Fleet Transport June 2019 by Fleet Transport

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE Inside!

Renault Range D INSIDE

D for Delivery INTERVIEW: Göran Nyberg, MAN Truck & Bus NEW VENTURE: Dennehy’s Renault Pro+ Centre FIRST DRIVE: Latest Mercedes-Benz Actros PICTORIAL: Waterford Truck Show 2019 REPORT: CBRE Ireland Industrial & Supply Chain Confidence Index 2019

JUNE 19

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Contents JUNE 19

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

4 News • Developments at BPW • Cosgraves vies for Van Hool • Truck Parking Europe’s 40th location • CJ Sheeran advises on Brexit • PSA to produce own large vans • Here’s the new MS-RT Connect 8 Interview With Göran Nyberg, MAN Truck & Bus 10 Cover Renault Range D26 Wide tested

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, HSA, Dr. Betty Maguire, Rob Van Dieten Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Newspress, SON Photographic Ltd, Noel Browne 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

12 New Fleet 191 registered Scania, Renaults and MAN 14 New Venture Dennehy’s Renault Pro+ Centre opens 16 Fleeting Shots • Skoda Pick-Up • Land Rover Defender • VW Amarok book

www.fleet.ie | 3 28 Review I FPS Expo 2019 Liverpool 30 Review II CV Show 2019, Birmingham 40 Report I/Pictorial Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2019 44 Fleet Maritime Shipping & Freight Newsletter 48 Comment Carrying containers 50 Report II CBRE/AIB Logistics & Supply Chain Confidence Index 54 Finance Haulage viability 55 Legal The customer is always right!

18 First Drive On board the latest Mercedes-Benz Actros

56 Opinion Truck driver shortage

20 Safety Matters High risk vehicle activities

58 Soapbox Tribute to the late Feargal Quinn

22 Fuel Prices Supplied by the IRU

P52

24 Health Matters Hair loss 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.

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.

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Transport Barometer: Data from 16/04/2019 - 15/05/2019

TIMOCOM & Cargoclix sort out loading dock jams No more waiting in the loading dock: an ambitious goal, but one that Timocom and Cargoclix are working together to make a reality. By br inging to gethe r telematics data and time slot management, the two IT companies want to solve familiar congestion problems at loading docks and set a new industry standard. “Our new position as a Smart Logistics System also includes networking with systems that offer joint customers important information at exactly the right moment,” said Andrea Di Domizio, Timocom. “We are looking forward, together with Cargoclix, to offering a solution that will surely be a standard in the future, and which will make work easier for everyone.”

4 | NEWS 1

AirSave – BPW’s new tyre pressure control system saves

ruck tyres have to withstand a great deal: load weights, road conditions and temperatures that are constantly changing can quickly lead to pressure differences that will rapidly wear out the tyres. The costs of premature wear alone are enormous. If a tyre blows out, it can have unforeseeable financial consequences due to downtime or even accidents. This is why BPW will soon be offering a robust control system ex-works that pays for itself in the first year. BPW’s new AirSave system delivers a cost benefit of more than €700 per year for a three-axle vehicle with a mileage of 120,000 kilometres per year. By keeping average pressure deviation within 10 percent can result in fuel savings of around 250 litres

and a longer service life of the tyres. And this figure does not even include the time saved from avoided vehicle and delivery interruptions. A three-axle vehicle with the AirSave system protects the environment by saving on average 655 kilos in CO 2 emissions per year. Additionally by reducing the possibility of blown tyres, it protects the environment from tyre scraps littering the environment. AirSave requires no maintenance for three years and always maintains the correct tyre pressure even if the tyre is damaged, by improving its emergency running properties. The system uses the existing trailer pneumatics and, with a fully automatic booster pump, ensures that the preset tyre pressure is

maintained at all times. The air is guided through the axle beam to the wheel end and from there to the tyre valve. The system displays a permanent loss of pressure. AirSave kicks in at a pressure deviation of just 0.2 bar – making it more reliable than other standard tyre pressure monitoring systems.

Another batch of Van Hool container chassis for Cosgrave Transport Limerick Ltd.

ollowing up on an order of a batch of fully galvanised goose neck semi-trailer container chassis from Van Hool in Belgium, Cosgrave Transport Limerick Ltd. has just received delivery of six additional units. The lightweight skeletal chassis feature BPW ECO Drum brakes, and are capable of carrying 40 or 45ft containers at an overall height of 4.0m. A payload of 26,000kgs is achievable using a 4x2 tractor unit making huge savings over having to operate 6x2 units, according to Brian Cosgrave. After extensive trials Cosgrave Transport chose the Van Hool chassis due to its fuel saving capabilities versus standard slider skeletal travelling at 4.5m height, as well as the overall weight saving gains. "The sales representatives at Van Hool in Belgium have been brilliant to deal with and so professional," said Brian. For decades Van Hool has been building a very wide range of container chassis for the transportation of standard containers, tank and bulk containers and swap tanks. They are made of high grade steel and are available in 20´/ 30´/ 40´ and 45´ versions using top-quality Van Hool zinc painting process, with more than 85% zinc in the primer coat. For certain application types it also offers

Enride goes driverless with DB Schenker FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

the possibility of galvanising the chassis.

ay 5th was a historic occasion. The fi rst cab-less, driverless electric truck – Einride’s T-pod – was driven on a public road. The world premiere and inaugural run took place at DB Schenker’s facility in Jönköping, Sweden, with T-pod transporting goods between a warehouse and terminal at the facility. It ran autonomously for about 350 metres - at a low speed - between

one of Schenker’s warehouse hotels and Schenker’s terminal in Jönköping with about 100 metres driven on public roads. In November 2018, the Swedish start-up Einride and leading logistics fi rm DB Schenker initiated the fi rst installation of an autonomous, all-electric truck or T-pod at a DB Schenker facility in Jönköping. It

NEWS II | 5

Truck Parking Europe secures 40th location *Booking platform experiences rapid growth as the sector demands safe parking

ruck Parking Europe recently reached a new milestone, connecting its fortieth secure truck parking location to its booking platform. With eight new facilities in the last two months, the platform is quickly growing, and now offers forty locations across thirteen European countries. Truck Parking Europe offers fleet and security managers an easy way to find, book and pay for a secure parking spot along a truck's route using a free smartphone or web app. This helps to reduce search traffic and limit cargo theft. The company has continued to expand the number of bookable locations available on its platform, with most locations close to a European Transport Corridor. The continual expansion of bookable locations is contributing to the mission of Truck Parking

Europe to improve safety for drivers and their cargo, and data shows that the need is there. In a European study on safe and secure truck parking areas, 74% of transport operators said that they want a one-stop-shop for both information, and the possibility to book a parking location. Truck Parking C4T Calais in France is the latest addition to the Truck Parking Europe booking platform. Truck Parking Europe’s database already offers information on 34,000 locations, from big to small, and now forty secure areas are available for booking. The company plan is to continue adding secure bookable

parking locations, with the aim of creating a network that covers Europe’s main transport corridors.

Hard Brexit could lead to Pallet treatments

Brexit would mean the UK being regarded as a ‘third country’, and thus every timber pallet moving in and out of the country would have to be heat-treated.

lead i ng t i mber pa l let manufacturer has warned that regulations over the treatment of pallets that would come into effect in the event of a hard Brexit could wreck havoc for Irish exporters.

CJ Sheeran produces almost two million pallets every year and recycle another two million. Around 40% of what the company produces goes to the UK or to the continent via the UK’s land bridge. The company has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine here to keep the industry and pallet users informed and prepared.

County Laois headquartered CJ Sheeran is warning that there is a possibility that all pallets moving between the UK and EU countries would have to be heat-treated to prevent invasive insects from spreading should an agreement not be reached between the two parties. That scenario could result in potential delays in deliveries of time critical goods, as well as creating additional costs for exporters. A hard Brexit would mean that a regulatory rule known as ISPM15, which is designed to stop the spread of invasive insects such as the bark beetle and the pinewood

nematode in pallets and other timber packaging, would immediately come into effect. The rule does not apply to internal movements within the EU as the region enjoys single country status, but a hard

Mark Sheeran, Managing Director of CJ Sheeran says that while the full extent of the problem will not really be known until hard Brexit actually happens, long delays would be inevitable at Dublin port and it could prove costly too.

was the fi rst commercial installation of its kind in the world. On 7 March, the Swedish Transport Agency concluded that the T-pod is eligable to operate in accordance with Swedish traffic regulations. Then on 11 March, the agency approved Einride’s application to expand the pilot to a public road. The permit applies to a public road within an industrial area – between a warehouse and a terminal. The permit is valid until 31 December 31. www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS III

Groupe PSA to produce large vans by end of 2021 in Gliwice (Poland)

he beginning of the end of the long established light commercial vehicle manufacturing collaboration between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA (Peugeot/Citroën/Opel) is on the cards as the European LCV market leader intends to further strengthen its market share in Europe and accelerate its development in the other regions. By the end of 2021, PSA’s Gliwice plant in Poland will produce a family of large vans for the Group. The SevelSud plant (FCA/PSA joint venture located in Val di Sangro, Italy) has exceeded its manufacturing capacities over the last three years with the production of the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper and Fiat Ducato large vans. The transition of the Opel and Vauxhall brands to the shared large vans platform will require additional production capacities and Groupe PSA has decided to extend its presence in Gliwice in Poland to fully utilise its capacity and competitiveness. The plant will be transformed to accommodate light commercial vehicles and adapted to the

specific platform dedicated to large vans. The investment aims at ensuring the plant’s production capacity of up to 100,000 large vans per year. The increase in manufacturing capacities in the large vans segment for the Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Vauxhall brands will enable Groupe PSA to better supply customers by the end of 2021 and will provide manufacturing visibility for more than a decade in Gliwice. Meanwhile Groupe PSA has begun its zero emission offensive on its light commercial product line presenting electrified versions of Peugeot Boxer Electric and Citroën Relay Electric at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham. At the event Philippe Narbeburu, Senior Vice-President, Light Commercial Vehicles Groupe PSA Business Unit said: “In line with our ‘Push to Pass’ strategic plan, we are continuing to electrify our entire range. This new offer is a major competitive advantage

for our brands in a very competitive LCV segment. This is an opportunity to strengthen our leadership in Europe by meeting the new needs of zero-emission driving without giving up the useful services related to the demanding uses of our professional customers.” In the medium van segment, Peugeot Expert and Traveller, Citroën Dispatch and SpaceTourer, Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Life, will all offer electrified versions in 2020. In the C-van segment, Partner Electric and Berlingo Electric have already existed since 1998. The new generation of these vans for Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall will be available with an electrified version by 2021.

Crackin’ MS-RT Transit Custom Conversion

S-RT, the specialist tuning fi rm based in South Wales which uses styling and technology pioneered by Ford’s works rally team, has revealed the fi rst images, pricing and specification details of the new MS-RT Transit Connect, developed, designed and built in-house at its former ICI Industrial factory in Pontypool.

The new model complements the MS-RT Transit Custom, introduced in 2018 to huge acclaim. The van features a styling kit conversion consisting of a full MS-RT plastic injection-moulded body kit including a uniquely styled front bumper, grilles, front diff user, side skirts, rear bumper, rear diff user and spoiler. In addition, it gets a quad stainless steel sports exhaust system, 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels, Michelin tyres, a carbon inlay sports steering wheel and a hand-made nappa leather and suede interior. Customers will also be given an exclusive MS-RT gift pack, consisting of a special logo-ed bag containing products to help keep their cherished van in tip-top condition. The conversion has been designed to pass QVM approval with Ford, which is already a key feature of the MS-RT Transit Custom. All MS-RT Transit Connects will come with a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty. A long-wheelbase version will join the range in 2020. FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

All versions will come with LED loadspace lighting, a premium infotainment pack with nav and a reversing camera, bi-xenon headlights and twin side loading doors. Options will include an upgrade to bronze alloy wheels, a Maxhaust exhaust system, a rally sticker pack, black exhaust tips and a full carbon steering wheel option.

i-Shift loads Making light work of heavy loads

Move up a gear into the Volvo Trucks unique I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox: the fastest, most seamless gear-changing system available in heavy duty trucks. When needed, this gearbox performs gear changes with no interruption in power delivery and maintains torque with no loss of speed, providing a more #¡ M¡ÁÚ 9 / 9MP #e9 Ú {¡æÁ 9Ċŉ ÈþeÚ#_ Ú¡ dşÈ_eMÚ .æ " æÚ#_ / Ú 9 Ú_9 _9 üĊ þ¡Á ¡æÚ ¡M Ċ¡æÁ 9ĈÚ {¡æÁ 9Ċŉ

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Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

8 | INTERVIEW

One-to-One with Göran Nyberg Board Member, Sales & Marketing, MAN Truck & Bus AG What was your perception of the MAN brand prior to joining and subsequently getting to know the product? That is a relevant point because when I left Europe in 2012, I had been competing with MAN for many years and had always great respect for the brand. Honestly, I had a hard time putt ing my head around what it stands for. Volvo has always been safety, for example. But coming back to Europe six years later, I see that MAN has started a journey to really build up the brand again, sharpening up the messages that are relevant to recreate the personality, profi le and backbone of the brand which I think is absolutely critical. A well engineered product is beneficial for the ones that use it because they know how good it is but in today’s environment you need to shout about it. I think creating a strong profi le of the brand is most important and so far, the team has done a great job on that. Secondly, customer feedback – customer satisfaction is going in the right direction and that perception takes time, but [ensuring] customer satisfaction is key. Once we start performing on a higher level of customer satisfaction, brand perception and brand strength will come with it. We are on a good path and the brand has a good momentum, going forward now to when we start utilising the investment that has been done, which also is another factor. We have today a strong solid product range, a bit classic maybe, but we are working hard on that renewal programme. So, I think it is a good time to join this company because a lot of things are lined up to take the next step.

and appreciative of the brand and proud of ownership in the main, but it’s a perception that is lower than we desire and is something that is a part of our journey to develop the brand. It’s very important – and that’s part of our future communication and marketing in the way we go to market, taking a different approach on how to communicate. MAN has always been associated with the founder of the Diesel engine, Rudolf Diesel, do you think that link will continue to be as strong into the future? I would say in the near future the diesel engine will still be a very important part of the equation, and the latest generation of diesel technology we have developed is really taking a big step forward. As an OEM we have invested heavily in R&D to understand what is the most feasible way to market. It doesn’t matter if we have a good solution, if it doesn’t bring the TCO that’s on a competitive level we will fail. So it’s technology versus costs that need to go hand in hand, together with quality and reliability, because reliability is part of the backbone and core of MAN.

In relation to pride with their trucks, the top Scandinavian brands enjoy a serious loyal following, do you think that MAN has that same desirability or is this something that is needed to work on?

All stakeholders including legislators, truck manufacturers and energy producers need to come together and agree on the way forward on carbon reduction because today it’s scattered. There is lots of focus on our sector, we don’t mind that, but the prerequisite for us is to deliver a feasible solution that also has the support in the market, that needs to be a shared responsibility.

