Export & Freight Jan 22 by 4SMNI

£3.95 €5.65

INCORPORATING

www.exportandfreight.com IRELAND’S TRANSPORT MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

Class-le Cl

Offering a w Off 4.11, Scania 4.11 engineered eng Scania Supe Sca

Redefining engine performance Redefining engine performance Engineered to perfection to deliver combined fuel savings Engineered to perfection to deliver combined fuel savings of 8%, the new Scania Super engine is ready of 8%, the new Scania Super engine is ready to lead the transport industry through a decade of to lead the transport industry through a decade of operational challenges. Scania Super operational challenges. Scania Super

13-litre engine 13-litre engine

Scania opticruise gearbox Scania opticruise gearbox Industry-leading engine performance demands Industry-leading engine performance demands a highly-efficient gearbox. The Scania Opticruise a highly-efficient gearbox. The Scania Opticruise gearbox range, now available in two performance range, now available in two performance Opticruise G25 G25steps, is gearbox a critical enabler of the powertrain’s Opticruise steps, is a critical enabler of the powertrain’s fuel efficiency. & G33&Gearbox fuel efficiency. G33 Gearbox superior superior

R756 R756 Rear Rear Axle Axle

Class-leading Class-leading rear rear axle axle efficiency efficiency Offering a wider range of gear ratios from 1.95 to Offering a wider range of gear ratios from 1.95 to 4.11, Scania R756 single reduction rear axle is purpose 4.11, Scania R756 single reduction rear axle is purpose engineered to enable the exceptional efficiency of the engineered to enable the exceptional efficiency of the Scania Super powertrain. Scania Super powertrain.

Modular Modular Architecture Architecture Chassis Chassis

Next-level Next-level modularity modularity Based on the design strengths of the Scania modular system, Based on the design strengths of the Scania modular system, the Scania chassis is now more versatile than ever. Not only the Scania chassis is now more versatile than ever. Not only does this facilitate a better bodybuilding process for your does this facilitate a better bodybuilding process for your Scania truck, but it also gives you more possibilities for optimal Scania truck, but it also gives you more possibilities for optimal load distribution and increased payload potential. load distribution and increased payload potential.

R756 Rear Axle

Class-leading rear axle efficiency Offering a wider range of gear ratios from 1.95 to 4.11, Scania R756 single reduction rear axle is purpose engineered to enable the exceptional efficiency of the Scania Super powertrain.

Modular Architecture Chassis

Next-level modularity Based on the design strengths of the Scania modular system, the Scania chassis is now more versatile than ever. Not only does this facilitate a better bodybuilding process for your Scania truck, but it also gives you more possibilities for optimal load distribution and increased payload potential.

Saving 8 % is Super. The future is Super While no one can say for sure what the future will bring, we’re confident that it’s a bright one. The new Scania Super powertrain is not only said to be the smoothest drive on the road, but also the most efficient we’ve ever built. It sets an entirely new industry standard in terms of powertrains and combustion engines, with a fuel saving of at least 8%. Ready today to meet the challenges of tomorrow. A tomorrow that will be 8% better. Scan the QR code or call 0845 034 3034.

The new Scania Super powertrain, with the combustion engine as its centrepiece, will deliver a fuel saving of 8% compared to Scania’s current 13l engine (DLU). The comparison is made for long distance operations.

THE FUTURE IS SUPER

Contents JAN-FEB 2022

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

COVER STORY RENAULT TRUCKS ROAD TO ALL ELECTRIC & SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS MOMENTUM

COMMENT Most of us, I am sure, will have been glad to see the back of 2021; it has been a rollercoaster ride for many, so let’s hope that this New Year will bring some more positive news. That said, all the old familiar issues remain: driver shortages, the continuing fallout from Brexit and, of course, the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent report published by NI Chamber and Invest NI found that since the end of the transition period, 84% of businesses in Northern Ireland are dealing with increased costs, with 89% reporting increases in the time it takes to transport goods to or from overseas. Nine in ten of the region’s exporting firms have experienced supply chain issues including rising shipping costs, delivery delays and problems with product availability. Yes, our industry has been battered on so many fronts over the past 12 months and what has become the new norm has resulted in companies trying to come up with more imaginative and inventive ways to successfully do business, while keeping staff and employees safe and protected. There has been one promising development in recent weeks, though, on the shortage of HVG drivers. The Logistics UK Skills Report 2021shows there is cause for cautious optimism that the situation will improve. The report reveals that ‘significant steps’ have been taken to help address the recruitment issues which have plagued the sector for years, with government and industry working together to increase capacity to test new drivers, provide new training schemes, and commit to improving facilities available to those working across the roads network, so let’s see how that pans out over the course of 2022. So, what have we got in this issue? We report on DAF’s new generation ‘Truck of the Year’ award, look at Scania’s new powertrains, and find out more about Schmitz Cargobull new semi-trailer. We also focus in on the forklift truck market, and discover the latest developments by our leading tyre manufacturers and suppliers. As we usher in 2022, remember, you can keep up to date with all the industry news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.exportandfreight.com. You should also be receiving our FREE weekly newsletter, sent to your inbox every Wednesday; if not, let us know and we will make sure you do. In the meantime, Stay Well, Stay Safe.

Page 36-37

GENERAL NEWS Scania introduce new powertrain & other updates

Page 18-20

Schmitz Cargobull Unveils New Semi-Trailer

Page 22-23

DAF’s new generation awarded Truck Of The Year

Page 24-25 Page 29

FORS celebrates a year of growth

Page 46-47

Renault Trucks Reflect on Challenging New Year

Page 48

SDC Trailers ‘Love the Lorry’ Winners

REGULAR FEATURES Court Report

Page 28

John Martin, RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland

Page 39

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI

Page 43

Gary Barnes, Chairman CILT Northern Ireland

Page 45

SPECIAL FEATURES Materials Handling / Forklift Trucks

Page 52-55

Focus on Tyres

Page 60-63

SHIPPING NEWS Haropa and Brittany Ferries launch new Le Havre freight service Page 66

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 Tel: 028 9268 8888 Web: www.exportandfreight.com

Irish Ferries grows frequency on Dover Calais route

Page 68

Cairnryan Port move delivers for Stena Line

Page 69

VAN & PICK-UP IRELAND All the latest developments and new launches Page 71-74

from the world of vans & pick-ups

Find us on facebook ExportandFreight

Export & Freight is Published by: 4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE Tel: 028 9268 8888 Fax: 028 9268 8866 Email: info@4squaremedia.net

AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT

Helen Beggs Editor-in-Chief, David Stokes Editor, Phil Eaglestone Commercial Vehicle Editor, Joel Byers Production Manager, Eleanor Blane Accounts Manager and Helen Beggs & 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.

SM MEDIA & EVENTS

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Volvo Trucks Making Further Gains in Fuel Efficiency and Performance Volvo Trucks is introducing several important new updates to its 11 and 13-litre Euro-6 engines that will further improve fuel consumption and drivability.

Now with these latest enhancements to our proven driveline technology, they can benefit from this unique combination of saving fuel and upgraded drivability,” says Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland. “Although it is a bit too early to share the exact fuel efficiency

With the driveline updates to come in 2022, Volvo Trucks believes the record can be improved even further. “We are already seeing the positive impact our FH with I-Save is having on fuel performance for operators up and down the country. We’ve got plenty of examples of fleets where it is outperforming any other marque of truck they are running on like-for-like, comparable work,” adds Coolsaet.

The lower fuel consumption is being achieved through reduced friction in the engine and a refined combustion process. The engine torque is expertly controlled in a smart way by the updated I-See feature, which optimises the engine’s performance by considering the road topography ahead in combination with the vehicle’s weight. “Cutting fuel consumption is crucial for all transport companies, especially those with longhaul operations. At the same time, they want to have instant access to high performance.

with Scotland on local roads, before returning south on the M1. The route covers 494km of motorway, 121km of severe gradients and 145km of trunk roads.

Sales of the new updated drivelines have already started, with the first deliveries to commence in 2022.

improvement figures, what we can say is that our field tests with customers are proving to be very promising.”

use a new gear shifting strategy that provides faster shifting and also gives a smoother and more harmonious driving experience.

On top of the projected gains in fuel efficiency, significant drivability improvements are also being introduced thanks to the new way in which the I-Shift gearbox interacts with the engine. The updated I- Shift will

The Volvo FH 460 with I-Save is already Volvo’s most fuel-efficient 44-tonne tractor unit and holds the fuel efficiency record (9.49 mpg) around the test route, which runs from Nuneaton up the M6, crossing the country close to the border

Preventing Order Fulfilment Issues to Irish & EU Customers Here, Irish logistics company DuTec’s Sean Conway writes about the current challenges facing UK companies trying to ship to customers in Ireland and the EU and gives his top tips on avoiding these problems. For months now there has been increased congestion at ports in many countries, with retailers sounding the alarm bell that deliveries for the holiday season could be delayed. Businesses across the world have been grappling with a tsunami of supply chain issues as economies attempt to reboot and recover after the past eighteen months. The global supply chain crisis has largely been driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the demand for goods surging as economies re-open. The well reported shortage of lorry drivers has meant that shipment containers are being offloaded but left stacked on the quayside waiting for collection. The lack of drivers also means that there is a delay in returning empty containers for re-use. Shipping costs have increased exponentially due to soaring demand and production capacity limited by Covid19 mandates and raw material shortages. One recent example is a statement from Amazon, which has said it is doing “whatever it takes to minimise the impact on customers and sellers”,

Volvo Trucks’ goal is that electric trucks will account for half of its sales in 2030 and 10 years later, in 2040, all Volvo trucks sold should be fossil free. The internal combustion engine will continue to play a role and improved efficiency coming from these new driveline advances is one important way to contribute to lower CO2 emissions. “We are committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change, and we are taking firm action to dramatically lower CO2 emissions related to on-road freight transport.”

British consumer brands are looking at smarter ways to solve fulfilment logistics to meet customer expectations. An Irish hub can be the perfect solution.

Top Tips Here are Sean’s top tips for British firms wanting to export to Ireland and the EU: • Think about shipping in bulk to an expert logistics company in Ireland who can ship directly to End Users in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU. If, for example, if you have significant B2C orders to ship to customers in Ireland weekly then it’s simpler, cheaper and quicker to bulk ship to DuTec and have us deliver to your base. • Provide peace of mind for Irish consumers who would rather buy from a local hub than risk the delay and potential hassle of buying direct from UK.

spending several billion dollars to manage its labour shortages and global supply chain issues. Despite these issues there are ways which UK consumer brands can overcome these bottlenecks. Sean says DuTec has over 20 years’ experience finding solutions to logistics challenges in importing, exporting and supply chain issues of bulk order fulfilment for international consumer brands such as Blink and Verbatim.

• Make customer returns easy. Again a local hub can handle this, saving time and money and giving reassurance to customers. No need to ship a faulty product back to UK. • Look to minimise customs hassle and potential delay. By bulk shipping in and holding your stock in DuTec’s warehouse there is less paperwork • Beat the competition with speedy delivery. If a product is in an Irish warehouse, it’s delivered next day. No longer will the consumer be waiting 4-6 days for a shipment from UK.

www.exportandfreight.com 8

EXPORT&FREIGHT

The face of evolution in shape for your business A busy schedule demands the right tools to make your everyday life run even smoother. The Volvo FM is the professional driver’s workplace and combines excellent comfort with agility, convenience and outstanding visibility. For more information visit volvotrucks.co.uk/fm

Search: VolvoTrucksUK

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Battery-electric trucks are our future In the first feasibility study on the electrification of regional delivery traffic, which is based on real company data, Fraunhofer ISI, commissioned by Transport & Environment, shows that the electrification of road freight transport is already possible in the short term and promises economic benefits for companies. The economic and technical feasibility was examined using the practical example of REWE Group logistics in the entire northeast region of Germany. The result: almost 60 per cent of the REWE fleet in the NorthEast region can already be electrified. For around 40 per cent, the switch to e-trucks is associated with economic advantages. Andreas Tostmann, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, is pleased with the results of “Delivery traffic with battery trucks: Feasibility 2021”, but also makes demands on politicians: “The development of charging infrastructure must now have top priority and be supported by the state. Legislators should also decide on preferential access for zero-emission trucks in cities in the medium term.” In addition, a charging core network with charging capacities of 700 to 1,000 kW must be established along the motorways in Europe by 2025, said Andreas Tostmann. Private lecturer Dr. Patrick Plötz led the feasibility study at Fraunhofer ISI. These are the most important findings from his point of view: “After evaluating all 9,500 truck tours to more than 540 logistics points, it is clear: the currently available ranges of battery trucks are

often already sufficient today to manage all the urban truck tours analysed in the study and almost half of the regional tours considered with e-trucks. With optimised route planning and additional intermediate charging, the potential is even greater. For heavy trucks over 26 tonnes with very long daily journeys, however, electrification still remains a challenge given the current supply of vehicles.” Due to the high degree of substitutability and possible cost advantages, one of the

recommendations of the study is that truck operators should already examine the conversion of their truck fleet in urban and regional delivery traffic today. MAN Truck & Bus received the results of the study with great interest, as they confirm its own experience and analyses. In addition to electrification in urban areas, which would already be fully possible today, the results are trend-setting for regional applications, as here too around 50% of the routes studied would already be feasible with e-trucks. If we now take a look at the short-term study period until 2023, it becomes clear that in the following years, with improved battery technology, many additional applications and routes with electric trucks will be possible and economical. “From my point of view, an important conclusion of the study for our customers is that fleet operators can promptly electrify the technically feasible routes and that, in addition, the switch from diesel to BEVs already brings them economic advantages in many cases today,” adds Michael Treier, Sales Truck Alternative Drives at MAN Truck & Bus, who was involved in the study. Ekaterina Boening, project manager for the feasibility study at T&E Germany, summarises the results as follows: “The electrification of road freight transport is possible and promises economic advantages for companies. The next federal government must not be distracted by pseudo-solutions such as biofuels, e-fuels or gas trucks, because that would be a waste of time and money.”

First Renault Trucks T High for Chestnutt Animal Feeds Ballymoney-based Chestnutt Animal Feeds Limited has added the first ever Renault truck to its fleet. The Renault Trucks T520 High 6x2 pusher axle tractor unit, in Chestnutt’s striking ‘Green Bamboo’ livery, was supplied by Diamond Trucks. The T520 High joins Chestnutt’s 15-strong fleet distributing animal feed throughout Northern Ireland to busy farms, pulling a Fruehauf bulk tipper trailer, drawing raw materials and transporting 3-4 loads per day up and down the motorway. The T520 High’s DT13 litre engine, with a maximum torque of 2550Nm, is coupled to Renault

Trucks’ Optidriver AT 2612F gearbox with automated clutch. For maximum efficiency, the T High is equipped with optional Eco Cruise Control freewheel mode control to help drive down fuel consumption, while Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) linked to advanced emergency braking system (AEBS) offers enhanced safety. The highly spec’d new truck also features Alcoa

Dura-Bright Aluminium wheels, fixed roof deflector, side deflectors and roof-mounted twin air horns, as well as ROADPAD infotainment system. Managing Director James Chestnutt explains why he selected the Renault Trucks T High: “Our business continues to grow so when I was looking

for a new vehicle I decided to give Renault Trucks a try. I’d heard good things about the T High and it was its reputation together with a competitive deal on the table that convinced me to add one to our fleet. It’s early days so far but it looks good and it’s doing the job.”

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

AWARDS2022

EXPORT&FREIGHT

CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW'S BRIDGE, BELFAST THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2022 www.exportandfreight.com

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Solutrans 2021 Reveals Thermo King Axle Power with BPW’s ePower Axle Thermo King in partnership with BPW revealed new AxlePower technology at the Solutrans exhibition in Lyon, France. The AxlePower technology with BPW’s ePower axle is a highly innovative energy recovery system for trailer refrigeration units, which delivers immediate and long-term sustainability benefits while also helping cut day-to-day operating costs. Francesco Incalza, president of Thermo King in Europe, Middle East and Africa, commented: “Sustainability is undoubtfully front and centre for the transport industry. For decades, Thermo King has considered it our responsibility to advance transport refrigeration, designing and manufacturing products for our customers that reflect our environmental awareness and answer ever-new challenges. Thermo King was the first to offer true hybrid and non-diesel truck

and trailer refrigeration solutions. Today, combining our expertise, research and development with BPW, we’re introducing new technology that turns the energy typically lost by a trailer during transit into clean, sustainable power for trailer refrigeration units.” Thore Bakker General Manager Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services at BPW, added: “We are proud to present a climate-efficient solution for refrigerated transport that implements our strategy of

system and mobility partnership just perfectly: Vehicle operators can rely on operational safety, mobility and service around the clock with the European service networks of Thermo King and BPW. “Additional benefit is that the customised cooling solutions fit seamlessly in vehicle manufacturers processes. Whether air suspension, spring centres, wheel ends or interfaces – nothing changes, nothing has to be redesigned. In this way, we are making

CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS

a joint contribution to the breakthrough of emission-free refrigerated transport.” Across global cold chains, trailer vehicles routinely dissipate energy due to constant braking and deaccelerating in traffic and in downhill routes. At the same time, transport companies are seeking the most sustainable energy sources, both in terms of CO2 emissions and noise, to power their refrigerated trailers. The new AxlePower technology results from a partnership of two technology leaders for freight transport solutions that combined their competences to answer these needs and deliver a solution, which will drastically reduce the environmental impact of refrigerated trailers. The AxlePower technology is a fully integrated system that combines Thermo King hybrid or fully electric trailer refrigeration units, BPW’s ePower axle energy recovery system, and battery storage technologies developed to create an efficient, autonomously powered trailer refrigeration solution. 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 and keep the cargo at optimal temperature.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION EXPORT DOCUMENTATION EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

TRAINING AND EVENTS TRAINING AND EVENTS TRAINING AND EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVICE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVICE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVICE

Do you need help Do you need Do you need help help with goods movement? with with goods goods movement? movement? NI Chamber training NI Chamber NI Chamber training training can help. can can help. help. I N T E R N A T I O N A L I N T E R N A T I O N A L I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Delivered by technical experts from NI Chamber’s Delivered by technical experts from NI Chamber’s International Division. 2021-2022 courses include: Delivered by technical experts from NI Chamber’s International Division. 2021-2022 courses include: International Division. 2021-2022 courses - CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS ON CDS include:

----

CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS ON CDS COMMODITY CODES CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS ON CDS COMMODITY CODES INCOTERMS 2020 COMMODITY CODES INCOTERMS 2020 RULES OF ORIGIN INCOTERMS 2020 RULES OF ORIGIN RULES OF ORIGIN

C H A M P I O N S C H A M P I O N S C H A M P I O N S

Get it touch today to book your Get it touch today to book your place/s or find out to more about Get it touch today book your place/s or find out more about in-houseortraining place/s find outpackages. more about in-house training packages. in-house training packages. CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@ CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@ northernirelandchamber.com CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@ northernirelandchamber.com northernirelandchamber.com

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

SOME GOOD NEWS FOR FREIGHT IN MAY FROM ITT HUB Put 11-12 May in your diary now as the major live and interactive exhibition and conference Innovation and Technology in Transport - ITT Hub will help you navigate your way through 2022. It’s been a tough year for freight, but if we’ve learned one thing it’s the ability to be able to adapt, and change is the key to success. For operators this also means delivering increased efficiency, with a resultant fall in operating costs.

“We look forward to meeting our cold chain colleagues at this exciting, dedicated industry event where we will be showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable refrigeration technology.

There is no doubt that as we move into 2022 the impact of technology and innovation on transport business will continue to be significant.

“It offers a fantastic opportunity to come and talk to us about how we are leading the way in providing alternative energy sources to power cleaner and more efficient refrigeration solutions.”

The question is, how do you find out about everything your business needs to know? The answer is Innovation and Technology in Transport Hub ITT Hub, which launched last year at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, just west of London. The 2021 show set the format for a new truly interactive event with more than 4,000 attendees finding out about the latest developments in their sector. Building on the success of ITT Hub’s debut, over 160 exhibitors are expected this year. Already confirming their presence across vehicles, warehouse, fleet management, software, safety and compliance are a host of exhibitors with well-known names, from DAF Trucks, Renault Trucks and Volta Trucks to TRAILAR, Schmitz Cargobull, Tachosys, TruTac, TyreWatch to Disc-Lock, Air Products and Argent Energy. Many more companies are finalising stands for early in the New Year.

Cold Chain Hub arrives Making the 2022 exhibition and conference an even more compelling ‘must visit’ is the addition of the new Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D. The event, is now co-located at Farnborough International in its ultramodern purpose-built Hall 2. Again, the list of exhibitors is rapidly growing, but already includes: Thermo King/Frigoblock, Coolkit, Petit Forestier, Smart Graphics and SPAL Automotive . Says Carrier Transicold: “We’re delighted to confirm our presence at the firstever Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D in 2022.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Bustling and live ITT Hub is a completely new concept with a high-quality, free to attend high-level conference - Future Logistics, organised by Logistics UK.– The indoor exhibition area sits alongside the conference, spread over two halls and and packed with feature Hubs. Meanwhile the outside exhibition area enables a wide range of vehicles and products to be displayed and examined. This area is an integral part of the event, rather than a tacked-on afterthought, and includes a unique Ride & Drive experience. This enables licence-holders to get behind the wheel of the latest products on a bespoke test route both on and off-site (using public roads). The highly-popular experience really brings the event to life and is unique in Ireland and the UK. From conventional powertrains, all the way through to electric, you are able to put vehicles through their paces in real-life conditions. “2021 was a great show for many reasons, especially showcasing our products and meeting people again after a long absence. We are already excited about returning to an even bigger ITT Hub in 2022, with more of our latest developments,” says Carlos Rodrigues, MD, Renault Trucks UK. After ITT Hub 2021 Joe Stevens at Tachosys said: “After such a successful and inspiring first event, it’s a no-brainer for us to exhibit at ITT Hub 2022.

“It feels like home to be in an environment that celebrates innovation within the transport industry. To be surrounded by likeminded people and companies who are leading the way towards net zero means that the calibre of visitors is high.”

Feature areas In addition to the exhibitors and conference, a number of feature areas bring the show even more to life with an extra buzz of activity, from Q&A to live discussions and opportunities to find out everything you need to know from a raft of experts. The Future Logistics Conference will be opened by a top-notch keynote speaker, while over the two days every possible aspect facing the industry today will be examined in detail by high profile industry representatives. It will enable visitors to return to their businesses fully conversant with the latest developments and an eye to what to consider for the future. A Talent Hub will bring together skills and training, with opportunities to find the best new talent for your business, while the Energy Hub will explore the transition to net zero and answer all your questions ahead of the upcoming move away from diesel. Normally online, but making a return in person, the lively EV Café – a pan-industry group of leading practitioners across the van and truck sector – will stage a series of conversations in their typical relaxed manner, where the really tough questions get answers you might not always expect. For anyone thinking of exhibiting, a Preview Day for exhibitors is being held on 8 March, at Farnborough, which will also include topical presentations. Visitor registration opens in mid January, and the venue is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Full details are at: www.itthub.co.uk

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT INDUSTRY URGED TO ‘ACT NOW’ AT ITT HUB CONFERENCE The commercial transport industry has been urged to ‘act now’ on strategies to reach net zero, implement biofuels into operations and attract the next generation of professionals by industry-leaders at the ITT Hub Conference. Organised in association with Logistics UK, the one-day conference, which recently took place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, was dedicated to identifying and examining the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising fleets following the significant UN Climate Change Conference, COP26 in Glasgow, which focused heavily on the transport industry. From the collection of data, understanding the costs and ROI of new vehicles and technology and how new policies may affect operations, industry leaders and international innovators took to the stage to discuss and develop plans to undertake massive electrification, switch to cleaner fuels and reduce waste as a collective industry. Peter Plisner, former BBC Midlands Transport and Business Correspondent, who hosted several sessions of the conference, summarised the day’s discussions:

EXPORT&FREIGHT

“COP26 was able to debunk some of the myths surrounding climate change and the path to zero emissions, but the message is clear: ‘don’t wait for policy, act now’, and the commercial operators are responding to this, with a ‘can do’ attitude.”

promote the sector as a compelling career choice for the next generation of professionals. ITT Hub will be supporting the progression of this discussion by hosting skills content at ITT Hub 2022 to support conversations on the recruitment, retainment, and training of talent.

