Export & Freight Apr-May 23

DOWNLOAD full PDF of this issue now at www.exportandfreight.com

COMMENT

This year seems to be flying by. We are already well into April, and what have we all accomplished so far in 2023? Well, it appears quite a lot, actually, some of which you can read in this latest issue of Export & Freight.

In recent times the phrase ‘net zero’ has become something of a ‘buzz’ word. Everybody is talking about it, but what’s being done to achieve that noble goal? We note the government is putting up £56 million to increase the provision of electric vehicle charge points, but as Logistics UK points out, there must also be provision for commercial vehicles and not just for the motorist.

Latest figures to hand suggest there are currently just over 40,000 public EV chargepoints in the UK, a figure that includes around just 400 in Northern Ireland, but the government predicts that the UK will require at least 300,000 charge points by 2030, so there’s plenty of work to be done yet on that score and as the Managing Director of DAF Trucks says, our industry needs the government to provide more help to accelerate the transition to zero emissions.

Net Zero will also be the theme of the forthcoming Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham when more than 200 exhibitors will also be showcasing the latest commercial vehicle technology and services, and with the industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce or eliminate emissions, this year’s dedicated Truck Zone will be an unmissable feature for those looking to futureproof their fleet, with battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and HVO trucks on display.

Of course, the transition to electric, means there will be an obvious need for training our technicians, so it is noteworthy that Logistics UK has announced its new portfolio of Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training courses which cover safety awareness, preparing the vehicle for repairs and carrying out system repairs and component replacements. The safety awareness online course is now live on Logistics UK’s website and is designed to support the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. You can read all about the latest developments on the Net Zero front in this issue, which also carries a preview of the CV Show at the NEC, in addition to our regular contributions from the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and, new to the magazine, John Eastman, President of the Society of Operations Engineers who writes about the challenges of attracting young people into industry. Well, that’s it for now. Remember, you can keep up to date with all the industry news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.exportandfreight.com.

Helen Beggs Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

Email: Helen@4squaremedia.net

IRELAND’S TRANSPORT MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

EXPORT & FREIGHT SUBSCRIPTIONS, 4 SM (NI) Ltd

Email: eleanor@4squaremedia.net

Web: www.exportandfreight.com

APR-MAY 2023

COVER

AT&T RENTAL CONTRACT HIRE. SPOT HIRE. SALES.

GENERAL NEWS

Making Your Business Sound as Good as it Looks Page 18

Schmitz Cargobull unveils new UK plant – and new-trailer Page 24

Top Award for Seamus Leheny at CILT dinner Page 28

Andy Oliver: Life After Lorries Page 31

Guided Tour of Thermo King Galway Page 38

The ‘Go To’ Place for All Your Fuel Needs Page 42

SPECIAL FEATURES

Transport Driving towards Net Zero Page 53

What to expect at CV Show Page 62

REGULAR FEATURES

Court Report Page 26

John Martin, RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland Page 40

Nicola Mallon, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI Page 30

SHIPPING NEWS

P&O Ferries Strengthen Key Trade Link Page 71

Rosslare Europort and ESB join forces on Offshore wind projects Page 72

Stena Line introduce Stena Nordica on Fishguard-Rosslare Service Page 73

VAN & PICK-UP IRELAND

All the latest developments and new launches from the world of vans & pick-ups Page 74

Export & Freight is Published by: 4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE Tel: 028 9268 8888 Email: info@4squaremedia.net

Helen Beggs Editor-in-Chief, David Stokes Editor, Golda Burrows General Sales Manager, Phil Eaglestone Commercial Vehicle Editor, Joel Byers Production Manager, Zara Beggs Social Media Content, Eleanor Blane Accounts Manager, Helen Beggs and Garfield Harrison Publishers

CIRCULATION: Ireland’s specialist magazine for the transport industry. Export & Freight is packed with news, information, developments and trends dedicated to the local marketplace. Export & Freight is a controlled circulation journal, posted each month to exporters, manufacturers, hauliers, own account operators, transport suppliers, commercial vehicle manufacturers, rail companies, bus and coach operators and manufacturers, air and sea terminal, passenger and freight ferry operators, shipping agents and freight forwarders, to name but a few. Export & Freight is also sent to members of professional bodies, including the IRTE, Institute of Quarrying and Institute of Freight Forwarders, FTA and RHA. Export & Freight is also available in your local newsagent. Export & Freight, is published by ‘4 SM (NI) Ltd’, at The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough, N. Ireland BT26 6AE. We are a completely independent voice and are not connected to any Institutes or Associations within the industry. Our aim is to publish accurate, specific and dedicated information, targeting each sector of the transport industry, throughout Ireland. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies supplied by the contributors. All rights reserved. The contents of this publications may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, either in part or in full, including photocopying and recording, without the written consent of the owner. Nor may any part of this publication be stored in a retrieval system of any nature without prior written consent of 4 SM (NI) Ltd.

DHL Supply Chain donation to fund vans for food redistribution in Ireland

DHL Supply Chain has announced a donation to FoodCloud, the Irish social enterprise tackling the twin issues of food waste and food insecurity, which will be used to fund the lease and maintenance of 11 vans. FoodCloud works with a network of Irish charities, community groups and retailers to collect and redistribute surplus food.

The new vans, funded by the donation from DHL Supply Chain, will improve the transport capacity of FoodCloud, increasing its fleet from 5 vans to 11. The increased capacity will facilitate improved food redistribution for FoodCloud’s network of retailers, including Tesco, and will enable more food to be delivered to those in need. The donation is part of a new three-year partnership between DHL and FoodCloud which will also see the creation of volunteering and mentorship opportunities. DHL employees will be able to support FoodCloud’s vision for a world where no good food goes to waste by volunteering as drivers, helping to pack food

in one of its three warehouses in Ireland or gleaning (picking surplus crops from fields). DHL Supply Chain will also be offering mentoring to FoodCloud, providing expertise on route optimisation, driver planning and emissions capture to enhance efficiency.

Anna Harris, Sustainability Manager, DHL Supply Chain, Ireland says: “We’re thrilled to announce our new three-year partnership with FoodCloud, supporting such an important social enterprise. The transport of surplus food is key to the FoodCloud offering and we are delighted to be able to aid this, contributing our expertise alongside the donation. By

PRM’s Philip Morrow named ‘Business Person of the Year’

partnering with FoodCloud, we are working to tackle food waste, and its social and environmental impacts while opening up exciting volunteering opportunities to our colleagues.”

Iseult Ward, CEO, FoodCloud, says: “We are delighted to be increasing our transport capabilities with the support of DHL, enabling us to redistribute surplus food with greater impact and efficiency. At a time when food prices are rising and people are increasingly feeling the strain of the cost of living, we are working to optimise our service and the specialist input provided by DHL is key to improving our logistics operations.”

Philip Morrow, CEO & Founder of PRM, has

been named ‘Business

Person of the Year’ at the annual Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution that Philip has made to PRM and his commitment togoing the extra mile for business excellence.

Philip was presented with the award, sponsored by Dalzell Property, at a glittering black-tie ceremony at La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Castlereagh, an event attended by almost 300 guests from across all sectors in Lisburn &Castlereagh.

Throughout PRM’s 35 years in business Philip has remained an inspirational business leader and driving force who has provided the vision and direction to transform route-to-market services for chilled products throughout

Ireland. He has played a key role in developing many brands which have now become established household names across Ireland. Employing over 250 people in the local community he has also demonstrated his passion for giving back through his support for numerous charitable and community initiatives.

Commented Philip: “It’s a real honour to have been named Business Person of the Year’at this year’s Lisburn and Castlereagh City Business Awards 2023.Throughout my career my goal has been to make a positivecontribution to the Irish grocery industry and to provide a best in class, route to market solution for leading brands across Ireland. “This is not only a recognition for me, but also one for my wife Lynne and the entire PRM team who without, everything PRM has achieved wouldn’t be possible.”

(L-R) Tom Minnock (Transport Director), Layla Vesey (Customer Service Manager), Mick Kelly (Operations Executive Director), Niamh Campbell (HR Director), Anna Harris (Sustainability Manager) and Ciaran Foley (Managing Director). [All from DHL Supply Chain, Ireland]

Pictured here presenting the award to Philip and his wife Lynne are Alderman Allan Ewart (right) and David Burns (left) Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City council.

Discover the

Power of Volvo

with Volvo FM Electric

Lower sound and emissions, with excellent ergonomics and visibility. The Volvo FM Electric is optimised for high-capacity deliveries in urban areas, offering quieter, greener performance – all with zero tailpipe emissions.

Contact your local Volvo Trucks dealer about the full Volvo Distribution range

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress.

New Managing Director for Schmitz Cargobull UK and Ireland

Colin Maher, the new Managing Director for Schmitz Cargobull UK and Ireland, says he is confident of doubling the company’s market share in the next five years.

Colin, 52, joins the company after 27 years with a global manufacturer of industrial weighing and inspection technologies, where he worked in a variety of roles, most recently as Director North America, UK & Ireland; he replaces Interim Managing Director Sebastian Terhechte.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a progressive and ambitious company,” Colin says. “My goal is to make sure we build on Schmitz Cargobull’s excellent reputation and achieve strong growth in the UK and Irish markets.

“We are extending our product portfolio and busy ramping up production. We expect to manufacture in excess of 2,000 units in the next financial year, putting us on track to double

our market share in the UK in the next five years.”

Colin joins Europe’s biggest trailer manufacturer at an exciting time.

In the new role, one of his key priorities will be to boost sales of the S.BO PACE and S.CS FIXED ROOF curtainsider semi-trailers,

as well as the recently-launched S.CS FREEPOST. The trailers have been specially developed to meet the requirements of the UK and Irish markets and are being built at the company’s new manufacturing plant in Manchester.

“The introduction of the new semitrailers means we now have our strongest ever product portfolio in the UK. The build quality is superb and we’re already seeing a growing demand,” he says.

“We are also bringing some new Schmitz Cargobull tippers to the market in the spring, which we think will be very popular.” With his strong engineering background and decades of sales experience, Colin is aiming to take Schmitz Cargobull’s customer service and after sales support to the next level. “We will be communicating more extensively about our services and products such as the galvanised chassis and TrailerConnect telematics system to further emphasise Schmitz Cargobull’s unique offerings,” he adds.

FORS commits to CLOCS Strategic Partnership

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), has announced its continued support for CLOCS by becoming a Strategic Partner. CLOCS is the national standard for Construction Logistics and Community Safety, where stakeholders in construction take responsibility for health & safety beyond the site hoarding.

Whilst FORS has been a CLOCS Champion since 2013, the scheme has been formally appointed as a CLOCS Strategic Partner following the launch of a new collaboration programme.

FORS joins a number of other existing CLOCS Champions and influential industry stakeholders in helping to promote the safety of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. The fleet accreditation scheme will play a pivotal role in campaigning to raise awareness of work-

related road risk and supporting those within the construction sector to achieve best practice and the safest fleet operating standards. For well over a decade, FORS has been the fleet accreditation scheme of choice in construction supply chains, and the partnership underpins FORS’ commitment to work with likeminded organisations to drive up standards in transport and logistics.

CLOCS Strategic Partners are not required to make any ‘formal’ commitment, other than pledging to work together to identify opportunities for mutual support, such as promoting each other’s initiatives and other key activities. FORS will provide its resources, expertise, support and thought leadership to enhance the portfolio offered by members of the CLOCS Strategic Partnership.

DSV launch Healthcare Centre of Excellence in UK

DSV UK have consolidated their healthcare expertise into a Centre of Excellence, based in Aztec West, Bristol. This site will host their dedicated team within the UK, supported by off-site WDA warehousing & cross dock teams located in Milton Keynes and Heathrow and underpinned by the global DSV healthcare network.

The dedicated Healthcare teams will offer market leading healthcare logistics within the UK, with over 20 years’ experience in the vertical and can provide tailored supply chain solutions and healthcare logistics catalogue services to the pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics markets.

The Centre of Excellence provides a single source for all healthcare requirements facilitated by Road, Air, Sea, Cross Dock and WDA licenced warehousing, offering

a full range of services with compliance from end to end. Also on offer are consultation services covering review of current supply chain and GDP compliance, along with expert advice. DSV’s customer centric approach and in-depth understanding of healthcare customer requirements offers peace of mind in an industry where every minute counts, and this site will allow DSV to support more businesses with key solutions for Day 1/ Patent product launches, controlled drugs

and DSV Air Charter services, providing a cornerstone for DSV Healthcare services within the UK. David Adlam – Director for Healthcare commented, “The introduction of a UK Healthcare Centre of Excellence highlights the expertise DSV hold within the vertical, and this investment allows more businesses to benefit from our fully compliant end-to-end service. As the industry grows, we see a rise in demands from all Healthcare sectors for value-added solutions and a single provider

for a comprehensive delivery service as well as an increase on regulatory pressures. Our position is to eliminate such pressures and perform the necessary tasks to ensure the smooth movement of goods from A-B, no matter what the shipment size or safety requirements. We understand the delicacy when dealing with healthcare is much more sensitive.”which has helped our business to grow and provided us with a freight service we can trust.”

Colin Maher.

Quick. Safe.

Easy Side Loading.

The S.CS FREEPOST offers quick, safe and easy side loading without the need for sliding posts. Certified to DIN EN 12642 Code XL, the curtainsider semitrailer incorporates a bolted galvanized steel cant rail and fixed aluminium roof sheet, as well as a reinforced chassis structure for ultimate stability. The S.CS FREEPOST is built at the Schmitz Cargobull factory in Manchester and is designed specifically to meet the requirements of the UK and Irish markets. More information: www.cargobull.com/uk

Growing number of DAF trucks leaving with service agreement

DAF Trucks has reached the milestone of 250,000 DAF MultiSupport Repair &Maintenance service contracts which guarantees the highest vehicle uptime. It also provides transport operators with maximum security up front in terms of costs per kilometre as well as optimal managerial and administrational ease.

The quarter-millionth contract was signed by the Scandinavian-German company Baton Transport for a DAF XG that will be used on

international routes all across Europe. Baton Transport, which was established in 2010, owns nearly 400 trucks and employs around 800

workers. The haulier connects the distribution centres of its customers in 12 European countries and excels in long haul transport for speedy delivery of a wide range of goods.

A DAF MultiSupport Repair &Maintenance contract is always tailor-made. Operators can choose their own service level and the contractual term, with an option to extend the scope of the contract to include superstructure bodies, for example. Furthermore, the DAF dealer takes care of all maintenance planning and administration, thereby enabling transport companies to concentrate on their core business. With a DAF MultiSupport Repair &Maintenance contract, transport operators are guaranteed a perfectly maintained fleet and maximum vehicle availability at a fixed price per kilometre. DAF MultiSupport offers four service packages, varying from preventive maintenance right up to all conceivable repair and maintenance services. With 8 offices in Europe, Baton Transport has chosen DAF MultiSupport Full Care contracts as standard for its DAF fleet, which comprises more than 90 vehicles, including a growing number of the New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ trucks – International Truck of the Year 2022.

Mike Hoefeijzers, Director of Commercial Services at DAF Trucks: “We help our customers avoid the processing of piles of invoices and keep their trucks on the road with excellent services. DAF MultiSupport guarantees maximum uptime with minimum effort at a fixed cost per kilometre, which enhances the transport efficiency of each transport operator. And because a DAF MultiSupport Repair &Maintenance contract is always tailor-made, we have the right service contract for every company – no matter how big or small.”

Driver CPC Updates Could Raise Serious Safety Concerns, Says Logistics UK

The recent announcement of a consultation on proposed Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) reforms from the Department for Transport (DfT) raises serious safety concerns and devalues the professionalism of the road haulage sector, according to business group, Logistics UK.

Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation at Logistics UK, comments:

“Logistics is a highly regulated industry that places the safety of all road users at the heart of its operations and any changes to the Driver CPC regime must respect that premise. This consultation is bad news for road safety and haulage operators, as well as drivers.

“Within its own consultation announcement, DfT has said that much of the current industry training relates to issues impacting safety, and that the new, proposed periodic test – which would replace the current 35 hours of periodic training – could result in significantly less training being offered and, therefore, available overall. Operating and driving heavy commercial vehicles is a challenging, complex role and to reduce the training opportunities for drivers when they need to be operating

in line with the safest possible practices is simply unacceptable and could compromise the vital safety on which much of our industry is based.

“DfT has also indicated that the proposals would result in more complexity within the DCPC regime itself, including a two-tier system for domestic and foreign driving qualifications, and that the new regime tabled would create confusion for drivers, leading to switching of courses, and therefore increased training time and costs. The department’s own plan states that these changes have the potential to create higher overheads, ‘which would most likely be borne by drivers of employers in the form of test and possibly training fees’ – an unacceptable burden to place on our members. Logistics businesses have already faced a 12.6% rise in vehicle operating costs, are facing a reduction in

energy support and are investing in decarbonisation technologies in line with government targets. Already operating on narrow margins, these businesses cannot continue to absorb yet more rising and unnecessary costs, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers.

“The logistics industry has worked hard to ease the critical driver shortage that dominated headlines in 2021 via awareness campaigns such as Generation Logistics, and the creation of HGV Driver Bootcamps to boost recruitment. At a time when industry is trying to attract more people into the sector, and into such highly skilled jobs, any reduction in the professionalism required for the role would be a retrograde step and would devalue the skilled nature of the work required. Our members have never questioned the need for a Driver CPC regime, and welcome the reputation which attaining

the current standard bestows on their businesses and their drivers.

“When providing a response to the DfT review of the training in January 2022, Logistics UK called for the flexibility for businesses to deliver the training most suitable to their own drivers to be retained. Logistics is not a ‘one size fits all’ sector and there are huge advantages to businesses being able to tailor the drivers’ training content to suit their business needs. The proposed periodic test will potentially cover a wide range of issues, some of which might not be relevant to the driver, so could direct attention away from training that matters.

“Logistics UK will be undertaking urgent work with its members to respond to these proposals and identify worthwhile methods to improve, rather than compromise, road safety, while increasing efficiency for businesses and the wider economy.”

Harald Seidel (President of DAF Trucks, right) and Richard Zink (Director Marketing & Sales, left) with Claus Hansen (CEO at Baton Transport, centre), after signing DAF Trucks’ 250,000th DAF MultiSupport Repair & Maintenance service contract.

BPW: THE ORIGINAL IS GENUINELY BEST

BPW imposes high standards, not only within its own house but also on those associated with it. Take BPW spare parts distributors, for instance. BPW has over 250 appointed distributors across the UK, so rest assured, if you are buying from an authorised BPW distributor, you know you’ll be buying genuine parts. BPW part components have been manufactured to exacting engineering standards and will provide long-term performance and reliability. They are designed with nothing less than long life in mind. Having invested in BPW high performance running gear, why settle for anything less when it comes to spares? Even when maintenance budgets are tight – and they almost always are –there is sometimes the temptation to fit non-genuine parts. Is it worth the risk?

At their research and development facilities near the main factory in Wiehl, BPW is not only developing new and better products, but it also spends time continuously testing existing components to ensure that rigorous quality standards are being met. Whether it is axle beams or pivot bolts, all components are regularly tested, and quality is monitored regardless of size.

Mike Stayman, Aftermarket and Maintenance Network Manager, said, “Operators run the risk of facing hefty repair work when nongenuine parts are fitted. At best, these parts can contribute to rapid wear and tear of the equipment or, at worst, an accident. For instance, in the case of complex safety systems, such as brakes, BPW recommends replacing new brake shoes in their entirety to ensure optimum performance. Fitting new brake shoes eliminates the possibility of newer trailers being fitted with older, worn, and damaged platforms, which can result in brake noise, vibration, and premature lining degradation.

www.bpw.co.uk

All new BPW brake shoes are supplied with rollers, removing the problem of seized or damaged rollers caused by shot blasting. This damage can impair the braking performance and cause impact wear on the camshaft. As a company whose reputation has been built on quality and reliability, BPW has long recommended fitting new brake shoes to make the most of its axle and suspension systems. Stayman said, “This isn’t just a marketing ploy, but because the friction surfaces of BPW brake pads and linings are specially matched to complement the metallurgy in BPW disc or drum brakes. It is this important detail that ensures the best possible braking and wear behaviour for trailers.” Stayman also says that the low wear on its brake drums and shoes is the result of both experience and extensive testing to ensure consistent, efficient braking is delivered and that

the wear components remain constant, right to the end of their service life. As Mike points out, this is of particular importance where the brake drum torque is higher and the shoes are from the smaller brake sizes that are used with 19.5, 17.5, and 15.0 inch wheels, such as those on double-deckers, where the increased height also increases the braking challenges. As the brake shoe is profiled to optimally match the BPW brake drum, there is no difference between BPW’s OE and the aftermarket. Made in BPW’s own factory using a specially developed steel alloy, the company’s pressed and cold-hardened shoes are dip coated with zincphosphate for enhanced surface protection. Training courses are also encouraged for BPW spare parts distributors, and the company offers a parts identification training course, that includes training on BPW’s internal aftermarket portal, and manually identifying BPW parts.

BPW is renowned for producing quality, engineered axle and suspension systems for the commercial trailer market. So, it’s no surprise to know that every spare part is developed, designed, and checked with the same level of care as its original equipment.

MAN celebrate in style selling their 150,000th vehicle in the UK

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd have just sold their 150,000th vehicle in the UK. The truck, a special build TGX Individual Lion S Tractor, will be operated by family owned Gateshead based Templeman Retailing & Vending Ltd.

Upon hearing that his new truck was the 150,000th MAN vehicle sold in the UK, Neil Templeman, Company Chairman of Templeman Retailing & Vending Ltd, said: “I was both delighted and amazed to receive a call from MAN informing me that one of our new vehicles was indeed the 150,000th MAN to be sold in the UK; who would have thought? It’s an incredible

milestone for MAN and we’re thrilled to be part of their journey.

“Once the initial conversation had sunk in we started to think how we could work with MAN Truck & Bus to insure the truck was indeed a standout spectacle, something that would catch the eye of other road users, stick out at truck shows representing our business, and be a guaranteed conversation piece.”

Based on the flagship TGX Individual Lion S model, featuring the biggest cab in the range, the GX, and painted in factory Nardo Grey, the Templeman Retailing & Vending MAN sits on polished Durabright alloy wheels and has been fitted with a custom chassis infill and a one-off hand built catwalk. Attached to this is a custom-built back-lit susie frame which carries the wording

IVECO branches out with new tree-planting initiative

IVECO has been a leader in alternative fuel vehicles for over two decades with natural gas and electric models helping fleets dramatically cut carbon emissions. Today IVECO is going a step further, pledging to plant a tree sapling for every new IVECO sold, even backdating this initiative to January 2022.

The entirety of IVECO’s capable and diverse catalogue of vehicles qualifies as part of the environment-boosting scheme.

