Fleet Transport Feb 16

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE Inside!

New FUSO Canter E-CELL

FEATURES

set to arrive soon in Ireland ... Silently!

Sweet taste of success for Team Petronas Iveco de Rooy

So you think you are a good driver?

FEBRUARY 16

€4.50 inc.V.A.T.

STG £3.75

April 26 - 28th NEC BIRMINGHAM

The UK’s

BIGGEST Commercial Vehicle Show

The number one road transport and logistics event in Britain, catering for every operator’s business needs, the CV Show is the leading meeting place for suppliers and operators alike – a true one stop shop for the industry.

Located at the NEC, at the heart of the motorway network, the Show is open from 08:30 to 17:30 April 26 – 28.

@TheCVShow

www.cvshow.com

Get your FREE ticket Register today www.cvshow.com Exhibitor enquiries call +44 (0) 20 7630 2102

Contents February 16

Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. F12 E7P2 Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, HSA, Dr. Betty Maguire, Michael Corcoran, Rob VanDieten Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Joe O'Brien, Michael Corcoran, Jerry Kiersey, Leonard Allison, Newspress, Brian Gavin - Press22, Nicolas Raymond - www.freestock.ca

P4 News • Pollution an issue in banning trucks • Scenic venue for Waterford Truck Show • Latest transport figures raises concern • Chinese Truck of the Year established • DAF Trucks set up Driver competition • FPS Expo gears up • Update your toll transponder P8 VIEWPOINT Stuart Webster, MD., IVECO UK & Ireland looks to CV industry trends

P31 Bus & Coach • New Otokar distributor • CTTC Show • 1,000 Wrightbus StreetLites P32 Motorsport Review of Dakar Rally 2016

P12 New Fleet Bright shiny new 161 trucks!

P36 Finance Training anyone?

P14 Marketplace Slow sales comeback for the HGV sector continues

P37 Legal Self Declaring for the RSA

P16 Profile Superior in name and quality

Advertising: Mary Morrissey - mary@fleet.ie

P20 Cover/Tests Exclusive test drives in Natural Gas & Electric vehicles P23-26 Fleet Maritime

Printed in Ireland

P30 Report IV ETSC discusses Supply Chain in transport

P35 Health Matters Head injury

P18 Report II Alternative Drive event at Solutrans

Design: Eamonn Wynne

P29 Fleeting Shots Featuring FTA, Daimler and Stobart

P10 Report I IVECO forms new Business Lines

Administration: Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey - enquiries@fleet.ie

Sponsorship/Events: Orla Sweeney - orla@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie | 3

P27 Report III Transport issues discussed at IRHA/AIB Bank event

P38 Times Past Recovery trucks P40 Trailer Big news from top brands P42 Comment Road user charges in Belgium P43 Opinion Recent sad tragedy P44 Aerodynamics Sleek trailers P46 Soapbox Urban growth explored

P28 Fuel Prices/Health Matters

P3

P14

P16

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.

Transport Barometer: Data from 16/12/2015 - 14/01/2016

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.

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

Official Irish jury member of the International Forklift Truck Award

follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport

TimoCom receives "Connect Award 2015" from TomTom Telematics *Customers of TimoCom and TomTom Telematics benefit from a shared interface.

TomTom Telematic s has honoured Europe's largest transport platform TimoCom with the Connect Award 2015.

The award, in the category "International Partner of the Year" honours the widespread usage of the interface between the TimoCom tracking platform TC eMap and the fl eet management platform WEBFLEET. For common customers the connection ensures a decisive advantage: No more switching between TimoCom and TomTom Telematics.

For the first time telematics expert TomTom has awarded partner companies that create true added value for shared customers. As in the case with TimoCom. According to Senior Sales Engineer at TomTom Telematics, Thomas Greaney, the advantages of the shared interface are obvious: "Users of our fleet management platform WEBFLEET can use their access data to log in to TC eMap, and then directly see the location of their vehicles within the TimoCom application. This removes the need to switch between WEBFLEET and TimoCom."

