The appearance of Isuzu Truck’s managing director Nikki King on the Channel 4 ‘Undercover Boss’ programme coincided with Somerset company Walton Civil Engineering reviewing its new vehicle acquisition policy. In recent years, the company has hired its 7.5 tonne trucks but, at the time the programme went ‘on air’, the management was considering the option of outright purchase.

This opportunistic timing subsequently led to Isuzu being chosen for the first time as the preferred 7.5 tonne chassis/cab supplier and the first new Isuzu is now in service within the 140-strong commercial vehicle fleet operation at the Shepton Mallet based utility reinstatement company.

Following the TV programme and before making their final decision, Walton Civil Engineering took a close look at all the available vehicles at 7.5 tonnes. Ultimately it discovered that the Isuzu N75.190 was the only vehicle that could meet its minimum payload criteria of 2 tonnes of material, as well as carrying the necessary plant, tools and site equipment.

As John Binding, Logistics Director at Walton Civil Engineering said; “I saw Nikki on the television and entirely related to her ethos of customer care. Immediately, we added Isuzu to our potential supplier list. During the tender process, we also visited and spoke to other Isuzu operators who each confirmed the Isuzu reputation for impressive payload. However, we also discovered additional benefits with the Isuzu 7.5 tonner. Its low chassis and ride height successfully addresses various health and safety issues. As well as facilitating the loading and offloading of manual handling equipment, it also makes it far easier for our reinstatement teams to operate on site.”

The Isuzu Forward N75.190 4×2 rigid was specified with Isuzu’s popular Easyshift transmission and a bespoke body system manufactured by Thompsons of Blackburn. The tipper body was constructed into sections, and featured an electric winch, insulated cover, and a compartmentalised toolbox system for tool storage. Although designed primarily for carrying loose bulk material, the vehicle also has the flexibility to transport various petrol driven construction tools used on site for compaction, cutting and rolling.

“The decision to switch to Isuzu for the first time represents a whole new direction for us and the end result is that we now have an impressive all-purpose vehicle that addresses the various operational issues on site. We have worked closely with Isuzu and bodybuilder Thompsons to design an overall vehicle specification that successfully meets both our operational and financial objectives. We are currently running a further evaluation exercise with the Isuzu, moving it around our depots in the South of England to gauge further staff reactions, so far the initial responses have been excellent, without exception.”

Local Isuzu truck dealer in the southwest T Harvey & Sons supplied the Isuzu N75.190 and Walton Civil Engineering is expecting the vehicle to have a five-year operational life, working predominantly in the south and south west of England from Cornwall to West Sussex.

Walton’s’ John Binding was quick to praise the service they received from the Isuzu Truck dealer, commenting; “Harvey’s really are a very good ambassador for the Isuzu marque. The service and follow-up we have received so far is exactly in line with everything that Nikki King said customers could expect on the Undercover Boss programme. They have truly impressed us at every stage of this vehicle acquisition programme.”

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

Euroway strikes multiple truck deal with Mini Clipper

Leading commercial vehicle company Euroway has recently supplied new MAN 18tonne curtain sided rigid trucks to warehousing and logistics haulier Mini Clipper on a three-year contract hire agreement that included Euroway’s popular FleetSure fleet maintenance package.

According to Ken Bailey, fleet director at Mini Clipper, “We had been aware of Euroway for some while and when some existing trucks were coming up for renewal, we approached several companies, including Euroway, about the supply of replacement trucks. After deliberation, we felt that Euroway provided us with the best overall deal for this new vehicle contract.”

“Over the years we had noted that Euroway has built a strong reputation for unparalleled level of excellent service, supplying the right specification of trucks to meet customers operational requirements. The fact that they are a local company too is an added bonus for us, as we do always prefer to work with locally based suppliers,” added Ken Bailey.

The new MAN TGM250 18tonne rigids, all specified with Bevan curtain sided bodies and rear tuckaway tail lifts, have joined the 30 strong distribution fleet at Mini Clipper working on general pallet delivery operations, with each vehicle expected to cover in excess of 60,000 miles per annum over a three-year working life.

Following the completion of this new vehicle deal with Mini Clipper, Geoff Howard from Euroway said, “One of our strengths as a long-term provider of vehicles to the commercial vehicle market has been the stability of our relationships with both new and existing customers. Naturally the close proximity of our location is an advantage with Mini Clipper, however, our proven expertise in vehicle sourcing and vehicle maintenance enables us to supply the right specification for the job in hand and to fully support these vehicles over their working lives.”