On the topic of ‘Biting the bullet and going Zero Emission’, EV Café’s session discussed that while the want and need is there to act on zero emission strategies, the industry isn’t necessarily ready.

Through making immediate changes, such as switching to biofuels and biomethane, and collaborating with the government to set vital policies and investment in support of a net-zero arena, the industry can make positive developments in creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Technician Shortage Sara Sloman, Elmtronics, stated: “To service and repair the vehicles of the future, 75,000 new technician recruits are needed and there are currently only 15,000 projected to be placed in industry.” With the skills gap becoming increasingly detrimental to the future of implementing sustainable changes, and the growing interest of sustainability-focused careers, the industry must work together to

Forthcoming Exhibition Mark Griffin, from ITT Hub, said: “It was brilliant to gather as an industry to have a timely discussion on the monumental outcomes of COP26, while the topic of net zero is at the forefront of global news. With so many fleet professionals present at this conference, the insights and outcomes shared

across the sessions will help steer the industry’s focus over the next 6-12 months. We understand that it is imperative to provide a platform to collaborate and discuss positive change and progress the commercial transport industry into the future all year round, so we are looking forward to the industry reconvening at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 11-12 May for our exhibition and conference.” With an additional exhibition hall hosting Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D, ITT Hub will continue to spearhead the future of transport as the commercial vehicle market continues to revolutionise in the transition to net zero. Organisers report an overwhelmingly positive reaction from attendees, with over 60% of the space now taken across the increased indoor and outdoor exhibition area for 2022 which includes over 16 leading vehicle manufacturers. For more information on exhibiting at or attending ITT Hub 2022, please visit https://itthub.co.uk/

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Renault Truck Commercials Felixstowe Moves to New Purpose-Built Site Renault Truck Commercials Felixstowe has moved to its new purpose-built dealer premises; the ultra-modern facility, constructed to the highest environmental standards, reflects growing demand for the Renault Trucks brand and Renault Truck Commercials’ aftersales service and support in the important Felixstowe area. Situated in close proximity to the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s biggest and busiest container port, the prime 1.5 acre site has excellent access to the A14, the primary route out of the docks, and to routes across the UK. Eco-friendly design and build are to Renault Trucks’ exacting dealer and sustainability standards, and the building offers first class facilities for customers and staff whilst minimising its impact on the environment.

for our customers and a comfortable working environment with a particular focus on wellbeing for our employees. Marking a significant investment, our newest depot has been designed from the ground up to deliver maximum vehicle uptime. It is an important part of our growth strategy for the Felixstowe area that will help support our customers and colleagues for many years to come.”

Located just over a mile from RTC Felixstowe’s previous premises at Sub-Station Road, the new site is run by the same team, headed up by Service Manager Marc Chetty, to ensure seamless continuation of support to operators of Renault trucks and LCVs, and all-makes fleets across the region.

The new site, with plenty of secure parking, provides the full range of Renault Trucks services. Its fully equipped workshops are a welcoming working environment for the experienced team of trained technicians, with three bay workshop, bodyshop, tacho lane and latest diagnostic equipment, providing all-makes servicing, repairs and maintenance, and Renault Trucks’ 24/7 roadside assistance. For waiting drivers, there is a comfortable, well-equipped rest room with refreshments, shower, free WiFi and large screen TV.

Con Rooney, Managing Director, Renault Trucks Commercials says: “We are delighted to open the doors to our new Felixstowe site, which offers a superb, eco-friendly retail experience

RTC Felixstowe’s energy-efficient, sustainable office and workshop buildings are constructed to the highest environmental principles to meet Renault Trucks’ commitment to netzero status across its dealer network and operations in the UK and Ireland by 2030. Achieving the top EPC rating of ‘A’, sustainable solutions on site include an array of photovoltaic panels, top specification insulated doors and envelope cladding, LED lighting with sensors, mechanical heat recovery and efficient plant throughout to keep emissions to a minimum. Water-based wall paints are also used throughout the building.

YOUR PARTNER ON THE ROAD Tel: 02890 320190 www.rsagroupni.com Ask your broker to include a quote from RSA at your next renewal

RSA Northern Ireland Insurance Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (309296). The registered office is Law Society House, 90 -106 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GN, Northern Ireland and is registered in Northern Ireland under company number NI 39814.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

The future is Super. And now it’s 8 % better. While no one can say for sure what the future will bring, we’re confident that it’s a bright one. The new Scania Super powertrain is not only said to be the smoothest drive on the road, but also the most efficient we’ve ever built. It sets an entirely new industry standard in terms of powertrains and combustion engines, with a fuel saving of at least 8%. Ready today to meet the challenges of tomorrow. A tomorrow that will be 8% better. Scan the QR code or call 0845 034 3034.

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

SCANIA INTRODUCES NEW POWERTRAIN AND MAJOR UPDATES In its single biggest launch since the introduction of the new truck generation back in 2016, Scania is now introducing not only a new engine platform, but also services and updates that are set to consolidate its position as the leading manufacturer of premium heavy trucks.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM “What we introduce today is not only an engine platform but a major initiative for strengthening Scania’s industry-leading position within sustainable transport for the rest of this decade,” says Alexander Vlaskamp, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Scania.

that typically will reach eight percent for long haulage customers. All engines have inherent HVO fuel capabilities and two of them can be ordered as FAME biodiesel versions. More iterations will follow for markets outside Europe and for biogas solutions. The new powertrain also includes new gearboxes and axles.

“Our strong focus on transport efficiency guides us in the shift towards a decarbonised world, a shift that will have a major contribution from our new powertrain.

Initially, the new range will be produced with four different power output levels for Euro 6: 420, 460, 500 and 560 hp, making it relevant for many different applications. In combination with the new Scania Opticruise gearboxes (G25 and G33 that was introduced in 2020 for a number of V8 variants) and a new range of driven Scania rear axles, fuel savings of eight percent can be achieved in applications such as general cargo or temperature-controlled transports. All engines can be run on HVO, and two of them can be ordered for use with 100% renewable biodiesel (FAME B100).

“We see a world of transport that is rapidly changing, where customer demands for the best total operating economy and a sustainable future go hand-in-hand. At Scania, we have set our aim higher than maybe any other manufacturer. Not because we think it will be easy but because we see no other option than to actually reach the targets for curbing greenhouse gas emissions set by the Paris agreement in 2016.” With its all-new 13-litre engine platform for Euro 6 vehicles, ranging from 420 to 560 hp, Scania’s powertrain promises fuel savings

“A Scania customer that operates a truck with a 500 hp engine will see a dramatic reduction in their fuel bill, even when compared to the industry-leading engine generation that we are replacing,” says Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President, Head of Scania Trucks. “The new ones will excel in many ways, but personally I see the immediate CO2 reduction as the most important aspect. Our new engines will instantly contribute to decarbonising the world and fighting the climate challenge.”

Other Features Scania is not only introducing a new powertrain for a lot of different applications; it’s also bringing in other useful features for its chassis layout at the same time. What all these features have in common is their ability to vastly increase the possibility of specifying

and operating trucks that are truly tailor-made for their particular applications and tasks. MACH, Scania’s new Modular Architecture Chassis, is much more flexible when it comes to the needs of individual customers. Its main trait is the introduction of a new set of rules for frame hole patterns, with dedicated holes for mounting parts both inside and outside the frame. The result is a more modular and predictable chassis layout, which increases the theoretical number of chassis layouts exponentially. “Instead of getting stuck due to the dependencies between different components, we can now offer a greater variety for chassis layouts,” says Ola Brantefors, Head of Layout and Chassis Installation at Scania R&D. “It is from now on possible to pack the chassis, starting in front of the rear axle. Putting a fuel tank in an alternative position might mean that the payload improves by better weight distribution, while at the same time leaving room for objects like storage space or supporting legs in forward positions, closer to the cab.”

Fuel optimisation unit A completely new range of diesel fuel tanks is also being introduced, ranging from 165 up to 700 litres each. There are three sizes (S, M and L), that also come in different lengths. They all have a new, ingenious D-shaped design that vastly improves their robustness. The low-pressure fuel pump, the primary fuel filter and the water separating filter are moved away from the engine itself and gathered in a separate fuel optimisation unit. This unit is mounted on the end of the primary tank. By doing so, Scania has now once and for all solved the classic challenge about how to be able to maximise the fuel used in the tank. Scania has also developed a new, smart solution for securing the fuel distribution between the tanks on trucks with dual tanks. By having a T-connection with a separate and constant (but very limited) feed to the fuel optimisation unit, a venturi effect is created, which ensures that no pockets of air block the feed between them over to the primary tank.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

ALL ENGINES HAVE INHERENT HVO FUEL CAPABILITIES AND TWO OF THEM CAN BE ORDERED AS FAME BIODIESEL VERSIONS. Mirror View Camera Together with the new powertrain and services, Scania is also introducing several features and options for their premium trucks. The most noticeable change is the new Scania Mirror View Camera system (SMVC), whose unique solutions takes the human-machine inter face regarding digital mirrors to a whole new level. An updated line of upholstery and colour schemes for the interior and the four different bed options are among the other new items, offering extra driver comfort and premium touch. “We had a clear ambition to bring something new to our offer when developing our Scania Mirror View Camera System,” says Peter Hellberg, Product Manager at Scania Accessories. “By placing the camera unit at the door, just below the side window, the connection between what the camera sees and what the driver will experience in the display become natural and instinctive compared with having the camera positioned elsewhere on the cab.” A truck with SMVC will offer a vastly

EXPORT&FREIGHT

improved view round the A-pillars, an obvious advantage when manoeuvring in tight junctions and busy urban areas. Viewing the 12.3-inch, high-resolution displays is easy since they are positioned at the A-pillar, so that it only takes minor eye movements to get the full picture. “It is easy to adapt the camera system to fit different vehicle combinations in a natural way,” says Hellberg. “And without the traditional mirrors, the field of view beside the A-pillars clearly increases.” In dusk and night-time conditions, Mirror View will improve the sightlines without disturbing the driver’s night vision. The system is in fact capable of softening the glare from direct light from traffic behind the vehicle, reducing the possibility of unwanted

light being presented in the display. The design of the camera cowlings (which can be painted to fit the truck) has been thoroughly tested from an aerodynamic perspective, to minimise air drag. The cowlings are foldable, have an efficient drip list to prevent the rain from clouding the driver’s view, and the lenses are heated for taking care of elements such as fog, snow and ice. “All in all, this solution brings added customer value, increased safety and premium feel, regardless of whether it is being ordered for a new truck or retrofitted on an existing one,” says Hellberg. Initially this solution will be offered as an accessory, and work is ongoing to secure the approvals and installation routines required to gain acceptance from the UK authorities.

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

TST Group Acquires Warley Carriers TST Group has completed the acquisition of Warley Carriers, a business best known for its involvement in the distribution of automotive parts for car, tyre, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and agricultural machinery manufacturers. TST Group is a familyowned logistics company with headquarters in County Antrim, providing end-to-end supply chain management, including haulage, logistics and warehousing, mainly catering for food and FMCG products, with a particular specialism in the beverage sector. This acquisition will further strengthen TST Group’s position in Irish Sea distribution. TST Group is already a market leader in express, full load transportation between mainland UK and Ireland. With Warley Carriers within the TST Group, the company can now offer express overnight groupage shipments as well. Warley Carriers has also been a shareholder in the Pallet-Network since 2017 and this will remain as part of the arrangement.

Maire Claire Reid added: “This acquisition is a ‘win-win’ for TST and our customers. As well as allowing us to offer an even broader range of services to both our clients and Warleys’, we hope it will also bring greater efficiencies. We could not be more pleased to be bringing the Warley team, facilities and assets under the TST umbrella.” Gerry Kibble from Warley Carriers had this to say: “We are delighted to be joining the TST Group and look forward to the new opportunities that it will bring. We would like to extend our thanks to all of our staff and customers for their support and loyalty over the last 50 years as we look ahead to the future alongside our new colleagues in Ballymena.”

TST Group is a well-established transport and logistics company, which was founded by Liam, Shaun, Maire-Claire and the late John Reid, and remains family run. Liam Reid of TST Group explained: “Our relationship with Warley Carriers goes back more than

25 years so we know what an excellent business it is. We know the values and culture that a family led business brings, being family owned and run ourselves, and the fact that Warley has been successfully operating for almost 50 years is a big appeal for us.”

The acquisition brings the total fleet to more than 100 and the combined staff to around 250. With TST Group’s headquarters in County Antrim, and Warley Carriers being based within 10 miles of both the M5 and M6 motorways, TST Group now has two strong, central locations on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Irish Logistics Industry Needs Government Support to Implement Climate Action Plan, says FTAI FTA Ireland has welcomed the publication of the Irish government’s long-awaited Climate Action Plan, which outlines how the country should achieve a 51% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. But, as Aidan Flynn, Chief Executive of FTA Ireland explains, for the freight sector to attain these goals, there is still much work to be done. “Our industry remains fully committed to the net zero target set out at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow,” he explains, “but there are barriers to achieving this goal which our industry will need help with from the administration. Which lowemission vehicles are to be preferred is a key consideration – investment in a fleet of new HGVs can run to hundreds of thousands of Euros – and the industry needs to know which fuel type is to be preferred. While the government’s ambition may be for 3,500 low emission vehicles to be on the roads by 2030, more support is required to assist the industry’s transition, not least when you consider there are only 60 CNG trucks currently on our roads and a further 60 waiting to go into operation. Do manufacturers have the capacity to supply the necessary vehicles in time for the 2030 deadline? “The renewal of a fleet is an expensive and time-consuming process, and one which relies upon a suitable second hand market being available for vehicle sales. If existing vehicles are to be made obsolete, will some sort of scrappage rebate be available for our members? If not, they are simply being made to bear the total cost of the government’s

sector currently faces as it helps the economy recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.

environmental ambitions, which is unfair.” As Aidan continues, the main consideration for vehicle operators at present is which alternative fuel to opt for when moving to a net zero future: “A comprehensive, accessible refuelling network is a key priority, whichever fuel type is preferred. For example, the government has already failed on its ambition to deliver the Causeway Project which was supposed to have delivered 14 public CNG refuelling service stations by the end of 2020 – to date, only five are operational. With the levels of investment involved in replacing Ireland’s existing fleet with low emission alternatives, our sector needs commitment from government that it will have a suitable refuelling network in place in time, and that the cost of fuel will not be prohibitive, in order to be confident to make the switch.” At the same time, FTA Ireland’s members have made submissions to government to help offset the rising operational costs which the

“Our members have already made huge strides along the road to Net Zero, saving over 4,618 tonnes of CO2 by introducing a documented fuel management programme across the industry. We now need government to take steps to help us to transition, by changing the fuel rebate programme to accommodate alternative fuels such as CNG and LNG and encourage businesses to switch. At the same time, we have outlined steps to be taken on the allowable diesel rebate programme to make alternative fuels more attractive, and support hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a viable fuel source which offers reductions through lower excise duty. “Our industry is flexible and focused on achieving a Net Zero future, and now needs the commitment of government to engage in working through the practical issues we face. Together, we can ensure that the plans for the future are not merely aspirational, but also actionable.” The government’s Climate Action Plan can be viewed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/ publication/6223e-climate-action-plan-2021/

EXPORT&FREIGHT

PRODUCT LAUNCH

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

SCHMITZ CARGOBULL LAUNCHES NEW DRY-FREIGHT SEMI-TRAILER, THE S.KO PACE SMART Schmitz Cargobull, Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, has revealed its first new product from its UK plant as the S.KO PACE SMART – a fully modular dry-freight semi-trailer designed for UK and Irish operators with market-specific features. Boris Billich, Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board, says: “The launch of the S.KO PACE SMART is a significant development for the dry freight market in the UK and Ireland because of the benefits it brings to operators and because it is built in Manchester. Landed costs, carbon emissions and lead times will be significantly reduced. I am really excited to extend our product range with the S.KO PACE, a product that will provide outstanding value for UK and Irish operators.” The S.KO PACE SMART is targeted primarily at the parcel delivery and dry freight market, combining Schmitz Cargobull’s renowned quality build with innovative honeycomb STRUKTOPLAST panels. The lightweight panels mean each trailer weighs around 600 kg less than competitor models. As a result, the tare weight of the trailer remains consistent over time, ensuring

the payload potential on day one is maintained for the life of the asset. It will also significantly reduce carbon emissions over the lifetime of the trailer which operators can expect to translate into lower fuel bills. Paul Avery, UK Managing Director Operations, explains: “The S.KO PACE SMART offers the high standards of quality and durability customers expect from Schmitz Cargobull. It is built on Schmitz Cargobull’s fully galvanised MODULOS chassis that has proven itself millions of times over and comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through.” The S.KO PACE SMART is fully EN 12642code XL certified and offers a variety of options including load securing rails, translucent roof, tail lift and two choices of doors – rear shutter, or aluminium barn doors. Furthermore, its ROTOS axles are covered by a 1,000,000km or six-year warranty. It can be fitted with any load restraint to protect parcels including rear parcel safety nets or gates, and has a standard floor strength of 5.5 tonnes, with options to increase to 7.1 tonnes or 8.0 tonnes for those carrying heavier loads or needing to move materials handling equipment. The Schmitz Cargobull telematics system TrailerConnect® is fitted as a standard to provide intelligent connectivity and support fast diagnostics of all components with the telematics control unit.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Avery adds: “Opening the UK factory this year has been a fantastic opportunity and as a team we are extremely proud of the quality of the manufacturing process we have created. It is incredibly rewarding that we have had so many orders placed already.” The Schmitz Cargobull plant in Manchester has so far created 40 jobs in production and administration and is now home of the entire UK team of currently 62 employees.

PRODUCT LAUNCH

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

- Innovative, stable lightweight body made of STRUKTOPLAST for more payload and less CO2 emissions due to lower total weight.

- Galvanised, rolled MODULOS chassis of the new generation easy to maintain with 10-year warranty against rust- through.

- Three body heights with up to 3,200 mm usable internal height for maximum load volume of over 108 m3.

- Optimum equipment for CEP services with roller shutter (option), light roof (option) and tail lift (option).

- The STRUKTOPLAST structure reliably protects the goods.

- Engineered by Schmitz Cargobull & Built in the UK with proven components from the Schmitz Cargobull modular product system.

- 100 % SMART – TrailerConnect® telematics as standard ex works. Hardware and basic service can be used immediately.

- ROTOS axle unit with 1,000,000 km or six-year warranty (excluding wear parts).

THE S.KO PACE, A PRODUCT THAT WILL PROVIDE OUTSTANDING VALUE FOR UK AND IRISH OPERATORS

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

DAF’S NEW GENERATION AWARDED INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR DAF’s new generation of trucks for long distance haulage has been crowned ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’. The XF, XG and XG+ set a new industry benchmark in efficiency, safety and driver comfort”, the jury stated after an extensive series of tests. The prestigious award was handed over at the Solutrans truck & transport exhibition in Lyon, France, where DAF was also honoured with the ‘2022 Truck Innovation Award’ for its XF Innovation Truck with a hydrogen combustion engine. Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award is presented to the truck which was introduced in the past year and which has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency. This judgment relies on a comprehensive range of criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental ‘footprint’ and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). “DAF is the first truck manufacturer to introduce a completely new generation of trucks that has been developed with the new European regulations for truck masses and dimensions in mind”, said Gianenrico Griffini, chairman of the ‘International Truck of the Year’ jury. “The result is a series of highly attractive and very aerodynamic trucks which features class-leading efficiency, safety and driver comfort. The new XF, XG and XG+ offer excellent direct visibility provided by a large, curved windscreen, side windows with low beltlines and the kerb-view window. These features – along with the digital vision system that replaces the traditional side view mirrors and the new corner view camera – offer all-around view, protecting vulnerable road users”.

True team effort The prestigious award ‘International Truck of the Year 2022’ was presented Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks, who dedicated the recognition to all of the over 12,000 DAF employees world-wide. “This unique achievement is a true team effort! The New Generation XF, XG and XG+ represents the largest innovation

EXPORT&FREIGHT

The DAF XF, XG and XG+ has been crowned International Truck of the Year. DAF Trucks President Harry Wolters received the Award from Gianenrico Griffini, chairman of the International Truck of the Year jury.

project in the over 90-year history of our company. It is the result of thoroughly listening to our customers and their drivers, having a clear vision about the future of durable and sustainable transport solutions and always going the extra mile to deliver the best possible transport solutions. Indeed, we are the first truck manufacturer that fully utilises the new European regulations regarding truck masses and dimensions to deliver unique benefits to our customers. It is good to be the first – it is even better to be unique.” Summing up the jury vote, IToY jury chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of its new generation trucks, DAF has delivered a high-tech, heavyduty vehicle range that sets a new benchmark in the industry. In addition, it is future-oriented, as it also represents a complete and very energy efficient platform for new generations of alternative energy carriers and drivelines.”

Innovation Award A great example is the new XF

with hydrogen internal combustion engine technology which DAF has under development and which impressed the International Truck of the Year jury during a demonstration in October. As a result, the DAF XF H2 Innovation Truck was honoured with the ‘Truck Innovation Award 2022’. “This specific award underlines our philosophy that we need to explore the full suite of technologies on the road of decarbonisation of transport and mobility in the next decade”, commented Ron Borsboom, DAF executive director product development. “Hydrogen technology may become a very interesting option for the future, next to battery electric solutions which we already offer today and hybrid trucks which we have under development. Being honoured with the ‘Truck Innovation Award 2022’ also demonstrates that there is still a promising future for the internal combustion engine (ICE) for which new generations of carbon neutral fuels are on the horizon. It is important to

understand that bringing an end to the use of fossil fuels should by no means automatically result in a ban on internal combustion engines, especially in the heavy duty long haul transport segment.” Ron Borsboom added: “H2-ICE means that in many areas use can be made of an existing distribution network of fuel stations. And let’s put more value in the fact that we in Europe have extensive knowledge and a manufacturing footprint in this technology.” The International Truck of the Year jury consists of 24 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists, representing the most important international truck and transport media titles.

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

TRUCK NEWS

THE RESULT IS A SERIES OF HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE AND VERY AERODYNAMIC TRUCKS WHICH FEATURES CLASSLEADING EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND DRIVER COMFORT.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Radius Telematics Appoint Kinesis Pro Specialist Radius Telematics have recently appointed Sean Clarke as their Kinesis Pro telematics specialist for Northern Ireland /North of Dublin region. Radius Telematics is part of the Radius Payment Solutions Ltd group of companies which also owns fuel, telecoms, insurance and vehicle hire business throughout the UK & Ireland. The group has offices in Galway, Campsie and recently opened a new office in Clarendon Dock, Belfast. Sean brings a wealth of experience from the commercial vehicle marketplace with over 20

years in truck sales and vehicle management. Kinesis Pro is the bespoke telematics platform especially for HGVs and due to the link with DCI/EDC fuel cards are able to integrate fuel card usage into the platform that is industry leading over and above live tracking, tachograph downloads, PTO reporting and refrigerated vehicle temperature monitoring.

