26 minute read
Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI
Seamus Leheny
Policy Manager - Northern Ireland. Logistics UK
SHIPPING RATES ARE SOARING: WHY?
Increases in shipping rates are placing significant pressure on Northern Ireland’s logistics businesses and, in turn, are straining the nation’s complex supply chains. Logistics UK’s 2021 Logistics Report identified that global shipping container rates had increased by 185% by the end of 2020.
The situation has become worse with the cost of shipping a 40ft shipping container to transport goods from China to Belfast increasing in some cases from $1,150 in March 2020 to $11,500 in June 2021 – and the prices look set to rise further. But while these shipping increases and subsequent availability of goods will be blamed solely on issues with Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol, the causes are more complex and are rooted in several factors: ongoing and significant disruption at Chinese ports, infrastructure charges at Belfast Port and increased rates for deep sea feeder services connecting Rotterdam and Antwerp with Belfast. In this article, I will provide an overview of these factors to give a more comprehensive picture of the shipping rate challenge, focusing on Belfast Port, which handles almost 70% of Northern Ireland’s sea borne trade.
Disruption At Chinese Ports
As the origin country of COVID-19, the pandemic led to immediate and severe disruption at the ports in China. With the nation home to seven of the world’s ten busiest container ports and the source of approximately 80% of world goods trade by volume carried by sea, this had a profound impact on global logistics, with vessels not being discharged or loaded with goods during the initial stages of the pandemic. While the ports recovered reasonably quickly, the disruption that the delays caused resulted in vessels and equipment being out of position for shipping lines; this situation snowballed and was exacerbated by the Suez Canal blockage of March 2021.The combination of these disruptive incidents led to a severe shortage of containers which has contributed to soaring prices.
Increased Charges for Belfast Trade
The Belfast Harbour Commissioner recently invested approximately £40m in the redevelopment of the VT3 terminal at Belfast Port which was a much welcome and needed development. The project included the installation of two new Ship to Shore (STS) cranes, the removal of old STS cranes, and the delivery of eight new remote-controlled semi-automated Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) – to name a few of the key projects. To fund the scheme, the terminal operator will implement a new infrastructure charge from 1 July 2021 that all customers must pay. This new surcharge starts at £4 per unit from 1 July 2021, rising to £8.50 by January 2022. Based on 2018 container volumes of 127,000 units, this equates to local users paying approximately more than £254,000 in the first six months, rising to over £1million per annum from January 2022. In addition, notice was for this new charge was only given on 4 June 2021, less than a month from the implementation date. This resulted in logistics operators having to notify local customers of yet another cost increase; with logistics businesses operating on such tight margins and facing huge price surges in shipping rates already, users will simply be unable to absorb this cost and will have no choice but to pass it down the supply chain to importers and exporters. Furthermore, service providers of deep-sea containers are notifying customers of an imminent increase on feeder rates of €50 for 40/45ft containers between Belfast and the primary hub ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. Once again, as a key trading route, this will place additional pressure on businesses. All these three factors – disruption at Chinese ports, infrastructure charges at Belfast port, and deepsea feeder services fee increases are, or will be very shortly, contributing to significant cost increases for Northern Ireland businesses and affecting their financial viability in competing globally and regionally. Coupled with rising fuel costs which are at a two-year high and rising staff costs due to a severe shortage of lorry drivers, logistics operators are under huge financial strain. These costs cannot be absorbed and must be passed along the supply chain to the traders moving goods who are themselves already under significant pressure from trading issues relating to the UK’s departure from the EU and COVID-19. As the business group representing the logistics industry, Logistics UK will continue to work with its members, the government and other stakeholders to assist industry through this challenging global landscape, as shipping rate rises place untold pressure on supply chains. Locally, I have been working with and advising the Department for Economy on rising transport costs and have outlined these issues to political representative and the NI Assembly economy committee on 7 July 2021.
PUTTING A SPOTLIGHT ON BPW AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
BPW offers two types of air suspension - the conventional sprung steel trailing arm of the Airlight II Round and the cast trailing arm of the ECO Air.