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

A simple guide to lowering HGV insurance premiums

In an industry that depends so heavily on safety and results, it’s hardly surprising that HGV drivers find themselves looking for the best deals. However, there are a large number of things that ought to be considered before committing to a provider and making this particularly important – and vital – investment. Of course, rushing into a deal could see you paying out more in the long-term if you don’t choose carefully.

In the UK it’s a legal requirement to insurance a vehicle whether it’s for personal use or business. A HGV specialised insurance company such as www.staveleyhead.co.uk as a minimum would recommend that to be fully protected and satisfy the terms of a contract drivers take out extra cover such as:

• Goods in transit cover

• Legal protection

• Liability Insurance

• Breakdown cover

Although it may be a legal requirement to have insurance, it’s not illegal to do all you can to reduce premium costs. A number of factors will affect truck insurance premiums and ought to be considered. These include driving records, how old a van or lorry is, the age of the driver, where the driver is based, the places he operates in and, of course, commodities carried by the HGV in question. There’s little you can do about this, though certain things are definitely worth looking into that will help you strike an excellent deal.

The importance of a well-maintained truck leads is paramount in any mission to lower insurance premiums. A small investment in a professional inspection may be all you need to pass all tests you have with flying colours. Much like the Pass Plus system with cars, there are accredited courses for HGVs that you can take to lower your premiums, so long as you check that they would give you a discount with your chosen provider.

Obviously, it is also worth ensuring that you go with a credible insurance company. Look into how many years they have been in the HGV business, as well as the organisation they may be a subsidiary of.

Finally, buying on a month-to-month basis may seem flexible, but if you can afford to buy the policy outright up front, you could save one or maybe even two full months of insurance costs for your commitment.

Whatever you do, you must give honest answers to any questions levelled at you when you broker a deal with an insurer – your insurance deal could be null and void if you don’t, and that could be the biggest waste of money of all!

Sustained growth leads to new depot

After years of sustained growth Palletforce member Alan Firmin Ltd has created a bespoke depot to help the compant continue to meet rising demand. The business, which is a member of Palletforce, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network, has outgrown its existing site at Snodland and in March will move to a new purpose-built site in Kemsley.

Over the years Alan Firmin has continued to win new business such as a five year contract with Knauf, one of Europe’s leading building materials manufacturers, which led to more staff being employed.

“We have spent two years finding the right location, planning the site and building it to our own specification because we wanted to be sure we were creating a depot that works not only now but for the future,” said Michael Firmin.

“During the past decade, and particularly since joining Palletforce in 2006, we have experienced consistent expansion and this new base has been much needed.

“Our new premises on the Kemsley Fields Business Park is in a great location. We have good access to both the M2 and M20, and a recently opened link road to the Eurolink Industrial Estate will allow us to provide even better services to our customers, many of whom are based there.”

The majority of the six acre site will be used as yard space and the whole area will include a two storey office block, a warehouse, a covered loading area, a dedicated trailer servicing bay and extensive trailer parking facilities.

Alan Firmin were established in 1928 as a family-run business and today the second and third generation remain involved in running the firm, which has a fleet of 70 vehicles and 130 trailers.

Throughout the decades it has been in business Alan Firmin has diversified to include transport, warehousing, commercial property, rental cottages and farming.

Dave Holland, Sales and Marketing Director of Palletforce, said: “This depot is a sound investment that will give Alan Firmin the resources to continue flourishing and enhance the quality services it already offers.”

RHA National Training Conference – book now

At the present time, there is no national forum for transport industry trainers to gather to get the latest news and views on the key issues. This is a gap that the RHA aims to fill with a one-day National Training Conference to be held on Wednesday 27 June at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.

This year the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence “comes of age”. After all the gossip and guesswork, those who have been delaying their involvement are now waking up to the reality that this is an on-going requirement.

2012 presents the perfect opportunity for the training sector to build on its successes. To that end the Conference will accentuate the positives gained and discuss ways to maintain continued improvement.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to gather together the people who are the backbone of training in our industry”, said RHA Head of Training, Steve Ellis.

“I consider them to be the unsung heroes of the many successful Driver CPC programmes which are out there and this will offer them the chance to network, acquire further knowledge of trends and developments and hear some stimulating presentations looking at the progress made so far and opportunities to come.”

