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Contents NOV-DEC 2021

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

COVER STORY REA DISTRIBUTION MARK 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FLAGSHIP IVECO S-WAY

COMMENT Welcome to our latest issue of Export & Freight, keeping you informed of what’s happening across all sectors of the industry in what continues to be turbulent waters for many. It seems that ‘staying afloat’ is the name of the game as we enter the busy Xmas period and look forward to an uncertain New Year. But here’s a suggestion that we can really rally behind. It comes from Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells. He is calling for a ‘Year of Logistics’ to highlight the importance of the industry to the wider public as we learn that 96% of UK logistics businesses are now reporting problems recruiting HGV drivers. We’ve been speaking at length to David, as you will read in this issue. He tells us, “We have recently suggested to the Secretary of State for Transport there should be a ‘year of logistics’ encouraging members throughout the UK to promote opportunities in the industry and raise awareness of our sector as a whole.” It would be great for our industry if that suggestion was taken onboard, but perhaps we shouldn’t hold our breath. Meanwhile, we can’t ignore what’s been happening in Glasgow in recent weeks as it has a direct impact on our industry, too. The Climate Change Conference, otherwise known as COP26, heard that decarbonisation remains a key priority for both the government and the logistics industry.

Page 16-17

GENERAL NEWS Page 12-13

Great Turn-Out for MAN Roadshow at RK Trucks

Page 14

Transport Training Services expands leadership Logistics UK’s Transport Manager Conference in Belfast

Page 22-23

Strong Local Support for National Lorry Week

Page 40-41

Renault Trucks Officially Opens new Dublin depot

Page 42-44 Page 62

Bandvulc Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary

TEST DRIVE Page 20-21

Iveco X-Way

REGULAR FEATURES Page 26

Court Report John Martin, RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland

Page 28-29 Page 30

With a transition to electric vehicles already underway, there’s clearly still much to do if we are to meet the deadline for becoming carbon neutral by 2050, not least overcoming the challenge of creating a ‘fit for purpose’ charging infrastructure. Again, we are not holding our breath.

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI Peter Morrow, Northern Ireland Manager FORS

Page 45

Nonetheless, despite all the uncertainty of going forward, there are still a lot of positives to report from our industry, as you will be able to read over the next 80 plus pages.

Ken Davis, CILT

Page 47

Don’t forget you can also 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.

In Conversation with David Wells, Logistics UK

Page 34-35

Parts & Service

Page 50-55

Financial Services

Page 56-61

Helen Beggs Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

Brexit impacts on Dublin Port with Volumes down -3.3% after nine months

Page 64

Belfast Harbour Reveals Plans For Major Urban Garden Investment

Page 68

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

Page 36-37

David Mullan, Transport Regulation Unit

SPECIAL FEATURES

SHIPPING NEWS

VAN & PICK-UP IRELAND All the latest developments and new launches from the world of vans & pick-ups

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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

Page 70-73

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

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OBITUARY: COLLEAGUES AND CLIENTS PAY TRIBUTE TO ADRIAN MADDEN Business colleagues, friends and clients across the country have been paying tributes to Adrian Madden, Close Brothers’ Head of Asset Finance Sales, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer; the father of two died peacefully at home in County Meath. Adrian, described as “a much admired colleague, and a fantastic salesman,” helped found and grow the business at Close Brothers Commercial Finance. “He spent the past ten years building our team from the ground up and we are incredibly proud of everything he achieved,” said the company. “Anyone who met Adrian remembered him. He was a true character – funny, respected, respectful, liked, loved, dedicated and successful. His positive outlook, sense of fun and warmth set him apart, and he will be sorely missed.” There’ve been scores of tributes on social media following his death. Alan Fallon, Managing Director at Dungannon Plant Sales Ireland, wrote: “A gentleman of the highest degree. He had the ability to invite you to lunch but I always ended up footing the bill! But it was a cheap price for the chat which was a mixture of humour, wit and a bundle of information, though he never broke customer confidentiality. You will be missed, Adrian.” From John Kirrane Plant Hire Ltd: “Adrian was a man that made financial lending decisions based on the people he was dealing with rather than numbers on a sheet of paper. When nobody would look at construction asset finance during the downturn he and his Close Brothers team led the way.” And said Billy Farrell, Head of Sales at Hibernia FX - International Payments and Foreign Currency Providers: “To say we are all devastated would be an understatement; Adrian was our kind and thoughtful neighbour and indeed our great friend for almost 20 years. “As well as being all of the above from those amazing tributes and comments in the work place he was a brilliant dad and family man and I was fortunate enough to have spent many a day and night in his company at many events, corporate and socially, at our homes over the years. Adrian was an exceptional character and will be sorely missed by everyone he encountered in his life.” Because of Covid-19 restrictions, many who wanted to be at the funeral mass couldn’t, so it was streamed online from the Holy Trinity Church in Ratoath, County Meath, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan.

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Welcome for New FORS Measures to Tackle Drugs & Alcohol Issues in Transport The UK’s leading provider of drug and alcohol testing services and equipment for safety critical employees, D.tec International, has welcomed an update to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) which continues to insist that commercial fleet operators to do more to tackle drugs and alcohol within their workplaces. FORS is an accreditation scheme which aims to raise the level of quality within commercial freight and passenger fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. The scheme audits these operators and awards bronze, silver and gold accreditations.

including those provided by prescription. Ean Lewin added: “It is encouraging to finally see action being taken to help combat the growing trend of drug and alcohol related incidents in our workplaces and on our roads. Employers must embrace the issue and ensure that they have robust policies and procedures in place, such as those now required by FORS and HSE, to help tackle the problem.”

Since being introduced in 2008 by Transport for London (TfL), it has grown in popularity and now extends to all parts of the UK with a significant and fast-growing number of customers demanding compliance to the standard in order for operators to carry out work on their behalf.

In 2019, there were 7,860 drink driving related collisions resulting in 280 deaths – the highest number in a decade and an increase of 15% from the previous year. In the same period, 92 people were killed and 672 were seriously injured in collisions where a driver was impaired by drugs. The actual figure is likely to be much higher.

The latest FORS Standard (Version 6.0) has now been published, which for the first time, includes requirements for fleet operators to have policies and supporting procedures in place to prevent driver impairment through drugs and alcohol. Specifically, it insists on actions to take when suspecting driver impairment and requires drug and alcohol testing to be conducted before employment or the start ofa particular contract, routinely, randomly or unannounced and after involvement in a road traffic collision, incident or near-miss. Comments Ean Lewin, Managing Director for D.tec International: “This update is long-overdue and something we have been campaigning for to the schemes administrators over several years”.

The announcement follows a recent update to guidance on work-related road risk (WRRR) for employers and workers, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which now emphasises to employers, the importance of ensuing their workers do not drive under the influence of drink or drugs,

The latest FORS standard will be implemented on 1st July 2022 and follows extensive industry feedback across a variety of platforms, including from FORS members, detailed technical input from the Standard Review Working Group, and the wider Governance and Standards Advisory Group which comprises a range of key stakeholders and supporters of FORS. FORS have suggested that the new standard is intended to be a pragmatic and incremental change from the current version (5.1) and that its contents will be manageable by the industry during this particularly challenging period.

TruTac backs nationwide load security and transport safety push TruTac, part of the Microlise Group, is backing a push by transport authorities to highlight drivers’ and companies’ responsibilities around commercial vehicle load security. National Highways, the DVSA and the Office of Traffic Commissioners used the month of October to raise awareness about load security, alongside a campaign by multiple police forces targeting commercial vehicles and their cargo. Transport software and

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compliance specialist TruTac believes that, in most cases, properly trained professional drivers can easily ensure that their vehicles’ loads, among other elements, are fully secure by performing straightforward checks before they begin a day’s work. The TruChecks app allows drivers to conduct daily walk around vehicle inspections on their smartphones and immediately identify and report any issues. It covers all areas that the DVSA requires drivers to address, along with type-specific and configurable checklists for different vehicle models and trailers. By using TruChecks, drivers can easily flag up inadequately

secured loads or defective tyres and generate an instant audit trail with time stamps; they are also able to photograph any issues and send pictures to their office or depot. Instantaneous communication means transport managers are immediately made aware of problems and can therefore minimise vehicle downtime. TruTac’s Director of Commercial Operations and Marketing, Jemma James, is confident about the part the app can play: “Despite the majority of transport operators following strict safety and compliance procedures, there are still far too many incidents, which could easily have been prevented by applying some simple checks and procedures during driver

walk around inspections. “TruChecks not only helps drivers to improve safety, but it is also a useful tool to keep on top of minor defects and helps to reduce downtime and maintain compliance.” Operators can find out more about the requirements for load security on the government’s vehicle operator guidance page. Free load security guidance is also available from the DVSA, while the HSE offers free workplace transport guidance and resources to help operators assess risks.

ALL TOGETHER TOUGHER.

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In successful partnerships, tasks are always allocated to the people best able to manage them. So, let us look after your MAN trucks, while you focus on your business. With a UK-wide dealer commitment to keep in stock all the parts you’re most likely to need replacing, our uptime guarantee and our extensive range of warranties, you can rely on us to keep you on the road. man.eu/uk

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SIMPLY MY TRUCK

PUSHING THE LIMITS

29/06/2021 09:58

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ND Grain Opts for More Iveco Tractor Units North Down Grain (ND Grain) has taken delivery of six IVECO S-WAY 6x2 tractor units that aim to keep Northern Irish farmers and cows happy around the clock.

dealer NI Trucks has been at the heart of ND Grain’s two-decade relationship with the brand.

This is the third round of IVECO tractor units that have joined the Newtownards-based haulier on contract with Lakeland Dairies, the farmer owned co-operative that has been in operation for over 100 years.

“We have developed a strong relationship with NI Trucks who clearly understand the service needs of an operation that works 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year,” explained Philip Davidson, ND Grain’s managing director.

The vehicles are already playing a vital role in collecting milk from farms across 6 counties of Northern Ireland seven days a week, 365 days a year. Each year the IVECO S-WAYs will be responsible for collecting 1.8 billion litres of milk that are then turned into a variety of dairy products at Lakeland Dairies processing plant in County Tyrone. From there, 170 different dairy foodservice and food ingredient products are produced for export to customers in 70 countries across the globe. Each IVECO S-WAY has been specified with full air suspension to deliver maximum comfort for the driver and its precious cargo of milk. The driver is also able to raise the ride-height when venturing away from solid ground. Another valuable option here are the ‘hybrid’ front bumpers. IVECO S-WAY as standard features a 3-piece unit meaning operators need only change a damaged section, minimising repair costs. The hybrid bumpers fitted include bolt-on steel lower sections for added durability and strength for environments with a high

“After road-testing the IVECO S-WAY it was an easy decision to replace our current fleet. Driver feedback has been extremely positive and the trucks haven’t missed a beat since they went into operation. potential for low-level obstacles. The 480hp Cursor 11 diesel engine is mated to the smooth and precise automated 12-speed HI-TRONIX gearbox with a steering mid-lift axle to further improve manoeuvrability when accessing the tight Northern Irish country lanes. ND Grain has contracted the new IVECO S-WAYs for four years in which time they are expected to cover around 360,000 kilometres each. Supplied by NI Trucks, the vehicles will be maintained under an IVECO ON 3XL R&M package. Connected to IVECOs European control room, drivers and the traffic office are afforded clear visibility and early warning of any servicing needs, boosting allimportant uptime by improving

forward planning abilities. The IVECO S-WAY also features overthe-air update compatibility which serves to eliminate potential workshop visits altogether. Each IVECO S-WAY was ordered ready with Power Take Off (PTO) facilities and have since been equipped with a Hi-Power hydraulics system for pumping. The trucks often operate at full running weight, pulling tri-axle aluminium tankers with the capacity for carrying 30,000 litres of milk. Additionally, a Brigade camera system was fitted prior to delivery to maximise safety by eliminating any blind-spots while traversing busy farmyards and dairies. Product reliability and solid service back-up from Belfast IVECO

“Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the IVECO S-WAY from the comfort and practicality of the interior to the product design. The trucks have certainly turned a few heads whilst out on the road,” he added. Commenting on the handover, NI Trucks’ Heavy Truck Business Development Manager, Rod Hawkins commented, “We have worked with ND Grain for more than a decade and have a great relationship that focuses all of our efforts on keeping the trucks on the road around the clock. There are no breaks in service when it comes to milk collection and we provide a very flexible service for inspections and servicing to ensure they can seamlessly work seven days a week.”

BPW Publishes its Fifth Sustainability Report Equipment specialist, BPW, recently published its fifth sustainability report in accordance with UN Global Compact criteria. The family-owned company is taking responsibility – for environmental protection, for the people in the company, for young talents and for customers and partners. They all make it possible for BPW to develop solutions that secure and continuously expand the strengths of the world of transport. This means that BPW combines consistency with innovation. After all, the stakeholders in the industry need reliable vehicles, new technologies and fresh ideas in order to meet the market’s growing list of requirements. “The great challenges of our time, such as climate change, pollution and a lack of resources, require profound, reliable responses,” said BPW Managing Partner, Achim Kotz. “Reliability, sustainability and corporate responsibility have always been a matter of course for our company. We have been

bringing these values to life for generations, and we combine a down-to-earth approach with openness and continue to develop.” Safe and efficient transport helps the climate and therefore the environment and people. The efficiency of vehicles is decisive, not only with regard to how environmentally friendly they are, but also how economical they are. A lighter vehicle weight means less CO2 and more usable load – and every gram counts. BPW relies on innovative concepts and precise construction. Lightweight construction and intelligent trailer running gear save materials, tyres and fuel – and therefore costs, too. The scalable eTransport electric drive axle is setting new benchmarks for the electrification of commercial vehicles. The production stage has a significant influence on a product’s environmental footprint. The

switch from butt welding to friction welding means BPW can actively save power. The company only uses green energy – with guarantee of origin. Not only is consumption reduced across the entire company, but valuable resources such as water are conserved and the use of paper is reduced. In addition, BPW is involved in the reforestation of regional forests. BPW is powered by its people. Their health is supported with numerous measures. Apprentices gain specialist knowledge and can use modern garages and a training centre for robotics. BPW is involved with campaigns and organisations such as DocStop, #LogistikHilft and the PROFI association (Pro Fahrer-Image e.V.) for the benefit of the men and women behind the wheel of the trucks. The three-chapter 2021 sustainability report gives an overview of the action areas of employees and society, product responsibility and environment and energy, as well as other developments in the company.

www.exportandfreight.com 8

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14/06/2021 12:45

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MANITOU TRUCK MOUNTED FORKLIFTS FROM NORTHERN LIFT TRUCKS With the launch of the Truck Mounted Mast in 2014, Manitou has a complete range of truck-mounted forklifts and solutions to cover all the requirements of transport professionals. 20 years of experience means that the leader in all-terrain materials handling has sound expertise in the sector. Available from Northern Lift Trucks, the TMM (Truck Mounted with Mast) extends to four models: 2T or 2.5T bi or multi-directional. The TMT (Truck Mounted with Telescopic Boom) includes 5 models, ranging from 2.5T to 2.7T lifting capacity with different versions offered depending on the applications: Industrial, All-terrain (with stabilisers), and Poultry.

the best telescopic arm for optimum efficiency with minimum maintenance. Using this boom, the TMT can unload a platform from a single side without any additional equipment. The driver also benefits from all necessary comfort and the safety that is essential to his material-handling operations.

Award Winning Service

These specifics closely meet the requirements of these different working environments. Manitou has designed the truck-mounted forklifts with the aim of simplicity and reliability.

When you buy a machine from Northern Lift Trucks, you are guaranteed you will be receiving over 35 years’ experience in materials handling and fast, efficient product support. This experience and support are crucial in the transport industries.

The mechanically-welded monobloc chassis, the numerous protective devices for the hydraulic and hose components, and the paint, with a primary anti-corrosion layer, ensure the longevity and reliability of this equipment, which is particularly exposed to bad weather. This robust design enables these trucks to be used intensively. Manitou truck-mounted forklifts are distinguished above all by their performance. During operations involving handling very heavy loads, the TMM and the TMT show great stability. The engine delivers constant power, even at a low speed. This gives the driver flexible and constant steering, while ensuring his productivity. Concerning attachments, the TMM can be fitted with telescopic

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The driver of a Manitou Truck Mounted Forklift Truck purchased from Northern Lift Trucks can count on receiving the service that is necessary to properly complete the material-handling operation. forks, an extender or both combined. As for the TMM itself, the telescopic boom moves laterally by 135 mm for greater usage flexibility without adding any attachments. The inventor of the telescopic boom on the truck-mounted forklift, Manitou offers

“The quality of our after-sales service and the availability of Manitou spare parts ensures we are fully equipped to provide fast and reliable support.” To facilitate your activities, transport companies can also count on the contracts for maintenance, financing or equipment rental that are offered by the dealership.

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ROADSHOW

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GREAT TURN-OUT FOR MAN TRUCK & BUS ROADSHOW AT RK TRUCKS The MAN Truck & Bus’s New Generation Construction and Waste Roadshow took place recently at RK Truck Centre’s Dungannon depot. There was a great turn out over the two days, with operators in the waste and construction sectors across the country taking advantage of the opportunity to get behind the wheel of MAN’s TGS, TGM and TGE models.

distribution and waste industries.

At their disposal was a TGS 35.510 8x4 tipper, a TGS 8x4 tipper 32.400, a TGS 32.430 8x4 tipper grab, a TGM skip loader 18.250, a TGE 3.180 4x4 dropside – models that have been specifically designed for the heavy duty construction,

Not only does this award winning MAN Truck Generation range bring a new level of comfort, safety, efficiency, and reliability, but also connectivity and digitalisation.

MAN say the two day event was characterised by “lots of customer interest, lots of interesting questions being asked and lots of test drives.”

In designing and building this New Generation

Truck range, MAN clearly made safety a key consideration for operators in long-haul operations, on construction sites, in municipal services and in distribution networks.

Stefan Thyssen Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK, Clare Hall and Mark Charles, MAN Truck & Bus UK.

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ROADSHOW

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The TG range offers good visibility and optimum display of important driving information, essential in urban driving situations and on tight construction sites or when manoeuvring around tricky delivery locations. The ergonomics of frequently entering and exiting the cab, as is part of the daily work routine in urban distribution transport or when operating municipal services, is another key aspect that MAN have successfully addressed - and from this October, there’s also a new optional MAN OptiView mirror replacement system available. It works exclusively with cameras, including at the front and on the sides of the vehicle. They show what is happening around the truck on two large high-resolution displays on the A-pillars and also on the screen of the media system. The driver has a selection of view options to choose from, each consistently eliminating blind spots, improving visibility and, above all else, significantly improving safety for other road users. The turn assist function is also integrated into the display concept.

MAN SAY THE TWO DAY EVENT WAS CHARACTERISED BY “LOTS OF CUSTOMER INTEREST, LOTS OF INTERESTING QUESTIONS BEING ASKED AND LOTS OF TEST DRIVES.” RK TRUCKS CENTRE LTD

www.rktrucks.com

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Transport Training Board Trustees .

Transport Training Services Expands Leadership A lot has been going on at Transport Training Services since it emerged from the Covid lockdowns. The organisation has a new Chief Executive and has added ten new members to its Board of Trustees demonstrating expertise across Education, Transport and Automotive. Michael Strain is the new Chief Executive who comes from a 30-year career in the oil distribution industry. His career started in the 1986 working for Fuel Services NI Ltd before heading to Dublin in 1997 to work for Shell Oil. Eight years later Michael returned to Northern Ireland to head up Shell’s all Ireland Local Fuels Operation as it transitioned to Topaz. “It’s with great pride that I take the up this role with TTS. As with any new career challenge there is always a feeling of excitement and trepidation. However, I have never started a role that gave me such instant gratification and personal reward for what we

are trying to achieve at TTS as a charity and a centre of education. “When leaving the oil industry, I set myself a personal goal of getting involved in either a charity or an environmental organisation. I have achieved both in TTS. As a charity we are the leading provider for apprenticeships and career focused training for people in the transport, automotive and logistics industries, providing a crucial route for young people to gain well-paid, secure, productive employment. “Transport by its nature has been, and continues to be, a major global polluter, and this is where my environmental goal gets fulfilled. At TTS, one of our missions is to work

closely with vehicle manufacturers to develop new training skills, materials and facilities to cater for alternate fuels. We currently have a dedicated EV training suite and are now in the process of working with local councils and education boards to develop our hydrogen strategy. I’m looking forward to all these new initiatives and can feel my personal carbon footprint decreasing by the day.” Michael is supported in his role by the Transport Training Board of Northern Ireland whose board of trustees bring with them a wealth of knowledge across the transport and educational sectors of Northern Ireland.

Michael Strain

Trane Technologies’ Thermo King Advancer Wins Project Excellence Award Thermo King has been awarded the global Project Excellence Award from the Project Management Institute for launching Advancer -a disruptive re-imagining of the trailer refrigeration unit. “We are pleased to see the Advancer project recognised for its excellence. At Thermo King, our team continues to bring solutions to market that give customers a new standard in transport refrigeration with breakthrough efficiency, quality, and reliability. We’re pushing innovation to its very limit so that customers can take their operations to the next level – and beyond, whilst reducing their own environmental footprint,” said Francesco Incalza, president of Thermo King Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The Advancer project is a great example of our efficient project management capabilities and our commitment to creating a positive impact for society. This is something we strive to achieve in all our projects. This award

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engineering processes including an award for Advancer’s Carbon Neutral Manufacturing, and Engineering Endeavour,” continued Incalza. The Advancer units are manufactured in Thermo King’s zero waste to landfill plant in Galway where a newly designed, stateof-the-art production line uses 60 percent less energy than the production process of previous Thermo King trailer products.

complements our earlier industry recognition received for Advancer highlighting the best-in-class manufacturing production and

The award recognises the Advancer project team for delivering superior performance of project management practices, superior organisational results, and positive impacts on society. On-the-road and in-use, Advancer results in a 30 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous units.

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Volvo Trucks Receives Record Order for Electric Trucks Volvo Trucks has received an order for 100 FM Electric trucks from DFDS, Northern Europe’s largest shipping and logistics company. The deal is the largest commercial order to-date for Volvo electric trucks, and one of the largest ever for heavy-duty electric trucks worldwide. “This is a major milestone in our commitment to fossil-free transportation and I am very proud of the partnership we have with DFDS. Together we are showing the world that electrified heavy truck transport is a viable solution already today. I believe this will encourage many more customers to confidently take the first step in their own electrification journey,” comments Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

can inspire others as we move forward in this vital transition,” explains Niklas Andersson, Executive Vice President and Head of Logistics Division at DFDS.

The first Volvo FM Electric was handed over to DFDS in August. The delivery of the additional 100 trucks will start in Q4 next year.

The FM Electric can operate at up to 44 tonnes gross combination weight and has a range of up to 300 km. Each truck can be charged either via overnight depot charging (each truck comes with an AC charger) or via high power charging en route (DC charging).