Sean Clarke

Logistics UK announces 2021 award winners One of the UK’s biggest business groups, Logistics UK has announced the winners of its 2021 Logistics Awards, following celebratory gala dinner held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London. In the presence of guest of honour, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, businesses including Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, PD Ports and Menzies Distribution scooped awards, with a special achievement award for work during the COVID-19 pandemic being made to Alliance Healthcare. Leigh Pomlett, former director of CEVA and outgoing president of Logistics UK, was presented with the annual Lifetime Achievement award. Clipper Logistics was the evening’s biggest winner, scooping two awards and a highly commended award, while Stagefreight retained its title as the Road Freight Operator of the Year. Nicola Foley, Assistant General Manager of Wincanton was named as the logistics industry’s Rising Star for 2021 and received her award from the Princess Royal. The awards were sponsored by organisations including AEB (International) Ltd, AIPUT (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust), Brigade Electronics, DDC FPO, Clarios – VARTA Batteries, Logistics UK Fuel Card and Logistics UK Recovery Service. David Wells, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, comments: “The Logistics Awards 2021 recognise and celebrate ‘the best of the best’; the companies and individuals

who have made a significant contribution to the logistics and supply industry over the past 12 months and who excel in their fields. As the only business group representing UK logistics, Logistics UK is well placed to identify the stars within our industry; our winners are truly exceptional, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to present them with their awards.” The winners of the Logistics Awards 2021 are: Rising Star: Nicola Foley, Assistant

General Manager, Wincanton Innovative Product: Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK for Mercedes-Benz Actros

Air Business of the Year: CharterSync Most Innovative Company of the Year: Clipper Logistics

Diversity Champion: Gemini Corporation NV

Water Business of the Year: PD Ports

Public Services Operator of the Year: Clipper Logistics

Van Operator of the Year: Menzies Distribution

International Shipper of the Year: Radwell International

Rail Freight Operator: Maritime Transport Ltd

Environmental Champion of the Year: Hermes UK

Road Freight Operator: Stagefreight

Logistics Partner of the Year: Noatum Logistics

Special COVID Award: Alliance Healthcare

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

AWARDS2022

EXPORT&FREIGHT

CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW'S BRIDGE, BELFAST THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2022 www.exportandfreight.com

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Brigade Electronics launches new predictive collision detection system Market-leading provider of vehicle safety systems Brigade Electronics has launched a new predictive collision detection system. Sidescan®Predict is the next generation of collision avoidance systems. Supported by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative with Cambridge University, the aim was to develop a cost-effective and reliable collision detection system that can intelligently discriminate potential collisions and warn the driver with sufficient time for intervention – a predictive system. Having been in development and undergone rigorous testing for more than seven years, including 10,000 hours of research, Sidescan®Predict had its first trials in 2020 receiving excellent driver feedback. Drivers noticed a significant reduction in the risk of collision with both vulnerable road users and static objects. Through the use of artificial intelligence, SideScan®Predict constantly gathers object detection data, such as the speed and distance of a cyclist or other vulnerable road user from the

lorry. Additional technology is embedded within the system to gather information such as the speed, direction, acceleration, and the turning rate of a vehicle. This data feeds an algorithm created by Brigade to calculate the risk of a collision with cyclists and pedestrians who are nearby the vehicle. Additionally, the system will always remain switched on when the vehicle’s speed is below 22mph/30kph, regardless of the indicator selection, and cannot be deactivated by the driver. Designed for most rigid body vehicles, including rigid box vehicles, tippers, mixers, coaches and buses with a minimum length of 5.2m, the system comprises six sensors which have a detection area of 2.5 metres, compared to the industry standard 1m to 1.5m. These features help to reduce the risk of fatalities by an additional 84%. Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager of Brigade Electronics UK, said: “Unlike existing systems, which simply register the presence of a potential obstacle, Sidescan®Predict is constantly gathering data in a vehicle’s vicinity. This provides additional benefits to operators by significantly reducing false alarms and increasing confidence in the accuracy of warning alerts. “We are delighted to add Sidescan®Predict to our range of commercial vehicle safety systems and we are confident that it will make a positive impact to road and worksite safety and preventing fatalities.”

EXPORT&FREIGHT

COURT REPORT

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Operator Refuses to Comply Truck Not A County Armagh operator was convicted at Belfast Specified on Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £2000 after requested tachograph data from a company Operator’s Licence DVA in relation to 10 vehicles in their possession. A County Londonderry operator has been convicted at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £750.

The operator refused to comply and the matter will now be referred to the Transport Regulator for further consideration.

Fined on Six Tachograph Charges

The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a 4 axle Volvo heavy goods vehicle in the Coleraine area. An examination of Departmental records identified that the vehicle was not specified on the company’s operator’s licence; the operator had previously been warned regarding a similar offence.

A County Londonderry operator has been convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 for six tachograph offences.

Analysis of the drivers’ tachograph records identified that the vehicle VDU had not been downloaded for 52 calendar days thereby breeching the relevant EU regulations and missing the download deadline by 24 days.

The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a 2 axle Volvo in combination with a 3 axle Cartwright trailer in the Belfast area. Analysis of the vehicle’s tachograph revealed that the vehicle had been driven on 6 occasions with no data recorded, it was also noted that the operator had failed to download the tachograph unit within the requisite 90 day period in accordance with EU regulations in that the deadline had been exceeded by 511 days.

Didn’t Have Valid Road User Levy

£3000 Fine on Tachograph Charges

An ROI driver was convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £600 after DVA enforcement officers stopped a Volvo 3axle articulated goods vehicle in combination with a SDC box trailer in the Loughbrickland area.

A County Armagh operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £3000 on tachograph charges.

An analysis of the vehicle’s tachograph data found that it had been driven whilst the driver had failed to take a daily rest of 9 hours.

The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a 3 axle Volvo in the Larne area. During an examination of the vehicle’s tachograph data it was noted that the vehicle had been driven without the driver taking sufficient daily rest on four occasions, insufficient weekly rest on one occasion and without a tachograph card on four further occasions.

In addition, the vehicle did not have a valid road user levy in place for the journey within Northern Ireland.

In addition, the VDU had not been downloaded within the 90 day limit required under EU regulations in that 406 days had lapsed since its previous download.

Career Development Training for the Transport Industry in Northern Ireland LGV & PCV Driver Training

APPROVED CENTRE AC01770

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Driver CPC

Transport Manager CPC

ADR & DGSA Training

Nutts Corner Business Park 15 Dundrod Road, Crumlin BT29 4SS

T: 028 9082 5653 E: mail@transporttraining.org

www.transporttraining.org

Find us on:

Transport Industry Apprenticeship Provider

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

FORS REFLECTS ON YEAR OF MILESTONES, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT From achieving record numbers of Silver and Gold accredited members to launching numerous training updates and publishing Version 6.0 of the FORS standard, it has been a busy year for FORS. 2021 marked the tenth year in which FORS has awarded its coveted Gold accreditation. As part of the celebrations of this important milestone, FORS recognised a group of early adopters – in the form of City of London Corporation, O’Donovan Waste Disposal, Travis Perkins Plc, Hanson UK and LondonEnergy – who have held the highest level of accreditation since the very beginning. Since its arrival, FORS Gold accreditation has only been awarded to exceptional operators who have met its exacting requirements. As of 12th December this year, the total number of Gold-accredited members stands at a record high of 322, while the number of Silver members has reached a record 1,690. The increase in the number of operators opting to progress to higher levels of FORS accreditation this year is testament to the value of FORS Silver and Gold and the benefits that operators of all shapes and sizes can enjoy, particularly in relation to efficiency, cost reduction and winning new contracts.

Train to gain Of course, another key benefit of FORS membership is the training and professional development opportunities on offer, and 2021 saw a raft of new courses and updates launched. In May, for instance, FORS launched an update to its popular Van Smart eLearning module, to help upskill the growing fleet of light commercial vehicle drivers on our roads. The course upgrade included new learning scenarios and an updated format. The revisions to the mobile-friendly online module also include improved user functionality, with learning points presented to amplify learning take-aways, with a comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts for drivers. The changes were designed to make the information even easier for van drivers to digest, and thoroughly embed best practice into everyday driving.

Improved resources As well as training, FORS members benefit from regular webinars and downloadable resources that provide advice and guidance on a range of industry topics. A great example is the free-to-download FORS Professional Anti-Idling and CongestionCutting toolkit that FORS released in October this year. The toolkit includes a separate driver

guide, posters and a toolbox talk, offering practical advice to help FORS operators reduce engine idling and minimise congestion.

procedures in place is of paramount importance for employee welfare, and indeed for the safety of other road users and members of the public.

The manager toolkit, which is aimed at HGV, van and PCV operators, provides advice on procuring different types of technology and developing campaigns, as well as introducing an anti-idling and congestioncutting policy and briefings for drivers.

FORS Standard – Version 6.0

FORS also launched a series of Associate webinars this year, which have seen consistently high attendance and positive feedback from delegates. One particular webinar, delivered by FORS Associate, OdiliaClark, proved very successful, with over 135 members tuning in and a further 48 joining a repeat viewing. The webinar looked in detail at how operators and drivers can more effectively manage the risk of impairment caused by drugs and alcohol in their business. The session covered crucial topics such as managing the risk of drug and alcohol impairment, organisational culture surrounding drugs and alcohol impairment, and how to handle the outcomes of testing. Attendees could be left in no doubt that having robust

The FORS Standard defines the requirements that operators must meet in order to attain and maintain FORS accreditation. It is updated every two years to ensure it remains relevant to the ever-changing needs of the road transport operators it serves. FORS published the latest iteration of the FORS Standard – Version 6.0 – on 19 October, announcing that it is due for implementation by all FORS members from 01 July 2022. John Hix, FORS Director said, “2021 began in much the same way that 2020 ended – with the industry facing challenges and uncertainty because of the pandemic. That we are now able to reflect on a year full of progress, milestones and successes is testament to the hard work of everyone at FORS, the resilience of the transport sector, and of course the commitment and ingenuity of our members. On behalf of FORS, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

COVER STORY

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

RENAULT TRUCKS ROAD TO ALL ELECTRIC & SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS MOMENTUM With government seeking a 15% reduction in truck emissions by 2025 and 30% by 2030, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland are well on the road to exceeding those ambitious targets thanks in part to its fully electric Z.E. range of trucks, as we learned at a recent roadshow hosted by Diamond Trucks at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick.

OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, RENAULT TRUCKS ELECTRIC VEHICLES HAVE NOTCHED UP OVER ONE MILLION KILOMETERS 30

EXPORT&FREIGHT

COVER STORY

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

During the event, Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product Development for Renault Trucks, outlined the manufacturer’s programme of action going forward to achieve net-zero by 2030; that’s 20 years ahead of the government’s own ultimate target of 2050. Over the last 10 years, Renault Trucks electric vehicles have notched up over one million kilometers of road tests and over the next three years the manufacturer expects 10% of its sales of trucks 12 tonnes and over will be fully electric, one reason why operators need to start now to put in place on their premises an electric supply infrastructure that can cope. Imagine having to charge up, say, a fleet of 50 trucks overnight! While electric trucks may currently come at a higher price, it is anticipated that there will be up to a 50% reduction in actual operating costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. Renault Trucks’ Z.E. line-up ranges from 3.1 to 26 tonnes and from 2023, an all-electric Renault Trucks offer will be available for each segment, namely distribution, construction and long distance. During the Templepatrick roadshow there were three Renault Z.E. electric vehicles on display - D16 ZE with a Bevans box body, D26 Wide ZE Low Entry Cab with a C.P Davidson “Titan X4” refuse body, and a Master ZE 3.5 tonne Cage tipper with a P.D Stevens body.

Battery Life A question that regularly comes up when people are considering buying an electric truck is battery life. Batteries are generally guaranteed by the manufacturers for a certain lifespan, which varies according to the use of the vehicle. But what about the actual performance levels of the batteries over their service life? Electric truck batteries are designed to last and stand the test of time. Their lifespan is expressed in terms of the number of charge cycles, with one cycle representing a complete discharge followed by a full recharge. From their first day, and throughout their service life, the efficiency of batteries slowly and progressively decreases; this is referred to as ageing. A battery’s capacity loss results in performance levels that gradually and irreversibly

decline, leading to a loss of range and a loss of vehicle power.

charged in two hours and reaches full charge in just three hours.

However, Renault Trucks is the only manufacturer of electric vehicles that provides a contractual commitment as regards the performance of the batteries fitted on its range of electric vehicles. In concrete terms, whereas other manufacturers only guarantee to provide a battery in working order, Renault Trucks undertakes to provide a battery in working order and whose performance is contractually guaranteed to meet its application needs.

With zero emissions in use, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. is ideal for entering city centres, even in urban areas with traffic restrictions. In addition, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. enables drivers to operate in cities quietly and efficiently.

Increased Range The battery storage capacity of the Renault Trucks electric Master has been increased from 33 to 52 kWh. This new capacity extends the vehicle’s City Cycle range up to 244km under WLTP regulations, with an anticipated real world range of up to 190km. With a fast charger, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. is now 80%

It is currently available in three models - van, chassis cab and platform cab - in addition to the wide range of approved conversions including minibus, MEWP and OptiTipper. With eight versions, three lengths and two heights, the vehicle is guaranteed for three years or 160,000 km and the battery guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 km.

Low Entry Cab The D Wide Z.E. Low Entry Cab model, meanwhile, has been specially designed to meet the requirements of the household

waste collection sector, facilitating the work of the operators and by optimising their safety, comfort and, ultimately, efficiency. The Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. LEC is equipped to allow operators to access the vehicle effortlessly and safely. The cab entry is 200mm lower than in a standard distribution truck and features a single non-slip step and doors that open at 90°. This significantly reduces crew fatigue from getting in and out of the cab more than 100 times per round. The low position of the cab provides excellent direct vision for drivers, leading to optimum protection for vulnerable road users. For increased visibility, Renault Trucks recommends additional side windows positioned at the rear of the cab, which are available as an option. The spacious cab of this all-electric truck can accommodate the driver and up to three additional crew members. Its optional flat floor allows for freedom of movement inside the vehicle and allows for boarding and alighting on both the left and right sides. Also on display on the day was a 16 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E, which has been designed for the distribution of goods in cities and has a range of battery capacities from 200 to 400 kWh. It is suitable for traditional distribution assignments and comes in a range of bodywork types. As we mentioned, making the switch to electric can be rather daunting, but Renault Trucks and Northern Ireland dealer Diamond Trucks are clearly ideally placed to help operators choose the best way forward.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

IN PROFILE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

MCCAFFREY TRANSPORT OPT FOR ELECTRAC LTD’S COMPREHENSIVE TELEMATICS & CCTV SYSTEMS When County Tyrone based logistic company McCaffrey Transport wanted to upgrade their tracking and telematics systems to protect drivers, trucks and cargo, they didn’t hesitate to call in Electrac NI who were able to provide them with a comprehensive and tailor-made telematics package, including a live camera system and a solution to support their London operations. With depots in Dungannon and Leicester and working in partnership with Crusader European Logistics Ltd, McCaffrey Transport can service full loads, part loads and groupage to and from Ireland, the UK and Europe; the company also specialise in abnormal or out of gauge cargo. Working with a bank of trusted hardware suppliers to develop bespoke GPS tracking,

telematics, camera systems and other fleet safety and security solutions, County Antrim based Electrac NI, one of only three FORS Fleet Associates in Northern Ireland, is head up by Seamus Black who, having been a Fleet Manager himself appreciates the real-life challenges that commercial vehicle users face. “We pride ourselves on supplying the right solution for each application, whether it is for a small van fleet or a large operator of specialist or complex equipment,” says Seamus. “Our expert electrical engineering experience, coupled with our understanding of the challenges of running a vehicle fleet, puts us in a unique position to develop the right solution for our customers, and because we are not restricted to one brand of hardware we provide independent advice, giving clients peace of mind that the solutions we develop and recommend are individually tailored to their fleet’s bespoke requirements and their budget.”

EXPORT&FREIGHT

to the company’s London operations. Launched in October 2019 the Direct Vision Standard has been designed to make the streets of London safer for pedestrians and cyclists. It affects all vehicles exceeding 12 tonne GVW that enter London, with a £550 per day fine for none compliance. The area that this is being enforced is much more than inner London, it stretches all the way out to the M25 in places, so it is something that companies like McCaffrey Transport have to take very seriously, and they do.

DVS Solution

“We have reinvented the side scan to ensure our E-Vision DVS solution is fully compliant, not just for now, but also into the future with our sensor health check system. With the ability to expand the system up to 12 sensors this future proofs the solution in case DVS legislation changes to require sensors on both sides of the vehicle,” says Seamus.

For the team at McCaffrey Transport, Electrac NI supplied its full tracking system, plus a live camera system for all the fleet, while four trucks were also fitted out to meet the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) that applies

Side scan key features include an audible alarm that can be used as a left turn, right turn or reversing alarm. The alarm is not triggered when the hazard lights are on. It will only trigger when the left indicator alone is

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

WE HAVE REINVENTED THE SIDE SCAN TO ENSURE OUR E-VISION DVS SOLUTION IS FULLY COMPLIANT applied. The manual switch turning the audible alarm off automatically and on again after 15 minutes in case the driver forgets to do so.

Live CCTV The live CCTV camera system on the fleet provides McCaffrey Transport with total peace of mind, knowing its drivers, trucks and cargo are secure, especially in the event of incidences such as load and fuel theft and vehicle vandalism and also protects against fraudulent claims. Having such a high level of visibility of events results in considerable reduction in incident investigation time as well as dramatically improved investigation success rates. “All of our systems operate on at least 4G and have full connectivity outside of the UK. Footage can be monitored live or accessed later for review or download,” says Seamus. “Our API is extremely flexible and allows the CCTV to ‘talk to’ other systems, such as telematics, GPS tracking or transport planning systems, meaning an advanced analysis of your drivers’ activity is possible. Video footage can be tagged with or searched for by an exact location and event triggers can be set up to provide alerts for important incidents such as harsh braking or pressing a panic button. “We can support server or cloud hosted options and can either provide access to the full live video feed for operators to monitor independently or can monitor on

our clients’ behalf from our monitoring suite based here in Northern Ireland.” Having all-round and fully live video footage gives viewing access that is as close to witnessing the real-life scenario as is possible to have after the event. Uses for CCTV include providing evidence for vehicle, load and fuel theft and vehicle vandalism; management of lone workers; management of and protection against fraudulent claims; and control of staff abuse (or at least evidence to support investigations). Having such a high level of visibility of events results in considerable reduction in incident investigation time as well as dramatically improved investigation success rates.

GPS Data Combining CCTV with telematics and GPS data also provides access to full fleet and risk management to improve driver performance and fleet safety. Based on this principle, users of this system, like McCaffrey Transport, have reported significantly enhanced cost control and the additional benefit of negotiating reduced insurance premiums. “The ultimate goal for any telematics system is to provide you with multiple ways of controlling fleet costs. Our telematics data can be accessed from a mobile application for added convenience, and we can provide ‘passive’ or ‘active’ solutions, depending on your requirements. Passive options simply collect and store data until you are ready to log in to analyse and report. Active options are much more proactive, providing alerts for pre-set functions to allow you to take immediate action on important data.” As well as supplying and fitting recommended GPS hardware, Electrac NI can also help you to get the best from its telematics software by understanding your unique requirements, with comprehensive staff training and hands-on support with set up and reporting as required.

www.electracni.com

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Truck company preparing to launch range of zero-emission commercial vehicles in 2023 Giga Carbon Neutrality (GCN), the clean trucking and technology company, has unveiled a comprehensive range of zero-emission commercial vehicles that it plans to bring to market over the next two years – answering the call from the world’s transportation and logistics operators for a fleet of different options. fuel-cell truck with a top speed of 90 kph and 580 km range before refueling. Streamlined to minimise wind-resistance, GCN’s ‘heavy truck’ features an ergonomic cab design and a range of intelligent safety systems such as driver fatigue warning systems as standard. A prototype of this vehicle is already on the road in China.

GCN will launch 21 different battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles by the end of 2023. GCN’s portfolio is configurable to a wide range of commercial use cases and includes a tractor unit, buses and last-mile logistics vehicles. The company’s first prototype hydrogen-fueled tractor unit is currently undergoing advanced road and usability trials in China. GCN designs its vehicles at a state-of-the-art research and development centre located in Hangzhou, China. GCN has developed its own proprietary hydrogen fuel-cell technology and will source batteries from leading manufacturers initially. The GCN vehicles are manufactured using lightweight stainless steel and composite materials to improve safety and deliver reductions in weight and energy consumption of at least 10 per cent. The bodies of GCN vehicles are designed to last for 20 years, significantly longer than vehicles from other providers on the market.

GCN is working with public and private sector partners to provide clean energy storage, charging and refueling infrastructure, as well as specialist financing to support the adoption of its zero-emission commercial vehicles globally.

some of the world’s most energyintensive industries, with clean energy vehicles, new technologies and a fueling ecosystem to make running clean, reliable vehicle fleets easy for commercial transportation companies.”

Marty Wade, CEO at Giga Carbon Neutrality, comments: “We are thrilled to give the world its first look at the future of zero-emission commercial transportation. GCN is enabling a carbon-neutral future for

Several GCN vehicles are available to order immediately, with delivery times of between three and 12 months. The company’s initial range includes a GCN Hydrogen Tractor: A 44-tonne hydrogen

Hultsteins pairs up with Myriad to boost parts availability Refrigerated transport parts specialist Myriad is now stocking and distributing parts for Hultsteins, ahead of an anticipated rise in demand for the latter company’s environmentally friendly systems. Myriad has supplied parts to refrigerated transport operators around the world for over 20 years. It stocks more than 30,000 products across 1,500 lines, all of which can be purchased online, rendering its stock more visible and instantly accessible than the industry-standard practice of enquiring directly with parts suppliers. Next-day delivery is available across the UK, Ireland and much of Europe and 99% of Myriad’s parts are despatched on the day the order is placed. That scope and rapid supply affords Hultsteins customers greater and more instantaneous access to components for its range of diesel-free Ecofridge refrigeration units and its Ecogen hydraulic generator, which are more economical, cleaner and quieter than

EXPORT&FREIGHT

conventional diesel refrigeration units. Already popular with cold chain operators in the UK and Europe, the Ecogen hydraulic generator, in particular, is poised for a boom, because it can be retrofitted to any truck with an engine PTO (power takeoff). It works in tandem with all makes and models of existing diesel refrigeration unit and generates a constant 400 volts at idle, transforming the unit into a hybrid system. Installation takes just eight hours and, in addition to the aforementioned advantages, any diesel unit to which the Ecogen system is fitted benefits from a lower workload. As a result, it can extend the life of existing units by more than two years. This is arguably an even bigger plus for operators facing the

Also included is the GCN City Bus: A 12-metre transit bus for urban public transport. Capable of carrying up to 95 passengers, GCN’s city bus has a 350 km range on a battery-electric power train and features a monocoque body and collision protection structure offering improved safety for the driver and passengers. This vehicle is designed to meet European Union approved standards for use in its 27 member states – and the GCN Electric Logistics Vehicle: An 8-tonne battery-electric truck to support last-mile logistics in urban and rural areas. GCN’s logistics truck has a spacious loading area, can be configured to customer needs and can cover 250 km on a single charge.

UK government’s April 2022 ban on the use of red diesel in refrigeration units, leaving many of them with the prospect of paying for white diesel or completely replacing current diesel units with cleaner alternatives. “Hultsteins has been ahead of the curve for several years with these products,” said Steve Cleland, Managing Director of Myriad, “now, with the increasing push for cleaner refrigeration systems – and loweremission road transport in general – the Ecogen generator and the Ecofridge range can make a real difference to operators’ costs and environmental impacts. “Myriad’s instantaneous online ordering system and speedy deliveries will provide immediate, safe and reliable support for the increasing number of refrigerated transport companies that opt for its products.” “We are delighted to be working with Myriad,” added Hultsteins’ Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Graham Usher, “the company’s depth of experience and reputation for providing quality parts at competitive prices will prove invaluable for operators of Hultsteins Ecogen and Ecofridge products in the UK, Ireland and Europe.”

