OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF TWO INTERNATIONAL TRAILER INNOVATION AWARDS
+ Fleet Maritime inside
Volume 14 Autumn 2016
SCHMITZ CARGOBULL More than Europe's No.1 Trailer Manufacturer
FEATURES
PREVIEW LAUNCH PAD: Kögel prepares to expand NEWS: SDC, Dennison, Kässbohrer, Montracon, Faymonville, Goldhofer & TIP Trailer Services
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The leading Awards Programme for the Irish Road Transport and Haulage Industry.
• Irish Haulier of the Year 2017 • Irish Truck of the Year 2017 • Green Commercial of the Year 2017 Date: Thursday 13 October 2016 Venue: Citywest Hotel, Dublin.
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT For further information telephone Orla or Denise on +353 94 93 72819 or email: awards@fleet.ie Business associates, clients, partners and friends are all welcome to attend the Fleet Transport Awards 2017 and Gala Dinner, which will take place on Thursday 13 October 2016 at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin. Book your place now at the biggest event in the Irish transport calendar by emailing awards@fleet.ie or telephone +353 94 93 72819. A table of 10 is €900.00 + VAT Fee includes pre-dinner drinks, 4-course dinner and Awards presentation. A single place is €95.00 + VAT Fee includes pre-dinner drinks, 4-course dinner and Awards presentation. Please reserve seats @ €95 or table(s) of ten places @ €900 at the Fleet Transport Awards 2017 in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 13 October 2016 at 6.30pm. The above prices are plus VAT and will be shown as such on the official receipt.
Name of Company: _________________________________________________________________ Invoice Address: ___________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name: _____________________________ Tel: ___________________________________ Dress Code: Gentlemen: Lounge Suit. Ladies: Cocktail Dress This Booking Form can be posted to: Fleet Transport, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo.
Contents Autumn 2016 4 News • SDC Trailers acquired by Chinese • TIP Trailers Services go upwardly mobile • 3 Irish companies nominated for Trailer Innovation Awards 2017 • Dennison deal for Sligo Haulage • Boughton Engineering & McNeilus join forces • Kässbohrer innovates for IAA CV Show 2016
Fleet Trailer & Body Builder Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 www.fleet.ie Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Contributors: Paul White, Howard Knott, Rob Van Dieten Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Howard Knott, Rob Van Dieten Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey - mary@fleet.ie Design: Eamon Wynne
8 Cover Schmitz Cargobull continues to expand its products and services portfolio
www.fleet.ie | 3 18 Trailer Developments from Montracon, RGVA 3M, Williams Tanker Services and Gray & Adams 20 Preview The IAA CV Show 2016 and the trailer sector 22 Fleeting Shots Air Cargo & heavy haulage feature here
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11-14 Fleet Maritime Shipping & Freight Newsletter 16 Launch Pad Kögel’s expansion plans includes UK & Ireland
Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.
Disclaimer: Fleet Trailer & Body Builder Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.
www.fleet.ie
4 | NEWS I
Chinese company CIMC acquires SDC Trailers
T
he UK & Ireland’s largest trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers, and CIMC of China have agreed terms for the global trailer manufacturer to acquire the Northern Ireland headquartered manufacturer, through it’s parent company, the Retlan Group. SDC’s existing management team will remain in position and plans are in place to consolidate the company’s market share and increase its export sales. Commenting on the deal, David Li, General Manager and Director of the Board of CIMC Vehicles said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Retlan Group. The acquisition will mark an exciting new chapter in its history. We look forward to working with the existing management to continue its fine tradition of high quality manufacturing and to the opportunity for further investment to help grow the business. The Retlan Group will represent a valuable complement to CIMC Vehicles’ portfolio and progress our on-going policy of global operations, local knowledge.” Mark Cuskeran, CEO of Retlan Group, added: “The acquisition is an important step forward for SDC Trailers and the rest of the Retlan Group. Th is is a significant
Pictured following the announcement are: Back Row - (L to R ) Paul Bratton, Enda Cushnahan, Chris McCauley, Gavin Diamond. Front Row - (L to R ) Andrew Yang - CIMC Trailers, Mark Cuskeran - SDC CEO and - David Li - General Manager CIMC Trailers.
opportunity for the company, its staff and for the future. We have been impressed by the approach of the new owners to the acquisition, and the company is now looking forward to a significant period of growth on a global scale.” The European trailer industry is dominated by three German firms, Schmitz Cargobull, Krone and Kögel. Behind these three comes Wielton, Schwarzmüller, Tirsan and SDC, all currently on similar levels of output, and well ahead of the rest of the competition, according to trailer analysts CLEAR.
“CIMC has been working on a market entry strategy for Europe for many years and already owns a Dutch company, but recently abandoned a plan to build a new trailer plant in Germany, following the purchase of Berg Evergreen. A plant in Poland opened in October 2015. CIMC is already the largest trailer manufacturer on a global basis and has plants in China and the USA. SDC has enjoyed considerable success since the fi nancial crisis, more than doubling its output between 2012 and 2015,” stated Gary Beecoft, CLEAR.
TIP Trailer Services expands its Mobile Service
I
ntegral to the success of the TIP Trailer Services’s FleetCare fleet maintenance programme, and as part of the ongoing development of its aftermarket service in the UK and Ireland, the company has added 17 new Renault Master vans specially equipped as Mobile Service Units (MSU’s). The company now operates a fleet exceeding 80 MSU’s in total. These LWB, high roof panel vans are used by TIP technicians to carry out work on customer’s trailers, either at their premises or out on the road. Fully kitted out with a significant level of internal workshop equipment, shelving, power supply and power tools, the state of the art MSU’s are designed to provide customers with a range
of trailer service and breakdown support services. Capabilities include pre-MOT inspections, tyre servicing, diagnostics checks, preventative maintenance and the rectification of common trailer faults. Although designed mainly for trailer maintenance, the MSU’s are capable of handling complex trailer check diagnostics
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
by simulating the role of tractor-unit in being able to test the brakes on a trailer. Technicians can provide comprehensive diagnosis of electrical faults through laptops that plug-in directly to the trailer braking system so providing a complete one-stop mobile workshop.
NEWS II | 5
Three Irish companies enter Trailer Innovation Awards 2017
D
ennison Trailers, SDC Trailers & Thermo King have entered new technical developments in four of the seven categories within the Trailer Innovation Award 2017. Awarded on a biennial basis since 2002, these Innovation prizes are presented at Europe’s biggest commercial vehicle exhibition, the IAA CV Show in Hannover, which takes place in September. Innovations of all types and size (component, material, detail solution, system solution) are welcome, provided they apply to trailers, semi-trailers or bodies and not directly to motor vehicles. Prototypes and complete solutions are equally eligible, but nothing more than two years old.
The international Trailer Innovation jury, consisting of 14 top journalists from leading European trade publications including Fleet Transport, set simple criteria: that the contribution made by
the innovation increases efficiency in road freight transport. Also, does it deliver significant benefits to vehicle operators, for example in enhanced security, faster processing or lower weight? And what are the economic benefits? How significant are the technical improvements? Minor updates and facelifts do not win Trailer Innovation Awards. Seventy-three entries from eight countries, received from manufacturers, service providers and suppliers from the trailer industry, have participated in this year’s round of the competition, which consists of seven categories, namely: Concept; Chassis; Body; Components; Safety; Environment & Smart Trailer. Dennison Trailers (Naas & Lancaster) has entered its latest Goose-Neck SlidingBogie trailer in the Chassis category, while SDC Trailers put forward its new Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) semi-trailer in the Concept
class. This was premiered at the CV Show 2016 in Birmingham wearing the colours of Eddie Stobart, its fi rst customer for the hybrid type system. Galway headquartered Thermo King has no less than four innovations submitted, two in Components and two more in the Environment categories, though details of these cannot be revealed in advance of their collective debuts at the IAA in Hannover. Two further entries were entered jointly with sister brand Frigoblock. The official announcement of the winners and presentation of the prizes will be made on Friday 23 September at the Convention Center in Hannover during the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show 2016. Since the awards’ inception, VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie), the main organiser of the exhibition, has been the cooperation partner of Trailer Innovation.
High Five for Dennison Trailers & Sligo Haulage!
F
ive new Dennison Trailers have entered the Sligo Haulage & Distribution Ltd fleet. The relationship between the two companies first started when Stephen Mullen, Managing Director at Sligo Haulage was introduced to Dennison Trailers' co-founder George Dennison at the Fleet Transport Awards Annual Dinner last year.
"As a customer, we have huge confidence in Dennison Trailers and their products. Before signing-off on the trailers, we were brought over to see them in advance and have really enjoyed the whole buying experience. We will certainly be back for more." Speaking of the deal, James Dennison, MD of Dennison Trailers commented:
"We are very proud of our new association with Sligo Haulage, a business which shares many of our own values as a company. From the outset, our emphasis has always been on producing quality products and this order with Sligo is no different. We hope this is just the start of a long relationship between the two companies."
Having already invested heavily in trucks and vans over the last five years, Stephen felt it was now time to purchase new trailers, and it was the reliability and hardwearing reputation that he was drawn to with the award winning Dennison Trailers in the fi rst instance. "Our deal with Dennison Trailers has been flawless from start to fi nish, we were really well looked after from the outset and any requests we had were handled smoothly and without complication," explained Stephen. www.fleet.ie
6 | NEWS III
Boughton Engineering forms partnership with McNeilus
W
olvehampton headquartered Boughton Engineering has formed a strategic partnership with McNeilus, the Minnesota, US based specialist body manufacturer, to sell, mount and fi nish its Front End Loader range for the UK & Ireland markets. Boughton will also provide aftermarket support for parts and service. Initial units have been scheduled for early next year. On announcing the agreement, Boughton Group Managing Director, Richard Skan said, “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with McNeilus and we look forward to developing our close commercial collaboration. When Skan Group Holdings acquired the
our companies together to support our customers with a significantly stronger offering.”
Boughton business five years ago, we made a commitment to the industry that it would remain at the forefront of the waste handling sector and that we would invest in the future development of the business. The McNeilus Front End Loader (FEL) product has strong synergy and perfect strategic fit with our established waste handling products and will enable
Boughton Group Sales and Marketing Director, Steve Price said, “The Front End Loader meets some special requirements and has a particular place in the fleets of some of our major customers. The machine is well liked and proven in service both here and in other world markets.” Boughton will reveal more detailed plans and information about the arrangement on the Boughton Stand 5V50 at the RWM Exhibition, the recycling and waste management event, at the NEC, Birmingham in September 2016.
Kässbohrer introduces new Aftermarket service and lighter trailer
E
u r o p e ’s fastest growing semi-trailer manufacturer Kässbohrer launched during the Summerfest, held at its headquarters in Goch Germany, a new after-sales service called K-Advance Care, as well as K.SCL X, its new light maxima curtainsider. Kässbohrer’s Executive Board Member for Business Development İffet Türken said, “Kässbohrer continues to witness an impressive growth. We continue to be Europe’s fastest growing semi-trailer manufacturer, more than doubling our sales in the first five months of the current year in our key European markets. We are accelerating our growth in Germany, recording a year-on-year increase of 70.9 percent in traffic registrations in the January-May period of this year.” “Apart from the relationships we develop in the industry, we owe this success to our power of engineering and our commitment to provide sustainable transportation solutions, which we keep on moving forward. Latest examples are our new all inclusive after-sales service,
a full maintenance guarantee for a period of 24, 36, 48 or 60 months, or for an annual mileage determined by the operator.
K-advance Care, and our new light maxima curtainsider, K.SCL X,” Ms. Türken added. “Kässbohrer’s new K-Advance Care is a set of all-inclusive repair and maintenance packages, which cover periodical maintenances, replacement of worn parts, tyre management, roadside assistance and relevant labour. With K-Advance Care, Kässbohrer guarantees an uninterrupted performance for its operators, with the advantage of fi xed and adjustable-to-needs costs, in 16 countries across Europe, at over 6,000 service locations.”
K-Advance Care packages will include
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
“In addition, K-Advance Care includes a 24/7 roadside assistance, anywhere in Europe, 365 days per year. With the availability of support in 18 national languages, more than 800 mechanics provide a breakdown recovery service, to get Kässbohrer semi-trailers back on the road as soon as possible,” she concluded. Kässbohrer’s new light maxima curtainsider, K.SCL X is designed to carry more than one tonne extra payload compared to a standard maxima curtainsider, with a tare weight of only 5,600 kg. Designed with a neck height of 150 mm, K.SCL X offers an inner height of 2,900 mm with roof lifting options. For enhanced load security, Kässbohrer’s K-Fix multi-lashing load securing system along the side raves of K.SCL X, enables the fastening of loads from 236 different lashing points, with each point having 2.5 tonne load securing capacity.
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8 | COVER
EU's leading trailer maker at IAA 2016
I
n advance of an expected hectic IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2016 in Hannover this September, Europe's leading trailer maker Schmitz Cargobull (SCB) held its pre-IAA press conference to reveal some details of what it plans to present at the biennial exhibition.
The German company's financial health is very positive and reflects a general return to work for many operators who now need to invest, as their equipment was held for longer over the recent downturn. Production levels are up 22 percent to meet increased demand for both fridges and curtainsiders, while turnover is up by 12 percent, and projected to reach ₏1.772 billion by year end. Important to note that the return on sales is considerably better. Speaking about the company’s future strategy, Andreas Schmitz CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG said, "We want to offer the entire portfolio, and we also need to provide the soft solutions. We need to support our customers so they can be profitable." He said the company has plans to expand with trailer sales in CKD - knockdown kit form for Australia and South Africa. Referring to the issue of CO2 , Andreas added: "It will be a big topic this year," and he believes adopting "the European Modular System (Eco-Combi) is the right way to use the existing vehicle lengths to immediately reduce CO2 ." It is expected that this year’s Hannover Show will focus largely on telematics, for all vehicles including trailers. While there is no doubt that telematics can deliver benefits for the customer, it is also clear that manufacturers view telematics as a method of increasing revenues and keeping the customer closer. According to Schmitz Cargobull's Sales Director Boris Billich, telematics will cover all trailer applications: "Ten years from now there will not be a fridge without telematics, and this will also move to curtainsiders." At this stage 60 percent of all telematics Schmitz sells are fitted to its fridges, with the remaining fitted to curtainsiders. Thanks to efficiencies in production methods, Schmitz can produce a curtainsider semitrailer and have it ready for delivery within eighteen hours. On another area of operation, it has solved one of the great problems with low-deck Mega trailers - their residual value. Because demand for used Mega trailers is limited to those that need a low-deck, the potential market is not as large as for standard units and this can affect the price. Schmitz has developed a new Mega with a coupling height of 960 mm that can be converted to a standard universal trailer with a coupling height of 1,150 mm for its second life. The 19.5" tyres are replaced with 22.5" and the body is lowered to remain within the standard European running height of 4.0 m. Apart from the strength and quality of its tipper trailers, it is reasonable to say that in Ireland Schmitz Cargobull is best known for its refrigerated trailers, the S.KO Cool. To date Schmitz has sold over 180,000 units, accounting for about 72 percent of the German market. Europe-wide, this related figure stands at a significant 51 percent. Since launching its own fridge motor, it has FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
delivered over 3,000 units and recently announced plans to further increase production capacity. At the conference it also showed how improvements made to sound insulation have reduce the noise levels by 20 percent from the 2.2 litre Perkins Diesel motor. The measures have definitely worked and standing beside the trailers one would have to agree. Another new product launched was the PIN Code protected control panel that prevents unauthorised access to the temperature settings. The PIN Code can be set, or a new one generated for each delivery and texted to the driver - whatever is most appropriate. There were a number of other small innovations including engine immobilisers that activate once ladders are used or tool boxes opened, along with new interior and exterior roof lights. Plus redesigned roller bumpers, a reversing camera and a three part insulated curtain, which it is
COVER | 9 claimed, retains 90 percent of the temperature when the doors are open. In addition there is a new range of load securing devices which run in tracks recessed into the bodywork and cannot be removed from the trailer. An idea that will no doubt pay for itself relatively quickly, as will the option of foldable air deflectors fitted to the rear doors of the trailer. Something we will be seeing a lot more of as manufacturers increasingly focus on aerodynamics. An important and welcome innovation is a newly designed locking system for the rear doors. While its main function is as an antitheft device, it could play a greater role as a method of preventing unwanted ‘passengers’ from entering the cargo area when transiting through problematic zones like Calais. It can be fitted to the rear doors of any of the solid bodied trucks or trailers and can be linked to a warning system for the driver.
Door Lock System
Roller Bumper
All Schmitz' single and multi-temp truck and trailer bodies meet the requirements for certification under the various transport agreements, including ATP, ADR, HACCP, and PHARMA. However in a new venture it will make the move into the light vehicle body sector by producing smaller bodies in its Berlin facility. We were informed that one vehicle destined to use these bodies will be the all-new Volkswagen Crafter which is now being produced in Poland. Across Europe Schmitz is as well-known for its tippers as it is for its fridges and curtainsiders, and the company has high hopes for its new thermal insulation system on its tipper bodies. This is just one of a number of new and improved features due to be announced at the event, which includes improved access and stability for working platforms on tipping trailers, and a redesigned rear bumper which gives an extra 70 mm ground clearance under the bumper when folded upwards. In what was described as a new departure for a trailer manufacturer, Schmitz launched its own brand of tyre (in association with Hankook) and now one year later 37 percent of all trailers sold in Germany are fitted with tyres bearing the famous Schmitz Cargobull 'elephant' logo. Other innovations highlighted included the new dolly to connect EcoCombis, and the S.CS XL, an EN12642 compliant solid-roofed curtainsider with a 3.1m internal loading height. For the major developments we returned to focus on the world of telematics. At the IAA CV 2016, Schmitz will officially launch its ‘Executive' package for fridges and curtainsiders'. The S.CS and S.KO Executive programme includes own branded tyres and axles, Trailer Connect Telematics, tyre pressure monitoring, and a special finance offering that can be paid over 36, 48, or 60 months. With the telematics deal, it can be purchased through a one off payment or as a fi xed monthly instalment.
PIN Code protected control panel
Cargobull branded tyres via Hankook
Much has been heard about telematics over the past few years, and we are going to hear a great deal more in the near future. The systems have great potential to bring important efficiencies to transport operations and if used to their full potential can save significant amounts of money - at least on paper. Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
www.fleet.ie
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Faymonville MAX Trailers, 3 axle, extendable with lifting Åoor section, also available as non extender with lifting Åoor, easy loading onto gooseneck, safe and driver friendly. Trailer can travel with bed at any height whilst loaded. Single or Double Åip hydraulic ramps with side shift, out riggers, marker boards, steer axle, greaser, Build with high quality, hi tensile steel, light tare weight, more payload, low travel height, many options available.
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RANGE OF SECOND HAND TRAILERS IN STOCK AT ALL TIMES, DOE’D, SERVICED AND READY FOR WORK. TRAILERS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
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fleetMaritime: IRISH SHIPPING & FREIGHT
MARITIME I | 11
Compiled by Howard Knott Edited by Jarlath Sweeney email: maritime@fleet.ie
Volume 11, No. 4 Autumn 2016
Rosslare welcomes first cruise ship call in 20 years
O
n the morning of 14 July, the Fred Olsen Cruise Liner Braemar berthed in Rosslare Europort while, at the adjoining berths, the Stena Europe and Isle of Inishmore completed loading in preparation for their sailings to South Wales. The 195-metre long vessel was the first cruise liner to berth at the County Wexford Port in the last twenty years and was the longest vessel ever to come alongside the quay. On board were 780 passengers and 380 crew, many of whom undertook the pre-arranged tours of the Wexford region. The call was part of an eleven day “Closer to the UK & Ireland” cruise with an itinerary that also included Fingal’s Cave in Scotland. The Port and the Visit Wexford team hope that the successful call will now be the fi rst of many, particularly building on the global launch by Tourism Ireland of the “Ireland’s Ancient East” branding.
In the course of his commentary in the Iarnród Éireann 2015 Annual Report, company CEO, David Franks stated that Rosslare Europort is the second busiest seaport in the State in terms of ship visits, tourist traffic and unitised freight. 2015 revenue was up 3 percent overall yearon-year at €10.4 million, reflecting a 2 percent increase in passenger cars and a 4 percent increase in Ro-Ro freight units, while the importation of trade vehicles and light commercials was up 39 percent. Storm activity in December, while not as serious as in 2013/14, nevertheless moved sand into the approaches, and it is likely that some maintenance dredging will be required in 2016 as a result. Also in 2015 Port Authority Iarnród Éireann appointed a consortium of specialist consultants to investigate market interest in a concession arrangement to manage operations at Rosslare Europort, as recommended by the Indecon Report. Iarnród Éireann is working with all stakeholders in Rosslare through this process.
The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) figures for the fi rst Quarter of 2016 show strong growth in Ro-Ro freight movement through the Port, with 15,150 accompanied trailers moving through representing 9 percent growth on the 2015 fi rst quarter figure, while the growth in unaccompanied trailer moves from 12,034 to 13,433 in the same periods represented a 12 percent increase. During the fi rst half of 2016 the Port also had a significant number of calls of vessels carrying bulk cargo, mainly timber. In order to encourage the growth of foot passenger traffic on the ferries, the National Transport Authority has permitted Irish Rail to run the evening train from Rosslare to Dublin on a later schedule, allowing time for passengers to transfer from ferry to train. The restaurant in the Port terminal building has been re-opened serving both passengers and the general public.
FLEETMARITIME | AUTUMN 2016
12 | MARITIME II
EU’s Connecting Europe Facility has much to offer
F
leet Maritime was invited to participate in the EU Commission’s TEN-T Days event held on 20-22 June in Rotterdam. The event venue, the World Heritage site Van Nelle Fabriek, was chosen by the EU’s Dutch Presidency and provided facilities for a range of meetings as well as indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Indoors, there were over seventy stands, most of which were taken by promotors of projects that either had already secured TEN-T funding or hoped to do so. Other stands were taken by EU Commission Agencies and promotional groups, including the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). Most of the outdoor exhibits were low emission vehicles as well CNG and other fuel handling trucks. As mentioned elsewhere in this issue of Fleet Transport, the TEN-T project is a part of the overall European Union, Connecting Europe Facility and operates alongside the Motorways of the Sea and La Milo projects. The event took place in the few days before the UK Brexit Referendum and it has since been argued that its relevance has greatly increased since the Rotterdam event took place, particularly to Ireland which suddenly has a weak link in its Trans Europe Network Corridor. The essence of the TEN-T is that, for the European Free market to function efficiently and in a competitive way, certain corridors should be designated as priority routes and that these should be invested in so as to operate in the most effective way. When first announced the logic of operating was queried by many local interests who saw that they were being by-passed by the corridors whether road, rail, barge or sea, but the Commission argued that given the very limited resources at its disposal it was better to spend money where it could be most economically effective.
The designation of Ports as being part of the Community Core network or of the Comprehensive network was, for maritime Nations a key part of the plan. Each Country was asked to make its own designation, though subject to the constraints that the chosen Ports had to have a significant cargo and/or passenger throughput. In the case of Ireland, Dublin, Cork and Foynes were chosen as Core Ports, and Rosslare and Waterford as Comprehensive Network Ports. The North Sea-Mediterranean Corridor was then made to link Cork with Dublin and thence to Belfast with a branch link to Foynes. While at previous TEN-T days there was a lot of focus on the Grant Aid being made available for the planned projects, this year the focus was quite different. The Commission had realised that while Europe did indeed have transport network connectivity problems, a far bigger issue was the refusal of the European economy to grow. With growth, joblessness would be reduced and there would be a prospect of some political normality. Far from the need to pump serious money into the development of transport services, and with infrastructure being a problem for Europe, the need was now being seen as an opportunity to kick-start growth particularly in countries and regions where the local government did not have the financial resources necessary. In addressing journalists Transport
FLEETMARITIME | AUTUMN 2016
Commissioner Bulc instanced the current Dublin Port Alexandra Basin Project as being a prime example of how things should work. Here the TEN-T is funding 10 percent of the project cost with a grant of €22 million. Based on the fact that the project was approved for TEN-T, the European Investment Bank was placed in a position to lend Dublin Port Company €100 million at a very low rate. While the balance of the cost could probably be found from the Port Company’s own resources, the Commission had now developed a programme with a number of private fund investors giving them the assurances that they would require to invest pension funds and the like in the approved infrastructure projects. Investors including BlackRock Inc. Zurich, and John Laing Infrastructure Fund attended the Rotterdam event, giving project promotors the chance to open the discussions that would enable the project to get underway quickly. We asked Commissioner Bulc if the TEN-T corridor programme that has now been running for a few years might not prove to be counter-productive in encouraging the big Ports to become bigger and risking the withering away of Ports in the Comprehensive & Regional Networks. What would happen if a Core Port could not cope resulting in shipping services feeling that they needed to transfer to other Ports, but then finding that, due to lack of continued investment, these Ports were not up to the task of handling the over-flow
MARITIME III | 13 traffic? She was clearly aware of the problem and suggested that the Ports concerned should seek to have their projects backed by the Regional Development Funds. I took this matter up later with Brian Simpson, the European Commission Co-Ordinator for the Motorways of the Sea, and with Peter Balazs, Co-Ordinator of the North SeaMediterranean Corridor, and while they agreed with the Commissioner, both were keener on the Ports concerned securing funding through co-operative projects with Ports or other Transport Infrastructure that are on one of the TEN-T Corridors. Clearly, all of this is more important in the light of the UK’s withdrawal from the Community and the need to minimise the difficulties for Irish exporters, 90 percent of whose goods are transported out of Ireland by sea, whether in bulk, trailer or container. The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, should along with IMDO, IDA,
BIM, Irish Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other Agencies, engage with the Commission’s DG Move Directorate
as a first step to drawing up a plan.
Traffic growth at Rotterdam Port stalls
T
he Port of Rotterdam has reported that traff ic volumes moving through the facility in the first half of 2016 had dropped by 3 percent from the 2015 figure to 229 million tonnes. While the dry bulk cargo traffic was described as being sluggish, the container volumes were also weaker. The container numbers fell to 6.1 billion TEU’s, a 2.3 percent drop, while the cargo weight transported in those containers dropped to 63 million tonnes, a 2.8 percent fall. Rotterdam Port shows a total of 54 fully cellular container deep sea services operating through it, in addition to the very large number of European waters and inland waterway services.
The Port of Rotterdam has had a very aggressive terminal building programme over the last twenty years, in particular to
enable it retain its position as Europe’s main transit Port for traffic to and from deep-sea locations and forwarding throughout the EU. However, the Shipping Lines have also been building aggressively, and are continuing to introduce ever larger vessels onto their Asian and other services. Five years ago, a vessel with a 13,000 TEU capacity might be considered to be as big as ships are likely to get, but now the Dutch port is regularly handling higher and wider 18,000 TEU vessels, and with the prospect in 2017 of 21,000 TEU vessels berthing there. While the biggest vessels may not be significantly longer than the smaller ships
that they displace, their extra capacity comes from the greater beam and height, allowing container stacks to be wider and higher. A container may have to be taken by the crane over 60 metres before it can be dropped to the ground and this, together with the inability to squeeze in any more cranes to work the vessel, leads to inevitable delays. The Port of Rotterdam has, in its efforts to amend working systems and technology to meet the new challenge, suffered some industrial unrest, causing further delays and difficulties. Partly in response to these difficulties a number of Lines have sought to route traffic through other Ports. One example is the Maersk Line’s Seago service which now transfers Liverpool and Dublin routed traffic at Algeciras instead of Rotterdam. Significant traffics are now also being shipped through Ports including Antwerp, Felixstowe, Le Havre and Southampton.
FLEETMARITIME | AUTUMN 2016
14 | MARITIME IV
New container weight regime appears to go smoothly
O
n 1 July the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) SOLAS VI regulation about weight verification came into effect. From that date any Lo-Lo freight container must have a Verified Gross Mass declared before it can be loaded aboard ship. In the months prior to the new rules coming into force in each of the IMO’s 140+ Member Countries, there was a great deal of concern that shippers of cargo would be unable or unwilling to provide the necessary certification, and that international trade would shudder to a halt. In the end this has not happened
and it would appear that most countries are respecting the IMO’s request that the inspection agencies should take a benign view of any breaches that they discover over the fi rst three months of its operation. Most larger manufacturers using this mode of transport appear to have got their documentation and document transmission systems, mainly IT based, into play by the 1 July deadline. For those shippers that do not have the necessary physical and/or documentation facilities, many terminal operators, freight forwarders, hauliers and container depots have made services available.
There can however be issues here, and many instances have been quoted in which the cargo shipper feels that he is being ‘ripped off ’ for the “VGM” service. Fees of up €135 per container have been quoted which would add significantly to the already very significant Terminal fee element of deepsea shipping. Organisations including the Irish Exporters Association have been advising shippers to check out the proposed charge in advance of the service being provided, even if it is necessary to switch the carriage of the shipment to another carrier.
Widened Panama Canal promises to be a success
W
ithin a couple of weeks of the successful conclusion of widening and deepening the Panama Canal, there have been significant shifts in shipping services and, indeed, within the way the industry operates. The Canal can now accommodate container ships with a capacity in excess of 8,000 TEU, while previously the largest vessels transiting the Canal could only accommodate 4,500 TEU. Some services that shipped from Asia to Ports on the East coast of North America had either used the smaller vessels so as to be able to cut through the Canal, or sailed with larger vessels either around the Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal.
will be pulled out of the market or out of temporary idle positions and sent to the scrapyard in 2016. The 8000+TEU ships required for the new “via-Panama” services are readily available as, prior to the introduction of the mega container vessels on the routes out of Asia to Northern Europe, these were the standard vessels used on these routes.
In anticipation of this change, industry watcher Drewry has published a report in which it stated that it expects that, for the fi rst time, 450,000 TEU of container ship capacity will be scrapped in 2016. Th is amounts to about 150 mainly old and medium size container ships which
In anticipation of the greater width that would be available in the completed Panama Canal, world leading car and truck carrier Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (W WL) had commissioned the building of eight sister ships, the fourth of which entered services in July
FLEETMARITIME | Autumn 2016
2016. Each of these vessels has a capacity of 8,000 car equivalent units and is 200-metres long but, with a width of 36.5-metres is significantly wider than previous vessels. Th is extra width allows the vessel to be designed with a significantly shallower draft than previous designs. Being wider, the new vessels are shallower, thereby can operate into and out of a much wider range of Ports, where draft is an issue. Many of the East coast USA ports are shallow and can now be economically accessed. A further development arising from the Canal works is the re-establishment of ‘round-the-world’ services by some container lines. In these cases, the vessel sails Westward through the Suez Canal and will continue through Panama. Up to now such services turned around at the US East Coast and returned to Asia through Suez again. These, and the threat of further similar developments, have forced the Suez company to re-consider its rates.
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16 | LAUNCH PAD
Kögel Trailers exploring opportunit Most of these debutants were displayed at a special preview event in July, which gave us an 'in the flesh' insight before judgement for the Trailer Innovation Awards 2017.
Kögel Trailer Light
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he UK & Ireland as well as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe are part of Kögel Trailer's market expansion plans. Europe's third largest trailer and body producer has the extensive portfolio and manufacturing capacity at its Burtenbach plant in Germany to meet the sales growth potential. Concentration initially will be on the fleet sector, mainly operators in international haulage that are already aware of the quality and customer focused specification of Kögel's semi-trailers - be it curtainsiders or refrigeration units. Those involved in multimodal transport are especially catered for, as demonstrated recently at a location near its headquarters. At the IAA Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show in Hannover, Kögel will exhibit many new products, four of which are entered in the Trailer Innovation Award 2017. Thomas Eschey, Managing Director of Production & Technology at Kögel, has over 22 years' experience with the company, and is aware of the big challenge that lies ahead in tackling the UK & Ireland marketplaces, particularly as these countries are mature and sophisticated. Confident of the modern and innovative line-up of trailers and bodies being produced now, as proven in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, where the brand enjoys leading marketshare, Thomas is already working with the likes of CLdN and P&O from the fleet side, both companies having a major presence on these islands. He is aware that a sufficient aftersales network needs to be in place in these regions before any significant market penetration can be implemented. In time, once the programme is in place, products from sister brand Humbaur will be included in the catalogue, which covers a wide area ranging from light commercial vehicle bodies and fitt ings, to specialist plant and machinery carriage, to horse boxes. In fact it was the Humbaur family business that saved Kögel from extinction over seven years ago, and with constant investment in R&D and improved production methods has seen the brand succeed at all levels. The IAA CV Show from 22-28 September will herald premieres from both Kögel and Humbaur in Hall 27.
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
Leading its charge of the ‘Light’ Brigade is the next generation of Kögel’s light curtainsider, which comes with weight-optimised frame and body. Kögel’s Light Plus as it’s called, boasts a low tare weight starting at 4,775 kilogrammes, offering up to 335 kilogrammes more payload, and extra internal height thanks to its frame neck of 120mm (a reduction of 60mm). Aluminium is used in the basic configuration such as the bulkhead, front and rear corner posts, rear door portals, etc. It is also possible to specify the rear doors made of lightweight yet robust Duroplastic sandwich panels with a honeycomb core fi lling as used in the aviation industry. To further lighten the Light Plus, alloy wheels, aluminum trailer supports, lightweight tyres and aluminium air tanks can be ordered. “With the CO2 tax that will be introduced in 2020, and increasingly heavy tractor-units, the focus is shift ing more and more onto lightweight trailers,” explained Thomas Eschey, Managing Director of Production & Technology at Kögel. “With the Kögel Light Plus, we are offering our customers a trailer with a light payload, lower operating costs, and reduced CO2 emissions as a result.” Having previously tried (unsuccessfully) to market its own axle brand (which was at the time collaborated with Meritor), Kögel has made a strong comeback with a uniquely designed version called KTA – Kögel Trailer Axle. Two years ago Kögel held a ‘product clinic’ featuring a KTA prototype to generate reaction to IAA CV Show visitors. From that positivity has come the integrated chassis system which forms the backbone of future Kögel semi-trailers and is maintenance free. Looking like no other rear axle on the market, two U-bolts secure the clamping on the trailing arm and the single piece axle tube is enclosed by the trailing arm at the top with the two axle spring seats at the lower end. A rubber metal bearing absorbs both axial and transverse force at the intersection between the bracket and trailing arm. “Th is double suspension system, consisting of a soft rubber bearing and the trailing arm, made from spring steel, is unique in the industry, offering as much stability as needed, and as much damping as possible,” stated Thomas. To facilitate fast and easy repair, the high-strength steel trailing arm and the axle tube can be replaced separately. Air suspension, shock absorbers and disc brakes complete the package, which has been tried and tested prior to production with over 1 million kilometres driven without any maintenance necessary. “With the KTA, we now have an axle unit on the market that is ready for series production, and fulfi ls our customer’s requirements for a low maintenance and reliable product,” added Thomas.
LAUNCH PAD | 17
ities to enter UK & Ireland markets
Multimodal Trailer
Transport for swap bodies is more secure with Kögel’s expanded range of swap body trailers. The standard version of the centre axle trailer has a low tare weight, starting at 2,950 kilometres, which is suitable for the standard swap body transport that has a total length of up to 7.82 metres, as well as 20 foot ISO containers. The Kögel Combi centre axle trailer, which has airbags between the axles also benefits from a drawbar adjustable in height and length. Additional volume has been eked-out of the Kögel Swap Mega C782 body with rear adjustable rear tarpaulin cover that now has an internal clearance height of three metres and a low tare weight of 2,420 kilometres. Thanks to a split end support frame, the lift ing roof can be raised to 3,300 millimetres when the tarpaulin section is open. About Kögel Within the Group, Kögel's trailer business brings in the bulk of the turnover, contributing €350m of the €450m annual income. The Hambaur division, through its car trailer and other LCV products, takes up the rest. Over 600 Kögel employees are based in Burtenbach with 330 located at the Chocen plant in the Czech Republic. Within forty kilometres of Burtenbach is Gersthofen, where 450 Hambaur employees are based producing 50,000 units per year, while the Kögel facilities turn out 13,000 trailers approximately annually.
KTA Trailer Axle
Emphasising Kögel’s customer attention, the new Cargo Rail multimodal semi-trailer specifically designed and built for CldN Cargo BV will be on display in Hannover. Over 100 units have been ordered with reinforced chassis frame to ensure durability and reliability when carried on rail or ferry, or while on the road. Humbaur at 66th IAA CV 2016 Humbaur is responding to increasing demand from e-commerce in developing a new business line for the courier, express and parcel delivery sectors. Speed, efficiency and load volume are aspects that were much in the mind of the company in creating FlexBox bodywork and associated Load Th rough system from box van platform to trailer. With the double rear doors of the box body on the chassis cab open, the front bullhead of the avoiding box trailer pulls down to the van's floor to provide a walk through, or allow cages to roll through either way. At the end of the trailer a tail-lift can be fitted, while the van can facilitate a refrigerated unit being installed. Apart from the courier business, this innovation would suit furniture delivery or house removal fi rms. Combined, the payload is inside the 7.5 tonne GVW threshold. FlexBox will be on exhibit on the Kögel stand in Hall 27.
Kögel’s history dates back to 1934 and since then the company has manufactured more than 500,000 trailers. Other Kögel factories are situated in Ulm and Duingen (Germany) and Moscow (Russia), making various components for fi nal assembly at the Bavarian HQs in Burtenbach. Presently, a section of this vast 55 hectare facility is being modified to accommodate the full assembly of its own trailer axle, which will be marketed as KTA. Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Humbaur Flexbox
www.fleet.ie
18 | TRAILER
Montracon aerodynamics put to bed with Steinhoff
S
teinhoff UK Bedding Group has taken delivery of 28 Montracon box-van trailers as part of its ongoing programme to maintain the most aerodynamic and fuel efficient fleet.
The trailers are matched ‘aerodynamically’ to Mercedes-Benz Actros ‘Stream Space’ tractor-units. In addition, the trailer roofs slope downward at the rear to direct attached air flow to immediately behind the trailer doors, and thereby help to reduce the drag effect. Steinhoff UK Bedding Group Logistics Manager Laurie Farley expects fuel economy benefits of up to 10 percent,
at around the halfway mark.
depending on operating cycle. Th is second intake of Montracon trailers, the first ten having been delivered in 2014, also marks a step in the group’s move from leasing to the outright purchase of its trailer fleet. The trailers will operate for up to 14/15 years, including a refurb
The high volume trailers – 16 x 13.6m long, 85m3 capacity tandems, and 12 x 11m long, 60m3 steered single axle ‘city’ units - have already entered service. The tandem axle units are used to move matt resses, divans and headboards - for portfolio brands such as Dunlopillo, Myer’s, Slumberland and Staples – from factories to distribution centres strategically located across the country. The single axle trailers replace previously used rigid/drawbar units to handle onward movement to retail outlets, including to an increasing number of independent customers.