4 | NEWS 1

Banning HGVs in city centres could increase pollution eight-fold

C

alls to ban heavy trucks in city centres could be misguided, warns Cap, recognised as the leading provider of data and insight to the automotive industry, commenting following COP21 and the agreed targets

by International Governments to limit global warming.

“Society’s demand for material goods, fuelled by internet purchases that must be delivered in the shortest possible time, has seen an increase in freight on the roads.

It’s easy to assume that the more freight, the bigger the vehicles, but with delivery times shortening, more and more light commercials are being acquired, increasing congestion and pollution,” explains John Watts, Senior Editor Commercial Vehicles & Motorcycles for Cap.

“The reality of getting ‘stuff ’ from somewhere online to homes is that more goods are behind shipped by commercial vehicles that reduce in size as the distance to the fi nal delivery point shortens,” John added.

“Rather than one long trailer, we have several smaller vehicles, taking up more road space, increasing congestion, slowing traffic and resulting in increased idling times for older, more polluting engines. In addition, any plans to ban heavy vehicles in town centres, unless they are powered by alternative fuels, give no consideration to the environmental costs associated with warehouse construction, vehicle production, alternative fuel production and other factors. The vast majority of production of all fuel types is carbon-based, with its well-documented contribution to global warming.”

John Watts concludes, “According to our figures, pollution could increase by as much as eight times, if city centres decide to ban heavy goods vehicles. In addition, there would be a huge increase in costs to get extra drivers for forklifts, more warehouse staff and extra vehicles. If alternative fuels were used, there would need to be an infrastructure to support it, as well as sufficient parking space to store vehicles not in use.

“Th is is a laudable principle, but the issues caused by banning trucks could outweigh any potential benefits. The danger is, we implement schemes that don’t actually reduce pollution and congestion, they simply move them elsewhere.”

New venue for Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2016

N

ow in its fi ft h year, the 2016 running of the annual Waterford Truck & Motor Show will be held in Tramore. The move to the Sunny South East’s beachside resort offers even more space for truck displays and offers visitors better facilities. over 10,000 visitors through the gates.

Scheduled for 28 and 29 May, the show is run by a local non-profit organisation, with all proceeds for charities in the region. From humble beginnings, the show has grown each year from 80 trucks exhibiting in 2012 to over 500 in 2015. With a large following coming from the UK, the 2015 event had

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

“Th is two-day event is designed to att ract families by offering a full range of exhibitors for all. Th is year will see us move from the Waterford Airport Industrial Estate, which has been our home for the past three years to Tramore Prom with the help and support

of Waterford City and County Council,” explained Lynda Lonergan on behalf of the Waterford Truck & Motor Show. *Bridgestone Tyres and Topaz have come onboard as headline sponsors with Fleet Transport acting as media partners.

NEWS II | 5

Transport at a Crossroads?

T

he future of Ireland’s transport and logistics sector could be bleak according to Nicola Walker, Managing Director of Cronus Logistics, one of the country’s most innovative supply chain companies on the Irish-UK gateway.

The Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) recently highlighted the huge growth in foreign transport operators moving a large percent of Ireland’s goods. General Manager, Neil McDonnell, said: “We have consistently warned the Government about the danger of labour substitution by foreign operators. Our drivers are subject to competition from abroad, on both Irish and continental roads. We now have the second most expensive minimum wage in Europe after Luxembourg.

If we do not control the costs of our internationally-traded services, we will lose them to lower cost locations - primarily to Eastern Europe.

We ask all political parties to bear this in mind as Ireland enters the General Election cycle.”

The FTAI also highlighted that, even though in October 2015 imports showed a growth with an increase of 9% and exports were up 21% on the same period in 2014 - “It shows whoever is moving Irish goods, it’s

not Irish operators,” added Neil.

This is a timely reminder according to Nicola Walker, (pictured). “The business community should see this as a call to action, we should be supporting each other and working together to maintain our sector so vital for the Irish economy. This is a tough business to be in with competition from within Ireland and across the EU. What is needed as they have asked for, is a level playing field.