Air suspension maintenance very often receives cursory attention within the statutory periodic inspection cycle. However, it is an important sub-assembly and is responsible for connecting the trailer chassis to, and distributing the load onto, the axle. It must also be remembered that in an air suspension system the axle beam is an important component of the suspension system. The connection between the axle beam and the trailing arm is key to the performance of the suspensions. BPW supply assembled axles and suspensions to trailer builders. This enables the company to offer a five-year warranty on these components (three years for vehicles that travel off-road) on the ‘U’ bolts and spring seats. Both suspensions, Airlight ll Round and ECO Air, provide the same physical properties allowing BPW to offer solutions to cater for different types of trailer design and operating conditions. In order to understand the maintenance requirements of an air suspensions it is worth spending a little time in understanding the principles of the operations. The suspension system on a vehicle comprises the tyres, air bags, trailing arms and bushes. It allows relative motion between the trailer chassis and the road whilst still giving support. The suspension system contributes to the vehicle’s roadholding and braking performance and ensures that the payload in the trailer is given the best possible ride quality. The design of a suspension system is generally a compromise, and this is more so on a trailer where the difference in ground weight varies so much between unladen and fully laden. It is really important to ensure that the tyre is kept in contact with the road at all times as this is all that gives the vehicle its braking adhesion and lateral stability. In terms of maintenance, the regime is quite straightforward and involves periodic inspection for wear and damage and checking the security of the fastenings. The air bags contribute very little to roll stability (around 7%); stability is mainly provided by the axle beam and the two trailing arms which combine to form a large ‘U’ shaped anti-roll bar. It is essential therefore to ensure that the ‘U’ bolts are kept tight. Different types of suspension have different sizes of ‘U’ bolts and different requirements for torque settings and methods of checking. BPW service manuals give the procedures for the different suspension systems that it produces. The presence of corrosion around the interface between the spring saddles and axle beams are a tell-tale sign that the assembly is loose, and attention is required to prevent further secondary damage to the axle beam from movement between it and the spring saddle.
ECO Air
Trailing Arms
Trailing arms need very little attention save to check for damage. Where single leaf trailing arms are used BPW always fit a catch plate: this is a strip made from galvanised steel that encompasses the trailing arm and is trapped under the spring plates in the area of the U-bolts. If a trailing arm breaks, the catch plate will hold the axle in place until the vehicle can receive attention in the workshop. This will prevent the tyres and air bags being damaged due to the axle becoming grossly misaligned. The catch plate should always be replaced in order to maintain this safety feature.
Air Bags Shock Absorbers
Air bags need to be inspected for damage, leaks and perishing: this is best done during the statutory periodic inspections. The air bags are made of rubber which naturally starts to age immediately after the manufacturing process is complete. Perishing manifests on the roll of the air bag where the rubber rolls under adjacent to the piston, and particular care should be given to inspections in this area. Shock absorbers will need to be checked for leaks and security. Again, this is a task for the periodic inspections. It is the shock absorber’s job to ensure that the tyre is kept in contact with the road surface, and they lead a hard life. Sometimes, during manufacture, the shock absorber can be overfilled with oil and this is ejected when the trailer is first used. The oil is ejected as a fine mist and covers the body of the shock absorber. This should be wiped off initially and all should be well but if misting re-occurs or oil runs down the body of the shock absorber then it may be faulty and may need to be changed.
FIRST NEW MODEL VOLVO FH TRUCKS IN NORTHERN IRELAND ENTER SERVICE FOR MANFREIGHT
Manfreight has continued its long association with Volvo Trucks by becoming the first operator in Northern Ireland to put the latest model of FH on the road.