Defi nitely, one should always start with the users of our products who are really loyal

I think that it’s a bit unfair that there is 100% attention on the truck manufacturers. We

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

will do our part, but if this is going to work and to get the benefits that are needed for the environment, then we all have to work together. That’s not happening now and when we talk about 2025, that’s just around the corner. So I’m nervous that the targets will fail outside our control. And where do electric powertrains fit into this plan? The legislation needs to cover the entire basis, and as I said, the prerequisite is for us to deliver a feasible solution because it doesn’t matter if we produce a range of electric vehicles that nobody sees the value in buying and we cannot force them to take them up. If it’s CNG, LNG, Hydrogen, electric vehicles or whatever it is, MAN Truck & Bus has a broad product portfolio. And then of course we have the Well-to-Wheel discussion, in that it needs to be fi xed and sett led, because we can’t accept a surprise. We might deliver a solution that is applicable in 2025 and then if suddenly in 2027 the energy we are using is not acceptable anymore, we all have failed. From a legislation point of view, we have Europe (MEPs) and National Governments, but now city authorities seem to have more strength, with London as a perfect example in controlling the movement of goods by whatever means that has the lowest carbon emissions. Most of the bigger cities have their own agenda but we have the solutions today to provide a carbon neutral supply chain that

INTERVIEW | 9 includes emission free last mile delivery. Presently, we have a limited scale production but we are bringing these vehicles to market right up to 2025. But the charging infrastructure isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there yet? Even if you could take the recharging of the vehicle during the driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forty-five minute break, this needs to be done at a resting place with a charging point and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if we will see that in 2025 in the scale that is needed to really make an impact. Moving on to connectivity and telematics and the RIO platform that MAN has developed, is this something that you will roll out not only for the trucks but also for the buses? Our approach to connectivity is to have an open platform and of course, our panEuropean offering is based on the RIO platform but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a smartphone, you buy it to have access for private and business needs. Our strategy is to enable us to be more customer orientated and customer focused and have an open interface that fulfi ls whatever needs a customer has, small, large - we need to have that. The solution here

in the UK is more advanced than what we have in the rest of Europe and of course we are not going to disturb that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we will always strive for the best solution for all markets but [will work with] whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already established and is performing. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see how that pans out in the future but, defi nitely we want to make sure that we will develop services that may be more vehicle unique but we will also work with partners, maybe in the wider perspective, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all part of logistics. Actually we are quite far down the street with bus and coach operators. The RIO box is open platform and the opportunities are huge. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about operations gett ing more efficient â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the margins are gett ing smaller, especially also for the bus and coach operators, and we can deliver digital solutions through helping customers operate their products more efficiently by taking a close look at their fleet, its performance etc. On the bus product line, the Neoplan product line gained some market share in Ireland in recent years, what is in place to expand on your bus and coach offering here? MAN has made huge investments in upgrading its whole bus and coach product

line but we need to have the road map that also makes sense and that can help us grow this business because the UK and Ireland are important markets, one of the top three in Europe. So, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a must win market even for us. We need to figure out the next step forward to develop the brand, as the products deserves a better position in the overall marketplace as well.

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10 | COVER

Renault Trucks Range D26 Wide

Has Renault Trucks got ‘D’ answer?

n the demanding and often nonglamorous distribution sector, the business is all about gett ing the job done. As far as the customer is concerned they generally have litt le regard for what truck turns up - once it turns up on time. Drivers working within the sector are often under pressure and need a truck that makes what is a tough job a litt le more pleasant, while fleet managers need a truck that will simply load and go on an urban or national run. With the Range D offering, Renault Trucks believes it has ‘D’ answer. D Range as such replaces the Renault Premium and Midlum models and the updated D Wide Cab with its 2.3m wide

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

span portrays a business-like and competent profi le. Th is is enhanced by the deep red colour which enhanced the sense of quality of our test truck. First impressions are that the high roofed 6x2 with a rear steered tag axle and DHollandia tuck away tail-lift seems to have all necessary qualities on display. Th is is added to by the wide 385/55 Michelin X-Line Energy tyres on the front and rearmost axles. Incidentally it is hard not to notice the vision glass in the nearside door, a feature we will come to later. Cab access is fi rst class thanks to the wide opening door, well placed steps and grab handles. Internally the cab is both high and wide and despite a large engine hump the first impression is one of space. Trim colours are a mixture of dark greys and black, but some

lighter shades would brighten the cab up a bit. Nevertheless the colours are serviceable for the area of work and will continue to look well, and drivers can brighten up the truck to their own taste. From the driver’s seat all is quite familiar, which makes it easy to work with once becoming acquainted with the switchgear and controls. Seating is excellent and visibility forward and to the rear is good. With regard to the vision panel in the nearside door there is no doubt that it is a help, though it is not a solution and anyone who thinks that is mistaken. Firstly if there is anyone in the passenger seat the window is blocked and vision is limited, secondly this is not a new idea. One drawback is when the cab is being used as a sleeper there must be a method of preventing light from entering when asleep. Drivers do not always have the luxury of night-time sleeping, and to sleep when the cab is full of sunlight is difficult. The vision panel also requires that the passenger window operates as a sliding horizontal window rather than dropping down into the door. While the cab is spacious the engine hump does make it difficult for the larger driver to move around, though this is typical of the sector. However on the passenger side there is ample room with the recessed overhead panel, which is useful for getting dressed, and could comfortably house a TV. The Range D has plenty of good quality storage both overhead and under the bunk. These trucks are usually only used for the occasional night out, and rarely would a driver be required to spend a great deal of time away from home. Based on that the high roofed sleeper is more than adequate. That said, the bed and the bunk area are well appointed and should

COVER | 11

give a good night’s sleep. Other than the point that we didn’t really fi nd any suitable beverage bott le/cup holder we really liked the interior. We also liked the drive from the Range D26. The 7.7 litre common rail DTi 8 on the test unit develops 315hp (235 kW) at 2,100 rpm, so it is well able for the max permissible weight of 26 tonnes. The 1,200Nm of torque available from 1,050 to 1,600 rpm allows the truck to easily manage the stop start nature of urban distribution work. Having the extra few horsepower makes for a smoother drive as the transmission is not always ‘hunting’ for the correct gear to match the ever changing road speed. Th is was particularly evident when working our way along the Quays in Dublin City centre, and driving around the industrial and residential areas on the outskirts of the capital. Recent soft ware updates to the transmission have improved gear selection, and certainly the transmission selected ratios smoothly and precisely. The clunk when moving between ranges became strangely comforting as the drive progressed. We have driven other versions of the Range D previously, although the powertrain of this model was different due to a much longer rear axle ratio of 2.85:1. Our last venture out in a 6x2 Range D in Ireland had a ratio of 3.36:1 which is quite a change. We expected this change to be reflected in

the on-road performance with less instant pulling power swopped for a lower engine speed and improved fuel economy when cruising. Strangely we did not notice any lack of urgency moving off, though we did notice the lower engine speed at 90km/h. These features combined with the DTi 8’s timing gears located at the rear of the engine all make for a quiet smooth drive.

transport heavy pallets such as beverages, vegetables and packaged liquids and need the extra weight capacity. If so, a lift ing rear steer axle is really a must have, rather than an option. The big Renault rigid sitt ing on three axles with wide 385 tyres not only handles well, but it is a comfortable truck to drive and should please any driver in this market segment.

On the motorway section the Range D’s rev counter sat at 1,406 rpm at 90km/h. Th is compares to the previous drive with the axle ratio of 3.36:1 which registered 1,536 rpm at 90km/h and just a shade over 1,300 rpm at 80km/h. The truck not only moves well and quietly, it gives the driver a sense that they are making good progress.

The D Wide is also well equipped in the area of safety features, with Hill Holder plus ESC, EBA, and EBL not forgett ing the powerful 228hp Renault Trucks’ Optibrake engine brake, which is an important feature that will save brake linings if used correctly. One other safety feature fitted to this truck was the Brigade Electronic all round vision camera system, providing the driver with a ‘birds eye’ view of the truck as well as forward and rearward views as selected. The system is precise and works in giving the driver an accurate image of potential dangers around the truck. One issue with such aftermarket systems is the location of the screen, and the possibilities of driver distraction is one up for discussion, nevertheless that is not a Renault Trucks issue and does not take away from the Range D Wide, which would appear to be ‘D’ answer to many of this sector's transport questions.

There was a slight expectation that the wide 385/55 tyres on the front and rear axles would make the steering if not heavy, more cumbersome. Th is was certainly not the case, and it was easy to forget that the large and imposing Michelin X-Lines were fitted as the steering behaved well on the road. When negotiating tight areas and roundabouts the rear steer tracked accurately, and manoeuvring was never an issue. Th is is important as in this sector if an operator has moved from the more common two axles to three it’s usually because they Spec Check Make Chassis Type Engine Rated Power Rated Torque Euro Rating Transmission Drive Axle Ratio Brakes Safety Retardation Devices Suspension (F) / (R) Dimensions L/W/H -WB Permissible Weights Kg All Tyres fitted on Alcoa Dura-bright Wheels Fuel/AdBlue Tanks Bodywork

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

Renault Trucks - Range D 26 Wide - 320 High Roof Sleeper 6x2 (Rear Lift & Steer Tag Axle) DTi 8 - 7.7 Litre, In-line six cylinder – Common Rail 315hp (235 kW) @ 2,100 rpm 1,200 Nm @ 1,050 – 1,600 rpm Euro 6C SCR, EGR, DPF - (Auto stop 3/mins idle) Optidriver (AT2412F) + 12-Speed Automated 2.85:1 - Single Reduction (P13170) (No Diff Lock) Ventilated Discs - ABS, EBS, ASR, ESC, EBA, EBL, Hill Holder Optibrake – 170 kW (228hp) @ 2,800 rpm Leaf Springs & Stabiliser Bar / Air Suspension 12000 / 2518 / 4200– 5800 (mm) 26000 Gross / Kerb 7778 / Payload 18222 Steer: Michelin X-Line Energy F- 385/55 R22.5 Drive: Michelin X-Line Energy F - 315/70 R22.5 Rear Axle: Michelin X-Line Energy F– 385/55 R22.5 225 litres / 32 litres Lawrence David Curtainsider/DHollandia Tuck-away Tail-lift www.fleet.ie

12 | NEW FLEET I

Santry Livestock invests in Scania & Pezzaioli

erched among a selection of new Scanias at the r e c e n t Wa t e r f o r d Truck Show was this splendid new Scania R580 B8x2/*6NA with new Pezzaioli Livestock body sold to Santry Livestock, Clonakilty, County Cork by Bernie O’Connor, Sales Manager at A.O’C Commercials, Scania Dealers, Carrigtohill, County Cork.

New Renault Trucks in Leitrim & Meath

new Renault Range T tractor-unit and Range D distribution truck are now in the proud possession of Leitrim haulier John Conroy and Kerrigan Mushrooms (Kells, County Meath) respectively. John Conroy’s new T520 High with tag axle is packed with extras such as front air suspension, Dura-Brite alloys, leather seats, factory fitted tipping gear, driver comfort pack as well as aerodynamic and lighting aids.

Meanwhile Kerrigan’s new 18 tonner is the D-Range with global cab and 280hp diesel engine. Th is is the second new truck to join the Kerrigan Mushroom fleet this year and is fitted with a new refrigerated Lifford Coachworks body and Thermo-King fridge motor. Pictured left on collection of his new truck is John Conroy and Harry Nash, MD Sentanta Vehicle Sales Ltd., (Renault Trucks Ireland).

Kirwan Haulage returns to MAN

irwan Haulage based at Montrath, County Laois has returned to MAN Importers Ltd to purchase another new truck from the brand. On this occasion it’s a MAN TGX 26.500 6x2 (XLX Cab) tractor-unit with ZF TraXon automated transmission, and a host of equipment such as fridge, built-in Sat-Nav, night heater, air-conditioning and twinbunks.

Need a quote? 01 2900 200

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

or Log onto www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie TODAY! CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN INSURANCE Haulage: • Single Vehicles • Motor Fleet for Hauliers • Haulage Risks • Carriers Liability • Warehouse Risks • Public Liability • Employers Liability Mike Murphy Insurance is a trade name of New Sure Life Ltd. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

The new X-Class. First of a new Kind. From any angle it's a Mercedes-Benz. Prices starting from â39,950*. The X-Class is available nationwide from seven authorised dealers. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class features as standard; • • • • • •

Reversing camera Active Brake Assist Traffic Sign Assist Lane Keeping Assist Cruise control Audio 20 CD with touchpad

For your nearest authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer visit: www.mercedes-benz.ie *Price includes VAT & VRT, excludes dealer delivery and related charges.