Deliveries of the first Volvo FM Electric trucks to DFDS will start in the fourth quarter of 2022 and continue throughout 2023. The trucks will be used for both short and regional transport in the DFDS logistics system in Europe.

Breakthrough

“At DFDS, we’re determined to play our part in reducing CO2 emissions and creating a sustainable supply chain. We know how important electrification is in the journey to reach our CO2 targets, and I hope we

The electrification trend in the heavy truck market is accelerating. In Europe, several hundred electric trucks above 16 tonnes have been registered so far this year. Of these, approximately 40 per cent are Volvos.

“Our clear aim is to drive the electric truck transformation and our market-leading position shows that we are definitely on the right track. Our target for 2030 is that half of our global truck deliveries will be electric. We are pleased to see that growing interest among our customers is starting to be reflected in firm orders, not least by this impressive order from DFDS,” adds Alm.

DFDS has chosen a financing solution provided by Volvo Financial Services.

Volvo Trucks began serial production of electric trucks in 2019, as one of the very first truck brands to do so. The product range now includes six electric truck models – the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE, Volvo FL and the Volvo VNR, sold in North America.

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

SAFER SMARTER GREENER fors-online.org.uk

08448 09 09 44

@FORS_online

FORS

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REA DISTRIBUTION CELEBRATE 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH FLAGSHIP IVECO S-WAY Marking 40 successful years in business, Antrim based Rea Distribution just had to invest in a top of the range 480hp Iveco S-WAY, delivered recently by dealers NI Trucks. great feature allowing the driver to connect his media devices with easy to use hands free functions all at the end of his fingertips.

Powered by a fuel efficient Cursor 11 engine, the 44 tonne truck, with its Active Space sleeper cab, is already earning its keep on routes across the island of Ireland.

“One addition we did make was adding some aftermarket styling bars and spotlights to give it that extra lift. We also fitted onboard CCTV cameras – a key addition for both load security and road safety. This gives the driver an extra blind spot viewing opportunity while indicating and additional visibility to the left and right by showing down the side of the vehicle. Our CCTV supplier was able to seamlessly connect and interact with the S-WAY’s digital computer screen meaning that there was no need for additional monitors within the cab.”

Rea Distribution was established on 24 September 1981 by John Rea Snr. Starting out with just a couple of vehicles, the company has expanded over the years with a fleet of over 30 vehicles ranging from small vans to tractor units and articulated trailers. Now led by John Rea Snr’s son and grandson Johnny and Richard, the company continues to go from strength to strength, and several years ago moved into new state of the art premises strategically located just off the M2 motorway in Antrim. The company delivers a wide range of products from industrial hazardous chemicals to frozen and chilled wholesale products. Together with its freight partnerships it delivers Pharma goods destined for laboratories, hospitals, pharmacies and direct to patients homes. “Approaching our 40th anniversary, we knew we had to mark the occasion with a flagship vehicle,” says Richard, “and the Iveco S-WAY definitely caught my eye.” He explains: “My grandfather, who founded Rea Distribution, purchased one of the first Iveco tractor units sold into Northern Ireland back in the mid-80s. From this point on the Iveco brand has had a constant presence within our fleet. “We decided to change from the normal Rea Distribution vehicle livery, reverting back to the old style retro sign writing for this one-off special edition and considering the link to my grandfather it made this purchase even more special.” The S-WAY was a replacement vehicle as part of the company’s vehicle renewal programme. “With our eyes focused on our carbon footprint we are constantly looking at different environmental strategies to drive down emissions. We are committed to evolving in order to deliver high quality distribution services in a more efficient and cost-effective way. “With its aerodynamic style, the S-WAY is reported to be up to 4% more fuel

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efficient. In addition, the brand new fuel saving technology with this model means that here at Rea Distribution we have already seen a saving on fuel.”

Comfortable & Practical

And what does the driver think about its handling, performance and comfort? “It’s fitting that the current driver, Noel Graham, has an employment history with Rea Distribution dating back to the mid-80s and actually remembers the first Iveco unit my grandfather purchased some 35 years ago. However, he says that they weren’t as user friendly back then. Noel is very impressed with the in cab comfort, specifically the driver’s seat and its adaptable functions. He has also remarked on the overall performance of the vehicle, praising its responsive steering and modern electronics.” Like every other transport operator, the shortage of trained drivers has become one of the biggest challenges for the company, but says Richard: “However, having a modern and tidy fleet definitely contributes to driver retention and it’s something that we take very seriously at REA Distribution. We have also been working with the Department for Infrastructure and our local councils to take steps to further improve driver retention. Equally encouraging young people into the industry is very important and here at Rea Distribution we ensure that there are opportunities for skills development and progression.”

So, how does it compare to other Iveco’s in the fleet? “It’s very hard to compare old for new as both models are completely different. The obvious visual difference is the overall exterior styling and I definitely think that Iveco have done a fantastic job with the S-WAY placing it above other brand competitors. Looking back at the previous model, the new S-WAY is more spacious with a lot of well thought out and practical features. Even something as simple as the quick access hatch on the built in fridge makes it easier for the driver to access their drinks bottle for refreshments.

Service & Support

“When ordering the new S-WAY we saw that the standard specification was impressive and definitely met our needs and those of both our drivers and customers. The built in Bluetooth and interactive media system is a

Also important is the level of aftersales support provided by the dealer and says Richard: “We have been dealing with NI Trucks and its predecessors stretching back over three decades. At Rea Distribution, we have always been known

COVER STORY

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APPROACHING OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY, WE KNEW WE HAD TO MARK THE OCCASION WITH A FLAGSHIP VEHICLE

for our predominantly Iveco branded fleet and this in itself is testament towards the support and service that we are provided with by NI Trucks. “While we have a great team of independent service partners who we trust with all of our servicing and maintenance needs, however with the S-WAY being so new to market, the team at NI Trucks put together and strong and competitive maintenance package which enticed us to choose this option for the new vehicle.” As with the new S-WAY, all Rea Distribution vehicles are fitted with industry leading on board CCTV and vehicle tracking systems including live temperature recording with temperature deviation alarm monitoring. This technology gives its temperature controlled clients peace of mind that their product is safe and controlled in the appropriate temperature environment from door to door.

www.readistribution.co.uk

The smile says it all… years of progress for Rea Distribution and Iveco.

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Continental Releases Updated European Winter Regulations for Commercial Vehicle Tyres With legal stipulations governing winter equipment on trucks and buses differing across many European countries, Continental has released an updated country-by-country guide listing seasonal tyre regulations as required across Europe. Ahead of the upcoming changeover window to winter tyres, Continental has compiled a summary of the winter tyre current regulations – including the most important changes – for truck and bus/coach drivers and fleet managers. In the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands, for example, there remains no general obligation to fit winter tyres on commercial vehicles. By contrast, Germany, Austria and Spain have put specific regulations in place for the fitment of winter tyres. France has tightened up their winter equipment regulations for 2021, similar to Norway. Continental’s new Tackle Winter with Confidence guide explores the demands placed on tyres by wintry road conditions and provides useful tyre knowhow for the winter season. And the tyre manufacturer has rounded off its wide-reaching winter portfolio with the Scandinavia Generation 3 winter tyre line. These tyres are designed to handle extremely tough winter conditions and boast high levels of traction without compromising on mileage. Continental provides a compelling proposition for its customers as an international solutions and service expert – with both its range of new products and an array of retreaded tyres. New retread products have been added to the winter tyre portfolio.

Important changes In some of Europe’s key transit countries – such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Poland – no changes have been made to the winter equipment requirements for trucks and buses compared to last year. In France, winter equipment is already mandatory on specially marked roads. A new rule now explicitly refers to the 3PMSF marking instead of only to the M+S marking and affects

passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles. From 1.11-31.03. at the discretion of the individual “départements” winter equipment stipulations apply on certain roads signalled by the road signs B26 [snow chains mandatory] and B58/B59 [winter tyres mandatory]: Trucks without trailers and buses must carry snow chains for fitment on at least two driven wheels or have at least two steered wheels for the main steering system and at least two driven wheels fitted with tyres in M+S and 3PMSF marking (until 01.11.2024 tyres with either M+S or 3PMSF specification are still accepted). Trucks with trailers must carry snow chains for fitment on at least two driven wheels. This regulation applies from November 1 until March 31 at the discretion of the local authorities. Already since the 2020/2021 season, Norway has required winter tyres with the 3PMSF symbol for the drive axle and the front steer axle. Free-rolling axles must be fitted with tyres bearing the 3PMSF symbol or M+S marking. Information on winter equipment requirements is important, but choosing the right tyres

is even more so. Continental has rounded off its extensive range of winter tyres for commercial vehicles for the 2021/22 winter season with a 22.5-inch tyre. “We have developed the Scandinavia Generation 3 tyre line for a broad range of road surfaces and all weather conditions,” explains Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Tire Development at Continental. This family of tyres impress with their outstanding traction in winter conditions combined with a long lifespan. Optimised compounds provide excellent grip on snow, ice and in the wet without compromising in terms of mileage, wear or tread durability. “Our two-stage siping technology offers our customers all-round safety all year round,” adds Kaiser. “The tyres provide secure performance in challenging weather conditions during the winter months and also help to enhance safety and efficiency in summer with their optimised rolling resistance and high mileage capability.” The Scandinavia line from Continental is therefore a safe bet for all axle positions and sizes. “The high natural rubber content of our tyres gives them lower rolling resistance and the required flexibility in low temperatures,” says Kaiser. Optimised filler and oil content ensures better wear properties and therefore sustainability and efficiency. This product line does everything required of a specialist tyre for extreme winter use. But it also safely covers all the bases as an all-rounder for the variety of conditions presented during the winter months. The Generation 3 tyres – the Conti Scandinavia HS3, HD3 and HT3 – are therefore equipped to contribute significantly to the operational safety of vehicles in a wide range of road and weather conditions. “We have pooled together our tyre expertise for the Generation 3 winter tyre family and employed new technologies to increase performance beyond existing boundaries,” says Kaiser.

Hireco form new association with Singer Nathan Carter The Hireco Group have formed a new association with country singer Nathan Carter through the supply of a bespoke Highline Scania Next Gen. This will now be responsible along with his trailer to take the band’s equipment to his various shows throughout the UK and Ireland which have now recommenced after 18 months off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are also plans to send the

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truck to various truck shows throughout the country as well over the next 12 months.

Ricky Graham, Managing Director of Hireco in Belfast and (right) Nathan Carter with his new Hireco supplied vehicle.

For those not familiar with Nathan Carter, in Ireland he outsold One Direction, Pharrell Williams and Michael Buble, and became the first country act to reach number one in the

Irish charts in 2013 after Garth Brooks, six years before.Nathan grew up in Liverpool, although his family originates from Newry

in County Down. His television appearances include Lorraine, ITV; The Late Late Show, RTE; and BBC’s The Nolan Show.

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Wrightbus honoured to showcase its first Hydrogen Bus to the World The world’s first hydrogen double decker bus went on display to the world after its maker, Wrightbus, was chosen to be part of a prestigious event showcasing the best green innovations in the UK.

“To date, our zero-carbon buses have covered more than half a million miles, preventing almost 1 million kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere on those journeys. We need to ensure hydrogenpowered transportation is a viable and cost effective alternative for the UK to hit its net zero objectives.

Wrightbus was selected as one of 12 green innovators from across the nation to take part in the recent Government-hosted Global Investment Summit, which showcased the best of UK innovation and green technology.

“We’re proud to be part of the movement that’s leading the world to create technological solutions to ensure a net zero future, whilst also creating green jobs and boosting the UK’s green economy.

Hosted by the Prime Minister and supported by members of the Royal Family, the Summit demonstrated Britain’s commitment to green industries of the future ahead of COP26 and promote the UK as the best destination for foreign investment. Around 200 investors attending the Summit saw the latest cuttingedge innovation - including Wrightbus’s world-first hydrogen double decker - that is helping deliver key areas of the PM’s Ten Point Plan, helping cement the UK’s position as a science superpower and the world’s number one centre for green technology.

in zero-emission bus transport technology. From the launch of the world’s first hydrogen double deck bus to the launch of the fastest-charging EV double deck on the market, our innovation in the sector is unsurpassed.

Wrightbus owner and Executive Chairman, Jo Bamford, said he was proud to be showcasing the firm’s world-leading technology at the event alongside other UK innovators. “We’re honoured to have been

invited to showcase our worldfirst Hydroliner hydrogen double decker bus at the prestigious Global Investment Summit,” he said. “Thanks to investment into research and development, Wrightbus has become a true world-leader

“As a nation, we could create a world-leading hydrogen ecosystem allowing us to become one of the best hydrogen-producing countries in the world - but continued investment into the sector is vital for such projects to have a truly global impact.” The Ten Point Plan will mobilise £12bn of government investment to create and support up to 250,000 highly skilled green jobs in the UK - and unlock three times as much private sector investment by 2030.

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TEST DRIVE

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IVECO X-WAY OFFERS ON ROAD COMFORT & DRIVEABILITY

First impressions are usually a reliable barometer; you are either impressed or you’re not, and so it was with our first encounter of Iveco’s new X-Way 480 when we had an opportunity to find out how it performed on our local roads, writes Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone. You can’t argue with the fact that the new Iveco X-Way presents an impressive sight at first glance, but as we all know looks are not everything; it is what lies beneath that tells the whole story, which was why we were happy to climb on board our road test AD360X42Z OFF 8x4, complete with a Boweld tipper light steel body and Edbro UB16 tipping gear. We picked up the tipper at NI Trucks in Mallusk and headed up the A8 towards Larne with a few strict guidelines to follow, making it not your ‘normal’ road test. Because it was a spanking brand new truck which had been booked for test drives by other customers our instructions were to keep it in pristine condition. It had to be driven on main roads only, with Iveco UK

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also stipulating that we were not permitted to put any kind of load on the tipper. According to Iveco, this new X-Way ‘marks the perfect crossing between on-road comfort, connectivity and driveability and the strength and toughness required for those tasks that see last mile delivery points away from the beaten track.’ Well, we were not to take it ‘away from the beaten track’ but that said, we were able to adequately assess its handling and performance on the open road. Back to those first impressions: they were good. It wasn’t the first time our roads were ‘graced’ by the X-Way; an AD360X48Z OFF 8x4 tipper made a short appearance back in June when local operators were able

to get up close and personal with it, and like us, they came away pretty satisfied. Finished in eye-catching metallic orange paintwork, our 32-tonner was powered by a Cursor 11 litre 480hp engine matched to what is a proven and well-received 12-speed automated Hi-Tronix gearbox with which features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the off-road sections of your journey, although for us, not on this occasion! What we were able to appreciate was the spacious, well designed and comfortable cab that offers all the storage you need, with well laid-out capacious compartments; indeed, the shaped upper shelf has a massive capacity of 250 litres. Clearly created with the driver in mind, we found the X-Way gives you an excellent

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A TRUCK THAT HAS CLEARLY BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE DRIVER IN MIND

Advanced Features working environment with outstanding ergonomics and controls layout, more space and excellent visibility. We have to agree with Iveco when they claim ‘every single detail has been carefully studied to meet the driver’s expectations on the road.’ And that’s a good thing in these days of driver shortages, as well as continual complaints about lack of roadside facilities which can give the industry a bad image, pushing away potential recruits. We have driven a lot of trucks in our time and it’s those that offer a ‘home from home’ environment that are instrumental in combating negative reactions. Iveco’s new X-Way scores highly in all areas; it is honestly a joy to drive.

The new X-Way integrates Iveco’s best, most advanced features and driving assistance functions such as eco-roll, predictive gear shifting and predictive cruise control, and we certainly found it at home on the open road. Other features include automatic climate control, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, air horns, full-Air cab seating with red safety belts, radiator guards, Alcoa Diamant alloy wheels, external sun visor, idle cutoff, leather steering wheel and a swivelling 7” touch-screen infotainment system.

& Driver Attention Support) and ESP.

It is also equipped with full LED lighting (front/rear/roof beacons) with cornering lights and protection bars, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, servo-assisted cab tilting, door roller blinds, DSE + DAS (Driving Style Evaluation

The X-Way comes with a choice of cabs: the AD (Active Day) short cab with low roof, AT (Active Time) sleeper cab with low or medium roof, and for ultimate comfort, the AS (Active Space) sleeper cab.

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LOGISTICS UK NI LUNCH

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NORTHERN IRELAND LOGISTICS LUNCH 2021 Logistics UK held their annual Northern Ireland Lunch at the impressive Merchant Hotel in Belfast recently. Over 130 guests attended the lunch with speakers including Logistics UK Chief Executive, David Wells, Andrew Scott, Head of Electromobility for Renault Trucks. Also there was Northern Ireland Freight Council Chair, Charlene Quayle, while Guest Speaker, Northern Ireland footballer Keith Gillespie, took part in a revealing Questions and Answers session with Seamus Leheny, UK Logistics Policy Manager for Northern Ireland.

www.logistics.org.uk

NI Lunch 21 David Wells, Barry Collins, Richard Walker, Frances Freestone, Martin Diamond, Michael Heasley and Keith Gillespie.

Seamus Leheny Policy Manager NI and David Wells CEO, Logistics UK.

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Seamus Leheny interviewing Keith Gillespie.

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l, NI Freight Council Chair. NI Lunch 21 Charlene Quayle, Pivota

Renee Quinn, PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland.

Andrew Scott, Head of Electromobility Renualt Trucks UK.

Alan Espie from TBF Thompson, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

Charlene Quayle, Rose McMullan Close Brothers and Keith Gillespie.

Charlene Quayle, Tony Kirkpatrick from RiverRidge and Keith Gillespie.

Charlene Quayle, Emma Blair from Close Brothers and Keith Gillespie.

George Webster from Musgrave Retail Partners NI, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

Andy Mawhinney DFDS, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

David Watts from Diamond Trucks, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

George Crooks from Diamond Trucks, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

Gary Calderwood from RiverRidge, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

Karen Nicholl from Nicholl Fuel Oils, Charlene Quayle and Keith Gillespie.

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DRIVER SHORTAGE JUST PART OF THE CHALLENGE FACING INDUSTRY BY IAN GREEN

Over the last 18 months, there is no doubt that the Logistics & Transport industry has been a critical component to ensuring that goods and essential supplies have been kept moving throughout this ongoing pandemic. However, one noticeable difference from the start of this pandemic, is the ever-increasing shortage of people who are employed within the logistics industry and importantly, joining the sector. The shortage of professional drivers is something that has been covered extensively for the last few months and has been the subject of headlines over the UK & Ireland, however this is only part of the problem.

the amount of companies willing to take on new drivers, without discounting them due to age and subject to Driving Assessment. This is aided by comprehensive induction and training plans that will help the driver to develop their skillset over time.

A perfect storm of Pandemic, ‘Ping’demic, and Brexit has stretched the resilience of the Supply Chain to almost breaking point and various solutions to the skills shortages are now under consultation. With the emphasis on the lack of skilled drivers across the industry, the government has granted an extension of Drivers Hours to help increase productivity, however this is not the answer and is only adding to the issues faced by current overworked Drivers. Although Licence Category testing has resumed, it is safe to say that for those currently in the process of obtaining Vocational licences, this will still take time to complete and there are not enough currently in the process to cover the deficit. However, what will be expected of newly qualified drivers? Will they also be expected to maximise their driving hours? Putting the inexperienced at greater risk due to more pressure, increased work loads and less rest?

Stunting Growth Whilst the economy recovers and companies are trying to find their way in the evolving post pandemic landscape of Covid protocol and Customs procedures, one recurring problem within industry is growth. Having many conversations with Managing Directors and industry leaders on a weekly basis, it is apparent that although the economy is recovering, workload is increasing and various transport routes are getting busier, there is a great reluctance to grow companies beyond their current capabilities. One recurring theme I am coming across is that

Aside from driving roles, there are also a number of trainee positions available to those who are actively looking to join the sector, which offers comprehensive on the job training and will open many doors in the long term- these people will be the future of the Supply Chain.

Ian Green

companies are unable to grow past their current output, with many teams stretched to capacity. Warehousing staff, Traffic Planners and Freight Forwarders are just an example of several other roles that are experiencing skills shortages. This in turn, contributes to longer loading/waiting times, creating inefficiency and unsustainable pressures throughout the Supply Chain. There are many opinions on what should be done to tackle the current skills shortage and some are more divisive than others, however it is obvious that without clear structure and further investment into our industry this short term problem will develop into a long term issue. Apprenticeship schemes will certainly help develop the skills and professionalism required in a shorter space of time and surely reduce ‘trial by error’ in the workplace and offer incentives to the younger generation to get involved in the industry. Recently, there has been a marked uptake in

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has introduced significant changes to licence category testing across England, Scotland and Wales - in order to boost capacity within test centres. These changes include allowing car drivers to tow a trailer without taking a further towing test, removing certain elements of the HGV test, which are to be assessed by training schools and lastly, removing the need to obtain lower licence categories in order to gain a C+E licence. These changes, which are not currently applicable to NI, may open up more issues on our roads which might contribute to the current problem of the lack of skilled drivers. Whilst there are obvious issues within the logistics sector at present, there has never been as much investment, training and reform as there is currently- opening doors to great opportunity and a bright future. *Ian Green is a former Professional Driver and Transport Planner who now specialises in Logistics & Supply Chain Recruitment, on behalf of Manpower UK. All views expressed in this article are representative of Ian Green and not Manpower UK. You can contact Ian on 07483901801 or via email at ian.green@Manpower.co.uk

Renault Trucks Expands Electric Truck Range Renault Trucks is further developing its range of electric vehicles to meet the wide variety of urban applications: an 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. joins the 16 and 26 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E. models. The manufacturer is also offering a wider range of wheelbases and special connectivity for refrigerated bodies. Serial production of the 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. is starting at Renault Trucks’ Blainville-sur-Orne plant (Calvados), where the D Z.E. and the D Wide Z.E. have been manufactured since 2020.

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Equipped with a two-axle chassis for improved manoeuvrability, the 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. is the ideal vehicle for temperaturecontrolled distribution, with an optimised payload. In addition, Renault Trucks has designed a new system to increase the energy efficiency of all-electric trucks equipped

with a refrigerated body. All Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E trucks are now available with a fridge-connection option, which supplies the energy required for the refrigeration system directly from the vehicle’s 600 V traction batteries. For improved manoeuvrability, Renault Trucks has also extended

the range of wheelbases available for its D and D Wide Z.E. from 3900 mm to 6800 mm, optimising load distribution to cover more applications. As well as distribution, Renault Trucks expects strong interest from light construction, building supplies and skip operators keen to offer the best possible service to their urban customers.

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NEWS

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland and Gerry Marshall, CEO, Recycling Lives.