In an industry where margins are very low, it is difficult for companies to compete and pay the living wage when foreign competitors are not paying similar levels. The FTAI is working for a strong future for Irish transport operators and it is about time the politicians realised that without Government support this will have a negative impact on the current growth in the Irish economy.”

Total Irish Licensed Fleet Vehicles Licences Average vehicles per Fleet

Jun-13 14,798 3,893 3.8

Jun-14 16,094 3,872 4.2

Aug-15 16,766 3,808 4.4

Jan-16 16,889 3,765 4.5

Licensed Fleet (International) Vehicles Licences Average vehicles per Fleet

Jun-13 11,047 2,386 4.6

Jun-14 11,239 2,363 4.8

Aug-15 11,471 2,335 4.9

Jan-16 11,630 2,319 5.0

Licensed Fleet (National) Vehicles

Jun-13 3,751

Jun-14 4,855

Aug-15 5,295

Jan-16 5,259

Licences Average vehicles per Fleet

1,507 2.5

1,509 3.2

1,473 3.59

1,446 3.64

Inaugural Chinese Truck of the Year in association with International Truck of the Year jury

C

hina is the biggest commercial vehicle market in the world and following the appointment of a Chinese associate member for the International Truck of the Year award, the next phase sees the establishment of the inaugural 2017 Chinese Truck of the Year (CToY).

The announcement was made at CCVS (China Commercial Vehicle Show) 2015 in Wuhan Expo Center. Ms. Yang Lin, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Automotive Sub-Council (Auto-CCPIT), Mr. Gianenrico Griffi ni, Chairman of International Truck of the Year (IToY) (pictured), Ms. Yu Jing, Proprieter & Editor-in-Chief of Commercial Vehicle Magazine (CVM) News Agency, Representatives of Truck & Spare Parts Manufactures, China Automotive, China Transport News, China Industry News, National Business Daily, Auto NetEase, Auto Sina, Auto IFENG, Auto Sohu, and other well-known media in China attending.

China’s Commercial Vehicle Magazine, as a strategic partner, will

co-ordinate the awards programme, with IToY jury members test driving and evaluating the vehicles in contention for the prestigious prize, and using the same criteria as per the IToY, which was established in 1977. www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS 111

So you think you can drive? Take the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge

D

AF Trucks has launched its DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge – a UK and Irelandwide search to fi nd the best commercial vehicle drivers on these islands.

With the DAF Dealer network supporting the search, DAF Trucks has already embarked upon compiling a shortlist of 20 of the best drivers. The shortlisted 20 drivers will participate in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based assessments centred around an all-expenses-paid, twoday, live event at the Millbrook testing

once-in-a-lifetime driving challenge, taking them across the continent and fi nishing at the home of DAF Trucks in Eindhoven.

facility in Bedfordshire in May. The top three winning drivers will be crowned as the DAF Transport Efficiency Champions and invited to participate in a ‘classified’,

The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge is being rolled out across the UK and Ireland and is open to any driver with a clean C+E Licence, a Driver Card and a Driver CPC. The Challenge is open to nonDAF drivers, too. Candidates must apply by visiting www.daf.co.uk/thechallenge where they will also be required to complete some initial questions on truck-and transportrelated topics.

Don’t miss the Fuel Oil Event of the Year - FPS EXPO 2016

A

s well as a host of new names from the oil and fuel distribution industry, FPS EXPO 2016 is being held at a new venue and in a new city. In its 36th year, FPS EXPO 2016 will be at the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool (ECL) on 20 and 21 April.

“This year’s show promises to be even more exciting than previous exhibitions, with more exhibitors and larger stands with more products and services on display, so we urge all oil and fuel industry professionals to come along,” says Dawn Shakespeare, Marketing & Events Manager for Oil Distribution Industry trade association, The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS), the event’s organisers.

“This is not only down to the incredible range of companies booked to exhibit, FPS EXPO also has for the first time key industry professionals

visitors more space to browse.”

scheduled to speak in a series of seminars to be held over the two days including the DVSA, HSE and CIRIA. The show will also offer great networking opportunities."