FOR OVER 30 YEARS AT&T RENTALS HAVE BEEN LEADING THE WAY IN THE TRUCK AND TRAILER RENTAL MARKET IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

TEL: (028) 9034 2665 info@attrentals.com

AT&T RENTALS, 34 ROUGHFORT ROAD, NEWTOWNABBEY, BT36 4RE

IN PROFILE

AT&T RENTALS STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH FRENCH TRAILER MANUFACTURER CHEREAU AT&T Rentals have strengthened their long-standing relationship with refrigerated semi trailer manufacturer Chereau, having been appointed by the French company as their Service Partner for Northern Ireland.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

The Chereau range of refrigerated trailers are universally recognised within the industry for their performance, road holding, strength and low maintenance costs, and have featured prominently in the AT&T Rentals fleet for some time. “We are obviously delighted to have been appointed as Service Partner by Chereau. It means we can offer our customers an even more comprehensive service going forward,” says AT&T Rentals Chris Heaney. “We already have a well-established relationship with the Normandy based manufacturer whose product range has proved to be very popular with our customers; it is a premium trailer.” Apart from servicing the trailers, AT&T Rentals, who have their own workshops, will also be retailing the product range, in addition to offering contract hire packages.

Impressive Range Established in the 1950s by Jean Chereau, the brand quickly

IN PROFILE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

became established and today the manufacturer offers an impressive portfolio of products. Chereau refrigerated trailers, available in single or twin evap, allowing for different temperatures to be run at the same time, have a host of innovative features such as super-insulated thick side walls and a ventilation duct system. This enables the same temperature to be maintained, to the nearest degree, throughout the entire body. This is particularly useful for very sensitive foodstuffs and it enables more efficient use to be made of the refrigeration unit, while significantly reducing the refrigeration unit’s fuel consumption, usage time and, consequently, its maintenance. One of the company’s latest innovations is their brand new patented electric rear opening system, Smart Open C, with pulsed opening in less than 10 seconds. It allows the doors to be promptly closed after each delivery, thereby protecting the goods carried and allowing

for longer rounds, even during particularly warm weather.

Extensive Rental Fleet 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 44tonne tractor units

as well as a wide selection of trailers, all regularly refreshed to ensure customers benefit from the very latest technologies. AT&T Rentals supply only premium brand equipment such as Scania, DAF, Volvo, Montracon, Dennison and,of course, Chereau products. “We can customise the product to their own requirements, be it camera kits, side-skirts, chrome light bars, working beacons, or extra lighting, as well as presenting the tractor unit or trailer in their own individual company livery.” As the business continues to expand, we have seen the shift, both for existing customers and new customers to longer term contract hire. Opting for a competitive contract hire package from AT&T Rentals has many advantages, especially in today’s challenging operating environment. It reduces the service and maintenance burden, and, with 24/7 breakdown cover and a fixed monthly cost, it provides the customer with peace of mind.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

UP TO 10% FUEL SAVINGS WITH NEW GENERATION OF RENAULT TRUCKS ENGINES Renault Trucks is meeting the challenge of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The manufacturer is equipping its T, T High, C and K ranges with new DE11 and DE13 engines. Coupled with the integration of advanced technologies, such as Turbo Compound, and dedicated services, they can reduce consumption by up to 10%. Renault Trucks has made major changes in 2021 to its T, T High, C and K ranges in terms of design, driving comfort and on-board comfort. The manufacturer is continuing this evolution with the arrival of new 11 and 13 litre Euro VI Step E, DE11 and DE13 engines which, combined with the integration of new technologies and dedicated services, provide fuel savings of up to 10% compared to the previous generation of Renault Trucks engines. The new generation of Renault Trucks Euro VI Step E engines, the DE11 and DE13, incorporate new technologies that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For improved combustion, the DE11 and DE13 engines feature patented Wave Piston technology. By redirecting the flames inside the combustion bowl, this solution allows better use of available oxygen and therefore better combustion. The engines are also equipped with new injectors with improved precision, which are adapted to the new combustion. To improve efficiency, Renault Trucks has also focused on reducing frictional losses: connecting rods, pistons and the crankshaft have been redesigned and crankcase gas control has been optimised. A new high-performance ball-bearing turbocharger with improved response time and a variable flow oil pump combined with

EXPORT&FREIGHT

low-viscosity oil have also been developed. Last but not least, Renault Trucks has opted for an optimised post-treatment system and a new engine control unit.

Turbo Compound technology For optimum performance, the Renault Trucks T, T High and C can be fitted as an option with the DE13 TC engine, featuring Turbo Compound technology, which provides significant fuel savings without compromising manoeuvrability or commercial speed. An additional turbine, positioned downstream of the turbocharger, converts the residual energy contained in the exhaust gases into mechanical energy and transmits it to the crankshaft in the form of additional engine torque. Turbo Compound therefore allows higher levels of torque to be achieved at lower engine speeds. On the motorway, under cruise control, and when driving uphill, a constant speed can be maintained without the need to downshift.

New gearbox The vehicles are equipped with the new generation Optidriver gearbox, which incorporates a new calculator, new control software and a new clutch actuator for smoother and faster gear changes.

Advanced software and services for total control of fuel consumption For greater fuel savings, Renault Trucks has also opted for the Smart Torque Control solution, which maximises the time spent in the zone with the best engine efficiency, without penalising manoeuvrability. Renault Trucks is also continuing to improve the Optivision predictive cruise control, which uses the topography of the road to optimise gear shifting and boost fuel savings. The manufacturer also offers solutions to support transporters in their efforts to monitor and improve their fleet’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Optifleet fleet management software (Check module) tracks the fuel consumption of each vehicle and analyses driving styles in order to pinpoint areas where action can be taken to reduce consumption. In addition, Renault Trucks has developed a complete training programme on the principles of rational driving to ensure that fuel consumption is kept under control.

FROM THE OFFICE OF

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

John Martin RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATING CENTRES - RHA SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGES A DEPARTMENTAL DECISION In support of a longstanding established road haulage business within NI the RHA has successfully challenged the Department of Infrastructure’s refusal to grant a goods vehicle operator’s variation application and to remove a threat to require the operator to use a new operating centre. The operator had an operator’s licence with an authorisation for 7 units and 2 trailers and applied to increase their trailer authorisation to 7. The operator had no history of non-compliance and the business had been established at the same operating centre for well over 30 years with no issues. The variation application was considered straight forward with no anticipated issues or concerns. The Department received no valid objections or representations in regard to the application, however they decided to undertake an operating centre site assessment to determine if it was suitable for the proposed increase in the number of trailers. After the site assessment the Department wrote to the operator as set out below: “I refer to your application to vary the company’s operator’s licence and to concerns regarding the suitability of the operating centre. An assessment of the operating centre at *********** ******** by the DVA found the site to be unsuitable. A number of reasons were given including: safety concerns regarding vehicles entering/exiting the site at the junction with the public highway, concerns regarding manoeuvrability between the upper and lower parking areas, and safety concerns regarding the use of the shared right of way through the site and its lack of passing places. The Department has therefore refused the application under the provisions of Section 12(5)

of the 2010 Act as applied by Section 16(6)(c) given that the requirements of Section 12C (5) have not been met (the operating centre must be suitable for use). You have a statutory right of appeal against this decision, which must be lodged with the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber), Tribunal Hearing Centre, 2nd Floor, Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast, BT1 3JF within one month from the date of this letter. An explanatory guidance note on lodging appeals can be obtained from the Upper Tribunal and you may wish to seek legal advice. You are advised that the licence holder can lawfully only operate within the existing terms and conditions of the licence until you either submit a fresh variation application which is granted by the Department, or you lodge an appeal to the Upper Tribunal which succeeds in overturning the decision to refuse this application. The Department can review an operator’s operating centre at five-yearly intervals. The next opportunity for the Department to review your operating centre will be 25 January 2023. Given the concerns over the suitability of the operating centre you should expect that a review will be held. You may therefore wish to give consideration to nominating an alternative more suitable operating centre.” (I have bolded some of the Department’s text) To put this into context an “operating centre” is the base or

centre at which a goods vehicle is normally kept. The operating centre in question has been in use for over 30 years with the operator’s vehicles being normally kept there when not in use with no material change to the operating centre layout, no additional houses have been erected on the laneway or no changes have been made to the access/egress point onto the public road or changes in speed limits on the road.

Shock & Disappointment The operator in question was disappointed not to be granted the additional authorisation given the premises had more than sufficient capacity, however the shock at being informed the premises were not suitable for their current fleet with the Department advising them they were going to review the operating centre and the operator may therefore wish to give consideration to nominating an alternative more suitable operating centre was devastating. Given the content of the letter from the Department the operator requested assistance from the RHA to consider what options were open to them. As a consequence, a request was submitted to the Department to review the decision which was refused. We also appealed the decision to the Upper Tribunal for determination. In the interim and in advance of this appeal being heard, the DVA facilitated a site meeting with the operator, political representatives, staff from Roads Service, the PSNI and

DVA with the RHA to discuss the Department’s concerns. After protracted discussions the DVA officials agreed to review their operating centre assessment report and resubmit to the Department for further consideration. Based on the discussions the Department overturned their initial decision and granted the variation application and removed the threat to review the operating centre.

Advice & Support The operator concerned commented: “The Department’s initial decision to refuse our variation application was a surprise given there were no issues with the premises, it was large enough and we have been based here for over 30 years. However, it was a greater surprise to learn they were considering closing us down and requesting we move to other premises. This would have been the death knell for our business, and thankfully we had John Martin, the RHA’s Policy Manager in Northern Ireland on hand to provide expert advice and support, to challenge the Department’s decision and without his assistance we probably would have closed the business if we needed to move.” Whilst it’s appreciated the Department have a difficult job to do and we don’t want to detract from that, they must work more collaboratively with businesses and not always seek to prosecute or take disproportionate or inconsistent regulatory action which can result in businesses becoming unviable.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

AWARDS2022

CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW'S BRIDGE, BELFAST THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2022 If your not in, you can’t win. The Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards 2022, hosted by Export & Freight, Ireland’s Transport Magazine, is set to be the biggest event in the transport calendar. BOOK YOUR TABLE IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE AWARDS GALA DINNER 2022 • • • • • • • • • •

The sponsorship package will include the following: Continued sponsorship of the same category Logo on all Awards Literature; backdrop for the Awards; 8 months advertising and Media publicity including extensive post-award coverage A table of ten guests at the Awards Ceremony, including Champagne Dinner worth £1270 + VAT A Full Page Colour Advertisement exclusively for you inside the Awards Supplement worth £1300 + VAT Presentation of your own awards category to the winning company by a key representative of your company Full photographic coverage of the event, your category winner, and trophy for future use in publicity material Exclusivity on your own award Award branded with your corporate logo Trophy branded with your corporate logo Full logo branding on either side of the stage

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW EXPORT & FREIGHT 12 Main Street, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6AE N.Ireland

Tel: 028 9268 8888 Fax: 028 9268 8866 Email: helen@4squaremedia.net

PLEASE RESERVE SEATS @£140+VAT TABLES(S) OF TEN PLACES @£1,270+VAT OR AT THE EXPORT & FREIGHT IRISH TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS AWARDS 2022, THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 7PM FOR 7:30PM SHARP. Name of Company:____________________________________________________________________ Invoice Address:______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Post Code:____________________________ Contact Name:___________________________________ Tel:__________________________________

Dress Code: Gentlemen - Lounge Suit. Ladies - Cocktail Dress

The above prices are plus VAT and will be shown as such on the official receipt. THIS PRIORITY BOOKING FORM TO BE POSTED TO:

Export & Freight, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6AE, or email table / seating requirements to helen@4squaremedia.net

www.exportandfreight.com FOLLOW US ON

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

MAN OptiView wins European Transport Award for Sustainability 2022 With its OptiView digital mirror replacement system, MAN & Truck Bus has won the coveted award in the Assistance Systems category at this year’s edition of the European Transport Prize for Sustainability. The award is intended to encourage companies from the commercial vehicle sector to act sustainably by recognising forward-looking products and strategies in this area. “This award shows that we have created an absolute benchmark in the field of mirror replacement systems with our MAN OptiView mirror replacement system, making our already excellent workplace in the new MAN Truck Generation even better,” said Christoph Huber, Chairman of the Executive Board at MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH at the award ceremony. Turning off or changing lanes are among the situations in which, despite good mirror technology, the driver could previously find himself in potentially critical situations if other road users were difficult to see, especially in the blind spot area. The OptiView digital mirror replacement system, which can be ordered as an option, uses cameras to show the traffic situation around the truck on two large highresolution displays on the A-pillars and also on the screen of the media system. In addition to the standard view, drivers also have a zoom and

wide-angle view at their disposal, providing them with an optimum view of the surrounding traffic. OptiView thus significantly reduces the risk of overlooking other road users. The system’s field of vision also makes blind spots on the driver’s and passenger’s side visible, thus contributing to the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in particular in the city. In addition to the various screen views, MAN OptiView offers further supportive additional functions. For example, width and length auxiliary lines can be superimposed

on the views of the side displays so that distances and dimensions can be estimated even better when overtaking or maneuvering. In addition, MAN OptiView also integrates the warning displays of the turn-off aid, the lane change aid and the lane change collision avoidance assistant in the two side displays. All important information on the surrounding traffic situation is thus always directly bundled and in view. Another helpful and safetyenhancing additional function of MAN OptiView during breaks

Leyland Trucks hits half million vehicle production milestone Leyland Trucks has celebrated the production of its 500,000th vehicle. The half million milestone truck – a 16-tonne GVW DAF LF 210 – was handed over to customer, Minoli, at a special production line ceremony. The DAF LF 210 is the first of four new vehicles for Minoli – a leading importer and distributor of Italian porcelain tiles – two of which are spec’d with a 210bhp PACCAR PX-5 engine, ZF AS-Tronic six-speed gearbox, rear air suspension, adjustable roof spoiler and cab collars. Minoli, with its headquarters and distribution centre in Oxford and offices and showrooms in Marylebone,London, has remained an exclusive and loyal DAF operator for almost 40 years. The DAF LF remains one of the UK’s most popular lightweight fleet trucks, offering benchmark levels of payload potential and driver comfort, alongside outstanding vehicle handling and manoeuvrability. The Leyland Assembly Plant was constructed in 1979 with full production starting in 1980.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

is the monitoring mode. This allows the driver to view the vehicle surroundings of his parking space via the wide-angle view in the side displays and the front camera image in the media system display, especially at night when the curtains are closed, and to detect suspicious movements around the truck at an early stage. The monitoring mode can be activated directly via the control module on the lower bed - from a sleeping position, so to speak - at any time. If the vehicle is equipped with a rear-view camera in addition to OptiView, its image is shown as a splitscreen view in the media display. Critical driving manoeuvers can occur not only in long-distance traffic on highways and freeways when changing lanes or at entrances and exits. An optimum overview of the traffic situation is essential, especially for the typically frequent turning and maneuvering in construction and distribution traffic. MAN has therefore offered OptiView for all four truck series TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX from the very beginning. Customers have been able to order the digital mirror replacement system since the beginning of October 2021.

includes several fourth and fifth generation employees. The current vehicle ranges include LF, CF, XF models and now also the New Generation DAF range of XF, XG and XG+ vehicles – International Truck of the Year 2022. In a relationship that spans several decades, Minoli has chosen HTC Group and DAF to meet its requirements for reliable, robust vehicles that have been purpose-built in harmony with the company’s exacting and often changing needs. Increased demand for Minoli’s products, a drive for greater efficiency and a concerted effort to reduce emissions has required an ongoing cycle of investment in expanding the Minoli fleet and upgrading their trucks. With the latest additions, Minoli will be running 14 DAF trucks and a further eight supporting vehicles, giving a daily delivery capacity of over 100,000KGs.

Today, Leyland Trucks occupies an 86-acre site with 93,000 square metres of covered production space. A workforce of 1,000

The lightweight LF range was entirely designed, developed and engineered at Leyland Trucks, while the factory is also home to a unique in-house body-building programme. With Leyland Trucks delivering the highest quality products in the truck industry, the Lancashire-based manufacturer has contributed significantly towards DAF Trucks’ 26-year position as UK truck market leader above 6-tonnes GVW – last year standing at 32%.

FROM THE OFFICE OF

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Seamus Leheny Policy Manager - Northern Ireland. Logistics UK

2022: THE KEY FOCUSES 2021 was a vital year for Logistics with the ongoing skills shortage, decarbonisation and NI Protocol and Brexit challenges throughout. Logistics UK remained proactive in all of these areas, working with members and government to achieve the best solutions for all. And, as we begin 2022, I will reflect on these challenges that will continue to be a focus for Logistics UK. The ongoing skills shortage was a key focus throughout 2021 as it reached a critical level for various roles, such as HGV drivers. Factors such as COVID-19 and Brexit exacerbated the existing shortage, leading to the crisis that dominated media headlines throughout the year. However, the industry is adaptable, and Logistics UK worked with government to negotiate several short-term measures, such as working with the DVA on HGV driver testing and MOT’s to reduce the backlog caused by COVID-19. Throughout 2022, it will be vital to look at the long-term measures, including improving welfare facilities and the number of available HGV parking spaces, as these are currently a barrier to recruitment. Attracting new talent to industry is essential and at the same time we must continue to highlight and tackle the barriers to new workers into our industry such as high insurance costs, training costs and a historically negative image of the industry, as well as highlight the wide variety of industry roles to those new recruits who have never previously considered logistics as a career. Additionally, Logistics UK has been engaging with The Department for Economy here in Northern Ireland on an all-age apprenticeship that would be open to candidates regardless of age and be fully funded. This new scheme was due to be signed off by the Economy Minister by September of this year, but despite industry concerns at the delay, the department has yet to finalise the new apprenticeship scheme. Throughout this next year, Logistics UK will continue to focus on the skills shortage across the entire logistics industry, including warehouse staff and vehicle technicians as well as HGV drivers.

Decarbonisation Decarbonisation is another key challenge that

will continue to remain a focus for 2022. Industry has been looking to decarbonise for a number of years, and its efforts and progress are constantly increasing to meet key targets set by government, such as net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In July 2021, government released the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP), which outlined its strategy to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by that 2050 target. The TDP helps to provide logistics businesses with confidence and clarity on the steps they must take on the pathway to net zero and includes an intention to consult on a worldleading pledge to end the sale of all new, polluting road vehicles by 2040 and achieve net zero aviation and rail emissions by 2050. While these are ambitious deadlines, operators across industry are committed to achieving these, and Logistics UK will continue to work with members to ensure a smooth transition to net zero.

Net Zero Alongside this, Logistics UK has been taking action by implementing its Route to Net Zero campaign, aimed at encouraging members to commit to decarbonising their operations as effectively and urgently as possible. And, to help government and policymakers understand how they can help the logistics industry achieve government’s 2050 carbon neutral deadline, Logistics UK published its Route to Net Zero Manifesto for Logistics on 10 November 2021, COP 26’s Transport Day, detailing 11 key priorities for industry’s successful decarbonisation and to showcase what measures the sector is taking to meet the Net Zero challenge.

NI Protocol Much of 2021 was dominated by the outworking’s of Brexit here in Northern Ireland, namely the implementation of the NI Protocol on January 1st. With ongoing deadlines, extensions and negotiations, it was the logistics sector that was left to deal with the implications ensuring the economy kept moving. Indeed, it’s a credit to our industry that – despite some people saying that our sector would drop the ball and let supply chains crash – our industry rolled up its sleeves and got on with the job in hand. Since the NI protocol came into effect, and the subsequent negotiations and discussion on how it should be applied, our long-term economic stability feels like it has been set in suspended animation as we await the fate either agreed by the UK and EU, or subsequent unilateral action that leaves more questions than answers. At the time of writing this, Lord Frost has resigned as Brexit Secretary and 2022 promises to have more negotiations until we finally start to see what we are left to deal with in terms of managing supply chains here in NI. Logistics UK will continue to be at the table with senior UK and EU officials and politicians in the months ahead, ensuring our sector is represented. To give industry the certainty, stability and clarity our economy needs, it is vital a negotiated outcome that suits all sides as best as possible is achieved.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

New Advancer Hybrid Trailer Units from Thermo King Thermo King has unveiled the new Advancer Hybrid refrigeration units, the latest addition to the Advancer A-Series trailer range. The Advancer Hybrid technology is now available across the full Advancer range: A-360, A-400, A-500, and the A-500 Whisper Pro. Seamlessly switching between the primary electric operating mode to engine power when needed, the Advancer Hybrid units combine Thermo King’s high-performance trailer refrigeration with Frigoblock electric technology. The result translates into enhanced sustainability performance and operational efficiencies for transporters across both their long-haul and inner-city operations. “Advancer Hybrid is designed to give our customers maximum choice and flexibility when it comes to meeting their sustainability commitments,” said Colm O’Grady, Product Leader Trailer at Thermo King. “Thermo King Hybrid technology has already been successfully used to reduce emissions of truck and trailer operations in urban areas and low emission zones. Today, enabling the Hybrid technology on Advancer units, our customers continue to get the best of both worlds. They benefit from highly sustainable, unmatched performance

and fuel-efficiency in long-haul runs and always-compliant inner-city deliveries.” Featuring connectivity and telematics as standard, the unit is using geo-fencing to automatically switch into Hybrid electric mode when entering

a pre-defined zone. This allows the fleet managers to operate unrestricted day and night schedules with the peace of mind that the unit complies with the regulations in the given area. When paired with the Advancer A-500 Whisper Pro, even when the unit’s diesel engine is operating, the system operates with sound level below the PIEK enforced 60dB (A) standard and allows access to the most noise restricted inner-city zones. For fleet managers, the Advancer Hybrid enables greater utility and efficiency of operation, which in turn opens new commercial and operational opportunities. Drivers benefit from the automatic and smooth transition from one drive technology to the other, guaranteeing that their Transport Refrigeration Unit is always delivering the refrigeration performance needed for their application. The Thermo King Hybrid technology also delivers a range of impressive operational benefits. Companies with demanding distribution operations can save over 50% of fuel cost per year and benefit from the associated CO2 savings. Advancer Hybrid is also compatible with alternative tractor energy sources like HVO and LNG. By cutting engine operating hours and relying more on electric power, the technology helps keep the refrigeration unit in prime condition for longer- a value extended further by the associated reduction in maintenance stops and a measurable improvement in the equipment’s lifespan.

Palletline’s Ken Bell Scoops Prestigious Health & Safety Award A successful campaign to drive down workplace accidents and workrelated stress by instilling a culture of health and safety awareness among colleagues has earned Palletline’s Ken Bell a prestigious national award. Ken, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager at Palletline, was named the Health and Safety Manager of the Year in the Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Now celebrating 15 years at Palletline Ken made it his business from day one to familiarise himself with the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of every employee, giving him a deeper insight into hazards and risks in every area of the company operation. Such diligence has been a large contributory factor to Palletline’s enviable RIDDOR record (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) with well over 1,000 incident-free days on Ken’s watch – including 300 this year alone the company has also achieved ISO 9001, 14001,

45001 and 50001 accreditations with no non-conformances. Audits are regularly conducted amongst the member network to ensure member compliance with Palletline’s health and safety policies. Ken himself is also a qualified health and safety auditor to 45001. Internally Ken actively instigates discussion and conversation among colleagues ensuring health and safety always remains top of mind, and so staff appreciate its importance and the reasoning behind it. Mental health welfare also remains a priority for Ken. He has introduced mental health first aid courses at Palletline as well as a champion system, ensuring workers on shift have a dedicated, trained colleague to turn to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Since these measures were introduced, staff absenteeism through work-related stress has been completely eliminated from Palletline. Ken Bell

At the height of Covid, when Ken was volunteering to work up to 20 hours a day, he quickly implemented a series of safety measures, including PPE, temperature checks, use of wipes, and lateral flow testing at Palletline’s own expense, long before their widespread use. As a result, not one single case of Covid was reported after 1.200 tests – despite 350 drivers arriving every day at the hub from around the UK.

of Pallet Networks (APN).