Recycling Lives Electrifies Waste Transport With UK’s First Z.E. Skip Loaders In a significant step towards the decarbonisation of waste collection and transport, Renault Trucks has announced the signing of a contract with national waste recycling specialist Recycling Lives to deliver the UK’s first two 100% electric 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. skip loaders. Joining Recycling Lives’ specialist skip handling fleet, the two D Wide Z.E.s will be located at the Recycling Park in Preston, employed in daily operations servicing commercial and household clients. The vehicles are a result of a project where Recycling Lives worked with Renault Trucks to co-design a bespoke electric skip loader vehicle. Gerry Marshall, Recycling Lives’ CEO, commented on the partnership. He said: “A significant driver for our business is innovation. These vehicles are an industry first, and they’ll be a standard element of our fleet over time. Gerry Marshall continues: “The vehicles have been specifically designed for us to deliver optimum operational efficiencies, and it was critical for us that we partner with an international organisation that matches our values and our ambitions. “A fundamental aspect of moving over to an electric fleet was that our innovations will provide environmental benefits to our customers too. “We’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment as the company evolves to offer more circular economy solutions. Replacing our transport fleet with electric vehicles and more sustainable fuel solutions is vital in that transition.” Recycling Lives’ purchase decision follows the successful trial of a 16 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. demonstrator in July which provided an opportunity to evaluate performance and effectiveness for electric vehicle applications in the fleet. Additionally, Renault Trucks’ enhancement of the D and D Wide Z.E. range, with the introduction of an 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. model and extended range of wheelbases, provided the payload and manoeuvrability required for skip handling vehicles. Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland said: “Not only does this mark a significant step on the road to net zero for waste transport and skip loaders in particular, this order for two trucks also speaks volumes about the performance of the D Z.E demonstrator in operation, and Recycling Lives’ confidence in electric vehicles playing a key role in their current and future fleet.”

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COURT REPORT

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Operator Lands a Fine of Almost £3,000

Didn’t Take Daily Rest on Six Occasions

A County Armagh operator has been convicted at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £2,950.

A County Fermanagh operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1500 after DVA enforcement officers stopped a Volvo 3+3 axle articulated goods vehicle in the Larne area.

The conviction arose when DVA requested tachograph data from a company in relation to 24 vehicles in their possession.

An analysis of the vehicle’s tachograph data found that the vehicle had been driven on 6 occasions where the driver had failed to take sufficient daily rest.

The subsequent analysis of the records revealed that there had been numerous incidents identified of driving without a digital tachograph card inserted, failure to download driver’s cards, failure to produce record sheets and drivers failing to take their required daily rest.

It was also noted that the operator had failed to download data from the driver card or digital tachograph within the specified time limits.

Failed to Take Daily Rest

A Republic of Ireland driver was convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 after DVA enforcement officers stopped a Scania 3+3 axle articulated goods vehicle in the Loughbrickland area.

Unable to Produce Driver CPC Card

A County Antrim driver was convicted at Antrim Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 after DVA enforcement officers stopped a Volvo 3+3 axle articulated goods vehicle in the Larne area. Analysis of his tachograph records identified several drivers’ hours offences, including failing to take the required daily rest and driving on occasions without the appropriate digital driver card inserted.

The vehicle was subsequently weighed and found to be overloaded on its gross train weight by 1040kgs. The driver was also asked to produce his driver CPC card and was unable to do so.

£3000 Fine on Tachograph Offences A County Antrim operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £3000.

Vehicle ‘Dangerously’ Overloaded

The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a Volvo 2 axle skip lorry in the Ballymena area. Analysis of the vehicle’s tachograph revealed that the vehicle had been driven on 9 occasions where the driver had failed to take sufficient daily rest. It also revealed that the operator had failed to download the driver’s card within 28 days and the tachograph unit within 90 days.

A County Antrim operator has been convicted at Antrim Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £1000 for using a dangerously overloaded vehicle.

Exceeded Driving Limit by 10 Hours

The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a small 2 axle Mitsubishi goods vehicle in the Nutts Corner area. The vehicle was weighed and found to be overloaded on its 1st axle by 352kgs, 2nd axle by 809kgs and 2311kgs on its gross vehicle weight. Given the extent of the overload it was deemed that it had posed a danger or risk of injury to other road users.

A County Antrim operator was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court and fined a total of £350. The conviction arose when DVA enforcement officers stopped a 2 axle articulated goods vehicle in the Larne area. Analysis of the driver’s digital card and tachograph revealed that he had exceeded his fortnight driving limit by 10 hours more than the permitted 90 hour limit.

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Mercedes-Benz Trucks Showcases Current and Future Vehicle Concepts The Mercedes-Benz Trucks headquarters in Wörth was the venue recently for its ‘Shaping the Now and Next 2021’ event, at which the German manufacturer showcased its current and future vehicle concepts, services and solutions. Available in Ireland next year, the Actros L with be the largest, highest quality vehicle in the Actros model range. Its 2.5 metres wide driver’s cab will be available in StreamSpace, BigSpace and GigaSpace variants with a flat floor and spacious interior.

eActros In committing to the Paris Agreement’s aim of decarbonising the sector, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has set a target of switching its European product portfolio over to electrically powered trucks by 2039.

With key technical specifications largely identical to those of the eActros, the eEconic is a waste collection vehicle designed to cover the vast majority of typical waste collection routes in a single shift, without intermediary charging.

LongHaul In addition to distribution haulage and municipal operations, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is also committed to the use of alternative drive concepts for longer distances. The battery-electric eActros LongHaul is designed to cover regular journeys on plannable routes with a range of around 500 kilometres on just one charge.

Features will include improved cab noise insulation, optimised seating position and optionally available, newly designed LED headlamps. Safety is enhanced through fifthgeneration Active Brake Assist (ABA 5) emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist and MirrorCam, which replaces the main and wide-angle mirrors. Options include Sideguard Assist with active braking (Active Sideguard Assist) and secondgeneration Active Drive Assist (ADA 2) system which enables level 2 partially automated driving.

trials with customers.

Designed for heavy distribution haulage, the new batteryelectric eActros celebrated its world première earlier this year, having undergone extensive trials over a two year period. eActros will draw its energy from either three or four battery packs of 105 kWh each. Positioned beneath the frame, within a protective aluminium housing, they produce a total capacity of 315 or 420 kW respectively, the latter providing a range of up to 400 kilometres. With a charging capacity of up to 160 kW, when connected to a regular 400A DC charging

station, the three battery packs need little more than an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent. Available as a two or threeaxle truck with 19 or 27 tonnes permissible gross weight, its quiet drivetrain makes it suitable for night-time deliveries – easing strain on road networks during peak times.

eEconic The next milestone in the portfolio of electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Trucks will be the series eEconic. Intensive testing is underway, after which the vehicle will begin practical

Michelin Honoured With Environment & Sustainable Solution Award

A completely new generation of trucks with a drive system based on fuel cells and hydrogen is on its way in the form of the GenH2 Truck. With it, hauliers should be able to use the vehicle for flexible and demanding trips of up to 1000 kilometres and more without the need to stop and refill. Coupled with digital solutions and a host of new and innovative safety systems, other topics showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks event in Wörth included the “cellcentric” fuel cell joint venture with the Volvo Group, the goal of which is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel-cell systems.

Michelin’s commitment to sustainable mobility was recognised at the NTDA Awards where it was announced as the winner of the Tyre Industry Environment and Sustainable Solution Award. The honour was presented to the manufacturer for its work in ensuring its products, processes and solutions help to reduce raw material usage, promote sustainability, as well as helping to bring environmental benefits to business and the wider society. Commenting, NTDA Chief Executive, Stefan Hay says: “The judges felt that Michelin was a clear winner this year, as its award entry stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of corporate ambition, vision and practical commercial initiatives across the whole field of tyre recycling, materials reuse and wider environmental campaigns.”

Michelin’s Andrew French, B2B Sales Director for the UK and Ireland (second from the left) and Richard Bezzant, Marketing Director UK and Ireland (centre) collect the award during the annual ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Birmingham.

Michelin’s Andrew French, B2B Sales Director for the UK and Ireland and Richard Bezzant, Marketing Director UK and Ireland, collected the trophy during the annual ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, hosted by TV personality Mark Durden-Smith.

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FROM THE OFFICE OF

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John Martin RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland.

AS A STANDARD OR RESTRICTED GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR IS YOUR OPERATOR’S LICENCE AT RISK? The Department for Infrastructure’s Transport Regulation Unit has increased its focus and resources to deal with the backlog of Public Inquiries, Informal Hearings and regulatory matters generally. Some people would argue this is long overdue, others state its overly bureaucratic and a waste of time and some who have experienced the process and came out the other side view it as painful with extremely inconsistent outcomes. Whatever your view on the renewed focus by the Department is, there is one thing that everyone can be assured off and that is this renewed focus is here to stay. Anyone who operates a goods vehicle that falls within scope of the operator licencing requirements needs to ensure they have satisfactory compliance rates, annual roadworthiness test results are at or above the national average of circa 80% and they have adequate systems, processes and procedures in place with appropriate records to satisfy the Department should that dreaded Public Inquiry or DVA Audit request letter drop through the letterbox. Whether you’re an operator, a driverhave one vehicle or multiple vehicles or you are an established business or you have started out for the first time, compliance should take equal priority with other business activities. I’ve attended a number of Public Inquiries and hearings both to support members and as a member of the Public and this coupled with my previous roles as Head of the Driver & Vehicle Agency Enforcement Unit and the Transport Regulation Unit has given me a considerable insight into what’s required both by operators and the Department.

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Key Issues The keys issues that keep reappearing at Inquiries and audits include:

OPERATORS LICENCE UNDERTAKINGS AND CONDITIONS Operator’s need to actually read the undertakings and conditions they have agreed to. These are stated on the licence and are a must read for anyone responsible for operating goods vehicles and include: changes to the entity that holds the licence – sole trader changes to Ltd Company without informing the Department, systems to manage driver’s hrs requirements with records retained for 12 months, systems to manage maintenance with ALL maintenance records retained for 15 months, requirement to notify the Department within 28 days of anything that may affect repute or suitability including – fixed penalties, convictions, prohibitions for

Directors, transport managers and drivers of vehicles specified on the ops licence. Requirement for financial standing/ sufficient resources to reflect vehicle authorisation on a continuous basis.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RECORDS Operators, transport managers and drivers do not appear to fully appreciate what is required of them in regard to maintenance. These are some of the common issues highlighted: The need for maintenance contracts if it is contracted out to a 3rd party. Safety inspections or Preventative Maintenance Inspections frequency needs to reflect the specific needs of the operator, the age of the fleet and type of work undertaken. If you have a fleet that has varied use and wide age profile you can set the inspection frequency high for the new vehicles but do the inspections more frequently for the older vehicles. The Department will not penalise you

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John Martin RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland.

for doing it to frequently but will if you don’t do them as frequently as you have stated. Safety Inspection records. These need to be fully completed with all the relevant information provided or boxes completed. They should be monitored and signed off by the Transport Manager to ensure reoccurring issues can be reviewed and to ensure walk round checks are being undertaken. Each vehicle and trailer must undergo a metered brake test as a minimum 4 times per annum and the DVA test can be counted as one of these assessments with actual records of the results retained. Daily walk checks must be completed with either a manual or electronic means of recording any defects and a process for escalating these with complete records retained. All maintenance records must be retained including ad hoc work undertaken by the operator for 15 months. An in-house job card system should be used.

DRIVERS HOURS AND RECORDS Operators, transport managers and drivers need to tighten up management of driver’s hrs compliance, record keeping and management. Some of the most common issues highlighted include: Drivers not being issued with a guide on the requirements – Consider issuing a drivers handbook covering all the key

requirements including drivers hrs. Lack of proper driver’s hrs analysis with suitable action being taken for alleged infringements with records retained. Lack of analysis of missing mileage/KM reports. If there are instances of missing miles/kms these need to be cross referenced with driver’s hrs analysis and vehicle maintenance records. Any missing miles/kms of over a few miles should be investigated and each case closed with an explanation or supporting evidence. Drivers not maintaining proper records of instances where alleged infringements have resulted from road traffic collisions, major roadworks, delays at ports etc where this affected their ability to comply with the requirements and in order to reach a safe place to have a break or rest an alleged infringement resulted. Lost, stolen or malfunctioning cards – drivers should ensure printouts are taken at the commencement and finish of their journey with all details noted with the record retained and provided to the operator as required. Drivers duty to inform their main employer of any other employment that may affect compliance with drivers hours or working time directive compliance. Lack of other work recorded for the walk round checks at the commencement of duty – if a driver is on an overnight boat and cannot undertake the walk round check when on the boat they should stop as soon as practicable after disembarking and complete the check. The need to ensure a new, ad-hoc or

agency driver’s card is downloaded and analysed before commencement of duty. Any hire vehicle used needs to have the data locked in and vehicle unit downloaded prior to use. Whilst its not mandatory if possible your maintenance provider or a mechanic should use a digi card. This can avoid an investigation some time after the event if a driver is stopped and miles/kms are noted as missing and the enforcement agency decides to follow it up with a request for drivers hours data or undertake a more detailed assessment at your office.

EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT Operators should ensure employees including Transport Managers are aware of their responsibilities when in their employment. This is not an exhaustive list and includes: Terms and conditions of employment. Contract of employment that includes a reference/link to the drivers handbook or the specific duties required. System to manage driver licence, digi card, driver CPC and Hazardous goods training and renewals. Team, tool box or one to one talks on issues flagged with proper records retained. This is not an exhaustive list but reflect some of the more common issues experienced. If you need any advice feel free to contact us at the RHA.

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Seamus Leheny Policy Manager - Northern Ireland. Logistics UK

DECARBONISING THE ROAD SECTOR Following the recent 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, decarbonisation remains a key priority for both the government and the logistics industry. The conference brought together more than 130 nations to discuss and accelerate the action needed to tackle the global climate crisis. While the shift to zero-tailpipe emission vehicles is already underway – and many of Logistics UK’s members are already leading the sector in this area – there is still much that needs to be done to meet the government’s deadline for the UK to be carbon neutral by 2050. According to COP26’s research, road transport accounts for 10% of global emissions, and its levels are rising faster than those of any other sector. While many operators are already in the process of electrifying their van fleets, challenges remain regarding the cost of installing charging infrastructure at their depots, in addition to the potential cost of a power upgrade, should it be required to provide sufficient recharging capacity. Additionally, the results of Logistics UK’s May 2021 Logistics Performance Tracker survey demonstrated that just under 70% of respondents were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the availability of electric HGVs. To provide greater clarity, in July 2021, the government released its Transport Decarbonisation Plan which outlined its commitments and the actions needed to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050. Included within the plan is the intention to phase out the sale of new, non-zero emission – at the tailpipe – HGVs, subject to consultation. Following consultation, government has since confirmed that new non-zero tailpipe emission HGVs over 26 tonnes will be phased out in 2040, with those under 26 tonnes to be phased out in 2035.This is in addition to a 2030 phase out date for polluting cars and vans, with the date extended to 2035 for hybrids. Crucially, within the plan, the government committed to supporting the development of alternatively fuelled HGVs, with government feasibility studies now exploring three zerotailpipe emission alternatives: electric road systems, hydrogen and battery electric.

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Additionally, the plan provides greater certainty for all, including manufacturers who are making great progress, accelerated by these latest deadlines. However, to truly achieve Net Zero, industry needs the right technologies and vehicles that are commercially viable, with the right supporting infrastructure. And, with 70% of respondents to Logistics UK’s Performance Tracker survey also either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the availability of supportive infrastructure for alternatively fuelled vehicles, Logistics UK is calling on the government to commit to ensuring public refuelling and charge point infrastructure can be rapidly developed, installed and is accessible for use by commercial vehicles, with the strategic road network a priority. Launching an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy for cars and vans – expected by the end of 2021 – is one of the government’s next steps in communicating its plans for the switch to electric vehicles. Ahead of this, Logistics UK has highlighted that widespread depot charging will be essential, so a fair and equitable approach to funding power upgrades is needed if this technology is to be adopted. Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the UK and Ireland without a Climate Change Act. Right now there are two separate bills passing through legislative stages in the Assembly, one calling for net zero by 2045, the other tabled by the DAERA Minister Edwin Poots setting a target of reducing carbon emissions by 82% by 2050 - Northern Ireland’s minimum contribution to help the UK reach net zero. To avoid Northern Ireland being left behind and economically disadvantaged compared to GB and Ireland, we need to see a single Bill passed before the end of this Assembly mandate so that the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive can prepare Climate Action Plans and join with the rest of the UK in Climate Change mitigation.

Only then will local commercial vehicle operators have some clarity on a future time scale for the transition of alternatively fuelled vehicles. While it is encouraging to see much progress being made towards the UK’s environmental targets, decarbonising the road sector will be complex, with fleet replacement cycles to be considered in addition to charging infrastructure concerns. Logistics UK will continue to work with government as well as its members to ensure industry is doing all that is possible to meet these deadlines, alongside ensuring sufficient government support. Logistics UK will also continue to work proactively with our local politicians and civil service here in Northern Ireland to ensure any plans and legislation agreed will assist our industry in the future transition and uptake of zero emission vehicles. Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk

NEWS

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TIME TO GET TRAINED ON CUSTOMS DECLARATION SERVICE With the HMRC deadline for Customs Declaration Service (CDS) compliance approaching, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is giving freight forwarders the opportunity to get up-to-date with the new system. Any business currently using the CHIEF customs declaration system needs to upgrade software systems to accommodate CDS. Current CHIEF users will need technical training to allow them to successfully complete customs declarations. In response, NI Chamber has developed a new training course that will help businesses across Northern Ireland to make a CDS entry correctly. The online course, delivered by the membership organisation’s expert technical staff, will give attendees a practical walkthrough of the data inputs required by CDS in the context of the NI Protocol and what it means for business. Tanya Anderson, Head of International Trade and Business Support at NI Chamber explains: “New trading arrangements have led to additional training

requirements for businesses involved in the import and export of goods. At NI Chamber, we’ve recognised this need and responded by creating a suite of courses to meet the specific needs of local companies. “You can rely on us for quality course content and learning. NI Chamber is a CPD accredited training provider, which is assurance that we meet rigorous standards. We are a globally connected businesses support organisation, drawing on connections from across the worldwide Chambers Network. We’re also accredited by British Chambers of Commerce and members of the Chambers Ireland Network. “Our international team, who deliver these sessions, are trusted advisors with the experience and technical expertise businesses in Northern Ireland can rely on. The services we provide are

trusted by the region’s largest companies, including some of our biggest manufacturing and pharmaceutical exporters. So, if you haven’t already invested in training of this nature, you can be confident that NI Chamber has a helpful, relevant solution.” Other courses which are currently available include Rules of Origin training, aimed at anyone working in export or imports who needs to understand origin calculations and how they affect sales and purchases, as well as Incoterms 2020 training, which explains the standard trade definitions (Incoterms) that spell out who is responsible for shipping, insurance and tariffs. NI Chamber also provides training courses on Commodity Codes, which teach attendees to successfully identify the correct code for their business and ensure

CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS

Tanya Anderson, Head of International Trade and Business Support at NI Chamber

they are customs compliant. For more information for upcoming course dates, visit the NI Chamber website. If you would like to book a larger group of staff on any of these courses, in-house delivery is also available. To discuss this option, contact International Trade Manager, Lynsey Foster, on lynsey.foster@ northernirelandchamber.com

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:

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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

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ELECTRIC FORKLIFT

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REVOLUTIONARY LINDE ELECTRIC FORKLIFT HITS THE GROUND RUNNING AT THE ALEXANDER GROUP Established by Robin Alexander back in 1967, The Alexander Group has built a strong reputation within Northern Ireland’s Material Handling Industry. A second generation business, the Lisburn based company is now managed by Robin’s sons, Mark and Peter. The longevity and success of the company has been built around the company’s core family business values, passion for performance and willingness to adapt to changes in the market. The company prides itself on its loyal and experienced long-standing employees, who are committed to providing high levels of customer service and has built up an impressive portfolio of customers over the years. The company is also exclusive distributor of the prestigious Linde Brand throughout Northern Ireland. Linde has designed a range of forklift models which are, without doubt ‘best in class’ in terms of safety, innovation, ergonomics and productivity meeting the demands and requirements of intralogistics in the 21st Century. The Alexander Group specialises in a range of areas including in the sale of both new and used forklifts, short term and casual rentals, contract hire as well as tailored maintenance contract options. The company also boasts a fleet of over 500 hire trucks. Contract hire has been a popular solution for those companies who don’t want the financial risk and administrative burden of purchasing, running and maintaining a forklift.

The Linde brand features the widest and most comprehensive range of products on the market including hand pallet trucks, order pickers and reach trucks, right through to engine counterbalance trucks.

NEW X20-X35 SERIES Linde has recently launched its new X20X35 Counterbalance truck series in the 2.0 to 3.5 tonne load capacity range. The X20 – X35 counterbalance forklift trucks are the first electric forklifts whose high performance and robustness means they can be used as a genuine alternative to internal combustion (IC) trucks. Customers therefore enjoy absolute freedom of choice and are able to choose a quiet, emission-free alternative for even the most challenging applications, without having to allow for any loss of performance. The basis for all of this is the common platform developed by Linde for counterbalance forklift trucks, whether powered by internal combustion engines or electricity. This means that the X20 – X35 forklifts combine the best of both worlds: the characteristic

Linde X20 – X35 series trucks in the 2.0 to 3.5 tonne load capacity range are capable of meeting performance standards beyond the limits of conventional electric trucks.

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output and power development of IC trucks and the dynamics, flexibility and freedom from emissions offered by electric trucks. These trucks are capable of meeting performance standards beyond the limits of conventional electric trucks. These include, among other things, mastering steep gradients and represent a real alternative to Linde IC Trucks for customers in sectors such as construction materials, beverages, steel and iron, paper, wood and recycling sectors. The X20 –X35 range is equipped to work in extreme conditions, both indoors and outdoors and on all types of surfaces due to their durability and performance and is a great choice for companies that need powerful performance in an arduous application. For the first time ever, it has been made possible for electric forklifts to be used in applications that used to rely upon the use of IC trucks. This series makes light of heavy loads, long transport routes and steep ramps. No electric forklift has ever had more power.

THE FUTURE Despite the pandemic and the challenges it has brought to all businesses, the Alexander Group has held its own and has continued to grow year on year and now has over 30 employees including office staff and engineers who cover all over Northern Ireland. The future looks bright for this family run business.

The new Linde X20 – X35 electric forklift models represent a real alternative to Linde IC trucks for discerning customers, particularly those in the construction materials, beverages, steel and iron, paper, wood and recycling sectors.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT

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Both the latest electric forklift truck range and the IC trucks launched in 2020 by Linde Material Handling are based on one and the same platform concept. Just like the allweather cab with fully glazed doors, most of the other options of the IC truck are also available for the electric forklifts.