From the versatile Daily to the flagship IVECO S-Way, all will contribute to what will be a vast program in collaboration with The Future Forest Company.

Every new diesel, CNG/BioCNG and LNG/BioLNG vehicle adds to a legacy of environmental benefits granted by a tree’s natural living processes. Even the new

zero-emissions IVECO eDaily will add to its carbon-saving mission by also qualifying. The Future Forest Company plans to remove one million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere by 2030. Its extensive UK tree-planting programme not only aims to improve air quality but also be a further environmental benefit by creating new habitats for wildlife to thrive. These new forests will greatly help restore essential biodiversity and protect endangered species.

“Work Hard – Play Harder”. The chassis in-fill, catwalk, susie frame, battery box and mudguards have all been colour coded to match the Nardo Grey cab.

Adorned with a special one-off livery the 150,000th vehicle features an airbrushed Lion on each side of the cab. Individual in design, the kerbside Lion is soft and thoughtful, pensively looking out into the distance, however, the offside Lion is in full attack mode with a menacing attitude and teeth bared! Each of the cab’s front corner caps feature airbrushed claw marks, which at first glance look like the vehicle has been mauled in an attack. The rear of the cab has also been airbrushed with a huge Lion’s head with and both the St Andrew’s cross and St George’s flags.

Tom Newell, UK General Manager at The Future Forest Company said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with IVECO. By choosing to plant trees with The Future Forest Company, IVECO is having a real impact towards increasing UK forest cover, improving biodiversity, and reversing the climate crisis.”

IVECO continues its own decarbonisation journey with the introduction of a classleading electric model - the eDaily - that’s also capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes. The Daily, Eurocargo and IVECO S-Way Natural Gas variants are able to run on biomethane, a fuel that results in an up to 95% reduction in CO2 versus a diesel equivalent.

Lisa Fuller who heads Brand Marketing and Communications commented: “IVECO is very proud to be part of this initiative that enhances our work towards a sustainable future. Our electric and biomethanecompatible vehicles dramatically cut emissions, while every new tree planted will help tackle carbon existing in the atmosphere.”

BPW Cargomaster Strapping System

With an increased focus on securing cargo on loading vehicles, BPW Limited has highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting the community in adapting to relevant industry challenges.

The DVSA stresses that loads must be properly secured as it is critical for road safety. A load that is not properly secured can shift while in transit, increasing the risk of instability of the trailer, dangerous collisions, road closures, and even fatalities. Recent conversations have highlighted the importance of proper load security, with several cases of poorly secured haulage on trailers causing concern. A recent article stated that of 37 vehicles which were inspected, three were removed from the road immediately, 20 were issued an immediate prohibition and seven with a delayed prohibition by DVSA enforcement officers.

The efficient and user-friendly BPW CargoMaster strap lift system minimises the risk of damage to goods and is compliant with DVSA loadsecuring guidelines. The straps, kites, or nets are suspended from the roof with bungee cords where they are kept clean, and ready for loading. They are attached to both side raves, with a rave hook and tensioned with a manual ratchet.

A guided roller-bearing carriage runs the full length of the trailer roof, maximising haulage capacity and allowing the BPW CargoMaster to be pulled and positioned over the load. Thanks to this system, the driver no longer needs to climb into the trailer to throw the straps over the load. This system improves workplace

safety by lowering the risk of injury whilst also saving time in both loading and unloading. Both easy to operate and cost-effective to maintain, the system fully encases loads and straps them directly to the vehicle chassis. This versatile system can secure loads of varying shapes and sizes. Due to an intelligent swivel and clamping technology, the straps, nets, or tarpaulins automatically lift back into the roof space when not in use. In this position,

they are not disturbing the loading process and are available at any time to quickly and easily secure cargo from the ground.

The BPW CargoMaster, which can be retrofitted, is highly regarded for its performance, safety features, and adaptability out on the road. It speeds up deliveries while significantly reducing the risk of accidents and downtime whilst saving space to maximise haulage capacity.

FORS revamps popular ‘Practitioner’ training programme

FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has launched a new, updated version of its popular FORS Practitioner training programme designed specifically for fleet management professionals.

Now comprising a series of 15 modules, the introduction of five additional modules allows participants to adopt a more flexible route towards achieving FORS Practitioner status, with the programme also offering more career-specific content. The revamped FORS Practitioner programme is now available to book online, with all courses commencing in April.

Course participants are still required to undertake a total of ten FORS Practitioner modules, including six mandatory components from the pre-existing prospectus. Then, a choice from any of the remaining modules – including the new five modules – will see participants ‘graduate’ as a FORS Practitioner with a knowledge-set specific to their own career and workplace.

The additional five modules have been carefully devised to reflect modern fleet management awareness, and include:

- Managing driver fatigue risk

- Managing drivers’ hours

- Managing abnormal

indivisible loads

- Introduction to fleet auditing

- Road traffic collision investigation

The five new modules provide flexibility for participants as they pursue their goal of achieving FORS Practitioner status. From the pre-existing ten modules candidates must undertake six on a mandatory basis. They include

Managing Work Related Road Risk – Managing Driver Fitness & Health – Managing Driver Training & Development – Collision Procedures & Analysis – Vehicle Serviceability & Roadworthiness –Fuel Efficiency & Low Emissions. The FORS Practitioner programme is arguably the jewel in the crown of the FORS Professional

training portfolio – the most comprehensive training resource for drivers and managers presently available in the transport industry. To date, over 3,200 individuals have graduated from the FORS Practitioner programme.

More widely, FORS Professional offers a vast range of eLearning and online webinars, while fully qualified training providers deliver practical training courses for drivers such as Van Smart, LoCITY Driving and Safe Urban Driving. Managers are also afforded a full suite of courses offering dedicated learning pathways. There are also Toolkits, Toolbox Talks and Guides covering all aspects of fleet operation and all job descriptions.

“We’ve listened to FORS Accredited Operators and have created a world-class training programme for fleet management professionals,” said FORS Concession Director, Ian Henderson, “We’ve taken the opportunity to update existing content, while the additional modules and revised graduation pathways offer a tailored training package to suit individual workplace requirements.

“The new FORS Practitioner programme is the result of listening to our FORS accredited operators,” added Henderson, “with the feedback gathered over the last 12 months, we’re confident we’ve developed a complete training programme that covers all the bases regardless of the size and makeup of the transport operation.”

Daimler Truck Financial Services collaborates with insurance leader Marsh

Truck and bus customers of Daimler Truck Financial Services throughout the UK will now have access to commercial insurance and risk advisory services under a new co-operation agreement signed with Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser.

The service offering includes a holistic reassessment and realignment for Daimler Truck Financial Services’ customers, and incorporates motor insurance, commercial general liability, goods in transit and commercial business insurance.

Daimler Truck Financial Services UK opened for business in August. James Hubbard, its Director, Strategy & Marketing, said: “The co-operation agreement on insurance that we have entered into with Marsh reflects our commitment to provide a truly comprehensive portfolio of services for our customers.

“We look forward to making further, exciting announcements in 2023, particularly in relation to eMobility and the role that we can play in helping operators and indeed Dealers as they embark on their transitions to a zero-emission future.

“As well as financing their acquisitions of battery-electric and, further down the line, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles,

Daimler Truck Financial Services will also be well placed to provide support in other areas, such as charging infrastructure.”

Chris Barclay, Affinity Leader, Marsh UK, commented: “We are excited to launch the UK phase of our collaboration with Daimler Truck Financial Services, building on our European co-operation agreement. We have colleagues across more than 50 locations throughout the UK. This aligns with the wide geographic spread of Daimler Truck Financial Services dealer partner locations. We look forward to providing insurance and risk advisory support and advice to Daimler Truck Financial Services customers, whatever their size and location.”

In addition to the UK, the new insurance service has already been rolled out in Spain with other European markets planned to follow shortly.

Director, Strategy & Marketing, James Hubbard.

CJM FREIGHT & SONS OPT FOR CONTRACT HIRE PACKAGE FROM AT&T RENTALS

County Antrim based CJM Freight & Sons have enjoyed a long working relationship with AT&T Rentals, spanning over a decade.They have traditionally taken trucks on a short-term spot hire basis to cover busy periods, but the company has now gone a step further as the business continues to grow.

The freight operator based on the Tully Road at Nutts Corner, with additional warehousing facilities in the Port of Larne, have recently taken two top of the range Volvo FH 500 tractor units and a double deck curtainside trailer on a long term contract hire package.

The Volvo trucks are proving to be a perfect addition to CJM Freight & Sons fleet which currently includes

nine articulated units, six 7.5 tonners and six delivery vans – a long way from when the company, which handles mostly air freight, was established by Cecil Minford in the year 2000 with just a single van.

Covering Ireland and the UK, the company decided on contract hire from AT&T Rentals for a number of reasons,

as CJM Freight & Sons Karl

Minford explains: “With the contract hire package, we can concentrate on what we do best and leave the servicing and maintenance of the new trucks to AT&T Rentals; giving us complete peace of mind.”

He adds: “We have been dealing with AT&T Rentals for around 10 years, taking trucks out on a spot hire basis, so we knew the service and support we

would get from AT&T Rentals would be second to none, and it’s proving to be so. They look after us very well and the package we have means that if there are any issues with their kit even when across the water in England, those will be taken care of as it includes 24/7 breakdown cover. That said, we have a number of other Volvo trucks of our own, so we know they are highly reliable.”

With a history dating back to 1988, AT&T Rentals offer a full range of rental and leasing services from short term to multi-year contract rentals, tailored to meet each individual customer’s needs. The company have built up a broad customer base, supplying trailers and tractor units to owner-drivers right up to large fleet operators. Boasting an extensive fleet of trucks and trailers of the highest quality, ranging from LCV vans through to 44 tonne tractor units as well as a wide selection of trailers, all are regularly refreshed to ensure customers like CJM Freight & Sons benefit from

the very latest technologies. As official Chereau partners, AT&T Rentals not only supply the premium French brand, but also supply high quality brands such as Scania, DAF, Volvo, Montracon and Dennison to name a few, all of which can be customised to individual customer requirements, be it camera kits, side-skirts, chrome light bars, working beacons, extra lighting, or hydraulic systems. Opting for a competitive contract hire package from AT&T Rentals has many advantages, especially in today’s challenging operating environment, as Karl pointed

out. With a fixed monthly cost, it means there will be no unexpected surprises, and if the trucks have to be taken off the road for a few days to resolve any issues, CJM Freight & Sons know a replacement vehicle will be supplied, thus eliminating the potential to miss delivery or collection schedules.

HIRE PACKAGES ARE TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMERS LIKE CJM FREIGHT…

MAKING YOUR BUSINESS SOUND AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

When a customer does get through, even on the first or second ring, being put ‘on hold’ while the receptionist tries to locate the requested department or contact name can also represent a missed opportunity to generate additional business. Helping you overcome these challenges is JAHN Media, a fast growing Belfast based telecom

audio provider that has been working with a number of our leading transport companies for the past three years; it is headed up by Aaron Watson, one of Northern Ireland’s leading voiceover artists and ‘on hold’ music media experts.

“You may have a brilliant business, a great image on the road, and excellent products and services, but we often judge on first impressions,

and the telephone can be the first port of call for many customers, or the first avenue callers take to get to your business,” he says, “but being put ‘on hold’ with just ‘dead’ air can create a negative impression that can last well beyond that moment, so we want to make your business sound as good as it looks.”

As an audio branding company, JAHN Media provides professional

‘on hold’ marketing branding across business telephone systems to enable your business to sound professional, clear and informative when callers and potential customers ring in.

“The transport and logistics industries are some of our biggest sectors. When a caller makes contact he or she are invariably given a number of options to direct them to the right person or department. While they are put ‘on hold’ before being transferred, rather than having to listen to just telecoms music we can fill that space with a professional voiceover to promote the various aspects of the business, the products and the services it can provide – it represents an excellent platform to advertise the company’s activities to a targeted market,” says Aaron. “Periodically, the services and products offered by companies can change or be expanded, so we also offer a package that enables the voiceover message to be updated accordingly as and when required. Other messages can include those related to closing or holiday times,” adds Aaron, who has been involved solely in the media industry for the last two decades, working for SKY TV, BBC, UTV, Cool FM, U105 and many other production companies across Ireland and the UK.

As well as voiceovers, Aaron has been involved as an ‘extra’ in shows such as HBO’s Game of Thrones as well as multiple BBC and ITV projects – all a long way from when he began his working career with a successful window cleaning round.

By their very nature, the transport and logistics sectors are among the busiest, most challenging and most competitive. An unanswered phone call may be a missed opportunity that could be costly with potential customers going elsewhere.

Aaron Watson.

Continental adds seven additional Tiger trailers to its fleet

Continental has further bolstered its UK articulated fleet through the addition of seven more box vans from Tiger Trailers, with this particular order divided into two different products to suit its operational requirements.

The tyre firm’s first Tiger order for 2023 is comprised of five 4.2m high box van trailers for their next day regional truck tyre delivery and casing collection business, and a pair of 4.8m tall ‘high cube’ variants, equipping Continental with increased load capacity for inter-depot trunking and waste recycling activities.

Continental’s new standard-height 4200mm trailers are fitted with an LED strip-light facing down at the rear to light up the working area for operator safety, and with cycle warning sideguards, which align with Tiger’s own aims as demonstrated through the Tiger Safety Team’s school road safety programme.

panels from Trailar. The 4800mm high-cube iterations are equipped with full aerodynamic sideguards to reduce CO2 and increase fuel efficiency, and the trailers and

company’s ultra-distinctive livery and are fitted with its in-house tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) interfaced into the ContiConnect 2.0 web-based platform for

identify our requirements, then design and build trailers that suit our unique operation. Features for functionality, longevity and safety in operation have been engineered in by Tiger without compromise. The trailers perform exceptionally well and have a very impressive presence on the road.

Tiger Trailers deliver a premium product in line with Continental’s position as a premium brand. It is a pleasure to work with Tom and the rest of the team at Tiger and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

Continental placed its first order with Tiger Trailers in 2020, followed by further orders in 2022, before taking delivery of this latest batch of box trailers in early 2023.

Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailer’s Technical Sales Manager, says: “We are proud to continue supporting Continental with what is now the third year of articulated trailer supply. Simon and the team are great to work with in tailoring the specification and ensuring that the end product

John Eastman

President of the Society of Operations Engineers

ENGINEERING IS NOT ALL ABOUT OIL, GREASE & DIRTY OVERALLS

In the first in a series of Q&As with Trustee Board members, President John Eastman, EngTechCEnv FSOE FIRTE, outlines his hopes for the Society and the future for the industry as a whole.

YOU TOOK ON THE ROLE OF SOCIETY PRESIDENT TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR. WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ROLE OF CHAIR AND PRESIDENT?

Historically, the President has been the chairman of the Board as well as being the President. Under the new structure agreed by members last year at an EGM, the Trustee Board has been streamlined as described by the previous President in the previous issue of SOE News, allowing the President to influence the Board without being the Chair. It allows me to step back and take a broader view, allowing an element of freedom to look at the Society rather than chair the Board but still be actively involved as a Trustee and Board member. It also gives me the opportunity to communicate more with HQ and relate to the office members as well as helping the chief operating officer where needed.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH IRTE AND THE SOCIETY AS A WHOLE?

I have been a member since 1973 having been advised by my boss at the time to join the Institute of Road Transport Engineers. In 1985 I applied for membership of the IRTE Council and with tremendous joy, I was accepted. I sat on the Professional Sector Council (PSC) which gave me an insight into the workings of the Institute, learning from senior members and improving my knowledge of transport engineering as well as friendship from fleet engineers of note. I also became registered with the Engineering Council. In 2000 the IRTE attracted an additional professional Institute, IPlantE and in 2003 I was asked if I would stand for President of what was now the SOE, a great honour indeed. I have been involved with the SOE and the IRTE Council in one form or another and Chair of the IRTE PSC and Technical Committee as well as being a Trustee. The involvement

has always been interesting and rewarding. Being involved with IRTEC and Workshop Accreditation from conception through to fruition has been greatly rewarding.

HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?

Transport engineering has changed a great deal over the years with many companies moving from ownership to leasing, which saw fleet managers now being with the manufacturers. Rather than with a company that once owned all of their vehicles and relied totally on them to manage the fleets and the ownership of the operator licence. My own experience is along these lines having been with a number of blue chip companies in fuel, flour, brewing and transport. In the past, being an engineer/technician in the transport engineering industry as an apprentice was once seen as a recognised career path but the education system now does not promote such a career, the emphasis being instead on IT and other careers. As a result, there is a lack of engineers, which is one of the agenda items of the irte and other PSCs. Discussions with the operations engineers managers is ongoing as to how we attract youngsters into not only engineering but membership.

THE SOCIETY WAS FORMED BY THE MERGER OF EXISTING MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATIONS. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WE MAY SEE MORE OF IN THE FUTURE?

Institutions as well as industries go through market share concerns. Looking to stay in the running by means of merger or buyout is not uncommon with brand names being maintained due to their popularity and market strength. Membership concerns are no different and with the threat of diminishing members due to industry changes and or focus and the lack of young engineers coming through the education

system, merging with similar or added value organisations can be one way forward.

HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY GROW AND DEVELOP IN THE FUTURE?

A great question with no easy answer. All through my career I have heard how good the Germans are at engineering and producing quality machines. The British have also had this level of recognition but it seem overseas rather than at home. Over the years we have seen industry sold off, and from market leaders in engineering we have lost some ground. Certainly a great many things have changed with technology evolving ever faster and faster. The emphasis seems to be on the softer engineering sectors rather than the heavier end which is a shame. Technology has evolved in transport also with leaps and bounds in electronics and telematics.

I have seen the kudos of having an apprenticeship in engineering drop back when compared with when I started my career. When I left school, the numbers of schoolleavers looking for an apprenticeship was very competitive and the industry was spoilt for choice. If you were selected it was seen as a feather in your cap. You were made for life. The apprentices I have seen at the IRTE Skills Challenge and WorldSkills, as well many others taken on by vehicle manufacturers, are of a very high level, but we need more of them. The interest from school-leavers does not appear to be there and the education system is where it needs to be nurtured. Many apprentices I knew went on to be directors, managing directors and leaders in industry with many large companies, so the career path is there for the taking. Going to university is not necessarily the best route to getting on in life. Engineering is not all oil, grease and dirty overalls. This needs to be portrayed to 13 year-olds and school is a great starting point to do that.

SDC TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS LAUNCH NEW PARTSPLUS SYSTEM

SDC Truck and Trailer Parts has launched their new “PartsPlus” Consignment Stock Management System for customers, allowing them to benefit from enhanced stock replenishment across the supplier’s 16,000+ Parts range, as well as reduced inventory management, and operational benefits. The system eliminates the possibility of stockouts and delivery lead times by creating a holding stock of vital parts at the customer’s warehouse, ensuring that they always have the parts they need on hand.

The core functions of the PartsPlus system are stock replenishment and simplified purchasing. When parts are scanned out from the operator’s warehouse, this triggers a set of automated actions that will inform the user that a replenishment is required. It is only at this point that SDC Truck & Trailer Parts will invoice for the Parts they have selected. By automating consignment stock management, PartsPlus minimises the need for manual order processing, allowing the user to improve efficiencies and have a full track on their Parts usage.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

In addition to its core functionality, SDC’s PartsPlus system offers several other useful features, such as the ability to add, remove, check, count, and move stock within locations. This means that operators can easily manage their stock levels, ensuring that the right parts are in the right place when needed, they have a full data track on what parts have been used, and their profile of stock is always updated with real time information. The system can be used to compare usage by part or trailer to identify any areas where business improvements can be made.

SDC trialled the PartsPlus system with a small number of customers during the development stages to assess the new technology and determine key customer features. One customer

who has benefited from the technology is Thomas Robinson, Workshop Manager at Hireco, Belfast, who commented: “SDC’s PartsPlus system was extremely easy to set up and has significantly reduced the amount of time and capital outlay required for managing our Parts inventory. SDC Truck & Trailer Parts helped us to implement the software and set up minimum stock levels across our fleet. We now have full traceability of all stock and I never need to worry about not having parts in stock to keep our fleet on the road. PartsPlus also provided us with additional insights in terms of fleet management and it has quickly become a vital part of our daily operations.”

IMPLEMENTATION

SDC Truck and Trailer Parts provides all the hardware, software, and training needed to implement the PartsPlus system. This includes barcode scanners, as well as the software itself. The system can be integrated with existing reporting systems and training is provided to ensure that users are fully equipped to use the technology effectively.

Gavin Diamond, SDC Truck & Trailer Parts Director said: “Our new PartsPlus system provides customers with real-time visibility and control over their Parts stock, and track of their spend per asset. As technology continues to advance, it will play an increasingly central role in the way businesses operate, with digitalisation

and data analysis becoming essential tools for fleet management. This investment, combined with continued expansion across our branch network, reflects SDC Truck & Trailer Parts commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet our customers’ needs. Feedback has been really positive, and we look forward to supporting operators with the additional benefits offered through ourPartPlus system.”

SDC Truck and Trailer Parts’ investment in the new PartsPlus Consignment Stock Management System is just one example of the company’s continued commitment to providing the best Customer Service, Quality and Price in the market.

Headquartered in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, SDC Truck & Trailer Parts is Ireland’s largest CV Parts supplier with a total of 9 branches and a further 4 in England and Scotland. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operations, SDC continues to set the standard for as a leader in the supply of Truck & Trailer Parts.

SCHMITZ CARGOBULL UNVEILS ITS NEW UK PLANT – AND A NEW SEMI-TRAILER

Close

During our visit to the production facility in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, we also had a first glance at the new S.CS FREEPOST curtainsider semi-trailer which is the latest product to be manufactured in Manchester where trailers have been specially developed for the UK & Ireland since the summer of 2021.

“Schmitz Cargobull stands for reliability and innovation and guarantees consistently highquality standards worldwide, from vehicle configuration to the handover of the vehicle to the customer. The opening of the plant, here on site in Manchester, is therefore an important step,” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO at Schmitz Cargobull. “The plant joins our network of highly flexible production facilities, enabling us to respond quickly to local market requirements.”

Adds Boris Billich, Director of Sales at Schmitz Cargobull: “The new Manchester plant enables us to bring trailers to our customers in the UK and Ireland that fit specific market demands, while offering the most reliable and proven chassis solutions in order to help achieve best total cost of ownership. In addition, transfer costs, CO2 emissions and throughput times are minimised.”

The new Schmitz Cargobull facility in the UK is the latest of a total of ten production sites in Germany (Altenberge, Vreden, Gotha), Lithuania, Spain, Slovakia, Turkey, Australia and South Africa. The 7,500 sq m production area in

Manchester offers a total capacity of 60 units per week in single-shift operation. The 1,000 sq m spare parts warehouse ensures rapid local supply.

