Focus on Trailers

TIGER BUILDS 25 CURTAINSIDERS ON TIME FOR A1 TRANSPORT (NI)

Cheshire manufacturer, Tiger Trailers, has once again demonstrated the efficiency, attractive lead times, punctuality, and high quality that it offers, delivering twenty-five curtainside trailers for A1 Transport (NI) Ltd of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, on time and in full during Q2 2022.

A1 Transport’s switch to a new articulated trailer supplier was significantly influenced by long lead times and delays elsewhere in the sector, with Tiger able to commit to the haulier’s firm timescales despite the global backdrop of the pandemic. This has been partly achieved by the introduction of a night-shift and in continuously optimising the efficiency of its production lines. Neil Treacy, Irish Operations Manager at A1 Transport, says: “We had been aware of Tiger Trailers for some years and had confidence in placing our first order with them on the basic of strong quality, the way they listen to their customers, and in the competitive production lead times they can offer. We’re very pleased with our new curtainsided trailers and thank Tom and the Tiger Trailers team for their commitment.” A1’s new tri-axle straight-frame curtainsiders are 13.7m long and 4.55m tall, EN 12642 XL rated, and incorporate two multipositional steel PFC pillars on each side to enable the operator to maximise internal capacity within the vehicles’ aperture and height parameters. Their specification includes ply-metal-faced rear barn doors, Tiger’s pull-out ladder for enhanced safety, various galvanised elements throughout the chassis and elsewhere, and a toolbox, document holder and TIR cord with butterfly holder and TIR covers fitted at the customer’s request. Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “We’re delighted to be working with A1 Transport and are proud of their first batch of trailers that we delivered on time. It’s been great to visit the customer to see their operations in person to understand what they need, and we look forward to supporting them at Tiger over the coming months and years.” A1 Transport (NI) Ltd was established in 2001 by Anna Sembhi and has grown to become a well-known and trusted company in Ireland and the UK, providing road and sea haulage and transport services across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, UK and Europe. With a well-positioned main site close to the borders and situated between the two capital cities, complemented by a UK site in Preston. The company offers 24 hour and 48 hour delivery between Ireland and the UK. The company is also set up to complete all customs procedures requirements. The twenty-five new curtainsided trailers were collected from Tiger’s modern and purpose-built factory in Cheshire by A1 Transport, with their addition now taking A1 Transport’s curtainsided trailer fleet to 250.

PRIMARK’S NEW 40-STRONG TRAILER FLEET HITS THE ROAD IN RECORD TIME WITH TIGER AND WINCANTON

When its previous 3PL partnership came to an end, leading international retailer, Primark, faced the challenge of specifying, procuring, and commissioning an all-new fleet of tractors and trailers on the road within just a few months to maintain the efficiency of its supply chain – and Tiger Trailers rose to this challenge in partnership with Wincanton, and wrapping support from Finch Signs.

As part of the tender process, the 3PL contract for Primark was won by Wincanton, the largest road transport provider in the UK, while Tiger Trailers was able to design, manufacture and release forty articulated box van trailers for Primark within just three months – an impressive move against the current global backdrop of long lead times and supply chain challenges. Primark’s Network Transport Manager, Ant Franks, lead the project and secured the mobilisation of the company’s all-new trailer fleet, working closely with Tiger Trailers’ Business Development Director, Stephen Pollock. Primark’s Ant Franks comments: “Working together, we maintained service throughout our UK network while bringing in this new fleet in a timely manner, in difficult market conditions, to allow a seamless transition in providers. Thanks to everyone at Tiger, Wincanton and Finch who helped to make this happen.” To enable Primark’s first batch of new trailers to get to work by February 2022, just a few months after its first contact with Tiger, the Cheshire-based manufacturer’s production teams and lines worked tirelessly, helped by its nightshift operation which has now been running for over a year. The livery was applied by Finch Signs, a business local to Primark’s Islip distribution centre. Tiger’s Steve Pollock says: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work closely with Ant and the teams at Primark and Wincanton in delivering their expediently required assets in record time. We’re proud of the forty initial box vans Tiger has manufactured and we’re excited about continuing to support Primark for many years to come, starting with the next batches of trailers ordered for later this year and into 2023. Thanks again to Primark for choosing Tiger after recognising our customer-led ethos, efficient production capabilities, and attractive lead times.” The international retailer’s new straight-frame box vans are comprised twin and tri-axle guises and are fitted with taillifts incorporating hinged rear and side ramps, various LED lights to enhance safety, and Michelin X Line Energy tyres with environmental, fuel efficiency and fleet management aims in mind. Following Primark’s initial order of forty Tiger Trailers box vans, the retailer has placed orders for over forty additional trailers, scheduled for manufacture during Q4 2022 into Q1 2023, which include over a dozen retail moving deck double decks and a number of specialist trailers such as LSTs. Primark currently serves its UK store network from two distribution centres and a number of out bases, with its newest depot based in Islip, Northamptonshire, which has 1.1 million sq. ft. of space and is where Primark’s new Tiger trailer fleet and tractors are a familiar sight, including the ten environmentally friendly Iveco Stralis NP 460 bio-liquified natural gas trucks it operates, with Primark Cares liveries.