GREEN POWER FOR GOODS HANDLING Taking a closer look at the new Linde X20 – X35 electric forklift models: these are the first electric trucks to match the performance and robustness of Linde’s hydrostatic engine trucks, while offering the additional environmental benefits of battery-powered operation. Along with the new electric trucks for standard applications (Linde E20 – E35), they are based on the same platform as the Linde H20 – H35 engine powered trucks launched at the end of 2019. This ensures shorter delivery times, readily available options and an almost identical operating concept for the operator. “Many of our customers were keen to switch to electric trucks, but they were not willing to forego the familiar performance, ground clearance, robustness, isolated operator’s cabins and the ergonomic features offered by Linde hydrostatic engine trucks,” says Björn Walter, Senior Product Manager Counterbalance Trucks at Linde Material Handling. In addition to sustainability, there are other reasons that make the use of electric trucks attractive: lower running costs, for example, which speed up the return on investment, or the quiet motors that prevent noise pollution in the working area. However, when it came to developing a powerful, robust electric forklift, those responsible for the project at Linde Material Handling quickly realised that it would not be possible to achieve the desired results simply by increasing the power output. “That’s why we decided to

design a completely new model series that combines the positive characteristics of our IC trucks with the advantages of traditional electric trucks. These represent a real alternative for our discerning customers, particularly those in the construction materials, beverages, steel and iron, paper, wood and recycling sectors where applications are extremely demanding,” reports Björn Walter. “At the same time, there still had to be an extremely maneuverable standard electric forklift truck available–which should of course be equipped with all the valuable aspects of the new platform.” Thus, Linde now offers two electric truck series in the 2.0 to 3.5 tonne capacity range: the standard Linde E20 – E35series and the exceptionally robust and powerful X range – the Linde X20 – X35. Important for outdoor applications is the fact that Linde X20 – X35 trucks can handle very uneven ground, just like IC trucks. This is possible due to the long wheelbase, the large diameter wheels and the elastomer ring bearings used as shock absorbers on the front axle. These bearings prevent vibrations and shocks triggered by uneven ground from being transmitted to the

operator via the wheels. All in all, this reduces physical stress so that a consistently high level of performance by both man and machine is made possible. Fully sealed components in the battery and motor compartments avoid dirt and dust particles getting in causing wear or damage. Sufficient energy is provided by the lithium-ion battery system developed by Linde Material Handling: it consists of shockresistant high-performance batteries and chargers of various outputs, all designed to resist damage for exceptional safety.

Multiple advantages If an electric forklift truck is required for indoor use on smooth industrial floors or if narrow operating aisles make manoeuvring difficult, a traditional version of the new electric forklift is available. The compact dimensions of the Linde E20 – E35 models and the combi steer axle developed by Linde Material Handling allow turning in the tightest of areas. There is also a choice of different energy options: leadacid battery, lithium-ion battery or fuel cell systems. Existing batteries will also fit giving greater flexibility in multi-shift applications. A pallet truck is now all that is needed for lateral ‘pit stop’ battery changing.

Both electric truck series and the IC trucks of the current model range are based on one and the same platform. This means that operators benefit from excellent visibility between the mast sections, to the sides, to the rear and upwards. Just like the all-weather cabin with its fully glazed doors, most of the other options of the IC truck are also available for the electric forklifts. The optional, fully integrated air conditioning system with eight-nozzle ventilation system provides powerful cooling and heating to ensure operator comfort for high productivity in all ambient conditions, while the optional “Linde Motion Detection” operator assistance system provides greater safety: Sensors register motion behind the truck and prevent it from reversing if there are people or other vehicles in the vicinity. The 12XX truck generation also sets new standards in terms of operational availability. Maintenance requirements for the robust design are low due to its reduced susceptibility to wear and tear, and essential assemblies are wholly wear-free. Networked service processes and the new Truck Health Management system based on the wireless transmission of truck data help to further increase vehicle availability.

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IN CONVERSATION

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David addresses recent Transport Managers Conference in Belfast.

DAVID WELLS LOGISTICS UK’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells is calling for a ‘Year of Logistics’ to highlight the importance of the industry to the wider public, as Export & Freight’s David Stokes learned when we recently caught up with him.

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IN CONVERSATION

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David recalls the issue of driver shortages was top of the agenda when he first took on the role of Chief Executive six years ago. “Today, it remains right up there. In Northern Ireland, for example, there is an estimated shortage of between 2,000 and 3,000 drivers, and it is even worse in other parts of the UK; indeed, 96% of UK logistics businesses are now reporting problems recruiting HGV drivers. “We have recently suggested to the Secretary of State for Transport there should be a ‘year of logistics’ encouraging members throughout the UK to promote opportunities in the industry and raise awareness of our sector as a whole. “We would like to see support for such an initiative from government, from the Northern Ireland Assembly, from careers agencies and other bodies within the industry; we need to put forward a more positive attitude to transport and logistics. “When the public see lorries queued up at Dover, for example, lined up along the roads for hours on end, with no driver facilities, it is not a good image. I recall last Christmas, food parcels were being handed out to those stranded drivers; why would anybody want to sign up for that? “If nothing else, we need out of this crisis a commitment to do something about roadside facilities for drivers; our drivers need to be treated with more respect and understanding. “Too often at distribution centres and depots, drivers are not afforded common decency; we need to fix that. There is a recognition now that we need better facilities for our drivers, but there is not just a driver shortage because other areas within the logistics sector is suffering from a lack of skilled employees, such as in warehousing and IT.” So, what does he suggest to resolve the crisis? “Well, I am glad the furlough scheme has come to an end because that created a distortion in the labour market; it was a good scheme, but now we should be able to see the unemployment level even out, giving us a clearer picture where we actually are, enabling us to focus on promoting job opportunities within the industry, improving working conditions and wages – and we have to start attracting women into the sector; they are badly represented, all of which is why ‘a year of logistics’ would be welcomed.”

NI PROTOCOL Turning to the latest developments on the Northern Ireland Protocol, David described the EU’s change of stance as encouraging. Negotiations have taken place concerning the level of required data and checks associated with SPS and customs procedures which could reduce administration, costs and time associated with moving goods, especially food products, parcels, medicines and mixed load consignments from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. “We feel it is a step in the right direction,” says David. “There is a definite change in tone, with the EU negotiators going a lot further than we anticipated. They are starting to realise the seriousness of the situation.” However, Government sources have dampened hopes of a breakthrough, saying the two sides were still “far apart on the big issues” with Prime Minister Boris Johnson apparently digging in

David pictured with Logistics UK Policy Manager for Northern Ireland Seamus Leheny.

over the role of the European Court of Justice resolving disputes between the UK and EU. “As far as Logistics UK is concerned that issue is not something that would feature with our members; we are more concerned about the practicalities of the Protocol and its impact on East-West deliveries,” adds David. “So far, we haven’t seen a great deal of detail on what the EU is proposing and, as always, the devil is in the detail.”

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE On investment in transport infrastructure, he spoke of a recent visit to Belfast and noted that there appeared to be no movement on plans for the York Street Interchange scheme which has been developed to address a major bottleneck on the strategic road network, replacing the existing signalised junctions at York Street with direct links between Westlink, M2 and M3, the three busiest roads in Northern Ireland. The scheme has been bogged down in legalities following the awarding of the multi million pound contract in 2019 after a tendering process. That resulted in a review of the plans which was conducted by an independent panel in 2020 when a number of recommendations were made, six in all, and these are still be considered; a report is expected soon. “The industry would really want to see those issues and others surrounding funding sorted out,” says David. “On the plus side, the A6 and A1have progressed very well. “Looking at the wider issues on transport infrastructure for decarbonisation, while the industry is fully behind it, there is little direction on the way forward because it is not clear

which technology is going to come to the fore. “Electric rigids are certainly emerging, but the issue is going to be the charging infrastructure and that’s where government spending needs to be focused to make it as accessible and cost effective as possible. While our members have committed to the phasing out of diesel, there are still many question marks about alternative fuels, for example, over the mass production of hydrogen; it is a lovely fuel and I can see the attraction of it, but it feels like a long way off.”

FUEL DUTY David has also called for a permanent freeze on fuel duty. There was another freeze on duty in the recent Budget, and he has welcomed that. “As the logistics industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic on the economy, and with the threat of price inflation on the horizon, every penny counts for our sector, which traditionally runs on extremely narrow margins,” he says. “While our members are committed to switching to cleaner alternative fuels from diesel, the cost of a new alternatively fuelled HGV makes them challenging for many businesses – despite government grants of up to £25,000 – when, at present, businesses must allow for higher operating costs, leaving less spare cash for investment.” As for his role as Chief Executive of Logistics UK, David says: “When I first came into the organisation, I was asked if I would find it boring, but I remember saying that the job is what you make it and 15 years on with Logistics UK, previously the Freight Transport Association, I can honestly say the job has been a lot of things, but it has never been boring!”

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FROM THE OFFICE OF

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David Mullan Head of Transport Regulation Unit

COMPLIANCE IS THE KEY Welcome to this latest edition of the TRU Newsletter. During this series of communications, the Department has sought to provide advice and guidance to enable compliant management of transport operations; to provide links to valuable sources of information; and to outline plans for the future - this edition, for example, provides an introduction to the future extension of operating licensing into Light Goods Vehicles used for international hire and reward. We are keen, however, to highlight topics that you wish to understand better. Do you have any burning questions? Do you see challenges that you feel we might not fully appreciate? Do you have concerns for the future? If so, we want to hear from you. Please send in proposed topics for future publications to TRU@ Infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and start your message “Newsletter”. We’ll aim to include key topics within future editions to assist. Compliance is the key to holding a goods vehicle operator’s licence and there are a number of requirements established within the legislation which underpins the licencing regime. Failure to be compliant with the rules could be in part due to a lack of understanding of the requirements, or becoming lax over a period of time. This can quickly become your undoing so please: If in doubt, ask. Advice and Guidance can be obtained from Transport Regulation Unit, the Driver & Vehicle Agency, and professional bodies such as Logistics UK, the RHA & CILT. In addition there are a number of very good transport

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consultants and transport managers across the country. Look into CPC refresher courses. Time moves on very fast, and before long CPC qualifications are old, and technology and regulations have changed. Regular ‘Continuous Professional Development’ should become part of your management programme. If your CPC Certificate is over 5 years old, now is the time to sign up for one of the many CPC refresher courses available. Whilst professional competency and the services of a transport manager are required for Standard Licence holders, fitness is still a requirement for Restricted Licence holders. Transport or haulage may not be the primary part of your business, but how would you manage without it? Many organisations run Operator Licensing Awareness Courses which provide an essential introduction to the management of the transport element of your business. In order to remain a compliant operator knowledge, understanding, and application are all critical. If there is anything you’re unsure about, just ask!

IN-CHAMBER HEARINGS The Department restarted In-Chamber Hearings (ICH) earlier this year and there are a few things you should know if you’re called up to one. These are hearings that are held “In-Chambers”, which means a private hearing between the operator and usually the Deputy Head of the Transport Regulation Unit. A note taker will be present to record the meeting, and on occasion a specialist may be called to address specific issues with a case. These hearings are the first in a three stage approach to deal with issues of non-compliance. The other two stages being a Preliminary Hearing and then a full Public Inquiry. The Department will want to address issues that are starting to be of concern, an example of this could be a low first time annual test pass rate, infringements these can be in relation to drivers hours, vehicle defects, or loading. Other areas which may give the Department concern would

include establishment, how the licence is being managed or an unsatisfactory compliance report. The Department’s aim with these hearings is to assist the operator to understand the concerns and become compliant again, however if this is not achieved with an ICH, the only alternative may be escalation to one of the other two stages where regulatory action against the licence may be considered. You will receive a call up letter setting out the reasons why you have been invited and giving a date for the hearing. If there is a compelling reason why you could not attend the hearing on this date it is important to contact the Department as soon as possible to arrange a new date. Review the issues presented to you in the call up letter and gather all available evidence which you may wish to present at the hearing. Communication with the Department is key and you can start submitting any documentation required for the hearing and, if you have any questions about the hearing, don’t hesitate to contact TRU. You may also want to consider whether to consider if you need professional advice, in the form of a transport consultant, trade association such as RHA, Logistics UK or any other professional body. Proper preparation for the hearing will make this process a lot easier as the onus will be on you to demonstrate that you are a compliant operator. You

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David Mullan Head of Transport Regulation Unit

will need to be in a position to show the Department during this hearing, what happened and why, how you have resolved the issues identified, and what you are doing to prevent recurrence.

THE WAY FORWARD At the conclusion of the hearing the DHTRU will explain the outcome of the hearing. There can be a number of outcomes: No further action required, where all of the issues have been resolved and the case is closed. There may be some follow up actions for example a compliance audit carried out after a specified time, or a further check on first time pass rates. Further action may be required where insufficient evidence has been presented or where genuine concerns still exist with regard to the functioning of the licence. In this case time will be given to present further evidence. If the Department is of the opinion that no changes have been made, or that there has been an unwillingness to address the issues, then the case may have to be escalated to another hearing, or indeed direct regulatory action taken against the licence. It is always the intention of the Department to help and assist the operator to keep their licence and remain compliant, but it should also be noted, that the Department has a statutory duty to take regulatory action to ensure road safety and maintain a level playing field for all operators.

UPDATE FROM THE FREIGHT POLICY TEAM Do you operate vans in the EU? The Rules are changing. From 21 May 2022 the rules governing the use of vans and light goods vehicles carrying goods for hire and reward to any EU member state (including the Republic of Ireland) will change. After that date, anyone operating an in-scope vehicle between 2.5 and 3.5 tons will be required to have a goods vehicle operator’s licence and a UK Licence for the Community (UKLC). In order to obtain a UKLC, the operator will need to apply for a Standard International Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence (“SI Licence”). When an SI Licence is issued, the UKLC is issued at the same time. The Department is working to ensure that legislation is in place to enable the issue of operators’ licences to those who are affected. Vehicles which are only incidentally used as part of someone’s work, for example vans used by plumbers, electricians, or other tradespeople to transport themselves and their tools will be out of scope. To ensure that the necessary legislation is made in time, the Department for Infrastructure is collaborating with the Department for Transport 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 to 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. If you don’t operate in the EU (including the Republic of Ireland) then you won’t have to do anything. The domestic Northern Ireland rules aren’t changing, nor are the equivalent rules in Great Britain. If you operate a van or light goods vehicle in the EU, though, you may have to take some action. How will I know whether I 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. I’ve never had an operators’ licence before; what will I have to do? 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. Applicants will have to meet the competency requirements, too, which may mean contracting the services of a transport manager, or obtaining the necessary

qualifications. For anyone who has been operating an in-scope vehicle for more than 10 years, there will be a process to enable you to be exempted from the competence requirements for up to three years, during which time you will need to either get qualified or engage a transport manager. I’ve already got an operator’s licence: what will I have I do? Simply apply for a variation to increase the size of your fleet to account for your vans.

When is this happening? The EU requirement will commence 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, these can’t be opened to the public until the legislation covering both NI & GB is laid in Parliament, which should be around the end of November. The dates will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. What should I do now? You should watch for further information from the Department. If you know of anyone who may be affected, please make them aware. If you feel your own business may be in-scope, you should take steps to find out more about the requirements. The Department will shortly be providing a web page with up to date information and links, but in the meantime you can get more detail by emailing Richard.crawford@ infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.

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TRANSPORT CONFERENCE

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WELL SUPPORTED LOGISTICS UK’S TRANSPORT MANAGER CONFERENCE IN BELFAST There was a strong turn-out for the recent Logistics UK’s Transport Managers Conference at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast. The event highlighted key issues for those involved in running vehicle fleets, and provided professional advice, and help for managers to remain compliant and up to speed on the latest legislative developments. Despite the disruption and challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, transport managers are still legally required to keep their professional knowledge up to date and ensure their operations remain compliant, so this was a must-attend event. It has certainly been a challenging 12 months for anyone operating vehicles in their businesses, and the Transport Manager conference provided operators with peace of mind that they are equipped with all the information they need, as well as giving them the opportunity to hear from senior figures in the industry and have their questions answered. Topics covered at the one-day event included logistics in urban centres, low emission vehicles, working safely with alternative fuels,

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a compliance update and much more. Commented David Wells, Chief Executive of Logistics UK: “This was the first time we have been able to welcome delegates to our popular conference series in person for two years, following the massive disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the appetite for the high-quality information and expertise offered by the conferences shows no sign of abating.” He added: “A constant in a safety-critical sector like logistics is the need for transport managers to keep one eye trained on the horizon to enable them to keep abreast of important developments coming down the track.” The programme followed a packed agenda, including an opportunity to hear from Jeremy Logan, the Chief Executive of the Driver & Vehicle Agency, on his priorities for the year ahead and an exploration of the government’s pledge to end the sale of new diesel HGVs.

Sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres and Brigade Electronics, the line-up of expert speakers at the conference also included senior industry figures and policy makers, including David Mullan from the Transport Regulation Unit. Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager – Northern Ireland, Logistics UK, also addressed the gathering on the subject of “From Low to Zero Emission: End of sale of new diesel HGVs and future options.”

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FREDDS Service to Revolutionise Cargo Screening Process in Ireland A new Free Running Explosive Detection Dog (FREDDs) Service that will save both valuable time and money for local exporters has been launched by Speedlink International Logistics in Belfast. This is the only service of its kind on the island of Ireland, and it is estimated to shorten the process of screening and shipping dense cargo by up to three days.

“Consignments therefore have to be broken down and rebuilt requiring additional labour at an extra cost and the shipping process is then delayed by several days. Goods are then late which has an impact on the entire supply chain. “The CAA estimates FREDDs, which can screen approximately 100 tonnes of cargo an hour, achieve a 98% pass rate significantly reducing the likelihood of any delays to the shipping of goods. “We are always looking for the

“We have been using the FREDDs on behalf of a number of customers in recent weeks and it has really revolutionised the process. All shipments have been screened in record time with a 100% first time pass rate and have therefore left Northern Ireland on time and with no surprise costs. “On occasion we have previously shipped items to various parts of Europe for FREDDs screening which can still be quicker than if consignments have to be broken down for secondary screening to leave Northern Ireland. Therefore, having the service delivered by a local company right here on our doorstepis really a gamechanger for us in terms of time and cost efficiencies whilst also reducing the overall carbon footprint of the goods.”

The FREDDs service operated by Speedlink International Logistics, which has operated in the freight forwarding industry for over 30 years delivering a combination of Air, Sea and Road transportation, is approved, and regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. David Rogers, Director at Speedlink International Logistics, said: “The vast majority of all cargo leaving Northern Ireland requires screening. However, significant tonnage of large, dense cargo does not leave Northern Ireland on time as it is fails screening or is simply unable to be screened.

and ultimately a disrupted supply chain and unhappy customers.

(L-R) David Rogers, Director, Speedlink, with AB Cargo, Managing Director, Tony Budde.

most time and cost-effective ways to transport cargo, and the FREDDs remove the most stressful, problematic stage of the supply chain for our customers. “Feedback has been very positive with demand from both the north and south of Ireland, and we would expect a further uplift in the coming weeks as we enter the busiest quarter of the year.” Speedlink International Logistics expects further uptake of the new FREDDs service which will lead to job creation.

The service is already being utilised by local companies including AB Cargo. Tony Budde, Managing Director of the firm, said: “Due to the large number of manufacturing and engineering companies in Northern Ireland, there is a high volume of dense cargo coming out of the region on any given day. “When a container or pallet cannot be screened, the knock-on effect is troublesome. Aside from the delays and additional costs, it can result in damage to the goods, paperwork becoming obsolete,

FORS releases free anti-idling and congestion-cutting toolkit and driver guide for members FORS has produced a free-to-download FORS Professional Anti-Idling and Congestion-Cutting toolkit for members. 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 congestion-

cutting policy and briefings for drivers. The driver guide addresses some common misconceptions through a series of myth busters, and offers useful top tips on vehicle fitness, routing and planning, reducing idling, and fuel saving. Idling engines can create more emissions than engines running at 30mph, so new

In addition to the introduction of its new FREDDs service, Speedlink International Logistics has recently relocated to Belfast International Airport’s Cargo Village. Facilitating over 45,000 tonnes of freight each year worth more than £2.2bn to the local economy, Belfast International Airport is the third largest regional air cargo hub in the UK. Brian Carlin, Commercial Director at Belfast International Airport, said: “As a major cargo hub within the UK it’s a real pleasure to welcome Speedlink and the FREDDs as our newest partner in the Cargo Village. “Alongside Speedlink’s existing business, the addition of these dogs will allow us to attract further business to Belfast International Airport and assist in speeding up the cargo screening process.”

technology and good driver behaviour are key to reducing levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The new toolkit from FORS will help raise awareness among drivers to help tackle this issue. With environmental awareness one of the core values of the FORS Standard, the new FORS Professional Anti-Idling and CongestionCutting toolkit will also help operators meet the fuel, emissions and air quality requirements. It also provides guidance for Fuel and Emissions Champions on how to write an anti-idling and congestion-cutting policy. John Hix, FORS Director, said, “We are always looking to give FORS members the guidance and support they need to get the most from their fleet. With many operators looking at ways of reducing their fleet’s emissions and saving on fuel costs, the FORS Professional Anti-Idling and Congestion-Cutting toolkit will prove a valuable resource.”

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NATIONAL LORRY WEEK

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STRONG LOCAL SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL LORRY WEEK With an estimated shortage of around 5,000 drivers across Northern Ireland, it is not only the haulage industry here that has been severely impacted, but also the supply chain which is vital to the local economy. The issues have been highlighted during National Lorry Week when the industry recently promoted the work of the sector and the crucial role it plays to keep our supermarket and shop shelves well stocked. Northern Ireland is heavily dependent upon the transport sector as it’s the lifeblood of the economy with external sales of goods primarily transported by HGVs for NI companies estimated to be worth £15.9 billion with exports estimated to be worth £11.7 billion in 2019. National Lorry Week was organised by the Road Haulage Association

There was a good turnout for the launch at Stormont.