“It’s fantastic that not only is it a new venue for us but it’s a new venue for the city, as the ECL only opened in September 2015. We’re excited about the extra space this venue provides, with exhibitors having much bigger stands and

In total the exhibition will feature more than 100 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe and across the manufacturing, supply, distribution and technology sectors. Some of the biggest names in the industry are confi rmed, including Scania, Wincanton, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, Philips 66 UK, RTN, Kingspan Environmental, Hytek, Emco Wheaton, Pen Underwriting incorporating OAMPS, Williams Tankers, Valero Energy and Mabanaft Ltd. “Visitors to FPS EXPO are able to see and experience first-hand the latest technology, products and services from new tankers and tyres through to the most innovative software yet to reach the market, as well as network with many of the leading industry professionals,” added Dawn.

Buying a new vehicle? Update ownership details

C

all to action for 161 reg owners from easytrip, Ireland's parking and tolling provider, is reminding motorists to update their easytrip account details when buying and selling a vehicle this January. With an increase in new car, van, truck and bus sales in 2015 compared to 2014, and predicted sales for 2016 forecast for further growth, easytrip is calling on new private or commercial vehicle owners to remember to keep their account details up to date to avoid incurring toll bills and eflow penalty notices from using the M50.

If you’ve sold your old vehicle and inadvertently left your tag on it, and haven’t updated your toll

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

tag account, the new owner could continue to use your tag at most barrier toll plazas, racking up a bill connected to your account.

If you’ve bought a new vehicle and transferred your existing tag to it but forgot to update your account details, you’ll risk receiving a toll bill (billed at the higher rate) and penalty charge if you’ve travelled through the M50 toll plaza, as your new vehicle registration is not connected to your toll tag account.

"We’re advising all our customers - private or business - to remember to remove your tag from your vehicle before you sell or trade it in and to update your account details as soon as possible

once change of ownership has been processed,” said Colin Delaney, General Manager, easytrip.

“Likewise if you are purchasing a new vehicle don’t forget to update your account with your new car registration details.”

Existing easytrip customers can update their vehicle details through their online account or by contacting easytrip on 1890 676768.

THE RENAULT TRUCKS CONSTRUCTION RANGE. TRUCKS TO BE PROUD OF.

BUILT TO LAST FOR DETAILS OF OUR DEALER NETWORK AND TO BOOK A DEMO CALL (01) 403 4500 Setanta Vehicle Importers, Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 www.setantatrucks.ie

8 | VIEWPOINT

Stuart Webster, Managing Director, Iveco UK & Ireland These are and will always be the hallmarks of Iveco under my watch. Because one thing is for sure after spending five years with CNH here in Basildon, five years focused on the UK market in Watford, and five years focused on our European finance approach, it has given me the widest possible perspective on our business and industry.

An in-depth understanding of customers, an appreciation of the importance they place on stability and continuous improvement; and an empathy with what operators are looking for, in particular, from a partnership with a supplier such as ourselves. In my book, those are the number one priorities for anyone who’s going to head up a manufacturer in an industry like ours.

I

veco UK & Ireland recently moved into new headquarters at the CNH Industrial production facility at Basildon, where the Case IH and New Holland tractors are made. Scottish native Stuart Webster was appointed the new Managing Director during 2015 and in this month’s Trumpet Call raises a number of interesting points relating to the state of the industry.

“Our move here to Basildon has been a catalyst for change in so many ways, new people, new systems, new processes and a re-invigorated approach to so much of what we do. But that’s looking inwards. Because outwardly, I can tell you that consistency remains the name of the Iveco game. Consistency. Stability.

And continuity.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

We need an appreciation of the pressures operators live and work under every day.

A real perspective on what drives them in running their businesses. Because it’s been said many times before, and I make no apology for saying it again, ours is a service industry.

People, and delivering their needs, is what it’s all about. Establishing relationships.

Creating partnerships. Building trust, and being deserving of that trust.

