24 minute read
FORS celebrates a year of growth
by 4SMNI
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. 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 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 procedures in place is of paramount importance for employee welfare, and indeed for the safety of other road users and members of the public.
FORS Standard – Version 6.0
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”.
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.
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. 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.
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% charged in two hours and reaches full charge in just three hours. 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. 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.
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.”
DVS Solution
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 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. “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. 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
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
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.
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. 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 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.” 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 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. 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.
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 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 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.”
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.
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
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.
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 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.