Supplied by Dennison
Commercials, the 10 tractor units feature updated styling, enhanced fuel-saving features and a driverfocused interior incorporating a fully digital 12-inch high-res instrument display. The Craigavonbased logistics company selected the Volvo FH with I-Save 6x2model, each with Globetrotter XL cabs, to join its 200-strong fleet – citing fuel economy and reliability as the two main factors for the order. They will be used to make justin-time deliveries to Manfreight’s wide base of retail customers across the UK and Ireland. Chris Slowey, Managing Director at Manfreight, says: “My father started the business in 1976, we bought our first Volvos in 1978 and we’ve been Volvo fans ever since. We had the first version four FHs in Northern Ireland back in 2013, and we wanted to be the first again for this latest model. We have a very strong relationship with Volvo, I know and trust the team behind the build – so we have a reassurance in the quality of the product which is absolutely crucial in our line of work.” Volvo’s FH with I-Save model combines its most fuel-efficient engine ever, the D13TC, with the Fuel Package – adding the I-Shift automated transmission with long haul optimised software, map-based I-See predictive cruise control, I-Cruise with I-Roll, a fuel-efficient rear axle, engine idle shutdown, and a servo pump with variable displacement to reduce fuel consumption in long-haul operations. The new model is also around three per cent more fuel efficient than the previous FH with I-Save, after Volvo’s developers combined crucial software updates with a more aerodynamic design. To save even more fuel, the I-See feature in the new model can also detect when it’s efficient for the engine to rev up slightly and then freewheel, even on roads that look flat to the human eye. “We produce weekly reports for our customers, measuring the CO2 emissions produced in order to deliver their products,” says Chris Slowey. “The turbo compound engines in these trucks are among the most fuelefficient on the market and will help to further reduce the environmental impact of our operation. “Uptime is also critical to us; what we’re carrying today is your dinner tonight, so the vehicle has to be reliable and we need a strong dealer network to support us nationwide. That’s what you get with Volvo. The local team at Dennison Commercials have delivered the trucks just as we want them, as they always do – plus we know we can count on great service from the entire network.” Built on a 4,100mm wheelbase, the FHs ride on full air suspension and feature Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels. Inside each Globetrotter XL cab, drivers benefit from the Drive Plus and Living Plus Packages, as well as the Visibility Plus Package, which adds rain sensing wipers and automatic switching Bi-Xenon headlights with washer jets. Expected to travel up to 200,000km per year, the FHs are covered by a four-year Volvo Blue Contract covering preventative maintenance and will be in operation six days a week. With a team of 300 full-time and part-time drivers, Slowey has hand-picked those being given keys to the new FHs. “They are very proud to have been chosen,” he says. “Some have more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, and they tell me they have never driven anything so comfortable or responsive. They really are fantastic trucks.” Manfreight, one of Ireland’s largest privately-owned logistics companies, operates from its headquarters in Craigavon and strategically located sites throughout the UK and Ireland, delivering ambient, chilled and frozen foods to the retail sector.
Chris Slowey, Managing Director, Manfreight.
2021
LOUGH ERNE RESORT & SPA WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2021
Export & Freight Golf Masters is scheduled for Wednesday 1st September once again at the spectacular Lough Erne
Resort & Spa, Enniskillen. Due to Covid restrictions we are strictly limited to 152 golfers and sadly cannot offer non-golfer events. The golf course will once again be dressed and filled with hospitality. Socially distanced dinner and prize- giving is planned for the evening, subject to government guidelines, and overnight accommodation will also be available. 5 FOUR BALLS LEFT
As we have been locked down for well over a year, we hope you will be as excited to attend this event as we are to host it.
Let us know as soon as possible your requirements and we will try our best to give you another wonderful day of golf.
GARFIELD & HELEN
NEW FEATURES SEE NEW MAN TRUCK GENERATION HIT NEW HEIGHTS
MAN is introducing brand-new product highlights for its new Truck Generation, freshly launched last year, which make the TGX, TGS, TGM and TGL even safer and more user-friendly, but also even more efficient and more digital.