Schmitz Cargobull employs a total of 72 people in the UK. The team is led by Paul Avery, Managing Director Operations, and Colin Maher, who has held the position of Managing Director since January 2023.

“We want to support transport companies in

the UK and Ireland in the best possible way with our comprehensive range of reliable and innovative transport solutions. This includes vehicles with market-specific features, the shortest delivery times, an extensive 24/7 spare parts supply as well as our proven range of services from financing to telematics and used vehicle sales,” says Maher. “The introduction of the new semi-trailers means we now have our strongest ever product portfolio in the UK.”

to 200 customers, dignitaries and members of the press gathered at the Schmitz Cargobull factory in Manchester recently to celebrate the official opening of the plant, as Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

Pictured L-R: Dr. Günter Schweitzer (Chief Operations Officer, Schmitz Cargobull); Andreas Busacker (Chief Financial Offer, Schmitz Cargobull); Colin Maher (Managing Director Sales & Services, Schmitz Cargobull UK); Mike Kane (Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East); Paul Avery (Managing Director Operations, Schmitz Cargobull UK); and Boris Billich (Chief Sales Officer, Schmitz Cargobull).

“Manchester has proven the perfect location for us with its strong industrial heritage,” adds Avery. “We’re already seeing a significant influx in demand, and we only expect that to continue to grow in the years ahead.”

HIGH QUALITY PORTFOLIO

With the addition of the new S.CS FREEPOST, Schmitz Cargobull’s Manchester facility is now manufacturing three high-quality trailers designed specifically for the local markettwo curtainsider semi-trailers, the new S.CS FREEPOST and the S.CS FIXED ROOF, as well as the dry freight semi-trailer S.BO PACE. The new S.CS FREEPOST curtainsider semitrailer is for general cargo transport. Equipped with a fixed aluminium roof, galvanised steel outer rails and a reinforced chassis structure, it does not have any side stanchions. This pillarless design allows the driver a free side loading and unloading height of up to 3,200 mm. To facilitate unloading, the curtain can be

tensioned from both the front and the rear. Additional handling comfort is provided by the optional Schmitz Cargobull Susi-Rail. This allows the light and brake connections to be moved and operated from the side. The S.CS FREEPOST is available in different heights from 4,200 mm to 4,800 mm.

All three trailers are characterised by Schmitz Cargobull’s well-known high standard of quality and durability. Like all Schmitz Cargobull trailers, they are equipped with the proven repair-friendly and galvanised MODULOS chassis with a 10-year guarantee against rust-through. The chassis are complemented by the ROTOS axles with disc brakes, which have already been delivered a million times and are guaranteed to last for 1,000,000 km or six years – whichever comes first.

The vehicles are completed by TrailerConnect® telematics from Schmitz Cargobull, which is fitted as standard ex works. TrailerConnect® offers

intelligent connectivity for better planning and controlled data exchange along the supply chain, supporting the rapid diagnosis and processing of the collected data from all components. Before the start of production, all of the trailers are subjected to a series of stringent tests to ensure they meet the strict TÜV requirements and are DIN EN 12642 Code XL certified. Transport operators can therefore rely on high-quality vehicles with maximum safety for general freight transport. All three trailers can be backed with a comprehensive range of services, to ensure all trailer-related needs are met throughout its entire service life.

www.cargobull.com/uk

Operator Fined for Multiple Offences

A County Londonderry operator was convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 for multiple offences. The conviction arose when DVA Enforcement Officers were conducting routine checks on goods vehicles on Dargan Road, Belfast.

The driver of an articulated lorry was directed to the DVA weighbridge at Garmoyle Street to have the vehicle weighed and further examined. It was discovered the vehicle was not specified on a Goods Vehicle Operators Licence.

The tachograph records were analysed and it was noted that no data was recorded in relation to the vehicle download records. Regulations require vehicle tachograph records are downloaded every 90 days, but the driver’s tachograph records had not been downloaded for 269 days, the deadline missed by 241 days.

Regulations also require that the driver’s card records are downloaded every 28 days. Two periods of driving without a driver’s card being inserted were identified.

£500 Fine for Tachograph Offences

A County Antrim operator has been convicted at Newry Magistrates Court and fined a total of £500 after DVA Enforcement Officers stopped a large rigid goods vehicle and directed the driver from the A1 into the Departmental weighbridge site at Loughbrickland for an inspection. The driver and vehicle unit were analysed. This analysis highlighted no data in relation to the driver’s digital tachograph card download deadline, suggesting that it had never been downloaded before.

Failed to take daily rest periods

A Country Armagh operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates Court and fined a total of £900 after DVA Enforcement Officers stopped a 3 axle Volvo articulated lorry and carried out an inspection of the vehicle, driver licences and driver’s tachograph records. It was discovered that the driver had failed to take Daily Rest of 11 or 9 hours on seven occasions. Furthermore, he exceeded his 9- or 10-Hours Daily Driving on three occasions. He also exceeded his maximum fortnightly driving time of 90 hours. In addition, he had failed to make proper use of Record Sheets or Driver Card, making a false record.

New DAF Service Partner opens doors at DIRFT

GB DAF has opened its doors to a new, purpose-built truck servicing facility at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT); the UK’s largest, centrally located intermodal rail / road freight terminal.

GB DAF– DIRFT represents a £3.2 million investment from contract maintenance company, GB Fleetcare, and is the company’s third GB DAF location including service centres in Banbury and Gatwick.

The 1.6-acre site is situated on the A5 Watling Street, strategically located within the Golden Triangle of the Rail Freight Terminal, junction 18 of the M1 motorway and M6 / A14 interchange.

As an official DAF Service Partner, GB DAF joins the UK truck industry’s largest dealer network, boasting137DAF Dealer locations and covering the length and breadth of the British Isles; almost twice as many as its nearest competitor.

Facilities on site include a 15,000 sq.ft. workshop and is installed with additional infrastructures to accommodate electric- and hydrogen gaspowered vehicles, thus delivering future proof capability. Equipment includes gas alarms and a roof venting system, pit ventilation, 400-amp electricity supply and multiple ducts around the site to enable installation of vehicle chargers as required. There are five 28-metre, fully-equipped workshop bays and an outside parking area for 12 full-length articulated vehicles.

GB DAF will also become an Approved Tachograph Centre and a DVSA Authorised Testing Facility, thus providing a full MoT preparation, testing and certification service. A DAF and TRP Parts stock is also held on site.

“It’s been a long journey, but we’re thrilled to be here in what is the premier location in the UK for large scale logistics companies,” said GB Fleetcare Managing Director, Paul Grimes, “We identified the site in 2016 when Prologis, the owners of DIRFT, revealed plans for growth. We’ve worked extremely hard to build what we believe is the most modern, well-equipped truck servicing facility at the terminal and in precisely the right location. And, we’re just as delighted to be strengthening our relationship with market-leading DAF Trucks. Together,” he said, “we will bring unrivalled levels of service for DAF and mixed fleet operators.”

Ben Taylor is appointed as Service Manager at GB DAF after having completed an IMI level 4 training course with DAF over the previous 24-months. Ben heads-up six fully-trained DAF Technicians with plans to ramp-up recruitment in Q3 with a target of employing 21 DAF Technicians before the end of 2023.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SEAMUS LEHENY AT CILT DINNER

Logistic UK’s former Policy Manager for Northern Ireland Seamus Leheny was presented with the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ at the recent Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport NI’s annual dinner.

The event was held at Titanic Centre in Belfast, compered by broadcaster and TV presenter Adrian Logan with guest speaker Martin O’Neill, former Northern Ireland football captain.

Commented Seamus, who has been succeeded by Nicola Mallon as UK Logistic’s Head of Trade & Devolved Policy, says he was ‘truly humbled and proud to receive the CILT NI Outstanding Achievement Award for 2022.’ He added: “Working in and representing the logistics sector opened so many doors and opportunities for me and I’ll forever be indebted to all those businesses and professionals who aided me along the way. I’ll cherish this recognition for years to come. To be congratulated by the legend Michael O’Neill topped it off.

“Huge thanks to everyone in the sector and especially the NI CILT committee including Imelda Haran, Nick McCullough, Pamela Dennison, Paul Harden and NI CILT Chair Gary Barnes, all of whom delivered a great event yet again.

“I may have moved on from Logistics UK and the sector now ,but I leave it in the excellent

hands of Nichola Mallon and Jayne Currie who will take it from strength to strength here in NI.”

In his acceptance speech Seamus highlighted the importance of mentoring. “That’s what got me where I am today and I urged everyone in the room to ensure they mentor those young

staff members who will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Added Nicola Mallon: “It was wonderful to see Seamus get this recognition from the logistics industry in NI, so wellearned and deserved.”

The annual dinner raised £7,000.00 for CILT’s chosen charity, The

NI Children’s Hospice, so a big congratulations to everyone who generously contributed.

Principal Sponsor Stena Line and guests join Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI).

Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), joins guests of event sponsor, Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the Titanic staircase.

Guests from CILT Ireland enjoy the evening.

Seamus Leheny, winner of the annual award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, addresses the audience.

Jacob Koch-Nielsen, Group Head of Freight, Stena Line, delivering the principal sponsor address.

Madison Wright, Youth ambassador, NI Children’s Hospice addresses the audience.

Nick McCullough (Dinner secretary CILT NI) announces the winner of the 2022 Outstanding Contribution award.

Nick McCullough, (Dinner secretary CILT NI), Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), Martin O’Neill (Guest Speaker), Adrian Logan (Event Host).

Samantha Radford (CILT UK), Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), Nick McCullough, (Dinner secretary CILT NI), Sharon Kindleysides (CEO CILT UK).

Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), Martin O’Neill (Guest Speaker), join guests of event sponsor, Tughans on the Titanic staircase.

Nick McCullough, (Dinner secretary CILT NI), Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), Leanne Dawson (NI Children’s Hospice), Matthew Wright, Madison Wright (NI Children’s Hospice Youth Ambassador), Angela Wright.

Nick McCullough, (Dinner secretary CILT NI), and Tim Graham, RSA NI presenting Seamus Leheny with the annual award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry sponsored by RSA.

Phil Eaglestone, Martin O’Neill (Guest Speaker), Garfield Harrison (Export & Freight), Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), Adrian Logan (Event Host).

Event sponsor, Honeycomb join Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI).

Martin O’Neill (Guest Speaker) and Adrian Logan (Event Host) join event sponsor, Radius Fuel Solutions/DCI on the Titanic staircase.

Drinks Reception sponsor, Cameramatics join Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI), and Nick McCullough, (Dinner secretary CILT NI).

Gary Barnes (Chairman CILT NI) welcomes guests to the CILT NI Dinner.

Auctioneer Richard Livingston joins Adrian Logan for the charity auction in aid of NI Children’s Hospice.

Guest Speaker, legendary football player and manager, Martin O’Neill, in conversation with Adrian Logan.

Nichola Mallon

Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Logistics UK

ACCELERATING DECARBONISATION

Following warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that catastrophic environmental impacts are rapidly becoming inevitable and it is ‘now or never’ to take drastic action to avoid disaster, industry continues to push forward for a greener future.

Together, industry has been working proactively to address the issue, reviewing possibilities for modal shift, participating in trials and sharing knowledge on greener technologies. There is a real drive among industry to decarbonise however, operators are still facing substantial barriers which must be addressed as a priority. Battery electric has been widely adopted as a suitable alternative for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) however, in addition to acquisition costs and long vehicle lead times, infrastructure remains a challenge. Members reported costs of over £1 million to upgrade depot power supplies to enable electric vehicle charging and Logistics UK has consistently called for a fair and equitable approach to funding depot charging, with a greater share of the cost of additional energy connections born by energy networks. It was therefore disappointing that there were no updates on this within the recently announced Spring Budget given the role that depot charging will play in decarbonising logistics. Another challenge is the real lack of public charging infrastructure. Figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) showed that as of October 2022, the total number of public electric vehicle

chargepoints across the UK was 34,637. This falls woefully short of the 300,000 target the DfT has set for 2030.Also within the figures released in October, was the breakdown by area. The number of public electric charge points per devices per 100,000 of population was significantly lower in Northern Ireland at just 18, compared to 122 for London. It is simply unacceptable to expect NI businesses to operate fully electric fleets with such little re-charging infrastructure available; especially for those that work within rural areas where there may even more limited access to public charging. It is vital that the pace of public charging installation increases to ensure targets are met in time for the phase-out dates of diesel and petrol vans and cars in 2030. There is much frustration within industry around the lack of certainty regarding alternatives for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). While there are many trials taking place, the effects of these will not be apparent for many years and it is clear that a short-term solution is needed. Earlier this month Logistics UK organised a parliamentary roundtable to discuss Low Carbon Fuels (LCFs) and highlighted the need for a LCF strategy.

LCFs have largely received less attention in policy and political

debate than electric vehicles however provide a viable option for reducing carbon emissions by up to 80% with immediate effect, without significant vehicle modifications needed. However, again, the main barriers regarding LCFs are the high alternative fuel costs and lack of infrastructure. Logistics has therefore called on government to produce an evidence-based long term LCF strategy that supports these challenges. As part of this, communication with industry is key. The logistics sector is at the heart of the research and development of these alternative fuels and can provide valuable feedback, however, ultimately, industry needs certainty from government regarding future infrastructure investments to provide greater clarity to businesses as to which alternative fuels to adopt.

Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) are traditionally heavier, resulting in a loss of payload due to weight restrictions. Government has therefore increased the gross weight limit of an HGV to a flat two tonnes for certain ZEVs, and up to one tonne for certain Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs). However, this applies to GB only and Logistics UK is calling for the same regulation to be introduced in NI. Additionally, Logistics UK is urging

for the axle weight to be amended; without a proportional increase in axle weights, the additional gross weight allowance will be unusable. Industry is committed to reducing emissions however should this result in significantly reduced payloads, this will cause an increase in the number of vehicles needed and could have the opposite effect. It is vital a balance is struck between a practicable mileage range and efficient payload, with road safety remaining a priority, and members are committed to working with government to ensure solutions. With no mass-market solution to Euro VI available for HGVs, Logistics UK highlighted concerns that a reintroduction of the HGV levy would be challenging given the current economic crisis and that a further delay should be considered given the lack of viable alternatives and long vehicle lead times. The announcement within the Spring Budget that the HGV Levy is to be reintroduced in August is therefore disappointing for industry which is already facing increased cost pressures, such as total vehicle operating costs (which rose 12.6% for the 12 months to 1 October 2022).While using the levy to incentivise greener HGVs would be welcomed in the long term, currently it acts as an additional tax on businesses and deflects funds that could otherwise be invested in decarbonising operations. Industry stands ready and willing to play its part in transitioning to a green economy, however to do so, requires action from government. Targets alone do not create solutions and it is vital that government works proactively with industry to seek solutions to the challenges. Logistics is a hugely complex industry and the necessary changes will not happen overnight. As reinforced by the IPCC, to ensure we see these changes in the future, the time to act is now.

ANDY OLIVER:

LIFE AFTER LORRIES

One year ago, a significant transition occurred in the Northern Ireland road haulage sector. Oliver Transport, a renowned family-owned business, was sold to WS Transportation, marking a new chapter for Andy Oliver, director of the Oliver Exorna Group.

Andy’s life has been steeped in the family business since his early childhood. His father, Willie Oliver, headed both Oliver Transport and Exorna Kitchens, which was initially based in Castlerock and later moved to Coleraine. Andy’s connection to the industry was so strong that he learned to drive a lorry at the tender age of 11. This early experience laid the groundwork for an opportunity-led career.

“My father had a great relationship with Spanboard in Coleraine; we were customers in terms of Exorna Kitchens while also being their main road haulage provider,” Andy says. “Lorries running out of the yards in Castlerock and Coleraine soon became normal life. After a reasonably short school life, cleaning trucks and trailers in evenings and weekends was part of life, and it gave me much-needed experience for shunting trailers around the yard.”

“ERFs were my father’s choice of truck; a lot of drivers didn’t like them, but with the Cummins engine and the fiberglass cab, I would say it was a choice made by an accountant and not that of a trucker!” explains Andy.

“Managing a dozen trucks by day and valeting people’s cars at night was a nice way to make a living in your 20s.”

In 2005, Andy’s father told him about a local vehicle hire business for sale, coincidentally on Andy’s 21st birthday. Coastal Self Drive, a van and minibus hire business, was purchased and moved to Hillmans Way, Coleraine.

The purchase of PJ O’Kane Transport in 2008 allowed Oliver Transport to move into the cross-channel road haulage sector. “Flat trailers became our main piece of equipment at a time when flat trailers weren’t popular among HGV drivers. Luckily, we had a great bunch of drivers that thrived on being ‘Flat Trailer Men.’”

In 2015, Andy met Nigel McMullan, who later became the COO of WS Transportation. This meeting marked the beginning of a commercial and personal friendship that ultimately led to the sale of Oliver Transport to WS Transportation in 2022. “Nigel is a great friend; thanks

to him, the Stobart Family, and WS shareholders, I’ve been able to concentrate on our other businesses with the comfort of knowing our former drivers, staff, and customers are well looked after.”

In 2018, Solid Surface NI was established in the Coleraine headquarters, a stone worktop fabricator and retailer, further diversifying the business portfolio while also servicing the needs of sister company Exorna Kitchens.

In 2021, Andy acquired a business from his close friend Brian Kennedy – Nilfisk Gerni – which was later rebranded as Gerni NI and moved to the Hillmans Way, Coleraine headquarters. Supplying and servicing garden power tools, domestic, professional, and commercial cleaning, construction, and vacuum equipment.

In 2022, Oliver Transport was sold to WS Transportation, the transfer of assets and staff with headquarters moving to the new Toomebridge depot. The repair workshop had previously been separated from the business and trades as Northbrook Commercials.

A 6-bay repair workshop based in Coleraine maintains light and heavy goods vehicles for haulage operators and local businesses.

In 2023, Novelle by Exorna was launched, after a £100,000 investment, a luxury in-frame fitted furniture showroom was opened in the floor above the existing Exorna Kitchens showroom.

“Our new luxury showroom showcases kitchens complete with walk-in pantry, as well as an elegant living room with our bespoke media center as the main focal point. Additional offerings include a boot room, drinks cabinet, home office and laundry room, ensuring that both functional and aesthetic requirements are catered to with finesse.” Andy explains.

Andy continues to emphasize “As they say behind every good man is a great woman, my wife Lisa, works in accounts administration within Exorna Kitchens and is my business partner in Gerni NI. We are privileged to have extraordinary staff members across the group and we strive to cultivate a positive working environment for them”.

EXORNA KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

Kitchen and Bedroom Furniture

Manufacturer, Retailer and Installer. Established in 1981 our family business has been supplying kitchen and bedroom furniture to property developers, house builders, public housing authorities, social housing suppliers and the general public for over 40 years. Our 100,000sqft workshop manufactures and assembles over 1000 cupboards per week. As well as our own cabinets we also supply & are approved dealers for: Kitchen Doors from: Kitchen Stori (U-Form), PWS, O&S, Trade Moundings, Andoras as well as our own manufactured MFC and Foil Wrapped Doors. Electrical appliances from: Indesit, Hotpoint, Whirlpool, Neff, Siemens, Bora, GWA, AEG, Lacanche, Rangemaster, Miele, Liebherr and Bosch. https://www. exornakitchens.co.uk/electrical-appliances/ Sinks and Taps from: Blanco, Franke, Schock and Quooker.

Laminate Worktops from:

Egger, Duropal & Formica

Stone Worktops from: Cosentino Silestone, Cosentino Dekton as well as Natural Stone Splashback

Sliding Door Wardrobe Systems fabricated in-house with customised glass and mirror options.

All of our products are delivered direct to the customers site by our fleet of vans and trucks. All goods are either sold as “supply only” or “fully fitted”. On average, we install 25 fully fitted kitchens and bedrooms per week with a further 60 kitchen sets delivered as supplied only. A large selection of our products are available to view in our Coleraine Kitchen and Bedroom Showroom. Our 2,000sqft Showroom can be viewed by the general public and also used in conjunction with builders/developers/ other kitchen retailers who send their buyers to make selections within the preagreed kitchen or bedroom specification. www.exornakitchens.co.uk

SOLID SURFACE NI Stone Worktop Fabricator and Installer

In 2018 we made a £1m investment to set up a state of the art stone processing workshop. We chose Cosentino as our primary stone supplier, namely Silestone and Dekton products. We quickly qualified as a Cosentino Gold Fabricator, meaning we are able to offer a 25 year warranty on all Cosentino fitted products, one of the key benefits of this qualification.

We are currently installing 13 sets of stone worktops per week, but have the production and fitting capacity for a lot more.

Within the Exorna Kitchens & Bedrooms

Showroom in Coleraine we have over 16 different stone worktop installs on display along with samples of our full range of colours and products. www.solidsurfaceni.com

NOVELLE BY EXORNA

Luxury in-frame furniture specialising in creating bespoke pieces for every area of the home.

From the functional kitchen and pantry, the practical laundry and boot room, to the sophisticated home bar and living room, Novelle by Exorna offers a complete range of high-end furniture to enhance the overall

NORTHBROOK COMMERCIALS

Maintenance of Light and Heavy Goods Vehicles. Offering commercial vehicle repairs, diagnostic and mechanical servicing to a wide range of businesses in Northern Ireland. In addition to vehicle repair we offer commercial vehicle body repair and painting services, which can provide accident damage repair and general paint refurbishment.

We are equipped with the latest mobile vehicle diagnostics equipment, roller brake tester and hydraulic play detector plates. Providing support to keep operators licenses compliant, including; Service record keeping Periodic vehicle servicing

Annual test preparation and presentation

aesthetic and functionality of your home. Focussed on quality craftsmanship, using premium materials and incorporating exceptional design possibilities, Novelle by Exorna is the perfect choice for anyone seeking the very best luxury bespoke furniture. www.exornakitchens.co.uk/ novelle-by-exorna/

COASTAL SELF DRIVE

Short and Long Term Hire of 3.5T Panel

Vans and 7.5T Box Lorries to General Public and Business Customers.