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and was strongly supported by many of our leading transport companies who were represented at its launch at Stormont attended by the Minister for the Economy Gordon Lyons and the RHA’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland John Martin. Says John Martin: “Given that well over 90% of everything we use or consume reaches its destination on the back of a truck the country couldn’t function without trucks and drivers. The Coronavirus pandemic and the virtual shutdown of many sectors brought into focus the sometimes undervalued role the haulage

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons gets behind the wheel.

sector plays in every ones lives. “More recently we have seen impact of the shortage of HGV drivers can have on fuel supplies in the south of England leading to panic buying which exacerbated the situation. We as a sector need to promote the role that we play in every ones lives and the Minister for the Economy can help promote this critical role both for the economy and all consumers.” John adds: “This year we’re showcasing the huge variety of careers logistics has to offer and we’re encouraging young people and anyone who may be considering a new challenge

to think about joining the next generation of drivers, office support staff, managers and technicians. “We’re also asking people to show their appreciation for the sector; after all, nearly everything we buy or use has been moved by a lorry. “National Lorry Week is the perfect time to champion logistics as an innovative, inclusive and sustainable industry full of amazing

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Representatives of local haulage companies who attended the launch at Stormont.

opportunities and we particularly welcome females who are vastly under represented within the sector. “We need to join with the local Executive and form a task force to jointly plan to address the many issues facing the sector including promoting careers within transport, attracting a more

diverse workforce, producing safe and suitable truck stop service and rest facilities and reducing barriers to trade which slows the logistics supply chain and if we don’t the NI economy will suffer. “It’s estimated there is a shortfall of up to 5000 drivers within Northern Ireland, with some of the larger haulage companies reporting HGV driver vacancies of anything up to 80 to100 drivers. Most haulage companies are reporting driver vacancies with trucks parked up. Within NI we have over 5500 licensed HGV operators who have access to over 22,000 vehicles.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons and the RHA’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland John Martin.

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OFFICIAL OPENING

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A FANTASTIC DAY AS RENAULT TRUCKS IRELAND OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW DUBLIN HQ A new state of the art facility that has been home to Renault Trucks Ireland since March 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck has been finally and officially opened at Setanta House at Ballycoolin in Dublin. Export & Freight was able to join in the celebrations on what was described as ‘a fantastic day’ and also got to talk to President of Renault Trucks Global Bruno Blin and Setanta’s Managing Director Harry Nash.

“It was a nice problem to have,” says Harry Nash, “so we decided to expand and develop this new additional site in North Dublin – and today we are already running at nearly full capacity once more.”

Other VIPs there included Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland Carlos Rodrigues – and the Irish Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton, who performed the official tape cutting opening ceremony. She commented: “I would like to congratulate Renault for their decision in making this investment, given how important suppliers are to the freight, transport, distribution and logistics sector here in Ireland.”

The new model line-up he was referring to, of course, was the Range T, C, K and D which has been hugely instrumental in consolidating Renault Trucks’ share of the market in Ireland. Earlier this year, the range was further upgraded, bringing major improvements in terms of driving comfort, on-board comfort, safety and productivity.

“This new facility is really impressive,” Bruno Blin told us. “There’s excellent attention to detail everywhere you look; the needs and demands of our customers will be very well looked after here. Harry Nash

and his team have done a truly great job.” He added: “This new dealership HQ compares very favourably with dealerships across the UK and in our home country of France. The standards employed here are very high and that’s not only good for the brand but for our customers here in Ireland.” The new facility was certainly needed to meet the growing success of Renault Trucks in Ireland. When the manufacturer introduced its totally new model line-up in 2014, it proved to be a shot in the arm for the business with workshop capacity soon at full stretch.

“In its day, the Renault Magnum and Premium were a great success for us, but this new lineup has given us a huge boost,” said Bruno Blin. “Our new flagship Range T High, for example, has been very popular with operators across the UK and here in Ireland, with many favourable responses from drivers and operators. “When first designing the new range we listened to what our customers wanted and took note of their feedback. We made major improvements to give the trucks a ‘car-like’ performance, plus a better working environment that is both spacious and comfortable. With driver shortages an ongoing challenge, we feel that being able to give drivers what they want from a truck should go some way to helping to retain drivers and attract much needed new recruits to the industry.”

Going Electric Turning to electrification, Bruno Blin told us that Renault Trucks were aiming to have at least 10% of its sales being

The new Dublin North premises.

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generated by its electric powered trucks within the next five years. Currently, Renault Trucks is further developing its range of electric vehicles to meet the wide variety of urban applications: an 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. joins the 16 and 26 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E. models. At the official opening of the Dublin HQ, Renault Trucks dealers and invited guests not only enjoyed a guided tour of the building, but were also able to take part in a ride and drive experience in the newly launched Renault Range D Z.E. electric trucks and Master Red Edition Z.E zero-emission vans; also making its debut here on the day was the new Renault Range T High Evolution.

Serial production of the 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. is starting at Renault Trucks’ Blainville-sur-Orne plant (Calvados), where the D Z.E. and the D Wide Z.E. have been manufactured since 2020. Equipped with a two-axle chassis for improved manoeuvrability, the 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. is the ideal vehicle for temperature-controlled distribution, with an optimised payload. In addition, Renault Trucks has designed a new system to increase the energy efficiency of allelectric trucks equipped with a refrigerated body. All Renault Trucks D Z.E. and D Wide Z.E trucks are now available with a fridgeconnection option, which supplies the energy required for the refrigeration system directly

from the vehicle’s 600 V traction batteries. For improved manoeuvrability, Renault Trucks has also extended the range of wheelbases available for its D and D Wide Z.E. from 3900 mm to 6800 mm, optimising load distribution to cover more applications. As well as distribution, Renault Trucks expects strong interest from light construction, building supplies and skip operators keen to offer the best possible service to their urban customers. “There’s much work being done to create a new generation of batteries and better storage which will extend the driving range of trucks. While natural gas power remains an important bridge between diesel and

Addressing the gathering is Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton.

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OFFICIAL OPENING

electric, we believe electric is the way forward and we are looking to 2023 to begin electrifying our long haul trucks,” said Bruno.

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shortages will be resolved in due course.”

It is having an impact on lead times, but Renault Trucks are working hard to overcome that situation which, they say, is also recognised and appreciated by its customers.

Turning to Covid-19 and the ongoing social distancing measures, Bruno Blin said it was challenging to plan ahead. “The truck business is essentially based on face to face relationships, but over the past 18 months we have had to reinvent our approach, introducing more online contact and product presentations. As the situation gradually improves we hope to get in front of more customers, but there’s no getting away from the fact that we are now in a new ‘norm’ so we have to adopt and even rethink about what events and shows we attend in the months ahead.”

“We have a healthy order book going forward,” says Harry Nash, “and we are finding that customers are taking on board the fact that lead times might be longer than before, so they are placing orders months in advance to compensate. Next year is looking very positive and we are confident component

Nevertheless, he added: “We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Setanta Group and Renault Trucks and we hope you all can follow and join us on the next steps in our Renault Trucks journey. We look forward to celebrating our 15 year partnership with Setanta Vehicle Sales in 2022.”

Bright Future As for the here and now, the future for Renault Trucks in Ireland is certainly bright, despite the manufacturer’s ongoing difficulties regarding component shortages, a problem that every truck maker around the world is experiencing.

Pictured (l-r) are Setanta’s Managing Director Harry Nash, Christophe Deshayes, President Renault Trucks Europe, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton, President of Renault Trucks Global Bruno Blin, and Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland Carlos Rodrigues.

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Peter Morrow FORS Manager – Northern Ireland.

TRAINING IS THE KEY TO STAFF RETENTION AND FLEET EFFICIENCY The commercial vehicle driver shortage across the UK is unprecedented, adding yet more strain to already stretched hauliers as we enter the busiest quarter of the year ahead of Christmas. The package of measures announced by the UK Government in late September involved temporary visas and £10 million towards skills bootcamps to train an additional 3,000 HGV drivers. However, the success of these short-term measures will take some time to be realised and many operators will still have vacancies this winter. As FORS members are all too well aware, HGV drivers are highly skilled operatives who receive regular professional training in driving safely and efficiently. The return on this investment in training for operators is staff retention, and an engaged driving workforce. So, while the hunt for new drivers must be a priority, investment in the existing driving workforce must not be forgotten if operators wish to improve staff retention. Even when schedules are stretched this winter, it is vital that those drivers still in the profession have every reason to stay. FORS has always been a proponent of robust training as a means to embed best practice and

upskill drivers. Training is built in to all three levels of the progressive FORS model and providing those who drive as part of their job with the knowledge they need to action these safety practices plays a big part in how FORS works. At each step of the FORS journey, there are driver training requirements in place which seek to make sure job-specific tasks are completed as safely as possible, with learning ranging from understanding how to drive in busy urban environments and improving safety for vulnerable road users, to understanding potential threats from terrorism. FORS now has over 4,900 members across the UK, and each member is required to get drivers of all vehicle types, including HGV drivers, to undertake specific training. FORS Professional driver training courses arm drivers with the skills they need to minimise carbon emissions in urban environments during their everyday routes. Drivers are taught how to reduce fuel usage, while reinforcing safety practices to help mitigate work related road risk.

The FORS Professional LoCITY Driving course shows HGV drivers how to avoid engine idling, one of the biggest contributors to urban pollution, and how to avoid congestion. This also provides a financial benefit to the operator by helping them to save fuel. Such professional development for drivers plays a really key role in ensuring that driving staff are engaged in their job. While releasing drivers for training is very tough on schedules in the current economic climate, investing in their professional development will pay off for operations in the longer term, with drivers who feel valued in their role more likely to remain in position. In fact, part of the FORS requirements at Gold, the highest level of accreditation, is to actively attract, recruit and retain drivers, in order to ensure a sustainable fleet operation and help position the transport and logistics sector as a profession of choice. Investment in frequent role-specific driver training is investment in your business – a business which relies on its driving staff to survive. FORS training seeks to deliver the reallife working tools which will help keep drivers engaged and driving as safely and efficiently as possible for the good of all road users.

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FRIGOBLOCK Refrigerates UK’s First Fully Electric Large Goods Trucks FRIGOBLOCK has collaborated with NRG Riverside, one of the fastest-growing fleet management companies in the UK, to create the first battery-electric (BEV) temperature-controlled trucks to operate on the roads here. Following a successful launch of BEV refuge collection vehicles in London, NRG Riverside was determined to provide the same environmental benefits to the frozen and chilled goods distribution sector. Together with its strategic partner and manufacturer of electric HGVs, Electra Commercial Vehicles, they reached out to FRIGOBLOCK to provide high capacity refrigeration unit capable of being fully powered by their vehicle’s batteries. FRIGOBLOCK EK25R refrigeration unit fitted with the RE22-2 evaporators ticked all the boxes. As a result of the project, NRG Riverside created four temperaturecontrolled distribution vehicles ranging from a 19-tonne rigid

vehicle to a 13.6m trailer, all equipped with FRIGOBLOCK inverter-driven refrigeration systems.

All vehicles are currently supplied to operators for trials and enable them to experience the benefits of

zero-emission refrigerated transport. “One of our main priorities is to constantly innovate and apply the latest technologies to provide our clients with the most valuable solutions. With this electrification project, we wanted to prove that multi-temperature BEV’s are a viable solution to eliminate exhaust gas emissions - particularly in urban, multi-drop operations – without compromising the cold chain,” said Sid Sadique, chairman of NRG Riverside. “We chose to collaborate with FRIGOBLOCK because, with the electric transport technology being new to the UK market, it was important to work with established partners, and we knew we can count on their proven products and support.” The FRIGOBLOCK EK25R chassismounted refrigeration unit delivers high refrigeration capacity and is linked with RE22-2 remote evaporators. The unit uses a FRIGOBLOCK inverter to efficiently manage the power supply directly from the vehicle’s batteries, without excessive reduction to the vehicle’s range or operational duty time.

Logistics Provider Responds to Suggested Relaxation of Cabotage Rules Perishable Movements Ltd – the provider of world-class logistics and supply chain solutions - has responded to reports relating to a potential relaxation of the rules governing the number of permitted deliveries a transport operator from another EU Member State can make within the UK – known as cabotage (Regulation (EC) 1072/2009). Currently, under the terms of the UK-EU trade deal, non-UK EU hauliers are entitled to perform up to two extra cabotage operations within a seven-day period, commencing the day after delivering a load into Britain. This is in contrast to the three cabotage operations that are permitted within EU member states. The original purpose of the ruling was to improve the efficiency of road freight transport by reducing empty trips after the unloading of international transport operations. European hauliers have called upon the Prime Minister to change the UK rules to enable drivers to perform three cabotage operations to make any trip to the UK worthwhile whilst also resolving the country’s current supply chain crisis.

disregard for driver safety and welfare. As a business, we have already spoken out on a number of occasions on the poor working environment for HGV drivers operating in the UK, who frankly, are regularly exposed to unsatisfactory – even inhumane – conditions. In this country, there is an abject failure to meet the basic needs of drivers to ensure they are able to perform their duties. “As fellow human beings, they are entitled to access to facilities which provide them with a safe and secure place to park without fear of a break-in; essential shower and toilet amenities; healthy food and drink and designated spots for a well-earned break and sleep without fear of abuse or disruption.

“However, whilst we welcome the valued support of the European driver workforce, PML does not believe that this plan – if it comes to fruition – would be in the best interests of the drivers concerned,” says Perishable Movements Ltd.

“By not providing these essential services, we are putting the safety of drivers at risk. And let’s not forget, a driver who has not had sufficient sleep or who is hungry / thirsty is potentially a driver more pre-disposed to causing an accident and therefore represents a significant danger.

“Once again, this would represent a total

“Increasing the number of operations,

Mike Parr, MD of PML (Perishable Movements Ltd).

EU drivers are able to perform in the UK – a country which, when compared with its European counterparts, has a very poor track record for the provision of services to encourage driver welfare and wellbeing – is a recipe for disaster. “At a time when HGV drivers are under such tremendous pressure, PML is working hard to demonstrate its duty of care to these essential workers, and we have exciting plans afoot at our new Lympne, Kent operation which will offer a suite of services to support driver health and comfort, delivered in a safe and secure environment.”

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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Ken Davis M Sc FCILT, CILT Northern Ireland

DRIVER SHORTAGES: WHAT IS THE REAL SITUATION? If you are reading this edition of Export & Freight, then some deliveries are still getting through, despite the alleged shortage of 100,000 drivers. As a happily retired ex-operator, I know those of you reading this article, while still struggling to man your delivery schedule, may be tempted to throw it away, but please read on… If I haven’t got your attention yet: how about this? There’s no such thing as a shortage of HGV drivers in the UK. Now you’re paying attention. What’s my evidence for this outlandish statement? Well, the UK Minister for Roads, Baroness Vere has sent a letter, countersigned by the heads of Logistics UK and the RHA, to all UK HGV licence holders, thanking those within the industry for their contribution, and asking those with a licence but not active, to “consider returning” to the industry. According to the government, this letter is being sent to a million licence holders. That’s right, one million vocational licence holders. So, how many of these are inactive? Well, according to the governments own Office for National Statistics (ONS) there were 268,000 people working as HGV drivers in June 2021. In other words, officially, there are about three quarters of a million people in the UK, today, who can drive a lorry but chose not to. I told you there wasn’t a driver shortage. But there is definitely a crisis in getting enough drivers to get the deliveries made. Clearly, the million licence holders is a headline grabbing number, and includes all sorts of double counting, such as retired drivers, fitters, dual licence holders, even magazine test drivers, etc, but even taking the difference between the RHA’s assessment of HGV licence holders - 516,000 - and the pre-Covid ONS number of active HGV drivers - 321,000 (June 2017) - we are still looking at about 200,000 people who could drive, but choose not to.

Potential Solutions So, as I see things, there are two potential solutions to the current shortage of active drivers: 1. Leave it to the government to help; or 2. Ask why so many licence holders aren’t driving, and decide what the industry can do to fix its own problems. Let’s start with number 1. So far the Government has sent a letter, temporarily extended driving hours, mobilised the army to driver fuel, promised a “boot camp” to deliver 5000 drivers, reluctantly agreed to allow some limited

short-term immigration and watered down the driving test to separately assess the couple/ uncouple and reversing manoeuvre. I, for one, question whether we as a profession should really be supporting the lowering of hard won, empirically backed, safety standards? We can’t just blame the government. Look at it from their position. Our industry has told them there is a shortage of 100,000 drivers. The actual figure is a questionable amalgam of an RHA survey showing a shortage of 60,000 drivers, plus a net Brexit outflow of 10,000, plus 30,000 driving tests cancelled due to Covid. Even if we accept it as true, what the UK Government hears is that there are potentially 100,000 (relatively) well paid, skilled jobs available for the UK workforce, partly as a result of Brexit. Little wonder that this Government doesn’t want to fill the gap by immigration!

Longer Term Of course, longer term the Government has a key role to play, not least in providing funding to help address the age, gender and ethnic balance in the HGV driving population. They could start by delivering on Chancellor Sunak’s promise in the budget to deliver a network of better roadside facilities, ASAP. No, I think we need to look at ourselves and ask why so many drivers can drive, but don’t. We can blame an unfortunate combination of circumstances, including Covid-19, Brexit, changes to tax rules for self-employed drivers, but in truth this availability crisis has been creeping up on us for years. Look at it from the driver’s perspective. After an early start, a long hard shift, chasing the clock, battling congestion on ever busier roads, waiting to tip in an RDC where you can’t even sit in your cab because you can’t be trusted with the keys, you return to the office to be told by someone who might not even be able to drive, that the telemetry in your vehicle says you have been guilty of harsh braking. Of course, throwing money at the problem might help individual employers in the short-term, but are we now seeing the results of a race to the bottom and treating drivers as a commodity?

I propose the following steps: In the short-term (0-3 months): Every employer to contact every driver who has retired in the last 5 years, and see what is needed to get them back to work part-time, to cover peaks. This could include paying for their medical, glasses, CPC training, not giving them nights out etc, but does mean accepting that not every driver wants to, or needs to, work 60 hours a week. In the medium-term (6 months to 1 year): All our industry body leaders need to get together with 3PL’s and Retailers and other operators of RDC’s, to agree a plan on how to tackle the 2 unacceptable wastes of waiting time at RDC’s, and empty running. The solutions aren’t simple, but surely we can work together to treat inbound drivers the same as outbound drivers, and not maintain a national empty running figure of 30% which, according to the national transport statistics, is a figure which has hardly changed for over 30 years. When I operated a network of distribution centres on behalf of one major retailer, in-bound driver waiting times was not one of my KPI’s; in fact if I put more labour into tipping Goods In, I delayed Goods Out which paid my bonus. These industry KPI’s need to change, but this can only be done by us, not the Government. In the longer-term (1 year plus): As an industry, we need to work with the Government to secure funding to recruit, train and retain drivers as part of a national solution to the ageing driver population. It might even mean a freight levy to fund this, including better facilities, but will certainly mean employers taking driver development and training and the CPC seriously, as an opportunity to invest in the driving workforce, not as another box to be ticked.

Summary In summary, as a profession, we can either use the driver availability crisis as an opportunity to professionalise our approach to drivers, or we can just offer a recruitment bonus to make it someone else’s problem. As ever, these thoughts are my own, and do not represent official CILT policy.

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NEWS

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DPD’s fleet grows with an additional 250 trailers from Tiger Express parcel delivery specialist, DPD, is introducing 250 Tiger trailers to its UK logistics fleet during 2021, with the orders from the Cheshire manufacturer split into two product types,one of which has impressive green credentials. Delivered in several batches respectively, Tiger Trailers is amidst manufacturing 100 tandem axle single deck box van trailers, alongside 150 moving deck double deck trailers which have been designed to deliver enhanced durability and environmental efficiency. Darren Wilson, Associate Director - Linehaul & Transport, DPD UK commented: “DPD’s sustainability strategy is based on examining every aspect of our operation to make it more efficient and better for the environment. “We thrive on innovation and that’s exactly what Tiger is doing in the trailer space. We’ve ordered over 250 trailers from them to support our growth, all of which will be manufactured in the UK using the latest technology and greenest components. In fact, the material being used on the double-deck trailer panels is constructed in such a way as to be totally recyclable. We love working with suppliers who share the same values and goals and Tiger is certainly one such supplier.” DPD’s Tiger-built double deck ‘wedge’ trailers incorporate a Hatcher Aero at the front and feature sidewalls made from Tata Steel’s thin, lightweight yet strong 10mm Coretinium

composite sheet material solution, which is efficient at all stages of its product life cycle, from minimising raw materials in its creation, to saving weight and maximising payload space to help reduce fuel and CO2 emissions. “Up to 85% of the material, produced at our Shotton Works in Flintshire, can be recycled without separating the skins from the core,” explains Edwin Richards, Technical Sales Manager Coretinium Tata Steel, who adds: “The honeycomb product enables us to create material-efficient solutions. Having teamed up with Tiger Trailers on double decks in 2019, it’s great to now be involved in the supply to a company like DPD who place such strong value on the whole life impact of their trailers.” A number of Tiger’s moving deck double deck trailers for DPD incorporate the manufacturer’s latest digital touchpad control panel that replaces a traditional wanderlead setup, and the deck is operated by the OEM’s proven 4-ram hydraulic system that maximises the space available inside the vehicle, whilst also requiring reduced maintenance over the life of the trailer. The double deck trailers also feature galvanised chassis and stainless steel rear frames.

Meanwhile, the single deck box van trailers have been equipped with various high-impact protection features and nose guarding to mitigate potential damage during coupling. The vehicles’ Goodyear KMAX D Fuel Grip tyres are specifically designed to provide robustness in regional and urban environments, backed by slow wear and ensuing high mileage capability, while the non-slip phenolic coated plywood floor is made from environmentally friendly material sourced from sustainable and 100% traceable forests in Finland. Stephen Pollock, Tiger Trailers’ Business Development Director, comments: “We’re proud to be working closely with DPD in manufacturing these two different products for their fleet. Online retail and delivery have proliferated even more quickly in recent months, so we are very pleased to be able to support DPD in getting parcels delivered safely and on time as the company strives to offer its customers increasingly wider choice. We echo DPD’s sentiments over sharing passions for innovation, technology and environmental sustainability, and look forward to supporting DPD and its green trailers.”

Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 entering the atmosphere Wrightbus has prevented an incredible one million kilograms (1,000 tonnes) of harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions entering the atmosphere since the launch of its world-first hydrogen double decker buses - just two years after the company was bought out of administration. The reduction in emissions, from 600,000 miles covered by Wrightbus’s fleet of hydrogenpowered buses, is the equivalent of taking more than 230 cars off the roads for a whole year.

Wrightbus also recently unveiled

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When green entrepreneur Jo Bamford took over Wrightbus in October 2019, only 56 staff remained in the business. Just two years on, and largely thanks to its new zero emission products, Wrigtbus is now on track to have more than 900 staff over the next few months once its latest recruitment drive is complete. “Hitting such a landmark on the eve of COP26 is incredibly emotive,” said Wrightbus Executive Chairman Jo Bamford.

Wrightbus launched its first zeroemission bus - the Streetdeck Hydroliner - last year in Aberdeen, with the fleet entering passenger service in January 2021. The Hydroliner bus emits only water from its tailpipe, with no harmful emissions. In addition to the Aberdeen fleet, the company’s zero emission hydrogen buses are currently in operation in London, Dublin and Belfast. A further 20 buses have been delivered to Birmingham, with several other local authorities looking to introduce them to their town and city streets to improve local air quality.

aviation, construction, heating and transport. Its journey ended at Jordanhill School, in Glasgow, where pupils learned all about hydrogen and its potential to help prevent climate change.