14 | NEW VENTURE

Dennehy Commercials expands with Renault Pro+ Centre in Dublin

allycoolin, Blanchardstown in north Dublin is fast becoming the transport and logistical hub for the Capital. Among the 800 or so companies located all around the extensively built-up area packed with large volume facilities are many of Ireland and Europe’s (as well as some global) leading transport providers. Its appeal is in its location - close to motorway networks, Dublin Port and Dublin Airport, enabling efficient and easy movement of goods. With foresight and business expansion in mind, Dennehy Commercials, the prominent Munster-based commercial vehicle dealer holding MAN, Renault Trucks and Renault Pro+ franchises in Cork and Limerick,

Patrick Cahill, Rory Dennehy (centre) and Ian Grant FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

decided to extend its portfolio into that part of Dublin. It is with Renault Pro+, the light commercial vehicle division of the Renault Group that Dennehy’s sees the growth opportunity in North Dublin, investing in a new stand-alone Renault Pro+ Centre, one of only ten in the world, at the Northwest Business Park in Ballycoolin. The company has close links with the French brand; in 2012 Dennehy’s Limerick branch became the fi rst Renault Pro+ dedicated dealer in Ireland. In meeting the required Pro+ Centre criteria for its new Ballycoolin facility, a number of parameters had to be met. Apart from the normal sales and service provisions,

fully trained and knowledgeable sales representatives are on hand to offer proper advice when it comes to specifying a vehicle, especially with regards to ensuring the correct body-build and/or ancillaries to meet the exact needs of the customer are met. Commenting on the new development, Rory Dennehy, Director, Dennehy Commercials said: “Renault is one of the only brands in the world that has the vision and drive to implement a programme such as Renault Pro+. For a third generation family business such as our own, whose DNA is dripping in commercial diesel we fully embrace this programme and fully appreciate what it means to have the opportunity to make it a success for both Renault and the dealership. It

NEW VENTURE | 15 is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we open our business to the Dublin market. The Pro+ standards ensure that we deliver a one stop shop with all solutions available onsite for commercial customers.” One big advantage in the location chosen by Dennehys is that its new business will operate out of the CAFCO premises, but will remain totally independent with a separate entrance, reception, offices, maintenance section in the workshop and display parking area outside. Trading under the name of Dennehy Motors, the Renault Pro+ Centre operation will be managed by Patrick Cahill. The Business Development Manager is a second generation member of the original family founders, who has spent the past few years building up and serving Dennehy’s truck and van rental and contract hire business for its Leinster based customers. Patrick will work with Ian Grant, Business Development Sales. Over the years Dennehys has built up a strong relationship with CAFCO, the long established body builder that has a great reputation in the sector, and now with the shared premises, customer benefits are numerous. These range from specifying the appropriate body type to ensuring speedier delivery of the ready-to-work vehicle, be it box, refrigerated, tipper, platform or crew cab. Additional Renault Pro+ packages such as extended warranty, fi nance (through Renault Bank), accessories and courtesy vehicles if required, are all in place now. The new facility has created employment opportunities with a number of technician positions still on offer as well as some sales staff roles. In the interim, expertise in

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

this area is being provided by its Limerick branch. As eCommerce/Internet shopping continues to increase exponentially, the electric product offering from Renault is broad and timely, with the 3.5 tonne Master Z.E. recently joining the Zoe Commercial and Kangoo Z.E. in the brand’s zero emission family. All three electric vans will appeal to Dennehy’s surrounding customer base, many of whom are within walking distance of the new facility. Bearing in mind the need for EV charging points (and part of the Pro+ contract) for its Z.E. customers, two such chargers will be provided onsite – one in the workshop and the other in the parking area. Extended opening hours at Dennehy Commercial’s workshop will also be appreciated by its customers, with doors opening at 7am and closing around 8pm six days a week. “But you never know” as Rory describes; “In this business, it’s all about reducing downtime. Whether it’s a truck or a van, we will ensure it gets back on the road, pronto.” Backing up that assurance are fully equipped roadside mobile repair units operating 24/7, 364 days a year. Furthermore a generous supply of spare parts are held in stock at all times to further prove Dennehy’s dedication and commitment to meet and serve customer needs. The Dennehy name is well established with both Heavy and Light commercial vehicles throughout Ireland. Its first dealership opened in 1975 operating the Hino franchise out of Cork and this progressed in time with Dennehy Commercials taking on the MAN and Renault Truck franchises for the South West. Since acquiring the Renault car and

light commercial dealerships, Dennehys has won numerous awards, notably Renault National LCV Dealer of the Year, National Dealer of the Year and in 2018, it took home these four prestigious awards – National Fleet Dealer of the Year, National Renault Bank Financial Services Dealer of the Year, National Territory Dealer of the Year and National Voice of the Customer Dealer of the Year. From experience, Dennehy Commercials knows it has a star jewel in the Renault commercial line up, with the Master, Trafic, Kangoo and Zoe, all sporting the Diamond brand logo. In the meantime, Rory, Patrick and the team have plenty to work with and to work on. Together they look forward to meeting the needs of the business community in and around the Dublin region. Brian Quinlan, Business Development, Renault Ireland is delighted with the appointment: “Renault Ireland is very excited to open the second dedicated Pro+ Centre in Ireland and delighted with the location of this facility within close proximity to the fast-growing business location that is Ballycoolin. Th is centre will now ensure that we have the aftersales and indeed sales coverage to manage our valued existing and growing base of customers, this is of paramount importance to us. We wish Dennehy Pro+ every success and assure them of our continued support.”

www.fleet.ie

16 | FLEETING SHOTS

Redesigning the Skoda Kodiaq into a Pick-up!

t the ŠKODA Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic, the sixth ŠKODA Student Concept Car will turn out to be a spectacular Pick-up version of the ŠKODA KODIAQ. That is the goal of 35 vocational students, who will be using the SUV as the starting point for their Student Car. With expert support from experienced ŠKODA engineers and staff from the Technical Development, Design and Production departments, they are transforming the Czech car manufacturer’s largest SUV into a dynamic, two-door Pick-up truck.

largest ŠKODA SUV still leaves plenty of scope for artistic licence. The sixth vehicle from the project series, which started in 2014, will be presented to the public in June.

Aged between 17 and 20 years, the trainees at the ŠKODA Vocational School for Mechanical Engineering, are currently working on a the new Student Car. The choice of model series was quite deliberate: it emphasises the role the KODIAQ plays for ŠKODA, while using massive wheels, sharp edges and sculptural surfaces to demonstrate that the uncluttered, smooth design of the

For the participating students, this reallife project represents the highlight of their vocational training. It enables them to showcase their creativity and talent as vehicle developers even as they are still learning their craft. In an early phase of their training, the project participants were able to observe Chief Designer Oliver Stefani and his team at the ŠKODA Design centre in Mladá Boleslav before proceeding to create their own fi rst hand-drawn sketches under expert tutelage.

New Land Rover Defender enters ﬁnal phase tests

he long awaited replacement for the iconic Defender from Land Rover has completed its final phase of field testing with the Tusk Trust, on location in Kenya. The heavily disguised prototype towed heavy loads, waded through deep rivers and carried supplies across unforgiving terrain in a series of real-world trials at the 14,000-hectare reserve.

Reading Matters:

By the time the new Defender makes its public debut later this year, it will have passed more than 45,000 individual tests in some of the most extreme environments on earth.

most capable Land Rover ever made. The incredible opportunity to put it to the test in the field, supporting operations at the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, with Tusk, will allow our engineers to verify that we are meeting this target as we enter the final phase of our development programme.” Commenting on the ongoing development, Nick Rogers, Executive Director Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “In addition to the extensive simulation and rig testing, we’ve driven new Defender 1.2 million kilometres across all terrains and in extreme climates to ensure that it is the toughest and

The new home of global Defender production will be Land Rover’s recently opened stateof-the-art manufacturing facility in Nitra, Slovakia.

Amarok Adventure Guide: Off Road in Europe by Lia Perenboom & Christian Schlüter

ompiling a photo description styled book of this type was some undertaking as the commissioned team from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles had to transport all of the required equipment around 16 European locations and all inside three months. They had to deal with scorching heat, sticky mud, low flying dust and pouring rain showers. A Volkswagen California helped to transport the gear and served as a camper for the crew members but the star player was the multiaward winning Amarok. For the project, the task was to seek out the best off-road trails across the continent, for the Amarok to drive through – the tougher the better. From Portugal in the west to Sweden in the north to Romania in the east, the most southerly point was in Greece and

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

probably to rally fans in the UK and Ireland, Sweet Lamb in Wales was the most familiar location chosen on these shores. Just the one green Volkswagen Amarok, powered by a 204hp 3.0 litre V6 traversed the 30,000 kms from point-to-point and the book dramatically brings the Pan-European Adventure to life with brilliant, sharp and stark photography. Each country and the chosen location are suitably described, from its map co-ordinates, terrain, weather and how the 1-tonne Pick-up performed. (They did manage to get stuck on beach sand in west Denmark). A brief history of the area is covered in each chapter and towards the latter part of the 216 page book, there are some handy tips for safe and sure footed off-road driving.

Another section deals with the specification on the Amarok, from the fitting of special BFGoodrich tyres, a snorkel for those water passes and details on the required higher ground clearance. A masterful collection for a Pick-up marvel, after all, the Amarok won the International Pick-up Award …… twice! Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

18 | FIRST DRIVE

Mercedes-Benz Actros Ride & Drive 2019 Barcelona, Spain

“We have delivered what we promised to deliver”

he cost of designing and tooling for a new truck cab is immense, and with European Union regulators still drafting new specifications to better protect vulnerable road users, the main OEMs are keeping their powder dry. For this reason the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz Actros looks to all intents and purposes the same as the outgoing model, with of course one major alteration - the external mirrors - or lack of them in this case. As expected ‘Mirror Cam’ is the headline grabber and Actros will be remembered as the first truck to have this feature as standard. These new mirrors, mounted internally on the cab’s A-pillars, automatically adjust to give the optimal field of vision on the straight and then turn with the truck as it negotiates corners and roundabouts to ensure the best possible view at all times. An important feature is the night vision where the driver can activate the mirrors to see what is happening around the truck at night. It is particularly useful that this can be done from the bunk.

One point worth noting is that Mirror Cam is not currently approved for ADR transports, though it is hoped that this will change in the near future. However there are a number of other features on board Actros which may not grab the headlines though are arguably more important or at least more significant in the realms of automotive evolution. One high on the list is what Mercedes-Benz claims is the world premiere of ‘Active Drive Assist’ (ADA). ADA is an important step towards autonomous driving and the Level 2 (Partial) automated system is able to operate in almost any conditions. In simple terms, ADA integrates a number of the driver assistance programmes currently available such as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Brake Assist into one system. ADA achieves this by using a camera and radar system to maintain the truck’s position within the lane markings. While this is already done to a degree with standard Lane

Keeping systems, the difference with ADA is that the system will intervene and correct a wayward vehicle. ADA includes an enhanced version of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which will slow the vehicle as it approaches traffic. The enhancement for ACC is that it’s now linked to the Mercedes-Benz Proximity Control Assist with Stop-and-Go function. The combination of these systems allows the truck to slow down on the approach to other vehicles in traffic, and to accelerate again as the preceding traffic moves away. Traffic moving away is usually not a problem - traffic moving alongside is, and here is where Mercedes-Benz Sideguard Assist comes into its own. Although Sideguard Assist was launched a few years ago it has now been combined with Mirror-Cam. Th is means it can identify potential hazards alongside the truck and trailer including drawbars and will alert the driver with audio and visual warnings. It is also quite remarkable that the system can alert the driver when there is a possible risk to others with tail-swing from the trailer. Also notable is the now 5th generation of Active Brake Assist (ABA 5). The automated emergency braking system has been further developed with improved pedestrian detection. ABA goes from an initial warning to the driver of a potential hazard to full activation of an emergency brake response in a number of stages. Importantly, as the truck is being brought to a full emergency stop the hazard warning lights are activated, and once the vehicle is halted ABA 5 then applies the parking brake. The system is by no means

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

FIRST DRIVE | 19

fool-proof and Mercedes-Benz does not in any way claim otherwise. These are driver assistance systems that are there to assist the driver, and if an unfortunate event occurs the systems can make a valuable contribution to mitigating the outcomes. We mentioned that if activated, ABA 5 automatically applies the parking brake when the vehicle is halted. Th is latest Actros features a new electronic parking brake with advanced Hill Hold function, and the Parking Brake is automatically applied any time the engine is turned off. There are a number of features on Actros that have been enhanced, and one in particular is Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). Th is was nothing less than revolutionary when launched, and its popularity with operators has exceeded all expectations. Now the latest version ‘PPC+’ benefits from advances in digital technology with better mapping of road networks and topography. Th is now allows the use of PPC on winding country roads and roundabouts where previously this was not always the best driving style to adopt. PPC+ will now assess the bend and set the required speed. This speed setting can then be adjusted from Stage 1 to Stage 5 as is appropriate for the load being transported at the time. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz has now widened the application of PPC+ to include heavy transports up to 120 tonnes. Whether operating at 120t or at more normal weights, getting the right specification on the truck is paramount to it operating efficiently. Mercedes-Benz is now offering Actros with a standard rear axle ratio of 2.412:1 - which Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

improves on the previous version of 2.533:1. The 2.412:1 was previously offered as an option, and the Stuttgart headquartered commercial vehicle producer has now decided to introduce it as standard. It claims that this ratio will lower engine speeds by up to 5% and is available across Actros models using the six-cylinder OM471 and running on 315/70 R22.5 tyres. Few companies are more engaged in connectivity than those in the automotive industry, and no more so than Daimler. Once inside the Actros cab there is a new 10” or 12” driver interface (dashboard), which hosts a variety of multi-media features including Apple and Android Car Play, telephone, and full navigation. Actros comes with a new interior lighting system including a three pointed star puddle light. The air con will switch automatically to recirculation once the truck enters a tunnel, and mirror cam will compensate for light changes. Although the mirrors (or lack of them) may grab the headlines, they are only a small part of what the latest Actros is all about. In presenting the new Actros, Member of the Divisional Board of Daimler Trucks & Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Stefan Buchner said: “We have delivered what we promised to deliver.” He stated that in delivering the new Actros: “We have made a tangible difference for our customers and drivers.” Enhanced Features of New Actros Active Drive Assist Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) 10”/12 “ Multimedia Display Traffic Sign Recognition

There is plenty to appreciate and while the systems are as easy to use as a smart phone “they need a professional introduction” and this is a critical point. If the systems are not used correctly they will not deliver what would be an expected reasonable return on the additional investment. Mr. Buchner said that innovations of this kind come at a cost, and while no specific figures were mentioned, an increase of 4% to 5% was estimated. In a curious way one of the best features of the launch was the ‘unplugged’ MercedesBenz Top Fit Truck. The Top Fit package incorporates some simple fitness and muscle relaxing aids with a series of 33 exercise videos for drivers to do in the privacy of the cab. The lightweight foam aids and stretch bands are contained in a carry-bag and can be transferred to and from any truck. Credit is due to Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles for providing a practical solution to an increasingly worrying problem - driver health and well-being. While there is a slight dichotomy in encouraging drivers to keep fit in a truck with Level 2 Autonomous capability, MercedesBenz’s new Actros will in future be viewed as a landmark vehicle. It is the truck that clearly signals that the race to fully autonomous road going trucks is well and truly underway.