Vehicles are available to hire using our fully comprehensive insurance or hirer can choose to use their own insurance. All vehicles are hired under “fully maintained” agreements with courtesy vehicles provided when required, all our vehicles are covered under AA Breakdown Cover within UK & Ireland. www.coastalselfdrive.co.uk

GERNI NI

Supplying and servicing Garden Power

Tools, Domestic, Professional and Commercial Cleaning, Construction and Vacuum Equipment for over 30 years. Stocking equipment from some of the world’s leading manufacturers;

STIHL – Power Tools & Garden Care Equipment

Nilfisk – Floorcare & Vacuum Cleaners

Kranzle – German Manufactured Pressure Washers

Delfin – Custom Built Industrial Vacuums & Dust Collection Equipment

Billy Goat – Outdoor Clean-up Equipment

Duplex – Steam Cleaning Machines

Segway – GPS Navigated Robotic Mowers

Cub Cadet – Domestic & Professional Outdoor Power Equipment

2 x stocked mobile service vans as well as in-house service workshop, with the moto of “Servicing anything we sell”

We also supply a wide range of quality cleaning chemicals to complement our machines.

www.gerni-ni.com

NI to Ban Tyres 10 Years and Older on Trucks and Buses

The National Tyre Distributers Association (NTDA) has welcomed the announcement by Northern Ireland’s Vehicle Policy Unit at the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) that it is to ban tyres aged 10 years and older on the front axles of HGV’s, buses and coaches, and to the tyres on all axles of minibuses when fitted in single configuration.

The changes being implemented in Northern Ireland follows the results of a public consultation period; it will now align with the changes introduced in GB on 1 February 2021. The restriction will also apply to re-treaded tyres, where the date of re-treading will be used to determine the age of the tyre. There will be no requirement for the date marking to be displayed in any orientation and hence no material costs. There will be an exemption for two groups of vehicles: those vehicles that are currently exempt from tyre roadworthiness regulations (including agricultural tractors that travel at low speeds) to remain consistent with existing legislation; and historic vehicles that are currently exempt from roadworthiness testing, providing they are not used commercially.

The DfI says that it recognises that historic vehicles are usually well-maintained, are used infrequently and do not travel at high speeds. The regulations will apply to drivers or operators

of non-compliant vehicles on Northern Ireland’s roads, regardless of the country of registration. DfI will bring forward amending legislation to put the decisions set out in this document into effect, with an implementation period of two months.

NTDA Chief Executive Stefan Hay said: “The DfI’s consultation period ran for 8 weeks from 24th October 2022 to 18th December 2022 and we very surprised to learn that the NTDA’s response was one of only 12 formal responses received by the Vehicle Policy Unit. We are, therefore, elated at the news that the DfI intends to introduce the ban and bring Northern Ireland in line with the existing ban in GB.

“We would also like to acknowledge, once again, the phenomenal campaign work of Frances Molloy, who following the tragic death of her son Michael in a coach crash in 2012 caused by a 19-year-old tyre, campaigned relentlessly for the ban in GB which was finally introduced in February 2021. Common sense has prevailed

and we hope that we will never see another tragedy caused by old tyres on UK roads again.”

Regular Inspections Needed

Meanwhile, Steve Howat, General Manager –Technical Services at Continental Tyres UK added: “Responsible tyre maintenance is a critical factor in maximising road safety. We therefore welcome the Department for Infrastructure’s ruling.

“Though we are committed to helping operators to maximise the longevity of their tyres, everyone must take responsibility for doing so safely. Tyres naturally degrade over time and, as such, older tyres can carry a heightened risk of a high-pressure blowout. The consequences of a tyre failure can be devastating, especially when fitted to the steer axle of the vehicle.

“We encourage all fleet operators to operate a robust tyre service programme, which includes regular inspections and tyre pressure checks. One in five truck tyres is operated under or over the required tyre pressure for the wheel, demonstrating the need for ongoing education on the safety critical issue of tyre maintenance.

“Operators, drivers, technicians and retailers can familiarise themselves with the key truck tyre maintenance issues in our new series of awareness videos. The learnings are applicable to any truck tyre, no matter the brand, and reinforce our ambition to make our roads as safe as possible.”

Tyre awareness videos accessible at: https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/ b2b/truck/tyre-awareness.html

fleet

SWS is Ireland’s leading garage fit-out and workshop equipment specialist. With over 40 years’ experience and access to the world’s leading brands, we are trusted by operators who value our expertise, reliability and exceptional value.

THERMO KING GALWAY PRACTICES WHAT IT PREACHES ON SUSTAINABILITY

Thermo King Galway is one of the brand’s most

important manufacturing facilities and is proud of its environmental credentials. It is also where the company has designed and manufactured its innovative Advancer trailer refrigeration solutions, as Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

As part of a customer open day at the plant, we were able to join guests on a guided tour of these impressive facilities where, before achieving its zero waste milestone, it sent 230 tonnes of waste to landfill every year. Today, everything at the Galway site is recyclable, and recycling waste generated at the production stations like metal, plastic, cardboard or wood is part of standard work at the facility.

The measures Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies have implemented at Galway have been effective and show that environmental sustainability is the right call. One example we reported on a while back was the company’s switch from using wooden pallets to reusable steel pallets for shipping finished product which keeps pallets out of landfills, avoids the cost of recycling them and saves the facility a significant amount of money each year.

The Thermo King Galway plant also has a rainwater harvesting facility to collect rainwater from the building’s 200,000-square-foot roof. The rainwater is used for toilet flushing and reduces the facility’s water usage by 50,000 litres (13,200 gallons) per month. That aside, we were able to see where the production took place of Thermo King’s recently unveiled three new breakthrough models of the Advancer trailer refrigeration solutions: the multi-temperature Advancer Spectrum, the Advancer AxlePower energy recovery system and the electric, engineless Advancer-e. This state-of-the art and carbon

neutral production line is impressive. The three new trailer refrigeration systems have expanded the market-leading Thermo King Advancer A-Series portfolio, renowned for its performance, temperature control, unrivalled

system efficiency and fleet connectivity. The new Advancer Spectrum, for example, features a 48V DC mild-hybrid technology now available for temperature configurations of two distinct zones during

AGV (automated guided vehicles), restoring assembly line material stock.

Sean Kinsella Automation Centre, partnership with ATU (Atlantic Technological University) to develop undergraduate and professional development courses.

the same journey, with precise temperature management and set point control.

Advancer Spectrum introduces a new level of performance to the multi-temperature trailer Advancer A-Series, fastest temperature recovery and pulldown, and highest refrigeration capacity on the market. Advancer Spectrum delivers up to 30% savings on fuel costs compared to the market average. The units’ architecture also lowers service interval rate of up to 30% and reduces unscheduled maintenance by up to 60%.

Advancer is the first multi-temperature trailer unit on the market offering complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption. Customers can access the fuel consumption and other data both on the unit and remotely via telematics, enabling them to optimise their fleet more innovatively. Fleet intelligence is standard, as Advancer Spectrum comes included with 2 years of full, two-way telematics connectivity service.

ADVANCER AXLEPOWER

Meanwhile, Advancer AxlePower’s smart energy generating system delivers the power needed to run the trailer refrigeration unit by converting energy recovered by the trailer’s axle during the vehicle’s routine operation.

Developed in partnership with BPW, a leader in running gears and mobility services for transport, the Advancer AxlePower is a fully integrated, tractor independent system that combines BPW’s ePower axle with Thermo King

refrigeration unit and battery storage technology. The system stores the energy generated while the vehicle is rolling or braking in a high voltage battery and reuses it to power the refrigeration unit – enabling fully electric, low or zero-emission and autonomous trailer refrigeration. The battery pack, depending on the configuration, provides an average of five hours of refrigeration unit autonomy to cover stationary operations. Featuring smart power management that controls the engagement and disengagement of the generators, Advancer AxlePower also minimises the resistance on the tractor and provides the driver and fleet manager with real-time performance visibility to avoid ‘charge anxiety’.

ADVANCER-E

Designed to accelerate the realization of carbon neutral trailer fleets, the Thermo King Advancer-e incorporates an engineless and

electric architecture with all the features that make the Advancer A-Series the most efficient trailer refrigeration systems in the market. Advancer-e is power-agnostic and compatible with all major engine-alternative power sources including the Advancer AxlePower, Frigoblock’s Envirodrive alternator and inverter technology, Thermo King’s battery Energy Pack, and shore-power when stationed at the depot. With its fully electric architecture, one Advancer-e unit can reduce a trailer fleet’s carbon footprint by up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per year. Advancer-e is compatible with any tractor for inner-city deliveries or for long-haul assignments when combined with the right power technology solution available from Thermo King. The flexibility of the Advancer-e enables transport companies to be more than a step ahead of changing low-emission legislation.

www.europe.thermoking.com

www.tranetechnologies.com

Thermo King Production Floor.

Completed Advancer TRU (Transport Refrigeration Unit), end of production line final inspection.

Advancer automation assembly cell, (Robots pick parts from Kanban and assembles the Frame, Bulkhead, Evaporator Coil Assembly & Powerpack).

Advancer automated frame welding cell, (Robots pick piece parts from Kanban and assemble completed welding frame).

Advancer unit during the assembly process.

John Martin

THE NEXT STEPS TO DECARBONISE THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FLEET

Decarbonisation is coming. The journey to achieving Net Zero by 2050 is exciting and the RHA is committed to facilitating the introduction of zero tailpipe emission HGVs and coaches.

To ensure CO2 emissions are reduced from commercial vehicles successfully, we seek to inform and influence policy makers on the needs of haulage and coach operators and the practicalities to be addressed. Getting this right over the short, medium and long term is in the interests of the environment, the economy and society more broadly. Whilst zero tailpipe emission vehicles are developed, low carbon fuels allow commercial vehicle operators to slash their CO2 emissions now.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and gas trucks are available options which while not completely zero emission can reduce emissions by up to 80%. We also believe the government should move long term to reducing carbon emissions across the whole vehicle lifecycle.

WHAT ARE WE ASKING FOR?

We ask that the UK government: * supports unequivocally the

use of low carbon fuels such as HVO as a positive interim step towards Net Zero

* looks again at the whole carbon lifecycle of a vehicle as we believe a focus solely on zero tailpipe emissions distorts accountability.

We also ask:

* that commercial vehicle manufacturers work with the RHA and its members so that zero emission vehicles can be trialled in realworld conditions.

* that fuel providers work with our sector to ensure the infrastructure is in place to power low and zero tailpipe emission commercial vehicles

WHY ARE WE ASKING THIS?

Decarbonising the commercial vehicle sector is complex. Transport is an essential function of any economy. It allows people and goods to move, lives and livelihoods

to flourish and society to prosper. The UK logistics and road passenger sectors are highly advanced and specialised, enabling the public to enjoy exceptional levels of service. We are focused on how commercial vehicles operators can switch to clean vehicles whilst sustaining the same high levels of service their customers demand. Much is underway to achieve this. We welcome the development of first-generation battery electric commercial vehicles. To address their operational limitations, we support the £200m investment by the government into research and development of zero tailpipe emission lorries, including the potential offered by hydrogen-powered vehicles. We will encourage our members to invest in these vehicles where they can. We will work with our partners to ensure subsequent generations of vehicles can replicate the same range, payload and operational flexibility of the diesel vehicles they will replace. However, the risk

of ‘stranded assets’ is significant and the government must ensure that subsequent regulations allow operators to realise their return on investment in these vehicles. We also seek to resolve the difficult policy and commercial decisions on how we phase out the existing diesel fleet fairly. Lessons should be learned from well-intended but poorly designed Clean Air Zone policy so that small and medium sized enterprises are not disadvantaged. Ensuring the existing fleet is phased out rationally whilst ensuring an adequate supply of new vehicles is essential. Driving this should be a national UK approach underpinned by clear vehicle and emission standards. By contrast, a patchwork of different and confusing local regulations that distort the vehicle market must be avoided.

Together with policies that recognise the distinct decarbonisation needs of coaches from buses, the government must also recognise that measuring the reduction of carbon emissions by the ‘tailpipe’ only does not achieve ‘zero emission’ outcomes. The policy framework must evolve to measure CO2 reductions in the manufacture, transportation and disposal of vehicles plus production of fuel. Meanwhile, action can be taken now to reduce carbon emissions from the commercial vehicle fleet. Supported by a lower fuel duty to incentivise uptake and reduce the price differential relative to diesel, appropriately sourced and regulated low carbon fuels such as HVO enables operators to reduce their emissions substantially. They also provide resilience where zero emission solutions cannot be found. In that spirit, we ask that the government supports our members as they plan their vehicle replacement strategies.

RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland.

Continental bolsters training and advice for CV operators

Continental Tyres has launched a new tyre maintenance awareness campaign for commercial vehicle operators, with the aim of drawing attention to common faults, issues and failures.

The launch comes as the company’s popular in-house training centre, ContiAcademy, announces the reintroduction of its full faceto-face training programme for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comprising of a series of five short films, the tyre maintenance campaign covers key topics such as getting the best performance from your tyres, how to inspect a tyre, reducing the risk of a blowout and how to correctly regroove a tyre. Many of the hints and tips featured within the videos will be relevant to all operators, irrespective of their current tyre brand.

Steve Howat, General Manager for Technical Services at Continental Tyre Group, said: “As an expert in the commercial vehicle industry, Continental is proud to support hauliers across the UK, by sharing knowledge and best practice. Preventable tyre issues can not only cost fleet operators’ money, but they can also pose a risk to drivers and public safety. “These videos will help everyone, no matter the brand of tyre that they use, to reduce the danger posed by a failing tyre, maximise rubber longevity and cut vehicle running costs.” Operators looking to further their knowledge

and understanding of tyre maintenance may benefit from one of the courses offered by the ContiAcademy. The centre embraced virtual training in 2020, but after a period of hybrid working and a staged re-instatement of in-person courses, the ContiAcademy is now offering its full suite of training courses from its Lutterworth site. Gwyn Fennell, Continental’s Technical Service and Training Manager, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to reintroduce our full range of in-person training courses once again. Being able to interact with our customers is a big part of the service that we offer, and we find that they value

the time spent working with and learning from others. Of course, we appreciate that training requires a time investment, which is why we’re continuing to offer online solutions, too.”

During the pandemic, Continental upgraded the facilities at the ContiAcademy to better accommodate sessions when restrictions eased. The academy now has a larger, refurbished training room, allowing for an increase in class capacity on many courses. Popular amongst businesses in recent months has been ContiAcademy’s Wheel Security and Driver Training courses. The latter highlights to HGV drivers the things they should be looking out for in order to maximise tyre life and mitigate damage. Elsewhere, the REACT and Licenced Tyre Technician training sessions continue to be well received, as is the EV training session. Last year, Continental’s internal technical team hosted training and webinars for 400 customers on the topic of e-mobility and its impact on tyres. The closer co-operation with Continental Automotive’s VDO Academy, based in Birmingham, has led to an expanded offer of Commercial Vehicle related training courses. These include various levels of Electric and Hybrid vehicle training, which is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry, as well as DVSA approved Tachograph courses and Driver Hours courses.The addition of VDO Academy’s courses focused on safety and legislation are further complimented by the introduction of innovative products, such as Continental’s Verified Inspection, which is available to see within ContiAcademy’s newly refurbished training facility.

THE ‘GO TO’ PLACE FOR ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS

An ever expanding and innovative family-owned company providing a range of transport and other services, LCC is the sole supplier of GO fuels across the island of Ireland and the UK and although the company is headquartered in Cookstown in County Tyrone, it has a reach far beyond these shores.

Established in 1980 to initially provide domestic coal for homes in Northern Ireland, the LCC Group, headed up by Daniel and Michael Loughran, now supplies coal, oil, electricity, gas and logistic services to homes across the UK and to industry all over the

world, with a multi million pound annual turnover, employing almost 400 people. Its competitively priced GO fuels brand is available 24/7 from a network of unmanned forecourts around Ireland,

with payment accepted by cash or card, and last year it began an expansion programme into the UK with the opening of a new modern forecourt in Liverpool, all serviced by a 40 strong fleet of tankers.

“A fresh, contemporary concept, operating an unmanned forecourt means less overheads which, in turn, results in savings that we can pass on to our customers,” says LCC Group’s Eugene Hughes. “We are growing our network every year and expanding our tanker fleet; we have added 12 new vehicles this year, with more additions planned for the near future; it is a mixed, modern and highly spec’d fleet that includes Renault, MAN and Scania.”

All maintenance of the LCC Group fleet is carried out in-house, with Eugene planning well ahead for the acquisition of new vehicles and who liaises with his maintenance department

which is run separately to ensure they can cope with increased numbers.

“Our Number One priority is to provide our customers with an unrivalled service, utilising only the best equipment, the best vehicles and the best people, always striving to be the ‘go to’ business for fuels. All our logistics operations are controlled in a central hub, with a high calibre of employees who work every day to go a little further in achieving the goals the company sets itself and to keep the service we offer at the highest

level, whether it is a delivery of oil to a small household or to a big company or organization.

“We operate our own fuel terminals, our own tankers and our own systems, with no third party involved in any aspect of the business, thereby cutting costs to make our products even more competitive and more attractive to the customer.”

Those customers include the supply of aviation fuel to both Belfast International Airport and the George Best Belfast City Airport.

“We can react daily to customer demands and market changes as all logistics are being managed inhouse, and that gives us a big advantage and with plans to expand the fleet we are currently on a recruitment drive to add to the talent we already have working with us,” says Eugene.

“We also want to hear from anybody if they have a viable business or proposition as we are always open to taking on or exploring new ideas or ventures, including those who wish to establish an unmanned forecourt to join our network.”

GRN SEARCH GROUP: SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALISTS

As the skills shortage is showing no sign of slowing down, it can still be very difficult to find the right talent in the current market. As a result, there is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of the Supply Chain. However, finding the right talent for the job can be a daunting task for many organisations, writes Ian Green, Director of Supply Chain Recruitment.

As Founder of GRN Search Group, I have been involved in recruitment from all angles, as a Hiring Manager, Candidate & Recruiter. My experiences were sub-standard and it was clear to me that the Client & Candidate experiences needed to be better. Recruiting the right talent for supply chain roles is not an easy task. The field is complex and it requires candidates who have a unique blend of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. The first challenge that organisations face is identifying the right talent for the job. Many times, businesses receive numerous applications from candidates who do not have the required skills or experience. This can be a time-consuming process that can lead to frustration. Another challenge to consider is the shortage of Supply Chain talent. With the increasing demand, there is a shortage of candidates who have the required skills and experience. This has led to a highly competitive job market where employers have to offer attractive compensation packages to attract top talent. Finally, supply chain recruitment is a highly specialised field and it requires Recruiters who have a deep understanding of the industry. Many recruiters lack the expertise required to identify the right talent for the job, leading to a mismatch between the job requirements and the candidate’s skills and experience and overall experience for employer and candidate.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

GRN Search Group (www. grn.group) is a recruitment consultancy that specialises in Supply Chain Recruitment. We have a deep understanding of the supply chain industry and the expertise required to identify the right talent for the job and match them with organisations that require their skills.

We have a unique approach to Supply Chain Recruitment. Using a combination of technology

and human expertise to identify the right candidates for the job, whilst also assessing talent based on their personality and motivational suitability, along with their skills. This approach ensures that only the best candidates are presented to hiring managers. Currently, we offer full recruitment solutions across the UK & Ireland for Permanent roles in the following sectors: Transport & Logistics; Freight & Customs; Distribution & Storage; and Procurement & Planning ADVANTAGES

OF SPECIALIST CONSULTANCY

First, is our unique approach as outlined above, which combined with Talent Insights, Market Mapping &Salary guides ensures we can advise on the best points of attraction for your role.

Second, is our network of candidates. We have access to a pool of talented candidates who may not be actively looking for a job but are open to new opportunities. This gives

organisations access to a larger talent pool than they would have had if they had relied only on their own recruitment efforts.

Third, a streamlined recruitment process using technology, human expertise and knowledge of the industry, reducing time and cost of recruitment for businesses.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

GRN Group’s recruitment process is robust and starts with understanding the Job requirements. Our Consultants work directly with the Hiring Manager to understand the specific skills, experience, and qualifications required. As well as defining the team/company culture. Once satisfied with the complete brief we then use a combination of Passive & Active sourcing methods to attract Top Talent via our database, social media, and job boards to identify potential candidates.

Once we have identified a shortlist of potential candidates, our consultants interview each candidate to ensure that they

meet the job requirements. This conversation revolves around key experiences, achievements, and future career aspirations, before presenting a shortlist of the most qualified candidates to the Hiring Manager. Typically, this shortlist consists of 2-5 of the best Candidates in the market not 10-15 possibles, saving you time and effort.

In order to keep things as smooth as possible, we will coordinate the interview stages between the organisation and the candidate and following up with detailed feedback from both candidate and interviewer. If you wish to make the candidate an offer, we will the offer process to ensure both parties involved agree on a suitable outcome. Finally, during the transition period we stay in touch with Candidate & Client to ensure the onboarding period is smooth and efficient.

LOOKING FOR A NEW ROLE?

If you are in the process of looking to further your career we can help with CV writing/ presentation, interview coaching and opportunity insights. We take a detailed approach to what your new role should look like and work on the philosophy of ’right role, right company, right time.’ Following a consultation with our specialist recruiters, you will feel confident in your search for the next opportunity.

Ian Green.

& LOGISTICS AWARDS 2023

CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED EXPORT & FREIGHT TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

This award will be presented to the applicant who demonstrates the highest levels of up-to-date knowledge, professionalism and ability in managing all aspects of a modern transport undertaking. More Information on application.

CHILLED OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

This award will be presented to the best Chilled Operator who presents an up-to-date modern fleet with a high-quality distribution service. More Information on application.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL HAULIER OF THE YEAR

(OVER 20 VEHICLES)

This award will be presented to the applicant who operates under a standard operator’s licence with more than 20 vehicles specified on their operators licence and demonstrates the highest levels of up to date knowledge, professionalism and high quality service to their respective customer base. More Information on application.

LOGISTICS & WAREHOUSING SPECIALIST

This will be presented to a national organisation with bases in Ireland/UK and/or Europe offering a high level of international logistics service covering all aspects of the supply chain including haulage, warehousing, and distribution.

The winner will prove a total commitment to providing an excellent range of logistics services and exceptional levels of customer care.

DRIVER OF THE YEAR

This Award will be presented to the commercial vehicle driver who offers a high standard of driving skills, excellent driving record, immaculate vehicle and dress code and dedication to the trade. More Information on application.

TRANSPORT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

This award will be presented to the individual whose personal achievement deserves industry recognition. More Information on application.

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

This will be awarded to an Apprentice, someone not certificated at Level 3 before Sept 2023, who has demonstrated skill and determination in the course of their training and working in a workshop. More Information on application.

VAN OF THE YEAR

This Award invites all van manufacturers to nominate one vehicle from their model range with a 900-1700 kg payload. More Information on application.

FLEET TRUCK OF THE YEAR

This award invites all truck manufacturers to nominate one vehicle from their model range over 18 tonnes GVW which they see as the ultimate fleet truck for the UK and Ireland. The winner will be ascertained through practical driving and presentations. More Information on application.

TRAILER FLEET OF THE YEAR

This award will be presented to an operator whose trailer fleet consistently offers exceptional standards in every aspect of operation. More Information on application.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY OF THE YEARNEW CATEGORY

TBC

This award will be presented to the ambient or chilled food distribution company who demonstrates high levels of excellence in all aspects of food distribution, storage and delivery. More Information on application.