“When we set out on this journey our aim was to offer multiple zero-emission solutions, but to see this number on paper - one million kgs of CO2 saved - really puts our efforts into context. the Streetdeck Electroliner - its first double-decker EV bus, and the fastest charging double deck EV on the market at just two hours 45 minutes. In the run-up to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, the first ever Streetdeck Hydroliner model undertook a nationwide tour from London to Scotland,

The UK Hydrogen Roadshow - a partnership between bus manufacturer Wrightbus, RYZE Hydrogen and hydrogen production company INEOS - saw the bus travel a 600-mile route, taking in businesses along the way to highlight the potential that lowcarbon hydrogen fuel has to play in various industries, including

“At Wrightbus we have been relentless in our commitment to zero emissions transport but even though these figures are impressive we cannot let up. As we showcase the Wrightbus Hydroliner, the world’s first hydrogen doubledecker bus, to world leaders at COP26, we will continue to press the case for more support for zero emissions transport.”

NEWS

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Michelin Names Andrew French as B2B Sales Director UK & Ireland Michelin has appointed Andrew French as B2B Sales Director for the UK and Ireland, with responsibility for truck and bus, van, agriculture, construction, mining and the Services and Solutions business lines. He takes on the role with immediate effect, just weeks after celebrating his 25th anniversary with the company – having joined Michelin as an apprentice in August 1996. After a number of roles in accounting and finance, he qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2009, before being appointed Company Accountant for a small group of UK-based Michelin companies. In 2011, he joined the UK commercial management team, holding roles from Business Partner Controller to Key Account Manager, responsible for the company’s multi product-line relationship with a major distributor. Since 2018 he has held the

role of Director - Services and Solutions for the UK, Ireland and Nordics, heading a team looking after some of Michelin’s largest European customers and collectively responsible for growing the business and managing the tyres on more than 98,000 vehicles. Comments Andrew French: “I am hugely excited to land a role which will enable me to work across so many parts of the Michelin business. These are all sectors where we can provide sustainable and connected mobility solutions which will help to drive fleet safety, compliance and efficiency to new levels, all in a sustainable manner. “My focus is going to be on ensuring we deliver the highest

standards of customer satisfaction and growth. There are a lot of companies evaluating new ways of working as the country starts to build back stronger, smarter and greener from the pandemic, and we are confident this will bring new opportunities for Michelin – both with tyres, and around tyres.” He takes over the responsibilities of B2B Sales Director from Chris Smith, who previously held the role as part of his wider remit as Managing Director. Smith is moving to Michelin’s international headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and will take over the role of Global Marketing Director long distance transportation, from 1 November.

Andrew French

Smith joined Michelin in 2007 and has extensive experience across the business – including nearly three years as Head of Truck Marketing for the UK and Ireland, followed by a year as Truck and Bus Marketing Director for North Europe.

Irish haulage companies set to save up to €4,000 per fleet vehicle annually The Irish Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins has formally launched a new innovative Eco Driving course for the haulage sector in Ireland. The three-day SMART Driving programme, targeted at existing professional HGVs drivers, will help participants to develop behaviours and techniques that will improve fuel efficiency and road safety, reduce emissions, and will create cost savings for businesses & employers in the haulage sector. According research conducted during programme development, haulage companies who participate in the course are set to save up to €4,000 annually in fuel and maintenance costs per fleet vehicle. Speaking at the launch, Minister Collins said: “The Programme for Government 2020 outlines our commitment to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% over this decade and to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. I am delighted to be launching this programme as it provides a great example of how industry and Government can work collaboratively as we all work towards the achievement of these goals. “This programme will not only assist haulage companies to reduce their carbon emissions, it will also provide upskilling opportunities for

those working in the sector which has seen huge technological advances in recent years.” The programme has been developed by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) in collaboration with Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in partnership with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA). The programme is funded by SOLAS through the “Skills to Advance” policy initiative under a competitive “Innovation through Collaboration” call for proposals. Designed to meet specific upskilling needs in the HGV sector, the programme aims to support employers in the haulage sector which is experiencing significant change in work practices due to emerging opportunities in new technologies such as advanced tachographics, AI predictive systems for fuel efficiency, and digitisation in everyday driver activity. Coupled with this, the sector is also experiencing increasing economic vulnerabilities and significant challenges due to environmental pressures, Brexit, Covid-19, and changing markets.

The programme is designed to help mitigate against these challenges by upskilling professional drivers in eco-driving behaviour (creating fuel savings & lowering emissions), digital technology (in-cab and hand-held devices, for example), safe driving and driver health and well-being. Also speaking at the launch was Paul Jackman, Vice President of the IRHA: “The nature of work for HGV drivers, with the equipment being utilised, digitalisation, market demands, regulatory compliance and changing work practices, has evolved in the road haulage sector almost beyond recognition in the last fifteen to twenty years. “These changes coupled with the high average age in the sector very much suggests the need for an upskilling course for this current crop of drivers. Upskilling opportunities will help drivers deal with this new world while best availing of new technologies and practices. This will help drivers get a better understanding of their modern work environment and equipment thus helping drivers to drive and work in a safe and compliant manner, while using less fuel to do so.”

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PARTS & SERVICES

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CHOSE YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE PROVIDER WITH CARE Choosing your parts and service provider has become more essential than ever, given the current economic climate. It’s only when things go wrong you suddenly appreciate the wisdom of having a good parts and service partner on hand. It has been said, and rightly so, that buying a truck, trailer or van represents only a quarter of the deal; three quarters is parts and service. If you don’t have that, you could be putting your fleet and your business at risk. Breakdowns lead to downtime, and downtime can be potentially costly for any operator, especially in the transport & logistics industry; minimising that risk is essential, so day to day service and back up is critical in avoiding unnecessary disruption to your working week. That’s why you need to choose your parts and service provider with care. A good

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service provider will have invested in technology, in delivery networks and in human resources; they will have the very best technicians at their disposal to guarantee both dependability and reliability. With growing material shortages around the world, parts availability can quickly become an issue, so you will need to ensure your service provider carries good stocks and has ready access to parts come what may. An unavailable part can result in costly and unnecessary downtime. A good service provider will also employ

knowledgeable and fully trained counter staff and workshop technicians. They will always put the customer first. Over the next few pages, Export & Freight hears from some of those playing a major part in helping you keep your vehicles on the road…

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PARTS & SERVICES

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RK TRUCKS OFFER BUSY OPERATORS 24/7 SERVICE & SUPPORT Good availability of quality parts and reliable service support have never been more essential in today’s challenging climate, which is why you need to choose your provider with care. Take RK Trucks, for example: with unrivalled expertise and experience in keeping MAN and Mitsubishi Fuso trucks, vans and coaches on the road, they are fully committed to delivering tailor made solutions that meet individual needs and demands. With depots in Carryduff and Dungannon, R K Trucks are equipped to provide busy operators with all the maintenance support they need, including documentation retrieval that complies with VOSA vehicle inspection requirements. Services include full tachograph and speed limiter calibration via its Stoneridge agency, and full PSV preparation including specialised electronic brake testing, together with factory trained technicians experienced in upgrading trucks to full Petroleum Regulations

specification for fuel and gas distribution. When it comes to parts availability, RK Trucks will not let you down. Its quality genuine parts for both MAN and Mitsubishi Fuso are not only competitively priced, but also come with a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty. Ready to fit, they can be delivered direct to your door, with two new parts delivery vans recently taking to the road to service customers who cannot get to the trade counter. Clearly, no one knows MAN vehicles like MAN themselves, and using proper, precisionmade MAN parts means your vehicle will perform better and last longer. If you want your truck to go the distance, give it the parts it deserves.

RK TRUCKS ALSO HAVE A FULLY EQUIPPED SERVICE VAN ON THE ROAD ENABLING THEM TO OFFER A 24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE, OPERATING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR, FOR BOTH PARTS AND SERVICE

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Don’t assume all replacement parts are equal. All genuine new and reconditioned MAN parts come with a comprehensive warranty, as we mentioned. You also have the confidence that all parts sold are 100% MAN approved, guaranteed for economy, performance and reliability. “For MAN owners, we are the best source for authorised parts,” says RK Trucks’ Managing Director Donal Rice. “We have over 45,000 separate lines available from our dealerships; if they are not readily available they can be delivered next day from MAN’s central UK warehouse.

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PARTS & SERVICES

“So, whether it’s electrics, engine parts, body parts, exhaust systems, consumables, accessories or even official MAN clothing you require, there’s really only one sensible choice and that’s us. In addition, genuine Fuso Canter parts are readily available at our two depots, competitively priced and come with a 3-year warranty. “ RK Trucks also incorporates International Truck Components, which is an all makes parts business. With its wealth of experience in the Aftersales business ITC has applied that knowledge to sourcing parts, enabling it to supply you with the best available and from a wide range of leading names. RK Trucks also have a fully equipped service van on the road enabling them to offer a 24 Hour Call Out Service, operating seven days a week, 365 days a year, for both parts and service, so you are in safe and dependable hands with RK Trucks!

RK TRUCKS CENTRE LTD www.rktrucks.com

Services from RK Truck Centres Scheduled servicing and repairs to MAN and Fuso trucks by factory trained technicians. Vehicle maintenance - electronic document preparation, storage and retrieval to comply with VOSA inspection requirements. Preparation of trucks to ADR customer specific requirements. Tachograph installation - calibration - repairs. Electronic brake testing. Comprehensive range of MAN parts stock covered by MAN 2 YEAR Warranty. Fuso parts covered by Fuso warranty.

International Truck Components ITC supplies a wide range of parts for DAF, Volvo, Scania, Iveco, Mercedes and Renault. Cab panels, braking system, filtration, exhaust, lighting and electrics.

Edgar Road, Carryduff, Belfast, Co. Down BT8 8NB Tel: 028 9081 3600 126 Tamnamore Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 6HW Tel: 028 8772 2111

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COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH OF ENGINE & TRUCK (NI) LTD’S ADVANCED ECOMMERCE SITE Belfast based supplier of vehicle parts and spares Engine & Truck (NI) Ltd is aiming to start the New Year with the launch of a user friendly eCommerce website enabling customers to order parts and consumable products online 24/7. The development of what should be the most advanced eCommerce presence of its kind in Ireland follows another strong year for the company which is headed up by Managing Director Michael Evans. “Since further expanding our activities into the truck and van sectors, our businesses has grown significantly, with many of the leading transport operators, who operate their own workshops, now using our services,” says Michael. “Our new eCommerce site, which will go live at the beginning of 2022, will cater for all types of vehicles, including cars, light commercials and HGVs with the goal of becoming the

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leading online portal in Northern Ireland, giving customers the opportunity to open a secure trade account with us no matter where they are in the country. “The site will have a facility enabling customers to quickly identify the part they need; all they have to do is enter the vehicle’s registration number and they will then be guided through a drop down menu that will lead them to the right place on the site.” Michael says he has seen a major shift towards the aftermarket as over the past year as increasing numbers of owner drivers and fleet operators put off replacing trucks and vans, not just because of the economic uncertainties, but also

because new vehicle lead times are lengthening due to manufacturing component shortages. “There’s also a shift towards buying second hand trucks, trailers and vans which also has a positive impact on our business,” adds Michael. “We have also brought in an additional sales representative to service our increasing customer base.” Availability of attractively priced high quality parts and consumables from Engine & Truck is rarely an issue as it is part of the Alliance Automotive buying group, a leading distributor of passenger and commercial vehicle parts to the independent automotive aftermarket in Europe.

The company enjoys regular deliveries of stock to its modern and spacious depot at Duncrue Crescent on Belfast’s Harbour Estate, which carries thousands of product lines, and also offers a Province-wide delivery service for those who cannot get to the trade counter. At any given time, there are up to three parts vans out on the road servicing the needs of customers, who enjoy next day delivery, though if the part is urgently required it can be delivered same day – and on those rare occasions when a particular part is not in stock, it can be quickly sourced.

Engine & Truck (NI) Ltd. Unit 2, M2 Trade Centre, 38-40 Duncrue Crescent, Belfast BT3 9BW Tel: 028 9077 1411 Email: sales@enginetruck.co.uk www.enginetruck.co.uk

PARTS & SERVICES

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KRONE FOCUS ON PARTS FOR UK AND IRELAND With Krone trailer sales maintaining peak levels in the UK and Ireland and in line with the company’s European customer support policy, Krone’s parts supply service continues to expand with all trailer parts available from the Leeds depot and via Krone Parts Online.

Also backed by UK Krone parts stockists, Krone trailer parts for the UK and Ireland can be ordered using the online Krone parts catalogue, by part number or simply by scanning the unique QR code which is stamped onto the registration plate on the chassis of every Krone trailer. The QR code gives instant access to the individual trailer parts list and all relevant data - such as part numbers, description and availability. Then, using the KRONE Online Shop, the parts can be quickly ordered. All deliveries from Leeds are dispatched on a next day basis and subject to available stock, the team aim for delivery between 1 and 3 working days. A ‘same day’ service is offered and a UK parts collection point is available.

Jamie Simpson

Jamie Simpson, who is responsible for Krone Parts and based at the Leeds depot, says: “I’m pleased to say, our parts supply department is going from strength to strength in providing a fast and efficient support service for Krone trailer operators throughout the UK and Ireland. Our objective is to keep our customers’ trailers on the move, ensuring best quality parts and minimum downtime.”

Unit 2, M2 Trade Centre, 38-40 Duncrue Crescent, Belfast BT3 9BW

Tel: 028 9077 1411 Email: sales@enginetruck.co.uk

www.enginetruck.co.uk

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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ASSET FINANCE OPTIONS TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ON THE ROAD They say ‘Cash is King’ and certainly a healthy cash flow is vital to operational success, but the purchase of any asset can put a strain on business, so spreading the cost with Asset Finance along with structured repayments to free up much needed cash flow is certainly worth looking at. Today, as never before, the transport and logistics industry faces challenges on almost every front – from driver shortages, Covid-19 restrictions, supply chain issues to vehicle availability, an unstable economy, slim margins and an increase in fuel costs; these are all additional pressures that many companies in the industry have to confront and deal with. All businesses, of course, have different needs at different times, so when it comes to financing your next big purchase you need to source an asset finance provider that can come up with flexible and tailor made solutions. From straight forward hire purchase packages to finance or operating lease solutions, asset finance has become one of the fastest growing finance options for all sizes of businesses, so there are plenty of providers to chose from, but choose wisely. Over the next few pages, Export & Freight takes a look at what’s available to help you manage your cash flow and keep the wheels of your business on the road.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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PACCAR FINANCIAL OFFER SECURITY & PEACE OF MIND Funding a truck rather than paying cash puts less strain on the cashflow, by spreading the costs associated with an asset over a longer repayment period. Cash retained in the business helps to support business investment and expansion plans, and as we’ve experienced in the last 18 months, provides a cushion against unforeseen events. PACCAR Financial, for example, is offering operators an asset financial solution that can be made bespoke to meet a customer’s requirements; Lease and Hire Purchase, with variations within both options.

OPERATING LEASE “Operating Lease enables the customer to acquire use of an asset with PACCAR Financial setting a future (residual) value which is at our, not the customer’s, risk,” says John Mabey, Sales Director PACCAR Financial Plc. He explains: “The customer pays the capital less residual back over the term plus interest, and at maturity returns the truck. PACCAR Financial then re-market the vehicle and hope to achieve the residual value to cover the balance outstanding. “This enables the customer to refresh their fleet on a regular basis, thereby keeping up with any changes in legislation – especially relevant as cities start to look at clean air zones, with older vehicles attracting daily charges to enter. “The rentals will be lower as the customer is not repaying the residual element, and, in addition, VAT is payable on each rental, thereby avoiding the large up-front outlay.” Operating Lease can also be packaged with DAF MultiSupport repair and maintenance to provide a “one stop shop” which is called ‘Hire Plus’. This provides all the advantages of an operating lease along with fixed running costs. The package can be built to include various elements such as tyres and road fund licence, in fact pretty much everything except vehicle insurance and fuel.

HIRE PURCHASE Hire Purchase passes title to the customer at maturity, and VAT is payable on day one just as with a cash purchase. This product generally suits customers that tend to run their vehicles longer – perhaps because they cover less mileage or have a particular specification that they want to own and remarket themselves. “We can build in final balloon rentals to bring the payments throughout the term down, and subject to credit, fund 100% with no deposit. Rentals can be fixed for the term thereby avoiding any movement in money costs, or a variable option can be taken, with interest rising or falling as the bank base rate moves.”

CONTRACT PURCHASE Contract Purchase is hire purchase but with a final optional balloon rental, the key word being optional. At maturity the customer can

John Mabey, Sales Director PACCAR Financial Plc.

opt to pay the balloon and take ownership, or by giving notice can opt not to make the payment, and instead return the truck. This effectively gives the customer a guaranteed buyer of their vehicle, at a fixed price, regardless of market conditions. This gives the cashflow advantage of an operating lease, and the route to ownership that hire purchase gives.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS PACCAR Financial understands trucks and understands the business needs of truck operators. Subject to credit they can provide bespoke solutions to satisfy pretty much any scenario: • Deposits as low as zero • Funding term can be matched to your vehicle replacement cycle or to assist cashflow – anything from 12months to 84months. • Rentals can be monthly or quarterly. • A seasonal payment plan - so perhaps one month every year is payment free? Handy in markets where the business has historical peaks and troughs? • Rather than pay cash, why not fund 50%? So use some cash to keep the borrowing down, but keep the rest for a rainy day. “We are always willing to assist customers as their situation can change during the life of the

agreement. This was brought into sharp focus in 2020, as COVID impacted businesses in ways nobody could ever have foreseen,” says John. “PACCAR Financial worked with hundreds of customers to restructure thousands of contracts and continued to provide new finance throughout. If we can support that many customers during such a devastating time, I am confident we can support our customers no matter what may happen.”

UNIQUE SELLING POINT PACCAR Financial is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US corporation PACCAR Inc. who also own DAF Trucks. Everything they do is 100% in-house. “We lend our own money and set our own residual risk. When you deal with PACCAR Financial you can rest assured, we are here to support you acquire and run DAF product. Not just the first, but the next replacement and the one after that. “As we are part of PACCAR Inc. you can be confident you are dealing with a well-managed and strong business. There are many lenders in the market, but PACCAR Financial is the only one that truly understands and supports the DAF product range and should always be the first call you make when considering a DAF truck.”

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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SCANIA FINANCIAL SERVICES

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Challenging times call for innovative solutions, which is where Scania Financial Services comes in, as Alan Rhodes, the company’s Managing Director, explains. It’s hard to recall any other period in recent history where transport operators have faced so many different pressures all at the same time. Brexit, Covid, the driver and fuel shortages, supply chain issues, changing purchasing patterns, and new and used vehicle availability have all conspired to create high levels of uncertainty and unwelcome fluctuations in the economy. As a consequence, the stability industry needs and thrives upon seems further away than ever. From the point of view of those involved in the purchase of high value capital goods such as trucks, buses or coaches, any increase in operating costs - higher prices, wages or interest rates, for example - can have serious implications on cashflow. And as every business person knows, while rates are important it is cashflow that sends companies to the wall. That’s why we at Scania Financial Services have developed a range of products and services and have taken a number of steps to help operators through these challenging times. First and foremost, one of the key advantages we hold as part of the global Scania organisation is that we have an in-depth knowledge of the transport industry. In short, we speak your language and understand how your business works – and this often enables us to provide funding where others may choose to stand aside. One current example is the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), which is available to any operator in Northern Ireland who has suffered

a poor trading experience due to Covid. Loans of up to £10 million per business, or £30 million per group, are available and we are the only heavy truck industry finance provider signed up to the scheme. The RLS can provide a significant boost to any business seeking finance, but you will need to speak to us about it quickly as the scheme is due to terminate at the end of this year.

Flexibility Another major focus area for us is flexibility. We very much appreciate that businesses have different needs at different times, and here we have a number of ways we can help spread the load to suit. One example is Scania Freedom, which enables you to take an annual payment holiday of one or two months on a hire purchase agreement for the duration of the contract. This can make a big difference to anyone involved in seasonal work, or where there may be a temporary break in work for a period of time, such as in the construction industry in the event of extended spells of adverse weather. It can also help should a contract end unexpectedly as it provides time for replacement work to be sought. When it comes to repayments, we’re flexible there too; the cost can be repaid either by way

of increased payments or additional payments added onto the end of the agreement. Another such service is Scania Flexibuy, which has all the traditional benefits of hire purchase but with the added flexibility of making overpayments, allowing you to repay your finance quicker and

reduce your overall interest cost.

VAT Deferral A third example is VAT deferral service we offer. If you are planning a major acquisition, we are able to fund the VAT element of it until you have reclaimed it from HMRC, which can take several weeks. This can make a huge difference to cashflow. We pride ourselves on being a trusted and reliable partner, so whenever customers have looked into the options available to them, we are happy to step in and explore ways in which we can help. As part of our UK- and Irelandwide team we have two specialists available locally to help develop solutions bespoke to our customers. Their contact details are below. Do please feel free to call them at any time to discuss your financial services needs. They will be delighted to hear from you and very keen to provide the help and assistance you require.

UK: Greg Adams +44 7384 119 332 greg.adams@scania.com

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Tomas Gannon +353 831 700789 tomas.gannon@scania.com

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Scania Financial Services Managing Director, Alan Rhodes.

Cheers to 30 Years! (We don’t look a day over 29) At Scania Financial Services, we’re proud to be celebrating our 30th birthday. Since 1991, we’ve provided flexible, affordable asset finance to thousands of businesses operating trucks, coaches and buses. An incredible 96% of our customers are satisfied with our service – so we’re definitely getting better with age (we’re going to be fabulous at 40). To find out how we can help with your asset finance and insurance needs, visit www.scania-finance.co.uk or call 01908 421750

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CLOSE BROTHERS COMMERCIAL FINANCE:

ASSET FINANCE EXPLAINED Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a leading provider of asset finance, invoice finance and asset based lending in Ireland. It has a range of funding solutions available and understands that there is ‘no one size fits all’ solution.

to understand your business and will explain how each option works, as well as how it can help you to reach your goals. “We’re proud to provide a responsive, personalised service which adapts to business challenges and produces tailored funding solutions.”

Its asset finance solutions enable businesses of all sizes to buy or lease the equipment, machinery and vehicles that they need. It provides two types of asset finance: refinance, which releases cash tied up in existing assets, and finance for purchasing equipment, machinery and vehicles, which allow businesses to spread the cost of tools.

About Close Brothers

Refinance Refinancing facilities enable businesses to release money tied up in existing assets, such as machinery and vehicles. The premise is simple. A financier lends you cash upfront based on the value of your asset. Then, you lease the asset from them over a fixed term, and by the end of the agreed period, you own it outright again. This type of funding gives you immediate access to working capital that might otherwise be inaccessible, but unlike a traditional loan, the amount you borrow is secured

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against your asset. This can reassure SMEs and lenders alike and, as a result, can be a more flexible way to improve cash flow.