The MAN OptiView mirror replacement system, the MAN CruiseAssist driving assistant, additional fuel savings of up to 3.7 percent, as well as over-the-air updates with MAN Now and new digital services are just some of the innovations arriving between the second half of 2021 and early 2022 that will provide drivers and transportation companies with lasting benefits in their day-to-day operations. “We know that our customers’ businesses never stand still, so at MAN we never stop working on enhancements for our products. For this reason, we are making our new Truck Generation more efficient, safer and more innovative and are placing even more focus on simplifying the day-to-day operations of our customers and drivers, thus making us a reliable and competent partner,” says Göran Nyberg, Executive Board Member for Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus. In terms of the new products, the main visual highlight is the absence of traditional exterior mirrors. The new, optional mirror replacement system, which can be ordered from October onwards, works exclusively with cameras, including at the front and on the sides of the vehicle. They show what is happening around the truck on two large high-resolution displays on the A-pillars and also on the screen of the media system. The driver has a selection of view options to choose from, each consistently eliminating blind spots, improving visibility and, above all else, significantly improving safety for other road users. The turn assist function is also integrated into the display concept. The new collision avoidance assistant provides greater safety when changing lanes. As an extension of the previous lane change warning system, the assistant intervenes by countersteering if a collision is imminent. The new MAN CruiseAssist function provides another form of electronic driving assistance. It can be used to steer, brake and accelerate the TGX and TGS trucks independently in traffic on the motorway, even in the case of traffic jams. Even though the driver needs to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times,
the system takes a lot of the burden off the driver and offers significant safety benefits. Both systems are now available for the TGX and TGS. The collision avoidance assistant as well as the lane change support and turn assist functions, which are already available for the TGX and TGS, can be ordered for the TGM from October. A new turn assist camera system with warning function from MAN Individual provides greater safety ex works, particularly as a retrofit solution for older vehicles.
Sustainable efficiency
When it comes to efficiency, the new MAN Truck Generation, which, with its fuel savings of up to 8.2 percent, is already very frugal, is about to go one better. The new dynamic torque adjustment function, which can also be ordered from July, and the speed reduction when cruising at idling speed have a further impact on the reduction in fuel consumption. When combined with the highly efficient MAN TipMatic 12 gearbox, which is now used by default in standard semitrailer tractors, and the aerodynamics, which have been further improved by the removal of the exterior mirrors and the arrival of the new sunblind for the GM and GX cabs, additional fuel savings of up to 3.7 percent can be achieved in long-haul transport situations with the D26 engine series.
An eye to the future
MAN Perform, the tool for analysing driver and vehicle deployment, will also be upgraded between the second half of 2021 and early 2022, offering new features such as automated fleet and driver reports, and the ability to integrate additional performance data. The digital maintenance management system MAN ServiceCare, which acts as an interface in analysing and transmitting vehicle data to the MAN service outlet in this new expansion stage, also offers a major advantage in terms of greater vehicle availability: The ServiceCare Center takes it upon itself to contact customers in good time if a fault occurs on the vehicle – before this fault results in a breakdown. And finally, the digital offering around the new MAN Truck Generation is also growing as a result of the fact that the MAN Driver App also has new functions in addition to its previous functions such as support for departure control and damage reports, the MAN service base search or the short operating instructions. In addition to eight other language versions, these are above all recommendations for action for an economical driving style and, in conjunction with the Perform service, explanations of the evaluations of the individual driving style analysis by the app.
DAF has unveiled an entirely new line up of trucks – the XF, XG and XG+ - offering improved fuel efficiency, a full suite of passive and active safety features and the next level of luxury in truck design.
With the European Commission having introduced new masses and dimensions regulations with the objective to push the boundaries in terms of emissions reduction, road safety and driver comfort, the New Generation DAF XF features a full new cab design with a 160 mm elongation at the front for industry-leading aerodynamics, highest energy efficiency and lowest CO2 emissions. It has a 75 mm lower cab datum compared to the highly acclaimed and still available XF Super Space Cab and Space Cab. In combination with a large windscreen and ultra-low belt line, this results in unmatched direct vision, contributing to industry-leading safety, especially regarding Vulnerable Road Users. Standing height in the new XF is excellent and is between 1,900 and 2,075 mm, depending on the position within the cab. In addition to the XF, DAF is introducing the XG and XG+, creating a new top-class market segment, which takes maximum benefit from the new masses and dimensions regulations. Next to the 160 mm elongated front, both flagship models feature no less than 330 mm extra length at the rear of the cab for unmatched space to work, live and sleep. The cab datum of the XG and XG+ is 125 mm higher than the New Generation XF. The semi-flat floor provides the optimal combination of an easy access with only 3 steps and a great seating position for excellent direct vision. The DAF XG cab interior offers a standing height from no less than 1,980 to 2,105 mm and - thanks to the elongation at the rear - enormous interior space.