TOP TEAM OF THE YEAR

This award is open to all companies and businesses in every sector of the logistics industry - from transport and logistics operators to exporters, warehousing experts, shipping companies and dealerships - and recognises teams within the organisation who by working together on a project, initiative or strategy have made a significant and positive contribution, perhaps by overcoming difficulties and challenges to do so. A team, by definition, could be made up by just two people, or a hundred; size is not important. What is important is that the team can demonstrate outstanding achievement or accomplishment in their area or field of expertise.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

This will be open to all companies who pride themselves in the level of their customer service including Dealers, Service Agents, Equipment Suppliers, Hauliers, Shipping companies etc. Entrants should show how they have gone the extra mile to provide the highest level of excellence in their service to all customers and outline why their company deserves the accolade of the best Service Provider.

Customer testimonies, though not essential, are advised, as these will show examples of quality customer service. These will be totally confidential and shredded once the judging has taken place.

HAULIER OF THE YEAR

(UP TO 20 VEHICLES)

This award will be presented to the applicant who operates under a standard operator’s licence with 20 or less vehicles specified on their operator’s licence. More Information on application.

TOP FLEET OF THE YEAR

This will be presented to an outstanding fleet of vehicles based on appearance, quality, maintenance programmes, driver efficiency, skill and professionalism. More Information on application.

WORKSHOP OF THE YEAR

Judging for workshop of the year is open to any commercial workshop both private and public sector in Northern Ireland. More Information on application.

INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Innovation Excellence Award is open to all companies operating within the transport and logistics sector who have invested in innovative solutions to make their operations more efficient, profitable and successful. This can be any type of innovation from the latest equipment and facilities to cutting edge technology or environmental solutions. Any type of transport operation is invited to enter from shipping lines to hauliers, van fleet operators to own account fleets. The contender is invited to illustrate in the entry their innovative solutions for their business.

ROAD TO NET ZERO CHAMPION 2023NEW CATEGORY

As the world is racing towards a net zero future, this category is open to all businesses, teams and individuals who have taken action, with demonstrable benefit to meet the commitments asked of us all to contribute to net zero.

Judges will be keen to see what planning and execution has taken place and evidence of the environmental and financial benefit to the business or our industry as a result.

SAFETY AWARD

Each company will need to demonstrate how they manage, control, and monitor the quality aspects of their respective companies and be able to describe roles, responsibilities, and methodologies for ensuring compliance with all regulatory bodies.

Review of the company’s strategy and controls currently employed, or to be developed and implemented by the company, to consistently deliver products and services that meet the requirements of the Safety Award.

*Read more at https://exportandfreight.com/awards-enter-23/

SO HOW DO YOU ENTER?

IT’S NOT AS COMPLICATED AS YOU MIGHT THINK. IN FACT, OUR ADVICE AS ALWAYS IS: KEEP IT SIMPLE.

JUDGING 2023 - IMPORTANT CHANGES:

New criteria will be released over the next few weeks for each award category. This will be a series of simple questions, which much be answered and submitted by entering companies with NO supporting material. These entries will then be shortlisted and finalists will be contacted.

If a company is shortlisted, they will then be asked for supporting material and a site visit or Zoom Call will be organized.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW:

Please register your interest in entering by emailing helen@4squaremedia stating the categories you wish to be considered for and you will receive the Entry Questions by return. All entries must be in for the 30th April as the judging process will be extensive this year.

HOW DO YOU ENTER?

Your entry will not be judged on presentation but on your answers to the criteria questions. You could be an individual, a company with less than 10 employees or a large national/ international outfit. You will be judged on merit, not size.

The judges are looking for excellence, outstanding qualities or contributions, unrivalled service and innovation, individuals and organisations who have gone the extra mile – so demonstrate all of that in the answers to your questions.

If you are asked to provide any additional information to support your entry once you are selected as a finalist, keep it as brief and to the point as possible. Feel free to send customer testimonies to support your entries. Entries should state the category they are entering.

• Entries must be made by emailing the answers to the questions stating the award category to helen@4squaremedia.net

• Separate award entries to be emailed for each category entered.

• Award entry enquiries can be made to Helen Beggs: helen@4squaremedia.net or M: 07779 713762

You can enter any number of categories but bear in mind, it is left to the judge’s opinion to reallocate any entry which may be more suitable to another category or an additional category. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

All entries are private & confidential. The winner will remain confidential until the event.

DAF Trucks powers-up for Capital Cities Challenge - EV Rally 2023

DAF Trucks has signed-up to the EV Rally 2023; a five-day 1000+ mile driving event encompassing the UK and Ireland which will start in Cardiff before heading to London, Edinburgh, Belfast before finishing five days later in Dublin.

The EV Rally takes place from the 3rd to 7thJuly, and will see around 50 EVs from various manufacturers, including passenger cars, motorcycles and vans taking on the challenge. The EV Rally 2023 has been designed to demonstrate the capabilities of EVs, as well as associated charging infrastructure and several clean energy projects from stakeholders keen to showcase their low-carbon credentials. Coverage of the EV Rally2023 will feature on popular social media platforms and via live broadcasts. DAF Trucks is partnering for the EV Rally 2023 with Cenex, the sustainable transport research technology organisation which is working with DAF on the DfTfunded Battery Electric Truck Trial (BETT) – an 18-month factfinding study into the efficacy of EVs in operation. The BETT includes 20 DAF LF Electric vehicles now in service with a range of public bodies including the NHS and Local Authorities. DAF is entering the EV Rally 2023with a 19-tonne GVW DAF LF Electric seconded from the BETT. The vehicle is equipped with a PACCAR box-body, with both the truck and body designed and manufactured in Britain at

Leyland Trucks in Lancashire. The 19-tonne GVW LF Electric is powered by an electric motor developing 250kW nominal power and nominal torque of 1,200Nm. DAF’s latest cobalt- and magnesium-free LFP batteries provide a gross energy content of 282kWh (254 kWh effective) to give the vehicle a single charge range of 280km. The EV is part of a range of fully-electric, zero-emissions trucks from the UK marketleader, and joins its larger New Generation DAF XD Electric and XF Electric stablemates – available

for UK operators in 4x2 tractor and 4x2 and 6x2 rigid variants. “This is such a great way for the low-carbon industry to come together,” said Adam Bennett, EV & Sustainability Manager at DAF Trucks, “and we’re delighted to be flying the flag for the commercial vehicle sector. And using the DAF LF Electric is not only a great way to demonstrate the range and performance of the truck, but also a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the Battery Electric Truck Trial which DAF is delivering in partnership with Cenex and

Logistics UK Responds to MOT Date Change Consultation

In response to government’s consultation on the timeframe for MOT tests for light vehicles which closed on 22 March, Logistics UK is holding its position on retaining the current system where the first date a vehicle should be MOT tested is at three years after registration and every year thereafter. Implementing a one-year increase would not be applicable for high mileage vehicles, and would be a detrimental move for vans as they are classified within the same road regulations as cars.

Logistics UK supports the proposal to improve the emissions test as the current method does not check for particulates, which are now identified as a concern to health. The

business group asks that this be introduced with a responsible period of notice and recommends a timeframe of 12-18 months to give Logistics UK members enough time to prepare.

a number of public bodies.”

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, said, “Cenex and DAF’s partnership on this EV Rally will showcase the recent evolutions in battery electric truck technology and really test the distribution of public charging for commercial and heavy goods vehicles.

“We also hope it will raise awareness of the research and findings from the Battery Electric Truck Trial so that fleet managers and drivers can make informed decisions in the future. The EV Rally is the ideal combination of collaboration and innovation that aligns with our mission of promoting and developing zero emission transport and infrastructure.”

In June 2021, DAF Trucks was awarded funding under the SBRI ZE Road Freight Competition to deploy and undertake research on the performance of 20 DAF LF Electric trucks. Cenex, the nonprofit research and consultancy organisation focused on low emission transport and associated energy infrastructure, partnered with DAF Trucks to lead the study aspects of the research. A key focus of the research and study aspect was to develop a website tool to promote and educate fleet owners on electric truck adoption. This website is already helping highlight learnings from the trial to help remove barriers to adoption of electric trucks. For the BETT, including live project data –https://bett.cenex.co.uk/

The movement of 4.25 tonne alternatively fuelled vans back into the car/van MOT scheme is supported by Logistics UK, due to the vehicle type remaining the same and the change of category (N1 to N2) only being brought forward in response to the accommodation of the heavier weight of the batteries. Logistics UK is in favour of the additional training of MOT testers and changes to the annual test to fully account for electric and hybrid vehicles, as they are already on the highways and included within road strategies. Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “As we continue to see more major developments in vehicle technology, it is vital that road policy advances alongside to keep our members compliant and safe. Logistics UK agrees that sections of the current MOT system need to be reviewed and amended to reflect industry’s progression and hopes to see our asks implemented into a new system.”

Adam Bennett, EV & Sustainability Manager at DAF Trucks

Volvo Leads the Booming Market for Electric Trucks

Volvo Trucks has now sold more than 4,300 electric trucks globally in more than 38 countries, while in Europe it is leading the way with a 32 per cent share of the market for heavy electric trucks. In 2022, Europe’s heavy electric truck market grew by 200 per cent to 1,041 units, with Volvo setting the pace.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, says: “We are determined to lead the electric truck transformation and our market leading position in 2022, not only in Europe, but also in North America, is proof that we are doing just that.

“Although the market for electric trucks is still small compared to the traditional diesel variants, the trend is clear: many of our customers are now starting their own shift to electric. We intend to be the catalyst for this transition and aim for 50 per cent of our global sales of new trucks to be electric in 2030.”

Since Volvo Trucks started production

of fully electric trucks in 2019, the company has sold more than 4,300 electric trucks in more than 38 countries around the world. Volvo currently offers the industry’s broadest product line-up of electric trucks in series production, catering to a very wide variety of operational domains both in and between cities.

“We now have a product portfolio that can cover most types of transportation for all kinds of customers,” adds Alm.

“Looking at the goods flow patterns in Europe, it’s clearly possible to electrify nearly half of all those transport operations with our line-up of electric trucks. We

see it as our mission to support our customers in making that happen.”

The 10 largest markets for electric trucks, based on number of registrations ≥16 tonnes, in Europe are:

1. Germany - 198

2. Sweden - 169

3. Norway - 150

4. France - 118

5. Switzerland - 103

Volvo Trucks Delivers First FMX Electric Concrete Mixer to Cemex

Volvo Trucks has supplied Cemex with its first fully electric, zero exhaust emission heavy-duty concrete mixer. The battery electric truck marks the next step in the two companies global collaboration in deploying electromobility solutions.

The Volvo FMX Electric will be operating at a ready-mix concrete plant in Spandau, Berlin, starting this month. With interest in fully electric heavy-duty transport increasing, Volvo Trucks and Cemex are working to develop and scale the technologies needed to make emissionsfree transport a reality in the demanding construction industry. Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks, says: “We are very happy to take this important step in the partnership with CemeX. Both our companies have committed to ambitious sustainability targets and collaboration is the way to get there.

“Together we will work to implement emission-free transport in the construction industry. Our electric trucks are zero emissions and their silent operation also provide a better environment for people working at construction sites, as well as

for residents living nearby.”

“CEMEX is committed to becoming a net-zero CO2 company; innovation and collaboration are at the core of this commitment,” says Fernando A. González, CEO

of Cemex. “Our partnership with Volvo has incredible potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of our business. Rolling out our first fully electric ready-mix truck is a strong progress in that direction.”

6. UK - 101

7. Netherlands - 89

8. Spain - 79

9. Denmark - 48

10. Belgium - 17

Electrification of concrete transportation is challenging due to heavy loads and continuous mixing demands. However, CEMEX’s new mixer can be used for a full day’s work, with just a single top-up charge needed during its shift. CEMEX and Volvo Group are founding members of the First Movers Coalition, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, that encourages companies to make purchasing commitments to create market demand for low-carbon technologies. Volvo Trucks and CEMEX are committed to reaching their ambitious sustainability targets and contribute to the decarbonisation of the global economy.

Volvo Trucks has the most complete electric line-up in the global truck industry, with vehicles that can operate at a total weight of 16- to 44-tonnes, covering everything from city distribution and refuse collection, to urban construction transportation and regional haulage. As the market leader in heavy electric trucks in Europe and the US, Volvo Trucks aims for half of its total sales of new trucks to be electric by 2030. The company is also committed to achieving netzero greenhouse gas emissions in its value chain by 2040, at the latest.

Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Funding Must Provide Space for Commercial Use

The £56 million funding announced by government to increase the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charge points must create provision for commercial vehicles, according to business group Logistics UK, if the industry is to hasten its transfer to Net Zero.

Speaking about the funding announcement, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, Denise Beedell, comments: “Figures released in October 2022 by the Department for Transport (DfT) showed the total number of public EV chargepoints in the UK reached 34,637.

“However, the UK Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy report,

published in 2022, notes that government has predicted the UK will require at least 300,000 charge points by 2030.

“So, while this funding – which will be used to expanding the current Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot and deliver an additional 2,400 chargepoints to the 3,000 chargepoint already installed through the On-Street

Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) – is a much-needed step forwards on the route to Net Zero, the charging requirements of the commercial vehicle sector must be factored into any developments.

“Local authorities must ensure that any new public EV chargepoint installation and infrastructure provides adequate electric vehicle charging infrastructure

with sufficient space for use by commercial vehicles. An immediate uplift in the number of public chargepoints that can be used by battery electric vans and a recognition of the future needs of battery electric trucks, is vital to give the logistics sector the confidence to invest in zero emission at the tailpipe vehicles.”

Brakes Trials New Zero-Emission Trucks with Frigoblock Electric Refrigeration

Frigoblock, one of the leading manufacturers of transport refrigeration units in Europe and brand of Thermo King, says that Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice provider and a Sysco company, has started deliveries with two temperaturecontrolled electric 19-tonne Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) featuring Frigoblock EK25 and FK2 refrigeration units.

The Electra truck with EK25 unit has been serving customers in the Midlands since late 2022, while the electric DAF LF truck featuring the Frigoblock FK2 unit started operations from Brake’s Reading depot near London in January 2023.

“It is uplifting to enable our customers like Brakes to lead the way in decarbonising, electrifying and minimising the environmental impact of transport and delivery operations,” said Jon Jerrard-Dinn, area sales manager at Thermo King and Frigoblock.“The technology exists today, and we are working hard to help the industry recognise the benefits and ease of electrifying their refrigerated vehicles to move goods in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We’re excited that together with Brakes and Sysco we can demonstrate this innovation in real life.”

“Our vehicles in the UK cover almost 60 million miles a year making our fleet’s transformation to zero-emissions a central element in achieving our company’s ambitious decarbonisation targets and helping our customers with theirs,” said Paul Vernon, head of fleet for Sysco GB.“Frigoblock and Thermo King have been our partners for years and we counted on their expertise in finding the right electric transport refrigeration for our new zero-emission vehicles.”

The project continues successful, over 15 years long collaboration, between Brakes and Frigoblock and Thermo King. It has been essential for Brakes’ primary fleet and its multi-drop operation that the refrigeration

units maintain the cold chain working in conjunction with the vehicle and have zero direct exhaust emissions. The Frigoblock EK25 has proven itself to be able to meet these challenges. Coupled with the inverter Enviro Drive technology, the unit provides maximum efficiency and minimal impact to the vehicle’s fuel or power consumption. These capabilities made the Frigoblock EK25 as the primary refrigeration technology Brakes considered for their new BEVs.

“We have been operating Frigoblock’s electric EK25 refrigeration systems in our fleet for years. Their performance and reliability are exceptional, coupled with low total cost of ownership on account of little maintenance requirements and quick return on investment. We were delighted to find out they can seamlessly work with our new electric HGV,” said Paul Vernon.

The new Electra 19-tonne electric rigid truck has been operating in the Midlands since August 2022 and its performance has been evaluated by Brakes day-by-day. The trials proved that the performance in terms of

temperature recovery by the Frigoblock EK25 has been even better than when refrigerating a traditional, diesel-powered vehicle.

“With this electric vehicle, we could go into the city centre like Birmingham, and as soon as the driver closed the door, the Frigoblock unit brought the temperature in the load compartment back to the set temperature, even before the vehicle moved on. This is extraordinary and keeps our products ideally maintained,” said Paul Vernon.

Integrated telematics

The second electric vehicle, the DAF LF truck is equipped with the next generation Frigoblock FK2 unit featuring new design and integrated telematics thanks to the Thermo King BlueBox. The connectivity provides the fleet operator with full, 24/7 visibility of the unit’s operation, remote monitoring, and proactive control, allowing Brakes to track their unit’s operation at any time, and clearly demonstrate the temperature set points across every journey. The Brakes electric DAF vehicle operates since January 2023 from the company’s site in Reading known for its solar panel system installation. The system provides the location with its own source of renewable energy and emission-free power for the depot’s vehicle charging stations. Both new Brakes vehicles support Sysco’s ambitious climate goal to reduce emissions across its global operations and the company’s entire value chain.

“We are thrilled that Sysco is pioneering and clearing the path for the electrification of transport in the UK with Frigoblock and Thermo King,” said Jon Jerrard-Dinn. “We see customer use of our products as our largest area of opportunity to reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration aligns with Thermo King’s and Trane Technologies’ bold Gigaton Challenge commitment to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e) from our customer’s carbon footprints by 2030.”

DAF Trucks’ MD says operators need more Government support to transition to zero emissions

The Managing Director of DAF Trucks in the UK, Laurence Drake, insists the industry needs the Government to provide more help to accelerate the transition to zero emissions. His comments follow the SMMT’s release of 2022 registrations which sees DAF Trucks again head the UK market with 32.1%(13,068 vehicles) for trucks above 6.0-tonnes GVW.

The UK market above six tonnes GVW grew by 9.6% compared to 2021, with DAF seeing a 13.2% growth in registrations buoyed by the success of its New Generation Range which began to hit the roads in volume in late 2021. However, whilst the recently published SMMT data does not yet differentiate between diesel and electric registrations, it is clear that uptake of electric trucks is low.

“While there are a number of valuable Government initiatives, such as the Battery Electric Truck Trial and the planned Zero Emission Road Freight Trial, both designed to help encourage operators to start the transition, more needs to be done,“ said Drake, “Compared to other countries, where incentives can cover as much as 80% of the cost delta between diesel and battery electric trucks, the UK Battery Electric Truck Grant is modest and, with the current high wholesale electricity costs, electric trucks simply can’t compete against today’s most efficient diesels in terms of total cost of ownership.

“DAF Trucks is investing heavily in electric trucks,” he said, “DAF dealers are investing in the tools, training and facilities to support those trucks and many DAF customers are keen. However, they need support to help the transition. The cost of moving to electric is not just about the truck, it’s also about the charging infrastructure and the need to adapt operations and schedules. If the industry is to meet the end-of-sale dates for non-zero emission vehicles, there needs to be more financial support for early adopters to really kick-start the use of electric trucks in the UK.”

2022 saw the creation of the DAF EV & Sustainability team within the DAF Trucks UK organisation, whilst all DAF Truck Sales locations in the UK and Ireland will be enhanced to the status of DAF Electric Truck Centres by the end of the year.

A year in numbers

Total UK registrations for trucks above 6-tonnes GVW in 2022grew by 9.6% to 40,716vehicles against37,163 in 2021, while DAF Trucks out-performed the market with an increase of 13.2% (13,068 vehicles against 11,547 in 2021). The appeal of the New Generation Range contributed significantly to the DAF growth in share with a 34% increase in tractor registrations (up from 3,597 to 4,831) compared to 2021 – these being the first models from the New XF, XG & XG+ to hit the roads. The company’s order board for 2023 is now

full, and attention is already turned to 2024. The company also believes recent supplychain disruption has eased considerably and, while lead times remain relatively long, reliability on delivery times is stabilising.

“We appreciate the continued support of our customers in placing their trust in the DAF brand,” added Drake, “and in all the members of the DAF team who continue to work incredibly hard to deliver the best trucks and the best back-up in the business. Last year was one of the most challenging, but also our most successful in terms of market share,” he said.

PACCAR Financial enjoyed a very strong year with its highest ever annual volume of new business, while DAF Parts achieved record sales, including for TRP as increasing numbers of customers select the all-makes brand for their truck and trailer requirements. The Parts Distribution Centre maintained an impressively high level of 97.2% first-time pick availability against the backdrop of a disrupted supply chain. Meanwhile, DAF Dealers have, collectively, worked hard to achieve a 98.57% MOT first-time pass rate – up on 2021.

DAFaid handled an all-time record number of calls for assistance – over 107,000 – in 2022 with over 80% of jobs completed at the roadside, and reflecting the fact that very nearly one-third of the total UK vehicle parc comprises DAF vehicles. Around the DAF Dealer network, over 414,000 DAFcheck inspection records were undertaken in 2022, while 46,500 MOTs were completed with a first-time-pass-rate of 98.59%.

New Electric Vehicle Training Course

Logistics UK has announced its new portfolio of Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training courses which cover safety awareness, preparing the vehicle for repairs and carrying out system repairs and component replacements.

The safety awareness online course is now live on Logistics UK’s website and is designed to support members as the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate.

The decarbonisation agenda remains a significant focus for operators, and it is imperative that their safety continues to take priority. The introductory half-day online safety awareness course is mapped to the IMI Level 1 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle qualification content and will enable learners to continue to work safely within their role following the transition.

This webinar will benefit professional drivers, fleet managers, vehicle sales/hire company personnel who operate Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Fleets or Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs).

The move to electric vehicles is well underway, and while much focus has been placed on ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place, it is also vital that safety is considered. Logistics UK is thrilled to offer these courses which will include expert advice and training conducted from highly qualified and qualityassured engineers. David Jordan, Deputy

Operations Director - Services at Logistics UK, comments: “With Logistics UK’s engineering technical training, your organisation will benefit from industry’s best by ensuring your vehicles remain safe and cost effective.

“These brand-new courses will introduce the knowledge of safe working practices, the dangers surrounding electric/hybrid vehicles, and the precautions required to avoid potential injury when near these types of vehicles. Logistics UK hopes that providing these courses will help reduce the safety risk when working with these vehicles.”

Laurence Drake.

TRANSPORT TRAINING SERVICES (TTS) OPEN DAY

Transport

Training Services

held its annual Apprenticeship Open Day recently as part of its Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week activities.

The Open Day gave young people and their families, as well as prospective apprentice employers, the opportunity to find out about the range of apprenticeships available within the motor vehicle, transport and logistics sectors. The event was well supported by industry, with Diamond Trucks, FP McCann, MBNI Truck & Van, TBF Thompson, Woodside Logistics Group and Wrightbus in attendance as exhibitors, as well as representatives from a range of automotive sector businesses. Already, as a direct result of the event, TTS has had an excellent response with many young people applying for its range of apprenticeships.