Photographed left to right are Samantha Hardy, Contract General Manager, Wincanton; Ant Franks, Network Transport Manager, Primark; Stephen Pollock, Business Development Director, Tiger Trailers; Darren Wesby, Director, Finch Signs; and Oliver Hammond, PR & Marketing Manager, Tiger Trailers.

TTS Seeking Employers & Apprentices for New Supply Chain Management Apprenticeship

Transport Training Services has added a specialist Supply Chain Management Apprenticeship to its growing range of programmes. The course has been designed to develop the next generation of logistics industry professionals.

The apprenticeship, aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds (stipulated by the Department for the Economy ApprenticeshipsNI scheme), provides the skills and competence required to manage a production process from beginning to end - from purchasing raw materials to the delivery of the final product. This training course, like all TTS programmes, requires the student to have a relevant job so that all learning at TTS can be put into practice in the workplace. TTS currently has some interested candidates for the course (who already have employers ready to take them on), but the course needs a minimum number to go ahead in September. If you are an employer in the logistics or manufacturing sector interested in training its future supply chain managers, or you are a young person looking for a new career opportunity, please get in touch with Robert Deignan on 07736 958355 or robertd@transporttraining.org. Companies that have existing employees aged between 16 and 24 who are looking to upskill are also eligible for this course. To find out more about this Apprenticeship, please visit: https://www.transporttraining. org/logistics-industry/ apprenticeship/supply-chainmanagement-apprenticeship/

Muldoon Transport Unveil Advanced Control System

Muldoon Transport Systems has unveiled its most advanced control system yet.

“Muldoon Connect” provides full visibility of all vehicle functions in real time, giving companies the ability to assess driver behaviour both on the road and during deliveries. It offers remote monitoring and diagnostics of engine, EBS and discharge equipment, and minimises downtime through unscheduled VOR. The company says that with real time data logging of every delivery, it ensures each operator is achieving the optimum performance from the vehicle. The system features easily configured programmes and memory functions for repeatable, seamless deliveries.

One of the UK’s most forward-thinking insurance brokers, SJL will provide highquality and professional fleet insurance solutions to help FORS accredited members work through unforeseen events. A privately-owned business, with a wealth of experience in the transport sector, SJL prides itself on offering a 100 per cent tailored approach to every client, no matter the size of their fleet. With an in-house claims team, SJL support their clients at every stage of their claim, working on behalf of clients to get the best possible outcome from start to finish. To ensure that they offer the right advice, SJL’s approach is fully consultative, starting with an analysis of the company’s activities, future plans and current insurance provision before any options are put forward. This method will identify any gaps in protection or opportunities to make savings, so that operators can be confident that they are covered for any eventuality, but at the best possible price. In addition, SJL work with a huge range of insurance providers. Wider access to the marketplace ensures they can offer the most competitive deals based on their knowledge of the transport sector and their client’s business. Speaking on behalf of SJL, Partnership Manager, Joey Smith commented: “We recognise that no two businesses are the same, so tailoring our approach is vital to ensure we get the very best rates we can for clients, often saving them money in the process.” Smith continued: “FORS accreditation brings with it a stamp of professionalism that we want to help companies make the most of. We’re very excited to be working with the FORS community and hope that our innovative approach will bring peace of mind to clients old and new.” SJL’s fleet insurance covers all business vehicles under one policy, including HGVs, vans, cars, taxis, and more specialised equipment, all with one renewal date for ease. The policy can cover any driver to drive any vehicle, or it can be fixed to named drivers for specific vehicles. With all levels of insurance available, SJL aim to provide not only the best insurance products in the market, but outstanding service and advice delivered by expert brokers.

New FORS Insurance Partner added to Affinity Partner Portfolio

FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has added a FORS Insurance Partner to its offer for accredited operators, welcoming SJL Insurance Services (SJL) to its Affinity Partner programme.

SCHMITZ CARGOBULL INTRODUCES NEW TRAILERS & UPGRADES

Schmitz Cargobull has launched a number of new trailers and upgrades ahead of the IAA Show in September; Export & Freight’s Helen Beggs travelled to the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities at Gotha in Germany to find out more.