The one day event is open to RHA members (£55.00 + VAT), non-members (£65.00 + VAT) and is aimed primarily those who are in-company trainers or employees at training companies who wish to keep abreast of the industry’s changes and developments, in particular Driver CPC. A number of high profile speakers from different organisations will be presenting on the day, including Nick Ratty – Head of Transportation unit HSE, Liz Heaton – Senior Post Test Operations Manager DSA, Guy Chamberlain – Head of Post Test Op’s DSA and Chris Watcham – Health & Safety Director, Mobile Mini UK.

Harlequin Logistics wins contract with Kellogg’s

Haulier collaboration Harlequin Logistics has announced details of a major contract win with leading international brand Kellogg’s.The recently-launched company, which positions itself as a direct competitor to the big 3PL’s, will deliver Kellogg’s products from Manchester to retailer RDC’s, wholesalers and Cash & Carries nationwide.

This contract award, which is Harlequin’s first success, comes only six months after the company was launched. Harlequin is part-owned by five well-known, privately-owned UK hauliers, plus its founder and MD, Paul Smith, who believes this news sends a clear message to the market.

He says: “The fact that Kellogg’s, one of the world’s best-known and most iconic brands, has opted for Harlequin as its transport supplier, speaks volumes. We will deliver around 15,000 Kellogg’s loads this year, from Scotland to the South Coast, and are confident that our unique structure will enhance the service provided.

“The global economic downturn has affected everyone in the last four years, meaning even the biggest companies now seek innovation from their suppliers. Harlequin offers this by combining all that is good about traditional, privately-owned haulage with experienced management, proven systems and a willingness to embrace a collaborative approach.

“Kellogg’s and Harlequin have identified that we share many common goals, and we will therefore work together towards the establishment of a sustainable transport model. We believe this type of approach, which delivers both commercial and environmental benefits, will become the norm as the logistics industry emerges from recession.

“This is a great start for Harlequin, and we are working flat out to reward Kellogg’s for their faith in us. But this deal is also just the start – we already have a steady flow of enquiries from businesses who want to move their logistics forwards, and as awareness of Harlequin grows, I am confident this flow will become a torrent.”

FTA welcomes infrastructure investment in Northern Ireland

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has expressed its delight with the announcement that funding will be made available to upgrade key infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland, including £105 million on the A8 from Larne to Belfast.

The leading trade body has been a long time and vocal supporter of dualling this heavily trafficked, 14 kilometre stretch of single carriageway, to make safer and slicker one of Northern Ireland’s most vital trade routes.

Tom Wilson, FTA’s Head of Policy for Northern Ireland, said: “The A8 is a strategically significant trade route, but one which has lacked capacity to cope with the sheer volume of lorries that rely on this route to reach Larne Port. It is an absolutely essential link in our supply chain between businesses on the island of Ireland and large freight hubs in northern England and Scotland. This funding will go a long way to improve Ireland’s connectivity and finally make the A8 fit for purpose.”

The A8 has been the unfortunate setting for many fatal road traffic accidents owing to the lack of safe overtaking opportunities along it. Wilson continued: “Typically, slower-moving agricultural vehicles do cause long tailbacks on this road and motorists do take risks when overtaking tractors, combine harvesters and the like. Dualling will reduce instances of risky overtaking.”

Today’s announcement by Sammy Wilson, Minister for Finance, will also see £330m spent on upgrading the A5, which links the north west of Northern Ireland to the Republic.

Wilson concluded: “Investment in infrastructure brings with it great returns on investment, and the Northern Ireland Assembly’s decision to focus most of its spend on two vital trade corridors will pay dividends. Better roads and infrastructure will not only encourage investment from overseas and overall connectivity, but mean lower fuel costs and more reliable journey times, giving hauliers, local businesses and motorists alike a welcome boost.”

VOSA fee changes

Revised fees for annual lorry and bus testing and operator licensing will come into effect on Sunday 1 April 2012. For the third year running, VOSA is not applying any general increase to most statutory fees – most changes aim to move costs between customers with no extra revenue for VOSA.

Fees for HGV and PSV testing are being adjusted to apply a differential between tests conducted at non-VOSA test facilities and VOSA test facilities – with the “testing element” of most fees at non-VOSA facilities reducing by 4% before rounding and those at VOSA sites increasing by 4% before rounding to charge more of the cost of providing VOSA facilities to users of those facilities. The “enforcement element” incorporated in annual test fees (but not retest fees) will not change.