Michael Strain, TTS CEO, explaining how apprentices learn using a Lexus body electrical rig.

Stephen Wilkinson, TTS Training Director, demonstrating the IMI apprentice e-portfolio.

Gary Pearce, TTS Technical Trainer, providing a practical demonstration on a V8 rig.

Frank McNally, Body & Paint Technical Trainer, showing paint spraying equipment

TTS Technical Trainer, Michael Marner, showing a prospective apprentice how a clutch from a heavy vehicle works.

John Walsh, TTS Technical Trainer, carrying out a demonstration on a high voltage battery.

prospective apprenticeship students with a car that has been prepped for painting in TTS’s paint oven in the organisation’s body repair and paint workshop.

brake testing rig

Deignan, TTS Careers Development Officer, taking a prospective apprentice on a tour of the TTS facilities

A prospective apprentice examining a high voltage inverter.

A group of prospective apprentices and their families on a workshop tour with CEO Michael Strain and Technical Trainer Gary Pearce.

THE FUTURE TO REDUCED EMISSIONS FOR DIESEL ENGINES IN ROAD TRANSPORT…

MAN Truck& Bus customers, Truck, Bus, Coach and Van operators, have an existing drop-in diesel alternative that will instantly help them reduce their net CO2 by up to 90%.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, otherwise known as HVO, is a diesel-like fuel that is produced without fossil resources by processing renewable waste lipids. Synthesised from 100% renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils, animal oils and fats, HVO offers MAN Truck & Bus customers a viable source of next-generation low-carbon diesel today.

With no impact on the requirement for additional vehicle servicing, HVO fuel, complying with EN15940 standard, can be used as an immediate drop-in replacement forEN590 diesel, providing a straightforward solution for businesses that are currently using fossil diesel and are looking to lower their carbon emissions.

Nick Handy, Head of Product Management - MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “As a major Commercial Vehicle manufacturer we strongly believe that HVO deserves to be more prominent as a viable fuel solution to the road transport industry, there’s no better time to switch to HVO and reap its benefits.

“HVO is a paraffinic diesel that can be used as a direct drop-in replacement for EN590 diesel fuel, so as an available solution there is no requirement for operators to reduce vehicle service intervals, add extra levels of fuel filtration, oreven impact the vehicles drivetrain warranty. Indeed research has shown that HVO offers superior environmental performance over fossil diesel.” HVO’s sustainable credentials are covered in the Department

for Transports (DFT) Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) provisional report. The RTFO scheme reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transport fuels by setting annual obligations on fuel suppliers to supply sustainable renewable fuels.

As a viable drop-in fuel replacement proposition, HVO has chemical and physical properties like those of diesel fuel however, its fossilfree composition and low carbon content differentiate it from diesel. HVO has approximately 7% less fuel density, limited aromatic and sulphur content, and offers a higher quality Cetane value versus diesel fuel, but even with these differences, HVO can be blended and used in any proportion with diesel, 50/50, 70/30, 80/20, or indeed in any mix ratio an operator desires, but in all cases, a reduction in CO2 emissions is achieved.

“With the option to blend diesel and HVO, with no impact on engine behaviour or performance, it can be sourced from any supplier provided that the fuel complies with EN15940.Moreover, when you look at bunkering, as HVO is not prone to bacterial growth (in comparison with biodiesel) it can be stored safely, with no significant risk of degradation or oxidation,” commented Nick.

“In sharing chemical and performance similarities to those of fossil diesel fuels, HVO offers operators a renewable and green source of diesel. However, HVO’s fossil-free composition and low carbon content, differentiate it and make it attractive to those operators who are seeking a sustainable fuel option. And what’s more encouraging, is that it’s available now.”

“All MAN Truck engines, since

the introduction of Euro VIc technology in 2017, can operate on 100% HVO or a blended mix, subject to the individual operator’s requirement. In terms of TGE all Euro 6d and Euro VIe engined vehicles can run on HVO with no impact on servicing intervals or warranty, the same can also be said for Neoplan coaches that meet Euro VIc compliance onwards.”

CUTTING FOOTPRINT

In May 2021 Berwick-upon-Tweed based Simpsons Malt Limited switched their entire mixed fleet of trucks across to HVO, and in doing so reduced their fleet CO2 footprint by up to 90% in a matter of weeks. David McCreath, Simpsons Malt Group Fleet Manager, said: “Here at Simpsons Malt, we’re passionate in our quest to reduce our carbon footprint and we are delighted that we’ve been able to contribute towards this by switching over to

As the UK’s much publicised net-zero target fast approaches, world leaders, environmentalists and engine designers alike continue to search for solutions that successfully cut harmful emissions.

HVO. In the 22 months our trucks have been running on HVO, we have been very impressed with the performance, with no change in the miles per gallon of the vehicles, or the servicing intervals. Refuelling has also been made simple through our on-site 140,000-litre steel bunded HVO storage tank. For us, HVO offers a hassle-free solution that delivers huge environmental and sustainability benefits and importantly it is available today.” With numerous storage solutions available, including personalised plug-and-play tanks placed within an operator’s premises, or by using existing fossil fuel diesel tanks, HVO has proven to be resilient in cold weather, flowing freely down to -32 degrees C, and with its minimum flashpoint of 61 degrees C it’s extremely safe in warmer conditions as well. HVO is also much safer for the environment too, in the event of an accidental spillage regular fossil diesel can harm local ecosystems, but HVO’s biodegradability and hydrophobic properties mean any potential harm is drastically reduced.This makes it an ideal fuel even in environmentally sensitive locations. Skelmersdale (Lancashire) based third-party Logistics, Warehousing and Supply Chain Management specialists Kammac Ltd have recently announced the next phase in their journey to become a greener more sustainable company. Ged Carabini, Kammac’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We believe that HVO offers us and the wider road transport community, a simplistic drop-in

alternative to fossil diesel fuel. As an environmentally aware business we are currently in the process of converting our modern fleet of over 120 vehicles over to HVO, the result of this will be a net reduction in our CO2 footprint of up to90%. HVO will without doubt play a big part in our commitment to reduce all our logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050.”

ONLY A BRIDGE

London-headquartered Green Biofuels Ltd (GBF), the UK’s leading supplier of clean, advanced, renewable HVO biofuel, openly acknowledges that HVO is only a bridge on the road to net zero. In the short and medium term, GBF says HVO can help to reduce cost pressures on societies as they make the necessary transition to a long-term sustainable solution.

Magnus Hammick COO of GBF, commented, “HVO is

already helping to reduce CO2e emissions across a wide range of industries including, construction, haulage and freight, shipping, and agriculture. HVO provides businesses with a clean, direct drop-in alternative fuel for standard diesel engines - no costly upgrades or new machinery required. In fact, our high-performance Gd+ is the best performing diesel replacement fuel available in the UK, thanks to a special additive not found in any other HVO fuel. Our products have no impact on land use, and we don’t require virgin crops to produce Gd+. It is a 100% waste-derived product. Last year, our customers in Britain saved over 480,000 metric tonnes of CO2e by switching to Gd+, helping them, and the UK, to attain their net-zero targets.”

The typical HVO fuel cost in the UK varies, depending on the distributor chosen. In this respect, it’s best

to ask the HVO distributor for an accurate price quote for your individual requirement. Having said that, you should expect HVO fuel generally to cost around 10% more on average than the price of traditional diesel. But despite the larger investment, the benefits that HVO fuel offers far outweigh the cost.

Talking of performance, John Newell of NWT Newell& Wright Transport, RTN Clayton Vallely Ltd, Road Tankers Northern Group and NWT Motorsport, has been running HVO in his 1200hp MAN race truck in the FIM European Truck Racing Championship, a prerequisite for all competing teams. “We’ve been running on HVO for over a year now in the race truck and we’ve been constantly impressed with its performance and how clean it burns.” Mentioned John. “The Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship switched to 100% sustainable HVO fuel in 2021, becoming the firstever FIA-regulated championship to do so. This move to HVO clearly demonstrated how motorsports can help address important topics such as sustainability and social responsibility.”

In conclusion, the average UK 44-tonne truck drives approximately 160,000 kilometres a year and operators could make up to 144,000 of those CO2 free by using 100% HVO renewable diesel. That’s a giant step forward in reducing road transport emissions and a huge move towards a greener future.

FORS Bronze accreditation just the beginning for Moy Park

Award-winning food company, Moy Park, has secured its first FORS Bronze accreditation at its Anwick site in Lincolnshire.

According to the Northern Ireland-based operator, this is just the first step in its FORS journey. The business, which supplies branded and own-label fresh poultry products throughout the UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe, has set its sights on achieving FORS Bronze across its other 10 operating sites in Northern Ireland and Great Britain by the end of 2023.

“Our mission at Moy Park is to strive to be the best of the best in everything we do”, explains Moy Park Fleet Maintenance and Compliance Lead, Sarah O’Neill.

“We already demonstrate a high level of compliance across our fleets when it comes to crucial elements such as safety, training, fleet maintenance and operator license requirements, but gaining FORS accreditation enables us

to take things to the next level. Aligning ourselves with FORS will help foster a culture of continuous improvement within our fleet

teams, solidifying our commitment to best practice through robust company procedures.”

For David Kay, fleet health & safety and driver training lead, FORS accreditation will also help to bolster Moy Park’s training offering: “Training is an integral part of Moy Park’s business, so the opportunity for drivers to progress through additional training as part of FORS’ training package is invaluable. We have already seen a positive response from our drivers at Anwick; it makes them feel valued and invested in as professionals. We strive to be the employer of choice in our sector, and FORS shows that we are backing it up with action.”

Alongside the myriad of internal benefits of FORS accreditation, a key part of Moy Park’s rationale is to lead by example and drive up standards in its supply chains. According to O’Neill, the business is therefore already preparing for its FORS Silver audit at Anwick, where it operates a fleet of 66 trucks and 130 trailers. “We see this as just the beginning of our FORS journey,” adds Sarah O’Neill. “As a business that aims to lead by example, we see FORS as an effective vehicle to achieve our own operational goals, but also to encourage higher standards from our supply chains”.

Bridgestone introduces new portfolio of AI-powered advanced data solutions

Bridgestone Mobility Solutions has introduced Bridgestone Road Conditions to help cities and municipalities, road authorities, map providers and commercial fleet owners better understand the state and quality of roads.

The solutions portfolio provides valuable insights based on aggregated and anonymised data from Webfleet-connected vehicles. As a first step, customers can access two solutions that help identify the location and severity of road damage, as well as visualise various road assets. The advanced data solutions can play a significant role in increasing road and driver safety, aligned with the EU’s 50% reduction target for road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

The Road Damage Detection solution identifies road anomalies by analysing anonymised and aggregated data leveraged from connected vehicles, which are equipped with Webfleet’s fleet management solutions. Using sensors and vehicle data, this unique tool accurately determines the locations of road damage, such as potholes, cracks and patches. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm enables the severity of road damage to be defined, helping drivers and

fleet owners reduce the risk of accidents, as well as prevent damage to tyres and vehicles. Cities and road authorities can utilise these insights for preventive maintenance and infrastructure planning. Moreover, the Road Asset Visualisation solution provides intelligence on roads and infrastructure by analysing multiple connected vehicle sensor as well as camera data. Vehicle-mounted cameras use Edge AI capabilities to process data directly on the device in real time, ensuring data privacy by uploading only anonymised data to the cloud for further

analysis. This way, road assets and characteristics such as road signs, traffic lights and lane markings can be visualised and flagged if they are damaged, vandalized or blocked by vegetation.

“Bridgestone Road Conditions can help increase road safety and comfort by providing realtime data insights on road damage that allow preventive road maintenance, infrastructure planning and optimised traffic flow,” said Raghunath Banerjee, Vice President of Data Solutions at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “These advanced data solutions will play a fundamental role in the

digital transformation of future mobility, enabling development of smart cities, mobility-as-a-service providers as well as connected and autonomous vehicles.

Following the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, our new portfolio of data solutions is contributing to a more sustainable and safer future of mobility. “

The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that defines the value Bridgestone promises to deliver to society, customers and future generations in eight focus areas: Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide their strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business and operations.

Bridgestone Road Conditions provides Ease, by bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life and Extension, by committing to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead.

Bridgestone Road Conditions is currently available in UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Sarah O’Neill with Hugh Nicholson, director of logistics at Moy Park.

TRUCKS, VANS, TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES – TIME TO SHINE AT THE CV SHOW

More than 200 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest commercial vehicle technology and services, including telematics, locks, cameras, sensors – and excitingly, there will be high profile vehicle launches at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham on April 18th to 20th.

And with the industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce or eliminate emissions, this year’s dedicated Truck Zone will be an unmissable feature for those looking to futureproof their fleet. With battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and HVO trucks on display from brands such as Iveco, HVS, Renault Trucks and Volta Trucks, it’s the perfect place to get answers on the technology decarbonising our roads. And of course, complementing the heavyweight haulage workhorse will be the latest light commercial vehicles that help reduce running costs and emissions – visitors this year will have

the chance to get up close to the latest LCVs from Ford, Iveco, Maxus, Nissan and more. It’s a real testament to how far the industry has come in a very short space of time –

and that pace of change in technology brings with it a new set of challenges and opportunities, which will be explored on the Road Ahead Theatre programme. E xperts from SMMT, RHA and some of the inspiring companies leading the charge will be sharing expert advice and analysis on delivering the transition, as well as how to ensure vehicles and drivers are safe and secure, a perpetual priority regardless of powertrain. Over the next few pages, we take a look at some of the new vehicle launches, products and services you can expect to see at the show…

Fleet Operations showcases groundbreaking driver companion app

Fleet Operations will demonstrate the power of its innovative new driver companion app – combining an extensive suite of vehicle and safety management tools – at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show.

The UK’s largest independent fleet and mobility management specialist has launched the latest addition to the MOVE software platform to give drivers everything they need to order and run their vehicles from the palm of their hands.

Sustainability specialists will also be on hand to offer advice to van fleets on how to make the electric transition in the most cost-effective way and to signpost the most appropriate strategies to optimise total cost of ownership.

“Our new app, which we’ve tagged as the only passenger you will ever need, digitally transforms everyday tasks by providing key vehicle information alongside intuitive, automated processes to make working lives safer, easier and more productive,” said Jayne Pett, Sales and Marketing Director at Fleet Operations.

“It simultaneously helps businesses manage costs, vehicle downtime

and establish a best practice approach to risk management.”

The solution includes a comprehensive set of risk management tools, with online safety assessments that profile drivers by risk type alongside coaching and e-learning resources. Vehicle and driver management

intelligence, from policy documents and vehicle leasing information to MOT and insurance details, is automatically collated and made available at the touch of a button.

Attendees will be able to use the app to carry out mock defect inspections on a van at the Fleet

Operations’ stand to see, first hand, how results are seamlessly updated in the software platform, with issues flagged to the company’s maintenance team.

Customers that sign up to the app before June 1, 2023, are being offered free access to the driver risk management portal for six months.

Show delegates will also be able to discuss wider commercial fleet management services with the Fleet Operations team, including managed multi-supply van sourcing and funding, conversion management, downtime management and maintenance and technical services.

Jayne Pett.

ETRUX and WEVC Partnership

Heralds New Era for Electric LCVs

COMMERCIAL vehicle specialist ETRUX and electric vehicle pioneers Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) have announced their collaboration on a new project which will revolutionise the adoption of electric light vehicles by fleet managers across the UK and Europe and the release of an engineered prototype at the CV Show.

Ronan Hamill, CEO of JANS Group, of which ETRUX is a subsidiary, and Neil Yates CEO of WEVC, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to a business relationship which will see WEVC’s unique light vehicle platforms adapted by ETRUX into a range of offerings for the commercial vehicle market.

“This is a turning point for commercial vehicles,” Ronan Hamill said. “This MOU signifies a business partnership which has the potential to change the electric light vehicle commercial market.

“ETRUX will adapt WEVC’s

platform into a ground-breaking and truly viable range of electric vehicle alternatives for fleet managers. I have no doubt that our partnership with WEVC will help speed the transition of commercial light vehicles from diesel fuelled to zero carbon.”

A SMMT (Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders) recent report stated that the total LCV market is also set to grow this year. Amplified by green fleet investment, and with 321,000 van registrations targeted, amounting to an uplift of 13.9% - a market value of more than £13 billion, will see a

£1.5 billion increase on 2022.

Neil Yates continued: “We are delighted to be working with ETRUX, a company which offers the engineering skills, innovative materials and depth of understanding that will deliver an outstanding range of electric commercial vehicles to the market. This is an exciting time for WEVC as we take the first steps in seeing our electric vehicle platform eCV1 adapted for widespread commercial use.”

Watt Electric Vehicle Company unveiled their innovative electric light commercial vehicle platform

IVECO eDAILY to make UK debut

Visitors at this year’s 2023 Commercial Vehicle Show will have their first chance to get up close and personal with the new IVECO eDaily.

This exciting new electric LCV that features a broad range of capabilities retains its rugged truck-based chassis enabling an unrivalled payload, superior 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and more body types than any other vehicle in its class. This is the same IVECO Daily operators depend on, just electric. IVECO eDaily is currently the only eLCV on sale to provide a 15kW ePTO. The vehicle’s applications are wide-ranging including tippers, chilled and refrigerated box vans, ariel platforms and much more, meaning each can take advantage of

the eDaily’s game-changing onboard power. Mike Cutts, IVECO’s Light Business Line Director said: “The CV Show is the perfect place to launch the eDAILY and let people interact with the vehicle for the first time. This all-electric model is a real statement for IVECO, highlighting that an EV needn’t mean compromise. With the unique characteristics that this vehicle offers the eLCV sector we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand and getting the opportunity to explain them face to face.”

(codenamed eCV1) in February 2023. The MOU between ETRUX and WEVC was signed in March and is an arrangement between the two companies. It will see the WECV’s eCV1 platform adapted by ETRUX into a range of transport and leisure vehicles over the next number of years. The first prototype borne out of this partnership will be revealed at the ETRUX stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

Gerard Galvin, managing director of ETRUX, said; “We’ve been working on a number of exciting projects, and we are delighted to have signed the MoU with WEVC as we can see this vehicle being a huge commercial success. I’m very pleased to see the construction of an electric light commercial vehicle for a variety of commercial transport applications. Our ETRUX team, including our engineers, are working very hard to deliver a working engineered prototype for the CV Show next month. I look forward to seeing the results of that and a strong and enduring partnership with WEVC.”

Joining the eDaily on the IVECO stand will be an IVECO S-Way 460hp Natural Gas truck. This vehicle when powered by biomethane produces up to 95% less CO2 than an equivalent diesel model. An IVECO S-Way 490 ‘fuel hero’ will also be available for attendees to get behind the wheel in the show’s Ride & Drive area located adjacent to the IVECO stand outside Hall 5. Gareth Lumsdaine, Director of IVECO’s Truck Business Line commented: “The IVECO S-Way has made a real impact since its launch. Not only do operators appreciate its productivity, but drivers are also benefiting from the drivercentric approach that we’ve employed. We hope that any drivers visiting the show who have not yet had a chance to get behind the wheel of the S-Way will take the opportunity to do so at the Ride & Drive area.”

(L-R) Neil Yates, CEO of WECV and Ronan Hamill, CEO of JANS Group signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

A teaser image of the new engineered prototype, eCV1.

Connectivity and artificial intelligence are the themes at Brigade’s stand

Brigade has a range of systems that use artificial intelligence to predict collisions with unrivalled accuracy. Sidescan®Predictis the next generation of ultrasonic detection. By analysing speed, direction and acceleration of both the vehicle and detected object and differentiating between static and moving objects, the Sidescan®Predict algorithm assesses the risk and calculates the likelihood of an impact.

Designed for rigid vehicles, Sidescan®Predict instantly alerts the driver to potential dangers via a multi-stage in-cab visual warning system, according to the urgency of the situation, thus minimising audible alerts and false alarms. The system can be activated all the time when the speed is below 20mph, without causing driver overload and is not dependent on indicator selection for activation. Sidescan®Predict sensors ensure full coverage down the nearside of the vehicle with a range of two metres and do not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationery vehicles.

Brigade’s NEW side radar detection has been designed to improve safety on both articulated and rigid vehicles. Previously detection systems were fitted to the tractor unit, but the trailer was neglected due to the articulation causing false alerts. Brigade’s new side radar detection can detect whether the vehicle has a trailer. It is predictive and only warns the driver if a collision is likely via a visual display in the cab. Side radar detects the truck turning, so indicator selection is not required to activate the system.

It has a quick install time of approximately two hours, meaning less vehicle down time.

Emily Hardy, UK Marketing Manager, Brigade Electronics said: “By providing artificial intelligence into a sensor system, safety for articulated vehicles will be revolutionised and support government targets for vision zero.” Also new to Brigade’s product portfolio is the AI camera range. AI cameras are a new generation of active blind-spot detection. Using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, the cameras detect and recognise the human form within the pre-defined detection zone and reliably warn the driver visually and/or audibly before a possible collision occurs. Image processing is built-in to the camera, meaning no other hardware is required. Three types of cameras are available this spring: one for the front, one for the rear and a premium range camera. CAREYE® is a premium AI camera that is also predictive. It will accurately evaluate images from cameras fitted to the vehicle and is able to calculate the future course of motion of

nearby people or objects on the nearside of a vehicle. Based on this data, the system reliably and accurately warns the driver in real time of a possible collision before it occurs. Warnings are issued either actively with an audible and visual red alert if a person or object is at risk of being hit, or passively with a visual yellow alert if, for example, a person or object is moving away from the danger zone – dramatically reducing false alerts.

Brigade has also launched the Brigade Van range, providing operators with quality products at competitive prices in the van sector. The entry level systems are designed for vehicles where space is at a premium. Products include high-definition cameras, sensors, dashcams and digital recording systems. Finally, Brigade will be showcasing their new BRIDGE Telematics range of products. Using Brigade’s BRIDGE live services, customers will now be able to have access to everything remotely; telematics, video and tachograph downloads for any vehicle type.

Cubo Launching New Dash Cam System

After a successful show last year, the team at Cubo are making a return, when they will be joined by some of their industry leading partners.

They will be demonstrating Cubo’s range of telematics solutions on the stand, showing how their latest innovations and integrations

keep operators compliant, safe, efficient, and sustainable.

“Our partners are carefully chosen industry leaders and we are

delighted to launch CuboCam Pro with Sensata Insights which allows us to offer flexibility to mixed fleets; operators can now have their vans and cars on the

Exeros Technologies set to launch revolutionary technology

While keeping the actual details under wrap, Exeros Technologies Sales Director, Joe Williams, has hinted at what to expect at the CV Show this year, where the new technology will be unveiled.