So, where is this industry of ours as we exit 2015 and enter 2016?

Well, I mentioned the word ‘trust’ earlier.

It was an uneasy word in the wider motor industry last year, and we all know the reasons behind it. ‘Dieselgate’ certainly rocked the confidence of the wider world in diesel as a fuel and that has implications for the road transport industry in particular. Diesel is, after all, the fuel of choice for anyone involved

in moving goods. The diesel engine remains the most practical and environmentallysensitive way of moving 25 tonnes of goods by road from anywhere to anywhere. Take today’s Euro 6 emissions legislation levels, in many cities, the air coming out of today’s Euro 6 diesel engines is cleaner than the air going into them in the first place. Fact.

Diesel and today’s diesel engines are the right choice for delivering the goods, locally and long-distance, in today’s demanding transport arena.

But what of 2016?

Of huge significance and something that’s very dear to the heart of our industry is oil prices.

They’re low, are likely to go even lower and look set to remain low with the competitive nature of the sector and new entrants coming into the energy market to compete against.

On-going prices for diesel well under a £1 per litre are now a very real prospect. Although this does little for the financial markets, it has to be good news for the consumer. And especially good news for road transport, where the highest cost component in delivering the goods is still fuel.

Of course, the potential cloud on the horizon is the UK’s relationship with Europe. Th is is already creating uncertainty in some quarters.

Polls indicate that business generally wants us to stay in Europe, in a reformed, healthier and perhaps more empathetic relationship with Europe. But until the question is resolved, it’s unlikely that significant and future-impacting commercial decisions will be made by those exposed to an in/out position. We need to resolve it soon.

5526

Where are we going?

Well, we think a lot calmer waters are on the way, and for a number of sound, solid and well thought-through reasons. Of course, the big question on the van side is - how will the introduction of Euro 6 affect the market? Will it be as dramatic as with trucks in 2013/14? Or will we hardly notice?

In common with other manufacturers, we’re erring towards the latter, although we expect there will be a pre-buy effect of some sort. Legislation rarely has a major impact on the buying patterns and demand for vans, ultimately, because they are very different beasts to trucks and because the buyers tend to be very different. The drift away from light trucks to vans and 3.5 tonne vans in particular continues. It is far less marked than it was, but reality says the 3.5 tonne van will continue to grow as the distribution workhorse in line with the growth of e-commerce, web shopping and parcel deliveries.

And that’s not all. Reality says that legislation is doing everything it can to push trucks of whatever size out of cities.

Five centres - London, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham - are looking at Low or Ultra Low Emission Zones, whilst London seems set on banning trucks in rush hours. And there can be little doubt that all this will only encourage the growth of van and particularly 3.5 tonne van demand.

be availability, and I don’t mean of chassis coming off the production line. I mean of availability of bodies, in particular for construction rigids and tippers.

I mean availability of Drivers. The industry is gett ing desperately short of drivers.

Reality says the advent of the Driver CPC did much to encourage older drivers to retire and leave the industry, whilst too little is being done to encourage new and younger drivers in. The conditions they have to work under put many of them off. The legislation that rules their lives is a factor deterring them from entering the sector.

Th is is a crisis waiting to happen, and the time has come for the powers-that-be to take action at all levels.

jobs - and ultimately no cities!

Life doesn’t get any easier for the driver, the operator, the dealer or the manufacturer. And there continues to be a lack of appreciation, a lack of understanding of the role that trucks play in delivering the goods a nd keepi ng our economy alive.

And finally, I mean of availability to deliver in town centres. Local, regional and national legislation is doing everything it can to keep commercial vehicles away from where they need to deliver, when they need to deliver. Everyone’s in favour of optimised air quality and maximised safety for other road users, of course, but no tions innova le b trucks means a in a g. st nt drivin With su ie c no deliveries, fi f e ore even m means no sales, no shops, no

In trucks over 6 tonnes, it’s a slightly different picture. Trucks are immediately and directly affected by the advent of new legislation. There’s nothing significant on the books for 2016, so with a stable economy and business environment, we’re expecting no dramatic changes to patterns of demand. Indeed, the trials and after-effects of Euro 6 and Whole Vehicle Type Approval have now largely washed themselves through. Perhaps the key word in the truck and transport world next year is going to

Efficiency.Advantage.