Active Brake Assist 5

Mirror Cam

Sideguard Assist

Electric Parking Brake

New Interior Lights New Rear Axle Ratio

New Exterior Lights Top Fit Package www.fleet.ie

20 | SAFETY

Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . . The driver's role in high-risk vehicle activities

ome vehicle operations can be categorised as highrisk vehicle activities because of the volume of known bad-outcome incidents that have occurred when these activities are being carried out. Vehicle operations such as the following all fall into these categories: • reversing • parking • loading and unloading • tipping • sheeting and unsheeting • coupling and uncoupling There are common known risks involved with each of these activities. Steps need to be taken to prevent accidents when undertaking these activities and, in order to properly do this, employers must identify if these activities are taking place at their workplace and assess the risk associated with the activity. Arising from this risk assessment, rules and procedures should be drawn up, and means of communicating these rules and procedures to all relevant personnel, both employees and visitors, should be implemented. Management and supervision should be in place to ensure compliance with the rules. Drivers, while at work, have a duty to take reasonable care to protect their safety, health and welfare and the safety, health and welfare of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Th is means that they must comply with basic safety requirements at all times. Drivers must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the employer. At a minimum, this should include high-visibility clothing and safety footwear, which might need to be slip-resistant depending on the environmental conditions that drivers are carrying out work activities in. If it is determined that slip resistant footwear is required, employers should check the slip-resistance of the footwear they are providing. High visibility PPE is essential when working near moving vehicles, whether on or off the road. Additional PPE may be needed depending on the work task and environment. Drivers must drive with due care and attention. They must always use the prescribed vehicle routes and follow any other site rules, such as instructions for parking, reversing, or speed control. They must drive at an appropriate speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. They should try to park in designated parking places, and where this is not possible or practical, they should be mindful of doorways and walkways, disabled access, fi re escapes, height restrictions, width clearance, physical obstructions and other parked vehicles. Drivers must work safely paying particular attention to how they go about high-risk activities such as reversing, loading and unloading, manoeuvring, securing loads, and carrying out maintenance. When operating in restricted spaces they should watch out for the possibility of other persons being in the area, as this may still happen despite site rules requiring the exclusion of non-essential personnel from such areas. They should request that non-essential FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

persons are kept clear from designated areas where reversing is taking place and those responsible for supervising these areas must support this. Drivers should report any unsafe activities immediately to a supervisor or manager. Management and supervisors must ensure that: • the drivers and employees follow safe working procedures and rules • drivers and employees are suitably skilled to perform these activities, and • the workplace is suitable for the performance of specific high-risk activities. The Health & Safety Authority has just concluded four transport safety seminars around the country, which were very well attended. These seminars addressed some of the at high risk vehicle activities mentioned here. If you did not have the opportunity to attend these seminars the proceedings and other useful information is available at https://www. hsa.ie/eng/vehicles_at_work/ transport_safety_guidance_ resources/

• NEW & USED SHUNTER TRUCKS IN STOCK • SHORT / LONG TERM HIRE • SERVICE & PARTS

Where Special comes as Standard MPM Specialist Vehicles 3D Ballygowan Road, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, BT26 6HX T: + 00 44 (0) 28 9268 8863 W: www.mpmsales.com E: mark@mpmsales.com

22 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 22) Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Austria

EUR

1.300

1.454

1.240

Belarus

EUR

0.720

0.767

0.720

Belgium

EUR

1.579

1.626

1.571

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

2.26

2.36

2.31

Bulgaria

BGN

2.29

2.57

2.35

Croatia

HRK

10.24

10.87

10.11

Czech Republic

CZK

32.78

34.13

31.88

Denmark

DKK

11.89

12.58

9.99

Estonia

EUR

1.414

1.464

1.374

Finland

EUR

1.652

1.739

1.466

France

EUR

1.616

1.676

1.499

Georgia

GEL

2.49

2.59

2.58

Germany

EUR

1.522

1.654

1.308

Greece

EUR

1.614

1.844

1.392

Hungary

HUF

405.80

423.50

412.10

Ireland

EUR

1.440

1.350

Italy

EUR

1.674

1.563

Kazakhstan

KZT

174.00

193.00

Latvia

EUR

1.314

1.369

1.224

Lithuania

EUR

1.204

1.275

1.114

Luxemburg

EUR

1.316

1.370

1.164

North Macedonia

MKD

72.00

73.81

63.50

Moldova

MDL

19.45

20.36

17.45

Montenegro

EUR

1.290

1.410

1.250

Netherlands

EUR

1.851

1.934

1.497

Norway

NOK

17.52

18.34

16.16

Poland

PLN

5.24

5.55

5.19

Portugal

EUR

1.646

1.676

1.470

Romania

RON

5.43

6.05

5.66

Russia Federation

RUB

46.18

53.23

45.71

Serbia

RSD

154.10

163.00

164.90

Slovakia

EUR

1.410

1.460

1.270

Slovenia

EUR

1.360

1.487

1.290

Spain

EUR

1.351

1.495

1.277

Sweden

SEK

16.74

17.34

16.34

Switzerland

CHF

1.610

1.678

1.720

Turkey

TRY

7.07

6.46

6.44

Ukraine

UAH

30.34

31.34

29.90

GBP

1.285

1.350

1.358

USA

USD

0.753

0.836

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

Quiet Vehicle Sounder (AVAS) Designed for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles of all types, the New QVS Quiet Vehicle Sounder warns pedestrians and other vulnerable road users that a quiet vehicle is approaching.

Designed for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles of all types Incorporating bbs-tekÂŽ technology - Multi-frequency, directional and instantly locatable sound which is only heard in the hazard zone. Front speaker system. Pitch and volume increase with vehicle speed in a similar way as an internal combustion engine. Sound cuts out above 20mph.

01322 420300 brigade-electronics.com

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

New 3 axle step frame low loader, extendable, with hook on aluminium loading ramps. 39 tonne payload, stake pockets and twistlock pockets.

New Faymonville 4 axle step frame low loader, Įxed bed, double Ňip ramps with hydraulic side shiŌ, out riggers, marker boards, 48 tonne payload.

New Faymonville 5 axle step frame extendable low loader, 3 steer axles, front liŌ axle, auto greaser, opƟon for hook on aluminium ramps or hydraulic ramps.

New Schmitz Cargobull 80 cubic yard bulk scrap trailer, hardox steel body, barn doors with safety lock, front liŌ axle, very strong trailer with light tare weight, 8 tonnes , in stock ready to go.

Wide range of trailers in stock. Ready for delivery, call for more opƟons.

New Faymonville 4 axle 9Ō wide, extendable, payload 60 tonnes, double Ňip ramps, hydraulic legs under rear, out riggers, marker boards, ready to go.

New Schmitz Cargbull 70 cubic yard bulk Ɵpping trailer, aluminium body, with roll over cover, combi door (can be used as barn doors and also as normal top hinge door) Front liŌ axle, wabco smartboard, grain hatches, in stock, choice.

www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

24 | HEALTH MATTERS

Keep Your Hair On (What is Alopecia anyway ?)

lopecia is partial or complete loss of hair from where it normally grows. We mostly associate baldness with the male sex and it is indeed very common.

There is a genetic predisposition to baldness, as well as an age issue. Male pattern baldness starts with thinning of the hair in the front and sides of the forehead, and then affects the crown of the head. These areas of baldness then coalesce, and this leaves a rim of hair around the edge of the scalp, which seems to grow fruitfully for years. Women also tend to lose their hair as they grow older, but with a somewhat different pattern than that of the man’s. They tend to lose the hair at the crown of the head, and the hair grows thinner as the woman ages. Each hair on the body goes through a cycle of growth, then a resting phase.The average scalp contains 100,000 hairs and sheds about 100 hairs each day. There are several units which are involved in the production of the hair fibre. The hair follicle has roots in the skin with a specialised background of cells which regenerate the follicle. If the regenerative cells in the hair follicle are reduced, this will contribute to thinning or loss of hair. Age associated hair loss is thought to be due to the gradual loss of hormones but there are other causes of hair loss. Alopecia is classified as being either “non-scarring” or “scarring” types. Both the female and male pattern baldness are classified as non-scarring and treatment for this is ineffective (apart from choosing your ancestors wisely). Some practitioners have used a medication for male pattern baldness - a medication which is in fact indicated for prostate trouble, with some success, but the main success is with surgical treatment (hair transplantation). Other causes of non scarring alopecia include traction, trauma and fungal infection of the scalp. Some children are known to develop the neurotic habit of pulling their hair out - this can appear to result in baldness but is reversible if the hair is left intact. A common form of trauma is that of the application of chemicals to the hair. This weakens the hair shaft by dissolving its proteins, and the hair will then tend to absorb water with repeated washing resulting in repeated expansion and contraction of the shaft.Brushing and

combing wet hair causes mechanical stress, and repetitive combing although not associated with hair loss produces split ends and fractured wispy hairs. Permanent waving, colouring and bleaching necessitate the use of chemical products that induce significant damage to the hair fibres, leaving them vulnerable to easy breakage and increased shedding of hair. Heat and traction when applied together as in a “blow dry” situation can cause the hair shaft to weaken and split the proteins in the hair shaft, which proteins are responsible for the proper formation and growth of the shaft. Some skin diseases cause scarring alopecia. If there is doubt as to the cause of the alopecia, a biopsy of the skin of the scalp will assist in the diagnosis. Scarring alopecia must be treated rapidly as it may become irreversible. It may be a pointer to an underlying disease in the system, an infection, or even a form of skin cancer. Some treatments for cancer can cause temporary baldness - the whole head of hair comes out fairly abruptly two weeks after starting treatment - this is sometimes more upsetting for the patient than their initial diagnosis of cancer. After treatment is stopped the hair will usually regenerate, and come back as thick and as full as previously. Alopecia Areata consists of bald patches that may eventually regrow hair. It may be a manifestation of an auto immune disease - caused by inflammation and destruction of tissues by the body’s own antibodies. Some success has resulted from the injection of a strong steroid into the scalp, but the underlying cause must be found and treated. Hair has no vital functioning in modern humans, but its “problems” - colour, shape, texture, sustain a billion Euro industry. Its loss also causes much angst - in young men in particular, who look old before their time. If our teeth can be moulded away from the Bugs Bunny look into a cosmetic marvel (by the dentist) why shouldn’t we apply the same logic to our hair?

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MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

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

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TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie

Engaging Connectivity

AWARDS 2020

The leading Awards Programme for the Irish Road Transport and Haulage Industry.

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Business associates, clients, partners and friends are all welcome to attend the Fleet Transport Awards and Gala Dinner 2020, which will take place on Thursday 10 October 2019 at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin. Book your place now at the biggest event in the Irish transport calendar by emailing awards@fleet.ie or telephone +353 94 9372819. A table of 10 is €1,200.00 + VAT Price includes pre-dinner drinks, 4-course dinner, wine and Awards presentation. A single place is €125.00 + VAT Price includes pre-dinner drinks, 4-course dinner, wine and Awards presentation. Please reserve seats @ €125 or table(s) of ten places @ €1,200 at the Fleet Transport Awards 2020 in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 10 October 2019 commencing at 6.30pm. The above prices are plus VAT and will be shown as such on the official receipt.

Name of Company: _________________________________________________________________ Invoice Address: ___________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name: _____________________________ Tel: ___________________________________ Dress Code: Gentlemen: Lounge Suit. Ladies: Cocktail Dress This Booking Form can be posted to: Fleet Transport, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. To book your place now at the biggest event in the Irish transport calendar, contact Orla or Denise on +353 94 9372819 / email: awards@fleet.ie or log on to www.fleet.ie

4 YEAR WARRANTY FOR THE 8X4 MARKET

28 | REVIEW I

FPS EXPO 2019 Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

ll change at the FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) and its Expo in that the organisation is about to be renamed to incorporate its current and growing Irish membership. Visible changes too in how the FPS Expo has evolved for this 2019 event. With less big volume exhibitors such as the fuel tanker suppliers and truck manufacturers it had a lot more bespoke stand holders such as IT soft ware developers and sector related component distributors. “This year, we introduced a series of panel sessions, which took place in a dedicated seminar area, that were well attended and well received. Topics for discussion included Brexit, Government Climate Policy and new regulations affecting our UK & Irish members,” explained Guy Pulham, FPS CEO. Another new element was a section of the Exhibition Centre concentrating on off-grid energy supplier organisations including renewals and recycling–focussed associations to showcase the breadth and diversity of this specialist but invaluable industry.

MAN Truck & Bus att ended the FPS Expo 2019 with a full ADR Pet-Reg compliant TGS 24.420 6x2/2 BLS tractor-unit

Here’s a sample of what was on offer with particular focus on Irish based exhibitors:AquaFuel Nia l l Ca r rol l, Sales Director and Jessica Moneley, Marketing Director were pleased with t he compa ny’s first appearance at the FPS Expo. The Dundalk based soft ware logistics developer and provider has plans to expand its services outside of the fuel distribution sector. Dipetane International David Beggy, Sales Manager for the fuel treatment solutions distributor is look i ng to secure more bulk purchasers of its 100% hydrocarbon emission reduction system which upgrades petrol, diesel, heating oil, kerosene fuels and heavy oils. Dipetane is widely used on vehicles before annual DOE & NCT tests. FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

Brunel Promotions Rachael Wright, Telesales Executive and Mark Whiteman, Sales Executive are about to take over the Bristol corporate merchandise supply firm company from company founder, Mike Myack who is entering retirement.

DreamTec Shane Boyle and Sean Finnerty were present to explain about DreamTec Software’s ‘One system – total control’ concept. Located in Dublin, its systems facilitate fuel distribution– based companies to take control of operations in a whole new way.

REVIEW I | 29 Dunraven Systems

Envirostore Tanks

A regular exhibitor at the FPS Expo, t he Du nda l k headquartered developer of fuel tank monitors that offer both local and remote-monitoring systems has been acknowledged by award wins in recent years. Daniel McCarey and Michael McCaughley were on duty.

“The tank specialists” is its promotional tagline with Richard Marsh again busy demonstrating the merits of its range of oil storage tanks along with fuel dispensers, AdBlue and water storage tanks that cater for today’s marketplace.

Herbst Soft ware

Hub Controller

Sean Fitzpatrick, Orson Herbst and K illian K irrane represented Dublin’s Herbst Sof t wa re. T he company provides integrated business management (ER P) software that is flexible, modular and quick to implement. “Return on the investment can be achieved in less than a year,” explained Sean.

Catherine Hynes demonstrated the Tallaght company’s smart thermostat that works on all oil-fired heating systems. “With the Hub Controller, you can effectively monitor customer’s oil usage and notify them with a direct message to prompt a re-order on the spot,” she said.

Netwatch

Valero

Ca rlton Ada m pic t u red w it h Ireland & Munster Rugby legend Mick Galway was later joined by John Kennedy at a busy Netwatch stand that had a better position than years previous. Netwatch is a global leader in creating proactive video monitoring systems that caters for many sectors.

Best known for its Texaco brands, Valero is one of the world’s largest independent refi ners of fi nished oil products. Its extensive supply network in the UK & Ireland is provided directly from its national terminals on both sides of the Irish Sea, in order to meet its customer supply chain needs.

152 North Irish Regiment Royal Logistic Corp Th is troop is the only specialist Fuel Regiment within the British Army Reserve, based in Belfast, Derry and Coleraine. It operates a fleet of bulk fuel tankers and bulk fuel installation equipment including this Oshkosh unit to support the Defence Forces across the world.

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

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30 | REVIEW II

CV Show 2019 – NEC, Birmingham, England, 30 April - 2 May 2019 distribution truck to the eTGE electric light commercial. Playing a supporting role was the new D15 Euro 6d diesel; which replaces the D20 series. MAN Truck & Bus’ eMobilty mission has also extended to the eTGM medium duty electric distribution truck and soon to be launched Lion’s City electric bus. Successful trials with the eTGE and eTGM are ongoing across some of Europe’s most congested cities. Hitt ing the boards at 230 kg lighter than the outgoing D20, the new D15 single stage turbo is billed as saving punters 2% on fuel consumption compared to before. Typical audiences for this unit will be refuse collection, tipper operators and fuel distributors.

imilarities with a seasonal staged Variety Show transcended across the three halls of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) adjacent to Birmingham Airport where the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show was held (as usual). The three-day event had a bit of everything without any one act taking all the limelight. Sharing centre stage were some world premieres, electric powered commercial vehicles, telematic programmes and in-cab camera systems. As there were only two truck brands displaying their wares it was down to the van and Pick-up manufacturers to let their voices be heard, although the majority of these were zero-emission electric powered, therefore relatively silent!

