Clarke Millar milks the Mercedes-Benz advantage with tag-axle Actros

Clarke Millar has now added the first Actros to his all-Mercedes-Benz fleet of trucks and vans. After 36 years on the road, Norman Little could not be happier with his first Mercedes-Benz.

Soaring demand from customers for its ultra-low fat, “guilt-free” MillarMoo milkshakes prompted Northern Ireland’s Clarke Millar to invest in a new fridge-bodied 26-tonner that wears the tried and trusted three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz.

The Dunmurry-based company’s eyecatching Actros arrived via Newtownabbey Dealer MBNI Truck & Van, which took back a pair of 7.5-tonne Atego in partexchange. Whereas the smaller vehicles could each carry half a dozen pallets of product, the new six-wheeler will take 16. Acquired with competitive funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, the Actros is a 2532 L model with Classic Space S-cab and 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine producing 235 kW (320 hp). It has rear air suspension and a tag axle – raising the back wheels not only enhances manoeuvrability by reducing the turning circle, but also prolongs tyre life. The vehicle’s single-compartment insulated body was built by Gray & Adams. The leading supplier of temperature-controlled transport equipment fitted the highperformance, quiet-running Carrier Supra 1150 refrigeration unit as well, while the 2,000 kg full retractable tail-lift is by Zepro. Proprietor Clarke Millar had spent 23 years working for the family bakery when he established the business that bears his name in 2012. A specialist producer and distributor of chilled and ambient products for the retail and food service sector, it has achieved a 70% increase in turnover over the last three years. Clarke Millar also relies on a three-year-old 13-tonne Atego and its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to supply customers in Northern Ireland. Deliveries to the Irish Republic and Scotland are entrusted to third-party providers. Much of the company’s recent growth has been driven by MillarMoo and the soft drinks that Clarke Millar distributes under the Zumi brand. Available in four flavours and containing less than 1% fat, MillarMoo has just hit the shelves at Spar Scotland. The range is strikingly promoted on one side of the new truck’s body, while the other is devoted to Zumi. “We’d reached the stage at which it made sense to commission a bigger truck in order to stay ahead of demand,” said Clarke Millar. “I did also consider a Swedish vehicle but went with the Actros in the end, not least because our experience of running other MercedesBenz trucks and vans has been so positive. “They’ve always been cost-effective to operate and exceptionally reliable – one of the 7.5-tonners we’ve just traded in was on a 12-plate and had been an excellent workhorse that never let us down.” He continued: “As a Mercedes-Benz customer for 25 years I enjoy a very good relationship with the Dealer. Nothing is too much trouble for Truck Sales Manager Paul McCrory and his colleagues at MBNI Truck & Van. There are never any ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. Instead, they honour their commitments and will always do whatever they can to help.” He added: “I’m delighted with the Actros. Not only are we able to deliver more product than previously, but, because we’ve taken a truck off the road, we’re also saving on fuel and labour costs. Plus, of course, it looks fantastic in its strong livery and doubles as a great mobile advertisement for our brands.” Seasoned professional Norman Little was recruited specifically to drive the Actros. Having spent 36 years behind the wheel, he is thoroughly enjoying his first Mercedes-Benz. “It’s a lovely truck and very comfortable indeed,” he said. Norman is particularly taken with the vehicle’s radical new dashboard – the Multimedia Cockpit replaces conventional switchgear with stylish and intuitive twin screens, one of which has touch functionality. “I received a very good, professional handover from the Dealer,” he reported. “The new dash is very different to what I’ve been used to, but is so easy to operate that it took me no time at all to get the hang of it. I’m definitely a fan.”

Fleets report operational savings and reduced emissions with FORS Fleet Management System

An increasing number of operators using FORS Fleet Management System (FMS) are demonstrating significant cost savings and reduced emissions across their fleet.

Since its launch in 2018, FORS Fleet Management System (FORS FMS) has risen in popularity among FORS members. There are now 226 fleets across the UK signed up to the system, and the recent wave of positive feedback suggests that it is being well received. Commenting on the difference that FORS FMS has made to TJ Hammond Transport, Clive Morris, Fleet Compliance Manager, said, “Managing a fleet of vehicles and drivers can be challenging, no matter the fleet size. FORS FMS has made the general day-to-day management of our fleet easier. It provides complete transparency for fuel usage, driver defects and licence checks, and removes a lot of the paperwork typically involved in daily vehicle inspections and defect reporting.” Echoing those positive sentiments, Mark Fussell, Service Manager at independently owned specialist contractor ADP Group, said, “I implemented FORS FMS on a colleague recommendation and it has really allowed me to streamline my system of work. “The level of automation it allows has really impressed me, as well as the ease of generating checklists for specific equipment. The FORS accreditation of FleetCheck has given me confidence that the specific requirements are being met”. FORS FMS is intuitive and simple to use, helping operators to gain and maintain FORS accreditation. Nick Westmorland, Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme Manager at Kingston Landscape Group, was also full of praise for FORS FMS, commenting, “We use FORS FMS as an integral part of managing our fleet, making sure drivers comply with FORS Bronze and Silver accreditation. It stores everything that is required for good fleet management, including servicing history, MOT and Tax updates linked to the government website for the vehicles. “FORS FMS provides a link to FORS to retrieve training, and the portal allows for input of any penalties and collisions. An alert system notifies users of any important events that are due to expire, so this makes it especially ideal.” Anixter’s Craig Bradburne added, “The FORS Fleet Management System has totally transformed the way we manage our fleet. Having all the information to hand is making our fleet management more effective and efficient, and enabling us to continuously improve how we operate our vehicles.” FORS FMS is a subscription-based service, available exclusively to FORS members in collaboration with FORS Affinity Partner, FleetCheck that draws on live data sources to consolidate fleet management data such as fuel cards, telematics and driver records. FORS members can also benefit from a trial period of up to three months, as well as free set-up – saving £10.00 per vehicle.

Business opportunities – looking for an upturn?

FORS has been providing tangible benefits for operators for 12 years. Enhanced safety, improved efficiency, a positive impact on our climate – together delivering lower operating costs, a boost in productivity and an upturn in business opportunities.

SAFER SMARTER GREENER

fors-online.org.uk 08448 09 09 44 @FORS_online FORS

DEALER NETWORK & MEDIA GET ONLINE VIEWING OF NEW IVECO S-WAY

The new IVECO S-Way heavy on-road vehicle has been unveiled to its dealer network and representatives of the automotive press in a live digital event streamed on the IVECO Live Channel Platform.

The new range, say IVECO, has been engineered to deliver outstanding value and productivity for the fleet owner. It further increases its fuel efficiency, which was already among the best, with a new engine line-up and next generation rear axle, advanced technologies and innovative services tailored to the customers’ needs. It also takes connectivity and driver-centricity to what the manufacturer calls a new level with the unique IVECO Driver Pal voice companion, new advanced functionalities and connected services. The IVECO S-Way is the ideal business solution for the fleet owner, the sustainable friend of the environment, and the perfect travel companion for the driver. Commented Thomas Hilse, IVECO Brand President: “This is a truly forward-thinking vehicle, sustainable and efficient, engineered with a deep-rooted entrepreneurial mindset. It puts the customer centre-stage, revolutionising the way they communicate with their vehicles. “The world is moving fast, and the world of transport must not only keep up, but anticipate and drive the change. IVECO is doing exactly that. It will take our customers to the next level.” Added Giuliano Giovannini, Head of Medium & Heavy Line Product Management: “It is unusual for a manufacturer to make a substantial product update just two years after launching a brand-new model. However, this is exactly what we are doing with the IVECO S-Way – and we are improving a vehicle that was already among the best in its category. “With the new IVECO S-Way we move to the next level, with a level of innovation that has no equivalent on the market. We offer our customers a vehicle that anticipates their needs and will exceed their expectations.”

Building on Success

The new IVECO S-Way builds on the success this range has achieved since its launch in 2019. It has proved extremely popular with drivers for its high levels of comfort. Customers appreciate the improvements in performance and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that come with the vehicle’s connectivity and tailor-made services. This has resulted in nearly 4 out of 5 customers subscribing for the full telematic services, and the take rate is in constant growth. Overall, sales have exceeded all expectations, leading to significant gains in market share. IVECO S-Way natural gas models account for more than a quarter of units sold. The CNG and LNG versions now feature new smart auxiliaries, such as the clutch compressor and variable-flow steering pump, which further increase their fuel efficiency. The engine improvements and new features these models share with the Diesel versions, together with the new smart auxiliaries, deliver a further reduction in CO2 emissions.

Ideal for Long Haul

The IVECO S-WAY is the ideal vehicle for long-haul missions and the perfect business solution for the fleet owner. It raises the bar on performance and fuel efficiency with a host of improvements and new features, achieving an overall reduction in fuel consumption of up to 3%. The new engine line-up meets Euro VI/E emissions standards and is type-approved for 100% second-generation bio-diesel, such as HVO. The Cursor 13 range has been extended with two new power ratings, 490 hp and 530 hp. The efficiency of the Cursor 11 and Cursor 13 engines has been improved through increased compression ratios and a new combustion management strategy. The 13-litre engines have been coupled with new, high-efficiency single-reduction rear axles, and longer rear axle ratios down to 2.31:1 are available with standard profile tyres. This enables substantial down-speeding, resulting in greater efficiency when cruising on long-distance routes. These features make the new Cursor 13 490 hp pivot model a true TCO Champion and the perfect vehicle for long haulage. Additional features contribute to the IVECO S-Way’s fuel efficiency. They include the new Eco Mode for the automatic air conditioning system, which eliminates unnecessary energy absorption, and the new A-pillar aerodynamic covers that further improve air flow around the cab.

Fully connected truck

The IVECO S-Way transforms the way drivers interact with their vehicle and ushers in a new era of proactive and predictive support. It makes life on board easier and more productive with the unique IVECO Driver Pal vocal driver companion, new advanced functionalities and connected services. IVECO Driver Pal is a true game changer. It enables the driver to interact with the vehicle, its control systems, the IVECO Control Room and all fleet management functions using voice commands via

Amazon Alexa.

With the unique MYIVECO skill, they can not only activate in-cab controls and use the infotainment, but also use the navigation system to plan their route, and check the vehicle’s health status and their Driving Style Evaluation score. IVECO Driver Pal also puts them in contact with the driver community through the MYCOMMUNITY skill, making it possible to exchange messages with other drivers on their route or near their destination. They can share useful travel information and support each other.

New Service

IVECO is also introducing a ground breaking new service that offers complete peace of mind to the driver and the fleet owner, in case of accident or other issue with the vehicle. The driver can activate IVECO Top Care through IVECO Driver Pal. The nearest IVECO workshop will be alerted and resolution will be fast-tracked. The service offers an innovative driver hospitality package if the vehicle is not back on the road within six hours. It includes free transfer, accommodation and, if needed, medical assistance.

PETRONAS LUBRICANTS & SCOTTS FUELS WORKING IN SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP

With over 65 years’ experience in the oil industry, Scotts Fuels & Lubricants is a family-owned company offering customers in all market sectors throughout UK & Ireland a full portfolio of premium lubricants, greases, AdBlue & technical support at competitive prices so that customers can source all their requirements from one trusted source committed to quality and exacting standards.

Scotts Fuels & Lubricants delivers domestic, Agricultural, Marine & commercial deliveries of up to 35,000 litres from a company owned fleet of modern vehicles, and its lubricants business is one of the largest in Ireland, supplying throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The challenge

With over 65 years of steady growth and a strong offering in the domestic, agricultural , marine, industrial & quarrying markets, Scotts management team identified several new major business opportunities and realising the complexities of new specifications and emerging market trends, saw the importance of employing staff who understood the lubricants and fuel business - some who had worked for and been trained by some of the world’s largest oil companies. This resulted in having specialists in their field who could impart knowledge, provide technical back up with a problem solving attitude, which in turn instils confidence with customers who are often reluctant to change without clearly defined benefits. Backed by one of the worlds most recognised and respected brands for passenger car, commercial, industrial, plant and Agri lubricants, the relationship with PETRONAS Lubricants International has grown exponentially. To be able to achieve such growth and meet ambitious targets, Scotts needed a supplier who understood how they worked and shared a similar vision and commitment to great customer service, which is not always the case with larger integrated oil companies who traditionally sell directly to end users or any number of stockists in the same geographical location. This only leads to mistrust and confusion with routes to market.

The solution

At the beginning of 2017, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) formed a partnership with Scotts and has now become their number one supplier. Over the four years they have been working together, PLI has assisted Scotts with their expansion into the commercial vehicle market more broadly, and the industrial market specifically in Scotland. This growth has been achieved through PLI investing in product lines that are distributor focused. PETRONAS may be one of the biggest global oil and lubricants brands, but the team of 20 UK-based employees means it has a local, people-first approach to business. PLI can react much quicker and be much more agile than larger brands, but still have the resources of a huge corporation behind it. This unique combination of maintaining a personalised approach while having the support of a larger team behind it means PLI can easily pivot the production of resources to best suit its distributors. Their flexible approach to working with partners means PLI was able to put Scotts first and fill most of the gaps that were present in its existing offering. For example, when Scotts didn’t stock the lubricants necessary to supply a large OEM branded customer who required a global brand to ensure only the best lubricants are being used and had the necessary OEM approval PLI fast tracked its production, resulting in Scotts being able to gain bulk and packaged supply on time with a new Urania branded engine oil with additional supply of Tutela “hidden heroes” transmission and gear fluids.

The results

Since 2020, Scotts volumes of PLI branded oils have grown substantially and this growth has largely been a result of the expanding product portfolio PLI has to offer. Over the last couple of years PLI has put an increased focus on providing products that are distributor focused, an offering that has benefitted Scotts as it has enabled them to secure new contracts in new and existing markets with annual growth approaching 100% per annum. The strength of their partnership has also enabled Scotts to grow outside their traditional NI and ROI markets into Scotland, where it is now PLIs sole Scottish distributor. It is in this market that both organisations are looking to expand into more industrial products, however, to be successful, a strong reputation for their industrial products is required. Unlike commercial vehicle lubricants where manufacturer specs can be labelled on the products, the success of industrial products is dependent on recommendations. Without a history of sales in the oil and gas industry, third parties will not risk damaging hugely expensive machinery for a marginal price difference. This means that when it comes to industrial products, quality and reputation comes before all else – these are attributes both Scotts and PLI can provide in their partnership.

Looking forward

Scotts has not yet achieved the market growth in England that it has throughout the Republic of Ireland and more recently in Scotland. PLI is hoping to strengthen its partnership with Scotts, specifically in relation to its industrial range, in order to continue to expand. Scotts have good stock levels and a fast and efficient delivery system to ensure you get your products when you need them.