Economy and ecology reunites you and Schmitz Cargobull ready for your success

www.cargobull.com/uk

The new vehicles such as the S.KO ECO COOL pro and the S.CS ECOCARGO are already optimized today for energy efficiency and fuel reduction – just more.

More info: +44(0)1925 732886

10 | REPORT I

Iveco points to the future with new Business Lines

A

ttending the annual Iveco State of the Nation conference provides a great insight to trends and happenings within the commercial vehicle industry. The 30th edition held for the first time at the CNH Industrial Headquarters at Basildon, outside London, proved invaluable as regards to how the market for vans and trucks is changing.

As a result, vehicle manufacturers have to react, some even hedging their bets on getting it right ahead of time.

Nigel Emms, Director, Brand & Communications, briefed on the highs and lows of the past three decades, mentioning that recessions had the most arduous effect in the marketplace every time economic collapses came around. With the upturn comes restructuring and market changes.

“Attitudes and demands, both consumer and industrial, always re-balance after the traumas of recession - and as an industry, road transport responds to find a more proactive, productive way of working,” explained Nigel. “We can see it so clearly in the wake of recession. Greater efficiencies in long haul operations, with increasing numbers of operators turning to 3 axle tractors at 44 tonnes, with high cube or double deck trailers. Greater efficiencies in pallet networks and urban distribution, with 6x2 rigids replacing 18 tonners. More productive, higher payload 12 to 16 tonners replacing 7.5 tonners.”

“Eight wheelers replacing six wheelers as the mainstream construction standard, and the emergence of ‘transfer station’, on-road recycling replacing ‘landfill’ or off-road rubbish disposal. Each and every one of these delivers greater efficiencies per tonne mile, but with fewer trucks,” he added.

“Of course, the other significant change?

The emergence and growth of e-commerce - and with it, the growth in home deliveries.

Parcels, fresh food and increasingly ‘fast track’ deliveries all arriving on the doorstep - in a panel van. Combine all this together, and the net effect is fewer, larger trucks being used more intensively, and a huge increase in the use of vans, particularly in the retail sector. But in simple terms, it’s been a drift away from the medium ground - that from 7.5 to 15 tonnes gross, and an increased focus on vans and

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

heavy trucks. 2015 was an excellent example,” concluded Nigel.

Iveco UK & Ireland is fine-tuning its future focus in-line with the increased demand for vans and heavy trucks by establishing a new Light Business Line and new Truck Business Line. “Re-organising our operations along business lines allows us to get even closer to the customers we serve. It allows us an even deeper appreciation of what they want,” said Stuart Webster, Managing Director, Iveco UK & Ireland.

“It allows us to tailor our customer support package - from marketing and sales, right the way through finance, service, repair and maintenance, parts and every aspect of what we offer - ever more closely to delivering the promise. And it allows us to build an everdeeper awareness and understanding of the very real benefits that Iveco as a brand has to offer. In vans, we’ll be continuing our push to become ever-more prominent as a retail brand.

We’ll be continuing our policy of growing our sales point footprint and building a more local retail presence, at the same time as strengthening our success in the high-visibility fleet business.

“In trucks, we are growing our sales teams and looking to develop closer relationships with customers. It’s in Heavy Trucks that a different challenge lies. Our new Truck Business Line gives us the tools to attack the market more strongly than ever before. It gives us the spearhead we need to attack and disperse the ‘brand snobbery’ that still exists in the heavy truck sector, and as a more financially

Stuart Webster Managing Director Iveco UK & Ireland

measured buying process is becoming more commonplace, we are sure the time is now. It gives us the best possible platform to deliver our award-winning products, pioneering technologies and proven low costs of operation to the market, and make a very real impact.”