Next up was Ford of Britain with its spinal cord ‘the backbone of business’. Just like ‘Grease Lightning’ its performance was electrifying ……..literally with the fi rst day showing of its hybrid and electric drivetrains from the Transit 2-tonne Mild Hybrid to the Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid. Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson interviewed Sky representative Oli Wanklyn (Sky Fleet & Services Manager) who is running a Transit Custom PHEV around London’s Congestion Zone for the past ten months, fully loaded with service equipment and often operating at rush hour periods. On average over the 10,500 miles covered to date, a litt le more than 15 miles a day is actually driven on all-electric mode around the British capital. He said that the driver loves the ongoing experience but that the new system did require a behaviour change by way of driving style to maximise range distance and allow for battery charging at night. Hybrid technology is not new at Ford as this journey began fi fteen years ago. The show must go on, stronger than ever in the times we live in.

A resurgent MAN Truck & Bus UK was the curtain opener, staging the first press conference on day one. Thomas Hemmerich, company Managing Director outlined the Munich brand’s range from a 250 tonne TGX 41.640 8x4/4 tractor-unit to the green electric CiTe city

One of Britain’s home talents Vauxhall had lots to sing about with the brand’s Group Managing Director UK & Ireland, Steve Norman at full voice in revealing the all-new Luton built Vivaro van range. With a £100m investment at the plant, confidence is at an all time high that the show will run for many years to come. Electric powered additions to the series will join the chorus next year. Back in the 1960s, Vauxhall produced its fi rst electric van based on the CF range. FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

REVIEW II | 31 A deeper toned setting with wild countryside appearing from behind the scenes was the backdrop at Isuzu which had two extreme types from its D-MAX repertoire thundering through. Related to the Artic Truck AT35 the new Safi r is a very limited series with just ten units produced. Sporting special colours both inside and out, Safi r makes a bold expression with additional features such as laser lights, 17”x10” alloys and exclusive fitt ings like the 9” multifunction colour touchscreen and loud sound system. No less aggressive, but less expensive is the D-MAX XTR as a new range flagship. With a unique body kit, raised suspension, and bigger brakes, individuality is the very element here for any would be buyer. XTR means Xtreme-Terrain-Rider and will certainly broaden the Japanese brand’s appeal. According to Isuzu UK, MD William Brown, the XTR kit may become available to overseas clientele. As Vauxhall left the stage, its relatively new parent company Groupe PSA – Peugeot & Citroën came on with a surprise double act presenting electric versions of the current Boxer and Relay light commercials respectively. These electric models will be produced at the Sevel plant in Italy and are converted by partner 3D Auto. The Electric Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay will have a 44kWh battery pack, providing an estimated 225 km from the 96hp electric motor with a top speed of 90km/h. Payload is rated at 1,215 kg, with an 8 cu.m loadspace. Charging options range from 16 hours to 8 hours, depending on the system used. They will make way for an ex-factory electrified variant by 2023, when the new models debut. Alongside the silent sisters were latest versions of the Expert range with WLTP – compliant Euro 6.2 diesels.

A fitt ing fi nale climaxed the press conference scenes with LDV commanding the stage. The Chinese auto manufacturers’ representatives for Ireland & UK, The Harris Group drew the biggest audience and crowd reaction with the unveiling of the all-new EV30 compact electric powered panel van. Representatives from SAIC MAXUS joined in on the ceremony. Due for launch in 2020, further modifications to the vehicle to become more Europeanised will happen before then but the powertrain is set to remain. Each EV30 will be fitted with a high capacity lithium-ion battery pack produced by CATL, China’s largest battery manufacturer. A choice of power/range outputs will be available – a 35 kWh (200 km) unit and a 53 kWh version with a 320 km capacity with a 45 minute quick charge option. As presented, the EV30 has a carrying capacity of 6.3m3 and a payload of 1 tonne.

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32 | REVIEW II On the eve of the show opening, DAF Trucks set the tone of the event from a commercial vehicle viewpoint. “Leading Today, Ready for the Future” was the theme as described by Robin Easton, Managing Director, DAF Trucks UK, reflecting the fact that the Dutch marque has enjoyed its Number 1 position in the British market for 24 years unbroken. Prominent in the future plan is electric propulsion, an example of same featuring prominently on the DAF Trucks’ platform. Showcased was the CF Electric 4x2 Space Cab tractorunit, recently on trial by Simon Loos which distributes goods for Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn. Co-developed with VDL, it is powered by a 210 kW electric motor providing a range of up to 100 km, with quick charging.

While conscious that advancements with diesel technology are improving all of the time, Robin mentioned that air quality can be further improved and reduced well-to-wheel CO2 emissions can be achieved by changing to HVO, which is made from renewable sources and burns cleaner than diesel. eMobility was much in focus at the large Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle stand with no less than three electric versions of its van range from the e-Caddy, e-Transporter 6 and e-Crafter, the former two co-developed by Volkswagen Group Formula E partner ABT, both offering from 220 km to 208/400 km depending on the battery capacity choice provided. An electric cargo bike is another solution concept under development.

Another star att raction on the programme was the global debut of the all-new Proace City, a highly capable and att ractive new compact van range that will further strengthen Toyota’s European light commercial vehicle line-up. Developed in collaboration with Groupe PSA, Proace City will join the established Proace medium duty van, and the legendary Hilux pick-up in building Toyota’s LCV market presence, competing in a segment that’s enjoying steady growth and is on course to achieve around 900,000 sales in Europe by 2021.

Ever wondered how standard commercial vehicle batteries cope with increasing load demands from electronic gadgets such as alarms, cameras, sensors, mobile phone, iPad charging, Sat Nav, and the increasing number of driver aids and safety technology fitted? Well, EnerSys, the renowned power solutions provider has over the past few years developed a higher density heavy-duty battery that has longer life but also can handle the turning of diesel starter motors in extreme cold temps. Under the Odyssey/Performance Series label, advanced Th in Plate Pure Technology (TPPL) is used to support high-loads, without the need to restart the engine or leave it idling. Commercial Vehicle fleet operators and the growing mobile leisure sector are its target markets.

Innovation in the trailer and body building continues to grow apace - in line with smart truck technology. No more so than at the Cartwright Group which exhibited five new products including a 3.5 tonne GVW low ride height rigid box van body dedicated to express parcel delivery, a postless straight frame tri-axle curtainsider FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

REVIEW II | 33 trailer body for faster loading/unloading and a step frame double deck refrigerated semi-trailer with sub 14.5 tonne tare weight and suitable to operate in Ireland. Another example of diversity from the Cheshire fi rm was the 7.5 tonne box van body on an Iveco Eurocargo CNG powered rigid, then there was the bespoke urban fridge trailer with a 50/50 split bulkhead running from front to rear.

Diversity is the name of the game at TIP Trailers which promoted its new Customer Portal, alongside a range of trailer rental, leasing and maintenance services. Sister company Gray Rentals exhibited a construction spec 8x4 cement (9m3) mixer as the company expands in this area. Th rough its agreement with LAG a new non-tipping power tanker was displayed.

Elsewhere in Hall 5, Cartwright Conversions, based in Lincolnshire, showcased a seven-seat welfare (working Crew Cab) van, fully kitted out to meet the needs of mobile construction and road maintenance workers. Th is fitted unit van was based on the latest Ford Transit while an eight-seat version featured on a MAN TGE panel van.

French refrigerated trailer maker Chereau has set the ball rolling in terms of using hydrogen as a viable, zero emission alternative to diesel on its system. With a number of stakeholders from research labs to transport refrigerated specialists – ROAD is its ‘Refrigerated

Stoke-on-Trent-based Don-Bur always comes up trumps with new developments and this year its latest Lifting Deck trailer comes with a reduced maintenance promise and longer life. In joint Culina/ Warrens livery, the 13.6m long ‘blade’ panelled box van tri-axle semi-trailer that comfortably carries 44 pallets shown was one of eight ordered by the company. To guarantee the durability a whole host of systems have been fitted from Auto-lube, Hydraulic Power Pack, Sensors, Guidance rub strips and blocks, PSI tyre auto-inflation, EBS, heavy-duty flooring and WABCO Tail Guard Decking system. www.fleet.ie

34 | REVIEW II Optimised Advanced Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Being more aerodynamic, thermally insulated, using weight saving materials, the clean energy required is fuelled by hydrogen. Outside Hall 5, the Spar liveried Gray & Adams box trailer (13.6m)

ACCESSORIES

VAN

Transaid Tony Jones, Events Officer, Elena Leonard, Fundraising Assistant and Jade Ashby-Rozier, Corporate Partnership Officer informed attendees of the transport charityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life saving work in Africa and fundraising charity events including Cycle Malawi 2020, its 10th such challenge in that continent.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

fitted with ORBCOMM telematics caught the eyes of visitors as they entered the show while inside the cool zone, a selection of its work included a special lift ing deck trailer for the Culina Group, which celebrates its silver anniversary this year. Alongside was an 18-tonne aerodynamically designed reefer box body (on a DAF LF) for Creed Foodservice.

DKV The Dutch headquartered fuel card and toll services provider is about to invest further into expanding its offerings to its Irish customers. Additions to its DKV Euro Service network will be offered including its 24-hour emergency services. More details will be announced shortly.

AL-KO Kober The renowned designer and manufacturer of low-weight, low height chassis conversions provides converters with the most suitable platform to build a vehicle body on, be it delivery or leisure vehicles. Look out for an Irish Road Show starting on 5 June and visiting Irish agents.

Eureka Eddie Doyle, Managing Director and Phillip Moulton, Business Development Manager were both kept on their toes explaining to show visitors about the Rosslare based company that develops transport and logistics soft ware solutions. Business in Britain is picking up thanks to Phillip being based at its UK branch.

Bott The vehicle conversion and racking company showcased a Nissan eNV200 electric vehicle solution with minimised battery discharge plus battery guard and featuring a tri-box, no-drill racking system. Also on stand was a Vauxhall Combo fitted with a Bott tool safe, a programmable controller and keypad for operating lighting, aux sockets, inverter and other functions.

REVIEW II | 35

Fiat Professional Practical solutions in the van segment were on display here ranging from from a Ducato Ambulance, Construction Tipper to a Panini Van on a Doblò chassis. The theme on its stand this time around was ‘Just the Job’, and also featured bespoke Talento and Fiorino models. From what we hear there is much more to come from the Ducato!

Mitsubishi In a slight change of plan, the Mitsubishi L200 ‘Truck King Batt le’ winner due for reveal was replaced last minute by a Shogun/ Pajero Sports SUV. Alongside were other versions of the outgoing L200 and the Outlander PHEV commercial. Alas, the CV Show’s loss was the Badminton Horse Trials’ gain! (See News item).

SsangYong Pride of place at this South Korean auto makers’ stand was the all-new Musso Pickup joined by the Rexton SUV commercial, both models proving popular with SMEs and fleet operators alike. Bigger Musso now has a payload of 1,050 kg and a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

Transdeck The Double-Deck trailer specialist launched its curtainside wedge version which enables it to carry the equivalent of 52 pallets on outbound and inbound journeys. Also on show was a 10.6 urban wedge trailer and modular V2G loading pod.

Doosan The South Korean manufacturer showcased two prime examples from its broad range of counter balance trucks, such as the 2.5 tonne Doosan G25P-7 4-wheel LPG and the 2 tonne B20X-7 4-wheel electric version. The Doosan Group has a 120-year history with an annual turnover of $21 billion.

Truck-Lite The leading designer and manufacturer of commercial vehicle lighting had an extensive range of products on display but was showcasing in particular its selection of flashing amber lighting that meet with new legislation that came into place last November.

Bri-Stor An EasiPower lithium battery for powering tools and batteries with up to six times the battery life of conventional lead batteries was featured on an all-electric Renault Master ZE. Also shown were an easily secured Easy-Load 3 ladder roof storage system, and a Lowside Hardtop conversion on a Ford Ranger featuring a side gull-wing door and full tailgate gull-wing door for easy operator access.

CoolKit Offering maximum payload by keeping weight down, CoolKit, which distributes in Ireland though Ballinlough Refrigeration, showed this medium wheel base Volkswagen Crafter dual-temperature refrigerated van with a fitted air curtain and a payload up to 150kg better than rivals, as well as a Ford Transit outfitted with a two temperature zone body designed for the pharmaceutical industry.

Rhino In the process of building new offices in Elesmere Port which will nearly double available floor space, van accessories specialist Rhino had a number of new products on display including a redesigned Pipe Tube Pro with improved sealing, and a new aluminium ladder which is half the weight of the steel model it replaces without losing any strength capabilities. www.fleet.ie

36 | REVIEW II

Thermo King & Frigoblock Electrification was the name of the game on a shared stand of the Ingersoll Rand companies. A hybrid refrigeration unit for undermount applications allowing the Thermo King refrigeration unit to switch power between diesel and electric mode as required was undertaken with Castell Howell Foods, while Electra Commercial Vehicles converted an Iveco Eurocargo 18-tonne truck into a fully electric refrigerated vehicle featuring Frigoblock high performance refrigeration.

WashTec / Lymm Truckwash Sharing stand space with WashTec, the commercial vehicle washing systems provider was Lymm Truckwash, Europe’s largest truck wash. Located close to the intersections of the M6 and M56 in Cheshire, the company has invested £2.3 million in a brand new facility adjacent to the current site. Already popular with Irish hauliers, the new site will feature state-of-the-art WashTec washes alongside a bespoke pressure washer system and payment system.

Paneltex Electric power was the theme on the body builder’s stand. Vehicles showcased included two 7.5t Isuzu N75 EVs, one with a Paneltex refrigerated body with GAH electric refrigeration system and the other an insulated dry freight body with 3460kg payload. Also featured was a 4.25t BD Auto electric vehicle with dual compartment refrigerated body and an 18t Electra truck with twin compartment temp-controlled body.

Feldbinder Having its head office and works located at Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire enables Feldbinder to conveniently cover the British market. On display and bearing the famous orange FFB logo was its 60,000th built trailer since the German fi rm was established in 1975.

SDC Trailers Significant developments at SDC Trailers at its home base and expansion in England. Six examples of its latest work were exhibited from curtainsider, Box van, platform, skeletal, Machine carrier to draw bar trailers. On the same week as the show, SDC opened a new UK Sales Centre at J28 Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Van Hool At the event, news of a major fleet deal with an Irish operator was about to be announced. The fully galvanised gooseneck chassis from the Belgian manufacturer is currently being supplied to Brian Cosgrave Transport in Limerick. See page 4 for more details on the deal.

Sortimo Two major developments from the German company included the launch of a brand new racking system. SR5, which replaces Globelyst, will reduce the number of different parts down from over 8,000 to around 1,800. Also launched was mySortimo, a website configurator which allows a customer to select a custom racking solution in a few easy clicks.