Funding for equipment, machinery and vehicles Types of asset finance for equipment include hire purchase, finance leasing and operating leasing. Hire purchase enables SMEs to spread the cost of an asset over an agreed period. By paying in instalments, it is easier for businesses to budget and use their cash effectively. At the end of the term, you have the option to purchase the equipment, machinery or vehicles outright. In comparison, finance and operating leases allow businesses to benefit from the use of the asset without the responsibility of ownership. There is a low initial outlay associated with this solution, so you can gain access to equipment quickly and flexibly.

Tailored solutions Close Brothers finance experts will take time

Close Brothers is a UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services, and securities trading. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250. Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers in Ireland. Its core purpose is to help the people and businesses of Ireland and Britain succeed over the long term. To achieve this, all of its diverse, specialist businesses have a deep industry knowledge, so they can understand the challenges and opportunities that its customers and clients face. “We support the unique needs of our customers and clients to ensure that they thrive, rather than simply survive, whatever the market conditions.” Find out more about Close Brothers’ specialist asset finance options today at www.closecommercialfinance.ie

AC T I V E LY, P R AC T I CA LLY, W E ’ LL H E LP YO U T H R I V E AG A I N These challenging times are affecting us all in many different ways. But we’re here to reignite your plans – with expert advice and support, to help you drive forward again with confidence.

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50 YEARS

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BANDVULC CELEBRATE 50 YEARS WITH ITS EYES FIRMLY ON THE FUTURE Retreading experts Bandvulc marks its 50th anniversary this year, and while the successes of the past are celebrated, the organisation has its eyes firmly on the future. The Devon-based operation began re-using rubber to make retread tyres back in 1971, retreading just 30 tyres a week for local use. Acquired by Continental Tyres in 2016, Bandvulc now produces a premium quality retread tyre every three minutes to serve commercial vehicle customers across the country.

80% of the materials required to manufacture a new tyre, therefore significantly reducing the impact on the environment. This means we are able to save 30kg of rubber compound, up to 20kg of steel and 60kg of CO2 on every retread tyre produced compared to a new tyre.” Bandvulc and Continental are currently managing over one million wheels a year, via the Conti360° network, renewing contracts in excess of £10m in the last 12 months from a mix of logistics, retail, rental and contract hire and waste and recycling customers.

Its 50th anniversary is marked by the introduction of the next generation of quality retread products, with major investment planned for their facility at Lee Mill, just outside Plymouth. “We believe in the old saying that ‘standing still is going backwards’,” says Bandvulc Operations Director Tony Mailling. “So we keep innovating, we keep developing and creating new products, and we look at changes in manufacturing and technology that will make us more effective and more energy efficient, into the next 50 years.” Bandvulc pioneered retread technology, which prolongs the lifespan of tyres and contributes to lower carbon emissions in tyre production. Its Ivybridge plant unites tyre recycling and retreading under one roof, setting new benchmarks in sustainability. The 2016 Continental acquisition saw mutual benefits for both brands, who had existing 25 year working relationship, including a five-year investment plan, with projects designed to increase efficiency at the Bandvulc plant aligned with predicted increase in demand for retreads. Tony Mailing says, “Sustainable manufacturing developments and legislative changes are being driven at an accelerated pace,” he says. “We are well ahead of the game and remain at the forefront of sustainable tyre manufacturing – the reuse and recycle approach is in our DNA.

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(L-R) David Smith, Managing Director for Continental Tyre Group and Tony Mailling, Operations Director at Bandvulc at a recent employee event at Bandvulc.

“This year we’ve made a £1 million investment in automation in one of our build cells which is due to be on stream later this winter. It’s a huge investment, the biggest for many a year, and we plan more investment next year with a further robotics project.” And for Mailling, such investment is only half the story, crediting the development of its 300 strong manufacturing workforce as another key to the brand’s success. He says, “We mark our 50th anniversary with many employees able to count their association with the company in decades rather than years. “We invest to ensure the tyres we produce deliver exceptional levels of quality and performance, we are quick to respond to customer needs, and we invest in training to ensure our people have the right skills for each area of production.”

Sustainable products Bandvulc offer more than 100 different retread patterns and sizes, all developed and manufactured in its UK plant, with its own

diverse product range producing quality retreads for commercial vehicles of all types, while also producing many of the Continental branded ContiRe retread tyres for the UK and Irish markets. The latest Bandvulc product, the Wastemaster 5, launched in June 2021, with further products expected in 2022, including an addition to its Fleetmaster range and a new trailer offering, are testament to the growth in popularity of quality retreads in the UK, as a route to greater sustainability in road transport. Even with such a broad offering, Bandvulc sustainability remains at the heart of all operations. Tony Mailling says, “The essence of what we are doing is stopping tyres going to landfill. We even ensure that we have a 0% to landfill policy on waste from the plant. As the need for greater fleet efficiency and reduced emissions grows, Bandvulc are wellprepared to help answer the call. “Every Bandvulc or ContiRe retread tyre we produce saves

The business has added significant new volume as customer expectations for sustainable product and environmental efficiency is met by the Ivybridge production facility. David Smith, Managing Director for Continental Tyre Group, says, “Sustainability is an integral part of Continental’s Vision 2030 strategy across our Global Tires business. Bandvulc’s retreading operations are a perfect example of intelligent circular economy solutions. When truck tyres are renewed, rubber removed from the tread is reclaimed and used for new rubber compounds.” For Smith, the ambition for Bandvulc and Continental is to maintain profitable growth, through sustainable solutions. He adds, “Both Continental and Bandvulc firmly believe demand for retreads as part of tyre contracts for commercial fleets, is set to remain buoyant, with operators keen to reap the benefits of this more economical and sustainable option. “Continental continually invest in research and development to drive innovative technologies, alternative and sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly production processes and our ongoing investment in the Bandvulc plant is a big part of this.”

2022 Thursday 2nd June

The Faldo Championship Golf Course at Lough Erne Resort

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT HELEN OR GARFIELD ON 028 9268 8888

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Brexit impacts on Dublin Port with Volumes down -3.3% after nine months Dublin Port has reported trading figures for the nine months to the end of September 2021. Overall port throughput declined over the period from January to September 2021 by -3.3% to 25.9 million gross tonnes compared to the same period in 2020. Imports from January to September increased by +0.4% to 15.7 million gross tonnes but exports declined by -8.4% to 10.2 million gross tonnes. Notwithstanding the decline of -3.3% in overall gross tonnes, the number of containers and trailers in the Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo modes – the largest part of Dublin Port’s business – declined by just -0.5% to 1,060,445 units but with very different trends between the two modes: Ro-Ro volumes declined by -6.6% to 707,212 units; Lo-Lo volumes increased by +14.4% to 353,233 units (equivalent to 637,514 TEU) Behind the different trends in Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo, there has also been a large and consistent change in the geographical mix of Dublin Port’s trade since the introduction of Brexit border controls in January 2021. Whereas overall unitised volumes were down by just -0.5%, volumes on routes to Great Britain declined by -21.2% to 537,680 in the nine months (primarily Holyhead, Liverpool and Heysham). On the other hand, volumes on routes to Continental Europe increased by +36.3% to 522,765 units (mainly Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, Antwerp and Cherbourg). As a result, unitised volumes on routes to Great Britain now account for just over one half (51%) of all unitised trade where, before Brexit, they accounted for approaching two-thirds (64%). Allied to this, the proportion of Ro-Ro units which are driver accompanied (181,605 after nine months) has fallen from 32% to 26%.

Increasing Economic Activity As a sign of increased economic activity, new vehicle imports in the nine months from January to September increased by +19.0% to 63,000. By comparison with the volume decline in the

Irish Ferries to double frequency on Dover Calais route with second ship Irish Ferries is to add the ro-ro cruise ferry ‘Isle Of Innisfree’ to its Dover to Calais route. The ship is expected to enter service in the first week of December.

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unitised modes of Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo, volumes in the non-unitised modes were ahead after nine months by +3.7% to 4.4 million tones. Notwithstanding growth in passenger and tourist volumes on ferries over the third quarter from July to September, passenger numbers (including HGV drivers) after nine months are behind last year by -12.7% to 568,000 and tourist vehicles are down -1.8% to 167,000. Comments Dublin Port’s Chief Executive, Eamonn O’Reilly: “After nine months, the impact of Brexit on the profile of Dublin Port’s trade has become clear with volumes on unitised services to Great Britain declining by just over one-fifth while volumes on services to Continental Europe increased by more than a third. Because of this, our unitised volumes are now split 50/50 between GB ports and ports in Continental Europe. Before Brexit, GB ports accounted for almost two-thirds.

“The only positive thing we have seen since Brexit is that the much-feared congestion and delays as a result of border controls have not materialised. The average number of physical inspections on trailers coming off ferries from Britain is less than three per sailing. However efficient the border inspections by State agencies are, some Ro-Ro operators are now opting to use Northern Irish ports instead of Dublin. We believe that this dislocation of trade to ports in Northern Ireland will be a permanent feature. The dislocation is a reversal of what happened in Dublin Port when the Single European Market came into being thirty years ago.

Longer Term Outlook “The long-established year-on-year growth trend we have seen in Dublin Port has been disrupted by Brexit and by Covid-19. However, we believe that this is a temporary phenomenon and that the growth we are seeing in volumes on services to Continental European ports, will, by 2023, drive throughput volumes back to the record levels of 2019.

“The movement of Irish trade to EU markets and away from the UK has also had the effect of reducing the number of trailers that move through Dublin Port which are driver-accompanied. Over the nine months, nearly 60,000 loads which would have been driver-accompanied before Brexit were shipped as unaccompanied trailers. This is bad news from a port capacity perspective.

“In the meantime, the different patterns in UK trade compared to EU trade are creating capacity pinch points in some parts of the port and we currently have two shipping lines looking to commence services in Dublin which cannot be accommodated. To remove these capacity pinch points, we need to continue our capital investment programme to increase port capacity in the short-term. This includes relocating the last four empty container depots from Dublin Port to Dublin Inland Port in order to free up six hectares of land for cargo handling.

“In addition, we have seen a much larger decline in gross tonnes in the unitised modes than we saw in the number of containers and trailers; 3.3% compared to 0.5%. Our interpretation of this is that the average size of a load in a container or trailer has reduced because operational efficiencies which the Single European Market had facilitated in trade with Britain have been removed because of Brexit.

“Looking to the longer-term, we are progressing with the 3FM Project – the third and final Masterplan project required to bring Dublin Port to its ultimate capacity by 2040 – and will shortly commence public consultation before we start into detailed design and environmental impact analysis. We will lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála for the 3FM Project in 2023.”

It was built in 1992 by the Boelwerf shipyard in Belgium and originally delivered as ’Prins Filip’. She has spent most of her life on the short shipping straits between England and France. The ‘Isle Of Innisfree’ has the capacity to carry up to 1,140 passengers, 83 freight vehicles or 600 cars. The ship offers a host of quality facilities for freight drivers/ passengers such as a self-service restaurant, café/bar, Club Class lounge, onboard duty-free shop, children’s play area and spacious outdoor decks. Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director, said: “We are delighted be able to add a second ship to our Dover / Calais route, with the ship doubling our frequency with a departure every 2 ½ hours rather than the current 5 hours between sailings. The Ship underlines our commitment to this route and facilitates trade for both exporters and importers as well as ensuring capacity for essential passenger movements and greater choice for tourism.”

I RISH F ERRIES F R E I G H T

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Duty-Free Boost Helping Ferry Giant Get Back On Course Duty free shopping is making a big impact as it proves popular with passengers once again on routes between Ireland and Wales. Early sales figures show the huge potential it has to help the travel sector bounce back after the pandemic. Nowhere has the boost from duty free become more apparent than at Stena Line, where spend per passenger in its onboard shops saw a fourfold increase in August, on routes where passengers can now enjoy tax free shopping. With duty-free shopping back onboard it has meant lucky passengers can now access large discounts of up to 50% off on a wide range of items such as whiskeys, vodkas, gins, wines, beers and champagnes. With famous brands like Jameson, Grey Goose, Bombay

Sapphire, Hendricks, Budweiser, and Bollinger, all available at a fraction of onshore prices. The removal of COVID-19 travel restrictions by Ireland meant that August was the first month where full tourist and non-essential travel with Britain was permitted. The response was instant, with high demand for sailings from people desperate to travel after so long in lockdown and keen to make the most of what was left of summer. The demand for duty free was equally high, resulting in the spend per passenger in Stena Line’s onboard shops more than quadrupling compared to prepandemic levels in August 2019. Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea Trade Director commented: “Like most travel businesses we have experienced a very difficult time over the last 18 months, but now as our passengers start to return in large numbers, we are delighted to be in a position to offer them the added benefit of duty-free shopping on our ships for the first time in over 20 years. “Our expanded onboard shops now offer a great range of items from spirits to jewellery,

fragrances to electrics, some at over 50% cheaper than high street prices.” Duty free shopping is now available to any passengers on Stena Line’s services between Holyhead – Dublin and Fishguard – Rosslare, where the company’s large, modern vessels have newly refitted and expanded shops. The company has also reintroduced its famous low-cost duty free return trips, known as ‘non-landers’, where people take return trips across the Irish Sea, without leaving the ferry, just to access the bargains now on offer.

Irish Ferries Awarded ‘Best Ferry or Fixed Linked Operator’ for Third Year Irish Ferries has been awarded the title of ‘Best Ferry or Fixed Linked Operator’ for the third consecutive year at the UK Group Leisure and Travel Awards 2021 – a momentous achievement following a challenging year for global travel. The annual awards ceremony recognises the very best providers, attractions and destinations for groups, as voted for by readers of Group Leisure & Travel. This year’s event took place virtually, and was hosted by British presenter and actress, Julie Peasgood. Whilst traditionally known for its Irish Sea routes between Holyhead – Dublin and Pembroke – Rosslare, Irish Ferries recently

extended their network to include Dover – Calais. Launching this year on 29 June, the Dover – Calais route, serviced by the trusted ‘Isle of Inishmore’, brings even more choice for customers travelling across the channel. Frequency on this route is soon to be increased with the introduction of a second vessel in the coming months.

tours, business trips, or planning the holiday of a lifetime. The company prides itself on providing high quality hospitality and service, exceptional on-board amenities, first-class facilities for coach drivers, great value sailings, and has a dedicated groups support team and manager to oversee enquiries via email and phone.

Irish Ferries encourages customers and group partners to “Sea Travel Differently” – whether for group

Marie McCarthy, Passenger Sales Manager UK & Ireland, says “Irish Ferries is proud to have been

awarded this title for the third year running, particularly as this succeeds the launch of our new Dover – Calais route, connecting this critical market now to both Europe as well as Ireland. “Group travel is a very important market for us, for which, over the years, we have built our reputation as a specialist. This award formally recognises our continued efforts to provide our groups customers with a wonderful experience on a first-class fleet, with Irish hospitality at the centre of our offering. “Group Leisure & Travel has a loyal readership which values the publication’s preferred providers and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure our standard of service remains high. Thank you to all readers who voted for us – we cannot thank you enough!”

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

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Port of Cork powered by 100% green energy after teaming up with Energia Energia, Ireland’s greenest electricity supplier, is to supply the Port of Cork Company with 100% renewable energy. The green electricity will power several facilities at Cork City Quays, Tivoli Container Terminal, Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth and Ro-Ro berth, Cobh Deepwater Quay and Cork Container Terminal soon. The Port of Cork is the second largest Port in Ireland and is a Tier 1 Port of national significance, operating six shipping modes (Lift on Lift off, Roll on Roll off, Dry bulks, Liquid bulk, Break bulk and Cruise). The Port’s capacity to carry export goods estimated to value in the region €20 billion and imports to the value of €10 billion, underpin the importance of the Port’s contribution to the national economy.

the principles of environmental sustainability. Our partnership with Energia will see the Port using 100% green energy which will positively influence the Port’s carbon footprint going forward.’

Henry Kingston, Port Engineering Manager, Port of Cork, Aidan Brennan, Account Manager Energia and John Logan, Maintenance Engineering Manager/ ISO 50001 System Manager at the Port of Cork. Photo by Darragh Kane.

The agreement with Energia was signed by the Port of Cork as part of their commitment to lead the wider port community in minimising environmental impacts, reducing CO2 emissions, and conserving natural resources. This agreement is in line with the Port of Cork’s

broader sustainability aims. Henry Kingston, Port Engineering Manager, Port of Cork said: ‘The Port of Cork are committed to leading the wider port community through coordinated safety, environmental and energy initiatives, as well as reducing CO2 emissions and respecting

Aidan Brennan, Key Account Manager with Energia commented: “We are excited to partner with Port of Cork to provide it, and its 14 different facilities across the county, with 100% renewable energy. The Port plays a prominent role within local communities across Cork, as well as the broader regional and national economy. As a landmark infrastructure, its commitment to green energy serves as an example of best practice. At Energia we are also committed to supporting the sustainability efforts of business all across Ireland, helping organisations such as the Port of Cork make changes that have profound impacts locally and nationally, and we look forward to being part of their ongoing and future sustainability journey.”

P&O Ferries Launches Customs Clearance Service to Solve Supply Chain Challenges P&O FERRIES has launched a new Customs Clearance Service, designed to strengthen their integrated end-to-end product offering by delivering seamless communication between customers, booking offices and Customs Clearance departments. Led by industry experts and operated by trained Freight Booking Office personnel, the new service is equipped to assist customers with empty declaration requirements from this month, providing tailored support throughout the last quarter of 2021. As international trade continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the service will develop the provision of smart logistics solutions, ensuring customers are prepared for evolving requirements and future regulatory changes. With the UK Government Brexit changes scheduled to be implemented from 1 January 2022, P&O Ferries is also developing a range of digital solutions to help customers with their requirements, which will be rolled out in phases in the months ahead. Thorsten Runge, Managing Director of P&O Ferries Freight Services, said: “Customers already face an array of complex, time-critical challenges. As they prepare for forthcoming regulatory changes, our Customs Clearance Service will enable the continued smooth sailing of goods and people across borders,

With the support of our parent company, DP World, we are committed to improving and expanding the nation’s trading infrastructure.”

providing fast, reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and markets. “The investments we are making in new equipment, new sites and new capabilities, all have one purpose – to solve supply chain challenges. As those challenges become ever more complex, we are using deep sector knowledge to help customers drive efficiency.

The Customs Clearance Service – created in response to rapidly rising market demand – is able to provide import and export clearance coverage to any company, on any shipping route, seven days a week. All port import and export operations, including Deep Sea, RORO and LOLO feeder will have access to declaration support, Safety and Security data input assistance, and UK Port platforms. Payment of duties and completion of transit forms will also be available, increasing efficiency, transparency and control throughout supply chains. By building on its extensive experience in the provision of specialist customs services, P&O Ferries will enable customers to eliminate unnecessary complications, delays and costs by facilitating the correct and compliant declaration of cargo.

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Belfast Harbour Reveals Plans For Major Urban Garden Investment Belfast Harbour has unveiled plans for a multi-million pound investment in its public space to create a vibrant new ‘green’ urban garden for the city. Known as City Quays Gardens, the proposed investment will develop new public space for local and visiting communities which will blend the rich industrial and maritime heritage of the area with an innovative and sustainable design. The City Quays Gardens project will be delivered in a number of phases, with a £3 million phase one investment focusing on the creation of a 0.8 hectare/2-acre green public space on land adjacent to the City Quays buildings and the historic Belfast Harbour Offices. With sustainability and environmental excellence as a key design focus, the City Quays Gardens will be developed to achieve the ‘One Planet Living’ environmental accreditation, a first in Northern Ireland. The Gardens will incorporate an eco-conscious design and create new habitats for wildlife; enhancing biodiversity and utilising renewable solar energy to provide all power requirements. The new Gardens will blend the maritime heritage of the site with sustainable design, featuring richly planted green spaces with seating, extensive tree planting, events lawns with amphitheatre seating and outdoor workspace with publicly available 5G WiFi. The project is also designed to help promote active and sustainable travel, reconnecting the National Cycle Network by incorporating an off-road alternative cycle route along the City’s waterfront. The project will also improve

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pedestrian and cycle connections within close proximity to a range of public transport halts, including York Street Railway station. Belfast Harbour is working closely with Maritime Belfast Trust and Belfast City Council to ensure that the new space can be animated with events, activities and historic trails and that it seamlessly integrates with the Maritime Mile and other public space developments within the City.

Biodiversity Commenting on the plans, Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour said: “Our ‘Port for Everyone’ vision is to develop an iconic waterfront for the city, working with partners to create a vibrant space that all communities can enjoy, and making Belfast Harbour an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest. “This investment will transform the public space

around City Quays, making it an attractive leisure space for visitors and better connecting the Harbour Estate to our neighbouring communities and the city core. With our strong focus on bio-diversity, we believe that the new Gardens will contribute to Belfast Harbour’s sustainability goal of reaching net zero carbon by 2030 and enhance the wellbeing of local communities and visitors alike. “We are really excited about this project and look forward to engaging fully with our neighbours, tenants, partners and the wider community to hear their views on our plans for City Quays Gardens and will of course engage with Belfast City Council throughout the process.” Ian Humphreys from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said: “The pandemic has reinforced the importance of nature and spending time outdoors and we welcome that City Quays Gardens will offer a new space to promote community gathering in the City. “Incorporating key biodiversity in an urban area has never been more important and the new City Quays Gardens will create a green space which not only enhances the environment but can also support the health and wellbeing of those who use it.” A voluntary public consultation has commenced, ahead of a Planning Application being submitted to Belfast City Council. Subject to Planning Approval the project will begin development in 2022.

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Stena Line says women are the answer to the jobs crisis in shipping The shipping sector, like many other parts of the economy, has not been immune to the effects of Brexit and the pandemic. This combined double whammy has led to a shortage of people needed to fill vacant roles and address the huge skills shortage in the sector. Stena Line believes that if the shipping industry is going to solve its jobs’ crisis, there is a simple solution: it urgently needs to encourage more women to work in careers at sea, in roles that are often still viewed as for men. With a shortage of skilled labour within the shipping industry there is currently fierce competition for talent. Therefore, now more than ever it is vitally important that companies like Stena Line provide an attractive place for young seafarers to work and develop successful careers. In order to succeed at this, the ferry company is hoping to build on its existing strong diversity drive to recruit more women, and crucially promote them to senior positions. It has set itself a target of appointing 30% females managers by the end of 2022.