Always keeping an ear to the ground, Exeros have been working behind the scenes developing hardware and software solutions that will, with absolute certainty, empower fleet operators further and alleviate increased pressures being faced by them in this post-Covid era. The commercial fleet industry has come a long way from where it was just 5 years ago.

However, some constraints remain true.

In this next phase, commercial fleet operators are, now more than ever, under increased pressure to run a cost-efficient fleet whilst meeting demanding safety legislations.

Exeros will be launching a range of advanced vehicle camera technologies that go beyond the base requirements of existing and

same platform as HGVs.” CuboCam Pro is a modular HD road-facing/driver-facing dashcam with Automatic Driver Assist System (ADAS) features, perfect for cars and vans with lightning fast self-installation.

upcoming safety legislations; the impending updates to GSR2 just to name one.

The new systems will give an even broader meaning to the term “full visibility of fleet” and will feature powerful AI predictive technology. Complementing the company’s video-based technology, there is also a forthcoming powerful single infrastructure for full fleet visibility and easy fleet management - VideMatics®. With legacy systems in the market simply not “doing the job” any longer, this central AI technology platform will push the industry ahead significantly.

Combining traditional telematics features with the sophistication of video data and AI technology, the Video-First platform will act as a central all-in-one platform for fleet operators across the board with many new features that have not yet been seen before.

Aquarius IT to Showcase Full Range of Solutions

With more and more operators looking for integrated fleet management technologies to replace current paper or standalone digital systems, Aquarius IT will be showcasing its full range of compliance and Earned Recognition approved management solutions at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show.

This will include their popular Asset Maintenance portal, which integrates with the company’s tacho analysis system, defect App and eSIGN technologies and is transforming the way operators manage, communicate, connect and report on all areas of fleet management relating to vehicle maintenance / inspection and driver activity. Alongside this, visitors will be given a first-look at Aquarius’s new Asset Finance system, which works in tandem with Asset Maintenance to give operators and workshop managers an intuitive way of tracking costs, and monitoring maintenance / part costs related to each asset. The flexibility of Asset Finance also enables commercially-run workshops to examine and report on costs related to external operations.

The team will also be demonstrating all the latest features in Time & Attendance, which in recent

times, with remote working and driver shortages for example has augmented and become an important ‘added value’ solution within Aquarius’s integrated model. Its connectivity with the tachoanalysis data, means that it can help operators dynamically manage administrative-burdensome tasks related to employee hours, shifts / rotas, holidays, expenses and pay – with all customers citing a

significant reduction in paperwork and increased efficiencies.

Mark Johnston, Aquarius IT’s Director; “In 2022, we recorded our busiest year and central to this success has been our totalsystem approach to managing all areas of fleet management data on one digital platform. By combining these technologies, our software allows operators to

have full visibility of their fleet in real-time and to be able to uniquely drill deeper into this linked driver and vehicle information for even greater clarity.”

“This is not only proving to be beneficial for compliance and safety – as well as for those seeking or reporting on Earned Recognition - it is also helping our road transport customers run more efficiently, both financially and practically. We have many case examples of this, from both large and small operators, and we look forward to returning to the CV Show in April to showcase how our approach is delivering real results.”

Meanwhile, at the CV Show, Aquarius IT’s Compliance Manager, Marc Caplin, will be presenting in the ‘Road Ahead’ Theatre on Wednesday 19th April at 2.30pm, to discuss the new Smart TACHO VERSION 2 and what the arrival of this new technology later this year will mean for operators.

Volvo Trucks Records Significant UK Market Growth

Following a record year globally for Volvo Trucks in 2022, with all-time high volumes and a heavy truck market share increase in 41 countries, UK registrations data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows Volvo registered 5,906 trucks in the UK – highlighting exceptional demand for its medium and heavy-duty products.

The registrations place Volvo Trucks second in the UK truck market above 6.0 tonnes, with a 14.5 per cent share – up 18.1 per cent versus 2021 – in a sector which saw registrations rise by 9.6 per cent.

Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “It’s been an incredible year for product demand, when you consider supply chain shortages have prevailed across the industry. Despite this, our teams have worked hard to deliver as many new vehicles to customers as possible, and this shows by the degree to which we’ve outperformed the market.”

Commenting on the surge in sales, he explains: “Spiralling fuel prices over the last 12 months mean more operators are prioritising fuel efficiency in

their purchasing decisions than ever before, and that’s naturally brought a lot of new customers to our door. Demand for our most fuel-efficient FH with I-Save range has never been greater.

“The pipeline also continues to be exceptionally strong, with more than 7,000 new orders currently

in the bank, including growing numbers of electric trucks. Within the next few months, we’ll see the first of our heavy-duty electric product entering both UK and Irish customer fleets, joining the FL Electric and FE

Electric models already in service.”

Volvo Trucks’ overall sales performance in 2022 was the best in the company’s history. Globally, 145,195 trucks were delivered, an increase of 19 per cent from 2021, when 122,525 trucks entered operation. In Europe, Volvo Trucks has a market share of 18.2 per cent, which is also its highest ever. The company also increased its market shares in North America and Australia, to 10.8 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. In Brazil, Volvo Trucks increased its market share to 24.6 per cent and thereby became the market leader for the first time ever.

New vehicle safety tool for operator compliance and easy equipment choice

Durite, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of camera solutions for commercial vehicles, has launched an interactive website designed to help fleet operators and Transport Managers easily select the optimum equipment to improve safety, remain compliant and reduce costs.

Marketing Manager, Veronique Vanoli explains: “Extensive research and customer feedback told us that finding the right safety solution for a fleet is not an easy task, especially when needing to comply with regulations or specific insurance requirements. So, we set about designing a new and simplified method for fleet buyers, managers and owners to find the right equipment for their individual business needs.”

To this end, Durite’s new Logistics and Transport Operator support system features a unique ‘Kit Selector’ which uses a simple step-by-step process to quickly determine which products are best for each transport operation.

The Durite Kit Selector provides a one-click

pathway to “All-in-One” solutions including safe manoeuvring, incident recording and livestream fleet management for a range of vehicle types, including HGV, rigid, van, waste, PSV, emergency and construction.

“Plus,” adds Veronique, “while offering the correct safety solution, the system enables operators from virtually all transport sectors to ensure compliance with current regulations such as FORS and DVS (Direct Vision Standard).”

Furthermore, says Durite, the new safety site provides the latest industry news, regulatory changes and updates relevant to most commercial vehicle transport fleets.

John Nobbs, Durite’s UK Sales Manager, adds: “With so many options available on the market, this unique equipment selection tool aims to cut through the challenges and pitfalls which can sometimes lead to making the wrong equipment choice. Fleet and Transport Managers often have busy schedules, the Durite Kit Selector enables them to find the perfect solution for their business right there and then.”

Durite is a FORS Associate, offering a comprehensive range of safety camera solutions for commercial vehicles. The company has supplied over 50,000 systems to UK vehicle operators. The Durite Kit Selector can be found at www.durite.co.uk/kit-selector

Christian Coolsaet.

London - Paris 2023 London - Paris 2023

Riders are invited to saddle up for Transaid's 25th Anniversary cycle challenge from London’s Greenwich Observatory to the Eiffel Tower

Renault Trucks Unveil 2022 Business Results

Renault Trucks ended 2022 with a total of 58,967 deliveries, up 15%. In a turbulent European market marked by major supply chain disruptions, the manufacturer strengthened its positions with a market share of 9.4% in the over-16 tonne segment, up by 0.6 points.

With regard to electric mobility, Renault Trucks consolidated its positions in Europe with a 24.2% market share in the electric medium and heavy duty vehicles (MHDV) segment.

In its domestic market, the manufacturer confirmed its leadership with a 29.4% market share in the over-16 tonne segment and a 75% market share for electric MHDV.

In Europe, in the over-16 tonne segment, Renault Trucks saw its registrations rise in 19 countries, with a total market share of 9.4%, up 0.6 points. In the 6 to 16 tonne segment, the manufacturer lost 0.3 points of market share, closing at 7%.

In the medium and heavy duty segment, Renault Trucks’ performance showed a marked

rise in several European countries, including the Eastern zone, which includes Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary (+41%; 1,967 trucks), and Germany (+40%; 1,024 trucks). In France, Renault Trucks consolidated its leading position with a market share of 29.4%.

In the UK, Renault Trucks’ HGV registrations showed a yearon-year increase of 18.4%, the highest of all manufacturers and nearly double the UK average market increase of 9.6%.

There was also strong growth in the light commercial vehicle market, particularly in Belgium (+23%; 1,763 vehicles) and the United Kingdom & Ireland (+22%; 3,108 vehicles).

Electric mobility

2022 was undoubtedly the year of decarbonised mobility for Renault

Trucks. With the opening of an assembly line for Kleuster cargo bikes at its Lyon site, allowing for more agile and virtuous last-mile distribution, and the production of medium-duty electric trucks at the Renault Trucks plant in Blainvillesur-Orne, which passed the symbolic mark of 1,000 trucks, the manufacturer has established itself as a key player in electric mobility. As proof of this, in Europe in 2022, Renault Trucks held 24.2% of registrations in the electric MHDV market and invoiced 379 Renault Trucks E-Tech D and D Wide. In France, Renault Trucks remains the undisputed leader in electric mobility with a 75% market share in the electric MHDV market. Renault Trucks also invoiced 268 Renault Trucks E-Tech Master electric light commercial vehicles in 2022.

Continental Unveils TireTech App for Trucks and Buses

Optimal tyre inflation pressure and the right tyre selection mean the best possible tyre performance and the greatest possible fleet efficiency. What sounds so simple is not always easy to implement in the pricedriven day-to-day business of fleets. Continental therefore supports fleet operators, dealers and service technicians in maximising the safety and efficiency of their tyres with the TireTech mobile app for agricultural tyres, which is now also available for truck and bus tyres.

Available to download for free on both iOS and Android, the Continental TireTech app is a technical advice tool further developed for dealers, fleet managers and technicians. The platform provides quick and easy access to up-to-date tyre and service information for Continental’s full range of tyres for agricultural and commercial vehicles. The app’s content is

available in multiple languages, is ready to use within seconds of installation, and can be easily configured to meet users’ individual needs.

Easy and relevant information

Amongst the features offered by the Continental TireTech app is an integrated Pressure-Load Calculator, which helps users to determine

The arrival of Renault Trucks’ allelectric heavy duty range in 2023 marks a major step forward by the manufacturer in favour of the decarbonisation of road freight transport. Renault Trucks is now the only manufacturer to offer electric mobility for all uses: from 650 kg cargo bikes to 44 tonne electric tractors and construction trucks. These electric vehicles are part of the full ecosystem for decarbonising transport proposed by Renault Trucks, which takes the form of tailor-made support for hauliers in their energy transition from the very first decision to decarbonise their fleet: from assessing and analysing needs to monitoring implementation and operation. Renault Trucks is pursuing its ambition for 50% of its sales to be of all-electric vehicles by 2030.

the correct pressures for each tyre based on the vehicle axle load and tyre size. The database of technical tyre data and library of supporting images provides another powerful function. Plus, the technical data can also be accessed without an internet connection. A contact form completes the service app’s offering, enabling customers to directly reach Continental’s technical service team. You can find more information at: https:// www.continental-tyres.co.uk/b2b/servicesand-solutions/tire-tech-app.html

Ivybridge becomes Continental LifeCycle manufacturing facility

Ivybridge, the home of leading retreader, Bandvulc, has been rebranded as a Continental LifeCycle production facility, with new signage installed throughout February. The move sees the factory become more closely aligned to Continental’s Stöcken LifeCycle plant, which produces hot-retread tyres.

Bandvulc employs some 280 people in and around Devon and was welcomed into the Continental portfolio in 2016. The plant focuses on hot retreading for the UK market, with Bandvulc tyres being designed and manufactured in Ivybridge. The site also produces ContiRe branded tyres in partnership with the Stöcken plant. There is no impact to job security with no redundancies taking place as a result of the Continental rebranding.

Tony Mailling, Head of Hot Retread Production

EMEA and Plant Manager of ContiLifeCycle Ivybridge and Stöcken, said: “Although the name has changed, the values on which Bandvulc was built will continue at our Ivybridge site. The facility is undoubtedly one of the most technically advanced retreading plants in Europe and our people are a testament to this achievement. In becoming a LifeCycle site, Ivybridge’s position is strengthened as part of the wider Continental manufacturing network. “With the Bandvulc tyre range set to grow further during the next 12 months,

staff and customers can rest assured that the brand will continue to be a major player in the Continental tyre range.”

ContiLifeCycle is Continental’s cradle-to-grave approach to maximising tyre longevity and sustainability. New Continental truck and bus tyres are designed with retreadability in mind, and casings are engineered for multiple service lives. The LifeCycle plants in Stöcken and Ivybridge sit at the core of Continental’s retread operations.

All the Benefits of Digital Tyre Management in a Single Solution

Continental has launched an Advanced package for its recently upgraded ContiConnect 2.0 tyre management solution that will make it possible to record additional data, including tread depth and tyre condition.

This marks the next step for the technology company as it progresses from pure tyre monitoring to asset management, with the integrated ContiConnect platform now detailing all data on a tyre’s condition and history within a single system. The standard version of ContiConnect already allows for comprehensive tyre monitoring using its customisable tools. “The Advanced package now lets customers capitalise on all the benefits of tyre management,” explains Dushyanth Rajagopal, Product Manager Digital Solutions at Continental.

With ContiConnect 2.0 Advanced, every tyre can be tracked individually, whether it is on the vehicle or in the warehouse. There is a digital twin of each tyre in the system, complete with article number, meaning the customer always knows which tyre is fitted on which vehicle and in which position. Pressure and temperature, tread depth and tyre condition can also be recorded and monitored. The newly developed secondgeneration ContiConnect sensor additionally relays information on distance travelled, allowing

fleets to keep track of tyre mileage at all times. The charge level of the sensor battery is also displayed within the system.

In addition to the exact data readings, ContiConnect 2.0 Advanced users also receive alerts for tread depth and temperature, recommendations for tyre pressures, as well as reminders when vehicle inspections are due.

“This paves the way for an even more efficient, straightforward, sustainable and forward-looking form of fleet management,” points out Rajagopal.

The new On-Site App brings ContiConnect 2.0 straight to the user’s smartphone and even keeps them informed of the sensor battery’s charge level.

The newly developed On-Site App brings ContiConnect 2.0 straight to a customer’s smartphone. This is thanks to the new generation of sensors, with Bluetooth capability enabling direct data transfer from the sensor to the app. The task of inspecting tyres to record tread depth and tyre condition can therefore be carried out directly at the vehicle, making

tyre management even simpler and more convenient. With the On-Site App, the new web portal and the Driver App, Continental has the right solution to suit every purpose and user.

Excellent fleet efficiency

“ContiConnect 2.0 Advanced offers haulage companies the advantage of greater fleet efficiency through reduced costs and time savings, as maintenance and workshop appointments can be planned in advance,” explains Rajagopal. This avoids unforeseen breakdowns and vehicle downtime. Better tyre maintenance also saves fuel and helps to keep costs and CO2 emissions down, as does the longer service life resulting from the mitigation of premature tyre changes. Latest-generation sensors allow all relevant information to be collected directly at the tyre. Thanks to its comprehensive consultancy approach that helps operators seek to achieve the lowest overall driving cost, Continental is able to help businesses to further reduce tyrerelated operational costs. After all, tyres have a significant impact on fuel, maintenance and repair costs, which account for more than 53 percent of total fleet costs. Optimum tyre selection, datadriven servicing management and tyre checks at exactly the right time can reduce these outgoings substantially. A 24/7 breakdown service and optimisation of the customer’s ordering, administrative and invoicing processes also form part of the Continental service.

POPULAR FUTURE LOGISTICS CONFERENCE RETURNS TO ITT HUB

Logistics UK says its popular Future Logistics Conference will return to the ITT Hub which takes place on the 10-11 May 2023.

Logistics is a progressively evolving industry and this conference – to be held at the world-class Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre – will bring together some of the brightest minds in transport and innovation to discuss the latest developments across industry, and debate the technologies and opportunities that will transform its future.

Kicking off the conference with his keynote speech will be theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who will discuss how many cuttingedge scientific discoveries in global communication, energy generation, battery technology, computer science and artificial intelligence will impact the world of transportation and logistics in the coming decade and beyond. With this sector set to revolutionise as the industry transitions to net zero, the need for collaboration, learning and networking is more potent than ever. Logistics UK is therefore delighted to welcome the Minister

of State for Decarbonisation and Technology, Jesse Norman MP, as its keynote speaker on day two of the conference.

Kevin Green, Director at Logistics UK, comments: “Following an incredibly successful two years at ITT Hub, we are delighted to once again be hosting our Future Logistics Conference, which will deliver thought-provoking sessions from some of the most influential and knowledgeable professionals in the transport sector. Technology and decarbonisation are currently driving industry, and will for years to come.

Following the enormous interest of previous inspirational keynote speakers, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Major Tim Peake, we are thrilled to have secured academic mastermind Jim Al-Khalili and Jesse Norman MP as our keynotes.

“I am confident that this two-day conference will once again prove to be an exciting and insightful event and I urge all those involved in the transport industry to register their attendance to ensure they are at the heart of the debates that will shape the future of our sector.”

As well as Mr Al-Khalili and

Genie Insights Exhibiting Transport Solar Solutions

Fleet and workshop technology specialist, Genie Insights, will be exhibiting at ITT Hub demonstrating its state-of-the-art solar solutions for commercial fleets as well as showcasing its market-leading digital asset/fleet management system.

Modern vans, trucks, buses and trailers are running more and more auxiliary services with telemetry, cameras, communications systems, fridges, air curtains and tail lifts/ lifting decks, but vehicle and auxiliary batteries are not matched to these power demands.

Genie Insights supplies highly efficient, UK manufactured solar systems to provide supplementary power for transport operators. Solutions include ‘trickle charge’ systems for battery maintenance and autonomous power to redirect energy consumption away from vehicle batteries. The company’s most popular solar product is a high efficiency 50 watt panel, which is fitted

to the roof of a refrigerated trailer to keep the fridge battery topped up. The addition of the solar panel prevents flat battery scenarios that result in costly and inconvenient breakdowns and early deterioration of the battery life. But with the ability to manufacture more than 140 different sizes of solar panel ranging from 40 to 360 watts, Genie Insights can cater for a variety of other transport applications.

Genie Insights is also an exclusive sales and implementation partner for Freeway Fleet Systems, a market-leading fleet/asset management software provider. The company

the Minister, the line-up of speakers will include industry representatives such as Tim Campbell – Managing Director at one of the leading consultancy companies focusing solely on the commercial vehicle industry, Campbells Consultancy - who will deliver a session on ‘Building your Decarbonisation Strategy for Vans’, exploring the practical, realworld opportunities and pitfalls of decarbonising van operations.

Free to attend, the Future Logistics Conference 2023 will be part of the third ITT Hub event at Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Launched in 2021, ITT Hub 2023 is the UK’s most important transport technology event featuring an indoor and outdoor exhibition, brand-new Tech Talk Theatres on the show floor, ITT Connect - a new meeting programme, and the Cold Chain Hub, a co-located space on the chilled and refrigerated sector presented by TCS&D, alongside the Future Logistics Conference. To find out more, or to register your free attendance at ITT Hub and receive access to the Future Logistics Conference, please visit: https://itthub.co.uk/ future-logistics-conference/

will showcase its all-in-one software for managing vehicle fleets and other assets. Freeway Fleet Systems is one of the most comprehensive fleet management systems available on the market, whether users are looking for live information or need to retrospectively analyse asset performance. The software offers full visibility, traceability and cost control, from planned maintenance and defect reporting; stock control and purchasing; safety and compliance.

P&O Ferries Strengthen Key Trade Link Between Belgium and the UK

P&O FERRIES is joining forces with Finnlines to boost the flow of trade between Belgium and the UK by introducing new sailings on the Zeebrugge-Teesport route.

In response to increased customer demand, P&O Ferries will charter Finnlines’ MS Finnpulp for three days a week under a new services agreement. This move will increase the overall number of P&O Ferries sailings to six and give customers more options on the key trading route between Britain and the Continent.

DOVER/CALAIS

Peter Hebblethwaite, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: “We are delighted to announce that in co-operation with Finnlines we will support the UK and European economies by increasing freight capacity and strengthening resilience on the key Teesport –Zeebrugge route. This expansion of our services in response to what our customers are telling

us they want demonstrates our commitment to providing vitally important trade routes for UK exporters and trading partners.

“We have made changes to our

business so that we can flex our offer in line with market demand and are now focused on growth. We are determined to make P&O Ferries the best ferry company in

Europe, which means the best ships, the best routes and the best value for tourist and freight customers.”

Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, added:

“We have been pleased by our partnership in Zeebrugge since September 2021 and are delighted to strengthen it further by this contract. We are confident this will be a new and successful milestone for Finnlines and P&O Ferries co-operation on the North Sea.” The new sailings will operate from Tuesdays to Thursdays, ensuring that freight customers will have an increased level of capacity during the midweek peak. MS Finnpulp has a capacity for 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers.

On its return to Zeebrugge, the vessel will be discharged and loaded for Finnlines’ service between Zeebrugge and Rosslare, Ireland. P&O Ferries will also provide stevedoring and ship handling services for Finnlines’ Zeebrugge to Rosslare route as part of the freight services partnership.

DOVER/CALAIS CALAIS/DOVER

DOVER/CALAIS

Rosslare Europort and ESB join forces on Offshore wind projects

ESB and Iarnród Éireann (Port Authority for Rosslare Europort) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the organisations’ respective development plans to support offshore wind projects in the Celtic and Irish Seas.

With ESB developing a portfolio of offshore wind farms, and Rosslare Europort progressing plans to establish the port as Ireland’s offshore renewables hub, the joint initiative seeks to take advantage of their respective fields of expertise and knowledge. The MOU establishes a common goal of maximising the opportunities of each parties’ respective development plans. While non-exclusive in nature, the agreement sets out the two organisations’ intention to work together with the aim of developing a port solution capable of supporting ESB’s offshore developments in Ireland, in line with the country’s climate action targets

and ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy. In 2022, Rosslare Europort management announced plans to establish the port, its hinterland and the south-east region as Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.

The port is uniquely located within 60-100 nautical miles of most of the planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas, including many of the portfolio of OWF projects being developed by ESB within Ireland.

To deliver its vision for ORE, Rosslare Europort plans significant works, including:

• ORE purpose-built quay and berth

• ORE quayside storage and preconstruction / up to 50 acres in area

• Navigable channel dredged down to a minimum of 9-11 metres depth

• Management Control Centre & management offices and facilities for Operations and Maintenance

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Jack Chambers said: “Offshore Renewable Energy is integral to meeting Ireland’s Climate Change ambitions with a target of achieving 7GW of offshore energy by 2030, 2GW of which is dedicated to the production of green hydrogen.