System Edström A new corporate look for the Swedish manufacturer which launched new branding last November. As well as new Eco-Lite panel systems and new Carry Bins, System Edström displayed a Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric van equipped with reduced weight products for better payload efficiency as well as a new on-board power system suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Modul-Systems A number of new products featured from the Swedish solutions provider included a Multi-Box tool and storage box, a range of roof bars and pipe carriers and a trolley from storage boxes. Also worth checking out was the Modul-Connect 2, which allows a smartphone or tablet to manage electrical accessories using wireless technology.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

REVIEW II | 37

EberspĂ¤cher An impressive display of commercial vehicles of all types highlighted the many specialist uses for products from the thermal management solutions provider. New Gen 2 heaters were showcased - they offer low power consumption, reduced weight and almost double the service life intervals compared to previous models.

VB Air Suspension Levelair, a fully automated air suspension system for Pick-ups was among the products featured on stand. It maintains the vehicle level by compensating for additional payload and will warn the operator if maximum payload is exceeded. Dedicated kits are currently available for the Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.

ORBCOMM Pictured at its busy stand were Denis Cody, Niamh Killeen and Trevor Durnin from its Blue Tree Systemsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Irish division, based in Galway. Demonstrated during the event was its truck, driver and tachograph management solution and reefer temperature control recorders. Recently, Lidl UK signed up 400 of its distribution trucks to its systems.

Jost A supplier of safety critical systems for trucks and trailers that also includes the Rockinger, Tridec and Edbro brands within the company, Jost featured its new JPS 9000 pusher axle. With a proven steering mechanism that helps to improve manoeuvrability, weight and flexibility are key appealing characteristics of Jost products for OEMs.

Whale Tankers The manufacturer of liquid waste vacuum tankers and jett ing equipment unveiled the fi rst fully electric MVC (medium volume combination) tanker at the CV Show. The eWhale features two banks of lithium battery packs that deliver power via a 9 phase process to a 250kW electric driver motor, enabling it to remain fully operational over a normal vehicle shift pattern.

BPW To many visitors BPW is a leading axle and suspension manufacturer but some realise that the German founded company is over 100 years old, has amassed into 50 fi rms, has 9 development sites, 16 production facilities and 20 aftermarket distributors across the globe. Today, it has a wide portfolio of CV products and services.

Truckman An interesting new range of commercial vehicle accessories from the Dudley, West Midlands based company included the new cab-high RS-3 Pick-up hard top with all-round access. Another fi rst outing was the new ALUCA racking demo van, while the Retrax Tonneau covers were from its accessories fi le.

MJ Products/VanMate Once again the Desford company has come up with another innovative piece of lift ing and handling equipment. At its stand was an ongoing demonstration of its latest VanMate trolley which is able to handle all kinds of awkward and heavy loads. The trolley comes in three assembled/disassembling parts for added convenience.

VanTainer VanTainer is the UK and Ireland agent for Tanos Mobil Van Racking systems from Germany, a lightweight aluminium system that uses velcro fasteners instead of having to drill into the van itself. Th is enables quick installation and allows the system to be easily transferred to another vehicle if necessary.

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38 | REVIEW II

Carrier Transicold Making its UK and Ireland debut was the Vector HE 19, Carrier Transicold’s flagship temperature controlled trailer system which offers up to 30% better fuel consumption, saves weight and is quieter. Also featured were engineless refrigeration solutions using Eco-Drive power module to convert power from the vehicle’s diesel engine, and a 12-volt NEOS 100 all-electric solution for LCVs.

Eminox The designer and manufacturer of exhaust and emissions control systems for heavy vehicles announced CV Logix as its sole UK distributor for its Aftermarket portfolio. Its Euro 6 Aftermarket Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which come with a 2 year 200,000 mile warranty, are now available for Volvo, Renault and DAF Trucks, with units for Mercedes-Benz, Scania and MAN following later this year.

Giti As well as launching its first ever tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) at the Show, Giti Tire had a comprehensive selection of its combi-road, long haul, regional, mixed service, urban, winter and competition tyres on display. They included the recently launched 395/65 R22.5 GTR955 trailer tyre which the company says will deliver around 30% better mileage than previous products.

Hankook A full selection of the Korean brand’s commercial vehicle portfolio included the new SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre for regional haul use which has proven its toughness through extensive testing in forestry conditions. Also featured were the SmartWork range for on and off-road use. Both the SmartFlex and SmartWork are selected as Original Equipment for MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania trucks.

Yokohama Making its CV Show debut, Yokohama presented its van tyre range including the BluEarth-Van RY55 which majors on long mileage, durability, ride comfort and fuel efficiency. Also displayed was the W*Drive WY01 winter van tyre optimised for wet, snow and ice conditions. The Geolander range of all-terrain tyres for SUVs and off-roaders was additionally showcased.

Hulsteins This Swedish company has been distributing in the UK for the past 12 months through Cold Connect Ltd. Its Ecogen refrigeration units are all powered from the truck engine rather than via their own diesel engines. Main focus was on an Ecogen EG25 hydraulic drive generator fitted to an LNG powered Iveco Stralis.

Hiab 2019 CV Show provided a platform for the next generation launch of the Hiab DEL DL500 column lift designed for light duty vehicles. It sports less weight, is easier to install and has new safety features. Last mile deliveries and e-commerce sectors are its target markets.

Manitou From TMM, TMT & MSI, the Manitou forklift range on display, included the Truck Mounted Masted, Truck Mounted Telescopic and semi-industrial forklift which in the main caters for long loads over rough terrain and is extremely adaptable with either 2 or 4 wheel drive.

Terberg DTS Terberg highlighted its range of distribution tractors both inside and outside the NEC complex. One of its latest developments on display was a revamped electric YT 182 EV-R. Also on show was a BC182 rigid body carrier. 150 years of tradition has been established.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

REVIEW II | 39 ELECTRONICS

Brigade As electric and hybrid vehicles become more popular this means a greater risk for pedestrians unable to hear them approaching. Brigade’s QVS - Quiet Vehicle Sounder - is a multifrequency device using the company’s patented bbs-tek technology that gives greater directional information allowing vulnerable road users to identify where the sound is coming from.

Continental VDO Probably best known as a tachograph manufacturer, Continental’s focus was on its workshop tools and test equipment, including its range of brakes testers that calibrate vehicles with Digital and Smart Tachographs. With the requirement to have Smart Tachographs installed in all newly registered trucks from June, Continental can offer a full range of services and equipment for testing these new tachographs.

Mandata The integrated soft ware solutions provider was promoting the latest generation of its TMS for larger fleets which is now more customisable and features Map-based planning and Traffic Pad enhancements. Meanwhile, its TMS Go! designed for smaller hauliers now features a Customer Portal and Waste Handling Features.

Smart Witness A digital wing mirror that can provide multiple/split views depending on the number of cameras installed, and a Distracted Driver Detection and Warning System were among the products highlighted on the Video Telematics providers’s stand. Multi-Camera and sensor systems with audible warning that comply with FORS were also showcased.

Stoneridge A new Smart Tachograph - the SE5000 Connekt - designed to meet the forthcoming new legislation effective from next month includes GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and remote communication with roadside officers. Also featured was CornerEye, an advanced digital camera that provides a 270 degree field of vision around the front of the vehicle allowing the driver a full view, including any blind spots.

Trakm8 Trakm8 Insight, a highly-customisable platform was the centre of attention on the telematics provider’s stand. It offers bespoke dashboards, driving data, vehicle health information, a reporting suite, configurable alerts and advanced fleet planning tools on a web portal and mobile app.

Tranzaura It’s been a successful 12 months for the technology provider established in Limerick that changed hands recently, with an increasing number of large companies fi nding benefits in its Driver Connect, Accident Incident Digital Solution, Paperless Vehicle Checks and Tachograph Analysis solutions. On stand in Birmingham were Ray Desmond, Richard Easden, Liam Parry and Shane Mann.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney & Cathal Doyle

www.fleet.ie

40 | REPORT I/PICTORIAL

2019 Tramore Racecourse

elebrating its eighth year, the 2019 Waterford Truck & Motor Show returned to Tramore, the town where it all began in 2012 but on this occasion the event was held at the Racecourse. No doubt the glorious weather over the May Bank Holiday Weekend helped to bring out the crowds and lend their support for this year’s nominated charity, the RNLI. The Waterford Truck & Motor Show has grown to become what is arguably one of the biggest annual events in the Irish truck show calendar. Th is year was special because two of Ireland’s favourite truck brands were marking important anniversaries; Volvo Trucks celebrating 25 years of the FH Series, and from the other side of Sweden, Scania marking 50 years of its legendary V8 engine. There was huge support and enthusiasm for the event and not just from local operators, as again the show was remarkable by the volume of support received from all over the UK, with a significant number of operators and enthusiasts bringing vehicles and equipment ‘across’.

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

Some had travelled great distances, and none more so than Craig Finnie who brought his 1996 Mercedes-Benz 1844 all the way from Peterhead in Scotland. In addition to the immense ‘horsepower’ on display at the Racecourse, the Show’s social side featured a country music extravaganza over the weekend, and many other att ractions for all ages to enjoy. The important fund raising event also received valuable recognition and support from many high profi le sponsors including Circle K, Bridgestone Tyres, Dennison Trailers, Volvo Trucks, Kel-berg Trailers and media partners Fleet Transport Magazine. At the official launch of the event earlier this year, local Councillor John Kelly highlighted the significant benefits the truck show brings to the city, saying “there are only upsides to this event“ - and as it turned out, he was right.

REPORT I/PICTORIAL | 41

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42 | REPORT I/PICTORIAL

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

REPORT I/PICTORIAL | 43

Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

Photos: Paul White and Noel Browne

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44 | MARITIME I

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

Volume 14, No. 3 Summer 2019

There’s something familiar about that logo

am indebted to Fleet Transport reader, Martin Bates, for the photo of a Sealink Ferries tray bearing the iconic British Rail double arrow logo. Martin spotted the tray while on a walk on the beach at Rush in North County Dublin, and, as he said: “this tray must have been wandering about the Irish Sea for thirty-five years or more.” The logo itself was used from 1964 on all British Rail equipment including the vessels the company used on ferry and containership services, among them the Dublin Port and Belfast Port to Holyhead container services. The ferries operating out of Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Larne also carried the double arrow until 1984 when the Sealink ferry operation was sold to Sea Containers becoming Sealink British Ferries. Later, Sea Containers sold most of the ferry operations including those with Irish Sea routes on to Stena line.

the Stena Adventurer. She now operates regular services out of the Red Sea port of Jeddah with an outward appearance, very litt le changed since being built more than forty years ago.

One vessel that, when launched as the St. Columba, carried the double arrow logo and is very possibly the one from which the tray came, is the m/f Masarrah. She was built for the Dun Laoghaire – Holyhead route, entering service in 1977. Over her twenty years’ service on that route she went through a number of name changes, but in 1997 when she left Irish waters having been replaced by the Stena Explorer HSS she was

The last “something familiar” piece featured two vessels in the New Zealand Rail owned and operated Interislander service linking that country’s North and South islands. The company has recently announced that it plans to replace these and the third vessel in their current fleet, with two new-builds. The new vessels will have 30% more capacity than the present ones and will operate as road and rail ferries. Th is will enable freight trains operating on New Zealand’s unique 3ft . 6ins rail gauge to link ports and cities more effectively than the present system in which only the smaller of the three vessels in the fleet can accommodate rail cars.

Stena Line to ﬂy the rainbow ﬂag all over Europe

or the second year in a row, Stena Line is partnering up with EuroPride. From June 1st -16th the Company will fly the rainbow flag and promote the message “All aboard!” throughout Europe in celebration of diversity. “At Stena Line we welcome everyone, whether you want to work here, travel with us or be one of our business partners. Therefore, we are proud to support EuroPride for another year and the values of equality and diversity they represent; discrimination of any nature has no place in Stena Line,” stated Ian Hampton, Chief People & Communications Officer at Stena Line. During EuroPride June 1st - 16th Stena Line will fly the rainbow flag on a number of its ships and terminals all over Europe; for this period also, it will continue the theme on the Company’s digital channels such as websites, social media and digital sign onboard. Involving all of Stena Line’s eight regions sends an important message that the company is united in supporting equal rights and opportunities for everyone, playing its part to encourage a world of tolerance and understanding rather than harassment and discrimination – “Our strapline this year 'All aboard!' embodies this message,” explained Ian. “We have more than 7,200 employees working together to create a great experience for all our customers and most importantly make them feel welcome. For us to do that, we need to make sure we have FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2019

a sustainable working environment free from harassment, where everyone is given equal opportunities regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability,” says Margareta Jensen Dickson, Head of People at Stena Line. “Therefore, Stena Line has decided to make diversity and antiharassment training a mandatory part of the onboarding process for all new employees and managers. To create big waves, you need ‘All Aboard‘– and Stena Line is starting this journey with their own people.”

MARITIME II | 45

Stena Line upgrades, builds and purchases ferries

he 1981 built Stena Europe, which was last significantly upgraded in 2002 and has been the mainstay of the Rosslare - Fishguard route for many years, is currently undergoing a significant three-month refit visit to the Gemak Shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey. The vessel is scheduled to return by late June and during the visit a number of upgrade projects are being completed. One of the most significant includes modifications to the deckhead levels on the main vehicle deck to allow for the carriage of full-height trailers across the whole of the main vehicle deck. Prior to arrival at the Turkish shipyard, Stena Europe was restricted to carrying full-height trailers on its port side only. Other works include the renewal of the majority of the ship’s windows as well as engine and hull overhauls including blasting the whole hull to remove all the existing old paint work to improve fuel efficiency and the ship’s appearance. Internally, the passenger stairwells will be revamped, while a redesign of the Barista Coffee outlet as well as upgrades to the passenger Information Desk and other decor improvements will take place. Speaking about the redevelopment Ian Davies, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea South) said: “Our ongoing ship refit programme is an important part of our business operation ensuring that our fleet operates to its maximum efficiently and is further evidence of Stena Line’s rolling investment programme for the region. The Stena Europe is an important part of our Irish Sea South fleet and we look forward to welcoming a revamped vessel back to our Rosslare-Fishguard service in the summer with the capacity to accommodate even more full-height trailers while still carrying up to 1, 400 passengers.” During the refit period, the Stena Europe has been replaced by the Stena Nordica on the Rosslare-Fishguard service. That vessel, which was delivered to P&O Ferries in 2000 as the European Ambassador, operated a fivetimes weekly Dublin-Mostyn and a once weekly Dublin-Cherbourg sailing until 2004. Following the withdrawal of P&O from those and other routes in 2005 she was bought by Stena and re-named Stena Nordica. While her freight capacity is almost double that

of the Stena Europe, her passenger capacity, at 405 is significantly less than that on the older vessel which can accommodate 1400 passengers. According to some hauliers there has been frustration that, though the Stena Nordica does have much greater trailer capacity, Stena has been unable to fully exploit this due to the inadequate ramp facilities at Fishguard. These make loading and discharge slow and mean that the vessel often has to sail less than fully loaded in order to maintain schedule.

Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson commented on the ongoing projects: “It’s very exciting to follow the building process and this is another very important milestone in our rolling construction programme. This investment underscores our commitment to our operations on the Irish Sea and our determination to deliver the best possible freight and travel experience for our customers. Th is is a very exciting time for our business and I’m proud that as Europe’s largest ferry company, Stena Line continues help shape the industry for the next generation of freight and leisure passengers.”

Stena Line has achieved another major milestone in its fleet investment programme with the ‘float out’ ceremony of the second vessel in its next generation E-Flexer series. The second vessel will be named Stena Edda and follows the Scandinavian heritage decided for the five new vessels that are being constructed at the Avic Weihai Shipyard in China. Work is also underway at the yard on the first of the vessels built to a similar specification for Stena Ro-Ro but which will be long-term chartered to Brittany Ferries. That vessel and her planned sister ship will be built to operate on LNG power.

At 215 metres, all three vessels being built for the Irish Sea will be larger than today’s standard RoPax vessels and will provide freight capacity of 3,100 lane metres and the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers and crew. For the Belfast - Liverpool route, capacity will increase by almost 20% compared to the current vessels in service. Work continues on completing the Stena Estrid and she is now likely to take over the Dublin-Holyhead service currently sailed by Stena Superfast X in spring 2020.

Stena Edda is scheduled to enter service on the Belfast-Liverpool route in spring 2020. Th is is the second of three new E-Flexer vessels bound for the Irish Sea during 2020 and 2021.

Stena Ro-Ro has bought the 2003 built Japanese ferry, Yamato which came from the same yard as the Stena Nordica. The company plans to complete refurbishment to bring the vessel up to European ferry standards by early 2020 and then place her on the charter market. FLEETMARITIME | Summer 2019

46 | MARITIME III

Port of Waterford in the black and goes green

he Port of Waterford has announced details of its financial results and operating performance for 2018. The company’s accounts show operating profits of €1.9m for the year to 31 December, an increase of 12% on 2017. Turnover in 2018 was €8m, up from €7.6m in the prior year. Shareholders’ funds stood at €32.7m at the year-end and the company is to pay a dividend of €330,000 to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Bulk freight throughput at the port in Belview, County Kilkenny over the year amounted to 1.7m tonnes, a 28% increase on 2017 which had itself seen a 27% increase over 2016. Containers handled grew by 3% while there was strong break bulk activity including shipments of steel and timber. This traffic reflects increased economic activity, including in the construction sector. Pic Port of Waterford results. Commenting on the figures, Frank Ronan, the company’s Chief Executive, said: “2018 was another excellent trading year for the port. Buoyancy in the agri-foods sector continued to drive strong demand for fertiliser and feedstuffs. There was also a spike in demand for imported animal feed in 2018 because of the poor weather in the first half of

PORT PORTALS In response to the possibility of traffic disruption at the Port of Holyhead arising from Customs and other checks on vehicles passing through following Brexit, the Welsh Government has announced plans to make available a secure parking facility at the nearby Park Cybi for 175 trucks. Current vehicle capacity at Holyhead is 660 vehicles. Should demand outstrip the facilities provided, some further parking would be made available along the westbound carriageway of the A55, close to the Port. Stena Line AB and Hyundai Glovis Europe have filed a merger application with the European Commission’s Competition Authorities for an unnamed joint venture. The new unit would mainly operate short-sea transport services on pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels in Europe. Irish Continental Group plc. has sold the

last year. However, we anticipate this sector will continue to perform strongly, supported by significant new private sector investment in storage facilities in the Belview Industrial Zone.” “Looking at the bigger picture, we are currently drafting a masterplan that will be the first ever to take a 25-year view of where the port needs to go to fulfi l its potential as a huge enabler of regional and

cruise ferry Oscar Wilde to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA using a bareboat hire purchase agreement which will see the sale price of €28.9m paid over 6 years. The Oscar Wilde was built in 1987 and was purchased from Color Line in 2007 to displace the Normandy on the Irish Ferries Rosslare to Cherbourg route. Following the decision by Irish Ferries to stop sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff the Oscar Wilde became surplus to requirements. On completion of her annual overhaul at the Harland & Wolff yard in Belfast the Oscar Wilde sailed to the Mediterranean where MSC operates the SNAV Ferry Line. The one-time B + I Line jetfoil, built as Cu na Mara and now sailing as the Ginga in the Sea of Japan, hit the international headlines in March following a collision with “marine life” while en route from Niigata to Sado Island. More than eighty of the 125 passengers and crew on board were injured but the vessel made it to destination under her own power. The Boeing built jetfoil entered B + I Line service in 1980 running twice daily between the

Dublin Customs House Quay and Liverpool’s Pier Head. Though the vessel could achieve the crossing in under three hours she was not commercially successful and was sold on to Japan in 1982. Eucon Shipping & Transport has brought into service a larger vessel on its DublinAntwerp service. Keith Brady, Customer Services Manager said: “After taking an extra vessel into the fleet in June 2018 (Victoria) to work on a direct service from Antwerp (depart Friday) to Dublin (arrive Sunday), Eucon has decided to off-hire this vessel and on-hire a larger capacity vessel to work on the route. The Wega came into service in early April.”

The Wega will operate on the Antwerp / Dublin service previously covered by the Victoria. The vessel is particularly aimed at the domestic short sea market, having been modified before coming into service to carry the maximum possible 45ft units. The service is an extremely competitive and time sensitive

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MARITIME IV | 47 national economic growth. That will be out for public consultation in early summer and the final plan will map out our development to the mid-2040s.” Des Whelan, Chairman, Port of Waterford, added: “As the economy continues to perform well, activity at the port naturally reflects that as we are one of the main routes for goods entering and leaving the country. However, the 2018 performance also owes a lot to the strong team Frank leads as CEO. As a board, we were pleased to approve the payment of a dividend to the Department as our shareholder on behalf of Government. “It’s also very encouraging that the first quarter of 2019 has continued the positive trend and was ahead of the first three months of last year. We would be very satisfied if we see bulk activity coming out in line with 2018 for the full year. On the container handling side, we have again seen solid growth in line with the general economy and we continue to pursue an expansion on the current scheduled services together with the re-opening of the rail connection to Ballina.” The Port’s cruise business also continues to support the tourism and hospitality sector in the Southeast, drawing in thousands of higherspending visitors each year. Capt. Darren Doyle, Harbourmaster, said

there are currently 20 cruise bookings scheduled for 2019 - in line with 2018. He added: “We are working with the local cruise co-op and other stakeholders to promote Waterford. Recent announcements from Dublin Port restricting cruise calls there from 2021 has prompted us all to re-double our efforts to maintain and grow this activity to the benefit of a wide range of interests in the southeast. Continued investment in making Waterford more attractive to visitors strengthens our hand in attracting valuable cruise calls.” The Port of Waterford Company has purchased three new Nissan LEAF electric cars for transporting pilots and marine personnel on both sides of the Suir Estuary. The zero emissions cars are part of a wider drive by the Port to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. Other elements of the continuing programme include using renewable energy sources for heating and the installation of energy-efficient lighting on the quayside at Belview. Solar panels have also been fitted on the roof of the Marine Point office development in Belview which houses the Port’s headquarters. Commenting on the initiatives, Frank Ronan said: “We are very conscious of our carbon footprint and recognise our particular responsibility as a commercial State company to play our part in the sustainability agenda. To benchmark our progress, we are now working towards environmental certifications.”

service for all cargoes, but in particular for reefer and groupage. “The addition of the Wega will also offer extra capacity on the Eucon peak sailing ex-Rotterdam on Saturday morning, with Belgian cargo now being routed via Antwerp which would have previously route via Rotterdam,” said Keith Brady. “This will give our customers on the Rotterdam routing room to grow their volumes. The new vessel, built as Containerships V, has a gross tonnage of 7,550, almost double that of the previous vessel and her acquisition means that the Eucon fleet now consists of vessels of very similar sizes and specifications.” Irish Ferries switched the W.B. Yeats from the Dublin-Holyhead route to operate a three round trips weekly service linking Dublin and Cherbourg on 15 March. The Epsilon moved back to the Holyhead route while the Dublin Swift began her seasonal service on the same route. In the course of her Winter maintenance the vehicle deck on that vessel was reorganised with the fitting of an additional car deck on the port side providing four full height vehicle lanes along the centre of the vessel.

The W.B. Yeats, which has recently received the “Ferry of the Year Award 2019” at the European Ferry Shipping Summit awards ceremony, has now switched to a seven-times a fortnight round trip schedule on the Dublin-Cherbourg route before the service reverts to three times weekly in September, when Epsilon and W.B. Yeats return to the Holyhead run backing up the Ulysses.

Irish Ferries remains on course to take delivery in late 2020 of a second cruise ferry from the same German yard as delivered the W.B. Yeats. The 67,300 gross tonnes vessel will be the largest cruise ferry in the world, a title held by the Ulysses for a number of years following her delivery in 2001, with 5,610 lane metres over five full height decks carrying 1500 cars or 330 freight units and 1800 passengers. The new vessel will take over the slot sailed by

Ulysses since her introduction, making a further trailer capacity of 100 units available on those sailings. The company has also announced that it has renewed its charter arrangement for the Epsilon to end in 2020 with an option for a further year’s extension. International Warehousing & Transport (IWT) has increased the number of weekly rotations in its rail freight service linking Ballina with Dublin Port to nine times weekly. Factors behind this move include the increase in production volumes from its main clients, the rise in fuel costs affecting the economics of haulage, and road access congestion as traffic through Dublin Port builds. Both IWT and train operator, Iarnrod Éireann have made substantial further investment in facilities at the Ballina railhead. This further increases the effectiveness of the facility as an inland port servicing exporters and importers in the North-West.

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48 | COMMENT

The Great Box and Trailer debate

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

heard somewhere not so long ago that the concept of the business year starting on 1 January is quite recent and that in earlier times the year actually fi nished in March. There was never a reason given as to why and when I started working here and even still in the UK, the tax year starts on 6 April. Until now that was something that I never understood. What brings this to mind is the way in which meetings, seminars, workshops and the like seem to get squeezed into the second and fourth quarters of the year and the January to March quarter, in particular, is prett y quiet. I know that the weather might not be great then and that this year in particular with all the Brexit nonsense we were all in a state of suspended animation, but really it would be great if events could be spread out more evenly through the year. With that rant out of the way, I have found myself missing as many events as I have actually been able to get to and take part in. Almost all of them have been in relation to the supply chain, and the major focus has been on multimodal freight transport. The Brexit discussions have played a part in this crowded agenda. I was speaking at a Workshop event in Verona, Italy which took place at an absolutely massive rail and road freight terminal, the Interporto Quadrante Europa, where most of the participants were involved in aspects of the freight business in Central or Southern Europe and I was very surprised at the level of knowledge about the British landbridge issue for traffic to and from Ireland. A number had personal experience of unpleasant borders and really ‘got it’ about the Irish Backstop as well. Outside there were thousands of trailers and containers destined for locations throughout Europe using combinations of rail, ferry or containership, and road; inside the discussion was about supply chain efficiencies and route planning. My own contribution to the discussion was on this latter area. As I mentioned previously, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

been involved in the development of a route planner for Lo-Lo boxes. One thing that has emerged from this work is the ability to plan the quickest and/or cheapest way to move a box of cargo from origin to destination. Some results can be surprising, a box shipping from Dublin Ferryport Terminal on a Sunday can be at the rail Terminal in Prague on Wednesday. A truck and trailer would be hard pushed to achieve this time. But here’s another question that popped up at The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) Transport Economist document launch, that of the relentless shift of hauliers and forwarders using Ro-Ro from running driver accompanied on ferries to shipping the trailers unaccompanied. Th is is a perfectly logical move for the transport operator and for drivers’ work-life balance, and, of course, because there is no tractor-unit, it saves freight costs. From the Shipping Line’s perspective, is this sensible? A sailing on which all trailers are driver accompanied can load and discharge very quickly, be a virtual bridge, while one that carries just trailers is one that the stevedore must provide Tugmasters and drivers to shutt le back and forth on and off the ship. There are significant costs in this but, as well, the process is much slower and there is already evidence that some ferry companies are having to limit the number of such trailers on board in order to maintain their schedules. If the ferry companies are charging a price that covers their costs and give a small margin for shipping driver accompanied units, then, should they not be charging a much higher rate for unaccompanied trailers? Were that to happen, then significant traffic might switch to shipping in Lo-Lo format. The vessels are cheaper, the shipping line provides the equipment and the recent arrival of significant IT in that business allows for “priority boarding” and discharging to make the rail connections like the one we mentioned earlier. The debate rolls on.

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50 | REPORT II

Reasons for optimism despite decline in conﬁdence in logistics sector *Fourth CBRE AIB Logistics & Supply Chain Conﬁdence Index published

Left to right are Danny Geoghan, Robert Quill and Garrett McClean

rexit implications and a slowing economic growth are being attributed to a decline in confidence in the logistics and supply chain sector, according to the latest CBRE AIB Logistics & Supply Chain Confidence Index. The report, which was launched at a Breakfast Meeting at CBRE’s Dublin offices, finds that 72% of respondents expect conditions to be more difficult over the next 12 months, up from 38% last year. Now in its fourth year, the annual survey is jointly produced by CBRE, Ireland’s largest commercial real estate services company and financial services group AIB. Adding consistency to the findings, over 75% of respondents to this year’s survey, comprising more than 50 senior decision makers from across the island of Ireland from both logistics providers and manufacturers / producers that utilise supply chain services, have taken part in either three or all four of the surveys to date. Overall confidence remains at a fairly high level, as 69% of all respondents, which include CEO’s, Managing Directors and senior management of some of the largest logistics providers and buyers of supply chain services, expect their turnover to increase over the next year, while 61% forecast increased profitability over the next 12 months. The report reveals a considerable difference of opinion between the logistics providers and manufacturers, with logistics operators considerably more confident of increasing the profitability of their business compared to manufacturers and retailers (71% versus 50%). Other fi ndings from the report reveal that 77% of respondents expect an increase in demand for warehousing in 2019, 51% intend to increase their logistics-related headcount in next the 12 months and 62% of companies in this sector are likely to make significant capital expenditure in 2019. Garrett McClean, Executive Director, CBRE noted that with demand expected to continue to outstrip supply for some time yet, the industrial and logistics property sector is expected to see an increase in prime

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

industrial rents in Dublin of up to 6.5% over the course of the next 12 months, while the continuing high demand for logistics property is likely to make speculative development viable in some instances. “While businesses across the logistics, manufacturers and retail sectors are more pessimistic than recent years, it is encouraging to note that 61% of respondents expect profitability to increase this year. As anticipated, a higher share of respondents are reporting increased levels of eCommerce related activity, as Irish companies seek opportunities beyond the UK and EU. Demand is set to remain strong for modern prime logistics property with 77% of respondents expecting increased demand levels in 2019.” Inevitably Brexit remains a consideration as noted by Aidan Flynn, General Manager, Freight Transport Association of Ireland (FTAI) who provided opening remarks: “It’s a challenging time for everybody involved in the freight distribution and logistics sector. It may seem like Brexit has gone away because the can has been kicked down the road until the 31st of October, but within the industry it’s extremely important that we continue to develop what we call creative contingency planning within the supply chain. There are gaps - we certainly weren’t ready for the 29th of March, so we need to improve our readiness. Regardless of what is agreed the transition period is due to end in December 2020, and we will need time once we know what the future trading environment is all about to prepare.” A no-deal Brexit is still a possibility, according to Robert Quill of AIB, who noted that logistics providers were more positive about a Hard Brexit situation than retailers. 37% saw an opportunity for an increase in turnover in such a scenario compared to just 6% of retailers. “It highlights the difference between logistics providers and retailers; logistics providers see it more as an opportunity from a warehousing perspective, and those companies that have co-supplier guarantees in place are quite bullish about a hard deal Brexit,” he said. The meeting also heard from Danny Geoghan, M.D. of Primeline Group, Ireland’s largest independent provider of logistics, sales and marketing services, who outlined the company’s route to becoming logistics partner for many of Ireland’s largest grocery and food service companies. Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie Photos: SON Photographic Ltd

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52 | AFTERMARKET

Harris Group expands with CAS – Commercial & Auto Spares Division

eadquartered on the Naas Road, Dublin, The Harris Group is one of Ireland’s longest-established and leading automotive importers, distributors and assembly companies. The Harris Group is currently expanding its product portfolio and customer services offerings with the introduction of an AllMakes Spare Parts supply division. In addition to stocking parts and component lines for its Isuzu, Hino, Sinotruk, LDV truck and LCV ranges and Higer, AOS and Torc bus and coach brands, the All-Makes Spare Parts division can now also supply the broadest selection of spare parts for all truck makes and a number of van brands at the Harris Group’s vast new 75,000 sq.ft . Distribution Centre. Already, over 3,000 new part numbers are stacked high along lines and lines of shelving, all easily accessible for speedy dispatch nationwide.