Among new products is a S.KI tipper trailer impresses with its greater payload capacity of up to 230 kg, and it can realise an additional 50kg payload if equipped with air suspension. It also scores points for its improved handling and robust, reliable product quality thanks to the new generation of frames and bodies; it goes into full production in the 1st Quarter of 2023. The S.KI tipper trailer’s steel chassis frames have always been characterised by an ideal balance between weight optimisation, robust durability and tipping stability during day-to-day use. The fundamental redesign of the modular frame has enabled weight savings of 45 to 110 kg to be achieved in the new S.KI tipper semi-trailer depending on the length and frame design. The new modular frame system for all trailer lengths is available in a Standard, Light or HeavyDuty design depending on the level of use. The design of the crossbeams provides even greater stability and ensures a longer service life of the chassis due to optimum corrosion protection. The frame design has also been enhanced for painting and galvanisation. Schmitz Cargobull grants customers a 10-year warranty against rust-through for the galvanised S.KI frame generation. Painted frames also offer better protection against corrosion. Four different frame lengths are available (system lengths 7.2, 8.2, 9.6, 10.5), depending on the application, load level and desired body volume. In addition to the STANDARD version, a LIGHT version for especially high payload or a HEAVY-DUTY version for particularly heavy-duty use are also available. Production on the new S.KI tipper semi-trailer is scheduled to start at the end of the 1st quarter of 2023.

S.KI variants are specifically developed for use on roads, construction sites, and light off-road routes.

CENTRAL AXLE TIPPER

Meanwhile, with a loading volume of ten cubic metres, Schmitz Cargobull has reintroduced a Z.KI central axle tipper trailer as the smallest model into its portfolio. The upgraded Z.KI central axle tipper trailer provides the best services on construction sites where space is limited. Equipped with 900-millimetre-tall steel dropsides, the loading volume is around ten cubic metres and – thanks to its central axle – the central axle tipper trailer is easy to manoeuvre, even in areas where space is tight. Due to its new design, it weighs 50 kg less than its predecessor. This means more payload and, as a result, increased profitability for business owners. The Z.KI is suitable for a range of applications, thus offering a great deal of flexibility for day-to-day transport operations. It can transport bulk or piece goods. But pallet goods can also be easily delivered thanks to the standard pallet-width design. Additional safety is provided by lashing points optionally integrated in the body floor. The tailgate and dropsides are pendulummounted. In addition, raised tailgate hinges provide for a larger pouring opening. For the simplest possible handling when folding down the wear-resistant dropsides, they can be equipped with a lifting spring mechanism, making loading from the side even easier.

FULLY ELECTRIC S.KOE

Schmitz Cargobull has also developed a fully electric S.KOe COOL box body semi-trailer especially for the purpose of emissions-free

S.CS EcoFLEX curtainsider semi-trailer.

delivery. The S.KOe COOL is a fully electric cooling unit equipped with built-in power electronics, a battery system and axle generator, meaning that it is almost emission-free. The Piekcertified vehicle is also extremely quiet, so that delivery can take place both early in the morning and late at night in urban areas. The electric S.CUe cooling unit is designed to cool and heat freight without generating any emissions and offers a cooling output of up to 15,900 W and heating output of 9,100 W. Batteries on the landing gear replace the diesel tank. An electrified Schmitz Cargobull trailer axle recovers energy when braking, for instance, thereby increasing the cooling unit’s operating time and reducing the time needed to recharge the battery from the mains grid. This also reduces waiting times at the distribution centres.

ECOFLEX

Meanwhile, the S.CS EcoFLEX curtainsider semi-trailer is one of the vehicles from the new EcoGeneration and is, of course, 100% SMART, too. This means that it is equipped with the TrailerConnect trailer telematics system ex works as standard. The aerodynamic trailer with a lifting rear reduces drag, thus lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In practice, users have been able to achieve savings of way above five percent – and sometimes even above ten percent. The lifting function for the rear enables the trailer to be raised easily if the entire cargo area is required. This concept offers high saving potentials especially for heavy transports. And it achieves this without significantly changing the trailer functions, transport performance and the familiar handling. The EcoFLEX is now equipped with a new aerodynamic storage box, known as the EcoPack – a feature currently available exclusively from Schmitz Cargobull. Its special ergonomic design enhances air circulation, helping the box to not only save even more fuel, but also offer more storage space, particularly for spare wheels. In practical tests, savings of up to three percent have been achieved. As well as the aerodynamic benefits, the EcoPack also impresses with its low unladen weight and quick, easy handling.

S.KO COOL

Also upgraded is the S.KO COOL deep-freeze box body semi-trailer which has now been provided with new security features that comply with TAPA TSR1 standards. The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is an organisation made up of manufacturers, logistics service providers, freight forwarders and law enforcement authorities that applies proven methods and procedures to improve the security of valuable assets around the world. Its goal is to reduce losses in the supply chain. By complying with TSR1 standards, the Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailer meets TAPA’s highest benchmark. In order to meet the TAPA TSR1 requirements, a connected, acoustic alarm system has been integrated into TrailerConnect and triggers an alarm if the trailer is accessed by an unauthorised third party. Alongside this acoustic alarm system, the new TL4 electronic door locking system ensures that goods are protected from unauthorised access. This smart, safe, and innovative function enables users to automatically control the door locking system, increasing process and transport safety. This is available exclusively in combination with the networked TrailerConnect telematics solution from Schmitz Cargobull. Via the TrailerConnect portal, users can define loading and unloading locations where the door locking system automatically unlocks the trailer on arrival or locks it when leaving.