“We’ve re-organised to get even closer to customers. Our new Business Line structure takes us exactly to where we need to be in terms of getting our products, our technologies, our leading levels of customer support and our sheer enthusiasm for what we do!”

A main part of this new strategy at the heavy end is the establishment of Truck Station.

This initiative is based on 23 premium Iveco dealers in the UK and possibly Ireland, part of a network of 280 across Europe. Together with the new network owners, Iveco will be investing in turning these dealers into pure Heavy Truck specialists. “They will offer the longest opening hours, the best trained technicians, optimum levels of tools and

REPORT I | 11 equipment, support facilities for trailers, fridges and tail-lifts and perhaps most of all, the ability to really look after drivers at the best possible level,” explained Nick Pemberton, Director

Truck Business Line, Iveco UK & Ireland.

“For Iveco, Truck Station is a hugely important initiative in strengthening our credibility in what has to be the most important target

market for our future.” This initiative will further enhance once the face-lifted Stralis range with latest drivetrain technology is introduced by the year-end.

First Drive: Eurocargo 180E25 regeneration, that continuously cleans. While fuel consumption is on par or even better than standard SCR/EGR combinations, AdBlue usage is a little higher, by 1-2 percent.

In general, Iveco claims that compared to the previous model, the more powerful drivetrain developed is more powerful and more economical by up to 8 percent.

As discovered during the test run, drivers can better exploit the higher engine torque at lower rpm, and this results in a greater response rate in acceleration and pick-up. This means improved driveability, fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

A

t the Iveco UK & Ireland annual trade briefi ng, we learned that demand for 18 tonne rigids have positively rebounded after several slow years. This top-weight two-axle rigid sector remains one of the more stable and consistent in the longer term, despite a change in the make up, as several operators have moved up and into the segment from lower weights. With this in mind, we chose to take a first drive in the Iveco 180-250 as it is badged. To explain further, this 18-tonne GVW Eurocargo rigid with 28 ft curtainside body built by JC Payne is powered by Iveco’s (FPT) 250hp Tector 7 (SCR only) 6-cylinder diesel.

This type and size of vehicle is typically used for deliveries to retail outlets and more often than not, features a refrigeration unit over the cab. Therefore, this 18-tonner needs to be manoeuvrable, easy to get in and out of, and also offer excellent visibility.

Bearing in mind the Iveco promotional tagline dedicated to the Eurocargo, as ‘the truck the city likes,’ the new look model with its ‘smiley’ face will find instant appeal among the urban dwellers, which may reflect a friendlier attitude towards the driver and more appreciation of exactly what they do.

While the changes made to the cab design may seem cosmetic to most people, the aerodynamic drag co-efficient has been improved by 2 percent, contributing to at least 1 percent improvement in fuel consumption.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Even though we spent our time in the entry level Day cab version, freedom of movement across the cabin is possible, facilitated by a flat, compact console, thanks to the limited size of the engine tunnel. Among the significant improvements made to the interior is with the new multifunction steering wheel with controls for various items such as engaging the automated transmission, ventilation, lights etc., placed on the new slicker centre console. A driver’s airbag can be ordered if required, and while on the safety theme, the Lane Departure Warning System fitted did come in useful when out on the road, on the motorway or narrow county roads, (by keeping the truck correctly positioned between the lanes). LED Daytime Running Lights and the new legislated Advanced Emergency Braking System radar has also been installed.

Valuable to a driver of this kind of truck are the USB charging ports and the factory option smartphone or tablet mount on the dash top.

From behind the wheel, visibility all round is good and although the mirrors are large, they do not cause any undue blind spots.

In this medium truck sector, where they spend most of their time in the urban environment, Iveco’s SCR only engine emission control system comes into its own. No action is required by the driver as there is no need to make period stops for DPF forced regeneration, thereby eliminating downtime.

The award winning HI-SCR system of the new Eurocargo requires only passive DPF

New Eurocargo scores well all over from its good looks, high tech features and superb driver comfort and of course, high on safety features. A worthy winner of the prestigious International Truck of the Year Award for 2016.

