15 minute read

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI

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. 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

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

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

CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS CUSTOMS DECLARATIONS

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 with goods movement? NI Chamber training can help. Do you need help with goods movement? NI Chamber training can help. Do you need help with goods movement? NI Chamber training can help.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Delivered by technical experts from NI Chamber’s

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

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

Get it touch today to book your Get it touch today to book your Get it touch today to book your place/s or find out more about place/s or find out more about place/s or find out more about in-house training packages.

in-house training packages. in-house training packages. CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@ CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@CONTACT Lynsey.Foster@ northernirelandchamber.com northernirelandchamber.com northernirelandchamber.com

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 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.

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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