Speaking after her appearance at the Women in Maritime Summit, which was held as part of London International Shipping Week, Margaret Jensen Dickson, Group Head of People at Stena Line, says: “The shipping sector is in a jobs’ crisis and there is a shortage of people in every part of the industry. No matter whether the problem is caused by Brexit, or the Pandemic, there is simple solution and that is to encourage more women to work in shipping. The people shortage is one of the biggest crises Stena Line has ever faced and we are throwing the kitchen sink at it. Onboard roles can no longer be seen as a male domain. With the appointment of Lynette Bryson as our first female Captain we have

shown that woman can and will succeed at sea and Stena Line will be here to support them”. The Stena Adventurer is one of the largest vessel in Stena Line’s fleet. It serves the key Dublin to Holyhead route, where it operates four services a day. As Night Master it means Lynette Bryson, and her team of female officers, are in charge of two of those trips. Since joining Stena Line in 2017 Lynette has worked herself through the ranks, gaining four promotions as a result of her professional, dedicated and diligent approach to her key leadership on the vessel. Comments Captain Bryson: “I am incredibly proud to be sailing as Master on the Stena Adventurer,

In a sector where only 2% of the 1.2 million seafarers are women this is an ambitious target that lays down a gauntlet for other companies to try to achieve.

First Female Captain Stena Line has also announced that this year the company has appointed its first female Captain, 33 year old Lynette Bryson became Master on the Stena Adventurer in the Irish Sea, where she also has a full female Bridge team of officers.

Captain, 33 year old Lynette Bryson.

Margaret Jensen Dickson, Group Head of People at Stena Line.

and as the first female Master at the company; this could not have been done without the support of my colleagues at Stena Line. As a young woman I always dreamt of a career at sea and never thought I could ever achieve being a Captain. I hope my position can encourage more young women to follow my path and have a successful maritime career.” During the pandemic Stena Line has also played a crucial role in supporting new maritime recruits from other parts of shipping, particularly the cruise sector. With cruise lines no longer operating deck cadets and trainees were able to work for Stena Line, order to confirm they had enough hours at sea in order to graduate. Stena Line’s diversity ambitions are guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 5 – Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls– and specifically, to achieve Target 5.5 “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.”

New Port of Calais Opens for Business The new Port of Calais has been officially opened following six years of construction. Regarded as the largest European port infrastructure project of the decade, the extension and modernisation at the port represented an investment of €863m. Located on one of the busiest, most active maritime straits in the world in terms of passenger and goods transported, the new Port of Calais was designed in 2002 on the initiative of Calais’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, then concessionaire of the Port.

the past 20 years, the old infrastructure no longer made it possible to ensure an optimal quality of service. Once the port’s capacity limit had been reached, its extension appeared essential, the port said.

This port extension and modernisation project was designed to anticipate and adapt to the development of cross-Channel traffic, new-generation ships and the logistics and industrial needs of tomorrow.

Beyond increasing the capacity of the terminals, the challenge was also to accommodate future generations of ferries of over 220 m in length, which require longer berthing quays and whose manoeuvres require larger basins.

With heavy goods traffic, which has practically doubled and a volume of crossChannel freight, which has tripled over

Extension work included a seawall of more than 3 km long, a 170 hectare basin, 90 hectares of which are navigable in the

first phase, 65 hectares of platforms and roads, three new ferry berths, as well as 39 buildings necessary for the operation and secure reception of port customers. To meet the challenges of the ecological transition, the port’s design incorporates the constraints of climate change and strictly respects commitments to preserve flora and fauna. With 100 ship movements each day and soon a departure every 36 minutes, Calais is the leading French passenger port with 8.5 million passengers annually (2019 figures). While the health crisis had a strong impact on tourist traffic in 2020, a recovery is on the horizon. Today, attracting more European passengers is a major challenge for Calais and the three shipping companies operating out of the port – DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries and, most recently, Irish Ferries, since June, 2021.

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QUANTRON Launches New Fuel Cell Van as Part of Its Hydrogen Offensive Vehicles fuelled with green hydrogen protect the environment, are quiet on the road and have a long range, ideal for sustainable companies that want to rely on emission-free goods transport for the long haul. In addition to fully electric commercial vehicles, Quantron AG also offers mobility solutions with hydrogen fuel cell systems. Their latest product in this segment is the Q-Light FCEV van. At NUFAM, the leading trade fair for the commercial vehicle industry, QUANTRON presented the Q-Light to a trade audience for the first time. As a hydrogen fuel cell transporter in the 3.5 to 4.2 tonne range, it is unique in Europe. The vehicle is offered in cooperation with QUANTRON partner and fuel cell expert AE Driven Solutions. It is based on a reliable and proven powertrain technology that is already in use in over 400 vehicles throughout Europe. All components of the Q-Light FCEV comply with European safety standards.

The payload of the Q-Light FCEV is analogous to that of a comparable diesel vehicle. The refuelling time can also be compared to that of a diesel vehicle. The Q-Light FCEV can be driven flexibly in electric or fuel cell mode. The battery capacity is 37 kWh and, like the 15 kW fuel cell used, has a long service life. The waste heat from the fuel cell can also be used to heat the interior, for example, so that additional electricity can be saved. Thanks to its wide range of superstructures, the Q-Light FCEV can be used flexibly in different areas of application, for example in the logistics industry or as a delivery vehicle. Thanks to its quiet and emission-free drive, the transporter can also be used during the day and at night.

Depending on requirements, the vehicle can be equipped with up to four hydrogen tanks and thus achieve a range of up to 500 km. In the future, the power of the fuel cell will also be scalable, so that the vehicle can be offered in different versions, such as a 7.2 t variant.

MAXUS Marks Biggest Fleet Deal to Date Fleet Management company VMS has purchased 1,000 commercial vehicles from MAXUS, one of the UK’s fastest-growing light commercial vehicle brands. The sale is deemed one of the biggest deals struck by the commercial vehicle brand in the UK to date. EV with strong range, or a trusty diesel for longer journeys. We have also converted some of the MAXUS vehicles into temperaturecontrolled vans so our customers in pharmaceuticals and within the food sector have additional support where required.”

Significantly, 60 per cent of all MAXUS vehicles purchased by VMS Fleet Management are from MAXUS’ EV range with 500 e DELIVER 3s and 150 e DELIVER 9s joining the VMS fleet since September 2020. Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS, commented: “The deal with VMS Fleet Management is an important one for MAXUS and comes at an exciting time for the brand as our sales hit an all-time high. “At MAXUS we take pride in going the extra mile, be it through our customer service or our range and model choice. We also take the time to get to know our customers and their needs. Many companies across the UK are considering making the switch to EVs right now. But some businesses do not yet have the infrastructure needed for a fleet of EVs, VMS is aware of this too and it is why it chose to purchase a fleet of MAXUS DELIVER 9s as well as our electric range.

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“If your fleet is due an upgrade, our experts can help assess if now is the right time for you to make the switch to EV, we will help you make the transition and advise on what infrastructure you need or help you choose the right mix of engines for your business.” Martin James, Managing Director, VMS Fleet Management, commented: “This MAXUS deal is a significant investment for VMS but one that we know will stand the test of time. We were hugely

impressed by the range, reliability and versatility of MAXUS vans, especially with the EV range as we’re currently expanding our electric fleet and we recognise the huge emphasis that the team place on customer service. “Price, or more importantly, value for money, was obviously key and MAXUS is incredibly competitive. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers a variety of MAXUS vehicles, whether they’re looking for an

VMS is one of the UK’s leading commercial vehicle and fleet management solutions providers, offering contract hire, accident management, refrigeration services, vehicle hire and a variety of support services nationwide. The company confirmed that the bulk of its new MAXUS fleet will be leased to customers in the construction and supermarket sectors. The purchase on 1000 MAXUS vans by VMS Fleet Management is just one of a number of significant deals for MAXUS over the past 12 months and follows the recent purchase of 750 fullyelectric commercial vehicles by DPD, which was made up of 500 MAXUS e DELIVER 9s and 250 MAXUS e DELIVER 3s.

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How Van Drivers Can Combat Fatigue Driving a van for countless hours around the country is demanding. It is no wonder that courier and delivery drivers, who sit behind the wheel for a large portion of the day, can end up being worn out after a while. contribute to tiredness as well.

According to a recent survey conducted by the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF), two-thirds of professional drivers feel tired on a regular basis (60% of lorry drivers and 66% of bus drivers). More worryingly, 30% of lorry drivers and 24% of bus drivers have even admitted dozing off whilst at the wheel.

In fact, if you are a bit too relaxed, you may not pay enough attention to the road. Therefore, it would be wise to also check and possibly opt for a van that is fitted with an attention alert system, a device that will warn the driver if it thinks they are not sufficiently on the ball.

Recognise signs of fatigue

Staying focused for a substantial number of hours while sitting persistently in the same seat is no easy task. As fatigue kicks in, both our reflexes and decisionmaking processes gradually abate. In fact, it is no surprise that fatigue has been identified as a major factor in fatal road accidents. To put things into perspective, in 2016 alone,4,002 people were killed in accidents involving vans and lorries. What can be done to diminish driver fatigue? Vauxhall van leasing company, Van Ninja, look at how to stay safe …

Take pit stops If you or your business are van leasing for the first time, you may not realise how many hours you will end up spending in the company of your new vehicle. Long hours on the road can have an impact on your attention levels. After a while, your concentration will inevitably start to fade, numbing your responsiveness and putting you and your fellow drivers at risk. Make sure to pull over every two hours to freshen up and

Fatigue can creep in when you least expect it. Thankfully, however, it has the habit of announcing itself quite blatantly through several different signs. Here are a few:

keep yourself alert on the road. Jump out of your van and have a stretch too – your stiff muscles will be very thankful! Don’t let the stress get to you. With beeping cars and shooting mopeds zig-zagging in front of you, it is challenging to stay calm and rational all the time. Also, with the current driver shortage issue ravaging the UK, your schedule will look busier than usual. All these different factors may understandably rocket your stress levels through the roof. That said, however, it is vital to stay focused and relaxed when driving your van. Turn on the radio and listen to some music – it will help you remain in the right mindset when sitting at the wheel.

Plan time to rest Unfortunately, we don’t always have the luxury of being able to benefit from a reinvigorating night’s sleep. Drivers who sit in the driving seat feeling tired are more likely to doze off when at the wheel. In particular, research shows that this mainly tends to happen in the early afternoon after lunch (2pm–4pm) or during the early morning hours (2am–4am). If you are not used to driving at night, for instance, try to plan a rest stop for your own safety. Today’s lease vans are equipped with tools that make driving more pleasant, relaxing, and enjoyable, including labour-saving systems such as cruise control and laneassist. While these devices and comforts are designed to help you drive safely, they can paradoxically

• Heavy eyelids • Yawning • Drooping head (as a result of neck muscles gradually relaxing) • Loss of concentration • Microsleep – This occurs when you doze off for 30 seconds with no recollection of it happening when you wake up. This usually takes place when you are tired but try hard not to fall asleep. In the grand scheme of things, 30 seconds is not that long; however, when you are driving, even a couple of seconds of distraction (or, in this case, unconsciousness) can lead to a tragic outcome. If you have passengers on board, make sure to take it in turns and switch drivers whenever the person at the wheel is feeling drowsy. If it is only you inside the van, stop as soon as you start experiencing these symptoms.

An electric delivery van that charges itself with the help of the sun The Swedish electric vehicle company Clean Motion presents Re:volt - their next generation electric vehicle. A compact, strong, and modular delivery van, developed to meet the huge demand for sustainable last-mile transports in cities. The new solar panel roof makes it energy-efficient enough to eliminate the need for charging when the sun is up. The start of production is planned for the fall of 2022 and right now they are looking for partners to optimise the customer offer.

the solar-roof can make them self-sufficient in energy. It also means that with only 40 kg of batteries we can offer a range of 280 km, which will suit northern latitudes where the sun is not a reliable energy source,” says Göran Folkesson, CEO of Clean Motion.

Re:volt is small on the outside and big on the inside. The design is clean, functional and the modular construction means that the vehicle can be easily configured according to the customer’s wishes. The range will be up to 400 km - with 100 km per day just from the sun, thanks to the innovative solar panel roof.

The combination of rapidly increasing home deliveries and ambitious climate goals creates very interesting opportunities for electric vehicles with high energy efficiency. When the vehicle fleet is going from a few single percent electric, to almost 100 percent, comes the real challenge for society and the automotive industry. Here, Re:volt has a great advantage, as it solves many transport missions with a minimal need for charging.

“We are not alone in integrating solar panels into vehicles. What is unique is the energy efficiency of our vehicles, which means that

“The market for environmentally friendly last mile deliveries is huge and rapidly growing, but the range of vehicles that can really replace the old fossil fueled vans is not that exciting. With Re:volt, we want to change the image of what a small electric vehicle can do - and start a green revolution in city deliveries,” says Göran Folkesson. Re:volt will start rolling out at the end of 2022. Right now they are looking for companies with diversified transport needs, who want to be involved and to adapt the last details of the platform. The goal is to create a comprehensive customer offering for the European transport market.

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Ford Reveals New Fiesta Van with Extra Driver Assistance & Hybrid Powertrains Ford has unveiled its new Fiesta Van, featuring confident new styling, an enhanced technology package and an efficient mild hybrid powertrain option to make the compact van more distinctive and productive than ever. New Fiesta Van’s bold, distinctive exterior takes the vehicle’s expressive design to a new level, with more road presence and greater visual differentiation between the Trend and Sport series using unique styling elements, allnew wheel designs and revised interior trim. “Our stylish compact van is now even better looking and more streetwise than ever, helping customers promote their business and drive with confidence in and out of town,” said Brendan Lyne, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “The new Fiesta Van’s advanced driver assistance systems can make work less demanding for our customers, while its electrified powertrains and Ford Pro’s aftersales expertise help their businesses to thrive.” New Fiesta Van exterior styling includes a bonnet design that increases the height of the nose, combined with larger upper grilles. The Ford “blue oval” badge is now displayed within the grille, rather than on the bonnet lip, contributing to greater road presence. New standard LED headlights also contribute to the confident, modern design language of the new Fiesta Van, with sleek horizontal design. The taillights also receive new black surrounds for a more sophisticated appearance. New Fiesta Van is offered in two attractive trim levels. Sport models boost visual appeal using a honeycomb grille with gloss black finish and wide, body-coloured side vents. New 17-inch metallic-finish alloy wheels and lower sports suspension give a more purposeful appearance, which can be enhanced with optional new 18-inch Pearl Grey machined alloy wheels. Sport models also benefit from two-tone red and ebony interior trim with contrast red stitching. The Trend series features a broad upper grille with strong horizontal strakes and high-gloss chrome surround, as well as 15-inch steel wheels with a new wheel trim design. The revised cabin enhances the interior environment with new ebony trim and comfort seat foam. Two new exterior colours are also available – Boundless Blue and Beautiful Berry. New Fiesta Van shares its bodyshell with the three-door Fiesta passenger car, adding a durable and grippy flat rear load floor, four tie-down points, and full-height bulkhead with steel mesh upper half for improved rearwards visibility. Vehicles for right-hand drive markets feature solid panels instead of rear glazing. Gross payload is up to 531kg,4 with a 1,283mm maximum load length giving a 0.96m3 load volume.

New technologies The new Fiesta Van’s advanced driver assistance and lighting technologies are designed to support busy drivers. A Parking Pack includes Active Park Assist5that can detect suitably-sized parking spaces and can control the steering for handsfree perpendicular and parallel parking, while the driver controls acceleration, braking and gear selection. A rear-view camera also supports when parking and reversing,5 while puddle lamps in the door mirrors alongside door edge protectors deliver extra convenience and protection. All models benefit from standard LED headlights, while optional Matrix LED headlights can adapt their beam patterns according to the driving scenario. Manoeuvring Light and Bad Weather Light functions are triggered when sensors detect a low-speed manoeuvre or the activation of windscreen wipers, and automatically adjust the beam pattern to help the driver see more clearly. In addition, Glare-Free High Beam uses a front mounted camera to detect oncoming traffic and create a “glare-free spot” within the beam pattern by blocking rays that could otherwise dazzle other road users. Further available technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert and Active Braking, Lane Keeping Aid, and Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking.

Customers can also specify Ford’sSYNC 3 communications and informationsystem6with an 8-inch touchscreen, and a navigation system with Live Traffic updates and Local Hazard Information to help drivers stay on schedule.

Electrified powertrains The new Fiesta Van delivers responsive, fuelefficient performance with EcoBoost Hybrid 48 volt mild hybrid and EcoBoost petrol powertrains. The 125PS EcoBoost Hybrid models feature a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) in place of the standard alternator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithiumion air-cooled battery pack, run the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries and provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration. The technology can restart the engine in just 350 milliseconds, enabling the Auto Start-Stop system to turn off the engine in scenarios such as when coasting to a stop below 15 mph even when the vehicle is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed. Fiesta Van EcoBoost Hybrid offers fuel efficiency up to 56.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 113g/km, representing a more than five per cent improvement in overall fuel efficiency compared with the equivalent non-hybrid engine, rising to 13 per cent in slow-speed driving.

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Tracey Perry Appointed New Head of Van for MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd has appointed Tracey Perry as Head of Van for MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. She succeeds Daniel Holbein who is taking up a new position in MAN’s headquarters in Munich. Tracey has extensive experience in the Automotive Industry within both network and OEM, having lead teams in Retail Sales, SME and Corporate Sales. Between 1989 and 1998 Tracey worked with our sister company Audi, before joining Renault in 2001. In 2007 Tracey joined FCA Fiat Professional and in 2015 she joined the Volkswagen Group as National Fleet Sales Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK. “We are delighted to have appointed Tracey to lead the MAN Truck & Bus UK Van team,” said Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. “Her wealth of experience within the automotive sector and knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry, will prove a huge asset to the company.

sales teams and we all look forward to her joining the MAN brand.” Stefan concluded, “I would also like to thank Daniel who has made a huge impact on the MAN Truck & Bus UK Van business. Over the last two and half years Daniel has shown great commitment to both the brand and the Van business unit, he has helped develop the team, the processes and further expanded and strengthened our customer relationships. We all wish him great success in his new position.” Tracey commented: “I’m really looking forward to joining such a successful team and be given the opportunity to head up MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s Van division.

Tracey Perry.

“As you can see from Tracey’s

she brings with her a wealth of

background she is uniquely qualified

knowledge having spent many years

to take on this responsibility and

leading highly successful

Maxus Adds Monaghan Bros to N. Ireland Dealer Network MAXUS has partnered with one of the most respected automotive dealerships in Northern Ireland to grow its network. Monaghan Bros will offer dedicated sales, servicing, and aftersales services to MAXUS customers. The addition of Monaghan Bros brings the total number of MAXUS dealerships in the UK to 42. The new

dealership is in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh and services the surrounding areas. Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS spoke of the expansion of its dealer network: “We are thrilled to have

“As a vehicle manufacturer, with Van products spanning the 3.0 to 5.5 tonne categories, MAN have a compelling range of award winning, robust and cost effective vehicles and since the launch of the MAN TGE here in the UK, in 2017, I’ve witnessed the range appeal to more and more customers, both family owned businesses and larger blue chip Public Limited companies. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

partnered with Monaghan Bros to bring a new MAXUS Dealership to Northern Ireland. We always look for partners with a solid track record, not only in sales and customer service but in aftersales too. “As a family run business that has been supplying new and used cars and vans for over 50 years, Monaghan Brothers has a long-established history within the motor trade industry in Northern Ireland and we know our brand is in good hands. “Geographical location is also important as we continue to build nationwide coverage and this new dealership is perfectly placed to look after customers old and new across Northern Ireland. We look forward to seeing more MAXUS vans on the road and a successful partnership in the years ahead.” Speaking about the new partnership with MAXUS, John Armitage, director of Monaghan Bros said: “We are very proud to include MAXUS as part of our offering at Monaghan Brothers. MAXUS has really added value to the market with its latest commercial vehicles, and its partnership with SAIC really puts the brand at the forefront of battery technology and advanced range with a more than attractive price structure. “We are looking forward to welcoming MAXUS customers both new and existing to our dealership where they will be looked after to the highest standards.”

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NEW TRUCK SALES SOLD IN NORTHERN IRELAND

New Block lorry for Tyrock delivered by Diamond Trucks.

2 x New Terberg YT193 to Hannon Transport delivered by MPM.

Used Axor 1824 Fridge delivered to Thomas Durnien by Mercedes Benz Truck & Van.

Derryhale Transport pull out all the stops with their new Volvo FH540 from Dennison Commercials.

GCS take delivery of 2 x S-WAY 570 bhp 6x2 from NI Trucks.

New T High for Campbell International delivered by Diamond Trucks.

Hat Trick for Express Freight with 3 x S-WAY 480 bhp 6x2 from NI Trucks.

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

DAF CF320FAN - Haldane Fisher, Newry sold by TBF Thompson DAF Trucks.

A Used Arocs 2548 delivered to Skips R Us by Mercedes Benz Truck & Van.

1x 3500 KGS to Essener Equipment Co. Coagh delivered by Diamond Trucks.

Dennison Commercials recently delivered this new model, Volvo FM 8X4 Day Cab to Co Antrim customer, Robinson Quarry Masters.

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NEW TRUCK SALES SOLD IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Four new S-WAY 480 bhp for TEREX Ballymoney Depot from NI Trucks.

3x 3500 KGS Luton vans to Starplan, Dungannon delivered by Diamond Trucks.

MAN. 26.360 TGS and MAN 3.140 TGE box van delivered to Kelly’s Warrenpoint by RK Truck Centres Ltd.

Levelling up their truck game with a BRAND-NEW Volvo FM11 from Dennison Commercials is family-run business, Scotts Fuels.

6 new Econic 2630 with refuse bodies by Castlereagh Motors delivered to Armagh & Banbridge Council by Mercedes Benz Truck & Van.

DAF CF320FAN - Woodside Distribution Ltd, Ballyclare sold by TBF Thompson DAF Trucks.

D A Miller & Sons take delivery of two 570 bhp 6x2 S-WAY from NI Trucks.

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

2 used Actros trucks delivered to Sloane Transport by Mercedes Benz Truck & Van.

S-WAY 4x2 CNG delivered to 2050 Gas Truckin’ by NI Trucks.

1x Low entry Luton, 1x Master L4H2, 2x Master L3H2 delivered to Gus Commercials Mallusk by Diamond Trucks.

EDS take delivery of a new S-WAY 480 bhp 6x2 from NI Trucks.

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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.

Electrifying sustainability. The new eActros. Charged & Ready.

ExF Nov-Dec

Articles inside

All the latest developments and new launches from the world of vans & pick-ups

Belfast Harbour Reveals Plans For Major Urban Garden Investment

Ken Davis, CILT

Peter Morrow, Northern Ireland Manager FORS

Financial Services

Bandvulc Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary

Renault Trucks Officially Opens new Dublin depot

Strong Local Support for National Lorry Week

David Mullan, Transport Regulation Unit

Iveco X-Way

Court Report

Logistics UK’s Transport Manager Conference in Belfast

In Conversation with David Wells, Logistics UK

John Martin, RHA Policy Manager for Northern Ireland

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI