Fleet transport june18

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE

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Entirely new low-entry cab developed for urban environments

CFOC 2018

Ford Trucks on Track

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PROFILE: MUTEC: Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Dealers PICTORIALS: Waterford Truck + Motor Show 2018 & Truck Run MILESTONE: 90 years of DAF recorded UPDATE: MAN Trucks REVIEWS: CV Show 2018 & Multimodal 2018

JUNE 18

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Contents JUNE 18

Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. F12 E7P2 Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

4 News • Changes to CVRT defect classifications • Clean Ireland Recycling opens fast-fill CNG station • Electric Trucks on a charge • SDC Truck & Trailer Parts now includes Auger • First Connacht Truck Show 2018 • DAF Trucks Ireland and Corrib Oil join Fleet Transport Awards sponsors • 2018 Foyle Maritime Festival 10 Cover Scania: King of the Road to Prince of the Streets

Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, HSA, Dr. Betty Maguire, Rob Van Dieten, Gerry Murphy

12 Report I HSA Transport Safety Seminar

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Conor McCabe, Scanplan/Frank Scanlon, Gerry Murphy, Jason Begley

14 New Fleet Stunning new Volvo flagship for MTS Haulage & a trio of new DAF Trucks at work

Administration: Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Advertising: Mary Morrissey - mary@fleet.ie Sponsorship/Events: Orla Sweeney - orla@fleet.ie Design: Eamonn Wynne Printed in Ireland

Fleet Transport Official Irish Jury Member of the International Truck of the Year Award

Official Irish jury member of the International Forklift Truck Award follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport

33 Safety Matters Vulnerable road users and vehicles 34 Times Past On the record : DAF Museum visit 36 Fuel Prices From around the globe 38 Health Matters Autonomous vehicles 40 Review I CV Show 2018 – Part II 44 Interview With Chris Lewis, DP World 46 Opinion MEPs get the inside story – from a truck cab 47 Report II Motorways of the Sea Seminar

18 Pictorial I Chief Fire Officers’ Conference, Westport, County Mayo

48-51 Fleet Maritime Newsletter 52 Comment Electric propulsion 54 Legal Driver fatigue and road safety

22 Pictorial II Waterford Truck Show

55 Finance Motivating management and staff

24 Profile Mercedes-Benz CV Dealer MUTEC

56 Review II Multimodal 2018, NEC, Birmingham, UK

26 Milestone DAF developments over nine decades

58 Soapbox Driver CPC and Brussels

28 Pictorial III National Truck Run in convoy

P4

Disclaimer: Fleet Transport 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.

29 Fleet Transport Awards 2019 Entries Open

16 Innovation Ford Trucks making major moves forward

20 Update Progress report from MAN Truck & Bus CEO

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime/ Green Fleet Management are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

www.fleet.ie | 3

P36

Transport Barometer: Data from 16/04/2018 - 15/05/2018

P54

Transport demands continue to rise Demand for available freight capacity on European roads continues to grow. In Quarter 1 2018, the number of freight offers on the EU transport market was larger than the number of vehicle offers at a ratio of 54:46% This calculation is the result of the current TimoCom transport barometer market evaluation, the industry indicator for road transport developments within Europe.

“The market indicators on the transport market have shifted significantly in the last three years,” said TimoCom’s Gunnar Gburek. “Just a short while ago, transport companies were decreasing their margins, and today they can select from a surplus of transport requests and decide on the most profitable.”

4 | NEWS 1

RSA introduces changes to CVR test defect classifications

T

he Road Safety Authority wishes to notify commercial vehicle owners and operators of changes to Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) test defect classifications, listed below that have been applied since 20 May, 2018. These changes are giving effect to EU Directive 2014/45.

An overview of all changes to the CVR Test System arising from Directive 2014/45 are available on www.cvrt.ie/Changes to CVR Test - May 2018 Defects found during the CVRT will be categorised as follows:

Dangerous

Major

Minor

Advisory

Pass

A direct and immediate risk to road safety or having an impact on the environment.

The vehicle should not be used on the road under any circumstances.

Where a vehicle is identified as being dangerously defective during a test, the CVR tester will place a “Fail Dangerous” sticker on the vehicle. It is illegal to drive the vehicle until it has been repaired.

It may affect the safety of the vehicle, have an impact on the environment, and put other road users at risk or other more significant non-compliances.

Repair immediately No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment.

If only minor defects are identified, the vehicle will be deemed passed “Pending ReCheck”. The pass statement will not issue until the vehicle is represented for a visual inspection with the defects rectified.

Repair as soon as possible Advisory notice It could become more ser iou s i n t he f ut u re.

Monitor and repair issue if necessary.

The vehicle meets the minimum lega l sta nda rd of t he C V RT. Make sure the vehicle remains in a roadworthy condition.

Fail

Please note specifically the new test items now classified as dangerous defects: Where a tyre is found to have less than 1.6mm tread depth in the centre three-quarters of the tread pattern this is now considered Tyre tread depth a dangerous defect. Previously the tester could classify such defects as either major or dangerous.

Door cannot be shut or opened properly or is liable to open on its own previously was major or dangerous defects. Now the reason for failure is split up into two, if a door is Doors missing or is likely to open inadvertently this is a dangerous defect.

If a door cannot be opened or shut normally this is a major defect.

Where a vehicle is identified as being dangerously defective during a test, the CVR tester will place a “Fail Dangerous” sticker on the vehicle. It is an offence to drive a dangerously defective vehicle in a public place.

Other changes to defect classifications: Pass advisory now applies where there is Oil Weep – Steering a slight oil weep detected in the steering system system.

Fail

Pass pending recheck

Pass

Pass

If any lamp (headlamp, stop lamp etc.) contains water or moisture this is now Moisture in a lamp considered a minor deficiency. Before it was at the discretion of the tester to categorise such defects as either a minor or major defect.

Brake pipes perished, porous, kinked, chafed, damaged or rusted to the extent that the pipe Brake pipe defects is pitted previously was major or dangerous defects now this is a major defect.

Electrical sockets where towing coupling is fitted are now checked for presence (minor Electrical sockets defect), security (minor defect) and operation (major defect).

Wheel embellishers or hub If wheel embellishers or hub caps are not caps removed for test this is now a major defect.

For further details go to www.cvrt.ie/CVR Testing Manuals

Clean Ireland Recycling opens first fast-fill CNG refuelling station

S

mithstown Industrial Estate in Shannon, County Clare is the location of Ireland’s fi rst fast-fi ll Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Ireland. Clean Ireland Recycling, which uses lower emission CNG as an alternative fuel on its refuse collection fleet, developed the facility in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland. Th is investment will, in turn, reduce the carbon footprint of Clean Ireland Recycling’s growing customer base across counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

Denis Naughten, TD., Minister for Communications, Climate Action & FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Environment who officially performed the opening ceremony said that Clean Ireland Recycling has struck another milestone for the waste management industry nationally, having introduced the fi rst Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) waste collection vehicles in Ireland a few years ago.

The company’s waste collection fleet fuelled from the station, will reduce the fleet’s carbon dioxide by up to 22%, nitrogen oxide by 70%, sulphur dioxide by 80% and emits 99% less particulate matter. CNG will deliver a cost saving of up to 35%.

To support the investment, Clean Ireland

Recycling has also invested in speciallycommissioned, Scania P-series CNG powered trucks and will continue to replace its existing diesel-powered fleet with CNG vehicles over the coming years. CNG is an established technology throughout the world, with 25 million NGVs in operation globally, with 1.9 million vehicles using the fuel across Europe.

The Shannon CNG re-fuelling station is the first of a comprehensive national network of outlets planned by Gas Networks Ireland for around the country over the coming years as it meets the growing market in Ireland for cleaner fuel alternatives.

NEWS II | 5

Truck Trends Electric

A

llied to ongoing developments relating to autonomous driving and platooning, innovation in the area of electric powered heavy-duty commercial vehicles is gaining traction at a rate of volts. In the past few weeks, a number of said products were introduced and most interestingly not only from pure or traditional truck manufacturers.

Irizar launches Electric Truck

A new departure for Spanish Bus and Coach builder, Irizar, in that it has just launched an electric powered truck. Using the technology from its already successful electric citybus, the new multi-axle rigid vehicle will be on the streets as a refuse collection truck in the coming weeks. In a partnership with a local Waste Management company, a 6x2 version will be fitted with a purpose built body for the on-road test trials. The launch truck has an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. To improve the range distance the truck is fitted with what Irizar refers to as a “CNG range extender” effectively a small capacity natural gas engine. In the prototype, the CNG unit is at the back of the cab and included in the overall structure. All of the components are similar to those used in the bus models, with some modifications to axles and steering. At the launch, Irizar engineers pointed out that the chassis is designed to facilitate the use of current bodies on the market, although some small modification may be needed to accommodate the gas tanks.

Testing and design is complete and the refuse truck is ready for action.

Thor's ET-One brings deliveries ‘home’ From Los Angeles, California is Thor Truck’s ET-One, a fully electric (EV) powered semi (tractor-unit) truck. Built initially on a donor chassis to demonstrate its innovation powertrain and battery technology, Thor Engineering talent is currently developing a chassis of its own and will be building trucks from the ground up. Thor’s mission ‘is to get a cost-effective, easily–implementable solution

electric motor, which gets its energy from the lithium-ion battery pack with a current total capacity of 170 kWh. Offering a range distance of 100 kilometres, a quick charge application can take only 30 minutes or a complete charge achieved in 1.5 hours.

on the road now, one that proves that EVs are a competitive alternative to diesel trucks’.

ET-One’s target customer is the regional distribution operator, one which travels less than 300 miles/482 km per day, as its estimated range distance is just that, when fully loaded to 40 tons GVW. The 400-800 kWh, lithium-ion cylindrical battery packs allow for a maximum speed of 70-mph/112 kp/h with a massive 5,000 ft-lb/6,779 Nm of torque. It’s worth noting that the batteries on the ET-One are swappable.

Thor Trucks is a transportation lab established to tackle fleet management solutions by co-founders Dakota Semler and Giordano Sordoni. They wish to establish Thor as an OEM with a view to collaboration with interested and like-for-like partners. Base price for ET-One starts at $150,000 for the 100-mile range vehicle, with the 300-mile version costing $250,000.

DAF CF Electric with VDL Bus & Coach

VDL Bus & Coach originated from the busbuilding business of DAF. Originally named DAF Bus International, it was separated from DAF in 1990 and became part of the VDL group three years later.

Volvo ups the power with FE Electric

Following the introduction of the medium weight (16 tonnes GVW) Volvo FL Electric, the Swedish brand has now revealed the FE Electric for heavier city distribution and waste management applications. With gross vehicle weights up to 27 tonnes, the FE Electric features two electric motors with 370 kW maximum power (260 kW continuous power) with a Volvo 2-speed transmission. Energy is stored through 200-300 kWh lithium-ion batteries. Range distance is estimated at 200 kms.

Two different charging systems are provided with charging times ranging from 1.5 hours to 10 hours.

The initial public field test is to get underway early in 2019 in Hamburg with Europe’s largest truck bodybuilder Faun developing a superstructure refuse truck on the FE Electric.

DAF Trucks has teamed up with one of its historical partners, the VDL Group, to launch the DAF CF Electric distribution tractor-unit.

Both companies are Dutch based, with VDL specialising in bus and coach manufacturing.

VDL zero emission/low noise E-Power Technology developed for its city buses has been installed in this DAF CF Electric field study, currently underway.

The new Volvo FE Electric will be offered in several variants for different types of transport.

For example, the Volvo low entry cab makes it easier to enter and exit the cab, providing the driver with a complete view of the surrounding traffic. The working environment improves too resulting from the low noise levels and vibration-free operation.

The CF Electric 4x2 tractor-unit developed for urban deliveries is powered by a 210 kW www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS III

SDC Truck & Trailer Parts adds Auger to its range portfolio

S

DC Truck & Trailer Parts is the new distributor for leading German truck parts supplier Auger, after signing an exclusive long term supply agreement. SDC Truck & Trailer Parts, a subsidiary of leading U.K. and Ireland trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers, (which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year), will now stock over 1,000 component and spare parts lines of Auger at its recently opened 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse, based at its Toomebridge, County Antrim headquarters. The latest range to the portfolio means SDC now stocks over 16,000 truck and trailer parts.

The new Auger products will join other leading truck and trailer parts brands in the SDC portfolio, including Bosch, Jost, Knorr-Bremse, TRW, Wabco and many others. The latest investment in Auger truck parts signals SDC’s commitment to the commercial vehicle market to ensure it is the leading stockist of truck and trailer parts in Ireland. Gavin Diamond, Director of SDC Truck & Trailer Parts is delighted to be adding Auger brand products to the SDC stock collection: “Auger is a distinguished brand known for their high quality and durable products, and we are very pleased to say that we can now offer their products to our customers. We are always striving to deliver our promise of providing the best products and services to our customers and the Auger range strengthens our promise.

We have made a significant investment in recent years in our truck

parts portfolio, the result is that our truck parts portfolio now has as many product lines as our extensive trailer parts portfolio. The investment in Auger also means that we can now offer ‘off-the-shelf’ truck parts to our customers. Traditionally, this service would not have been as readily available.”

Martin Vahey, Sales Manager for Auger is equally delighted with this new agreement, and commented: “SDC Truck & Trailer Parts has quickly become the leading supplier of parts in Ireland and we are looking forward to the Auger products being distributed by them in the Irish market. Their resources ensure that they meet every promise they deliver to their customers in a timely manner and as a supplier this is one of our distributor’s most important att ributes.”

SDC Truck & Trailer Parts is the leading provider of high quality parts throughout Ireland. Established in 2002, it now stocks over 16,000 spare parts, from 9 different locations and has 26 mobile sales and delivery vehicles on the road.

Inaugural Connacht Truck Show 2018 set for Claremorris

C

laremorris, County Mayo, located in the ‘Heart of the West’, will host the first ever Connacht Truck Show 2018 in conjunction with the 100th Claremorris Agricultural Show 2018 on Sunday, 5 August next.

space will be limited,” explained Gerry Lynch, Chairman, Claremorris Agricultural Show Committee.

According to the Show Committee, interest from West of Ireland based road transport operators is already keen. Exhibition space at the Claremorris Agricultural Showgrounds on the Castlebar Road will facilitate up to 130 trucks (tractor-units and rigids only) for the one-day event.

For truck exhibits please contact enquiries@ fleet.ie. Tel: 0949372826

“We are delighted to host the first Connacht Truck Show as part of our special centenary Agricultural Show, which will bring an att ractive element to the event. Similar successful events have been held in other

Entry forms and truck display prize details will be announced shortly.

For trade exhibitions please contact Gerry Lynch on (087) 2505666 or by email: gerrylynch@claremorrisshow.com or claremorrisagshow@yahoo.ie parts of the country, and with Claremorris in the centre of Connacht, it’s an ideal location.

In order to streamline the workings on the day, we would appreciate if all the entries were undertaken in advance as parking

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8 | NEWS EXTRA

Two new sponsors join Fleet Transport Awards 2019 DAF Trucks Ireland & Corrib Oil The 90th Anniversary of DAF and 45th year in business at DAF Distributors Ireland will be celebrated in a special way on the night.

Pictured left at the sponsorship launch at the DAF Distributors Ireland Ltd., headquarters in Baldonnell, Dublin were Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Transport and Nicky Gill, Sales Director, DAF Trucks Ireland.

Corrib Oil, the Galway headquartered fuel, lubricants and service station provider is the new title sponsor of the Fleet Transport Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2019.

D

AF Trucks Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading truck brands from light to heavy duty is the new stage sponsor of the Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on 11 October next. As per tradition at the event over the past few years, a selection of trucks from the multi-award winning Dutch marque will on this occasion be the main stage sett ing to include the XF & CF Series, 2018 International Truck of the Year Award holders, as well as a City version of its LF Series at the outdoor Exhibition Arena.

Organised by Fleet Transport magazine, the Irish Truck of the Year Awards are presented to the trucks, after a two-day assessment

process, which have made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency in terms of innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel consumption and emissions reduction. The winners of the awards will also be announced at the 12th annual Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner.

Corrib Oil operates 15 fuel depots and 16 service stations across 14 counties in the West, Mid/South West regions.

Pictured below at the sponsorship launch at Corrib Oil’s Claremorris depot were Eamon Dalton, MD., Corrib Oil; Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Transport; Ollie Connelly and Kevin Connelly, Sales Representatives, Corrib Oil.

Light, Animation & Tall Ships for 2018 Foyle Maritime Festival

T

he Foyle Merchant and Maritime markets, and a 42-feet catamaran with an international jazz band on board are just two of the highlights of the Foyle Maritime Festival that will take place in Derry from 14-22 July 2018. Others include visiting Tall Ships, Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Kitchen and Trail, and a spectacular Voyages showcase event that will bring the River Foyle alight with music and animation.

The Festival, which is one of Ireland’s top maritime celebratory events, attracting over 160,000 people in 2016, will once again welcome the Clipper Round the World Race when the city acts as a host port for the fourth consecutive time for this much anticipated event.

Announcing details of the exciting festival programme, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Maolíosa McHugh said the theme for this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival is “Voyages” with a strong emphasis on the city and district’s strong maritime history: “This year’s Foyle Maritime Festival promises to be another huge success for everyone involved. The programme has something for everyone with a bespoke and exciting programme of entertainment and animation on and alongside the River Foyle, including a food festival, artisan markets, live music and a range of keynote events that will justify the international FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

audiences that the festival attracts to the city.”

There will be visiting Tall Ships berthed along the Quay and to add to the splendour of the occasion there will be a wide variety of food and bespoke craft stalls in both the Foyle Merchant and Maritime markets as well as lots of water activities including the River Foyle Races, organised by the Loughs Agency and participants from a variety of rowing and yacht clubs across the country.

Helena Hasson, Event Co-ordinator with the Council, said other highlights include the arrival and departure of the Clipper race yachts, boat tours and motor runs down the River Foyle and an interactive education area entitled ‘The Science of Water’ sponsored by DuPont Kevlar.

Networking is an investment in your business

Attend the Fleet Transport Awards & Networking Event - Thursday 11 October 2018 and yield great results for years to come ... your road to success.

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Most valued and respected Awards programme in the transport industry.

Diary Date: Fleet Transport Awards & Networking Event

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Over 1,000 key decision makers from the road transport industry.

11 October 2018 Citywest Hotel, Dublin

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awards@fleet.ie or telephone +353 (0)94 9372819 A table of 10 €1,100 + vat (includes Pre-Dinner Drinks Reception, 4 course dinner and Awards presentations).

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10 | COVER

Scania Urban – Prince of the Streets of the cab by 550 mm this immediately enhances the driver’s visibility and brings their eye vision closer to the street user. Wide steps makes entry and exit much easier, especially when the air suspension on the front suspension lowers by 100 mm automatically. Further visibility kerb side is provided by what Scania calls the City Safe Window, which is a cutaway glazed area on the door. (The new P-series can have the same fitting if ordered).

As the engine tunnel is now behind the driver, cross cab access is good.

On the same tunnel, two additional passenger seats can be installed.

Front, rear and corner eye cameras provide the driver with extra sets of eyes, while the new Electronic Parking Brake and Auto (Hill) Hold adds to the safety package. The only area of concern with the new lower cab design is that the exterior mirror housing may come in contact with pedestrians as they are now at head level.

P

hase three of Scania’s Next Generation programme is focussed primarily on urban transport. As cities continue to grow, the need for more efficient, ecofriendly and safer transport solutions is increasing.

City authorities are having their say in the way goods must be delivered and how.

Scania has come up with a number of innovative options with the development of the new L-series low floor distribution truck, the ‘Urban’ P-series and the new Scania Crew Cab. To address emission issues, a totally new 7-litre diesel engine has emerged, along with new 9-litre and updated 13-litre Natural Gas engines.

These L-series units cater for specific applications such as goods delivery, waste collection, fire fighting and municipal operations.

Safety and efficiency are at the core of these developments which were presented to the world’s media at a special presentation with driving opportunities at Scania’s HQ’s test track at Södertälje.

The Swedish brand’s use of its modular system is seen throughout the design of the new L-series, enabling it to keep design and manufacturing costs down, to the benefit of the customer. Safety is paramount here, ensuring the vehicle is better catered to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. By elongating the front

Interior - L-series FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Matching the new 7-litre six-cylinder (SCR only) diesel engine to the new L-series is a must, as the power options available of 220/250/280hp are most suitable for urban deliveries. It’s lighter than the current 9-litre by 360 kg, therefore offering more payload. Factor in less fuel consumption (by 3%), lower noise levels and less vibration means more profit and productivity with forthcoming bans on diesel powered vehicles in certain cities.

Scania is also on top of its alternative drive programme. Its drivetrains allow use of non-fossil based fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Biogas, with much of its R&D directed towards Natural Gas. A new 13-litre six-cylinder running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offering 410 hp and 2,000 Nm of torque and available on the G and R-series has been launched. It’s available with the option of Opticruise automated or full automatic gearboxes. Choosing to run on biogas, FAME (RME), HVO or Biomethane not only reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%, it also cuts noise levels. If additional payload is needed at less horsepower, the upgraded 9-litre gas engine now offers 280 and 340 hp with 1,350 and 1,600 Nm respectively and available on L, P & G-Series cabs.

On the Urban P-series fitted with the 7-litre engine, the engine tunnel is lowered by 95 mm and together with the new drivers’ position and lower dashboard, all round visibility is improved.

Two versions of the P-series Crew Cab are available, the CP28 and longer CP31 which allows for more storage. For the rear passengers, the retractable lower step, once used in the Scania 4-series returns,

L-series L280

COVER | 11

L-series 6x2 CNG

P280 7-Litre 6x2

making for quick and safe entry and exit from the 85o opening door.

A variety of seating options, separate climate system and lighting options are provided. Fire services are its biggest customers for this type of cab, but also the mining, rail and roadside recovery services use it.

A selection of drives were laid on at Scania’s Demo Centre with designated urban routes designed to enable the test drivers’ appreciate the merits of the new cab designs. Two versions of the all new L-series and Urban P-Series were driven, with the L280 6x2 with box body (and powered by the 9-litre CNG) driven at length (hence the cover pic). Similar time was spent with the L340 6x2 with box body to facilitate a similar exercise for a Truck Jury colleague. Having driven a number of buses and coaches over the years, I expected the experience with the new L-series to be similar. Well, yes and no. The placing of the front wheels well behind the driver is familiar, but that’s all, as it drove just like a truck, a bit lower than usual, but the all round

Alternative Fuels

Scania Facts

Safety

Att racting Drivers

visibility is great.

The cutaway glazed area on the Urban P-cab was a help surely, otherwise what was noticeable was how the P280 performed with its 7–litre engine. It worked hard with 24 tonnes on board, yet was perfectly acceptable on this 6x2 application.

The interesting day was rounded off with a run in the LNG powered G410 4x2 tractor-unit with twin axle general cargo trailer. Remarkably, all of the diesel-powered trucks provided were running on HVO Biodiesel as per Scania’s environmental protection policy. Add Scania’s recent cab developments to its connected services and fleet management systems which continue to evolve, and fleet operators and drivers are ready to tackle the spiralling urban jungle. Electric and hybrid drivetrains are being worked on presently and city related products should be introduced in the next few years.

Traffic & Congestion

Total Operating Economy (TOE)

About 5,000 vulnerable road users are Truck driving is one of the most killed or seriously injured annually on dangerous jobs.

Europe’s roads in collisions involving HGVs.

The total cost of congestion can be up to There may be a difference of 4 percent of city GDP (Gross Domestic up to 30% between lowest and Product). highest fuel-consuming driving style on a city route.

Low-entry cabs can reduce the risk of Non-driving activities such as colliding with pedestrians by 20-40% loading and unloading or climbing with improved direct vision. in and out of the cab account for the majority of accidents in which drivers sustain injuries.

Night transport in developed dense cities can reduce transport time by 50%, transport costs by 40% and tailpipe emissions by 70%.

Rear-view cameras can reduce the risk Modern vehicles with comfortable Vehicle weight and size restrictions of reversing accidents by 40%. cabs are among the most important in cities are often counter-productive, features that satisfy drivers. since they change the urban truck fleet in favour of large numbers of smaller vehicles (which contribute to greater congestion and emissions).

Best Total Operating Economy is achieved when tailoring both products and services into a total solution.

A tailored solution for one customer is usually not the best solution for another customer.

Natural Gas

Biomethane Gas

Biodiesel FAME

Biodiesel HVO

Bioethanol

• Fossil Fuel

• Refi ned from biogas

• Fatt y Acid Methyl Ester

• Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

• ED95

• Often low cost

• Biogas e.g. produced from waste or sewage plants

• Made of vegetable or animal oil/fat and methanol

• Made of vegetable, animal oil/fat or similar waste material and hydrogen

• Made from e.g. sugarbeet, wheat, footwaste and cellulose

• Low cost fuel and easy to produce

• Properties almost identical to diesel oil

• Diesel-like combustion with similar efficiency

• Requires some engine modifications Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

12 | REPORT I

‘If I walked into your workplace today what would I see?’

Health & Safety Authority Transport Safety Seminar - Carlton Hotel, Dublin

Deirdre Sinnott , Michael Walsh, Martin O Dea

T

he final date of a nationwide series of Transport Safety Seminars was hosted by the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport. Opening the event, Deirdre Sinnott Senior Inspector at the HSA said the event aimed to show a picture of a clear and present danger for humans working on, in, and around vehicles. “We are here to help, and we want to give you the courage to go back to your workplace and tackle the issues.”

Deirdre highlighted figures showing that between 2009 and 2015, 351 people died in the workplace, and 152 of those fatalities involved a vehicle. For this reason these seminars focused on workplace safety, with further seminars focusing on driving for work planned for later this year. Other statistics Deirdre presented showed that the highest number of accidents occur in July, and the highest number happen in the morning between 08.00 and 11.00 hrs.

The title of the seminar ‘Transport Safety’ may give the impression the event was for transport companies. However the issue of transport safety relates to any company or business where a vehicle may deliver or collect. This could include couriers, canteen or business equipment deliveries, and would also extend to refuse collection and disposal.

The HSA wants to improve workplace safety by helping businesses and individuals to conform to the regulations. To this end it has provided user friendly resources to help companies comply with the law.

One example is the ‘BeSmart.ie’ website.

Be Smart has all the tools necessary to FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Bobby Lyons, GSK Dungarvan

allow any company large or small to work through a four step process and develop safety policies appropriate to their business from one of over three-hundred business type templates.“Apart from it being a legal requirement, it’s the right thing to do,” explained the HSA’s Martin O’ Dea. Trying to do the right thing can at times need a litt le help and advice. HSA Inspector Eamonn O’ Sullivan focused on Slips, Trips and Falls. Eamonn presented an example where a company provided Personal Protective Equipment, which was good quality footwear of a recognised standard.

Unfortunately, the PPE was not deemed suitable for the task, and was therefore useless.

Th is problem can extend to various work surfaces including the commonly used aluminium chequer-plate which offers litt le slip-resistance when wet or worn. Equally having a clear delineation between vehicle steps can also prove an issue especially with vans. However, remedies to solve any of the above do not require significant investment and could prove extremely valuable.

Some investment may be required for companies to comply with the new Directive on Load Securing - 2014/47/EU. The HSA Inspector Michael Walsh used the example of putting a child into a car seat or coffee into a vehicle’s cup holder to explain that “We all have an appreciation of load securing.”

Michael pointed out that while the Directive has not yet been transposed into Irish Law, we are still bound by it as a European Directive, and operators need to make themselves familiar with the guidelines.

It was noted throughout the seminar that while one may not have equipment such as tail-lifts on vehicles, there is a need to be aware of the regulations surrounding their operation if the vehicles coming into the business do. To demonstrate the current lack of awareness around this aspect, Michael cited a survey which found that 75% of operators who use tail-lift s did not have a risk assessment.

Appropriate risk assessments are front and centre in the mind of Bobby Lyons of GSK Dungarvan. Bobby’s experience of workplace safety is: “If you have lots of small issues, sooner or later you’re going to have a big one, and at GSK, if you have issues about safety you won’t get new products.”

Although GSK is not a transport company, a significant number of vehicles pass through its facility every day. Bobby readily admits that while the production plant was risk assessed to a high standard, “it stopped at the loading bay, and we never looked out at the yard.” He displayed a number of slides which clearly showed the potential risks a lack of guidelines can bring to yard operations. Th is issues were resolved with a new workplace safety regime developed from risk assessments conducted by the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI).

GSK Dungarvan is an example of what can be done without harming the business, and it’s often the case where the new policies promote more efficient working.

In closing the interesting and informative seminar Deirdre Sinnott posed a question every business needs to answer - and answer sooner rather than later. ”If I walked into your workplace today - what would I see?”

Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

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14 | NEW FLEET

‘Black Beauty’ - MTS Haulage’s resplendent Volvo FH16.750 6x4

I

t is not too often that a standout flagship model like Keith McDermott’s new Volvo FH16.750 6x4 tractor-unit with Kelberg tipping trailer hits Irish roads. The Westport, County Mayo based owner of MTS Haulage Ltd continues his loyalty to the Swedish marque and once again made the purchase with Irish Commercials (Naas).

His other unit, a similarly coloured Volvo FH16.660 6x4 was also a big eye catcher and it featured on Alan Spillett’s Roadscapes Calendar in 2012. Looking at the whole host of extras specified by Keith on his new truck, the list is almost endless. Firstly, it comes with a Globetrotter XL cab with front and rear air suspension. It’s capable of pulling 120 tonnes gross through its 750 hp and I-Shift transmission with ultra low crawler gears (and gearbox retarder).

The rear drive axle can be lifted and Volvo’s Dynamic Steering is installed, while Alcoa Dura Bright Alloys, Kelsa roof bars and spots and a pristine paint job by RJM Spray Painting, Claremorris sets it off even further.

Other interior comfort and safety fitt ings

include Adaptive & Eco Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Load Indicator, Reverse monitor and camera, Audio package with Bluetooth, heated and ventilated leather seats, microwave and electrically moving lower bunk.

catwalk and toolbox was supplied by SM Components.

John Byrne at Kelberg supplied the T100 Aluminium Aggregate tipping trailer which features self-track axle, auto cover and tyre inflation system.

The customised interior was done by Royal Class Interiors, Holland while the

Recent DAF Truck Ireland Deliveries

F

rozen and fresh foods provider and distributors Delicatessen Meat Suppliers has added this new DAF CF.260 4x2 with Carrier Refrigerated Box Body.

Established by Leo and Martin Walsh in 1980; Deli Meat Supplies operates from a 25,000 sq. ft. multi-temp facility in Ballyfermot, County Dublin and provides a nationwide delivery service.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

O’Donovan Transport (Cork) Ltd has taken delivery of the new DAF XF.530 4x2 tractor-unit with SuperSpace cab with ZF TraXon automated transmission.

Based in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, family owned and run O’Donovan Transport (Cork) Ltd., has over 60 years’ experience in offering general haulage services across Ireland and into Europe.

Another new DAF Truck in service covering the Munster region and beyond is the XF.530 4x2 SuperSpace in the vibrant Jamaican Blue launch colour from the new award winning series, introduced last year. Donovan’s new

tractor-unit also features the Exclusive trim level specification package. On the rear of the cab there is a special graphic to mark the 50th anniversary of the company established by the late Denis Donovan in Barronstown, County Tipperary.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

16 | INNOVATION

Ford Trucks to take ‘Transcontinental’ route with new developments

T

he ‘Magnificent Seven’ truck brands will soon be getting ready for a gunfight with Ford Trucks sets to challenge their collective supremacy. The Turkish-headquartered heavy commercial vehicle brand of the Ford Motor Company has already established successful ranches (distribution and dealer networks) in Eastern Europe, and now is targeting Central Europe and eventually Western Europe. On the back of this conquest is big investment in new heavy-duty engine technology, along with developing its own automated transmission. The latest word is that a totally new long-haul cab has been crafted and will be launched at the forthcoming IAA CV Show in Hannover in September.

Th is strategy, part of a five-year plan, is now coming good and ready to enter the next phase. Dovetailing this programme is further collaboration with its South American and Chinese partners (in JMC), both of which market its current Cargo truck range, and plan to take up the offer of the all new, as yet, unnamed tractor-unit.

On meeting the Ford Autosan (Turkey) senior management at Rally de Portugal in Porto recently, there was much deliberation on the new name, with some of us from the Truck of the Year jury suggesting a return of the iconic Transcontinental name. It will be considered, came the promise, maybe as a flagship model or trim level, or even a range-topping introductory Limited Edition which in our opinion would make a positive statement and create a desired effect. Serhan Turfan, Vice President and Emrah Duman, Director International Markets both listened with great interest on the proposal.

Ford Otosan, part of the KOC Group in Turkey, has a long-standing business relationship with Ford, producing 440,000 commercial vehicles for the Motor Company last year alone – 315,000 Ford

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Transits/Tourneo Customs, 110,00 Ford Transit Courier and 15,000 Ford Cargo heavy duty trucks were produced. With equal shareholding between the Ford Motor Company and the KOC Group, annual sales almost reached €7billion with near €5b attributed to exports.

From its 11,500 employees, 1,500 are dedicated to its R&D centre, 600 of these working at Ford’s Global Heavy Commercial Vehicle Development Centre at the Kocaeli plant. Sections of the massive 1.1 million square metre plant is carved up into vehicle assembly, LCV/ HGV, engine production and gearbox manufacturing.

In the past two years, Ford Trucks introduced new 9.0 litre 330hp/1,300Nm and 12.7 litre EcoTorq Euro 6 diesel engines, produced in-house following an €83m investment. Initially the in-line six-cylinder 12.7 litre offered 420/2,150 and 480/2,500 respectively but in time for the premiere of the new tractor-unit, a 500hp offering is on the cards. Here-to-fore, Ford Trucks were powered by boughtin engines from FPT Technologies (Iveco). Following this major development was another bold move in engineering its own heavyduty 12-speed automated gearbox – no mean feat. Almost €50m has been put towards this project which will be introduced into the new project range accordingly.

Matching soft ware with advanced functions such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Predictive Gear Changing (PCC) will be added, while latest technological innovations such as connectivity, autonomous driving and platooning are being worked on presently.

However, the biggest news to come from the presentation in Porto was the first reveal of the all-new long-distance cab. Aerodynamically, aesthetically and style-wise it will turn heads and from its side profi le alone puts itself among the most striking truck cab designs to come out of Europe in recent years.

INNOVATION | 17 Internally space is the key element in the 2.5m wide, high roofed tractorunit cab with flat floor. An extra wide bunk with additional storage areas has been designed to make it the most driver-orientated cab in the business. Several customer clinics were held to get it right.

Ford Trucks’ Senior Executives are young, ambitious, enthusiastic, energetic and determined in reaching their objectives by 2020. They plan to have established the brand in 50 countries across Europe and Western Europe and further afield through partnerships. By the end of 2018, 17 countries in Europe, 7 in Africa, 10 in the Middle East and 7 in Russia CIS will have dealerships stocking their trucks for sale, with finance and advanced aftermarket packages being part of the deal. Unlike some other truck brands, no direct sales will be conducted; even large fleet sales can only be done through its dealer network. Before the end of 2019, Ford Trucks is aiming for 50% of its total production volume and sales to come from export markets.

In its home Turkish market Ford Trucks enjoys a 30% market share, with 40% stemming from its construction range based on the Cargo model with its 2.3m cab.

Regarding right hand drive, business case studies will have to be put in place before the decision will be made but the South African market as well as Australia is within their sights and maybe Great Britain and Ireland.

Bahattin Topçu, Senior Marketing Manager was keen to emphasise that Ford Trucks is not a Turkish company, it is an international company, producing Ford Truck models 100% designed in Turkey.

‘Big Seven’ truck brands beware; Ford Trucks is gunning for you at the High Chaparral Saloon (at the IAA CV Show in Hannover, Germany).

Ford Trucks on the ‘Road to Dakar 2019’

T

he road to Dakar 2019 has begun for Ford Trucks and VDR Truck Racing. It will be the first time ever that the Turkish built Ford Trucks will enter the world famous cross-country marathon that is the Dakar Rally, with Belgian based VDR Truck Racing running two trucks in the Under 10 litre class at the 2019 event to be held in South America.

The rally trucks are based on the latest Ford Cargo factory-produced in Kocaeli in Turkey but redesigned especially for the event with all of the modifications undertaken by the VDR Truck Racing Team. Its dedicated team is working hard to achieve one common goal: to compete successfully in the Dakar Rally 2019 and achieve long term ambitions to win its category, dominated by the Sugawara Hino team for many years. As this not a oneyear project, the new Ford Trucks/VDR Truck Racing partnership aims to become a leading competitor in this particular truck class overall.

The design and manufacturing of the two racing trucks, based on the 2.3 metre wide Cargo Construction series, has begun with a close collaboration with the engineers of Ford Trucks, involving all of the latest innovations in the field to be able to compete with the best contenders in its class. The final product will be two unique trucks; built for what is undoubtedly the toughest rally in the world.

According to a VDR Racing representative, the project is to transform factory produced trucks into genuine rally gladiators.

be shipped to Belgium and the VDR team of technicians will then assemble them, again in close collaboration with Ford Trucks. Once finalised, the trucks will be tested in actual rally conditions in Morocco to ensure the best possible preparation for the ever so arduous elements that Dakar 2019 will have to offer.

Ford Trucks engineers are currently busy creating a high-powered durable and reliable EcoTorq engine, using the in-house developed 12.7 litre block that will likely go beyond the 500hp available to date, and will conquer

every mountain, dune or any obstacle in general in its path.

In addition, Ford Trucks will provide the team with service vehicles to deliver all the necessary equipment, such as tyres, spare parts and the back-up mechanical crew. As per the norm, the service vehicle fleet, which includes a specially developed Ford Transit 4x4, will not be taking the same road as the race trucks during Dakar 2019 as the vehicles have to be in place at the bivouac, before the completion of each Special Stage.

Ford Trucks supplies two top-of-therange Ford Cargo tractor-units (and trailers) to the Ford Performance Team Ganassi in the FIA World Endurance Series, transiting its Ford GT race cars around European circuits.

Technical design, initial preparations and local testing will all take place at Ford Trucks’ own newly developed facility in Turkey. Once approved at the factory site, the trucks will Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

Chief Fire Officers Conference & Exhibition 2018, Westport, County Mayo – 9/10 May

18 | PICTORIAL I

Bridgestone Ger McNamara, Sales Executive was joined

by Gerard Tully, Field Engineer at the Bridgestone Ireland stand.

Portwest Local based global supplier of outdoor protection gear, Portwest had Tomas Geraghty and Jennifer McNally on hand to go through product items related to the sector from its large brochure.

Mark Dodd Sligo’s Mark Dodd specialises in driver and safety training nationwide. Courses are arranged at clients’ own premises or at a nearby alternative and suitable venue. More details on www.markdodd.ie

Hpmp Fire Founded in 1976 by Anthony F. Howard, High Precision Motor Products (hpmp) began working with the fi re industry four years later. A number of its fi nished products were exhibited by the Tullow, County Carlow based family run company including a Volvo FE.300 4x2 water tanker and Scania P320 Class B 4x2 fi re tender. Anthony Howard and Tom Byrne were representing the fi rm.

Angloco Two examples from the West Yorkshire manufacturer of fi re fighting and reserve vehicles was this 2012 Scania 94d 4x2 fi re tender with a 2002 MAN TGA 15,000 water tanker alongside.

MPM Specialist Vehicles Limited The Hillsborough, County Down family owned business supplies specialist vehicles for the road transport, construction and Fire & Rescue industries. MPM is also an affi liated dealer for Terberg Shunters in Ireland. Mark McCluskey and Ivan Walsh represented the company at its stand and there were also fi re tenders on display outside.

Road Safety Authority Caroline Jordan, the Regional Safety Promotion Officer based in the West, was busy handing out visitor packs and advising on ongoing developments legislation wise.

Sídheán Teo Maura O’Toole represented the Spiddal, County Galway based company that specialises in constructing and converting blue light service vehicles, with considerable expertise built up adapting fi re tenders of all shapes and sizes. Outside, there were two fi ne examples based on Scania P320 crew cab chassis and sold to Sligo County Council and Roscommon County Council. Both are fitted with Allison 6-speed automatic gearbox and supplied by Westward Scania, through sales executive Eric Tracey.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

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20 | UPDATE

“We are on the brink of radical change” Joachim Drees, CEO, MAN Truck & Bus

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gainst the backdrop of London’s historic skyline complete with numerous tower cranes building the future, the CEO of MAN Truck & Bus Joachim Drees delivered an update on the German company’s recent performance and what it plans for the future.

In his presentation Mr. Drees, who is also the current Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), identified four issues he wished to address. The topics were Urban Transport, Passenger Transport, Digitalisation and Automation.

Joachim began: “These are the most exciting times since we replaced horse carriages with vehicles. As a manufacturer we have optimised existing powertrains making the engines bigger and more efficient. Now we must go beyond and look at new fields in the industry.

We are on the brink of radical change, and it is in our hands to make the right solutions.”

Mr. Drees quotes research figures that say “by 2050 the number of people living in cities will double.” As manufacturers we must design the vehicles to service the cities of the future in order for the cities to exist.” He feels the exponential rise of e-commerce to be “one of the biggest changes in transport in the last ten years, in particular the concept of same day delivery.”

“At MAN, our mission is to make the transport of goods and people more intelligent, safer, and sustainable.” Joachim states that MAN’s solution is through electrification which he says “has become a more important player, and I believe the future for urban transport will be very much electric for goods and passengers.”

MAN’s road map for electrification is clear

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

with the 26 Tonne TGM electric already being produced in Austria. The first nine units are due for immediate delivery and field testing, with series production set to begin in 2021.

Passenger transport offers a similar though different challenge. Mr. Drees says in passenger transport the pace of change will be quicker, and in his personal opinion “cities all over Europe will only buy electric buses from 2025 onwards - and I am very sure of this.” To meet this expected demand, MAN Truck & Bus will present an all-electric City Bus later in 2018 with series production set for 2019.

Although MAN Group has received many enquiries from operators interested in going electric. Operators are deterred by concerns surrounding the initial cost, the range, and residual values with a battery life cycle of approximately six years. Mr. Drees appreciates that electric is “more expensive but over time the TCO will level out. However he says “the question is how fast can we get similar breakeven points between the electric truck and a non-electric truck?”

Nevertheless, the future is not all about electric. Diesel remains important and has a place, and Mr. Drees stated: “Euro 6 is one of the cleanest technologies you can provide.” He wants politicians to realise “the commercial vehicle side of the business is part of the solution not part of the problem.”

With almost any aspect of modern life there appears to be a digitised solution for every problem - and for MAN the digitised solution is ‘RIO’. Under the Volkswagen AG umbrella, MAN, together with Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VWTB), through the RIO digital platform receives data from “close to 400,000 connected vehicles in Europe alone.”

The data includes details of vehicle position and performance, and the information can be fed-back to the operator to help optimise load capacity, vehicle scheduling, and maintenance programmes.

On the subject of autonomous vehicles, his opinion is that it will not happen overnight. “We will have several waves, and it will take many years for vehicles to become independent.”

Though he feels strongly that greater automation “will definitely lead to improved safety.” Continuing with the autonomous theme he announced that beginning in June 2018, MAN in conjunction with DB Schenker will road test truck platooning on the A9 Autobahn between Munich and Nuremberg.

Interestingly, the test trucks will be driven by the regular DB Schenker drivers and not the MAN Profi-Drive Test Team.

Such R&D requires investment, and Joachim Drees highlighted MAN’s commitment by stating that in 2017 MAN invested €640 million in R&D. A figure that has more than doubled since 2011. “However, for us to continue with such investments we must continue to sell.” The mention of selling leads to the obvious question about a VWTB disposal of the MAN or Scania truck brands.

In his reply, he said: “I have no concerns and I am convinced VWTB has no intentions to sell MAN or Scania.”

Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

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PICTORIAL II | 23

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24 | PROFILE

Brighter Mercedes-Benz Star shines at MUTEC

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he dawn of a new era has begun for MUTEC, a division of Motor Distributors Ltd, and the franchised dealer for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles on the Long Mile Road/Naas Road junction in Dublin. A new management team, a range of new products and services, and improved sales and aftermarket provisions are the main ongoing and future happenings at the company.

Rod Deane (pictured) is the newly appointed General Manager, having joined the company recently to replace long-serving John Connolly, who has retired. Rod has built up years of experience and expertise in the automotive industry having worked in senior positions in the retail and distributor sectors.

From a new product perspective, exciting and busy times lie ahead for the sales team at MUTEC. Marketing and retailing of the FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pick-up is now in full swing. Deemed as the first Pickup truck from a premium automotive brand, it has been developed and designed to suit all lifestyles and working environments. It can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and has a payload capacity of 1.1 tonnes.

The month of June heralds the arrival of the third generation Sprinter light commercial range, with an attractive starting price of €21,950 (excluding taxes/charges). Rod Deane is confident that “it will put the new Sprinter comfortably within the budget of the majority of van buyers.” For the first time in the vehicle’s history, a front-wheel drive variant will be offered (alongside the RWD and AWD formats) as well as new levels of technology, intelligent connectivity and superior comfort all round.

In the past few weeks, Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Ireland introduced a number of measures to further enhance the quality of service provided to truck operators at dealership level. “The new procedures are described as initiatives to further assist customers in an even more efficient manner, so owners can maximise the demands of their individual business operations and better manage their delivery timelines and schedules,” explained Rod. This follows on from the introduction of extended truck warranties up to 5 years or 750,000 km which covers the entire HGV range from Actros, (tractor-units) Atego, Antos (Distribution) and Arocs (Construction). “Our new extended warranty option is designed to provide our fleet customers with additional support and further peace-of-mind during their ownership and operation of the vehicle.”

Regarding the improvement to customer service levels, Rod commented: “We understand that we must get it right 100 percent of the time.

All our staff have bought into our policies to achieve this. We employ a Fleet Technical Manager who is in regular contact with our customers to ensure they are getting the best customer service and use of their vehicles.”

Maintaining quality of service is a key element of the business, “This is regularly reviewed by our Management Team and decisions made accordingly. Our ISO processes are set up with customer care being of the highest priority.

We provide our customers the opportunity to make comments about interactions with the business and use this information to ensure we offer a premium service.”

With these objectives in mind, Rod outlined his hopes for MUTEC for the future, namely “that we are clearly recognised by customers and industry peers as the premier centre for the supply and servicing of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and Servicing of Versalift platforms.” Over the next few years he believes that the changes and the speed of change that are affecting the industry will only increase citing: • Increasing technology on the vehicles New Sprinter has same if not increased technology as passenger car range with the MBUX Infotainment system • Development and introduction of electric vans, trucks and buses • Increasingly business is operating in a 24hr culture, which is placing demands on customers, requiring MUTEC to develop matching offers • How MUTEC communicates and attracts

PROFILE | 25

customers, increasingly digital and personalised. Customers require quicker levels of response, personalised to them.

“As a result we will need to have workforce that is skilled and flexible to deal with this new technology and ensure all our systems and processes match customer’s requirements.

The traditional sales funnel is now changing, with customers jumping in and out of it at different stages. We need to be more flexible in terms of working patterns - look at alternative ways of doing business – enter into more of a partnership arrangement with our fleets that have previously self -serviced. The costs of doing so will become prohibitive, dealerships will end up having to staff these workshops.”

MUTEC, originally known as Truck and Trailer Servicing, has been operating on the same site, a former Burton’s Shirt factory and Volkswagen assembly plant, since 1970, developing into a full Mercedes-Benz Commercials Sales, Parts and Service business in 1995. Today the business operates from the Naas Road (Service and Parts) and from the Long Mile Road (Sales). It also has two satellite workshops in Ashbourne and at Dublin Airport, working to ISO 9001:2015 standards throughout the business.

Workshop Premises The purpose-built workshop opened in 1995 and over the years has been regularly modernised and is fully equipped to work on all makes of vehicles.

“We offer all our customers complimentary use of our vehicle fleet management systems to ensure their vehicles are compliant with all the latest Road Traffic Regulations,” explained Rod. “We also operate the full range of workshop equipment which adheres to Mercedes-Benz standards. The equipment is regularly tested as part of our Health & Safety standards programme,” he added.

“All of our staff including sales staff receive regular training to upgrade their skills. Our technicians are graded, using the MercedesBenz training systems as Mechanical, Systems and Diagnostic technicians. They also receive a wide variety of other training relating to their specific function in the workshop. We offer technical training to our customers who manage their vehicles on a daily basis.”

2018 – Starting off well 2018 has been a very busy year so far with all departments holding strong. Commercial Vehicles and Private Car registrations are now very much aligned. “The first quarter and July are our busiest sales months annually, while the workshops are at near capacity for most of the year.”

On current matters relating to the industry and how to deal with them, Rod said: “We see staffing as a major issue. We train our own technical apprentices and hopefully will be prepared for whatever comes in the next 36 months. This model has, for a long time, been recognised at the leader in its sector for quality and performance. We are all very excited about the opportunities it will bring to our business.”

MUTEC has embraced and invested in social media with an extensive online presence. “We operate business accounts with Facebook and Twitter and also offer streamlined, up-to-date information on our website. To this end we use Used Vehicle Sites to advertise our secondhand vehicles for sale.”

A team of 45 management and staff also offer Fleet Management Services and a Commercial Vehicle Contract Hire business throughout the country. Its main catchment area is Dublin city and county and adjoining counties.

Services provided • Truck, Van and Bus sales and after sales services • CVRT Testing • Tachograph & Speed Limiter Calibrations and Vehicle Plating • Licensed Vehicle Type Approval Centre • Versalift Sales & Service

MUTEC among the Irish Motor Industry Award winners Now in its 8th year, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards (SIMI) in partnership with Bank of Ireland Finance selected MUTEC for demonstrating an award-winning level of excellence and best practice over the last 12 months.

Pictured at the prize presentation at the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge were Derek McDermott , Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance, John Connolly, outgoing General Manager, MUTEC and Brian Cooke, Deputy Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Photos: Scanplan

www.fleet.ie

26 | MILESTONE

Innovation for innovation sake has never been an objective at DAF Trucks over its 90 year history

EcoTwin Platoon

A

s DAF celebrates its 90th year of vehicle production it is timely to reflect on the many engineering fi rsts it achieved over those nine decades.

The native Dutch brand, now owned by the USA based PACCAR Inc, has built up a strong history, while always focused on building for the future. Over those 90 years many truck manufacturers have disappeared by simply resting on their achievements and not striving to improve.

Not so at DAF. Recent revamps of its model range, especially the improvements to the CF and XF series which included a claimed 7% reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in potential payload, has led to DAF Trucks being honoured with the 2018 International Truck of the Year Award.

To achieve a 7% reduction in fuel consumption is quite remarkable. Nevertheless, the pace of change is constantly accelerating, and OEMs and the vehicles they produce must remain competitive in order for their customers to remain at the top of their game. To this end DAF Trucks is constantly reviewing its development process. Chief Engineer and Member of the Board of Management at DAF Trucks, Ron Borsboom explained: “The days are long gone when we looked at the engine only.” It should be noted that DAF’s claim of 7% reduction is not simply a theoretical formula worked out in a clean laboratory as it can offer numerous case studies from customers who have achieved these results DAF CF Drawbar

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

in real-world operating conditions.

Much of DAF’s success can be att ributed to prudent and timely investment, such as development of the engines that have powered DAF Trucks over the years. Th is investment has now evolved to become the multi-award winning PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13. Other examples include €100 million invested in DAF’s new cab painting facility in Westerlo in Belgium, where over 300 CF and XF cabs are primed and painted with one of 3,000 colours every day. This modern plant has achieved a 30% reduction in paint consumption while managing to reduce emissions by 50%. In a reference to the new Westerlo facility Preston Feight, President of DAF Trucks described the quality of the fi nished product as “no difference between car and truck.”

However, these improvements, while important, are dealing with the here and now. To keep pace with the inevitable rate of change, OEMs such as DAF Trucks must in some way invent solutions to the questions of the future - the questions politicians haven’t asked yet. To outline DAF’s plan for the future Ron Borsboom explained some of the projects the company is currently engaged in.

“Innovation for innovation sake has never been an objective. Our approach is to thoroughly prove our new developments before launch and to introduce them when the market is ready for them.” Th is is the Convenient & EcoChamps

case with two projects DAF is currently working on, the Convenient and EcoChamps programmes, both of which are supported by the European Commission. Convenient seeks to achieve the greatest possible reductions in fuel economy and CO2 while the EcoChamps project aims to assess the business case for operators.

Convenient is the acronym for ‘Complete Vehicle Energy-saving Technologies for Heav y-Trucks’ (COnVENienT). The Convenient Innovation Truck is a plugin parallel hybrid with a 120 kW motor/ generator linked to DAF’s 10.8 litre MX-11.

In principle it works as most hybrids do, and should allow a truck to operate in urban areas in electric mode for about 3 to 6 kms.

Outside these areas the truck reverts to the 440hp MX-11 and energy recuperation to re-charge the 660V Lithium-ion battery.

There are a number of additional features such as improved aerodynamics being trialled with the Convenient truck. These include an automatic closing grille, and the redesigned front and rear profi les with the extended lower front section, although to introduce some of these features would require changes to the EU Masses and Dimensions regulations. Changes which DAF Trucks is calling for the introduction as quickly as possible.

Having driven the Convenient previously and again this time we were impressed by its real-world potential. It drives very similarly

MILESTONE | 27 EcoCombi

to a regular CF except for the eerie quietness when running on electric. Th is is especially unusual due to it being an artic, as most hybrids and full-electric trucks we’ve driven have been smaller rigids.

The EcoChamps Hybrid project is also supported by the EU Commission and includes 26 other companies from the automotive industry. This means technology and components primarily used in the passenger car sector can be trialled on heavy commercials. If successful there is great potential to reduce the cost of development and increase affordability thanks to the vast economies of scale.

EcoChamps incorporates a number of components used in hybrid passenger vehicles like the 90 kW electric motor. It then replaces the alternator with a DC/DC convertor to convert the nominal 300V to the standard 24V. Th is allows the EcoCchamps Hybrid to integrate an electric air compressor and power steering pump. The combined effect of the higher level of electrification makes it possible to switch-off the diesel engine when cruising on motorways.

The 450hp EcoChamps is also trialling other innovative ideas in energy recuperation.

One example is to generate energy from heat recovered from the exhaust gases to drive a turbine which is then used to recharge the batteries.

‘EcoTwin’ project. DAF has been selected as the OEM partner for a two year on-road trial due to commence in the UK during 2019 - which should prove fascinating. Certainly on paper the mathematics for this concept do add up, though a real-world long term study would be highly valuable for the industry.

While there may be question marks about the possible fuel and or CO2 savings of truck platooning, all would agree the potential safety benefits are immense.

The Convenient, EcoChamps and EcoTwin projects are without question worth further investigation and development. Nevertheless, they are in the future and might be viewed as the next generation and will therefore take time to arrive. However, while we were in Eindhoven we drove other practical solutions that can provide an immediate reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per ton/Km. Interestingly these solutions are immediately available, require litt le investment, and will fi ll the time period until the next generation arrives.

Where it’s possible, simply attaching a trailer to rigid trucks delivers an immediate increase in productivity. One example driven was a 450hp CF 6x2 skip truck with a drawbar trailer transporting three bins. With some

detailed load planning this combination has immense potential to reduce the number of journeys especially to larger sites which will immediately increase productivity as increased traffic volumes cause delays.

Th is unit was found to be a delight to drive through the small rural towns and villages surrounding Sint Oedenrode, near Eindhoven.

Th is was equally true, though on a larger scale, for the XF 6x2 (25.25m) EcoCombi. A study by the Nederland’s Enterprise Agency (RVO.NL) found the impact of EcoCombis or “Longer Heavier Lorries” to be low. In addition, in one year of the five year study (2007-2012), the use of nearly 400 LHVs in 2010 reduced the CO2 by 16 million kg and saved 20 million goods vehicle kilometres, an amount that would increase as greater numbers of LHVs appear as they replace these regular combinations.

DAF Trucks will provide us with increasingly sustainable vehicles into the future. In the meantime we could help ourselves by utilising vehicles that are already available and have already proven that they can deliver the transport efficiencies and CO2 reductions Ireland needs.

Driving EcoChamps is a litt le different and you immediately notice the heavier steering due to the electric pump. Th is makes for a different driving experience - not worse just different. We have to accept that both vehicles are prototypes, and are as yet far from the fi nished articles. They point the way to the next generation of trucks and the efforts of DAF in this field should be applauded.

Other projects are also moving ahead including DAF’s Truck Platooning or Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

Westerlo Plant www.fleet.ie

28 | PICTORIAL III

Supermac’s Plazas hosts 3rd National Truck Run - Sunday 6 May

O

ver €17,000 was raised in one day at the third National Truck Run on Sunday 6 May last, organised by Tierney International Transport, Supermac’s Plaza Group and O’Toole Transport. A convoy of trucks departed The Galway Plaza, The Tipperary Town Plaza and The Barack Obama Plaza that afternoon to converge at the Obama Place all contributing to the cause in promoting the positives within the road transport industry and raising much needed funds for Jack & Jill Foundation, Blood Bikes and The Fransican Orphanage Uganda.

Pictured before the start of the third National Truck Run at Supermac’s Galway Plaza were Pat McDonagh, MD, Supermacs and representatives from the various charities benefiting for the funds raised from the event.

The convoy headed off from The Galway Plaza, near Loughrea and travelled to Birr, County Offaly to team up with the line-up from The Obama Plaza (Moneygall, County Offaly) and together they then proceeded to Roscrea to team up with the group from The Tipperary Town Plaza. All three groups arrive together in Moneygall later that afternoon.

Main organiser Jennifer Tierney, Tierney International Transport thanked the three main companies that provided significant support and assistance at each leg of the event: “Huge thank you to all the sponsors, participants and volunteers who made this event such a successful and enjoyable day. In particular thanks to Donovan Transport, Tipperary Town and to Seamus Fleming of Fleming Woodcraft, along with O’Toole Transport of Moycullen, Galway for their great contribution and effort,” said Jennifer.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Additional Photos: Jason Begley

TRANSPORT www.fleettransportawards.com

AWARDS 2019

Rewarding Best Practice

in association with Rosslare Europort

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2 | AWARDS

FLEET TRANSPORT AWARDS Irish Haulier of the Year 2019 The leading Awards Programme for the Irish Road Transport and Haulage Industry Fleet Transport in association with Rosslare Europort, is delighted to announce the launch of its 2019 Awards programme with 17 qualifying categories this year. If you are a Road Transport Operator in Ireland, however big or small, you are eligible to enter the awards. The simplest way to enter the awards is online at www.fleet.ie. Alternatively a hardcopy application can be downloaded from www.fleettransportawards.com The Fleet Transport Awards 2019, celebrating excellence in the road transport industry, will take place on Thursday 11 October 2018 at Citywest Hotel, Dublin. In addition to numerous awards recognising all areas of the industry, the ‘Irish Haulier of the Year 2019’ and the ‘Irish Truck of the Year 2019’ awards will be presented at this national event, bringing together commercial vehicle brand distributors and road transport operators operating the length and breadth of Ireland.

For the past number of years this awards ceremony has received the support of the industry, not just from the leading operators in the country, but also from small relatively unknown firms, demonstrating that companies of all types and sizes are recognised and awarded. Whether you operate or manage a large, medium or small sized company your application will be welcomed. This is the only awards programme that is truly supported by the whole transport industry.

Why Enter?

Winning an award will have a direct commercial impact on your business by not only retaining existing clients, but also in securing new business.

In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to differentiate your company from the competition and a Fleet Transport Award is an independent stamp of approval, which is highly valued by customers.

Entering the awards is also the best way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to the specific area of the road transport industry in which you operate and to be associated with management excellence and best practice. Companies that reach the finalist stage will gain extensive recognition and profile building opportunities during 2019 and beyond through Ireland’s leading commercial vehicle magazine, Fleet Transport, website, ezine and social media. Again this year the category winner will be supplied with logos and photographs for their own promotional purposes.

What category can my company enter?

• National Haulier of the Year • International Haulier of the Year • Own Account Transport Operator of the Year • Owner Driver Haulier of the Year • Regional Transport Operator of the Year • Best Van Fleet Award • Best Livery Award • Best Safety Practice Award

• • • • • • • • •

Innovation Award Environment Award Fleet/Transport Manager of the Year Women in Transport Award Excellence in Warehousing & Product Handling Customer Service Excellence Award Technician of the Year Best On-Line Transport Company Award Services to the Transport Industry Award

You may enter as many of the following categories as you wish. A full description of each category is included on the attached Application Form.

The overall title of Irish Haulier of the Year 2019, sponsored by Rosslare Europort, will be selected from one of the category winners.

What do I need to do now? ……….. 3 simple steps!

There are 3 simple steps in the entire process to complete your submission.

STEP 1 - Enter online The easiest way to enter is online at www.fleettransportawards.com which takes approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively complete the attached form.

STEP 2 - Submission After receipt of your entry form you will receive a number of questions related to the category/categories which your company has entered into.

All information submitted as part of this process is handled in the strictest confidence and is protected under the Data Protection Act. STEP 3 - Important dates for your diary Please reserve the following dates in your diary now: • 4 & 5 September - Interviews - Johnstown Estate, Enfield.

• Finalists will be announced in the September edition of Fleet Transport.

• 11 October - Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner, Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

Questions? if you would like to discuss any aspect of the process please contact our Awards Team at: E-mail: awards@fleet.ie or Tel: 094 93 72819.

Main Sponsor www.fleettransportawards.com

Associate Sponsor

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Award Categories

3

NATIONAL HAULIER OF THE YEAR

INTERNATIONAL HAULIER OF THE YEAR

(sponsored by Volvo Trucks)

(sponsored by Thermo King)

This category is open to operators that transport goods within Ireland and are registered in the Irish Republic. Companies will need to show the active measures they have taken to improve service levels and to grow the company, in both quality and profitability. The judges will be looking for all-round commitment to good business practice led by a commercially minded individual.

Open to Irish registered hauliers that transport goods internationally.

Details of vehicle fleet and type of contracts undertaken should be outlined. If there are depots overseas, please state so, and detail measures taken in terms of driver and load security when overseas.

Adhering to European/International legislation is also a key consideration within this category.

OWN ACCOUNT TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles)

OWNER DRIVER HAULIER OF THE YEAR

Entrants must operate their own fleet of vehicles to distribute their own goods. Companies will need to show the active measures they have taken to improve service levels and to grow the company, in both size and profitability. Judges will focus on investments or improvements made to increase efficiency of the distribution sector of your business/production facility.

Operators of own vehicle(s) as an owner-driver are eligible to enter this category. History of involvement in business and type of work undertaken must be outlined as well as vehicle details. National, International and Regional hauliers can be in contention for this award. Details of vehicle fleet should also be outlined together with service and maintenance routine.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

Best Van Fleet Award

(sponsored by FUSO Trucks)

(sponsor by Peugeot)

This category is open to operators who transport goods within a specific region of Ireland, operating a specific fleet of vehicles for local distribution. High levels of customer service together with efficiency and reliability are key factors here. If a member of a network, please state. Details of types of vehicles as well as service and maintenance routine should be outlined. Highlight any special areas of service provided.

This award sets out to recognise companies which operate a number of light commercial vehicles and consistently demonstrate best practice in their operation. As the van sector includes a large number of companies who are not primarily engaged in transport, there is great scope to include companies who use light commercials to provide services to their customers or end users. Outline any special or specific equipment fitted to the vehicles.

BEST LIVERY AWARD

BEST SAFETY PRACTICE AWARD (sponsored by

(sponsored by Blue Tree Systems

Health & Safety Authority)

A good corporate image can be achieved through stylish and modern livery on operatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vehicles. These mobile advertising billboards can impress both the customer and public alike and do a lot to increase levels of professionalism within the company. Not only are clean, effective graphics and colour schemes required here, but the condition of the vehicle carrying the livery is also up for consideration when the marks are allocated. Details on how the corporate image supports the business objectives/strategy is also key in this category.

Companies entering this category should show evidence that their company embraces safety as a culture and provides the same resources to it as all other activities in the organisation.

INNOVATION AWARD

ENVIRONMENT AWARD

(sponsored by easytrip)

(sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland)

The Innovation category seeks entrants who can demonstrate that their ideas have made a genuine difference to their company, resulting for example in either profitability, a new or altered business process within the company or changes in the products and services provided.

Companies that have entered new sectors/markets or have introduced a new product should enter this category.

Companies will need to demonstrate how they have developed environmental impact assessments and environmental statements to meet planning, transport and other environmental consent requirements. Increases in efficiencies through reducing empty running, driver training, purchasing of Euro 6 or alternatively powered engines will prove your care of the environment as will recycling/waste disposal regime.

FLEET/TRANSPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT AWARD

(sponsored by Iveco)

(sponsored by Freight Transport Association Ireland)

Overseeing the efficient and safe operation of a fleet of trucks and their drivers are what the judges will look for here.

This category is designed to recognise women working in all areas of the transport and haulage industry. If you have achieved success in your area of expertise in the road transport industry, the judges will welcome an entry from you, whatever your position.

This person must demonstrate the highest levels of ability, professionalism and knowledge of fleet. Methods of reducing costs as well as knowledge of IT techniques in improving the day to day running of the business must also be detailed. Type of vehicles used and employment responsibilities should also be outlined.

(sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus)

An active safety management system which includes Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment must be in operation for all the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. Investment in safety procedures through implementation of staff training or safety items must be outlined.

This category aims to recognise women who are positive role models in the industry to encourage more women to see the haulage industry as a worthwhile career. The judges will look for innovation, enthusiasm and dedication in what is often perceived as an unattractive industry by women. www.fleettransportawards.com

4 | AWARDS Best On-Line Transport Company Award – (sponsor by TBC)

ORY ATEG C W NE

This category promotes good web design from a user’s experience (or UX). How well the transport company presents itself on the web, how easy it makes itself found and what information it provides to customers will also be taken into account. Other aspects which will be taken into consideration will be Website functionality; Website Best Practice; Social Media; Website User Experience.

EXCELLENCE IN WAREHOUSING & PRODUCT HANDLING (sponsored by Cold Move)

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

This category offers an opportunity to a broad range of operators in the transport, storage and handling of products. It is open to companies such as hauliers, own account, distribution, freight consolidation, forwarding and logistics specialists. The judging panel will assess policies and procedures covering aspects of this specialist sector including history, customer relationship management, security, Health & Safety, HR & Training and care for the environment.

The ‘Customer Service Excellence’ award recognizes specific accomplishments in customer service, whether they are achievements by an individual, a team, or a department. The judges will look for evidence of the effort and impact of excellent customer service on the customer and business. Training and demonstrable commitment of the company to customer service will be an added bonus in this category. Customer testimonies will also be of benefit.

Technican of the Year

SERVICES TO THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY AWARD

(sponsored by Renault Trucks)

(sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance)

Entrants in this category must have completed an apprenticeship and have a minimum of one years' experience. Entrants should be fully competent in the servicing/repair of commercial goods/passenger vehicles to the highest manufacturer standards. As well as technical competence in the mechanics of a vehicle, entrants must have a thorough knowledge of the electrical and electronic components of a vehicle and be comfortable with using the latest diagnostic equipment to identify and rectify faults.

Any individual who has made a significant contribution to the transport industry can be nominated in this category. Those who have helped to raise standards or are actively involved in campaigns on behalf of the transport industry will be acknowledged with this award. It is open to nominees of all ages not just those who have completed a life time of service.

(sponsored by Valero Marketing Ireland Limited)

Fleet Transport Awards 2019 Irish Haulier of the Year Entry Form Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of Vehicles: . . . . . . . .

Category Entering - please tick boxes National Haulier of the Year International Haulier of the Year Own Account Transport Operator of the Year Owner Driver Haulier of the Year Regional Transport Operator of the Year Best Van Fleet Award Best Livery Award www.fleettransportawards.com Best Safety Practice Award

TRANSPORT

Innovation Award Environment Award Fleet/Transport Manager of the Year Women in Transport Award Excellence in Warehousing & Product Handling Customer Service Excellence Award Technician of the Year Best On-Line Transport Company Award Services to the Transport Industry Award

A

AR 2

‘I have read and understood the terms and conditions of entering the Fleet Transport Awards 2019’.

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please send completed Entry Form plus additional material by Friday 29 June 2018 to Competition Secretary, Fleet Transport Awards 2019, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. Alternatively it is much simpler and quicker to enter online at www.fleettransportawards.com Tel: 094 93 72819 Email: awards@fleet.ie Terms & Conditions: • • • • • • • • •

Any licensed Haulier or Own Account Transport Operator is eligible to enter in the Fleet Transport Awards 2019, established to honour excellence in operation or services to the transport industry.

Entries must be received by Friday 29 June 2018 and will not be returned. There is no entry fee.

All entries will be treated in strict confidence and are judged by a panel of experts from the industry.

Confirmation of receipt of entries will be sent out to all applicants.

The completed entry form can be accompanied by a 1000 word document outlining further details on your company and its operations. Photographs and customer testimonials can be included.

The finalists will be published in the September edition of Fleet Transport Magazine.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews on 4 & 5 September 2018. A five minute video or Powerpoint presentation, although not essential, will be welcomed on the day of the interview.

Presentation of the prizes will take place on Thursday 11 October 2018 at the Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner at Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

The decision of the Adjudication Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into afterwards.

www.fleettransportawards.com

SAFETY | 33

Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . .

Pedestrians and moving vehicles – a dangerous combination

P

edestrians can be exposed to potential serious harm in their own workplaces from vehicle movements.

Particular attention should also be paid to visitors and visiting workers, e.g., delivery drivers or customers who are unfamiliar with workplace operations. It is very important that visitors are supervised and controlled from the time they enter a workplace to the time they leave.

Around twenty people a year are killed by being run over, crushed or otherwise injured by vehicles in workplaces. Many others suffer horrific injuries.

Pedestrians are people who travel on foot in the workplace. They can be employees, members of the public or visiting workers, and they can be particularly vulnerable in places where vehicles operate. Therefore, proper controls must be put in place to keep them from harm. Visitors especially can create risks for themselves and others because they are not familiar with the premises and the work activities.

Pedestrians and vehicles must be able to circulate safely both in indoor and outdoor places of work. A major cause of vehicle-related accidents is poor workplace design and layout. Pedestrian routes must be clearly identified and be of appropriate dimensions for the number of users and the work activities. Vehicle routes must have sufficient clearance from doors, gates and routes used by pedestrians.

Where vehicles and pedestrians share routes, there must be adequate safety clearance between the vehicles and the pedestrians. Where self-propelled work equipment is in use, procedures must be in place to prevent pedestrians from entering the work area. If employees must enter the work area, appropriate procedures must be in place to protect the employees from harm.

The person in charge of a place of work has a duty to control pedestrians. Every possible effort should be made to separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Th is should begin at the entrance to the workplace, i.e. separate vehicle and pedestrian entrances and routes directly from the road, and be continued throughout the premises. Where this is not completely possible, there is a need to identify where vehicles and pedestrians interact or meet, and introduce control measures to reduce the risks. Th is includes: • obvious separate footpaths or walkways for pedestrians.

• pedestrian crossing points which have good visibility for both the driver and the pedestrian.

• barriers, rails or pedestrian deterrent paving to direct pedestrians to designated crossing points and prevent pedestrians crossing at blind spots.

• • •

barriers at entrances and exits to buildings to prevent pedestrians walking directly into traffic. separate vehicle and pedestrian entrances into buildings, with vision panels on all doors. safe areas for drivers whilst vehicles are being loaded.

Rules and procedures should also be introduced for pedestrian themselves, and they must be brought to the attention of those affected, such as: • reporting to workplace reception, site office or person in charge.

• wearing high visibility clothing when in the vicinity of moving vehicles and equipment.

• not entering ‘No Pedestrian’ zones or ‘Vehicles Only’ zones.

• not approaching and keeping a safe distance from moving vehicles, and never walking behind a reversing vehicle.

• Visitors are particularly vulnerable and should be accompanied at your workplace at all times unless they are very familiar with your premises, traffic management system and safe systems of work.

It is vitally important to manage pedestrians in workplaces where vehicles operate. For more information on managing vehicles and pedestrians at work go to the Health and Safety Authority’s website at www.vehiclesatwork.ie or download the Pedestrian Safety in the Workplace Information Sheet at: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/ Publications_and_Forms/ Publications/Information_ Sheets/pedestrian-safety-inthe-workplace.pdf

We require Owner Drivers for Full Time Contract Dublin work.

(Max 3 trucks per contractor) Artic & Rigid trucks.

PLEASE CONTACT: admin@superiorexpress.ie | Brian: 087 2508633

www.fleet.ie

34 | TIMES PAST

"Happy ‘Verjaardag’ DAF the first nine decades of firsts" firsts"

I

t was a chance encounter with the owner of the local ‘Stroombier’ brewery in 1928 that led a Dutch technician named Hub van Doorne to set up an engineering workshop in the corner of the brewery. In 1932, the company formalised its name to ‘Van Doorne’s AanhangwagenFabriek’. These were the humble beginnings of the company we know today as DAF, which 90 years later is a leading manufacturer in the world of truck production.

From its small beginnings in 1928 chiefly in trailer manufacturing (an element of which continued until 1979), the company grew, thanks to innovative ideas such as welding trailer chassis. Today, this understanding of innovative engineering still permeates the company and keeps it at the forefront of vehicle design.

Th is approach has over the nine decades delivered a number of important engineering firsts that have influenced road transport to this day. It is somewhat surprising that DAF did not begin producing truck chassis until 1949, a decision which according to Hans Stalls (Former Director of Marketing & Product Planning, and past Curator of the DAF Museum) was taken because it was “a

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

good time for Hub van Doorne to develop trucks, as there was a demand for heavy vehicles after World War II.” The first truck was the A Series of 3 to 6 ton chassis’ better known as the ‘7-stripe’ and easily recognisable by the same 7-stripes on the grille. Interestingly, the cabs were originally built by an external coach-works company. However, having moved to a new factory in 1950, DAF began a full assembly line to meet the growth in demand. Th is increase was boosted by significant orders for military vehicles, and equipment.

During this period the idea of motoring for the masses also gained in popularity, and DAF began producing passenger cars with a novel step-less belt-driven automatic transmission known as the ‘Variomatic’. Over 850,000 units were produced before the model was sold to Volvo, where despite their best efforts the car never really flourished and was subsequently discontinued.

It was in the road transport industry of the late 1950s that DAF really began to make its mark. In 1959, it launched the DS 575, one of the first turbo-charged engines, and in 1962 it introduced the DAF 2600, a truck bestowed with the title of ‘Mother of International

Transport.’ DAF was again credited with another first in 1969 with the development of a new technology ‘Intercooling’. Th is new technology DAF described as its ‘Intelligent Horsepower’ philosophy, and it was delivered to the market in the now legendary 2800 model in 1973.

In the mid-eighties DAF introduced ‘Advanced Turbo Intercooling’ (ATi) which further refi ned the injection process and enhanced combustion chamber design. These engines that have powered DAF Trucks over the decades, have now evolved to become the multi-award winning PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13.

DAF realised that road transport is not just about driveline performance, but that the performance of the driver is also vital. One of the first nods towards driver comfort came in 1951 when the Dutch brand’s engineers introduced a suspended seat for the A series.

However, a more dramatic event occurred in 1985 when DAF launched a truck cab that provided the driver with ‘space’ - the DAF 3600 SpaceCab. The SpaceCab concept was carried through all subsequent model changes such as the 95 Series in 1987, and the 95XF ten years later.

TIMES PAST | 35

DAF 2000 1976

The SpaceCab was further enhanced in 1994 with the release of the Super SpaceCab and again in 2005 with the XF series. Today DAF’s Super SpaceCab remains a class leading truck cab and a perennial favourite with drivers.

Of course transport is not all about the highroofed high-spec flagship units. DAF has a reputation for producing a range of solid nofuss trucks such as the 75, 85, and 95 series to meet all operators’ demands. These models gave way in 2001 with the introduction of the LF and CF series models which were quickly followed by the new XF in 2002 - and the XF105 in 2005.

The launch of the new LF, CF, and XF in 2017 brought the range fully up to date and their contribution to the transport industry was recognised with the CF and XF models being jointly honoured with the 2018 International Truck of the Year Award.

DAF’s 90th birthday celebrations included a trip to the DAF Museum which is located on the site of the original brewery/workshop, and finished at DAF’s test track near Eindhoven with a ride and drive of historic vehicles. All the trucks were lovingly restored, mostly by private owners, and spanned four decades from 1955 to 1995.

The oldest truck making an appearance was an A130P from 1955, powered by a 4.73 litre 6-cylinder Perkins diesel which developed all of 83 hp at 2400 rpm. It’s intriguing that the Perkins drove through a synchronised 4-speed transmission and operated with a payload of 5.5 tons. The ‘7 Stripes’ truck was originally owned by a municipality near

DAF A130P 1955 Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

DAF 3600 ATi 1987

Eindhoven who bought it direct from the factory for the equivalent of €7,300.

Moving up a couple of years, bonneted trucks were in demand from many customers and DAF introduced a version in 1957, -this example is an A13DA from 1961. After coming out of service the truck was beautifully restored in 1987. It developed 295 Nm of torque from the 95 hp DAF 4.75 litre at 2500 rpm.

The FA2600DKA signalled a shift in cab design and many believed revolutionised international transport. Th is truck owned

by R. Slenders dates from 1970. The fully restored five axle combination is particularly unusual as the three axle drag is an original DAF trailer. The 2600 uses DAF’s 11.6 litre to develop 237 hp and delivers a respectable 825 Nm at 1300rpm. Th is was driving through a ZF 12-speed and the truck is surprisingly quick and exceptionally quiet.

Speaking to ‘Fleet Transport’, Roland Slenders explained that “this was the very truck his father (Frans Slenders) drove for a living, and the 2600 has spent most of its life transporting steel, concrete and sugar beet.”

A slightly later design was the mid-range FA2000DH 4x2 rigid from 1976 which would be more familiar to Irish operators. This range introduced two new features, one being the new DAF 8.25 litre engine, with the other being the first DAF to come with a tilting cab.

Th is example was rated at 166 hp and came with a 6-speed transmission. Again owned by a private enthusiast who only acquired the truck in 2015, he has already completed

Original Workshop

DAF A13DA (Torpedo) 1961

a full respray and restore.

Certainly more familiar to Irish operators would be the 1987 FTG3600 DKZ. The FTG denotes the axle configuration which was quite rare for this era for a truck originally sold in France. The 11.6 litre developed 373 hp and 1420 Nm of torque at 1250 rpm. Th is 3600 came with DAF’s Advanced Turbo Intercooling (ATi) and would have been produced just before the introduction of the 95 model.

Unlike most Irish DAF 3600s of that time this particular truck came with a ZF 16-Speed crash box, whereas most Irish models were synchromesh, even though gear selection is arranged in the same double ‘H’ pattern.

The last truck driven on the day was another icon of its time - the DAF FT 95. Again this example was unusual as it was powered by a 14 litre, 507hp Cummins with 2100 Nm of torque at 1200 rpm. The transmission was the standard 4-over-4 ZF 16-speed synchromesh with Range Change and Splitter. With the 500 hp Cummins this 4x2 Super SpaceCab was extremely quick and smooth to drive.

The ‘Wild Rover’ also came with an unusual feature for a European truck - a ‘Jacobs Brake’.

It was good to hear that this 95.500 still moves a few trailers when required - and we see no reason why it would not.

What was especially pleasing from our time with the classics, was that the trucks were not static museum pieces. These private owners are happy to show their trucks in action and welcomed the opportunity to share the history – and for that we gratefully thank them.

DAF FT 95.500 Super SpaceCab 1995 www.fleet.ie

36 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 22) Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Albania

ALL

178.80

-

178.80

Andorra

EUR

1.108

1.179

0.972

Austria

EUR

1.217

1.369

1.168

Belarus

EUR

1.370

-

1.370

Belgium

EUR

1.541

1.641

1.534

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

2.16

2.26

2.17

Bulgaria

BGN

2.24

2.52

2.26

Croatia

HRK

10.39

10.96

9.94

Czech Republic

CZK

32.12

33.15

30.85

Denmark

DKK

11.49

12.18

9.99

Estonia

EUR

1.369

1.414

1.329

Finland

EUR

1.581

1.666

1.396

France

EUR

1.579

1.630

1.497

Georgia

GEL

2.44

2.55

2.28

Germany

EUR

1.446

1.604

1.284

Greece

EUR

1.619

1.699

1.395

Hungary

HUF

396.00

411.30

404.00

Ireland

EUR

1.439

-

1.359

Italy

EUR

1.671

-

1.544

Kazakhstan

KZT

175.00

-

169.00

Latvia

EUR

1.270

1.325

1.172

Lithuania

EUR

1.311

1.383

1.230

Luxemburg

EUR

1.282

1.341

1.131

Macedonia

MKD

71.50

73.50

63.00

Moldova

MDL

19.05

19.95

17.10

Montenegro

EUR

1.370

1.410

1.230

Netherlands

EUR

1.794

1.879

1.477

Norway

NOK

16.67

17.66

15.74

Poland

PLN

5.09

5.39

5.04

Portugal

EUR

1.655

1.681

1.445

Romania

RON

5.47

5.90

5.54

Russia

RUB

44.62

50.38

43.14

Serbia

RSD

149.80

158.00

159.40

Slovakia

EUR

1.322

1.567

1.194

Slovenia

EUR

1.351

1.487

1.296

Spain

EUR

1.328

1.469

1.252

Sweden

SEK

15.91

16.51

15.81

Switzerland

CHF

1.590

1.550

1.690

Turkey

TRY

6.26

6.16

5.72

Ukraine

UAH

29.55

30.75

27.38

UK

GBP

1.280

1.388

1.308

USA

USD

0.770

-

0.870

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

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38 | HEALTH MATTERS

Self Drive Vehicles and Advances in Medicine What’s the connection?

D

ata from the Autonomous Vehicle Engagement Reports of the California Department of Motor Vehicles reveals that the average number of miles driven autonomously by the Google self-driving car before human intervention was required had risen from 700 miles in 2014 to 5,000 miles at the end of 2015. It looks as if they are coming along nicely. Artificial Intelligence (or computer vision) is rapidly progressing.

The use of Artificial Intelligence has increased in all areas of modern life, and medicine has been to the forefront with these developments. Computer vision, which allows machines to observe and “understand” their visual world, can safely control vehicular steering, and decide when there are dangerous driving hazards in the vicinity. Can it also assist doctors’ clinical analyses and diagnose disease with or even without the doctor? Some of the new advances in medicine are overwhelmingly complex, and it is probably beyond the limits of most doctors to analyse all the alternatives in various sett ings, such as cancer care, diagnostic radiology, or even in preventable hospital acquired conditions.

Data collected in healthcare sett ings has always been jealously guarded by the medical professionals on behalf of their patients’ privacy. The amount of this data is growing exponentially, and of course its value is also growing. There have been computer attack attempts on this data, and that has probably been the impetus for the creation of the new European directive – the General Data Protection Regulation.

However, anonymised hospital healthcare data can be used for economic studies and clinical research, thereby adding greatly to the quality of healthcare provided, as well as possible fi nancial savings for the system.

Another source of data is the “wearables”, biometric evaluation sensors such as watches and wristbands which are now capable of continuous analyses of heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements. Athletes in training as well as other enthusiasts find these devices useful, but they are still relatively new, and their clinical value has not as yet been proven.

All electronic data collecting entities can be subject to fraudulent applications, and the data stolen without the user’s knowledge. Of course, they can also produce false figures due to poor design and unsafe computing.

The great improvements in the treatment of various cancers is largely due to modern technology, because when the doctor gets an exact diagnosis with the help of the computer in the Radiology Department, he/she can then programme up another step - delivering chemotherapy through electronic prescribing systems.

The Radiology departments in hospitals rely heavily on computers to produce accurate images of the patient – computerised axial tomography (CT scans) have been around for a long time - Magnetic Resonant Imaging (MRI) for nearly as long. These machines will give the image - and it has been suggested (by non medicals) that the Artificial Intelligence element of this will also decide whether the image is normal or abnormal. The next step would then be for the intelligent machine to decide on the appropriate treatment (if any) for the patient in question, and then to administer it.

In fact, the doctor will not delegate responsibility for patient care to a machine, because privacy and safety of the patient is paramount. A machine - no matter how intelligent - will not discriminate in who presses its buttons to access the information, nor will it show the actual person in a

psychological, social and environmental context, all of which are added dimensions to the patient’s illness.

Data quality of medical machines must always be kept to a high standard, as poor data quality will damage everything from start to fi nish in a clinical sett ing, where every decision flows from a previous one.

The primary mission of the doctor will be “first do no harm,” so there will be a qualified reliance on the Artificial Intelligence element of much clinical interaction.

With all this increased technology, it is important not to lose the physical contact between the doctor and the patient - the “laying on of hands”- or placebo effect, which has been found to be quite a substantial element in patient satisfaction, not to mention improved cure rates for most diseases.

As for self drive vehicles - they may take a while to appeal to the Irish driver, but their progress is inevitable, and maybe we should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

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FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - contributor@fleet.ie

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40 | REVIEW I

CV Show 2018 – NEC, Birmingham, UK (Part II) Air1

Yara, the company behind Air1 AdBlue is committed to protect the planet by improving air quality and reducing emissions. The Air1 team promoted clean air in the community and the environmental impact of NOX via a focussed campaign with local schools. The children took part in an art competition, designing adverts showing what Yara does and how it helps to clean up the air and the environment.

– are designed to meet new emissions and noise regulations due to come into effect for the transport and logistics industry. Iceland Twincool runs on hydro-electric power, generated by the truck’s engine and powered

by Carrier’s Eco-Drive GenSet driven by a hydro pump connected to the truck’s PTO. The Vector 1550E unit harnesses EV power either from the truck fitted with the Eco-Drive system or through mains power when parked.

CV Show 2018, with a host of innovative products and features that can be applied to fleets in a practical way with sound business cases to back them up. Taking centre stage was its MAX Cube longer semi-trailer that has already proven its worth, saving on average one in every nineteen journeys (5%). The MAX Cube 60 pallet unit, one of 25 built for Argos is 4.88m high, 15.65m long and incorporates a low height step-frame chassis. It carries a cubic volume of 145.5m3 – 16% more than its standard 13.6m counterpart. This trailer can reduce journeys by 2 legs in every 13.

Kalmar

CNG Fuels/Agility Fuel Solutions BPW

German owned commercial vehicles running gear components manufacturer and parts supplier BPW had two exhibits of note on its busy stand. Cargofleet 3 is the next generation telematics developed in-house by idem telematics, a BPW Group company. This online platform provides transport operators’ access to a broad level of data to monitor and access.

CNG Fuels Ltd is the UK’s leading provider of Compressed Natural Gas refuelling infrastructure, and a supplier of Renewable & Sustainable Compressed Biomethane (BioCNG). Derived from waste feedstock (i.e. food waste), Bio-CNG is 35%-45% cheaper than diesel and cuts harmful emissions by between 80-85%. No AdBlue is required in the powertrain either.

Don-Bur

Having built its reputation on quality and reliability BPW recommends fitting BPW brake shoes for guaranteed performance – these are one of the fastest selling items in its aftermarket business.

Carrier Transicold The big transport refrigeration provider is gone engineless! Two highly innovative engineless solutions– the Iceland Twincool reefer unit and the Vector 1550E all-electric trailer system FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Dominating the Kalmar stand was this new T2 Terminal tractor with many innovative features, easier to maintain and service, more comfortable and efficient for drivers, and safer all round to operate. These key areas focused on during the T2’s development were primarily resulting from customer feedback. Impressively, there are 100 different combinations to choose from - 7 different Volvo and Cummins engines offering power options ranging from 129 to 168 kW. Allison provides two automatic transmissions while SISU and Meritor supply a selection of axle configurations. Depending on cargo and lifting needs, customers can choose from four maximum lifting heights from 0-1000mm and lifting capacities from 20–35 tonnes.

SNAP Account/Shop

‘Full of Smart’ was Don-Bur’s theme at the

REVIEW I | 41 There are two elements to SNAP – Account and Shop with the former being the market leader in cashless payment for HGVs, with more than 120 sites and 66,000 customers. The SNAP online shop now has a broad selection of products on sale for both the fleet operators and drivers – from microwaves to fridges to bulbs, seat covers, lubes - etc.

the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) related to its operations and products. As sustainability frequently begins with improving the products and services an organisation offers, we leverage this global-wide experience to create solutions that address the challenges our customers are facing locally and make environmentally sustainable transportation a reality today.”

Terberg DTS

With strict targets being set out by the European Union for carbon emissions and reduction of major air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and with low-emission zones being explored and implemented by cities across the UK and Europe, transport and logistics companies are looking for ways to make zero-emission transportation a viable business operation.

News from the Dutch shunter producer’s stand was that Irish Rail has taken delivery of two new Terberg RT 283 units with latest Tier 4 final to add to its operations at Rosslare Europort. After the driver familiarisation demo at handover, the new units were put straight into action. A similar model was on display as was its AutoTUG, the industry-first automatic yard tractor and the first of its kind low-entry tipper.

Thermo King

With sister brand Frigoblock, Thermo King outlined its expertise in providing environmentally sustainable refrigerated transport solutions for efficient delivery operations in inner-city, low emission zones.

Joe Grealy from Ingersoll Rand Transport Solutions' division met with practitioners from the commercial vehicles sector to discuss ongoing issues at its stand. “At Thermo King and Frigoblock we’re proud of being part of a global organisation like Ingersoll Rand, which has the expertise to address pressing world challenges like energy consumption, climate change, urbanisation or food and water. Since 2014, Ingersoll Rand has been publicly committed to, among others, reducing

TIP Trailer Services

50 Golden years were remembered and celebrated on the two TIP stands at the NEC. The global trailer supply company promoted a selection of its services and developing products.

Representatives from its TIP Trailers, TIP Tankers and sister company Gray Rentals were on hand alongside a display of a broad range of trailers with a special commemorative curtainsider at the outside exhibition area that highlighted TIP’s 50 years of service to the industry.

TIP Trailers displayed a new LAG ‘foodstuffs’ tanker, available to buy or lease and there was also a refurbished cryogenic rigid tanker, remounted onto a new DAF truck undertaken by one of TIP Tankers’ workshops. TIP Trailer Services has subsequently been taken over by 1 Squared Capital from its former Chinese owners, the HNA Group.

Completely water tight, reducing the risk of rust and UV resistant that won’t fade, Raptor is highly durable, stain resistant and easy to clean. Customer feedback from the waste removal sector has reported that the U-Pol developed Raptor can extend the lifecycle of heavily corroded vehicles by at least two years.

Recently U-Pol has partnered with TATA Steel to provide a lightweight system which can be used in the production of HGV trailers and LCV linings.

Van Hool

Best known probably in Ireland for its buses and coaches, Van Hool also has a thriving road transport vehicle building business offering a range of semi-trailers, trailers, skeletals and tank containers. Recent Irish sales include a whiskey carrying tanker sold to Donovan’s of Tipperary by Fred Everiss, UK & Ireland Sales Manager.

Whale Tankers Many of the West Midlands company’s highlights and successes in terms of business featured strongly, with several vehicles carrying Whale’s products such as an 18-tonne vacuum tanker for ‘A Better Service Ltd.,’ an 18-tonne Medium Volume Combination tanker for clear-flow and a 26 tonne Kaiser Whale for Clearway Drainage Systems. Meanwhile, Whale Enterprise PVT, the fi rm’s Indian subsidiary based in Coimbatore continues to be extremely busy with the development and construction of highly complex vehicle solutions for that continent.

U-Pol Raptor New additions to the Raptor Protective Coatings Systems range includes the availability of the unrivalled protection barrier in any RA L colour that matches the client’s requirements.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

42 | REVIEW I

CV Show 2018 – (Part II continued) HANKOOK

Hankook took a big stand to showcase its wide range of tyres including the SmartFlex for regional haul, and the SmartWork for on and offroad. Both are Original Equipment for MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania trucks. Presenting a comprehensive range of commercial vehicle tyres, showcasing exciting innovations and new product launches, the Korean brand also launched a new all-position bus tyre for city traffic. Also featured were many innovative concept tyres from the Hankook Tyre Design Innovation Programme ‘Connect to the Connected World’, which was fi rst presented back in 2016 and also made up a large area of the stand this year.

GiTi TYRES

GOODYEAR TYRES

At its interactive stand, Goodyear presented a portfolio of Van tyres which have not previously been displayed at the CV Show. Alongside, a demonstration on why leading fleets continue to choose their full product and services package was laid on, including their industry leading KMAX and FUELMAX products, Fleet First services and Proactive Solutions plus.

Goodyear’s FleetFirst programme comprises a 2000-strong TruckForce European network, ServiceLine 24h roadside assistance, FleetOnlineSolutions internet-based tyre management programme and tyre retreading. Proactive Solutions has added to the very comprehensive portfolio of products and services. With all this on offer Goodyear demonstrated its focus on reducing total cost of ownership, and keeping fleet operators in mind with all future developments.

MICHELIN/RHA

Boasting one of the biggest tyre displays at the event, GiTi’s latest wide base tyre for the volume transport sector, the GTL925 high cube trailer pattern in size 445/45R19.5 made its event debut at CV Show 2018. In all there were over 21 different tyre configurations on the stand covering all key sectors of the transport industry.

GiTi also exhibited the Raced Tuned V1 tyre plus GiTi branded race truck with 10 times British Truck Racing Champion, Stuart Oliver as the guest of honour - with his race truck, of course.

The Road Haulage Association was joined by partners Michelin on its stand at the NEC. As a theme, the RHA’s exhibition showcased membership benefits and services. Much of the focus was on legal advice, conditions of carriage, tachograph analysis demonstrations and training. The transport organisation’s area managers, compliance and policy experts were on hand to answer questions.

Michelin experts were present to discuss tyre husbandry and the proper maintenance of tyres from new to end of life, in order to maximise the life of tyres and to provide safety tips for fleet and private operators.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

REVIEW I | 43 SHELL

solution WEBFLEET, providing the company with fuel card exception reports and avoiding the need for manual checking of receipts.

Celebrating over 50 years of fuel card expertise, Shell reps were keen to assure visitors that it helps fleet managers simplify complexities by streamlining on and off-road payments under one secure card.

Currently Shell provides the largest network globally, including 3,500 sites in the UK with access to great fuel quality at a price that won’t break the bank. Alongside, offering greater control and security, the euroShell Card helps customers get the most out of their fleet.

Accepted at over 3500 locations they can be transacted at Texaco, Esso and Total service stations.

Another aspect to the system is WEBFLEET’s OptiDrive 360, which provides real-time feedback and advice to the drivers directly into the cab to improve fuel efficiency, promoting smooth acceleration, controlled braking and eliminating idling whenever possible. The programme can even report faults in vehicle dash cams, and will soon be able to automatically direct drivers to the most convenient BP stations on their routes to ensure the best value for money.

TOTAL

MORRIS LUBRICANTS

Garage workshops from days of yore were brought back to life by the Shropshire based independent manufacturer of specialist lubricants.

A great selection of old company related oil cans, oil dispensing pumps, posters and photographs were displayed on the specially designed and laid-out exhibition area.

Morris Lubricants’ proved heritage dates back 140 years and is now a fi ft h-generation family-owned and run company. TV star and motorcycle ace adventurist Guy Martin is the fi rm’s ambassador.

BP BP invited stand visitors to tap into its expertise and learn how to take total control of fleet cost. It showcased a fuel and driver management system from TomTom Telematics and BP that helps to reduce the fuel costs of logistics by more than 8%.

The system combines data collected through BP fuel cards with vehicle location, fuel consumption, driver behaviour and also vehicle maintenance data from TomTom Telematics’ fleet management Text & Photos: Gerry Murphy - gerrym@fleet.ie

Total had teams available to help fleet operators see how it can assist with their businesses and profitability by presenting its range of Total products, including RUBIA engine oils, coolants and AdBlue. In addition, more value-added services were highlighted including oil analysis monitoring, remote stock management, and promoting ANAC oil analysis, add-ons that have made a big difference for many customers, giving a proven return on investment.

Total was also talking to businesses about stock management and about its automated stock management system, VisioStock. It works by installing a permanent measuring device in a customer’s lubricant storage tank to automatically monitors the level of lubricant in the tanks via a GPRS communication system, alerting Total when levels are critically low. Th is reduces the risk of stock-outs and unplanned downtime.

Remote monitoring also reduces administration costs and errors associated with manual stock check and re-ordering processes. Not to mention reduced risks of tank overspills and the subsequent cost of clean-up and lost product. www.fleet.ie

44 | INTERVIEW

One-to-One with Chris Lewis, MD, DP World UK & CEO, London Gateway “Supply Chain industry need greater visibility of critical data direct and in real time.” eCommerce and Brexit are two issues that the shipping and freight industry has to deal with currently and into the near future. How is it for DP World?

Take our two terminals DP London Gateway and Southampton, where over 98% of cargo handled is to the rest of the world, not across Europe. We have a port community system in place, run by one of our subsidiaries.

What effectively happens is when a vessel arrives at a port and as the freight forwarders have already made their entries, it’s all been prechecked to make sure the taxes and duties are correct, and presumably the deferment accounts are there. Every process is responded to on the arrival of the vessel within about 15 minutes. I’d say over 95% of the cargo is cleared immediately, so there’s no paperwork involved at all.

If European traffic has to go through a Customs, that same model will work, particularly for the short sea container traffic process. I think it’s a challenge not only for DP World UK’s two terminals, but places like Dover where container traffic is driver accompanied. There’s going to be a need for some kind of technology there, where people are perhaps using Apps on phones, to where the clearance and the routing is given. Today it doesn’t happen until the vessel has physically arrived in the UK, obviously for security reasons. I think there will be a number of challenges on the Ro-Ro side but for the Lo-Lo side, I think the systems that we have in place, we will be able to handle.

Do you see for Dover, that maybe it will be a transponder on the vehicle rather than an App on the phone?

I think at this stage it’s probably too soon to guess what sort of solution will be put in place but there’s plenty of technology FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

available.

Barrier-free and with the odd spot-check in between?

Most of the cargo that’s examined today is done through sort of profiling and intelligence – it’s not like the old days where they stop them, open the doors and have a look. It is very much using technology.

What about Where’s My Cargo (WMC), the new technology you introduced at Multimodal?

We always had a strategy to communicate with our end users. I mentioned the port community system earlier - principally that’s updating the trade in terms of the shipping line and freight forwarder and to some extent the haulier, but retailers and cargo owners rely then on fi nding out from somebody such as third party information.

Now we started this originally in Southampton back in 2012, because people were phoning up asking about where the container was, has it been Customs cleared, was there a booking for it for the haulier to pick it up? We suddenly realised that there was a great interest in that information, so rather than keep tracking through the phone and keep people in the queue, why don’t we provide that information. We went live in 2012, and it’s evolved and we have worked on the principle and feed back from

our users. Then with London Gateway, we implemented it a couple of years ago, and they’re both very similar systems but, from an end users point of view, you have to log onto one – or the other.

So, this fi rst phase is basically a new portal, which provides the same functionality as the original but as a single point of entry. Then you can get the listing of your containers either by port or by vessel or status. So, not much change in functionality, the reporting is a bit better, some of the milestones are a bit more accurate, but that’s prett y much putt ing everything together.

The other thing that we notice specifically in Southampton is that there is about 6,000 people accessing ‘Where’s My Container’ so with the new system, we ask people to register so that we’ve got some contact details, and also it enables us to talk about new enhancements and also to get feedback.

Is there a registration fee?

No registration fee. It’s free to air, as per the current system. In the current system, we can basically put 20 containers in, and you can load the screen refresh when you then go back to that system later in the day. If your browser has been somewhere else, you have to put those 20 containers in again, by cutting and pasting, so with the new system, it remembers those 20 containers, and it also enables you to push messages to your phone

INTERVIEW | 45 on particular status. As soon as it's available for collection, in other words, if it’s Customs cleared, there is a need to know.

It will also hold history, so people can look back and see what happened on the journey, particularly when there are discussions with container handlers later on. So that’s very important. Now this version will be chargeable. It would be on a subscription basis, based on banding, so there will be a monthly fee for up to so many container enquiries but it will be cost effective and we’re still going to maintain the free to air function. Now this new release will come out in the summer, and we are trying to sign up as many people as possible on a 90-day free trial. It’s completely without obligation, and we think with the feedback we get, people will fi nd this very valuable, because all the costs in Supply Chain usually is about something happening that wasn’t expected with delays. Th is is designed to provide real time information so they can make those judgements.

Everyone involved in Supply Chain sectors will find it useful?

I think the hauliers are going to find this very useful. And actually this works very well with our WMC booking system, because the hauliers already have quite a sophisticated facility for booking, they can get a list of containers that are already cleared and they can match the loads. So, this is all about just in time processes.

On the e-Commerce issue, how are you meeting current demands and into the future?

Well obviously, what we are trying to do is to try to move cargo through as quickly as possible. Ships are gett ing bigger, and what we see now is fewer calls but bigger loads and that’s why the land side part of the port is very important. Traditionally ships and productivity were the drivers at the ports, but now it’s very much the service times on turning trucks around.

And having the resources on hand to deal with the bigger number of containers?

Yes, absolutely and our ports are designed to be scalable. Southampton is a long-standing container port. It handles around 2 million TEUs each year. London Gateway is a brand new port where we have invested a huge amount in new technology. So, you know, we talk about these big landings, we pick up multiple containers at a time (crates), so we can pick up 2 forty-foot boxes or 4 twenty-foot boxes, so actually turning the ship around now is prett y much focussed on gett ing the cargo out and is why we introduced the booking system – you need to have something in planning in terms of what and how we are going to service.

Ultimately, we are judged by our customers.

I mean we are very open and transparent, we have online forums – where hauliers come along and have the opportunity to raise issues and they’ve made some very good suggestions.

of retailers now and 3PLs having more distribution centres rather than national centres. We have obviously been successful in winning some business – so we’ve got Lidl in London Gateway, we’ve got Dixon and we have a number of big companies we are talking to.

And do you think this is due to the impending low emission zone regulation as regards the use of electric vehicles for last mile delivery from these companies?

I think that these hubs are primarily there because they are closer to the market, so you’ve got speed and cost saving. One of the advantages there is the Gateway being close to London is there is the opportunity for using zero emission vehicles for that last mile delivery.

Where is your growth potential?

Feedback is always so important. Going back to the eCommerce, this is where London Gateway as a port works very well because we are unique in the sense that we have a Logistics Park right behind the port. So, a lot of cargo that traditionally comes into the centre port goes up to the Golden Triangle, or even further up North but a huge amount of it comes back down South again, because the big consumer market is in the Greater London Area. So, we are seeing a number

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

There is still some growth in Southampton, but the main growth particularly for the large vessels will be in London Gateway.

We’ve got three berths built at the moment we’ve got expansion technology to six and we’ll bring that new capacity on in line with demand.

www.fleet.ie

46 | OPINION

MEPs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sleeping on the job!

View from the Operators Desk by Sean Murtagh sean@fleet.ie

O

ver the years through this column, I have always stated that one of the biggest insults paid to our industry is allowing non-qualified people taking decisions for the future of our sector. As the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) continues to strengthen our political lobbying clout in Ireland, we have a little more influence on some outcomes, but in Europe we are still often at the mercy of enthusiastic politicians armed only with reports and studies presented by academics.

Often these reports are based on facts collected from alleged dubious sources, often not based on real-life experience. A classic example happened last April in advance of an IRU (International Road Transport Union) Conference to discuss some of the future legislative changes. Chairperson Matt hias Maedge invited two Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who were attending the event to sleep in a truck the night beforehand. So, the three men headed off with their sleeping bags to a service area between Ghent and Antwerp in Belgium. Now, I accept that this was a well-intentioned publicity stunt by the IRU to draw attention to the changes that may be coming, but it is a terrible state of affairs that we have to, as an industry, go to these extremes. One could be cynical and say that these were like children playing Cowboys and Indians -everything make believe and seeing only the best side.

One area the MEPs should pay attention to is the impending shortage of transport in general that is emerging. Last month it was revealed that the fail rate for home deliveries has doubled in a twelve-month

period. Some members at the recent IRHA AGM & Conference in Dublin told of notices having been sent to their Irish customers to inform them that American agents could no longer guarantee the times to collect or deliver containers stateside. Paramount to this problem is the introduction of a tachograph regime in the USA and a driver shortage. The emergence of on-line shopping, extra legislation, the sheer unatt ractiveness of working in the industry and increased customer expectations are driving us all in the direction of chaos. Ironically in most other industries this level of shortage would lead to an increase in charges. Is that around the corner? Who knows?

A practical demonstration of how on-line shopping can impact on the delivery network could be seen during the snowstorms earlier this year. Because most of the nation were confi ned to their homes, one of the few activities they could do was on-line shopping. By the time trucks and vans got back on the roads there was a massive backlog that took days to clear.

So back to our MEPs and their trip to the service parks for a night in the truck cab. All of us know what it is like to show an enthusiastic relative the inside of a truck for the fi rst time, the clumsy way they get in to it, even more clumsy as they try to exit. Shrieks of horror at the height of the cab, can be heard. But at least, based on that one visit, these European politicians will not be making decisions that will affect us. Guys, suggest that you stick to the politics and leave the truck transport business to us. If you need to know something â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just ask us, we have enough sleeping done in trucks for all of us.

We require Owner Drivers for Full Time Contract Dublin work.

(Max 3 trucks per contractor) Artic & Rigid trucks.

PLEASE CONTACT: admin@superiorexpress.ie | Brian: 087 2508633

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

REPORT II | 47

Motorways of the Sea Seminar “TEN-T Corridor over the UK must be preserved as part of the Brexit divorce agreement”

I

n closing the Motorways of the Sea Seminar held in Limerick on 18 May last, Deirdre Clune, MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport & Tourism, made a strong plea that Ireland’s participation in the Trans-European Network must be preserved in a post-Brexit situation. Irish roads and rail are at the western end of the TEN-T North Sea-Mediterranean Corridor that runs east through England and on to Continental Europe.

The seminar’s theme was “Understanding the Opportunities from the EU”. It was put together and hosted by the Shannon Foynes Port Company with the backing of the European Commission, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) and the Irish Maritime Development Office. The attendance, made up mainly of representatives of the Irish port and maritime sectors along with Government Agencies, heard a range of presentations from the European Commission, European based Shipping lines and Ports as well as from the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

Speaking about National Ports Policy and how the current arrangements channel development funds into the larger ports, IMDO CEO, Liam Lacey cautioned that this focus - which is similar to that adopted throughout the EU and elsewhere - risks causing congestion and delays in cargo movement both on the sea and land sides.

The recently announced Irish Ports capacity study may stimulate a better spread of development to ports such as Rosslare and Waterford that have significant growth

potential. Speaking about Landbridge traffic, approximately 15% of vehicles moving out of Ireland to British Ports are ‘Landbridge’ and 80% of these move through Dublin Port. Blockchain and similar systems have considerable potential to enable shipping into and out of Ireland to be more efficient and lower cost.

Brian Simpson, European Co-ordinator for the Motorways of the Sea (MoS) programme pointed out that 40% of EU internal trade moves on water as does 70% of external trade.

In Europe there are more than 800 unit-load services operating through 400 Community Ports. In assessing new MoS projects he has three priorities; (a) Environmental benefit, the use of low carbon fuels etc., (b) the integration of the maritime logistics chain - inland links to ports, links to peripheral regions, use of fi nancial programmes to support short sea shipping etc., (c) safety, the human element, training and making all maritime related activities safer. A typical MoS project would include an upgrade of a maritime link together with a land infrastructure link.

Mr. Simpson concluded that Ireland does not receive its fair share of MoS funding because it does not generate enough applications that meet the criteria. Speaking about the TEN-T North Sea Mediterranean Corridor, Prof.

Peter Balazs, who has responsibility within the EU Commission for that corridor, told the seminar that while there were many issues relating to UK future participation in Corridor activities, he would make every effort to maintain the integrity of the corridor post-Brexit. Overall within TEN-T, rail projects receive the major

share of funding and one specific interest is how to connect with the Asian Silk Road development.

Poul Woodall of DFDS and Simon Wagstaff of Brittany Ferries both spoke about the role of MoS funding in the development of Western Europe services. For Brittany Ferries, MoS funding support enabled them to open their fi rst England/Spain routes which have now become a substantial part of their business. The recently launched Cork/Santander route has not received any MoS funding but integrates well with the existing Brittany Ferries network. The charter on the present vessel on that route runs for two years but Brittany plan to run the route until at least the mid-2020s.

Philippe Deiss, CEO of the Port of Normandy Authority spoke mainly about the Port of Cherbourg and links to Ireland which represent about 20% of its trailer business; of that 58% is shipped unaccompanied.

Cherbourg has considerable potential to develop Lo-Lo services.

Pat Keating of the host Port, Henry Kingston of Port of Cork, Eddie Burke of DTTAS and others raised issues relating to funding of ‘Last Mile’ connections for ports. Lydia Rooney from the EU Commission said that while funding could be available to support roads to Ringaskiddy and Foynes, no applications had been received from Transport Infrastructure Ireland which is the conduit for such funding.

The event concluded with a tour of Shannon Foynes Port.

Brian Simpson, European Co-ordinator for the Motorways of the Sea programme Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

48 | MARITIME I

fleetMaritime: IRISH SHIPPING & FREIGHT Compiled by Howard Knott Edited by Jarlath Sweeney email: maritime@fleet.ie

Volume 13, No. 3 Summer 2018

Capt. Michael McCarthy establishes MMCC Port Marine Ltd

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Connemara will also operate a once weekly Cork/Roscoff service. Th is augments the passenger capacity on this route that has been served for a number of years by the cruise ferry Pont Aven on a seasonal basis.

The 2,250-lane metre Connemara not only has substantial freight capacity but can accommodate up to 800 (economy ticket) passengers. Th is will be the fi rst direct ferry service from Ireland to Spain.

aptain Michael McCarthy has called time on his long career as Commercial Manager at the Port of Cork and has established his own consultancy business, MMCC Port Marine Ltd. Th roughout his career Michael has worked with great enthusiasm to bring a number of major developments to Ireland’s second port. These include the opening of the Cobh Cruise Liner Terminal and the development of Cork and other Irish ports as significant cruise ports of call. During 2018, over 90 cruise calls are planned for Cork and Bantry. As vessel sizes grow, the challenges of accommodating them at the Cruise Terminal increase, with a number of the largest vessels calling at the Ringaskiddy deep-water facility this summer.

Perhaps the greatest achievement for Michael McCarthy has been in securing the new Brittany Ferries direct service linking Cork with the Port of Santander. Commencing in early May 2018, this will be a yearround, twice weekly service, while the vessel

The dogged and determined Capt. Michael McCarthy will also be remembered for his work in securing the port and industrial Marino Point location within Cork Harbour, and also for pulling together the partners in what promises to be Ireland’s first Maritime Services Centre.

Celebrity Eclipse is a game-changer for Irish Cruise Tourism

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he fi rst large cruise ship ever to be based in Dublin arrived at the Port on 30 April last. The 317-metre-long Celebrity Eclipse, with a passenger capacity of 2,850 guests was making the fi rst of five visits to the city, and the owners expect that over 14,000 passengers will sail from Dublin on a series of ten-day cruises. Most of the guests will fly in to Dublin from the USA, and to accommodate the boarding and discharging of the vessel, Dublin Port has built a special temporary terminal close to the common user berth. On completion of the Port’s purpose-built Cruise line terminal these facilities will be transferred to a location close to the East Link bridge and the LUAS terminus.

Expected to bring a business boom to the city, each turnaround of the ship in Dublin will generate over an estimated €1 million

FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2018

will surpass €50 million.

in knock-on economic benefits according to Lord Mayor, Micheal MacDonncha.

Turnaround passengers typically extend their stay by three to four days either side of the cruise departure or arrival date. Combined with port of call passengers, the overall economic contribution of Dublin Port’s 2018 cruise season to the local economy

During May and June 2019, the Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Reflection will sail from Dublin Port as part of a mini-season offering five cruises from Ireland. The vessel is marginally larger than Celebrity Eclipse accommodating just over 3,000 guests, and features many of the same luxury venues.

Celebrity Cruises sails on every continent in the world and has a fleet of 12 ships. The revolutionary new ship Celebrity Edge will join the fleet in November 2018. The cruise line is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the second large cruise business in the world.

Other Cruise lines will also offer a total of seventeen partial turnarounds where guests can join or leave the vessel in Dublin while the balance of guests, having visited the capital, remain on board.

MARITIME II | 49

World’s largest short-sea Ro-Ro vessel is christened in Dublin October 2009 and these have grown strongly as the Irish economy recovered to the point today where we offer seven calls weekly from Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.”

“The timing of MV Celine’s delivery is opportune, allowing CLdN to be well positioned to develop the Irish/Continental trade lane offering a viable and direct alternative to the UK landbridge.”

T

he christening took place of the CldN vessel Celine on Friday, 20 April at Dublin Port. The traditional bottle of champagne was broken over the vessel’s bow by Celine’s Godmother, Dr. Geraldine O’Reilly, whose husband Eamonn is CEO of Dublin Port.

Speakers at the ceremony included An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. and Christian Cigrang representing the family owners of the CLdN Group. The gathering included customers from both the Benelux countries and Ireland, and the vessel was blessed by the Dublin Port Chaplains.

The Celine, is the first of a series of six similar vessels being built at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea, and along with her sister ship Delphine launched in February 2018, is the largest short-sea Con-Ro vessel.

The 74,273 gross tonne vessel is 234 metres long, 38 metres in width and has a working draft of 7 metres. Her working deck space is 8,000 lane metres.

The Dublin Port agent, Doyle Shipping has been given an eight-hour slot to discharge and re-load a mix of Ro-Ro trailers, double stacked containers loaded onto Mafi flats, and trade cars, a task involving anything up to 1500 movements. The vessel’s passenger accommodation is limited to twelve drivers so that virtually all movements are done by the shore-based team.

The Celine operates a weekly rotation involving calls at Dublin, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. CLdN now serves each port up to five times weekly from Dublin using a mix of vessels including the Lo-Lo container vessel Arx. The present CLdN fleet consists of 25 vessels and it operates over 130 sailings a week to a range of ports through Scandinavia, Benelux, Iberia, Britain and Ireland. Maurice Dee of the Line’s Dublin office advises that there has been major recent growth in the trailer volumes moving aboard the vessels to and from Scandinavian ports in particular. At Zeebrugge Port the line has recently moved to a brandnew facility, which allows its Dublin and Gothenburg vessels to work alongside each other. A significant number of Irish hauliers, who would traditionally have used the British landbridge on a driver-accompanied basis, are now using the CLdN service and linking up with transport operators based in Zeebrugge or Rotterdam to on-forward the trailer.

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, added: “It is an honour for Dublin Port to host the christening of MV Celine at such an exciting time for Dublin Port. The addition of new ships and sailings shows the shipping sector’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing customer needs, particularly in response to Brexit. We expect MV Celine will mark the beginning of additional new services to Continental Europe from Dublin Port over the coming years.”

Speaking with Fred Willems, a CLdN veteran of 35 years standing and business Unit Manager at the Container division, he advised that he was now in charge of the development of their “Flatbed and exceptional Logistics Department.” Th is department, which was launched on 16 April, involves the transport of long, high and heavy loads for all sorts of material across Europe. The unit’s specialist trailer fleet includes a number of low floor mega flatbeds and extendable flatbeds.

Speaking at the christening ceremony Christian Cigrang, CEO of CLdN said: “Choosing to name CLdN’s fi rst of the next generation of Ro-Ro vessels, MV Celine, in Dublin is testament to CLdN’s belief in our Irish/Continental trade lane and appreciation of the support given over the past decade by Dublin Port Company and our dynamic team in Ireland. CLdN commenced services to Dublin Port in

FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2018

50 | MARITIME III

Dublin Port’s growth continues and Masterplan is updated

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argo volumes at Dublin Port reached a new record in 2017 as 36.4 million tonnes passed through the port including one million Ro-Ro units. Trade figures for the first quarter of 2018 show that cargo volumes at the port grew by 3.4% in Q1 2018 to exceed nine million gross tonnes for the Quarter.

Imports for the first three months of the year rose by 4.3% while exports increased by 2.1%. Most of the port’s cargo is comprised of freight trailers and containers and both sectors showed continued strong growth, with Ro-Ro up by 2.5% and Lo-Lo container volumes ahead by 5.3%.

On the passenger and vehicle side of the business, imports of trade vehicles in the first three months jumped by 14.2%, while passenger volumes climbed by 8.6%. Similarly, the number of tourist vehicles grew by 6.4%.

Furthermore, Dublin Port’s cruise business will see 154 cruise ship arrivals, bringing a record-breaking 275,000 visitors to the city this year, including 10 maiden calls and five full turnaround cruises.

Dublin Port has also confirmed that it will pay a dividend to the State of €12.2m in 2018, bringing the aggregate dividend payment since 2007 to €113.4m. The dividend follows a strong financial performance in 2017, during which turnover grew by 4.7% to €85.5m and profit after tax increased by 3.9% to €40.6m.

Speaking at the announcement of these figures, Dublin Port CEO, Eamonn O’Reilly said: “I am pleased that Dublin Port’s multimillion-euro investment programme has

The context for the review has been economic resurgence with five years of consistent growth in cargo volumes (30% growth since 2012) and each of the last three years a record year, while national policy continues to evolve with the publication of Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework.

Containers and Tanks at the Dublin Port common User Terminal.

already delivered the fi rst of new berths to accommodate customer investments in new vessels and routes, and MV Celine’s christening marks an important milestone in this regard.

“Based on our Masterplan, Dublin Port is investing €132m this year alone to ensure the timely delivery of new infrastructure and additional capacity to further facilitate Ireland’s trading needs. Capital investment of €1 billion is planned over the next decade.”

The 2018 review of that masterplan is now underway. In launching the Public Consultation on the plan which is to cover the period up to 2040, thereby mirroring the timeframe of the National Development Plan, a spokesman for the Port Company said: ‘Dublin Port Company has published the draft Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 – Reviewed 2018. The first review of the Masterplan commenced in 2017 with the purpose of ensuring that the Masterplan 2040 remains relevant and achieves its central objective of providing a clear vision for the sustainable development of Dublin Port into the future.’

The Royal Princess is now even larger

T

he Royal Princess (pictured right reversing into Dublin Port with the sea tractors, Beaufort & Shackleton in attendance) held a commanding presence in Dublin’s Port with her length of 330 metres, being more than two and a half times the length of Dublin’s Spire, and her 66-metre height

FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2018

making her taller than Liberty Hall. She arrived in Dublin as part of a cruise that also included visits to Cobh and Belfast Ports.

At a welcome event for the Royal Princess, Pat Ward, Cruise Business Manager at Dublin Port said: “We are pleased to

Development works at Dublin Port are already advanced with construction of the ABR (Alexandra Basin Re-development) Project well under way and capital investment of €1 billion planned over the next decade.

Elsewhere, works have commenced on the development of the 44-hectare Dublin Inland Port adjacent to Dublin Airport. Between now and 2040, other major development projects are envisaged on both the north side of the Port and on the Poolbeg Peninsula to complete the development vision of Masterplan 2040.

Since Dublin Port commenced consultation on the review of the Masterplan, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement have also been undertaken and the findings incorporated into the Masterplan.

The draft Dublin Port Masterplan 2040 and associated SEA Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement are now available for viewing on the Port Company’s websitewww.dublinport.ie. It was also displayed at the Dublin Port Centre on Alexandra Road, Dublin 1, during April and May 2018. This information will be taken into consideration before the finalisation of the Dublin Port Masterplan 2040.

announce a record cruise season for Dublin Port, with 151 cruise calls and more than 275,000 visitors confi rmed for 2018. We are seeing growing demand for Dublin Port on passenger itineraries from the world’s leading cruise lines, with more requests to accommodate larger ships and strong demand for turnarounds.”

“As our cruise business evolves, Dublin

MARITIME IV | 51

First new vessel for Irish Ferries in 2018

W

hile the big event for Irish Ferries in 2018 will be the introduction of the cruise ferry W.B. Yeats, now re-scheduled for late July, the company’s fi rst introduction has been that of the fast ferry Dublin Swift. The new vessel takes over the schedule of the Jonathan Swift which has served on the Dublin/Holyhead route since delivery from the Austral builders in 1999, completing well over 12,000 round trips on that route. On Saturday afternoon, 28 April the Dublin Swift led the Jonathan Swift out of Dublin Port to a fi re hose salute and siren sounding from one of the Port’s sea tractors as the Jonathan Swift set off to take up duty with her new owners, Balearia Line operating in the Mediterranean.

The Dublin Swift was built by Austral in 2001 and was bought by Irish Ferries in 2016. Since then she had been completing her contract to operate for the US Military in the Pacific, a contract that fi nished in November 2017 when she was brought to Europe and to the Harland & Wolff Dockyard in Belfast. There she has been re-furbished to

bring her facilities up to Irish Ferries' standards.

The Dublin Swift is of a similar type and style to the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s Manannan which has also undergone service with the US military before being brought to Europe. She has seating for 820 passengers and garage space for 200 vehicles. She has garage height of 4.4 metres so that, according to Eugene Carron at Irish Ferries, she can accommodate a greater range of vehicles than could her predecessor.

Stena Line maintains a strong focus on the Irish Sea

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tena Line now operates a total of 38 ferries on 21 routes covering western Europe from Ireland through to the Baltics.

“Stena Lines freight business is constantly developing. Especially on the Irish Sea, we have during recent years had a very positive development and have gained a strong position with very good transportation offerings for our customers. We intend to continue to develop our business based on our customer demands and keep our strong position,” stated Paul Grant, Route Director, Irish Sea North.

Currently Stena is building new state-of-the-art RoPax vessels that will be deployed on the Irish Sea and represent a key strategic investment to continue to further strengthen Stena Line’s business in the region. Delivery from the Chinese yard is planned during 2019 and 2020. Stena Line plans to announce the route deployment of the three vessels allocated to their own service within the next month.

The fourth vessel has been chartered to Brittany Ferries.

Port Company remains fi rmly focused on future-proofi ng our infrastructure to accommodate larger and larger ships of all types including cruise ships, passenger ferries and cargo ships.”

Among the 151 cruise calls confi rmed for 2018, there are nine maiden calls. Th is year 23 cruise calls will feature ships longer than 330 metres. One major element in Dublin

“We have a positive outlook on the future and foresee continued growth within ferry transportation so this is an important strategic step in helping us to prepare our business to leverage that anticipated growth,” explained Ian Davies, Route Director, Irish Sea South.

Stena Line owns both Holyhead and Fishguard Ports. Tenders have been issued for work that will upgrade the ramp and other facilities at Fishguard and it is anticipated that this will be carried out during 2019.

Port’s Alexandra Basin re-development project is reducing the length of the North Wall Extension (basically the small lighthouse and the quayside on which the trailers stand in the photo) to enable these large vessels to come up river in the normal way, not having to reverse as the Royal Princess. Th is development will save time and costs for the Lines and the Port.

FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2018

52 | COMMENT

Is the race to electric power in cars and vans a clever thing?

From where I'm sitting - Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

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was alarmed at seeing a headline recently in the Financial Times, stating that, under new rules going through the British Parliament, it will be illegal to sell hybrid cars or any other cars powered by a petrol engine from 2040. I presume that, as Brexit has not happened, the rules elsewhere in Europe will be similar and probably also throughout those parts of Asia where air pollution is already at dangerous levels.

I suppose this particularly hit me upon thinking that although children born today will be adult by then, 2040 is only a blink away.

Also it struck me while at the Multimodal exhibition in Birmingham that most of the ships, trains and many of the aircraft sitting on stands there in picture or model form will be nowhere near the end of their revenue earning careers in 2040. Infrastructure in ports, airports and rail installed now will only just be beginning to show a profit.

Airlines and Leasing Companies buying new airliners today will be seeking to retain the value of their investment through conversion of these planes to freighters, and shipowners will be seeking to retain value by fitt ing equipment that will reduce emissions while also using the facility that is being built into most new vessels to switch their engines to alternative energy sources.

Environment Minister Naughton was quoted recently about the problem that Government has in reversing the incentives to purchase vehicles powered by diesel rather than by petrol. He suggested that they could not bring the excise duty of diesel fuel up to that of petrol as this would damage the road transport industry, but he did also admit that any such move would upset the tens of thousands of motorists who had bought diesel cars through cheaper taxation.

Perhaps he doesn’t have to worry, garages will tell you that the second-hand value of diesel cars has dropped like a stone, even over the last six months.

But now we come to the question; will future Environment Ministers in all countries with a significant level of urban populations face a similar question concerning electric vehicles? At the moment there appears to be a race on between national governments backed by local authorities within their territories to have the greatest number of electric powered vehicles sold and operating in ‘smelling the roses’ cities, but surely having the streets clogged up with four wheeled vehicles no matter how they are powered, is not at all clever and, some might say, downright dangerous.

Sainsbury’s has just announced the takeover of ASDA, having recently swallowed up Argos. Is this an indication that ‘on-line’ shopping really is winning, that large shops will vanish from city streets, being replaced by apartments and even larger fleets of white vans?

I’m not sure that the planners are ready for this, perhaps banning the sale of hybrid powered cars by 2040 is not such a great idea.

Maybe a better idea would be to ban the private car altogether and establish decent public transport with pool cars at terminals and the like. I just don’t know.

Some companies will follow what Stena Line is presently doing, an experiment with switching vessels to methanol or battery power.

Irish Rail is planning to have its new commuter rail sets designed to operate on electric but with the option to switch to diesel or other fossil fuel where the lines are not electrified.

Coming back to the petrol/electric hybrid car example, it is clear that the development of road transport vehicles - be they cars, trucks or buses - is advancing far more quickly than any of the other modes. Jarlath Sweeney’s article in the March 2018 edition of Fleet Transport on truck developments at Daimler focusing on the Mercedes-Benz eActros was a complete eye-opener where, what I would have imagined as a long-term future, was demonstrated as being no more than two to three years away. The recent launch of the new Nissan Leaf with a range of up to 370 km brings the Dublin to Cork run well into range, while in the USA and UK, major parcels delivery service providers are building up significant fleets of battery powered vehicles.

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54 | LEGAL

To Sleep or not to Sleep

*(Apologies to William Shakespeare)

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great deal has been written, and is being written, about the dangers faced both by drivers and members of the public when drivers drink to excess or take drugs. Those dangers clearly increase proportionately when the vehicle being driven is a heavy goods vehicle. In fact, greater dangers arise when a driver falls asleep. Current research suggests that almost 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep related, and in about 40% of those accidents commercial vehicles are involved. In the Republic it is estimated that in one in five of accidents resulting in driver fatality, fatigue is a contributory factor.

In the fi nal analysis, a driver who has a tendency to fall asleep whilst driving should not be driving, and, of course, it can only be the driver who is particularly aware of the problem. When employment depends on the ability to drive, it is easy to understand the reluctance of a driver to disclose the information that he or she has a tendency to fall asleep whilst driving, particularly if disclosure might result in the loss of the licence to drive.

In daily life many circumstances can interrupt normal sleep patterns.

Attending a concert, going to a fund raising event, or meeting friends for a drink, are common examples of activities that result in an individual having less sleep than usual. It is not difficult to realise that everyone will acquire what is known as a ‘sleep debt’ if they do not have the amount of sleep that their body requires. When an individual’s sleep debt becomes significant they will have a strong desire to sleep. If that person is driving a vehicle an accident may well be the result.

education. Drivers must learn to accept that there is a general problem and that any difficulty that they may have is shared by many others.

Once it is understood ‘sleep debt’ is easy to recognise, and therefore to avoid. Perhaps the most important lesson however is to realise that most conditions, including OSA , can be treated by a doctor.

When the doctor feels that there is a serious public danger if the driver continues to drive there may be a duty to notify the authorities, but, at the same time, a treatment should be available.

A driver with a sleep problem may well feel that his or her problem is unique. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it is that message which all those employing drivers should promote.

There are drivers who will, for whatever reason, continue to drive even when their body demands sleep. Some years ago the Road Safety Authority (RSA) came up with a simple slogan designed to remind drivers of the obligation not to drive when tired, “Stop, Sip, Sleep.”, a highly relevant and effective slogan. Unfortunately however, some drivers, particularly of commercial vehicles, appear to consider that driving whilst exhausted is a form of personal challenge.

There are also medical conditions that can affect people in the course of their daily lives by causing sudden episodes of extreme fatigue. One of these conditions is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Th is condition can lead to daytime drowsiness which may well be a problem for a driver. Other symptoms may include persistent headaches, irritability, and forgetfulness. It is however a condition that can be treated fairly easily provided that the sufferer seeks medical help.

Both Irish and EU legislation require a driver to notify their driver licensing authority of any illness, or permanent or long-term injury, that might affect their ability to drive safely. Clearly that includes any unusual sleep pattern, whether or not that is the result of sleep debt or OSA, and that notification may, of course, result in the loss of the driver’s licence, whether for a short term, perhaps with conditions, or permanently. Against this background it is all too easy to understand the reluctance of a driver, who depends on his or her ability to drive to earn a living, to risk losing their licence by notifying the authorities of any sleep related problem.

As with other similar problems, the solution must depend upon FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Text: Jonathan Lawton - jonathan@fleet.ie

FINANCE | 55

Staff Motivation

is crucial to staff motivation and productivity. Many organisations have an autocratic system of staff monitoring and control, with all business decisions and suggestions made by senior management and owners. It is felt in such companies that staff will not perform their basic functions without clear rules, regulations and supervision.

In other businesses though, the flow of information works both ways and all staff are part of the overall business success. The ability to communicate with owners and senior management is not dependant on business size, as large organisations can successfully make their business all-inclusive by implementing good communication methods.

Whether working for an indigenous Irish company or a global player, being part of a successful business that has a high profi le image and an ethos of social care, can be key incentives towards staff motivation and well-being. Small to medium sized businesses that support local community developments and are at the forefront of social development can be very rewarding to be a part of.

The fi nal item in staff motivation relates to being part of a team. It encompasses the branding and image of the business, the corporate ethos and the calibre of individuals that work in the business. Being part of a team as a motivational tool should not be underestimated, it works in sport and transfers to all businesses regardless of size.

T

he most important element of any business success is the ability to motivate all management and staff to succeed in the achievement of the business goals.

These goals must be communicated effectively and clearly at all levels, and staff then must be incentivised and motivated to achieve these short, medium and long term targets.

In relation to road transport and warehousing operations, and the success of the business versus that of the competition, the standards and self-belief to really succeed must be replicated by all staff.

There are five key elements to staff motivation. To recruit and retain staff the fi nancial remuneration for the specific job must be on par with industry norms. Where practical and compliant, staff remuneration should be linked to productivity, so pay for the amount and standard of work done as opposed to just clocking in time. Recently at an International Logistics trade show I was amazed at money spent on staff and display costs, versus actual business gain. On most stands there seemed to be litt le or no effort by staff to seek positive sales leads - the only reason they were in attendance.

It looked to me as an annual get together of staff to chat to each other as opposed to selling the business! At every level and every function, remuneration should be linked with job productivity, rewarding those who want to succeed.

Most employees are motivated to work in an organisation that will further develop their skills and ability. Logistics fi rms managed by staff who have come up through the ranks and have the in-house training and business acumen to succeed will be seen as a preferred employer in both recruiting and retaining staff. The ability to develop in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job can be a key factor in the motivation of staff to maximise their potential.

The respect that staff are shown by management and fellow employees Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

56 | REVIEW II

Multimodal 2018 – NEC, Birmingham (1-3 May)

A

s the pace of e-Commerce continues to rise, the impact on logistics systems is enormous. Think of the stress, pressure and challenges on fleet operators, shippers and warehouse providers.

From an ever ending demand from customers, to capacity issues, to driver shortages to failed delivery slots, today’s supply chain operations require intelligent, efficient, endto-end technology solutions.

Over the eleven years of the Multimodal Show, the supply chain industry has witnessed unprecedented change, be it from rail, sea/ water and air, together with warehousing, logistics and IT- Information Technology. The event has kept visitors up to speed with these trends, helping them to look and compare with other modes of transport and routes to market while at the same time helping to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and enable greener supply chains.

Ace Express Freight www.ace-express.com The Dublin based road, sea and air services provider was the only Irish freight company present, unlike other years. Philip Tracey, M.D. was offering interested parties a full month’s free freight service as well as advice on the latest Brexit information to hand.

Pictured: Tony Dunphy, Stephen Daly and Philip Tracey

Analytiqa www.analytiqa.com Analytiqa provides reports, databases, bespoke research, consulting and AEO services globally along the supply chain and real estate. Recently it worked on the CBRE Ireland Industrial & Supply Chain Confidence Index 2018, launched in Dublin.

BACA Workwear & Safety – www.bacasafety.co.uk Keeping employees smart and safe is the philosophy behind three decades of success at BACA. At the show, its newly acquired Veltuff range was launched comprising of clothing, hi-viz garments, footwear and gloves. BACA: The Smart Choice for Safety.

Brittany Ferries – www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk Pre and post Brexit, interest in Britt any Ferries’ new service direct from Ireland to Spain is being keenly followed. Called the Connemara, the 28-hour twice-weekly return service to Santander and Cork is primarily for freight movements but will accommodate passengers in ‘economy class’.

CLdN Cargo – www.cldncargo.com Following the launch of the world’s largest Ro-Ro vessel, the MV Celine, at Dublin Port, it’s business as usual for CLdN. As one of Europe’s major shipping and logistics providers, it operates nine branches in eight countries primarily focused on moving up to 3,500 containers and 1,400 trailers internationally.

Dennison Trailers – www.dennisontrailers.com Among the few trailer manufacturers present in Hall 4 was Dennison which has a significant presence in the UK (with its Lancashire factory). Recent major f leet orders include The Malcolm Group, Hireco and just announced at the show - Maritime Transport.

Eurotunnel: Le Shutt le Freight – www.eurotunnelfreight.com User numbers from the logistics sector continue to increase Eurotunnel activity due to its faster channel crossing and saving on driver’s hours and fuel costs. A new service for van operators is now being introduced alongside its passenger service.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

Jarlath Sweeney and Howard Knott were present for Fleet Publications for this A-Z review.

REVIEW II | 57

Impact Handling (Konecranes) – www.impact-handling.com Multimodal is the name of the game at Impact, the sole distributer for Konecranes lift trucks, Reach stackers and Container Lift Trucks for the UK & Ireland. Customised offerings are available with Impact working with Konecranes and the customer to develop the bespoke product required.

Krone Trailers – www.krone-trailer.com The products of Europe’s (and Germany’s) No. 2 trailer and body builder provider are well known across the UK & Ireland.

Promoted at the event was its platform trailers and sliding container-chassis as pictured.

UK & Ireland Sales Director, Fran Pickering headed up the sales team there.

Motis – www.motis.com It was like they never left the NEC having spent a number of days at the CV Show the previous week. The Motis team was back on duty explaining its brand range of services from ferry bookings, motorway tolls, Alpine tunnels, Dover truck parking, HGV levy, etc.

P&O Ferries – www.poferriesfreight.com Each year P&O carries more than 10 million passengers, 1.6 million cars and 2.2 million freight units from its 20 ships running 30,000 sailings per year. Eight major routes between Britain, France, Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium are operated.

Samskip – www.samskip.com High frequency shipping services are provided, connecting destinations across Europe, the Baltic States, Russia, Turkey and Central Asia, both door-to-door (including collection) and port-to-port. Transport is supplied by its own fleet of trucks and trailers.

Seabridge – www.seabridge.ie Did you know that Seabridge represents COSCO shipping line, the largest deep-sea shipping line in the world on the island of Ireland? The Dublin headquartered overnight groupage and full-load freight services provider operates out of five locations.

Pictured: Dara Murphy, Ann Marie Behan and Donna Whiles

Stena Line – www.stenalinefright.com With over 50 years’ experience in the ferry business, Stena Line’s business and services has grown significantly with a route network now extending to 21 routes, 38 vessels and more than two million freight unit shipments annually.

TimoCom – www.timocom.co.uk With more than 40,000 registered customers in its transport platform logistics network, TimoCom is Europe’s leader in this load exchange field. Up to 750,000 international freight and vehicle offers are entered daily on its system.

Transaid – www.transaid.org Another stand exhibitor that had a week-toweek follow-on appearance at the NEC was Transaid, the international transport related development charity. Among its fund-raising activities include long distance cycles with the length of Britain the next big venture.

Pictured: Jade Ashby, Florence Beaman and Harry Wells

Save the Date: Multimodal 2019 - NEC, Birmingham: 18-20 June Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.multimodal.org.uk www.fleet.ie

58 | SOAPBOX

New EU Directive 2018/645 - Drivers’ CPC - A Challenge to the Road Safety Authority

T

he Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) is probably the most contentious piece of regulation emanating from the European Union to hit truck drivers. While other regulations and directives are contentious, they affect transport operators rather than drivers, and the DCPC has fallen into the ‘Bent Banana’ basket of disrepute with the average European truck driver.

There are some good DCPC course providers who manage to make what the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has mandated us to undertake into something that not only engages drivers, but also actually makes them better drivers.

Recently I had a discussion with one such trainer who informed me how he engaged with his students. I told him that he was not delivering what was on the curriculum mandated by the RSA, and what would happen if an inspector arrived. His answer was that his class was well briefed on what to do should such an inspector sit in.

Now, fi nally, with the exception of changing the mandatory seven hours, the European Commission has proposed that the following changes amongst others, should be made to Directive 2003/59/EC and Directive 2006/126/EC from 22 May 2018, with EU Member States having two years to bring the necessary changes about.

(11)

Taking into account developments in training and education, and in order to enhance the contribution of Directive 2003/59/EC to road safety and the relevance of training for drivers, subjects relating to road safety should be strengthened in the training courses, such as hazard perception; the protection of vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians, cyclists and persons with limited mobility; fuel-efficient driving; driving in extreme weather conditions and carrying abnormal loads. In this context, the courses should also relate to intelligent transport systems and should evolve in order to keep pace with technological developments.

(12)

Member States should be provided with a clear option to improve and modernise training practices with the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools, such as e-learning and blended learning, for part of the training, while ensuring the quality of the training. When improving and modernising training practices with the use of ICT tools, it is important to take into account the fact that some specific topics require hands-on training and cannot be properly addressed with these learning tools: for example, fitt ing snow chains or securing the loads, or other training elements where the practical side is important. Practical training could, but does not have to, consist of driving. A substantial amount of the training required under this Directive should be carried out at an approved training centre.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 18

(13)

To ensure consistency between the different forms of training required under Union law, Member States should have the possibility to combine different types of relevant training: for example, it should be possible for them to combine training on the transport of dangerous goods, on disability awareness or on animal transport, with the training provided for in Directive 2003/59/EC.

As part of our company’s in-house training, nearly all of the above would be incorporated into what we do and a great deal of it would have been on motions of resolutions lists at the Irish Road Haulage Association’s (IRHA) AGM, particularly that of ADR. The UK’s Highways England has just produced a module on Smart Motorway Driving, which is free to download. As all Irish truck drivers now use motorways, this makes eminent sense for all of us.

The big question is will the RSA see it the same way? And given that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has a similar role here, could it now produce a similar product on Irish tunnels for the RSA? The great advantage to my mind of the Highways England module is that it is graphic. As so many of Ireland’s truck drivers are now from elsewhere in the EU, this really overcomes the linguistic challenges so many face on the DCPC. As the old saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words. The latter section of each module can be spent on practical hands-on stuff in the fresh air instead of struggling to stay awake in a classroom.

A downside is that a non-Irish driver entering employment here will now have the right to have his/her own national DCPC fully recognised and he/she can return to their native land for what may be a module of dubious quality when needed.

Irish hauliers will have to ensure that their in-house training will incorporate what they require their drivers to know, and that training should and could lead to the driver obtaining an Irish driving license?

There is no doubt that the RSA occupies a pre-eminent role in all the lives of those who travel by road and this is an opportunity to fi nally deliver a decent DCPC for the road transport industry. If not, according to this amended regulation, companies such as our own, can and will use material from other organisations in other countries such as the Smart Motorway Driving Module.

Here is the challenge facing the RSA - to be a force for the greater good or go on being just another bureaucracy in the lives of our drivers?

Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77

New 2018 MAX 3 axle step frame, 6m extension, hook on alu ramps with storage for ramps under trailer, post sockets, auto greaser, twistlock pockets, rear steer axle, ramps to neck, storage for timbers, wide load marker boards, in stock available now.

New 2018 MAX Flat trailer, extra low running height, SAF axles, only 6.3tons empty, 45ft, twistlocks, post sockets, galvanised headboard, XL rated, lashing rings along side rave, load blocking across ďŹ&#x201A;oor for extra load security, in stock available now.

New Faymonville Heavy Duty 4 axle step frame, 9ft wide, extendable, double ďŹ&#x201A;ip ramps, two rear steer axles, front lift axle, in stock and available on short delivery.

New Schmitz Tipping Trailers, Hardox steel, front lift axle, 8.2m, choice of internal or external door, roll over cover, galvanised steel chassis, available immediately.

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