Fees for applications for HGV and PSV operator licences – and for varying and continuing such licences – will rise by 1.6%. This will pay for the creation of a National Register of licensed operators and their transport managers to comply with EU Regulations which came into effect at the beginning of 2012. The National Register is one element of a package of measures aimed at creating a more level playing field for international transport operations and reducing distortion of competition across the EU. We are also equalising application fees for standard and restricted PSV operator licences since there is little difference in the cost of processing the applications.

VOSA estimates that the overall effect of the changes to all statutory fees will, at worst, increase overall operating costs for operators using VOSA test facilities by less than one hundredth of a per cent (0.01%) – but many customers using ATFs will pay less.

VOSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said: “We understand the financial pressures operators are under. That is why I am delighted that we have been able to avoid any general increase in fees for the third year running.

“I’m also pleased to announce a fee differential for annual tests at non-VOSA sites which moves further towards charging the full cost of VOSA facilities to those who use those facilities. This will make non-VOSA sites such as ATF’s an even more attractive option for operators getting vehicles tested.”

IRU supports 112 emergency number

The European road transport industry, as represented by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), has thrown its weight behind an European Commission initiative to promote the Single European Emergency Number 112 Europe-wide to enhance road safety and provide a rapid and effective response in case of a road accident.

On the occasion of the “European 112 Day”, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the European Commission (EC) have joined forces to promote the Single European Emergency Number 112 among bus, coach, taxi and truck operators and their customers across Europe.

In a joint statement, European Commission Vice Presidents Neelie Kroes and Siim Kallas, stressed: “This is the start of a year-long campaign to make people travelling around the EU aware of the number which could save their lives: 112, Europe’s single emergency number. We are delighted that the International Road Transport Union has joined the European Commission in this initiative.”

112 is a single European emergency number, which can be dialled from fixed and mobile phones free of charge, throughout the EU. 112 calls are answered by an operator who handles the request either directly or by transferring it to the appropriate emergency service (police, ambulance or fire brigade).

IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen, said: “For true road transport professionals, every road accident is one too many. Road safety has always been and will remain at the core of the IRU and its Members’ priorities. Raising the awareness of company managers, their drivers and indeed their passengers and clients in the bus, coach, taxi and truck sector, is part of our industry culture. This is further enhanced by various industry own initiatives, such as training through the IRU Academy, campaigning and disseminating best practices, with the objective of reaching every single company and every single professional driver in Europe. The Single European Emergency Number 112 constitutes a very efficient tool to further improve road safety, security, and the efficiency of response in emergency cases.”

M180 bridge protection works

Work along the M180 to improve safety and reduce disruption to drivers from traffic collisions is to get underway at the end of the month.

A £200,000 Highways Agency scheme to renew vergeside safety barriers along the motorway’s Junction 4 interchange near Scawby east of Scunthorpe will start on Monday 27 February.

The new barriers will provide greater protection to the piers of bridges at the interchange where the motorway meets the A15.

The new barriers will be installed in both directions and the work, which is due to be completed by Tuesday 20 March.

The work will require hard shoulder and lane one closures through the junction for the work to be carried out safely with a 50mph speed limit also in place.

The arrangements will only affect the carriageway in one direction at a time with the closures in place for about two weeks on each side of the motorway.

Three overnight closures of the motorway – with ‘up and over’ diversions via the Junction 4 exit and entry slip roads – will also be required to set out the traffic management, move it to the opposite carriageway and then remove it once the work has been finished.

Highways Agency project sponsor Steven Wright said, “The barriers in the verges at this junction are near the end of their serviceable life and this project to replace them will provide greater protection against bridge strikes and reduce the potential for lane or full carriageway closures for emergency safety inspections that such incident can cause.

“We will be working to minimise any inconvenience to drivers and we don’t anticipate any delays.”

A3 upgrade at Hindhead completed

Work to improve the old A3 through Hindhead has been completed, heralding the start of a new era for the Surrey village.

A new 4-mile bypass, including the UK’s longest underland road tunnel, opened to traffic last summer and since then the Highways Agency led project team have been working to adapt the old road to make it more suitable for the traffic now using it.

The 1.4 mile road, now called the A333, has been remodelled to restore Hindhead’s village feel, making more space for pedestrians and recreational users, and the notorious ‘Hindhead lights’ – for years a traffic bottleneck – have been replaced with a system of mini roundabouts. The work is intended to kick-start regeneration in the village, which had been blighted by traffic for decades before the new road opened.

Construction teams have now completed the last remaining roadworks, having already removed all traffic restrictions from the road at the end of January, news which has been welcomed by leading figures in the local community.

Highways Agency senior project manager Paul Arnold, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year honours, said: “Restoring tranquillity to Hindhead village is a big part of the new tunnel’s legacy. Local people have played such an important part throughout the successful delivery of this major improvement project, and I’d like to thank them for their patience, especially throughout this final section of roadworks. I’m delighted that we are now able to hand them a road that will help to realise Hindhead’s potential – both as a place to live and work, and as the gateway to some of the most stunning natural scenery in southern England at the Devil’s Punch Bowl. It is now over to local partners to make the very most of this opportunity for the people of Hindhead.”

For years, the village was home to one of the country’s worst traffic bottlenecks, with drivers coming to a daily halt at the notorious Hindhead crossroads. Queues of 40 minutes or more were not uncommon at peak times. Now, with the new tunnel taking the weight of traffic, the crossroads have been removed and replaced with a new double mini roundabout. Another mini roundabout has been installed at the Headley Road junction, and the whole road has been re-profiled, with wider, better footpaths.

Mayor of Haslemere Jim Edwards welcomed the completion of the roadworks.

Jim Edwards said: “Being a resident of Hindhead for the last 35 years, I along with all the residents and members of the business community of our village, appreciate the difference and improvement in the quality of our lives this new road brings. We can now look forward to the opportunities this redevelopment will generate and Haslemere Town Council will support the Hindhead community as they strive to realise the full potential of their village in any way they can. Their lives have been blighted by the unprecedented increase in traffic over the past 25 years and they can now look forward with confidence and surety to a much brighter future.”

Haslemere Town Councillor Melanie Odell, who led organisation of last year’s community day at the tunnel, and was Mayor of Haslemere at the time said: “The removal of the traffic lights has really helped to join up communities around Hindhead; in particular, travel between Haslemere, Hindhead and Grayshott is much easier now that the new road layout is in place. This is an exciting time for Hindhead, and I think that the village can look to the future with anticipation.”

Last Friday saw the final meeting of Hindhead Together, the partnership tasked with making the most of the environmental and economic benefits of the scheme for the local community. Founding leader of the group, and current chairman of Natural England Poul Christensen said: “The amazing success of this project is due to everyone coming together, to people here working together. A lot of people are cynical about localism but I think it is important to build things from the bottom. Hindhead Together is a good early example of localism in action and should be a blueprint for this kind of development right around the country.”

The Hindhead Tunnel opened to traffic on 27 July 2011 after four years of construction. A further section of the old A3, where it skirted the Devil’s Punch Bowl, has been filled in and returned to nature. The final part of the improvement project will be planting work on this section, before it is handed over to the National Trust to look after for the nation. This is expected to take place early in the spring.

Additional mode shift grant welcomed by FTA

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government of an additional £4.5m of Freight Facilities Grant. This comes on top of the earlier announcement of £0.75 for 2012-2013 and £2.0m for 2013-2014. £4.5m will also be available now for 2014-2015. The grant is open to applications for funding of rail and water facilities in Scotland meeting specific criteria.

Commenting, Chris MacRae, FTA’s Head of Policy – Scotland, said: “This additional announcement of funding is good news. This is especially so at a time of recession and it should be remembered that in England the equivalent grant has been completely ended. This grant is essential to helping achieve the Scottish Government’s challenging carbon reduction targets: switching freight movement to rail or water is an essential element of this and these grants help this, in addition to the separate revenue support grant regime.

However, MacRae sounded an important note of caution, “Over the last few years the revenue support grant has seen a declining profile and the Freight Facilities Grant has been subjected to cuts, withdrawal and then re-instatement. This form of stop/go announcement of funding does not give certainty to business when making long term investment decisions in which this form of funding can be essential. While we really do welcome this additional funding announcement, it is important that business has certainty about funding levels going forwards so that it can properly plan.”

Roger Dyson takes the initiative on Vehicle Approval

Vehicle recovery equipment manufacturer Roger Dyson is leading the industry’s response to upcoming EU regulations that will require all new trucks to meet rigorously uniform build standards. The new rules, which are being phased in between 2012 and 2015 according to the vehicle’s weight category and type, are designed to achieve conformity across the EU for truck-mounted equipment.

They lay down strict criteria as to what must be included on a vehicle. So, for example, UK recovery operators have previously been exempt from any requirement to fit sideguards and spray suppression equipment – but once the legislation comes into force these will be compulsory on all new vehicles.

Builders of ‘standard’ commercial vehicle bodies are also affected by the new regulations but can secure Whole Vehicle Type Approval certification for any number of identical units. This option will not be open to builders of recovery vehicles, however, because operators in this sector have widely differing requirements and no two vehicles are ever exactly the same. Manufacturers of recovery vehicles will therefore have to secure Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) from the Government’s Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) instead.

To save time and cut costs for its customers, Worcestershire-based Roger Dyson is now applying to become a registered VOSA-approved IVA Test Facility, so that vehicles it manufactures will not have to be taken for inspection to Avonmouth (the nearest of the five stations currently operated by the agency).

Roger Dyson was the first manufacturer to secure Individual Vehicle Approval for a recovery vehicle. To better understand the new requirements, and how they are likely to impact on its business and customers, it conducted a ‘dummy run’ using a Hydraloader 8000SLa (Super Low approach) slidebed with 10,000kg capacity sliding steel loading platform and PM crane, mounted on a 26-tonne MAN TGS chassis. The truck was sent from the Dyson factory in Droitwich to Avonmouth, where it was tested and approved by VOSA.

Roger Dyson’s Head of Engineering Mike Driver explained: “We wanted to get an early insight as to what the practical and commercial implications of getting an IVA certificate are going to be, so we built and presented this conversion very early for approval.

“There’s a fair amount of paperwork to contend with and there will inevitably be additional costs involved, but it proved a very useful exercise in lifting the veil that’s surrounded the whole issue. We’re now much better prepared than we would otherwise have been, and understand what’s required.”

Roger Dyson has also played host to a meeting of REMSA – the Recovery Equipment Manufacturers & Suppliers Association – at which a VOSA official outlined details of the legislation and took questions from members.

Commenting on the meeting, REMSA’s Jim Bird said: “It was a very useful session that gave members an opportunity to ‘hear it from the horse’s mouth’. VOSA’s representative delivered a clear presentation that covered the entire process before taking questions from members. Roger’s hospitality was much appreciated by all.”

DAF introduces new lightweight double-drive bogie

DAF is introducing a new air-suspended single reduction double-drive bogie, which has been specially developed for heavy duty applications requiring additional traction that don’t involve the most arduous off-road driving.

The new SR1360T double-drive bogie is 375 kilograms lighter than the existing hub reduction tandem for off-road applications and the heaviest loads, and it reduces fuel consumption by more than 5%. The new SR1360T is perfectly aligned with the aims of the DAF ATe programme (Advanced Transport Efficiency) — to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions and improve truck efficiency.

The SR1360T air-sprung tandem axle is available on 6×4 and 8×4 models of DAF CF85 and XF105 vehicles. There are two variants, with technical load capacities of either 21 or 26 tonnes for a total train weight of up to 70 tonnes. For special applications, the GCW can be as high as 120 tonnes. Alongside reductions in fuel consumption and weight, maintenance costs for the new tandem are also lower, as the rear axle oil only requires replacement once every three years or every 450,000 kilometres.

The SR1360T double-drive bogie is especially useful in heavy applications, where additional traction is required due to the high gross combination weights involved. The axle is particularly suited for use in longer distance special types transport and for other applications which are mainly used on-road, but need additional traction to cope with slippery conditions, such as forestry and waste transfer to landfill.

DAF ATe

The introduction of the new tandem axle for 6×4 and 8×4 vehicles is perfectly aligned with the aims of DAF ATe, a complete range of solutions to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions and improve truck efficiency. The programme also includes the innovations introduced on the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine, such as new pistons and a fully encapsulated exhaust manifold, which on its own is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 3%. In addition, the engine is switched off automatically once it has been idling for five minutes, and the maximum speed ex-factory is limited to 85 instead of 89 km/h, making it possible to achieve a further 2 to 3% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In order to raise the driver’s awareness of the importance of low fuel consumption, information on the current and achieved fuel consumption is provided on the central display on the dashboard as standard.