Under Ken’s leadership, Palletline has not only become an industry leader in health and safety he also shares his unique skill set with members of the Association

Graham Leitch, Managing Director of Palletline, said: “Ken is the ultimate health and safety professional and thoroughly deserving of this award. He has always gone above and beyond in every area of health and safety, leaving no stone unturned. He consistently demonstrates professionalism and a genuine desire to reduce risk, ensuring the safety and welfare of each and every one of his colleagues throughout the business and our member network. He is a true asset to Palletline.”

www.exportandfreight.com

EXPORT&FREIGHT

FROM THE OFFICE OF

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Gary Barnes Chairman CILT Northern Ireland

RED DIESEL INNOVATION FUND Red diesel is also known as rebated fuel, 35-second oil, medium diesel, tractor diesel, marine diesel, generator diesel, DERV, gas oil, BS 2869, or cherry red or just the standard Red. Different names and terms for the same thing so what’s the big deal? asks Gary Barnes, Chairman CILT Northern Ireland. Well the first thing would be the colour which we all know is just a dye and a few other chemicals thrown in. The outcome a fuel that stains the inside of the engine, fuel lines etc. but won’t cost you as much due to its lower rate of fuel duty. Why the lower rate? Well in short the taxes you pay for your standard White diesel should be going towards keeping our fantastic road network up to the amazing standards that we all love and drive on every day (yea right) With Red Dieselis supposed to be being used primarily for off road vehicles the tax rate is significantly reduced. Some people on the other hand still think its ok to use Red in their vehicles for everyday use (watch out for the dippers) not a great idea, and this could a small part of the reason for Red now being started to be phased out. As some of you may or may not know from April 2022 the Chancellor has announced the partial removal of the entitlement to use Red Diesel and Re-Bated Biofuels What does this mean to you and me? No more red and more cost (Well at least possibly a slow phase out). This also is not going to be slow phase out of red and there is to be no grace period either, all machinery will need to be well flushed out to ensure no

trace of red is left as HMRC and leniency don’t go hand in hand. Red Diesel pretty much accounts for up to 15% of all diesel that is used in the UK each year a small but quite significant amount for our industries, that 15% now has to be replaced with the more expensive White Diesel and who has to pay the extra cost for the White?? Us. For many companies across a multitude of industries not forgetting the stand alone farmers, builders etc. this will be a huge increase in monthly/yearly costs, plus for companies like the one work for the added cost of storage and extra security for storing White Diesel on site. The storage of White Diesel on work premises could be a not so honest persons dream, plus plant machinery, fridges etc. siting in laybys, building sites, gardens etc. full of lovely road legal White Diesel you might as well put a big red light above them saying “DRAIN MY TANK.” There is however going to be exemptions for farmers and horticulture use so farmers using red for a tractor or a council cutting hedges can still use red diesel. The companies going to be hit the hardest are going to be those running fridge units to transport food produce and no exemptions for these. Although fridge units from ROI/EU can continue to use green diesel (their version of red) in NI and GB as long as user has

proof of purchase of the green diesel in ROI and they are based there. I would expect a lot of NI operators who have depots in NI and ROI to avail of that opportunity

Wider Implications Also what could the wider implications of this be? Could we end up seeing a substantial increase in fuel laundering/ smuggling? The waste product from laundering brings its own problems an extremely toxic sludge that is normally just dumped, who foots the bill for cleaning this up? Will people now look at alternative ways of avoiding paying the extra tax on White Diesel, of course they will. How will they do this? Well that would be telling, and I wouldn’t want to get into trouble with Customs & Excise!! What alternatives do we currently have fuel wise? Hydrogen – Still in the very early stages of being refined and a long way off from being readily available for our industries. Electric vehicles – From my own experience on the commercial side not great, low range, long charging times, not enough charging infrastructure, expensive etc etc Gas powered vehicles – Again for our types of industries probably still not at a level that we require. Other alternative fuels are available but again not really up to the

required standards that we would need, plus a huge investment would need to be made by companies transferring to use any alternative fuels between buying new vehicle’s / machinery or converting current vehicles.

Trusted User Scheme In the short term there may be a scheme for the end user to be able to claim some of the difference in the price of Red and White back but I believe this is still being ironed out. Perhaps one solution could be to have a Trusted User Scheme where you can show how much Red Diesel you used in the previous year and you get a certain percentage of tax relief on the White Diesel purchased to replace the Red Diesel? But unfortunately at least until a decent and fair process is put on the table it’s all of us who are going to have to stump up the extra cash in what is already very hard financial times. I do agree that this is in principal a good move to try help reduce Greenhouse gasses and reduce Global Warming, but at what cost to all of our industries, when no other greener fuels are currently available to the required standard? Who knows what the future holds and what alternative fuels will meet all of our requirements for us all to carry on doing what we all love in the world of EXPORT & FREIGHT. *Gary Barnes CMILT is Transport Operations Manager / DGSA @ Balloo Hire Centres & Chairman CILT Northern Ireland. The views expressed in this article are his own and not official CILT / Balloo Hire policy.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

RENAULT TRUCKS REFLECT ON CHALLENGING NEW YEAR AHEAD Renault Trucks in the UK & Ireland have been reflecting on the past 24 months and the new year ahead at a special luncheon held in London and attended by press and media representatives, including Export & Freight. Managing Director Carlos Rodrigues told the gathering that while the past two years have been full of challenges, he believes it is nothing in comparison to the changes which our industry will face in the coming years. “Our customers are now preparing to become at a point in time carbon neutral – this implies massive investments in the infrastructure, the truck is the easy part, and we are ready to decarbonize road freight on at least 50% of the operations,” he said, adding: “By 2030, 35% of our vehicle sales will be electric in line with the group interim science base targets, and in addition, new competences, both on the sales and aftersales side, will be required, opening up great opportunities for more diversity and more female in the industry.” The past two years, he reflected, had seen dramatic changes in many ways and commented: “As a brand we are no doubt stronger than before the pandemic started.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Our overall performance in all business lines is now above 2019 and pre-pandemic levels. “Our strategic agenda is centered around sustainability and electric mobility, with a net-zero commitment, while our dealer network investments have been very strong to increase Renault Trucks’ footprint. “In Europe as well the strategic decision to bring back separate market companies is paying off and market share is increasing. In short Renault Trucks in the UK and Ireland is growing at the right pace to support its customers in the right way.”

New Truck Sales On new truck sales, James Charnock, Commercial Trucks and Services Director, had this to say: “I think it is fair to say that it has been a great year for Renault Trucks. For the period January-November 2021 our UK Heavy Duty market share has increased to 7% and although we have indeed seen an increase in our tractor

James Charnock, Commercial Trucks & Services Director Renault Trucks UK.

unit sales and market share, what is more pleasing is that we also have year on year market share growth in 2, 3 and 4 axle heavy duty rigids demonstrating that Renault Trucks is a serious option for customers in distribution, construction and long haul. “In Ireland, our market share is consistently in double figures and over the same period currently stands at 11.3%.

TRUCK NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV Renault Trucks UK.

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director Renault Trucks UK.

“I think you will all agree though, it has been a difficult period for our customers. They have had to deal with the uncertainties of Brexit, then the impact of Covid and are now having to work around the long lead times affecting the supply of New Trucks. It has been and remains a challenging time for many in our industry but here at Renault Trucks, and with the support of our dealer network, we have worked closely with our customers throughout these challenges and will continue to do so.” He also revealed that in September 2022 Renault’s Range T, T High, C & K trucks will all be fitted with the new DE11 and DE13 engines delivering improved combustion and improved efficiency. “Customers also have the option to take advantage of our turbo compound technology to create a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine. This in addition to a new generation Optidriver gearbox and a Smart Torque Control Solution that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to the current generation of Renault Trucks engines.”

LCV Sales On sales of LVCs, Grahame Neagus, LVC & Municipal Manager, said that despite the headwinds of the last couple of years, Renault Trucks have continued to grow its LCV business considerably, using the proven success of the strategy developed in 2017. “2021 has seen unprecedented growth of orders being placed and for the first-time volumes of orders are in excess of 4000 units with an anticipated production build in 2022 of between 4100 and 4700 units, a record high for

Renault Trucks! These orders have been taken across all of our key sectors of Construction, Logistics, Utilities, People transportation, Refrigeration and our ever-growing Municipal business and with over 90% of those assets delivered, receiving some form of conversion and or body work required. Our market share in this large market is now just under 3% with a desire to see this above 3% in 2022.”

Used Trucks Meanwhile, Peter Tye, Used Trucks & Rental Director, said it has been another good year for the Used Trucks by Renault Trucks business, despite shortage of supply across the whole industry. “We have sold circa 1200 trucks for the 6th year in a row, with 70% of business through our Retail and Dealer channel where we have prioritised this channel to satisfy demand. In the past this has been 50% and has been our strategy to grow to 70%. “As well as our normal route of buybacks and part exchanges we have also purchased direct in what we call ‘Purchase to sell’ transactions to help with supply. We expect current trends to continue in terms of supply particularly in early 2022, but still predict across the whole year to sell similar numbers,” he said, adding, “We are finding customers are prepared to take older and higher mileage trucks.”

Electric Mobility On electric mobility, Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility & Product Management, said: “Renault Trucks were the pioneers in the field

of electric mobility when we brought our first 26t chassis to the UK in June 2020. So, what has happened since then, and how closer to ‘normal’ are electric commercial vehicles today? “Renault Trucks UK continues to set the lead in electric mobility, in terms of product development, ambition and the company’s own actions. We have committed that our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions will be reduced to net zero by 2030 (for Renault Trucks UK and Ireland operations, including those of our dealers) and we are fully engaged in Volvo Group’s science-based targets to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, with all of our vehicles fossil-free at least ten years sooner.”

Aftermarket Speaking about the manufacturer’s aftermarket performance, Derek Leech, Service Market & Retail Development Director, commented: “The previous 18 months have been a challenge for all of us, but our network has managed to remain open throughout whilst still delivering first class customer experience. The commitment shown by all our dealers has been inspiring and they have remained determined and focussed despite the many challenges they have faced. “The worldwide shortage of raw commodities has also been challenging, but again despite this we have managed to maintain excellent parts availability ensuring that our customers have not been impacted, and overall our network has expanded to 72 dealers, with the introduction of new repairers and significant investment from our current partners and our wholly owned dealer RTC.”

EXPORT&FREIGHT

PHOTO COMPETITION

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

TOP PRIZE: Alistair Tennant, Walter Dandie & Sons

SDC TRAILERS ‘LOVE THE LORRY’ WINNERS ARE REVEALED Congratulations to Alastair Tennant who is the winner of SDC Trailers ‘Love the Lorry’ photo competition. Alastair shared this stunning photo of his Walter Dandie& Sons 45ft SDC Flatbed trailer transporting rounds bales with their R490 Scania and added that the trailers are “well-built and reliable” for their straw, fertiliser, and general haulage operations.

Paul Bratton, SDC’s Group President said, “We had some fantastic entries showcasing the many sectors in which road haulage plays a vital role, delivering everything from breeze blocks to Christmas socks with their SDC Trailers.” TOP PRIZE: SDC 1.50 Scale truck model, jacket and goodie bag: Alistair Tennant, Walter Dandie & Sons

RUNNERS UP: Branded SDC Trailers jacket Andy Davies, A Davies Transport Adam Downey, Farralls Transport Jamie Spargo, D Steven & Son Claire Hegarty, Sean Hegarty & Sons Neil Porter, Robert Porter

The family agri-business run multiple Contract Farming Agreements in the West Lothian area, allowing customers to complete work in house, having full control of their workloads and timescales and ensuring operations are carried out in professional and cost-effective manner. SDC ran the photo competition to celebrate National Lorry Week and the vital services carried out by the transport and logistics sector.

Jamie Spargo, D Steven & Son

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Andy Davies, A Davies Transport

Adam Downey, Farralls Transport

Claire Hegarty, Sean Hegarty & Sons

Neil Porter, Robert Porter

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

BREXIT, ONE YEAR ON: ASSESSING THE COSTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS BY ANN MCGREGOR, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The last 12 months have brought substantive changes for exporters and a recent report published by NI Chamber and Invest NI has brought into sharp focus the serious issues they are facing with regards to supply chain difficulties and additional paper-work. The ‘Brexit One Year On’ report found that since the end of the transition period, 84% of businesses in Northern Ireland are dealing with increased costs, with 89% reporting increases in the time it takes to transport goods to or from overseas. Nine in ten of the region’s exporting firms have experienced supply chain issues including rising shipping costs, delivery delays and problems with product availability.

This region is not alone in facing trade disruption from the new trading arrangements. In fact, many UK businesses are facing similar constraints, particularly in terms of transport delays.

Two in three have experienced increased paperwork, while two in five have faced HGV driver shortages. Northern Ireland businesses have also reported higher shipping container costs compared to other UK based traders.

According to the survey, most businesses (85%) have evaluated their supply chain risk and some 59% have changed supply routes. Almost one in four have brought some or all of their supply chain back to Northern Ireland suppliers.

However, the findings suggest that the cost pressures that have been placed on local businesses are more acute, which potentially places them at a competitive disadvantage.

Knowledge of Trade Agreements It’s clear that there is a lack of awareness from UK businesses about the Northern Ireland Protocol – only 12% of businesses in the UK as a whole know it in detail. Almost all of the NI businesses who responded to this survey know some detail about it, while 50% of local firms say they know it in a lot of detail. This clearly highlights the need for education of GB businesses to support how they trade with their Northern Ireland counterparts. There is also a general need to raise awareness and engage much more proactively with businesses in Northern Ireland around all aspects of world trade agreements.

Growth plans Most survey respondents said they had plans to grow their business, largely within the home market (UK) and the Republic of Ireland/ Rest of EU. Around half of exporters have concrete plans to grow in NI/GB markets (46%) and 42% in Republic of Ireland/GB markets. One in five also have concrete plans to grow sales in global non-EU markets. Despite the significant challenges, this report provides further illustration of the potentially huge benefits of dual-market access. The survey findings indicate that Northern Ireland companies have much more concrete plans to grow both domestically and internationally, when compared to the UK average. While 42% of NI businesses have plans to grow in EU markets, this figure is considerably lower for UK businesses in total, at 17%.

Opportunity One of the biggest challenges to realising the potential benefits is uncertainty around the Northern Ireland Protocol – businesses cannot trade with uncertainty. Our exporters need clarity around the Protocol, less paperwork to trade and better access to skills. If policy makers can resolve these issues quickly and in partnership with business, Northern Ireland finds itself at the starting blocks of a unique opportunity at a time when we really need it. Ann McGregor, NI Chamber and Steve Harper, Invest NI.

To read a full copy of the ‘Brexit One Year On’ report, please visit the NI Chamber website.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

PREMIUM

TURE ADVEENRIE NCE EXP

• CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING • 16 SEATER SAFARI TRUCK RUN • ZIPLINE • ARCHERY

• GIANT SWING • DROPZONE • BLINDFOLD DRIVING • BIG YELLA SLIDE • CLIMBING WALL • LAST ONE STANDING

MASTERS

NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES

THURSDAY 2ND JUNE

TODD’S LEAP

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT HELEN BEGGS OR PHIL EAGLESTONE ON 028 9268 8888

2022 Thursday 2nd June

The Faldo Championship Golf Course at Lough Erne Resort

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT HELEN OR GARFIELD ON 028 9268 8888

FORKLIFT TRUCKS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

DIESEL STILL RULES, BUT FORKLIFT TRUCKS MARKET MOVING TOWARDS ELECTRIC POWERED MACHINES The forklift truck market is undoubtedly rapidly changing, with electric powered machines set to overtake diesel and LPG power in the coming years, not least because of environmental issues and rising fuel prices. Historically, the forklift market has been split roughly 60-40 between LPG or dieselpowered and battery-powered electric models, but there’s a definite move towards electric. Toyota Material Handling, for example, expects the UK market for electric counterbalanced forklift trucks to grow by as

EXPORT&FREIGHT

much as 10 per cent in the next five years. All the big manufacturers and suppliers are introducing their own electric models into a marketplace that is both busy and diverse, with applications ranging from transport, cold stores and warehousing to manufacturing, retail and supermarkets.

The range of available trucks is rapidly growing, too – from hand pallet trucks, reach trucks and order pickers to narrow aisle machines and stackers. It can be a minefield when choosing which represents the best material handling solution for your needs. Over the next few pages, Export & Freight brings you some of the latest technological developments and new product launches from this ever expanding sector…

Truck Mounted Forklift Range

www.northernlifttrucks.co.uk

INVE IN TH BEST

1 Flush Park, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, BT28 2DX 673111 Discover our Truck Mounted Forklift range02892 available sales@northernlifttrucks.co.uk https://www.manitou.com/en-GB/our-machines/truck-mounted-forklifts 12579 Forklift ad Sept 2021.indd 1

16/09/2021 10:19

FORKLIFT TRUCKS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

New warehouse truck safety device slashes product damage An innovative new safety device that dramatically reduces damage to stored goods, lift trucks, warehouse or distribution centre building infrastructure and storage systems is now available on Flexi Truck products. The Smart Stop ‘touch sensitive’ in-aisle sensing system causes a Flexi Truck articulated very narrow aisle lift truck’s digital drive system to lock out should the truck touch a pallet load or rack while turning in an aisle.

articulated warehouse trucks. Quickly and easily fitted to a truck’s left- and right-sided flanks, Smart Stop technology interfaces with the Flexi Truck’s digital ‘brain’, which controls all drive, hydraulic and steering functions.

Once shut down by Smart Stop, the Flexi Truck can only be restarted when the driver has reported details of the incident to his or her designated line manager. Because the operator cannot override this functionality, a product or rack impact incident must be logged and dealt with immediately.

One of the early adopters of Smart Stop is online garden supplies retailer, Primrose. Earlier this year, the company upgraded the materials handling fleet at its Sharpness, Gloucestershire, high-bay fulfillment centre with a new fleet of Flexi Truck 12 metre articulated forklift trucks featuring Smart Stop.

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, comments: “Alongside overloading racking beyond its capacity, lifting equipment abuse is the leading cause of rack system failure. Often, what appears to be a relatively minor incident can inflict significant long-term structural damage to racking. This can ultimately lead to rack collapse if the problem is not noticed before the next scheduled rack inspection.

Mike Costello, Primrose’s Head of Operations at Sharpness, says: “In the time since the new Flexi Trucks with Smart Stop have been in service at our Sharpness facility, incidents of rack damage have been completely eliminated and costs incurred by carrying out rack or truck repairs reduced to zero.”

“By deactivating and disabling a Flexi Truck that comes into contact with an object, such as a pallet load, racking or rack guards within the storage aisle, Smart Stop makes it impossible for an incident to go unreported.” The Flexi Truck Smart Stop system is offered for use with the latest Flexi ‘Digital’ range of

He continues: “While rack repairs are costly and also have a negative impact on productivity, we know that some of the more serious safety problems within warehouses occur when truck operators fail to pass on details of collisions with racking or storage systems. “If damage goes unnoticed there is a chance that a more significant safety issue will occur. The Flexi Smart Stop in-aisle sensor system

means that there is absolutely no chance of aisle impact being overlooked within our operation.” John Maguire adds: “Not only does Smart Stop slash the type of damage to racking and products which can cost companies many thousands of pounds each year, it also simplifies the operator’s role by taking away the stress of causing damage whilst driving in aisle and also the need to report an accident. With the logistics industry finding it hard to attract lift truck operators, it is important to make the driver’s job as easy and stress-free as possible. “The unique digital steering Flexi Truck was already one of the most straightforward trucks to operate on the market and now the availability of Smart Stop makes a highly driver-friendly lift truck even easier and safer to work with.”

EDiA XL: The electric truck that does it all Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has launched a game-changing addition to its award-winning EDiA range Changes to fuel subsidies, enhancements in battery technology and increasingly stringent emissions regulations mean electric trucks are becoming the new favourite – even in industries where diesel was once considered indispensable.

Four Wheel Steering enables a 100-degree lock delivering the smallest turning circle on the market – perfect for working in tight spaces. There’s no challenge the EDiA XL can’t overcome.” Operator comfort has been placed front and centre with EDiA XL. With its ergonomic, adjustable seat, and its range of advanced control options, EDiA XL helps operators stay productive. Not least because noise levels inside the cabin are extremely low at just 65dB, and microvibrations are minimal thanks to the rubber-mounted cabin.

Built with a wealth of unique and innovative features, EDiA XL is the perfect alternative to IC engine trucks, having been designed to outperform not only its electric rivals, but also any diesel forklift. Stewart Gosling of RDD, the exclusive UK importer for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, explains: “The new EDiA XL will do everything a diesel can do… only better. It is the first electric to fully overcome every issue that may have stopped some owners of IC engine trucks from making the switch to electric.” Available in 4-5 tonne models, EDiA XL will handle heavyduty applications with ease. “In the past many industries

EXPORT&FREIGHT

favoured diesel for its brute strength, but electric forklifts like EDiA XL offer power like never before,” adds Stewart. Take for example, the AutoBoost feature. This kicks in automatically to provide torque and acceleration boosts where and when they’re needed, like on ramps and steep inclines, so power drops

are a thing of the past. Even harsh environments are no match for EDiA XL. Its Electric Differential Lock feature gives the truck better traction and control both indoors and out. “EDiA XL is an exceptionally intuitive forklift,” says Stewart. “Handling is smooth and precise, high lifts are rock-steady, while

Stewart adds: “The placement and design of the mast means operators have unparalleled visibility while working in a comfortable, stress-free environment, giving them the confidence to work efficiently and safely. Every detail has been considered in the EDiA XL. It really does set a new standard for forklift trucks.”

FORKLIFT TRUCKS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

VICTORIA PLUM INVEST IN NEW TOYOTA FORKLIFT FLEET Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum has optimised its intralogistics processes by investing in a new fleet of more than 50 electric-powered Toyota lift trucks. Including state-of-the-art reach and counterbalance models as well as powered pallet trucks and order pickers, the trucks will be deployed at the company’s 277,000 sq ft distribution centre in Doncaster.

The new forklift fleet will be supplied on a contract rental

Receiving this data from connected vehicles will give Victoria Plum’s distribution centre management team a better understanding of their intralogistics operation and the power to take more control over it. As part of the agreement, Toyota will supply a battery changing station along with spare batteries and a battery management system to ensure that the fleet consistently delivers the most energy efficient and productive performance levels.

During extensive trials Victoria Plum looked for equipment that would cut running costs, improve fleet utilisation and, most importantly, achieve high levels of safety and lift truck operator comfort. Victoria Plum’s operations director, Andy Svenson, said: “As a business, Victoria Plum is fully committed to keeping its workers and the workplace safe. We have implemented various programmes aimed at preventing accidents, encouraging safe behaviour and promoting wellbeing amongst our staff. Forklift truck safety is therefore a priority across our Doncaster distribution centre.”

of transmitting valuable data regarding a forklift’s performance to a central information hub. If required, I_Site can also provide data on a truck operator’s efficiency.

Andy Svenson added: “Establishing a robust forklift battery management regime will prolong battery lifetimes and help us avoid the cost of buying additional batteries during the contract period.” agreement that includes service and maintenance support. In addition, regular review meetings will be held to consider any improvements to processes or changes to the make-up of the fleet as well as the way trucks are deployed at the Doncaster site. This will highlight any aspects of Victoria Plum’s materials handling operation

that could be further enhanced. Data for each review will be provided by Toyota’s I_Site technology, which is a feature of Victoria Plum’s new machines. I_Site is designed to optimise the performance of every size and type of forklift fleet. The technology enables trucks to become communications devices capable

Toyota’s Marc Nicholson commented: “Victoria Plum recorded a record 46 per cent increase in sales to £103m for the year to February 2021 and the business continues to expand at pace. In order to manage this rapid growth an efficient materials handling fleet is essential, so we are delighted that Victoria Plum has chosen Toyota as its trusted partner.”