Europe's largest installation of the Traxx-framing system for DFS
V
ehicle branding and graphics specialist RGVA has completed Europe’s largest ever installation of the TraxxOne framing system in a single project, using it to have the commercial vehicle fleet of international furniture retailer DFS completed re-livered. For the company’s largest order to date, RGVA’s national team of graphic technicians fitted the system - which is designed to make changing graphics quick and easy on more than 400 demount truck bodies and 89 tri-axle trailers in the DFS fleet. The installation was completed within just seven weeks - right on schedule to launch a major sporting campaign featuring DFS Olympics athlete ambassadors Laura Trott, Max Whitlock and Adam Peaty. RGVA is an official distributor and installer for Traxx - with TraxxOne a patented high-tension aluminium framing system which is used to apply ripple free, high-
definition printed banners onto the side of commercial vehicles. The banners can be quickly slid into position, and removed in a fraction of the time, and cost, of traditional techniques. This allows graphics to be quickly changed to correlate with new marketing campaigns – as the DFS summer branding perfectly illustrates. The roll-out saw RGVA’s teams work across 60 DFS sites across the UK, with two and three-strong teams of graphic technicians installing the frame and side banners. RGVA also installed new graphics on the rear shutters of each asset, printed on highquality 3M Scotchcal IJ40-10 series film with 8030G laminate, which offers a minimum five year life.
The decision to install the TraxxOne system across the fleet followed a successful 70 vehicle trial in Scotland; and successfully demonstrated the potential for vehicle-based advertising. DFS was founded in 1969 with a single store near Doncaster and has since grown to become a market leader in upholstered furniture in the UK. Today DFS employs more than 3,500 people and operates in excess of 100 retail stores in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, a comprehensive online channel, and has three of its own upholstery factories and two woodmills in the UK.
New LAG from WTS for BCT
A
drian Cunningham, Brian Cunningham Transport (BTS); Carl Williams, Brian Cunningham Transport UK Ltd and Eddie Merriot of Williams Tanker Services (WTS), Leeds are pictured at the recent Tip-ex & Tank-ex Show in Harrogate in front of Brian Cunningham Transport’s new LAG tanker trailer. “The new stainless steel single compartment general purpose Chemical tanker, is fitted
with pneumatic double hand rails, is fully insulated and has a heating system for when product requires heating prior to delivery. The tank is fitted with a discharge pump and will deliver most products including ADR products. It is also designed so that if UK road laws change by increasing weights limits, then this tank will be adaptable to make that change,” explained Adrian, Director, Brian Cunningham Transport (Castlebar, Mayo & Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK).
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
7671
Gray & Adams’ key role in clean, ‘green’ trailer project
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ray & Adams has won praise from Waitrose for the part it has played in developing the retailer’s ground-breaking ‘Ultra-low carbon’ semi-trailers. The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is a member of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF) consortium. A collaboration between Cambridge and Heriot-Watt Universities and organisations in the freight and logistics sectors, this researches engineering and organisational solutions that seek to make road freight economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Underlining its commitment to fuel-efficiency and carbon reduction, Waitrose has specified its Gray & Adams trailers with wind-cheating features such as large radius panel cappings and side skirts. However, through JLP’s participation in the UK Government’s Low-Carbon Truck Trial programme, and with input from Cambridge University, the retailer has developed a ground-breaking trailer that takes environmental compatibility to another level. The academics conducted wind tunnel research and focused particularly on the aerodynamics beneath and around the rear of the trailer, as well as between the trailer and the tractor unit. They then came up with a series of proposed modifications designed to cut aerodynamic drag by 14 percent. These, they predicted, would deliver fuel savings of approximately 7 percent.
The results of simulation modelling and other tests were encouraging, but practical considerations would be key to the success of the project – crucially, to be economically viable the ‘boat tail’ design must entail no loss of cargo space, while the new trailer must also be compatible with Waitrose’s loading bays and existing equipment. Waitrose has ordered a number of specialised twin-deck trailers from Gray & Adams this year. “We’re never satisfied at the John Lewis Partnership and are always looking at ways in which we can do things better,” added Simon Gray, Gray & Adams. (See photograph on page 3).
9th 22nd to 2 r 2016 e b Septem Hanover t Visit us a F26 d n our sta ! in hall 27
The Cambridge University recommendations included: • A tapered ‘boat tail’ on the upper rear of the trailer; • Slightly tapered sidewalls at the rear; • A lowered overall vehicle height; • A smooth underside, open at the back, to help air flow out from beneath; • An air management kit for the tractor, matched closely to the trailer with minimal gaps.
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20 | PREVIEW
IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 A platform for the digital transformation
M
atthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), which organises the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show 2016 in Hannover has given an interesting insight to the forthcoming event and continuous evolution of the commercial vehicle industry.
“The slogan ‘Driven by Ideas’ points up to the huge drive for innovation by the companies exhibiting at the world’s most important trade show for mobility, transport and logistics. The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles will open its doors in Hannover on September 22 (to 29). There has never been more of the future to be seen at the IAA. Numerous models with alternative powertrains will be on display. City buses, vans and distribution trucks are increasingly using electric power. The entire sector is undergoing a ‘digital transformation’ - the commercial vehicles of the future will be connected, and automated driving will soon be a reality,” he stressed. Preparations for the IAA are running at high speed. “We have sold more stand space than we did at the last IAA Commercial Vehicles (in 2014). Once again we have a great number of exhibitors, at around 2,000. The IAA is becoming ever more international, with the proportion of foreign exhibitors over the 50 percent mark. Most of the foreign exhibitors come from Italy, China or Turkey. This year again it is impressive to see all the major truck, trailer and body manufacturers at the IAA. To add to this, there are more suppliers from all over the world than at any other automotive trade fair,” Mr. Wissmann explained. The first-time exhibitors include BYD with its buses, and Toyota with light commercial vehicles. “The “New Mobility World Logistics” gives the mega-trend of digital transformation a new emphasis at the International Motor Show (IAA). It underscores the fact that the whole commercial vehicle, transport and logistics industry is driving forward the mobility of the future. For example, the demonstration area “New Mobility
World LIVE” will showcase dynamic and interactive driv ing w ith technical innovations. At the“NewMobility World Parcours” visitors will be able to drive and experience electric commercial vehicles themselves. The themed “Guided Tours” will take participants around the trade show grounds to selected exhibitors. There will also be a large number of conferences on automation, connectivity, clean power and urbanization.” “One of them is the “New Mobility World Lab16: Startups meet industry” on September 27. It will highlight innovations that make freight traffic, logistics and commercial vehicles more efficient, greener and smarter. The “Lab” will bring established companies and startups together. Compact corporate presentations, networking sessions, discussions and lectures by pioneers in the industry will provide an exciting programme.” “The healthy state of the commercial vehicle business is supporting the IAA,” Matthias emphasized. “Last year the Western European market for heavy trucks already expanded by 14 percent. New registrations in the first half of 2016 also added 14 percent. And the van market has a similar dynamic: in the first half-year light commercial vehicles recorded a year-on-year rise of 12 percent.” The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles will be opened by Federal Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt on September 22.
Voith to expand Driveline Components for increased efficiency
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hen it comes to bus and truck fleet efficiency, low fuel consumption and component wear play a critical role in fleet management. The contribution Voith is making to this with its products and services will be highlighted to include the DIWA.6 automatic transmission with Stop-Start Technology, a version of its secondary water retarder than can be disconnected, (it brakes with water and uses the engine coolant) and the new air compressors with TwinSave technology or coupling. Visitors can learn more about innovative solutions including real-time support for drivers, optimized maintenance management for operators, as well as remanufacturing of transmissions and retarders. Also at the IAA, Voith will be presenting from the newly founded Digital Solutions group division – SmartAssist, which informs the driver in real time about his driving Depending on the operating profile, the DIWA.6 Stop-Start Technology allows fuel savings of 5-10 behaviour, provides tips for possible improvements and supplies corresponding percent. reports for the fleet management.
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
PREVIEW | 21
Thermo King Set to Innovate at the IAA 2016 *Bringing future of the transport refrigeration, today
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he transportation solution businesses from Ingersoll Rand - Thermo King, FRIGOBLOCK and Celtrak, will together welcome visitors at its booth #C05, in Hall 27 at the IAA Show in Hannover, Germany, from the 22 - 28 September next, where visitors will see for themselves what the future of refrigerated transport brings today. “Our acquisition of FRIGOBLOCK and Celtrak has allowed us to explore and develop solutions that not only link sustainability and innovation to deliver industry-leading fuel savings and intelligent systems today, but also pioneering concepts that will ultimately defi ne the future of transport refrigeration for our industry in the years to come. It’s very exciting,” said Karin De Bondt, Vice-President & General Manager for Truck, Trailer & Bus at Thermo King, in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “At the stand, Thermo King will unveil new and existing products, all built to meet expectations and answer today’s demands in areas of sustainability, intelligence and connectivity, innovation, and real-world challenges,” she added. “Many are the result of the strategic acquisitions of FRIGOBLOCK and Celtrak, which have broadened Thermo King’s research and development capabilities by adding complimentary expertise in areas such as hybrid, non-diesel, and operational intelligence. These capabilities, combined with Thermo King’s proven track
record of dependable, leading technology, have accelerated new developments that meet and adapt to unique customer needs and provide sustainable results for the transport refrigeration sector.”
Hendrickson to present new suspension systems and components
H
endrickson, a major component supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, will display a mix of new and proven technologies that meet the diverse requirements of truck, bus and trailer manufacturers, fleets and operators in markets worldwide. “The global transportation industry presents exciting opportunities for truck, bus and trailer manufacturers who offer specialised suspension systems and components designed to meet
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
the needs of their specific region. We continue to provide these solutions to OEMs around the world as we look to expand our footprint especially in Europe,” explained Gary Gerstenslager, Hendrickson President & CEO. The latest developments to be presented at the IAA include: • STEERTEK NXT: a durable and lightweight axle alternative; providing up to 18.1 kg of weight savings compared to traditional forged I-beam axles. • COMFORT AIR: Rear Axle Air Suspension System delivering outstanding passenger and driver comfort. • ULTIMAAX: Advanced Severe Duty Rubber Suspension – offering outstanding durability, stability and mobility. • TIREMAAX: Trailer Tyre Pressure Control System. • HSDSTM: Hendrickson Severe-duty Air Suspension System - an ideal combination of ride soft ness and roll stability for various trailer applications. • INTRA AX AANT: Integrated Trailer Air Suspension/ Axle/Brake System – optimised design for weight-conscious hauliers, and a wide range of other advanced suspension system technologies that can help improve durability, enhance fuel economy and increase payload. www.fleet.ie
22 | FLEETING SHOTS
Gold medal Olympics service from American Airlines Cargo
A
merican Airlines Cargo, which provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world, with terminals and interline connections across the globe, safely delivered over 65 tonnes of high-tech broadcast equipment and athletic gear to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Broadcasting equipment was shipped out of Japan and London to Rio for highresolution filming at the sporting festival. One of the largest shipments of its kind, it took place over a three-week period to Rio's Galeão International (GIG) via two American Airlines gateway hubs, Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA). Fourteen different movements made up this particular
different locations worldwide.
consignment, which travelled in the bellies of American's wide-body aircraft. A variety of other unique shipments also traveled across the American Airlines network to Brazil, including sporting goods out of Australia, jerseys and promotional items and athletic training equipment from
"We were delighted to be entrusted with the safe transportation of a national broadcaster's equipment and other important items for such a significant event," said American's Managing Director of Cargo Sales, Asia, Keijiro Ishii, who is based in Tokyo. "Our teams in locations all over the world worked closely together to ensure the safe and timely arrival of all elements involved." American Airlines offers an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.
Transportation to the volcano! *Goldhofer Windblade Transporter in operation in Guatemala
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he route up to the windy heights of Viento Blanco Wind Farm is ten kilometres long and leads past an active volcano. It follows a narrow winding mountain road lined with trees and rock overhangs, and gradients of up to 18 percent uphill and 13 percent downhill. Seven Vestas V 112 wind turbines are being installed at the wind farm. The rotor blades were transported over a distance of 80 kilometres from the Guatemalan port of Puerto Quetzal to the
Viento Blanco site by the Daco Heavy Lift de Centroamerica haulage company using an FTV 300 blade transport multi-axle trailer from Goldhofer.
The first 70 kilometres of the journey were relatively easy, with motorway driving all the way. Handling the last ten kilometres without a single hitch, on the other hand, involved a total of over 16,000 man hours for Daco Heavy Lift, who completed the operation with all the rotor blades in forty days. Thanks to painstaking preparations, a detailed inspection of the route, extensive safety measures and - last but not least - effective cooperation with the Goldhofer Service team, this exceptional transport operation ran smoothly from start to finish!
Faymonville 2-axle MegaMAX lowbed versatile as a ‘Swiss Army Knife’
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elgian specialist trailer manufacturer Fay monv ille has characterised its 2-axle MegaMAX lowbed as a real all-purpose vehicle. Agile, compact, light and low - its positives read like a wish list for day-to-day life in the transport business. The requirements are complex when fi rms want to add a new semitrailer. It has to be able to do as much as possible, weigh virtually nothing and have the perfect dimensions. The 2-axle
MegaMAX wins over customers with its low loading height (300mm) of the bed that’s extendable by 5.85m.
FLEET TRAILER & BODY BUILDER | Autumn 2016
“The semi-trailer is very stably built and manufactured with the highest quality. Moreover, the MegaMAX proves to be very simple to operate. All of the drivers are able to disconnect the gooseneck or extend the bed without any difficulties. With a bed length of 6.85m and a minimal net weight (12.5t), the vehicle remains within the legal provisions of 16.5m total trailer length,” explained recent customer Dennis Pieper from Kösters Transporte. Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
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