“As set out in a policy statement published in December 2021 a multiport approach to the provision of port infrastructure will facilitate the development of ORE in Ireland which will help maximise the economic benefits at regional as well as national level in terms of the creation of jobs and new SME enterprise that can support the development of the ORE industry.

“This agreement between Rosslare Europort and ESB is a welcome demonstration of the collaboration and commitment by these two commercial entities in delivering on our ORE ambitions”

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort said: “Rosslare Europort is excited to work with ESB whose vision for the potential of ORE aligns with our own. We believe there are strong synergies to be achieved as we work together to place this renewable energy industry at the heart of Ireland’s decarbonised future.”

Paul Lennon, Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB says: “ESB has ambitious plans for the development of offshore wind, hydrogen and renewable storage projects in Ireland to support the renewable targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2023 and ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 corporate strategy.

ESB looks forward to working with Irish Rail to ensure that suitable port infrastructure is available at Rosslare Europort to enable the successful delivery of these projects.”

(L-R) Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers T.D. and Paul Lennon, Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB at Rosslare Europort.

Stena Line to introduce Stena Nordica on Fishguard-Rosslare Service

Stena Line has confirmed its plans to secure the future stability of its Fishguard-Rosslare service by redeploying another ferry from its fleet.

The Stena Nordica, which has been operating in the Baltic Sea, is a familiar ship on the Irish Sea having provided temporary relief cover on several Irish Sea routes over the last few years. It is scheduled to replace the older Stena Europe vessel in July.

The Company will now commence a formal consultation with the unions representing the crew of Stena Europe, which has operated on the route since 2002. A commitment has been given to ensure they will all be offered roles on the Stena Nordica or other Stena Line vessels on the Irish Sea.

Paul Grant, Trade Director (Irish

Sea) said: “Over the last decade, Stena Line has invested heavily in its Irish Sea routes with a combination of new tonnage and a range of port facility upgrades.

I’m pleased to announce that we have now managed to

secure an upgraded vessel from within our fleet, which is fully equipped for the purpose of operating full-time on our popular Fishguard-Rosslare service.

“Stena Europe has operated on

Welcome for first direct MSC freight service to Cork

Following a highly anticipated announcement in early February, the Port of Cork Company has welcomed the first call of the new MSC direct freight service to Europe at Cork Container Terminal (CCT).

MSC Shipping Group, the world’s largest deep-sea line operator, is now operating a new direct route that links Cork directly with Northern Europe, offering enhanced trade connectivity and an economic boost for businesses in Ireland.

The MSC container vessel, NIKOLETA, currently docked at CCT, spans over 180ft in length and has the capacity to carry 1720 TEU of cargo per week between Cork and the ports of Le Harve and Antwerp. The shipment carried goods from

the global industry to businesses in Cork. Commenting on the new service, Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated, “This new service is a welcome addition to the Port of Cork and is great news for the business economy in Munster. We are delighted that MSC is now offering a direct call to Cork, offering enhanced connectivity to mainland Europe.

the route for many years, and we are delighted we have been able to secure the Stena Nordica on a permanent basis. Stena Nordica is currently being upgraded with increased passenger capacity and a range of new and improved facilities, which will offer an enhanced customer experience.

“We are mindful that Stena Europe has been operating Fishguard – Rosslare for many years, so we will be doing our level best to ensure as smooth a transition as possible as we embark upon an exciting new chapter for the route.”

Stena Line also owns the port of Fishguard in Wales, where employees remain unaffected by this announcement.

“This new service, plus the recent FDI report ranking Cork as the number one small city in Europe for economic potential, further enhances the Port of Cork’s positioning as a catalyst for global trade and for attracting foreign direct investment. We welcome this as the first of many deep-sea lines to use Cork Container Terminal as a global gateway to connect.”

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, commented: “Ireland, as an island nation on the edge of Europe, has always been dependent on the prosperity of our ports and shipping services. Combined they both make a significant contribution to Ireland’s economy. We welcome the continuous investments being made in the ports sector, particularly in the Port of Cork, where the addition of Cork to the schedule of the world’s largest deep-sea line, MSC, will bring greater economic benefits to the region.”

DIAMOND TRUCKS OFFER A VAN FOR ALL REASONS

If it is versatility, reliability and performance you demand from your LCVs, look no further than the impressive and innovative Renault range available from Newtownabbey based authorised Renault Trucks dealers Diamond Trucks who will have a van to suit your professional or private needs.

The range includes Renault Trafic, Renault Master and the all electric Renault Master E-Tech, with a variety of lengths and heights and body options, together with a host of standard features, backed by generous warranties and aftersales packages from Diamond Trucks. Available as a single or double panel van cab, single or double chassis cab and platform cab, the Renault Master offers you all of the style and design of a passenger car with no compromise, being equipped with many standard or optional features for greater comfort, efficiency and safety. Standard features include automatic headlights and wipers, height adjustable driver’s seat, lumbar adjustment and armrest, height adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, overhead parcel shelf, electric adjustment, heated door mirrors, radio with DAB, Bluetooth and USB and 16’’ steel wheels with small wheel stylers – and whatever your Renault Trucks Master model, you can take advantage of new high-performance and more fuel-efficient twin-turbo engines (from 110 hp to 180 hp), offering you more dynamic acceleration and instant pull, even with a full load.

The Renault Master also provides the ability to have a truly mobile office, packed with clever solutions such as pivoting seatback table with dual split underseat storage compartment (Standard on Advance) and optional multimedia touchscreen with Media Nav Evolution and smartphone integration.

It also has one of the lowest loading sills on the market giving you easy access to the loading area, with eight anchorage points on the short wheel base model and 10 on the medium and long-wheel base versions – and to move through difficult terrain, Renault also offers a range of traction solutions for both FWD and RWD versions. Standard across the range, Grip Xtend, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Swing Assist provide you with support when you need it most.

MASTER E-TECH

Meanwhile, with reducing CO2 emissions now a priority, the Renault Master E-Tech is the perfect vehicle for zero-emission, zero-noise pollution transportation.

It has a lithium-ion battery with a 100% usable capacity of 52 kWh providing up to 126 miles of silent, zero-emissions electric driving and a range of on-board technologies, such as regenerative braking or eco-mode to help further optimise your driving range. With a quick charger, you can charge your vehicle to 80% in just 2 hours. Available in six versions, three lengths and two heights, it comes with an attractive warranty package.

RENAULT TRAFIC

Also available from Diamond Trucks is the latest Renault Trafic voted ‘Medium Van of the Year 2020’ at the annual Fleet World awards. Combining comfort and practicality, its ingenious interior design incorporates a hatch under the passenger seat allowing for a loading length of 4.15 m. Its rectangular shape optimises the loading volume, offering up to 8.9 m³ on the L2h2 version. In the front, storage compartments offer 84 L of capacity, a removable mobile office and all of the comfort you need to work wherever and whenever you wish.

Trafic boasts ten new advanced driver-assistance systems, allowing you to drive with complete peace of mind. With systems including Blind Spot Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and the Emergency

Braking System, working on the road has never been so comfortable and safe.

The recently launched 2.8 – 3.1 tonne Trafic Red Edition, meanwhile, is the perfect work tool for SME and fleet businesses. Its interior is designed as a genuine mobile office, featuring a passenger seat with a folding backrest that turns into a stable and functional work surface, a brushed aluminium dashboard with 4.2” colour main display and an 8” touch screen with smartphone replication, as well as an induction charger. The driving area also contains 88 litres of storage space.

Four engine powers (from 110 to 170 hp) are available on the Trafic Red Edition and is equipped with automatic gearbox as standard for increased comfort and efficiency (with manual option available).

For the safety of the driver, the load and road users, the Trafic Red Edition has a large windscreen and full LED headlights. It also benefits from standard ESC to help the driver maintain control and prevent the vehicle from rolling over in critical situations, front and rear radar, lane departure warning, side wind assist and blind spot warning and is equipped as standard with an Extended Grip system that allows it to be driven on all types of terrain. The Trafic Red Edition is available in a van version, a double-cab, a floor-cab, and a combi version, as well as with platform cab and combi 9 seat options.

LATEST TRAFIC VARIANTS

Three new variants in the Trafic range were also recently announced. Suitable for a variety of applications, including construction, municipal, parks, arborists, and rubbish clearance, the new Caged Dropside is ideal for use where space is tight, while the Chiller spec’d version is fitted with a refrigerated chiller box body, suitable for the transportation of food, plant or pharmaceutical products in a chilled state.

The third addition, Roadtrip, is essentially an exceptionally high-level camper van, with unique features that include a fully-electric lifting and retracting roof system activated by a remotecontrol hand fob, a 4-berth sleeping facility, integrated full induction cooker, on-board electric system, and a 50-litre fridge freezer.

AFTER SALES SUPPORT

No matter what type of Renault LCV you invest in, you can be sure that Diamond Trucks will be there to support you all the way, with fully equipped workshops manned by dedicated technicians who are trained to the highest standard by Renault Trucks, backed by service providers Toal Trucks Services in Middletown and MK Trucks in Tempo.

The technicians have the skills, experience and know-how to ensure a level of service, a quality of service and a delivery of service that is second to none, backed by a parts department that

stocks only Original Equipment Approved Renault Truck components - and if you ever experience issues while on the road, Diamond Trucks provides a breakdown service to all its customers through Renault Trucks 24/7. Its network of breakdown assistance vans aim to be with customers within one hour of a call and strive to make all repairs on the roadside within an hour. For more information, contact Diamond Trucks LCV specialist George Crooks, telephone 07923 259824.

THE GREAT MAXUS eTOUR IMPRESSED IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE...

As one of Ireland’s leading importers and distributors of commercial vehicles, and the distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in the UK and Ireland, The Harris Group, founded in 1961, certainly knows how to stage an event that will live long in the memory, as Van & Pick-Up Ireland’s Phil Eaglestone reports.

The majestic Ashford Castle sitting in its own 350 acres of landscaped gardens and ancient woodlands in County Mayo was the backdrop for ‘the Great Maxus eTour’ which gave us the perfect opportunity to put some of this impressive range of electric Euro 6 models to the test, despite the wintery weather; there was a covering of snow on the ground when we arrived. For our part, we spent some time in both a MAXUS T90EV pickup and a MAXUS MIFA 9, described as the world’s first, full size pure electric MPV when it was launched at the CV Show in 2022, on a journey between Harris headquarters in Dublin and Ashford Castle near Cong in Co Mayo, a journey of some 145 miles. That was on Day One of our driving experience; Day Two took us on a 62 mile loop from Cong via Maam Cross and Moycullen, stopping at Barna outside Galway for a bite of lunch before heading back to the Castle. On Day Three it was back to Harris HQ in Dublin – but not before we were able to enjoy some of the attractions of the Castle itself and its grounds where we were invited to participate in a variety of outdoor pursuits including falconry, golf, archery and clay pigeon shooting. Like we said, the Harris Group knows how to entertain, and as Ireland’s first and only two Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle didn’t disappoint – and neither did our MAXUS test drives, offering excellent handling and a smooth performance on a variety of roads across County Mayo. What was there not to like and love about the MAXUS.

Perfect for both on and off-road driving, the MAXUS T90EV, as we discovered, is equipped with a high-level spec and contemporary and stylish interior. It boasts a range of 220 miles / 354 kms (WLTP combined) WLTP, in case you didn’t know, stands for ‘Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Test Procedure’ which is simply a long-winded way of saying ‘a new standard to measure fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and range.’ Introduced in Autumn 2017, the WLTP measures vehicles in realistic driving situations and determines their fuel consumption, range, and emissions. With a payload of 1000Kg the visually sporty exterior of the rear wheel drive T90EV is

complemented by a modern interior with a 10.25-inch digital touch screen instrument cluster providing a minimalist look. And it is roomy, too, thanks to a neat dashboard design and floor console, making more room for both occupants and storage. It has an 88.5kWh battery located under the chassis, with power provided by a rear-mounted 201bhp electric motor.

INTELLIGENT DRIVING HOUSEKEEPER

Meanwhile, the visually impactful MAXUS MIFA 9, powered by a 90kW ternary lithium battery pack, boasts a range of up to 323miles / 520km on a single charge, and is described as the industry’s first intelligent driving housekeeper,

Pictured before heading out on to the road to Ashford Castle are (l-r) Mark Barrett and Mrs Harris, with journalists Justin Delaney, Daragh Keaney, Phil Eaglestone and Derek Reilly.

T90EV.

which automatically recognises driving style through data and scene driving. It is equipped with the MAXUS pilot intelligent driving assistance system with functions such as narrow road traffic, helping drivers avoid obstacles on both sides perfectly, and free parking, which can scan and monitor at 150m 2 environment around the vehicle. The interior features luxury seating with motorised backrest, leg support and front and rear movement complemented by functions including ventilation, heating and massage.

While we envy owners to these new MAXUS models, we can’t see ourselves acquiring one any day soon, given the price range, but that said, in keeping with the company’s commitment to greener motoring, MAXUS has launched its 2023 Maxus scrappage programme offering drivers the opportunity to switch to electric and save up to £14,000 on a new zero-emission MAXUS vehicle with the added bonus of a free home or workplace charger. So there might be some glimmer of hope for us yet.

Drivers can trade in a registered vehicle at any MAXUS dealership around the UK for money off a brand-new fully-electric MAXUS vehicle, including the brand’s award-winning

providing drivers with an opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle while making a considerable saving on standard retail prices.

Speaking about the scrappage programme when it was launched in January, Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS, who along with Karl Haughton, Sales and Fleet Manager MAXUS Ireland, hosted the Great MAXUS eTour, said: “Our new scrappage scheme has been created to encourage the transition to zero emission transport, helping drivers make the switch while simultaneously removing older and higher-emission vehicles from our roads.

e DELIVER 9 and eDELIVER 3 LCV vans, or its newest additions, which we tested, the T90EV pickup and MIFA 9 MPV. The scheme is available until the 31st of August 2023,

“There has never been a better time to pick up a MAXUS electric vehicle, this scrappage programme is an incredible opportunity to upgrade your transportation, make the move to electric and access the latest technology and battery technology available, which in the case of the MIFA 9 offers a range of up to 323 on a single charge.”

harrisgroup.ie

MIFA 9.

ISUZU DEALER EAKIN BROTHERS MARKS 100 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION

Eakin Brothers, a longstanding member of the Isuzu UK dealer network, is celebrating its 100th anniversary, with staff preparing for commemorative events throughout the year.

The dealership’s celebrations began in February with a staff and partners appreciation dinner. Dedicated to recognising the efforts of employees and brand partners, including Isuzu, the evening acted as a symbol of appreciation for the invitees and also provided a chance to celebrate staff members reaching over 50

years of employment with the dealership.

Eakin Bros will also host a customer-facing celebration, with an event inviting the public to visit and browse the showrooms as well as test-drive vehicles, with entertainment running for the duration of the event. In September, the

dealership will also hold a motorsport night, celebrating Eakin Bros’ close ties with the sport. Eakin Brothers was founded in 1923, cultivating a legacy that is still upheld four generations later. Its association with Isuzu is also marking 20 years of partnership, three years after creating an Isuzu-focused showroom. With three generations of family still working in the business, the dealership has received merits for its excellent customer service and staff work ethic. Plans have been started to produce marketing content exploring and celebrating the dealership’s long history. Managing director of Eakin Bros, Peter Eakin, whose grandfather founded the dealership, commented: “We are delighted to be celebrating 100 years in business here in Eakin Bros Ltd. It’s a huge milestone for us to achieve. We became Isuzu dealers in 2001, which was a very successful addition to our business. Like International Motors, we are a family-run business, which is very important to us. Four generations later and we still have three generations taking an active role in our business today. This has also been made possible with our long-serving loyal staff, which we are so thankful for.”

Alan Able, Isuzu UK’s managing director, added: “As an established brand partner of Eakin Brothers, Isuzu UK is thrilled to be celebrating this endured legacy alongside the dealership. After a century of hard work, as well as 20 years of Isuzu affiliation, the whole team should feel extremely proud of everything that has been achieved. Eakin Bros is undoubtedly a key player within the Isuzu UK network.”

Volta Trucks secures European Whole Vehicle Type Approval

Volta Trucks has announced another significant milestone on its journey to production, receiving European Whole Vehicle Type Approval for its 16-tonne all-electric Volta Zero vehicle.

The European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) certification allows Volta Trucks to produce and sell the all-electric Volta Zero in volume. It’s the process used to ensure that all vehicles meet the stringent and relevant environmental, safety and security standards.

The certification of the all-electric Volta Zero comes as the second-generation ‘Production

Verification’ prototypes are soon to be delivered to customers across Europe as part of a Pilot Fleet of vehicles. These vehicles will be loaned to customers for extended periods of time, allowing fleet operators to fully understand how the all-electric medium duty truck will integrate into their operations.

Customer’s own Series production Volta Zeros are due to start rolling off the line of the company’s

contract manufacturing facility in Steyr, Austria, in early Q2 2023. The plant is ready to meet the strong customer demand for the purpose-built, all-electric medium duty urban delivery truck. Essa Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, says: “Receiving the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval is a huge milestone for Volta Trucks, and our mission to make city centre streets safer and more sustainable for all. We’ve developed a completely new vehicle from the ground up, and it’s a testament to our Engineering and Developments teams that the Volta Zero has passed these stringent and demanding tests so quickly. We are now all set for the start of Series Production at our manufacturing facility in Steyr, Austria, to put trucks into the hands of our customers, and start the work of delivering on our mission.”

Some good news in Spring Budget, but Government must do more says UKWA

“We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of a replacement to the super deduction tax allowance – something we had lobbied for, on behalf of our members. But the fact that nothing has been done to correct the unfairness of business rates is very disappointing,” she said. The former super deduction tax allowance, against the cost of certain plant and machinery, came to an end on 31 March 2023, but under a new ‘full expensing’ scheme included in the Spring Budget, investments made by businesses on qualifying plant and machinery over the next three years will attract a 100% first-year allowance. This will incentivise business growth and should boost the adoption of robotics and the installation of solar panels on warehouse rooftops.

Simultaneously to the Spring Budget, the Government published a Summary of Responses document and Information and Impact Note in respect of each of its two consultations looking at business rates reform, alongside launching a further consultation relating to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) disclosing more information on business rates valuations.

Commenting on ‘full expensing’ Clare said, “This new measure will help support warehouses looking to invest in updating and improving their operations, including the upfront investment of installing rooftop solar panels as part of their drive to save costs, improve energy resilience and decarbonise on their journey to net zero.”

On the forthcoming rise in business rates, she added, “Prior to this latest set of fiscal measures, UKWA wrote to the Chancellor, highlighting the intrinsic unfairness of his planned hike in business rates for warehousing businesses from April 2023. The Government’s

chosen antecedent valuation date of April 2021 was during national lockdown, when demand for warehousing space soared, pushing up property values disproportionately compared to other commercial property sectors. Basing business rates on the extraordinary property values in April 2021 puts warehouses at a significant disadvantage. It is regrettable that our call for Government to review this anomaly has been ignored. “Moreover, businesses have previously seen transitional relief caps of 10% plus inflation, so the 30%cap for large buildings is punitive. The assumption that businesses with larger buildings require less support fails to recognise the reality of low-margin SMEs operating within the warehousing sector. “Unfortunately, this important opportunity to enable the warehousing sector to facilitate growth and support the levelling up agenda has been largely missed.”

THE FALDO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE AT LOUGH ERNE RESORT

The Spring Budget provided some support for warehousing and logistics businesses, but it should have gone further, according to Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA).

Research reveals women aged 20-29 achieve highest HGV pass rates

New research from Pallet-Track has revealed that young women are in top gear when it comes to passing HGV tests, with female drivers aged 20-29 gaining the highest pass rates.

The pallet network’s analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data shows that women in this age category have gained the highest Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) practical pass rate in Britain every year between 2010 and 2022.

While women make up only a small proportion of HGV drivers, 67.9 per cent of 20-29-yearolds successfully passed their practical test in 2021-2022, compared to 63 per cent of men in the same age category.

The overall pass rate for all drivers taking a practical HGV test in 2021-2022 was 58.7 per cent.

Pallet-Track’s analysis also shows that if the same number of women had taken tests as men in 2021-2022, based on the overall female pass rate of 62.4 per cent for drivers aged 18 to over 60, there would now be an extra 48,931 qualified HGV drivers on the road. This would almost erase Britain’s current shortfall, which stands at 50,000 drivers according to calculations by the Road Haulage Association.

With young women accelerating ahead in HGV tests, addressing the current gender imbalance could be key to reducing Britain’s

shortfall of lorry drivers and future proofing the industry.

In total, women made up just 9.1 per cent of those taking tests; 8,731 tests were completed by female drivers compared to 87,146 taken by male drivers.

Further research from the DfT’s Domestic Road Freight Statistics 2020 report found the gender split of HGV drivers in work as 99per cent male and one per cent female – a figure that has not changed since its first inclusion in the annual report in 2016.

Caroline Green, chief executive at Pallet-Track, said: “Our research should be a real eye opener for the industry as it demonstrates the value of diversifying

the logistics workforce.

“The results of the analysis show that Britain has the talent and skills to overcome any remaining driver shortages and the resources to future proof our workforce.

“However, there are some key changes the logistics industry needs to make if it wants to attract more women into driving roles, starting with driver facilities and bathroom access.

“The majority of truck stop facilities are woefully inadequate and require major improvements; we welcome the government’s recently announced match funding initiative and hope that this will be a positive step forward for the industry.

“Education is another area where major improvements are needed if we are to inspire younger generations to enter the profession, particularly young women.

“Logistics plays a major role in all our lives and is the fifth largest employer in the UK, but we need to engage with schools more to demonstrate the breadth of careers that the industry can offer.

“Being an HGV driver offers a range of perks, such as flexible hours and independent working, and great opportunities for progression, it’s time we started showing young people how rewarding a career in logistics can be.”

The analysis is based on Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving test pass rates published by the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, whose data covers tests taken by male and female applicants in six age brackets, from under 20 to 60-plus.

The terms LGV and HGV are used interchangeably in this analysis, as under UK and European law, an LGV licence and HGV licence are the same licence, covering all commercial vehicles with a gross combination mass of over 3500kg.

Caroline Green, chief executive at Pallet-Track.



THE IRISH SEA’S LEADING FERRY COMPANY

Our network of 17 routes links key ports and road connections across Northern Europe. With more routes and sailings than any other ferry company, we offer the most convenient and reliable way to reach your destination. At Stena Line, we’re committed to providing safe, comfortable and sustainable journeys.

6 Routes to Britain & France

11 Vessels

Up to 35 daily sailings

Cairnryan

NORWAY