Make the shift to electric Outstanding performance with zero emissions

• Indoor and outdoor heavy duty applications • Low energy consumption and fast opportunity charging • Intelligent energy lithium-ion options • Reduced maintenance • Improved safety with SAS and I_Site technology For more information

Call 028 9081 2864 Toyota Traigo80 New Truck Advert 145x210mm.AW.indd 1

10/11/2021 15:51

EXPORT&FREIGHT

REFUSE COLLECTION

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

REFUSE COLLECTIONS ARE ‘AS EASY AS ABC’ WITH FARID HILLEND ENGINEERING-BODIED MERCEDES-BENZ ECONICS Impressive reliability combined with positive feedback from crews and customer-focused parts back-up all help to explain why waste and recycling managers at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to be running another six Mercedes-Benz refuse collection vehicles. The 26-tonne Econics were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van, of Newtownabbey. It worked closely on the successful tender with primary contractor Castlereagh Motors, which represents specialist bodybuilder Farid Hillend Engineering in Northern Ireland. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

EXPORT&FREIGHT

– or ABC Council as it is commonly known – was established in 2015 and is Northern Ireland’s second largest local authority by population and economic activity. Its latest 6x2 Econics have rear steer axles for enhanced manoeuvrability on residential streets. As 2630 L variants they are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 220 kW (299 hp) and are paired with six-speed automatic Allison gearboxes. Their Powertrak compaction bodies, meanwhile, have 21m3 capacities and are fitted with Zoeller Delta high level bin lifts.

REFUSE COLLECTION

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM The trucks’ introduction coincided with the launch of a new service for the residents of Armagh. Collections of recyclables in kerbside boxes and food caddies were previously outsourced to an external supplier. This arrangement had been in place for nearly 20 years, but came to an end in November following a public consultation that saw 85% of respondents opt for the wheeled bins already used in other areas. Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty explained: “We’ve effectively harmonised the system by bringing the Armagh collections in-house. The result is a single, standardised, council-managed service, with the efficiencies this implies, for all residents across the borough.” To deliver this extended service Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been growing its refuse and recycling fleet, which now extends to more than 70 trucks of various sizes and marques. All are inspected and maintained at its purpose-built workshop on the Carn Industrial Estate, Portadown. These vehicles make fortnightly collections of dry recyclables in green bins and organic waste in brown bins, and, on alternate weeks, the residue in black bins. Of all the waste it collects, 54% is currently recycled but the authority is focused on improving this rate by reducing contaminations – a recent campaign urged households not to put items such as foil, aerosols, and shampoo and bleach bottles into the general rubbish. The authority’s fleet already included a number of Mercedes-Benz Econics that were supplied by MBNI Truck & Van five years ago. Workshop Manager Simon Smyth confirmed: “In terms of uptime those vehicles have been excellent. They’ve given us very few problems, while the parts delivery service we receive from the team at the Dealer’s Dungannon branch is first class.” He added: “The Mercedes-Benz is also liked by a lot of our crews. It’s exceptionally well built, easy to access and comfortable, thanks to its spacious, air-conditioned cab and full air suspension.” The Econic affords drivers an unrivalled view. The truck attracts the maximum

Pictured with two of their new Mercedes-Benz Econics, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Waste Development Manager Lisa Doherty, Operations Manager John Farrell, left, and Workshop Manager Simon Smyth are all playing their parts as the authority strives to further improve its recycling rates.

five stars from Transport for London’s Direct Vision scheme, thanks to its deep, panoramic windscreen, and the full-height, glazed folding side door specified by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This, coupled with the low seating position, allows drivers to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians at junctions or in traffic queues. The Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking aid is also standard equipment. Active Brake Assist 5 can detect vehicles ahead and stationary objects in its own lane, at speeds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h). Detection of a dangerous situation triggers a three-stage reaction: first, the system warns the driver with visual and audible alerts; then, if the driver fails to react, it applies partial (approximately 50%) braking; finally, if the driver has still not intervened, it initiates maximum braking to bring the truck to a halt, activating the hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind. The new sensor fusion has dramatically

improved response to moving pedestrians at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of applying full braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking ahead. Not only does this remarkable technology increase safety for vulnerable road users and vehicle crews, but it also helps to relieve stress for drivers. Meanwhile, the electronic architecture required for operation of Active Brake Assist 5 means Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s new Econics benefit from Electronic Parking Brakes too. The EPB is applied automatically when the engine is switched off. When the truck is at a standstill after emergency braking, the automatic HOLD function also prevents it from rolling away. Farid Hillend Engineering added to the vehicles’ comprehensive safety armouries by fitting Backeye®360 camera systems.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Seasonal road transport demand makes safety even more important - FORS FORS is reminding members to put best practice at the very front of mind, as increased seasonal traffic volume and inclement weather increase safety risks on UK roads. FORS voluntary accreditation has some 4,900 members across the UK and Europe, representing commercial vehicles of all types, from taxis and vans to buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles. FORS is urging these members to plan ahead for the busier and colder months and ensure vehicles and drivers are ready for winter.

meet the vehicle safety equipment requirements of the FORS Standard. The FORS Vehicle Safety Equipment Guide is also downloadable from the FORS website and is designed to ensure members vehicles are fitted with the correct safety equipment as required at each stage of FORS accreditation, Bronze, Silver or Gold. It provides guidance on which equipment should be used, advice on the specification that this equipment should meet and who can provide this equipment.

John Hix, FORS Director says, “FORS members receive robust training - for both drivers and management - throughout all stages of our progressive model to ensure safety is paramount. We also provide a range of additional online resources to reinforce this learning, and we are encouraging members to take advantage of these materials, to remind the road transport workforce of the dangers of winter driving.” The FORS Winter Driving Guide is one such document. The guide, which can be downloaded from the FORS website, lists key safety tips for drivers during the winter period, to draw attention to the challenges of inclement weather. It includes tips to help drivers

mitigate against adverse changeable weather, with forward planning being the first step. The guide suggests drivers plan their route, seek up-to-date travel information and complete additional safety checks prior to any journey, along

with advice on which equipment to carry and suitable clothing. As well as preparation, the guide includes tips on how to drive in snow and ice, heavy rain, strong winds, flooded areas, and fog and is designed to help FORS members

John Hix says, “FORS central mandate is to offer guidance, support and tools to help keep our workforce safe and reduce risks to vulnerable road users. At this busy time we hope our members will use these resources to keep safety at the very front of mind, to help improve safety on our roads for all.” The FORS Winter Safety Guide and the Vehicle Safety Equipment Guide can be downloaded from the FORS website here. https://www. fors-online.org.uk/cms/toolkits/

Continental set to expand training capabilities for 2022 Continental Tyres is further growing its in-house ‘ContiAcademy’ training centre following an increase in demand for courses this year. Situated in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, the ContiAcademy will benefit from a larger and newly refurbished classroom and additional breakout room to accommodate larger groups in accordance with COVID-safety measures.

recently, the Health & Safety Executive.

A busy 12 months for the ContiAcademy has seen its team deliver more than 100 training sessions through a combination of on-site, virtual and hybrid delivery methods. Courses range from fitting and maintenance to tyre life management, health and safety and wheel security.

“We’ve seeing exceptional demand for our training courses,” explains Gwyn Fennell, Technical Service and Training Manager at Continental. “We’re making some necessary changes to our facilities to enable us to continue to deliver our training at the very highest standard. By increasing our teaching space, we can return to pre-pandemic class sizes, while maintaining the same personal approach that’s vital for safety-based training.”

To help meet any specific customer needs, the ContiAcadamy can also design and deliver bespoke training courses that cover a broad range of applications. The academy caters for a wide range of companies, including tyre fitters, fleet operators and, most

Customers have exhibited strong demand for the REACT roadside training and Tyre Professional Development Scheme courses. Both are delivered in partnership with the National Tyre Distributor Association. The ContiAcademy is also increasing its training provision alongside

EXPORT&FREIGHT

the Institute of the Motor Industry with the launch of a Tyre Forensic course next year. “We continuously review our training programmes and look to the industry to identify new courses that could be of benefit to customers,” Gwyn adds. “The past year has also shown us that there is a desire for hybrid and virtual classroom training to remain available, as it provides a considerable timebased cost saving for many of our clients. The ContiAcadamy will, of course, continue to offer in-person classroom training sessions, as well as practical sessions on relevant courses.”

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Thousands Suffering from Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder (SADD) Analysis of more than 3,000 business drivers using RED Driver Risk Management’s Wellbeing Profiler has shown they suffer from more anxiety, stress, tiredness and mental health issues between November and February than at any other time of the year. In what RED has dubbed ‘Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder’ (SADD), the phenomenon affects all types of business drivers, whether they are in a company car, delivery van or HGV, and results in the potential for higher risk and lower productivity.

“Anybody who drives a lot knows that it can be especially tough during the winter. From the moment you get out of bed in the dark and have to scrape the ice off in the cold, we know that business motoring in the winter months is hard work.

The combination of dark mornings and nights, winter weather and harder driving conditions, plus an increase in stress levels as the festive season approaches, is a factor in the marked spike in mental health issues during this period, RED believes.

“But this is the first time we have been able to definitively get a picture of the scale of it, through analysis of our Wellbeing data. It showed that around one in 10 business drivers suffer from some form of SADD-related issue during the winter months. That is a lot of employees who are struggling, and need help.”

RED Driver Risk Management’s research shows a clear pattern, with a fifth of drivers (20%) claiming to feel tired during the winter months, and for some the issue is worse still, with 12% claiming to be ‘exhausted’ and 10% say they experience anxiety during the darker days too. The reporting also looks at employee attitudes and engagement in winter, and there is a significant shift in this area as well: an 8% drop in the number of employees feeling motivated, while the percentage of drivers feeling ‘very discouraged’ doubles and ‘enthusiasm’ wanes by nearly 10%. RED Driver Training’s CEO Ian McIntosh said: “We ask 79 different questions that look at areas such as tiredness, anxiety, employee engagement, mental clarity, decisiveness, self-esteem and lifestyle, and in every single metric, there is clear evidence that drivers struggle more in winter than other seasons.

Accident Rates This figure should also be seen in context of data from RoSPA which shows that collision rates increase by 19% in the fortnight after the clocks are turned back, and other winter-based emotional health factors. According to the NHS, the exact cause of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is not fully understood, but it is thought that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the production of melatonin, making you feel sleepy. Also, lower serotonin levels can affect mood, appetite and sleep, and shift the body’s internal clock out of kilter. “The fact that driving impacts more negatively on a person’s mental health during winter is another hurdle to overcome for those already experiencing tiredness or depression. Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder can

result in more sick days being taken, reduced productivity and, of course, is a real danger too, exacerbating the risk of accidents,” adds Ian. “For employees who really struggle with this, employers could do a number of things. They could try and reduce their mileage by doing more video-conferencing, or reschedule appointments so employees are not doing long drives in the morning or evening when the risks are higher.” Every time a driver completes a Wellbeing Profiler, they get a report together with specific advice, tips and suggestions on how they may improve their wellbeing, health and resiliency. Changes to the driver’s wellbeing is measured over time and these trends are also fed back, allowing the driver and the employer to manage their emotional and physical health in the longer term. “We measure overall resiliency and drivers’ scores improved on average by 19.72% after training, but more interestingly those that kept going and continued with the programme for more than four months, improved on average by an impressive 30.54%, meaning they were much more able to combat the feelings of fatigue, stress and anxiety,” said Ian. “Companies are far more aware of the need to support those employees struggling with mental health, and those tucked away in their cars and vans, often alone for hours on end every day, should not be forgotten,” he adds.

New Thermo King Service for Smarter and More Efficient Fleet Operations Thermo King has launched the TracKing SmartConfig, a new service part of the Connected Solutions remote temperature monitoring systems offering. The TracKing SmartConfig gives transporters a quick, easy and effective way to set up one or more refrigeration units and associated telematics to perform pre-programmed operations like pre-cooling, defrosting, running a pre-trip etc. The new service allows customers to eliminate repetitive, complex and error-prone tasks by creating command templates that can be triggered at a

specific time or location. “TracKing SmartConfig is our response to our customers’ feedback to make their job easier and more efficient by putting the data and connectivity to work,” said Raluca Radu, product manager Connected Solutions at Thermo King. “We believe the TracKing SmartConfig will be a gamechanger in how transport professionals, from planners,

fleet managers to drivers deal with the multiple and repetitive tasks associated with the refrigeration units. They can now use TracKing SmartConfig for one of for a fleet of hundreds of units, and benefit from better performances, efficiencies and cargo security regardless of the type of transported goods.” With Thermo King’s TracKing SmartConfig customers can among others:

• Gain efficiencies and reduce human error by scheduling recurrent activities such as pre-cooling, defrosting or running a pre-trip • Customize their cargo’s journey and receive event notifications based on location (geo-fence) and time, sent to specifically authorized people • Schedule end-of-trip reports for the customers • Send two-way commands to any number of units at specific times or locations.

www.exportandfreight.com EXPORT&FREIGHT

TYRE FEATURE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

BRIDGESTONE & MICHELIN DISCUSS RECOVERED CARBON BLACK’S SUSTAINABILITY ROLE Bridgestone Corporation and Michelin Group have delivered a shared perspective regarding material circularity and the ambition to increase the utilisation of recovered carbon black material in tyres; the joint presentation took place recently at the Smithers Recovered Carbon Black Conference in Amsterdam. An estimated one billion tyres around the world reach the end of their useful service life every year. Many of the technical challenges surrounding the use of recycled and recovered materials from end-of-life tyres are understood, but barriers remain towards achieving material circularity at the scale necessary to realise a more sustainable mobility ecosystem. Today, less than one percent of all carbon black material used globally in new tyre production comes from recycled end-of-life tyres due to a weak supply pipeline for the recovery and reuse of carbon black. Recovered carbon black presents the opportunity to reduce the tire industry’s reliance on petrochemicals by replacing a portion of traditional carbon black with a sustainable and circular alterative without introducing performance trade-

EXPORT&FREIGHT

offs. Additionally, using recovered carbon black in new tyre production reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to virgin materials. At the conference, the two companies outlined a path aimed at promoting and increasing the utilisation of recovered carbon black in new tyres and other rubber products. Collaboration with stakeholders across all aspects of the tyre and rubber industry value chain will be needed to deliver this goal. As such, Michelin and Bridgestone seek to establish a coalition of a diverse group of stakeholders, including tyre manufacturers, carbon black suppliers, pyrolysis partners and emerging technology start-ups to accelerate progress and increase supply of recovered carbon black. “Increasing use of recovered carbon black in tyres is critical to

achieving Bridgestone’s vision for sustainable mobility,” said Jake Rønsholt, vice president of strategy and transformation, Bridgestone Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. “Together with Michelin and other stakeholders, we can generate critical momentum on this important initiative and advance our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and manufacture products from fully renewable and sustainable materials.” “For years discussions have been ongoing about the different constraints and hurdles that were preventing the rubber industry to adopt recycled and or recovered raw materials in significant quantities,” said Sander Vermeulen, vice president, endof-life rubber products recycling business, Michelin. “We felt it was the time to stop discussing and actively contribute to finding

solutions that would enable the rubber industry as a whole to become more circular by increasing its ability to adopt recycled and or recovered materials from end-oflife tyres. I am delighted that we found a partner in Bridgestone that shares our vision, and together we invite stakeholders across the tyre and rubber value chain to participate in the journey toward material circularity.” As part of the joint initiative, Bridgestone and Michelin will lead the development of a position paper that will outline the tire industry’s role in achieving a circular economy. Later in 2022, the companies will release a white paper to outline the technical requirements, characteristics and proposed solutions to increase the utilisation of recovered carbon black in new tyres.

Groundbreaking

Boosted wear performance. Best in class wet grip. Bridgestone Europe For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our website www.bridgestone.eu

BS_TBR_DURAVIS R002_Advert_A4_Portrait_SC_03.indd 1

22/08/2019 12:03

TYRE FEATURE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Why caring for your tyres in winter is so important

water and wet snow slush, all increasing mobility. Since November 2012, the UNECE Regulation 117 has actually required that for tyres to be used in winter conditions, they must be marked with 3PMSF, to show that they are approved for use in severe snow conditions.

Even in the UK, which sees milder winters than other parts of Europe, roads can often be blocked and the adverse weather increases handling and braking distances significantly. However, there are a few simple things that operators can do to help their fleets keep moving.

At Goodyear, the latest generation of KMAX GEN-2 and FUELMAX ENDURANCE drive, steer and trailer tyres, all of which bear the 3PMSF marking, are especially developed to optimise traction throughout the service life, even at 75% worn. The blades we put inside the tyres and their advanced shape are resistant to tearing, chipping and chunking, and at the same time provide low rolling resistance to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint — all while ensuring the tyre is good for winter. For those who travel the alpine and Nordic regions, the ULTRA GRIP MAX range is also ready to tackle the extreme winter conditions that operators are likely to face.

To help fleet managers ensure their tyres, in particular, are performing at their best during the winter months, Goodyear has the following expert tips.

Safety routine In your safety routines at the depot, some important things to look out for include tyre treads and pressures, brakes and also fluids. Spotting these in advance and making sure the driver knows if there are any issues with the vehicle should maximise winter mobility so that each truck is ready to go, no matter the weather. Of course, there are ways of streamlining this process. For instance, did you know Goodyear’s Drive-Over-Reader can check tyres quickly and accurately in just a few seconds? By scanning each vehicle as it enters the depot, it reads the registration plate, matches the data to the vehicle and delivers a time-stamped report almost instantly. Employing methods like this will ensure optimal fuel consumption and longer lasting tyres, reducing the likelihood of tyre-related breakdowns, without adding any additional workload or complexity.

Choose correct tyres Tyres react differently according to temperature, so using products that are designed to deliver

Replace regularly

optimum performance in all types of weather – especially in winter – are essential. When it’s cold, some tyres don’t provide the same level of grip and traction as they would in warmer or even milder temperatures. Instead, specific compounds and tread patterns are needed to achieve the best possible performance. Tyres marked with the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol are becoming the standard for winter tyre regulation across Europe. They help to improve handling and decrease winter braking distances by providing excellent grip on snow and slush. It’s the advanced tread design and siping that provides this grip and disperses

Almost all of us who drive regularly have been in a situation where the road has been blocked by a jack-knifing lorry. This is caused by lack of traction, and given the increased weight carried by commercial vehicles, even the smallest skid can cause a large slide. Keeping an eye on the tyre’s tread and overall condition is vital to keep trucks moving. Once the tread falls below 5-millimeters, tyres will only offer minimal traction. Early regrooving can also refresh traction at the start of winter, helping the tyre to last longer. Uptime is important to the commercial vehicle industry, and by and large, fleets are proactive when it comes to preparing and maintaining their vehicles for winter use. There is always scope to improve a fleet’s mobility a little further, and the application of some winter and 3PMSF tyres are a sure way to do this.

Michelin Becomes Tyre of Choice for FJM Logistics Belfast-based FJM Logistics, which delivers up to 5,000 parcels per day, will more than halve the number of tyres it fits across its 37-strong van fleet over the next 12 months following a move to Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres. The move follows a trial which saw two sets of ultradurable 225/65 R16 Michelin Agilis CrossClimate all-season tyres fitted to a pair of 3.5tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinters which went on to average 9,705 miles on the front axle, with no punctures or damage recorded. This compared with just 4,104 miles for the firm’s budget tyre of choice, and 5,962 miles for a rival premium brand occasionally fitted. Commenting, FJM Logistics Managing Director Fraser Orr explains: “We’d reached the point where we were sending at least one of our vehicles to the tyre dealer every single day for new tyres. The admin task alone was huge, and we were conscious of the financial and environmental impact. “Our vans work intensively on

EXPORT&FREIGHT

multi-drop deliveries seven days a week. Incidents of kerbing can be high, given the nature of our work, but we knew there had to be a better tyre solution available.” Within weeks of the Michelin trial beginning, the difference in performance was immediately obvious. “Tyre wear dropped dramatically with the Michelins, and the wear we did see was evenly spread across the surface of the tyre, and not concentrated on the shoulders,” says Orr. “The kerbing protectors also do a fantastic job of guarding against sidewall damage – we’ve not had any issues at all.” Commenting on the total cost of ownership, he adds: “We are paying more per tyre with Michelin, but we’re fitting far fewer tyres. We’ve done the

calculations and it has reduced our tyre spend, and that’s before we factor in the improvements in uptime. Plus, there’s the environmental savings too, as fitting fewer tyres is reducing both our carbon footprint and consumption of raw materials.” As one of several fleets delivering parcels for the same online retailer in Northern Ireland, Orr intends to share his experiences with other local firms. “Any successes we get, we share with the others; that’s how it works. We are confident we’ve found the sweet spot for van tyre performance, and in an application which is traditionally very heavy on tyres. We expect there’ll be a lot of interest.” Orr is also looking forward to seeing how the tyres perform come winter. “With the Agilis

Fraser Orr

CrossClimate tyres being an all-season fitment, we are confident they will help us to keep our deliveries on track when we get snow and ice. Being able to deliver, whatever the weather, will be hugely advantageous – particularly as our workload intensifies in winter.”

TYRE FEATURE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Continental offers a new delivery van tyre for year-round use The new VanContact A/S Ultra clearly demonstrates how Continental is striving for sustainability in tyres for delivery vans, without compromising on safety-relevant tyre characteristics.

During the winter months, this design allows the sipe to open wide when rolling into the ground contact area, thus producing high snow grip via the sipe edges. The combination of profile design and rubber compound ensures no trade off between mileage and rolling resistance as well as wet grip.

The new model, now being produced in four sizes in a diameter of 16 inches, are designed for fitment on vans frequently used for delivery services and trade businesses. This includes well known models such as the Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter and Fiat Ducato, as well as on smaller vans like the Mercedes V-Class or VW T6. The product range will be significantly expanded next year to include other sizes of 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameters. Expanding urbanisation, the trend toward electric powertrains, and the increase in inner-city and door-to-door deliveries have significantly changed mobility habits and requirements. Vans are also commuting and traveling longer distances more frequently, entailing stop-and-go driving in cities too. These diverse demands are reflected in the design of the new Ultra-series tyres from Continental. The new range are developed to be robust and durable while offering the

to precise handling and high mileage. The smart 3D sipe was developed to achieve good grip when driving on snow and wet roads, a special design that stabilises the tread blocks, thereby providing short braking distances.

Urban driving Vans operated in urban areas can hardly avoid hard tyre contact with roadside curbs. To ensure the sidewall is resistant to such tough conditions, the scuff rib was applied around the entire sidewall. Its “brick pattern” protects the sidewall against damage and thus contributes to making the tyre highly robust. safety and rolling resistance performance expected of the brand’s premium products. Continental’s engineers have developed a new rubber compound, profile and sidewall to achieve the tyre properties demanded for this application. New fillers were added to the rubber compound to reduce rolling resistance – an important factor for low fuel consumption

and reduced CO2 emissions. At the same time, the functionalised polymers in the new compound provide high mileage during both summer and winter use. The “snow traps” – small bars in the tread grooves – are also aimed at winter use, holding the snow in the grooves and thus offering good friction with the snow on the road. They also stabilise the profile and contribute

Continental’s engineers have also developed a new, clearly visible tread depth indicator for the new VanContact A/S Ultra that displays the tyre’s remaining tread depth much better than the small bars in the grooves. Four groups of figures distributed across the tyre circumference on the tread blocks indicate the remaining tread depth between five, four and three millimetres.

Michelin Names New Managing Director For UK & Ireland Michelin Tyre plc has appointed John Howe as Managing Director for the UK & Ireland. He will also hold the role of B2C Sales Director, with responsibility for the company’s car, motorcycle and bicycle markets. Howe, 41, brings an impressive 25 years of service within the company, having begun his career in the warehouse of Solideal UK, before continuing with the business through a series of acquisitions first by Solideal International, Camoplast, Camso and then finally Michelin in 2018. He has a wealth of experience in the tyre industry at all levels, having initially worked as a warehouse operative and mobile service technician, before becoming an Area Sales Manager and later General Manager for Solideal International. During seven years at Camso, between 2013 and 2020, Howe progressed from Commercial Director to UK Managing Director, and finally Original Equipment Aftermarket Director for the EMEA region.

Since February 2020 he has worked directly within Michelin, spending his first 18 months as Global Program Manager within the agriculture, construction and materials handling markets, where he was responsible for helping the 10 regions globally Go to Market in the most effective way. Most recently he has been Global Business Development & Corporate Account Manager for these same three sectors, heading a team responsible for Michelin’s largest international key accounts. Commenting on his new role, Howe says: “I’m excited about the opportunity to evolve the business here in the UK & Ireland, whilst also respecting the legacy of Michelin. The market is getting more dynamic all the time, and I want to ensure Michelin remains a true pioneer – with, around and beyond tyres.”

John Howe

Howe will be based in Stoke-on-Trent and replaces Chris Smith as Managing Director, who recently moved to Michelin’s international headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, to take over the role of Global Marketing Director long distance transportation.

www.exportandfreight.com EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

BPW’s AirSave Optimal Pressure for Maximum Savings Day to day trailer tyres withstand a great deal: road conditions, load weights and temperatures, all of which are constantly changing, causing pressure differences, ultimately leading to tyre wear. Keeping tyre pressure at the optimum value is a major contribution to road safety. BPW’s AirSave tyre pressure control system will continuously track and control tyre pressure while driving, helping to prevent unnecessary expenditures caused by worn out tyres or a roadside prohibition for under-inflated tyres. According to a British study, 82% of tyre failures can be prevented if the tyre pressure is controlled automatically. AirSave uses the trailer’s existing pneumatics and directs

the air through the axle beam to the wheel end and from there to the tyre valve. The system permanently monitors tyre pressure and starts to inflate at a pressure deviation of just 0.2 bar, making it a very fast and reliable system to have. Even a small loss in tyre pressure increases fuel consumption and consequently a higher level of emissions from your vehicle. Environmentally friendly AirSave can save 655 kilograms in CO2 emissions per year due to the reduction in fuel

consumption. This is based on a tri-axle trailer with a mileage of 120,000 kilometres per annum. AirSave can also be connected to the BPW idem telematics portal, Cargofleet 3. In the event of pressure loss, a warning is transmitted from AirSave to the external lamp and telematics system so both driver and operator have full access to the information allowing them to react quickly.

RHA Chief Executive steps down Richard Burnett, CEO of the RHA has tendered his resignation to the Road Haulage Association Board of Directors. During his tenure, the RHA’s membership has grown significantly and its profile as an association has increased considerably. RHA National Chairperson Moreton Cullimore said: “On behalf of the RHA Board of Directors and all the RHA employees I would like to thank him for everything he has

achieved and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.”

the industry as a whole, but now feel ready for a new challenge.

In response Richard Burnett, who left on December 31st, said: “After seven unforgettable years as the RHA’s Chief Exec I have decided it is time for me to step down. It’s been a challenging time for so many reasons and I have given all my energy to representing our members and

“I’m incredibly proud to have led the transformation of the RHA during my time here, creating the strong and diverse association we see today. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the RHA staff and support of our members. Thank you.”

Mellor launches new all-electric ‘zero-emissions’ Sigma range Mellor has presented its new Sigma range of battery electric, ‘zeroemissions zero-compromise’ buses at a special, COVID-19-restricted press preview event at the UTAC Proving Ground in Millbrook. In a major repositioning of the Mellor business, the Rochdale-based bus manufacturer believes its new product range offers a redefinition of zero-emissions public transport vehicles, launched as global attitudes toward a more sustainable future drives demand for cleaner solutions to public transport. The new Mellor Sigma range comprises six models with overall lengths from 7 to 12-metres, 30 to 80 passenger capacities, ‘city’ and ‘rural’ specifications, plus width and passenger door configurations to further broaden the range to over 20 individual variants. The result is one of the largest ranges of lowfloor Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) buses from any manufacturer in Europe. Initial 7 and 10-metre models are available to order today. Key to Sigma’s operational appeal is its lightweight construction, thus allowing for smaller battery capacities to reduce energy

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Richard Burnett

Sigma presents a whole-life package that delivers an impressively low total cost of ownership. In the most significant repositioning of Mellor’s commercial activities in its recent history, the new zero-emissions Sigma range comes to market as nations around the world focus on a cleaner, more environmentally protective future; where public concerns over vehicle CO2 emissions see pressure exerted on governments and local authorities to provide funding for bus operators. The move is a bold statement of intent from Mellor as it further enhances its presence with UK bus fleet operators. With one of the widest ranges of model variants and specifications on the market, Mellor believes its ongoing mandate to produce size- and cost-appropriate vehicles means Sigma’s unrivalled choice will – for the first time – provide customers with a zero-emissions, zero-compromise transport solution from a single manufacturer.

consumption. In partnership with industryleading component manufacturers – among them CATL, Webasto, ZF, Dana and Ventura – Sigma will be fully EU Type Approved. Plus, with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 8-year battery warranty and 15-year structural warranty,

The Sigma range also places Mellor firmly in the midi-bus sector serving BEV markets in the UK and overseas. Initial 7 and 10-metre Sigma models are available to order immediately, with customers placing orders today expected to take delivery of their vehicles by early summer 2022. A further four models, including 8, 9, 11 and 12-metre variants, will be phasedin during 2022, with customer deliveries also expected within the same period.

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Pandemic accelerates digital transformation among UK fleets Three-quarters (74 per cent) of UK fleets have adopted more digital solutions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research has revealed. A pan-European study conducted by Webfleet Solutions among 1,050 fleet decision-makers found that in the UK, smaller fleets of up to 50 vehicles led the charge, accounting for 80 per cent of the tech adopters. Electronic signature tech (60 per cent) topped the list of the new digital solutions, followed by mobile apps (50 per cent) and digital document systems, such as paperless invoicing (44 per cent). In every case, the uptick in digitization was found to have helped their businesses deal with the pandemic. “COVID-19 continues to have a dramatic impact on the way we live and work, making operational flexibility, smart

commercial landscape and have recognised the vital role that technology can play in overcoming the financial and logistical challenges – improving the efficient flow of information, supporting remote working and minimising person-to-person interactions.” Indeed, the drive to increase efficiency was found to be top reason for UK fleets adopting more digital solutions, cited by more than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed. This was closely followed by efforts to reduce the spread of infection (51 per cent) and a continued commitment to sustainability (49 per cent). Of those that haven’t adopted more digital solutions, 28 per cent cited cost as a barrier, 28 per cent said they had enough in place, while 22 per cent said they lacked the time or resources to implement new systems.

customer interactions, risk management and cost control more important than ever,” said Beverley Wise, Sales Director UK

and Ireland, Webfleet Solutions. “SME businesses, in particular, have had the agility to respond quickly to the ever-changing

Palletline to Invest in Success After Best-Ever Year UK palletised freight network operator Palletline has enjoyed its best-ever financial performance – an achievement made all the more impressive in the face of the business challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. In the year to the end of June 2021 turnover increased by 19.4% to £179.4m, placing Palletline in a strong position to continue to invest in property, its network, technological initiatives and service. With volume levels rising from 17,000 to more than 20,000 pallets per day, this exponential growth has largely been fuelled by the recovery of manufacturing and the growth in B2C, as well as the network’s relationship with Amazon – Palletline is the only UK pallet network in the online retailers Inbound Preferred Carrier Programme.

Over the next two years, Palletline is investing more than £4.5m in property development, expanding its sites at Coventry and Birmingham as the business continues to handle the increased volume levels which have now become the new normal. Palletline operates a multi-hub model, through which members collect pallets from local customers and exchanges them at one of its six strategically located hubs in Glasgow, Manchester, Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry and North London. The flexible nature of the model came into its

The Netherlands led the digitisation trend with 85 per cent adopting new digital solutions, followed by Italy and Spain (both 77 per cent).

own during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling the network to contract or expand operations into either its central hubs only or out to its regional hubs. It also allowed the catchment area for each hub to be expanded so more of its members’ freight was handled regionally during the height of the peak, rather than at the Central Hub. Graham Leitch, Group Managing Director of Palletline, said: “The multi-hub model has kept the business strong, enabling us to further enhance our IT and infrastructure instead of treading water to ride the pandemic out. “Our logistics businesses have also continued to perform well and are making a strong contribution. Revenues generated by our owned operations increased by 18% to over £30m and this includes a 3-month contribution from Palletline Whitehead Limited, which we acquired in March 2021.” In the last two years Palletline has taken on eight new members and is proud to offer the most cost-effective hub fees in the industry, supporting members with exceptional value for money while maintaining high service levels. Graham added: “Palletline is now the only network that is owned and controlled by its members. This means that Palletline is the network of choice for regional logistics companies who want to enjoy this and other benefits.” Going forward, the group will maintain its focus on its core business and appropriately evaluate investment in fresh initiatives when opportunities arise. Graham concluded: “Continued strong financial controls will ensure that investment in new initiatives and growth feeds through an appropriate level of profit for the benefit of our members and investment for the future. “Finally, I’d like to thank all employees across the Palletline Group for their hard work, passion, and flexibility. They delivered extraordinary results in an extraordinary year.”

EXPORT&FREIGHT

SHIPPING NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Haropa Port and Brittany Ferries inaugurate the new Ireland-Le Havre freight service Brittany Ferries has launched a new freight service between Normandy and the town of Rosslare in Ireland. Underpinned by the dynamic generated by reorganisation of trade between Ireland and the European continent, this service provides one weekly return trip. to stand alongside Haropa Port and the chair of its management board Stéphane Raison.

The Cotentin can carry 120 driver-accompanied freight units on each trip between Le Havre and Rosslare. The creation of this new service between Le Havre and Rosslare is the practical outcome of the efforts made by Haropa Port and Brittany Ferries in the wake of Brexit, working handin-hand with a range of Irish economic and institutional actors. The new service provides an additional solution for connecting Ireland with the EU Single Market via France - one long awaited by players in the logistics sector in France and Ireland. Haropa Port and Le Havre city authority are totally supportive of the consolidation of these new trade flows that will benefit from the logistics capacity offered by Le Havre’s industrial/port complex and industrial synergies between Ireland and Normandy, especially where fresh produce and medical products are concerned. “Haropa Port is pleased to have contributed to the launch of this new service operated by Brittany Ferries, a long-standing partner for freight activities in Le Havre”, declared Stéphane Raison, CEO of Haropa Port. “As the leading

“We needed to be positioned on all services that offer genuine potential for growth as part of our return to competitiveness. Establishing this link to Le Havre alongside Édouard Philippe eight years after the creation of our very first passenger service, is also a source of great pleasure for me.”

L-R: Caroline Leclercq, deputy mayor with responsibility for international relations; Jean-Baptiste Gastinne, deputy mayor with responsibility for urban planning and the environment; Jean-Marc Roué, chair of the supervisory board of Brittany Ferries; Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs of the Republic of Ireland; Édouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre; Daniel Havis, chair of the Haropa Port supervisory board; and Stéphane Raison, CEO and chair of Haropa Port management board.

French port, we wish to play our role to the full and we are all the more delighted to see this new service providing a fast maritime connection between the Paris consumer area and Ireland.” Added Jean-Marc Roué, chair of the Brittany Ferries supervisory board: “The establishment of this link is an important milestone for Brittany Ferries, Le Havre and its port. It had been feeling the lack

of a freight line to Ireland until now because Brexit is opening up new opportunities every day, with a trebling in the number of vehicles carried by sea from Ireland in the space of less than a year! It reinforces our service offering from Cherbourg and our project for a multimodal rail highway soon to be connecting Spain and Normandy. For our line, being a part of this dynamic is clearly a necessity and we are proud

Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs of the Republic of Ireland added: “I wish to salute here the senior management of Brittany Ferries and Haropa Port for the clear-sightedness they have shown in grasping the strategic value and importance of this service. The fact that this direct link is now operational is a tribute to the perseverance and vision of its stakeholders. The full bookings announced for the maiden voyage are an excellent start. Confronted with the dual challenge posed by Brexit and the pandemic, these routes, which the media call “Brexit Busters”, have turned out to be crucial in maintaining the frequency of flows with the Single Market and the European continent as a whole.”

HFW Helps Bimco Draft “Game-Changing” Shipping Industry Carbon Emissions Clauses Global sector-focused law firm has helped shipping association BIMCO draft a series of clauses in response to strict new environmental legislation that will seek to reduce the industry’s carbon emissions and which will change the way ships are operated in the future. From 1 January 2023, the International Maritime Organisation’s revised initial greenhouse gas rules will start to take effect, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions from ships by 40% from 2008 levels by 2030. This will involve ships meeting increased technical measures to improve a ship’s energy efficiency (EEXI), and ongoing operational measures to reduce a ship’s carbon intensity in accordance with a carbon intensity indicator (CII) regime. In addition, the EU is seeking to include shipping in the EU’s existing Emissions Trading System (ETS) from 2023. In preparation for these significant regulatory changes, BIMCO is putting together a

EXPORT&FREIGHT

series of what it describes as “gamechanging” carbon emissions clauses for time charterparties, which seek to address the relationship between shipowners and charterers in the context of compliance with the new carbon emission regulations. The first, BIMCO’s EEXI Transition Clause 2021, is published today (7 December) and is now ready for insertion into time charterparties. The clause deals allocate the risk and responsibility between the parties where technical modifications are required, in particular where the power output of a ship’s engine is limited. The BIMCO sub-committee tasked with drafting the series of carbon emission clauses is made up of representatives from BIMCO, owners, charterers, P&I clubs, and

technical and legal experts. HFW is the only UK-based law firm on the sub-committee, and is represented by Alessio Sbraga. HFW is also helping BIMCO draft a new EU ETS clause and a time charter clause dealing with the CII regime, which will both be published in the coming months. HFW has helped BIMCO draft several standard contract and clauses, including the industry’s first standard contract for autonomous shipping, its first cyber security clause, the industry’s first standard offshore decommissioning contact, and two clauses relating to the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 sulphur emission rules (one of the first steps towards reducing harmful GHG emissions from shipping).

I RISH F ERRIES F R E I G H T

SHIPPING NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Stena Line Boosts Belfast Freight Capacity with Larger Ships Stena Line has once again realigned its Northern Ireland freight services to better reflect market demand created by Brexit related trade distortions. To accommodate this change in demand, Stena Line has redeployed its larger Stena Foreteller ship to the popular Belfast-Birkenhead (Liverpool) route adding a much needed additional 13% freight capacity.

Freight routes between Britain and ROI have witnessed a decline of up to 25% whilst trade routes into Northern Ireland from Britain have seen month on month increases caused in the main by the impact of Brexit.

Paul Grant, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea) commented: “We are seeing a prolonged distortion of the market in terms of the preferred freight routes between Britain and the island of Ireland. This presents an ongoing

challenge for the entire logistics industry to keep pace with shifting demand and preferences. “As the largest ferry network operator on the Irish Sea, providing ten ships and five routes between Britain and the island of Ireland, Stena Line is uniquely placed to respond quickly to changing customer demands which is why we have redeployed the Stena Foreteller to operate on the Belfast-Liverpool service. We now have seven ships dedicated to our Belfast hub.” Paul Grant added: “The popularity of the Belfast-Liverpool freight service continues to grow which is why we took the decision two years ago to invest in the route by increasing capacity (at the time) by 25% with the introduction of two brand new e-Flexer vessels. “Despite that upweighting, demand still continues to grow hence our recent additional capacity adjustment in the form of Stena Foreteller. “It remains to be seen to what extent the current market distortions will become a permanent feature of trade between Britain and the island of Ireland but from Stena Line’s perspective, we will continue to listen to our customers and provide our freight capacity to where it is most needed.”

Isle of Innisfree Joins Irish Ferries’ Dover-Calais Service Irish Ferries, a subsidiary of Irish Continental Group plc (ICG), have added further capacity to their existing Short Straits service.

Commenting, Doug Bannister, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Dover, said: “The capacity added by Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route is testament to the ongoing confidence in the Short Straits. The market continues to choose the high pace, frequency and capacity offered by Dover, and in turn, the Port offers customers more choice, moving from two to three operators in 2021.

Since joining the Port of Dover in June 2021, significant additional capacity has been added by Irish Ferries, indicating a high level of confidence in the Short Straits. This investment in the Dover-Calais crossing is evidence of the resilience, value and dependability of the route and bolsters Dover’s offering of an inbound ferry every 25 minutes.

“Together with all our dedicated ferry operators, the Port of Dover is driving resilient supply chains, further enhancing our joint offering to customers. Dover is continuing to serve the market as the busiest and most efficient UK port – keeping people and goods flowing via the shortest and most efficient sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe.”

Launching the Isle of Innisfree, Irish Ferries have already doubled their frequency on the Dover-Calais route since June. Moreover, with a third ship due to join the fleet in January, Irish Ferries will offer up to 30 sailings per day on the route, with sailings in each direction approximately every 90 minutes.

Irish Ferries hat-trick grows frequency 50% with 3rd Dover Calais ship Irish Ferries is adding a third ro-ro ferry to its Dover to Calais route. The ship is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2022, joining the ISLE OF INISHMORE and the recently announced ISLE OF INNISFREE. CIUDAD DE MAHON, to be renamed in the coming weeks, was built in 2000 by the by Astilleros Espanoles S.A. (AESA) shipyard in Spain and originally delivered as NORTHERN MERCHANT, and is no stranger to

EXPORT&FREIGHT

the short straits, having originally operated on the Dover - Dunkirk route following her delivery. The Ship has the capacity to carry up to 589 passengers and over 90 freight vehicles. The ship offers a host of facilities for

freight drivers/passengers such as a self-service restaurant, café/ bar, onboard duty-free shop and spacious outdoor decks. Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director, said: “The addition of a third vessel on our

Dover / Calais route will allow us to offer a departure from either Dover or Calais every 90 minutes. This is a further sign of our commitment to this route and will offer customers even greater choice along with the capacity, frequency and reliability that is required to service this important route between GB and France”.

SHIPPING NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

Cairnryan Port move delivers record volumes for Stena Line Stena Line has marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of its Loch Ryan Port facility at Cairnryan and the introduction of two new Superfast vessels which heralded the start of its then new Belfast to Cairnryan service back in 2011.

significantly larger vessels to service the growing demand between both countries. “So not only did we invest in building a brand-new port at Cairnryan, but we also introduced two new Superfast vessels, the largest vessels ever to service the route, in a £250m investment programme,” he added. “Ten years on I’m delighted to say that our commitment to the route has been justified with record volumes in what has been an extremely tough Brexit and Covid impacted trading year. Our Superfast vessels have an excellent reliability and punctuality record which has provided a solid platform for us to grow our business over the last decade.” Paul Grant concluded: “The success we have delivered over the last decade has been achieved despite the lack of government investment in the roads system servicing Loch Ryan. The A75 and A77 are vitally important arterial routes which still are not fit for purpose for one of the UK’s largest gateways. Northern Ireland’s connectivity to its main market is being hampered so we would urge the Governments on both sides for investment in these much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

Stena Line Superfast VIII OSS crew Caitlan Nicholl (left) and Morgan Cowan (right) joined Paul Grant (Trade Director) and Senior Master Steve Millar onboard the Bridge of Superfast VIII.

Over the last decade, the service between Belfast and Cairnryan has continued to grow and this year, despite the combined challenges of Brexit and Covid, will see the route deliver record breaking car and freight volumes in 2021. “The sea link between Northern Ireland

and Scotland has always been a vital tourism and trade gateway,” said Stena Line’s Trade Director Paul Grant. “Our decision to move from our old port at Stranraer in 2011 was based on a number of factors including the ability to introduce

“Looking forward we are optimistic about the future but the reliable and high-quality ferry service we have provided needs to be supported and enhanced by a 21st century road network that well enabling better connectivity between both countries.” Over the last 10 years, the Belfast-Cairnryan service has delivered a series of impressive performance statistics including: 11.1 million passengers; 2.6 million cars;1.9 million freight units; 40,747 number of sailings; 1.6 million nautical miles travelled; and 98% of sailings on time.

Ireland’s new marine research vessel makes its first splash The hull of Ireland’s new state-of-the-art marine research vessel, RV Tom Crean, has been launched at Astilleros Armon shipyard in Vigo, Spain. The launch of the hull is a significant milestone in the build process, with the vessel on schedule to be completed in summer 2022. The build of the RV Tom Crean received funding of €25 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as approved by the Government of Ireland. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, said, “This new research vessel, when delivered in 2022, will be an important infrastructural tool in acquiring data and information supporting the sustainable management and development of Ireland’s valuable marine resource. “The vessel will support key national and international programmes in fish stock

assessment, climate change related research, environmental monitoring, seabed mapping and marine spatial planning, supporting the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and delivery of the National Marine Planning Framework and other important marine related activities.” His Excellency Frank Smyth, Ambassador of Ireland to Spain and Andorra, joined Marine Institute Chairman Dr John Killeen and Interim CEO Michael Gillooly to view the hull of the 52.8 metre vessel glide into the water. The RV Tom Crean, which will replace the 31 metre RV Celtic Voyager, will provide a year round service, enabling 300 operational days at sea each year, and up to

3,000 scientist days of research per year. The new research vessel will be a silent vessel, capable of operating throughout the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The RV Tom Crean will be able to go to sea for at least 21 days at a time and is designed to operate in harsh sea conditions. Based in Galway, the vessel will be used by the Marine Institute, other state agencies and universities to undertake multidisciplinary surveys. It will also maintain and deploy weather buoys, observational infrastructure and our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland I. Ireland’s new marine research vessel has been named the RV Tom Crean, after the renowned seaman

and explorer who undertook three major ground breaking expeditions to the Antarctic in the early years of the 20th Century; which sought to increase scientific knowledge and to explore unreached areas of the world, at that time. Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon Vigo S.A. were awarded the contract to build Ireland’s new state-of-the-art marine research vessel in 2019, following the completion of the design by Norwegian ship design consultants Skipsteknisk AS. The construction of the new national research vessel continues on schedule and on budget in 2021.

www.exportandfreight.com EXPORT&FREIGHT

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

THE CHALLENGES OF TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Transporting hazardous materials poses several challenges for businesses, making it crucial that logistics providers consider effective route optimisation and scheduling software from the outset. Moving dangerous loads not only requires great care and caution, but also needs to be meticulously planned in order to meet numerous safety restrictions limiting free passage. Logistics providers tasked with transporting hazardous goods must recognise the importance of a routing and scheduling solution that considers each of the various compliance regulations to support them in ensuring safe transportation, timely deliveries and effectively utilising the pool of available drivers. Here, Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes UK, explains how this can not only assist with the seamless transportation of hazardous goods, but also improve the overall safety, efficiency and compliance of drivers. Attention to detail is vital when transporting hazardous materials; logistics providers must have full knowledge of the contents of all vehicles. Whilst this may appear incredibly straightforward, there may be certain materials they are unaware of, which could present multiple potential hazards. For example, automotive parts are known to contain ferromagnetic materials, and may require specialist storage to meet health and safety requirements, as these materials can have a hazardous effect on aircraft instruments. The United Nations’ ‘Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods’ establishes a basic system for the safe transport of dangerous materials and defines nine classifications, with the aim to ultimately minimise the risk of accidents and reduce the impact of incidents, should they occur. Logistics companies are required to declare each load transported, specifying the hazard class, quantities, contents and the necessary storage methods. Assessments are then made, assigning the substances to one of three packing groups. A substance identification number (UN number) is then allocated, ensuring that the item can be swiftly and clearly identified during transit. The UN numbers can be found on all transport documents, packages, containers and vehicles, where a description of the substance can also be located. Adhering to logistical regulations and displaying all of the necessary information helps to verify where vehicles are able to travel, and routes that may be prohibited. For instance, access to certain tunnels is restricted, based on the classification and product carried. Advanced routing and scheduling software enable the customer to generate an efficient, effective and appropriate route plan, which also takes

EXPORT&FREIGHT

hazardous materials transportation requirements into consideration.