“What we have established here is an allmakes commercial vehicle spare parts supply programme division that aims to be a viable and valuable alternative to what is currently on the market today,” explained Michael Meenan, Group Parts Manager. “We are offering top quality products at the best prices and have formed a blue chip supply chain with the leading manufacturers in the trade such as Sampa, TruckTech and XXL Marmitte. Our target market is the end user by using appointed stockists which we have signed up around the country. Motor factors nationwide will stock our LCV parts. We arrange overnight delivery to anywhere across the 32 counties, along with a local delivery service,” added Michael, who has years of experience in this specialist but vital sector within the commercial vehicle and transport industry. To date 22 fully trained staff members are employed and this figure is likely to increase as additional stockists are appointed.

CAS – Commercial & Auto Spares – Main brands stocked SAMPA Automotive Founded in 1994, SAMPA supplies more than 30,000 high quality spare parts for trucks, trailers and buses manufactured at its plant and headquarters at Samsun, Turkey to the heavy duty commercial vehicle industry. Continuous growth in business has resulted from significant investment in research and development. Extending the life cycle of its products with new patents and with a determination to move ahead of OEM quality, SAMPA is taking strong steps towards being a world leader in the heavy duty aftermarket sector by 2025. XXL Marmitte Italy XXL Marmitte Italiane is well-known as a market leader and reference brand among the best manufacturers and wholesalers. One of the main features of its production process is the use of the best raw materials in order to offer a high-quality, complete range of spare parts for exhaust systems. Each day the Milan based fi rm’s technical departments are working hard to fi nd new solutions to meet all market requests and to be in a position to provide expert technical data for the customer. The XXL Marmitte product line for trucks and buses includes a complete range of Euro 1, 2 & 3 exhaust systems ranging from the silencer to all accessory parts. XXL DPF, which is its particulate filter line for commercial vehicles, is updated regularly with new versions and additional accessories such as clamps, rubbers and brackets. TruckTec Automotive Highly regarded as a reliable supplier of quality automotive parts for German brands since 1989, TruckTec has more than 20,000 parts available, ranging from brake discs to weather strips. New parts are added every day, manufactured to the highest quality standards and approved by the Germany authorities, who constantly monitor their performances. All TruckTec parts are certified according to ISO/TS 16949 or a similar standard, are sourced from reputable suppliers or OE Manufacturers, and come with the TruckTec logo that is the guarantee of proven quality.

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54 | FINANCE

How ﬁnancially viable is Irish Road Haulage?

very so often it is good to attend training courses on new industry developments or travel to International Trade Fairs to see where the road transport sector is heading in the future.

While attending this year’s CV Show 2019 at the NEC in Birmingham, I met with some key figures from the industry - one, a heavy commercial vehicle salesman with decades of experience. His vision of the future is important. It’s one where he sees a lack of new transport companies entering the market, a continuous shortage of drivers and a decreasing availability of skilled technicians to service vehicles. While technology is moving on, he sees the overall market decreasing, especially if the industry does not take dramatic steps to improve its profi le, significance and ultimately its remuneration to both staff and the business owner for risks involved. Unfortunately he does not see this impetus coming from our current Transport Minister who has done trojan work re road safety but litt le to do with the actual portfolio of long term planning for development of said industry.

As we become aware of the huge cost actually associated with inefficient usage of fossil fuels, the efficiency of our industry and its adoption of new greener operating methods will all be mandatory. Substantial investment by Government in the infrastructure that will allow this to happen will be required, and an industry that cannot att ract entrants at any level due to status and remuneration will also have to be tackled for this industry to be class leaders. To look at the initial question of how fi nancially viable transport fi rms will be going forward, it’s fair to surmise that without political support for infrastructure, training and support, transport will continue to be a high risk/low return industry that soaks up cash, only giving margin to those who can create and maintain niche specialised areas of work and continuously improve and change to keep these key advantages ongoing.

I then met with one of Ireland’s top purchasers of transport services and asked him why he attends this event even though its company does not and will never own and operate their own fleet. This interests me in that he has a detailed knowledge and interest in best practice, is aware how technological developments such as truck telematics are leading this process, and how the transport industry will cope and adjust to its environmental impact. Having met with young truck design engineers, who will be leading change in the industry in the future, I believe the only defi nite is change, with the understanding of the best economic time to adapt new technology determining a transport businesses’ future profitability. Adapt too early and you pay a premium for assets that will be quickly outstripped in operating capability; adapt too late and you become the haulier with an obsolete solution to a service requirement that has moved on. For decades the industry has offered cheaper solutions to customer requirements, often cutt ing their own throats to give back efficiencies gained from weight and dimension increases. The industry is now facing a huge challenge to provide compliant and sustainable transport solutions in an environment that will penalise the burning of fossil fuels. We live on a small island on the periphery of another small island (GB), and Ireland could be a world leader in sustainable energy use and optimisation of joined up transport strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of our nation. FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

LEGAL | 55

How strong is your contract with your customer?

n a recent District Court decision, the Court found that the agreement that a haulier had with a customer did not amount to a legal contract, and for that reason the road transport operator was not entitled to be paid for the work that they had done. Many companies have their ‘terms and conditions’ printed on the back of their invoice, in the belief that that is sufficient, forgett ing that the invoice is delivered after the work has been done. The fact that many previous invoices have been sent to the same customer may not help because each job will need its own legally enforceable contract. Ideally a copy of the company’s terms and conditions should be sent to each customer, making it clear that any work undertaken will be done on those terms. In each case that will amount to an offer to do work, and this ‘offer’ is a critical element in a legal contract. In Irish law there are four essential elements in any contract: ‘the offer’, ‘the acceptance’, ‘competent parties’ and ‘the consideration’. These four elements are present in any business transaction, from the purchase of a bunch of bananas, to an agreement to move four tonnes of goods into Northern Ireland. It is, however, important to recognise the difference between an ‘invitation’ and an ‘offer’. When goods are displayed in a window, or described in an advertisement, the display or the advertisement are, in fact, invitations to purchase the goods. It is only when the customer offers to buy the goods that a contract is made and a sale can be concluded. In the context of the road haulage industry therefore, it is the customer who will ‘invite’ the carrier to move the specified goods from the collection point to the delivery point, and the carrier who will ‘offer’ to do the work, and that agreement will then have the necessary elements of a legal contract enabling either party to go to court if there is a problem. Whilst there will be no problem when the contract is made with the carrier for a single movement, the formation of the contract can present problems when there are multiple deliveries, perhaps over an extended period of time, or with various destinations. One way or another, each separate delivery will require its own contract, and in the event of a dispute proving that there was a relevant contract may not be easy. The existence of a valid contract should always be the carrier’s last, and most secure line of protection in the event of a dispute. Clearly a contract can be written to cover multiple deliveries or multiple delivery points, but all too frequently it will be argued that the terms of the contract were altered in the course of a telephone call. Any conversation in which the terms of a contract have been discussed should be recorded in writing to avoid the possibility of a ‘who said what’ argument in Court at a later date.

delivery, a relationship that may endure for a long time. But the commercial conditions that existed when the working relationship started can change at any time and the customer may fi nd that it would be convenient to argue that the contract had been varied. Haulage companies should review their relationship with their customers to identify where contracts exist, and, more importantly to identify the terms of that contract.

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56 | OPINION

Talk to Truck Drivers to help solve ‘Acute Driver Shortage”

recent report from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) is warning of “an acute driver shortage” in the transport sector, both in the freight and passenger sectors in the coming years. Of course, truck or bus operators won’t need to be told this, as it is a reality now. According to the IRU report roughly 20% of truck and bus driving jobs are vacant at the moment with a suggestion that this figure will rise to 40% in the coming years. So, what is the solution? Well, the IRU claims it has spoken to all the stakeholders, and from the report, it is not clear who these stakeholders are. I think the problem is complex, but a key aspect is att racting new drivers to join up. For a period some commentators seemed to believe the notion that autonomous driving would solve the problem in the medium term. RTE Radio 1 presenter, Marion Finucane said when Donald Trump was elected as President of the USA that by the time he would be going for re-election, 300,000 truck drivers would be on the dole because of autonomous trucks. Wrong call Marion and no sign of this happening as yet. A lot of these reports are people’s thoughts and opinions and their best guestimates, but there are some facts that are stark. In Germany according to the main transport union, DSLV, 30,000 drivers have left or retired from the industry, with slightly more than 2,000 becoming drivers. Also stark is a figure from Spain, where 72% of drivers are over 50 years of age. Again those of us on the road every day, attending Driver CPC courses will not be surprised, we see the problem fi rst hand.

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

I am not suggesting that talking and listening to drivers will solve the shortage, but it would be a good starting point. Look at the amount of drivers that proudly present their trucks at different Truck Shows and Charity Run events around the country. People like driving and being on the road, the challenge is to fi nd out what part of the job is the problem.

So there is no doubt a major problem exists, but what is it? What is the cause and what is the solution? In all of these reports there are many proposed solutions. These range from reducing empty running to increasing the use of railways and canals. All very aspirational, but with limited scope. In an extensive interview with “Lloyds Loading list” the CEO of an American container company, iContainers said that the solution is very simple: “we must become more efficient with the existing resources to eliminate waste and empty runs, create value and optimise capacity”. Wise words indeed but a bit simplistic and meaningless from a person who does not operate his own vehicles. Cynics would say this is typical freight forwarder speak for reducing rates. He went on to welcome the fact that sales of new trucks in Eastern Europe are on the increase, which he claimed would lead to reduced costs. So maybe the real agenda with some people is trying to reduce cost. Trucks are and will always be a part of the supply chain and for the foreseeable future drivers will be needed to drive them. With that in mind, would it not be wise to talk to the drivers? Why are they not encouraging their sons and daughters to follow them? What has changed from the time they started driving to the present time? Truck technology and the road networks have improved for sure, but obviously other aspects have dis-improved at a faster rate. As a driver, still out there, I know the answer to that question, as do most drivers. Nobody is asking and when drivers talk, nobody is really listening. FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

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58 | SOAPBOX

Crowning the Customer – Feargal was King

uilding a business as a man with a van back in the 70s, I found myself particularly inspired by two icons of the business world, TNT and Superquinn. Ireland was then emerging from a world of protectionism into the brave new world of the European Union. Modernism (if that is the right way to put it) was slowly dawning on us but it was still taking three years and the occasional alleged bribe to get a telephone into your business. There weren’t too many shining business models to look to for inspiration and the semi-State sector still dominated our lives.

TNT originated in 1946 when a demobbed Australian soldier bought two ex-army trucks with his demob money and established Thomas Nationwide Transport. In the 70s, TNT arrived in the UK and turned a very staid traditional market on its head. Despised by most and admired and emulated by a significant few they went on to dominate many sectors, eventually being bought by the Dutch Post Office and again in turn by America’s FedEx. Th roughout the next two decades in the UK, TNT constantly featured in the business press, much to the chagrin of the traditional industry. As the editor of Commercial Motor magazine told me at the time, he was bombarded with information from them, yet he struggled to get information from the traditional haulier who felt it would be seen as blowing their own trumpet. From them I learned to blow our own trumpet. The recently deceased Feargal Quinn had absolutely nothing to do with our industry yet he stood out for me as someone who almost demanded attention. He didn’t just copy best practice, he created it in the supermarket sector. I had lived and worked abroad in both the UK and USA and was familiar with good supermarkets, however, Superquinn stood head and shoulders above the rest for the shopping experience on an international level. It’s true that I wouldn’t be a lover of shopping experiences however the Superquinn experience was always a pleasure. I remember one cold Winter's evening being almost alone in the then Duty Free section of Birmingham Airport when I got the feeling that I was being watched. Sure enough Feargal and his wife were sitt ing in the almost empty lounge awaiting their fl ight. I asked him did he ever relax? He apologised as he didn’t think he was being obvious (which he was) and said that he found male shoppers the most interesting as apparently airport shopping was the only area where males partook in large numbers. Before we departed, he had written down my home number to talk to my wife about her Superquinn experiences, which he duly did. I will miss his weekly newspaper writings offering wisdom on issues for small businesses which always made so much sense and usually from an angle most wouldn’t see. He will also be remembered

especially for his zeal in the reform of Seanad Éireann. It probably sounds daft to think that someone in the road transport industry would draw so much on a supermarket business as a source of inspiration on how to run trucks but I did. I don’t think I ever saw Feargal Quinn without a smile on his face, he brought originality but most of all passion to the world of Irish business. Looking around me today I see few, if any that would inspire like he did, he will be missed by all those who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

Congratulations Councillor Martin Ryan In the recent Local Authority elections, well known Mid-West haulier Martin Ryan of Martin Ryan & Sons, Cappamore, Limerick won a seat on Limerick County Council. He did so by achieving over seventy percent fi rst preferences votes, the second highest Fianna Fail score in the county. It was Martin’s fi rst time to enter into local politics, making his election an even greater achievement.

DIARY DATE: TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie

Engaging Connectivity FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 19

AWARDS 2020

Thursday 10 October 2019, Citywest Hotel, Dublin Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

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