Top of the Range
DAF says the new XG+ outperforms every truck on the market when it comes to interior space. The height of the roof is increased even more to offer a standing height of up to an impressive 2,220 mm. This XG+ is DAF’s true topof-the-range model, offering a dazzling level of living comfort and spaciousness which are unique in the entire industry. With a volume of 12.5 m3, the DAF XG+ has even 14% more volume than the industry-benchmark, the current DAF XF Super Space Cab. The New Generation XF, XG and XG+ feature a beautiful, distinctive exterior design, characterised by an attractive tapered cab shape with seamlessly fitting body panels and sleekly mounted windscreen and doors for outstanding aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, all feature a stylish grille with chrome accents. It is topped with a distinctive logo bar with a glossy inlay to accentuate the vehicles’ class. The air intake is neatly integrated in the front, adding to the sturdy yet elegant design, which is further enhanced by the prominent grille, accentuating the elongated front. A key design feature are the stylish full LED headlights, crowned with characteristic Daytime Running Lights and integrated cornering lights, creating a distinctive signature and providing unprecedented vision at night. The great looks of the truck are supported by the beautiful LED Skylights – standard on the XG and XG+ - featuring a specific design for each model. DAF has expended tremendous effort in realising the best possible vehicle aerodynamics, resulting in an attractive exterior design with optimal radii, tapering and extensive sealing, enabling a perfect airflow. The curved windscreen, the elliptically shaped corner panels, the streamlined A-pillar covers, a bottom plate with integrated air deflector and the unique design of the wheel bay deflectors all add to superior aerodynamics, as do the optional cameras instead of mirrors. As important are the many measures taken to realise optimal engine compartment and under cab airflows. These include closures around the charge air cooler and the radiator, flow guides and recirculation barriers and closed wheel bay covers. All this has resulted in no less than 19% better aerodynamics and up to 6.3 out of the total 10% fuel efficiency improvement.
New efficient powertrains
In order to achieve a next level in efficiency, the New Generation DAF XF, XG and XG+ are equipped with new powertrains, featuring new engine and transmission technologies and rear axle innovations. Combustion of the 10.8 litre PACCAR MX-11 and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX-13 engines has
New Generation DAF XG truck is textbook example of great aerodynamics.
been optimised through the use of new injectors, a new cylinder head and block – allowing higher cylinder pressures – and a new design of pistons and liners. A new generation of efficient turbo chargers is utilised for best air management and new air compressors, oil pumps and alternators ensure parasitic losses are reduced to a minimum. The exhaust-aftertreatment system is redesigned to achieve the shortest route from engine outlet to EAS-inlet for absolute minimum exhaust temperature loss for highest efficiency. The result is an extremely efficient engine with excellent performance - while driving and braking - lower CO2 emissions, a once-a-year service interval and lower weight of 10 - 15 kilogrammes, contributing to the overall productivity of the truck. New engine and after treatment technologies as well as sophisticated thermal management result in up to 3% additional fuel efficiency gain from the 10% overall improvement.
New Generation DAF XF truck offers maximum view on the road.
The DAF XF, XG and XG+ are equipped with a TraXon automated gearbox as standard, featuring new technologies like automatic driveoff gear selection, enhanced predictive features and (optional) urge-to-move. For maximum driveline efficiency, rear axles with reduced oil levels and new pinion bearings are employed. A new generation of brake callipers results in less frictional losses and a lower weight. Excellent direct vision was one of the cornerstones in the development of the New Generation DAF. Therefore, the New XF, XG and XG+ all feature a large windscreen (2.3 m2) to enable an exceptionally low window belt line for an excellent direct view. As an option, on the co-driver’s side, a Kerb View Window is available, which – in combination with the new foldable co-driver seat – results in excellent view of, for instance, pedestrians, cyclists and children next to the truck. The new mirror housings have a slim design. Space in between the mirrors, and between mirrors and A-pillar, add to the best-in-class direct view.
Digital Vision System
A new optional feature is the DAF Digital Vision System, replacing the main and wideangle mirrors. Use of the cameras further enhances direct vision, while also increasing aerodynamic performance, contributing to highest fuel efficiency. Additional features include auto panning (following the rear of the trailer while cornering) and display overlays for additional information on the length of the vehicle, which is helpful for example when manoeuvring and overtaking. Even under extreme weather conditions, the heated cameras provide a clear view. As an industryfirst, the cameras are electrically retractable. The DAF Corner View is an option to replace the kerb and front view mirrors and which exceeds the field of vision of these conventional mirrors by far. It is another important feature to further enhance road safety, especially for vulnerable road users. The display of the DAF Corner View is mounted on the co-driver’s A-pillar, exactly where one expects it to be.
New Generation DAF XF truck including Kerb View Window.
Safety & Comfort features
On the XF, XG and XG+ a full range of active safety devices is offered. These include Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning System and Emergency Brake Lights. The latest version of Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS-3) can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of both stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 km/h. City Turn Assist system detects other road users or objects at the co-driver side. Other optional systems include the new DAF Electronic Park Brake, engaging the brakes automatically when the engine is switched off. Low Speed Trailer Brake activates the trailer brakes independently for safe trailer coupling and decoupling. Park Brake Assist engages all brakes along with the park brake to ensure that the truck does not move during loading or unloading with a crane, or whilst operating a tipping body.
All driving related functions are operated from the steering wheel and the steering column stalks, as are the digital display menu, the TraXon automated gearbox and audio and phone functionalities. Secondary driving functions are operated from physical switches which are logically positioned on the dashboard and are easy to operate. First class driver comfort starts with excellent cab accessibility with only three steps, positioned in a comfortable ‘staircase’ style. For an easy access, the new steering wheel can be parked in a far-forward position. Adjustment ranges of seats and steering column result in the best possible driving position for every individual driver, even allowing for a more passenger-car-like driving positioning. Available as options on XG and XG+ are a swivel driver and co-driver seat, which can be turned to a relaxing position after a long day’s driving. A foldable co-driver seat is standard. It provides an unrestricted view through the Vision Door with Kerb View Window and creates even more interior space. The headrest can be folded (option) to create a practical table alongside DAF’s luxurious bed. The beautiful dashboard is a real eye-catcher and has been designed to add to the vehicle’s unique direct vision. It features an attractive, central 12” display for all vehicle-related information and an optional 10” touch screen for the DAF Navigation and Infotainment System. All key information is visible at a glance. The most important buttons are perfectly positioned on the dashboard and on the newly designed steering wheel for best intuitive operation. The design is fully in line with the DAF philosophy of ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’, to avoid taking the eyes of the road and contributing to the highest comfort and safety. On the central display the driver can select between two lay-out designs and four levels of information. Display settings can also be personalised. With their spacious cabs, the New Generation DAF provides huge storage space in the roof consoles and on top of the dashboard, in the door pockets and under the bunk. In addition, the New XF, XG and XG+ offer plenty of room for paperwork, documents and other items. The dashboard has two holders for cups, mugs and small bottles and obviously there is also DAF’s worldfamous retractable dashboard table for eating or working, now even larger than before. In addition, the XG and XG+ have a practical drawer in the lower part of the dashboard in which documents or a laptop can be easily stored.
Swivel chairs and relax bed for unmatched driver comfort in New Generation DAF trucks.
High-class dashboard in New Generation DAF trucks.
Thoroughly tested
In the testing phase, extensive proof of concept tests were carried out, next to a full array of functional, durability and reliability tests in DAF’s state-of-the-art Technical Centre and on the road. Over 150 field test vehicles were put into daily operation with customers throughout Europe. DAF will have gained an equivalent of some 20 million long distance kilometres before the New Generation XF, XG and XG+ enter production. DAF will start series production of 4x2 and 6x2 tractor and rigid offerings of its completely New Generation XF, XG and XG+ in the last quarter of 2021.
The New Generation DAF trucks 2021. From left to right XF XG and XG+