Driver Compliance

Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes UK.

This intelligent routing software also considers additional restrictions when optimising routes, such as vehicle width, weight and height, alongside the classification of the materials in transportation, providing solutions that support hazardous goods as part of the standard ‘truck routing’ capability. In addition to effective planning software, mobile ePOD and navigation solutions can also be incorporated, with the aim to provide drivers with electronic forms detailing the contents of each load, alongside navigation instructions that avoid restricted areas. Utilising valuable planning software and navigation solutions undeniably simplifies moving dangerous loads from A to B, creating a smoother experience for drivers from the outset, avoiding inevitable delays and potentially large fines that could affect business operations. Fleet and compliance management can together ensure that delivery capacity can be successfully controlled, and logistics providers can utilise their pool of drivers to the optimum level, without overworking staff, exceeding drivers’ hours and facing unnecessary additional costs. Drivers’ hours compliance, vehicle safety checks, CPC verification and DVLA license information can be stored within a single compliance management platform, and operators can download digital tachograph data for analysis and reporting, whilst the vehicle is in operation to practice proactive driver compliance management. Using automated downloads of tachograph data via telematics devices will improve driver compliance and guarantee time savings, as the data can be downloaded whilst the vehicle is en route and any issues can be dealt with in a timely fashion. A mobile app can be programmed to prompt drivers and ensure that the correct safety checks are being followed before the journey begins, detailing the processes and an audit trail of location, duration and the time the checks were conducted. Any issues regarding the vehicle can be flagged instantly, assuring operators that safety is not compromised due to roadworthiness. Giving drivers the option to use a handheld

device also means that they can swiftly access dangerous goods notes (DGN) if they are required to display proof that the protocols and procedures have been met at any point on their journey, without the nuisance of paperwork.

Efficient Operations and Real-time Data Implementing advanced routing software for transporting hazardous materials ultimately increases the overall efficiency of operations. Delivery capacity can be increased with fewer drivers, helping to mitigate the well-publicised HGV driver shortage that is continuing to challenge businesses across the UK. Software that uses data in real-time is able to accurately predict the duration of each journey and the directional flow of traffic, which is far more effective than using the average for each road. It also helps drivers to navigate efficiently and reduces overall stress, which plays a vital part in retaining drivers – another crucial element for companies to consider if they are to withstand the growing pressures of driver shortages. With the correct model in place, organisations will be able to manage real-time challenges and adapt to changes as they happen, without getting caught in delays as a result of poor planning and a lack of data. The transportation of hazardous materials is a sensitive and potentially dangerous task, so it is critical for logistics providers to consider how advanced software could be implemented to assist their drivers and ensure that they feel safe on each and every journey.

Conclusion The compliance and restrictions associated with handling and delivering hazardous materials requires the support of advanced routing and scheduling to ensure that drivers only take appropriate routes, for the safety and efficiency of all. In turn, logistics providers can rest assured that the only hazard they will come up against when it comes to route planning is the load they are transporting.

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

IVECO celebrates production of the 1,600,000th Daily vehicle IVECO has celebrated the 1,600,000th Daily vehicle rolling off the assembly line at the Suzzara plant (in Mantua, Italy), the celebrated facility that has always been a reference for IVECO’s light vehicle manufacturing. The Daily is a truly iconic vehicle that has continuously reinvented itself for more than 40 years, pushing the boundaries of innovation, versatility and efficiency, anticipating the evolving needs of its customers. It has introduced many ground-breaking innovations and industryfirsts while remaining true to its DNA. These

unique strengths are the foundation of the enduring success of the Daily in the market, which leads the high-payload segment with the 7-Tonne model and is a benchmark for natural gas powered light commercial vehicles. The milestone vehicle is the new Daily panel van, a 35C18H V, equipped with a 3.0-litre,

176-hp Euro VIE Heavy Duty diesel engine. Giorgio Ricci, IVECO Suzzara Plant Manager, commented: “We are extremely proud of this important milestone for our plant, which represents more than 40 years of Daily production. This vehicle is a benchmark in the market for its fundamental characteristics, such as its versatility, strength, robustness and performance, which have always set it apart from other vehicles. “With increasingly advanced connectivity to meet the business needs of customers, its focus on sustainability, and the traditional values that have always been a part of IVECO’s DNA, the new Daily is a high-performing and competitive travelling partner, with a Total Cost of Ownership among the best in its category.” The team at the Suzzara plant works in perfect synergy at every stage of the production process – from chassis assembly and cab bodywork, to painting and installation of the transmission, all the way to fitting of interior trim and final inspection. The factory also assembles special versions for military and firefighting applications. Since 2007 the plant works to World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards, a production system that aims for zero faults, wastage and accidents. It involves a process of continuous development, focused on involving every individual operator in the production process. The plant has recently won the “Special Award: Excellent Culture of Improvement’’ bestowed by Agamus Consult, an international management consultancy firm, and German magazine Automobil Produktion. True to the motto, “Mastering the unpredictable”, with the aim of improving the technology and work environment within the scope of a difficult market and global situation, the Suzzara plant leverages the strategic leadership of its team to guide its people and processes, turning VUCA into an opportunity for continuous improvement.

New city-bus based on Renault Master ZE-h marks first OEM collaboration for Promech Promech Technologies, the UK-based commercial vehicle technology, chassis and powertrain integration specialist, has announced a partnership agreement with Renault Group and its specialist vehicle subsidiary, PVI. The Renault Master City Bus H2-TECH - an electric-hydrogen city-bus based on a Renault Master ZE-h platform – represents the first product development in the partnership and was unveiled earlier this month at Salon des Maires in Paris by HYVIA, a joint venture between Renault Group, European leader in electric LCVs, and the leader in hydrogen solutions, Plug Power Inc. The announcement signals the first major OEM collaboration for the newly-formed Promech Technologies company. Part of the Woodall Nicholson group of specialist vehicle brands,

Promech is also receiving substantial investment for a new, 54,000 sq.ft. purpose-

built facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, scheduled for opening in autumn 2022.

The Promech / Renault /Group / PVI partnership will also see the development of a wider range of city-buses with low-floor battery-electric / hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) technology for UK and European markets. A complete product line-up is expected to be available to order from 2022. The new HYVIA city-bus dovetails the automotive industry’s two leading New Energy drive systems – batter y electric and HFC – made possible by integration with Promech’s low-floor chassis and body transformation. The result provides scope to deliver rangeextending, zero-emissions vehicles to meet customer requirements across three distinct market sectors including city-bus passenger transport, urban distribution, and emergency services.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

TEST DRIVE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

NEXT-GENERATION FORD RANGER DELIVERS HIGH-TECH FEATURES Ford has put the global pick-up world on notice by revealing what it describes as the smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever. Using years of Ford truck expertise and deep understanding of truck customers, the company collaborated with customers around the globe to create a vehicle and ownership experience that next‑gen Ranger owners can rely on for their businesses, family lives and adventure.

their lifestyles.”

“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company. “This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets and so many more in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver. Not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the midsize truck people will want to own and experience.”

“Our team was focused on one goal – to make this Ranger the toughest and most capable we’ve ever created,” said Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle program director. “They put it through one of the most exhaustive global testing schedules we’ve ever developed and would not rest until we were satisfied that it was Built Ford Tough.”

Order books for next-generation Ranger will open in Europe in late 2022 for customer delivery in early 2023. The current Ranger is Europe’s pick-up segment leader and recently set a new September year-to-date sales record of 45,539 units, with market share of 39.9 per cent.

Ranger Life “We’ve really packed a lot into the next‑generation Ranger to inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks. “We’re truck owners too, and this passion for the Ranger lifestyle translates into a passion for the product. Ultimately, we want our customers’ experience with the pick-up to enable and enhance

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Ford calls this “Living the Ranger Life,” and it’s something shared by every designer and engineer involved in creating the next-generation Ranger.

New Capabilities Customer input was key to developing the next-generation Ranger’s rugged new look. Ford spent a lot of time with owners around the globe, conducting more than 5,000 interviews and dozens of customer workshops to understand how customers used their pick-ups and what they wanted and expected in the new Ranger. Visually, the next-generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille, and signature C‑clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates bolder wheel arches that gives Ranger a sure-footed stance. For the first time, Ford Ranger offers matrix LED headlights. At the back, the taillights are designed in harmony with the signature graphics on the front. Inside, the car‑like cabin steps up, using premium soft‑touch materials, and prominent portrait‑style centre touchscreen with Ford’s signature SYNC connectivity and entertainment system.

Powertrain choices Customers wanted a choice of more power and torque for towing heavy loads and extreme off‑roading, so the team added Ford’s proven 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel and developed it for the Ranger. It is one of three turbodiesel engine options available at launch. The next-gen Ranger will also come with a choice of proven Single-Turbo and Bi-Turbo 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder diesels. The Single-Turbo comes in two different performance levels and delivers power, torque and fuel economy, which is important to small business owners or commercial vehicle fleets. The Bi-Turbo engine is a more sophisticated, performance variant for customers who want more power but need to maintain fuel economy.

Improved handling To develop the ride and handling expected of a truck customer’s use for a wide range of work, family and play – engineers focused on the fundamentals. “We have a really wide spectrum of customers,” Pearson said. “On one end, you might have small business owners looking for very work-oriented transportation. They want traditional two-wheel drive with a single cab and a load box to transport their goods.

TEST DRIVE

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

“At the extreme other end, you have the serious off-roaders who really push their Rangers to the limit with endurance races like the Dakar Rally. The next-gen Ranger will meet the needs of both types of customers and everyone in between.” Engineers moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off‑roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both on- and off‑road, no matter if they’re carrying heavy cargo for work, or just taking the family out for dinner. Customers will have a choice of two fourwheel drive systems – an electronic shift-onthe-fly system, or an advanced new full-time four-wheel drive system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it. Offroad recovery is made easier with prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Interior features Customers wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that caters to both work and family

duties. So, Ranger needs to serve as both a workspace and a haven, providing smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before. The heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. Additionally, there’s an embedded factory-fitted FordPass Connect modem, allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass app, so customers can stay connected to their world. FordPass enhances the ownership experience with features like Remote Start, Vehicle Status, and remote lock and unlock functions via a mobile device. Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dash and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the

driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls. The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring. In addition, customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen or the FordPass app, which means they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark. Ranger technology will also be future-proofed to accept Ford Power-Up wireless software updates thanks to the embedded FordPass Connect modem. The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners. There are not only places to store your phone or charge it wirelessly (where compatible), but there’s a large centre console bin to stash things. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats. The next-generation Ranger will be built at Ford’s plants in Thailand and South Africa beginning in 2022, with other markets to be announced at a later date.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

NEWS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

DO YOU OPERATE VANS IN THE EU? THE RULES ARE CHANGING… From 21 May 2022, anyone wanting to operate a light goods vehicle between 2.5 and 3.5 tons for hire and reward in any EU member State – including the Republic of Ireland - will be required to have a UK Licence for the Community if they want to use their vehicles. The move is part of an EU wide change in the legislation covering operator licences, but it only applies to EU member states. Vans and other light goods vehicles which operate only within the UK will not be affected, nor will vehicles used as part of someone’s work, for example vans used by plumbers, electricians, or other tradespeople to transport themselves and their tools. To ensure that the necessary legislation is made in time, the Department for Infrastructure is working closely with the Department for Transport and DVSA in the production of a single piece of legislation which will make the changes on a UK-wide basis.

WHY ARE THE RULES CHANGING? The EU adopted what is known as Mobility Package 1 in 2017, with the aim of tightening up the rules around the carriage of goods for hire and reward generally, by removing factors undermining fair competition between resident and non-resident operators and address shortcomings around how the rules were applied and enforced. The final elements of the mobility package will become law in all EU member states on 21 May 2022.

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR NI LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE OWNERS? If they don’t operate in the EU (including the Republic of Ireland) then they won’t have to do anything. The domestic Northern Ireland rules aren’t changing, nor are the equivalent rules in Great Britain. However, if they operate a light goods vehicle in the EU, they may have to take some action.

HOW WILL SOMEONE KNOW WHETHER THEY NEED TO ACT? The new requirement applies only to vehicles carrying goods for hire or reward for someone else. So, if you carry your own

produce, for instance, you won’t be affected. If you carry tools as part of your business, you won’t be affected. However, if someone pays you to carry something for them, whether it’s from Lurgan to Lisnabreen, or from Letterkenny to Laragh, you will have to have an operator’s licence.

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR THOSE WHO’VE NEVER HAD AN OPERATORS’ LICENCE BEFORE? New operators will have to apply for a licence. The requirements are essentially the same as for operators of heavy goods vehicles, with some relaxations around financial requirements and operating centres. For example, the financial standing requirement is £1600 pounds for the first LGV and £800 for each subsequent vehicle. And though applicants will have to have an operating centre, where their records are kept, this will not have the stringent parking requirements of an HGV operating centre. Applicants will have to meet the competency requirements, which could mean obtaining the necessary qualifications or contracting the services of a transport manager. For anyone who has been operating an in-scope vehicle for more than 10 years, there will be an ‘Acquired Rights’ process to enable them to be exempted from the competence requirements for up to three years, during which time they will need to either get qualified or find a qualified transport manager. The application process for acquired rights will be opened as soon as the online process is finalised, and dates will be released as soon as they are confirmed. Applicants will need to provide evidence that they have a 10 year history of work which equates to the functions of a transport manager.

WHAT IF SOMEONE USES LGV’S IN THE EU AND THEY’VE ALREADY GOT AN OPERATOR’S LICENCE? For a person or company which already possesses a goods vehicle operator’s licence, the licence will need to be varied to include the light goods vehicles.

WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING? The EU requirement will kick in on 21 May 2022. The Department is working with the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Services Agency (DVSA) to set up the necessary webpages and application processes. However, for legal reasons it’s not possible to take applications until the legislation is laid in parliament, which should be around the end of November, so the dates on which the application websites will open will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

WHAT SHOULD LGV OPERATORS DO NOW? They should watch out for further information from the Department and, if they know of anyone who may be affected, they should also make them aware. Anyone who feels that their own business may be within the scope of the new provisions should take steps to find out more about the requirements. More information can be found at ‘New rules for international road haulage in 2022 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk),’ which includes a link to an email alert service.

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

AWARDS2022

EXPORT&FREIGHT

CROWNE PLAZA, SHAW'S BRIDGE, BELFAST THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2022 www.exportandfreight.com

NEW TRUCK SALES

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

NEW TRUCK SALES SOLD IN NORTHERN IRELAND

MAN 32.430 offloaded to Brian Donaldson Carryduff delivered by RK Truck Centres Ltd.

A new Maxus Deliver 9 supplied to Derry City Council by Eakin Bros.

MAN 8.190 TGL 7.5 GVW tipper delivered to O’Neill of Cloncoe Ltd delivered by RK Truck Centres Ltd.

DAF LF180 (7.5t) Curtainside c-w Tail Lift sold to Bathline, Coleraine by TBF Thompson DAF Trucks.

3 Renault T Highs for Campbell Bulk Haulage delivered by Diamond Trucks.

Two new white Maxus Deliver 9 vans delivered to Northern Ireland Health Trust from Eakin Bros.

3 MAN 8x4 tipper to Gibson Bros Banbridge delivered by RK Truck Centres Ltd.

LLC took delivery of their New Mercedes-Benz Actros 2553 LS Gigaspace truck from Mercedes Benz Truck & Van. The vehicle was finished in their distinctive Go Fuel Branding.

DAF LF290 sold to Euro Auto Spares, Armoy by TBF Thompson DAF Trucks.

Renault T High Evolution for Liam Connolly Road Freight from Diamond Trucks.

4 MAN 8x4 with hydraulic offloader to ABD Grab Services delivered by RK Truck Centres Ltd.

Jarlath and wife collecting their new Ford Ranger from Eakin Bros.

EXPORT&FREIGHT

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND TRAILER REPAIRS ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL 12 Ballyrobert Road TACHOGRAPHS Newtownabbey BT36 4TL

ESTD 1937

Tel: 028 9034 2973

Email: office@thomasmccrea.co.uk 12 Ballyrobert Road, Newtownabbey BT36 4TL

Tel: 028 9034 2973

Web: thomasmccrea.co.uk

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE & TRAILER REPAIRS - TACHOGRAPH CENTRE - RECOVERY

Email: office@thomasmccrea.co.uk

Kearns & Murtagh Ltd Tachograph and Road Speed limiter Specialists

Specialising in Hino & Iveco Diagnostic Systems Unit 3a, Derryboy Road, Carnbane Business Park, Lisduff, Newry, Co. Down BT35 6QH T: 028 3026 5720 M: 07831 852014

E: info@kearnsmurtagh.com W: www.kearnsmurtagh.com

ARMAGH LTD

Specialists in Maintenance & Repairs Full Range of Spare Parts Available Approved Tachograph & Speed Limiter Centre Pre-PSV Test Lane Tel: 028 3752 3491 and 028 3752 6393 (stores) Fax: 028 3752 7878 Email: cbtarmagh@gmail.com

APPROVED TACHOGRAPH CENTRE Digital and Analogue Tachographs for All Makes of Trucks info@tbfthompson.com I www.tbfthompsondaf.com

TBF Thompson DAF Trucks 19 Michelin Road I Hydepark Industrial Estate I MALLUSK I BT36 4PT 2 Diviny Drive I Carn Industrial Estate I PORTADOWN I BT63 5WE 6 – 10 Killyvalley Road I GARVAGH I Coleraine I BT51 5JZ

028 9034 2001 028 3839 3300 028 2955 8353

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

GERALD LYTTLE & SONS COMMERCIAL REPAIRS & TACHOGRAPH CENTRE

ANALOGUE & DIGITAL TACHOGRAPHS for all Vehicles Wabco, Haldex & Knorr-Bremse ABS & EBS 219 DRUM ROAD, COOKSTOWN BT80 9HR

Tel: 028 8675 1261 Fax: 028 8675 1882 Email: alastairlyttle@btconnect.com

RK Trucks Centre

Lisburn Tachograph Centre Analogue & Digital Tachographs

Calibration - Parts - Repairs Trucks - Buses - Vans - Oil Tankers TACHOGRAPHS TO SUIT ALL VEHICLES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD SOLUTIONS Please contact our office for more information T. 028 9264 1676 lisburntacho@btconnect.com www.lisburntachographcentre.com

EXPORT&FREIGHT

DIGITAL & ANALOGUE Approved Tachograph Calibration Centres at: Carryduff, Co. Down T. 028

9081 3600 F. 028 9081 4115

Dungannon, Co. Tyrone T. 028

8772 2111 F. 028 8772 7393

www.rktrucks.com

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

PALLETS WANTED Tel: 07778 853566

STANDARD 1000 x 1200

SPECIALIST ANALOGUE & DIGITAL TACHOGRAPH for Scania and all other Manufacturers

SUPPLIED • FITTED • SERVICED

EURO

800 x 1200

PALLETS

Road Trucks Limited - roadtrucksscania.co.uk http://www.roadtrucksscania.co.uk

SALES, PARTS & SERVICE: Circular Road, Larne BT40 3AB Tel: +44 (0) 28 2827 9611 PARTS & SERVICE feedback.roadtrucks@scania.com

COLLECTION AVAILABLE OR DROP OFF AT SPRUCEFIELD SITE.

PARTS & SERVICE: Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh BT78 5LU Tel: +44 (0) 28 8225 9198 feedback.roadtrucks@scania.com

www.exportandfreight.com

ROADTRUCKSLTD

http://kaywa.me/BZwN8

www.roadtrucksscania.co.uk Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!

Kieran Trehy Hydraulics HYDRAULIC PUMPS

• HYDRAULIC PUMPS FOR TIPPERS, CRANES, SKIP LOADERS, CAR RECOVERY UNITS • POWER TAKE OFF UNITS TO SUIT ALL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GEAR BOXES - EVERY APPLICATION

Serving The Northwest for over 90 Years

Eakin Bros Ltd

• TIPPER KITS FOR ALL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TRACTORS Contact - Kieran Trehy at: Unit 2, Northern Cross, Business Park, Finglas, Dublin II

TEL: 003531 8644915 / 8443109

Nutts Corner Business Park 15 Dundrod Road BT29 4SS T: 028 9082 5653

www.eakinbrosltd.co.uk

48 Main Street, Claudy Co. Londonderry Tel: 028 7133 8641 Fax: 028 7133 8890

E: mail@transporttraining.org www.transporttraining.org Find us on:

BOOK COURSES ONLINE: Transport Training: Truck & Bus Driver Training | Driver CPC | Transport Manager CPC Compliance Training: ADR | DGSA APPROVED CENTRE AC01770

CAREER DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, SO ARE YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS:

PHIL EAGLESTONE M: 07515 561446 EXPORT&FREIGHT

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.EXPORTANDFREIGHT.COM

TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE ADVERTISE

We sell parts for

DAF • VOLVO • IVECO • MAN • RENAULT • MERCEDES • SCANIA Armagh 028 3752 5427

HERE If you are reading this, so are your potential customers! CONTACT US FOR DETAILS:

Phil Eaglestone M: 07515 561446 or T: 028 9268 8888

Newry 028 3083 4884

www.exportandfreight.com

www.cmpireland.com MAN | Genuine Parts

McCAUSLAND CAR PARK

MORE QUALITY MORE PERFORMANCE MORE VALUE LESS COST

AIRPORT PARKING • • • • • • •

valueline

For Business or Pleasure

Park for 1 day or more FREE coach to and from the Terminal Open 24 hours, 7 days a week FULL CAR CLEANING SERVICE We carry your luggage Discounts available on-line Our BEST PRICE GUARANTEED at www.mccausland.co.uk

see our website for special offers

The NEW valueline from MAN Genuine Parts, Now much more is less.

ITC

RK Trucks & ITC Edgar Road, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8NB RK Trucks Tel: 028 9081 3600 Fax: 028 9081 4115 ITC Tel: 028 9081 2186 Fax: 028 9081 7575

Tel: 028 9442 2022

www.rktrucks.com www.internationaltruckcomponents.com

www.mccausland.co.uk

Fax: 028 8772 7393 ITC Parts: 028 8772 2803 Fax: 028 8772 7393

Belfast International Airport

126 Tamnamore Road, Dungannon RK Trucks Tel: 028 8772 2111

EXPORT&FREIGHT

Your Parts Partner Belfast 028 90 781230

Portadown 028 38 362555

www.transportsupplies.co.uk

Order before 10am

to guarantee same day delivery provincewide

Transport Supplies now has over 12,000 product lines in stock from all the leading specialist brands. Plus there’s our fast delivery direct to you provincewide as well as free collection from our stores.

Export & Freight Jan 22

Articles inside

from the world of vans & pick-ups

Focus on Tyres

Haropa and Brittany Ferries launch new Le Havre freight service

Irish Ferries grows frequency on Dover Calais route

Cairnryan Port move delivers for Stena Line

SDC Trailers ‘Love the Lorry’ Winners

Materials Handling / Forklift Trucks

Renault Trucks Reflect on Challenging New Year

Gary Barnes, Chairman CILT Northern Ireland

FORS celebrates a year of growth

Schmitz Cargobull Unveils New Semi-Trailer

John Martin, RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland

Court Report

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI

Scania introduce new powertrain & other updates

DAF’s new generation awarded Truck Of The Year