SPEC CHECK Make/Model

Iveco Eurocargo ML180E25 4x2 Rigid

Engine

FPT Tector 7 – 6.7 litre – Euro 6 SCR only 6-cylinder M-line, Direct-Injection Turbo Diesel

Power

251 hp @ 2050-2500 rpm

Torque

850 Nm @ 1250-2050 rpm

Transmission

12-Speed ZF Eurotronic automated

Cab Type/GVW

Day/18 tonnes

Suspension

Parabolic leaf front and rear, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Rear air suspension with 4 airbags

Brakes

Ventilated discs, ESP, Exhaust Brake

Tyres/Wheels

295/80R22.5 www.fleet.ie

12 | NEW FLEET

Blue Steam Dream Machine Scania for Transzone

T

hanks to Twitter, Transzone Logistic's rather special new Scania is a big hit already! The Ballinlough, County Roscommon based firm recently took delivery from Westward Scania of this striking new custom-built, limited edition Scania R730 6x2 based on the original Scania Streamline model and Scania’s unique V8 heritage. “Blue Stream” features the R-series cab styled and enhanced in collaboration with Svempa Bergendahl, the legendary Swedish custom truck builder. The unique

truck will be produced in a limited number of units in Södertälje, as a tribute to the original Scania Streamline introduced back in 1991.

This top of the range truck comes with full V8 pack with custom made V8 Blue Stream seats.

As well as having 730 horsepower it is equipped with a coffee maker, fridge, microwave, satellite navigation, Alcoa Durabright alloys and has a full factory fitted catwalk. Other stand out features include black Kelsa light bars with Cibie LED spotlights, twin LED tail lights and additional park and brake lights in the wind kit.

161 Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT, Actros & Antos for new owners

‘A

ctros with Attitude’, the first new Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT has arrived in Ireland supplied to Mar-Train Heavy Haulage.

Mar-Train (photo 1) is the only heavy haulage company with bases in both the North and South of Ireland. The addition of this new Actros to their Irish fleet, cements its place at the forefront of Heavy Haulage in Ireland and the UK.

Meanwhile Perennial Freight (photo 2) has increased the total number of Mercedes-Benz trucks on its fleet based in Ireland to 57 with four new Actros purchased.

1

Delivered in Perennial’s distinctive cobalt blue livery, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2545LS 6x2 tractor-units, featuring 2.5m StreamSpace cabs with flat floor, will operate from the company's Taghmon base in Wexford, servicing daily routes across Ireland.

2

Larger, longer, tougher and stronger than any within the Mercedes-Benz Actros family, the SLT is a semi-trailer tractor which has been systematically designed and built for heavy haulage which can operate as a solo vehicle carrying up to 250 tonnes GVW. Supplied and delivered by Cork Truck Services Ltd, the model chosen by MarTrain Heavy Haulage is an Actros SLT 4163 GigaSpace 8x4 tractor-unit equipped with driver and co-driver ventilated suspension seats, auxillary hot water heater, luxury bunk top and bottom, and leather steering wheel with

Last month Ferns-based logistics company JC Breen & Co. Ltd (photo 3) added three new Antos heavy-duty short-radius distribution trucks to its Mercedes-Benz fleet.

3

Style-Line interior design. Ambient lighting and FleetBoard telematics system completes the impressive specifications package.

Commenting, James Somers of Somers Commercials which supplied the new rigid trucks said: “Easy to operate and with good all-round visibility, the Antos is configured for single-day runs, where a broad spectrum of engine power is required to cope with varying loads and conditions with frequent stops and numerous route changes.”

Redmond & Monaghan's new Renaults – Well Loaded!

T

his Renault Range C.430 8x4 Grab tipper was sold to Dublin based grab and concrete pump hire specialist Graham Redmond (photo 1). Purchased from Setanta Vehicle Sales, Long Mile Road, the multi-wheeler comes complete with a Thompson tipper body and Palfinger Epsilon M125L with Clamshell bucket.

2 1

Another pleased new Renault Trucks owner is Mayo based plant hire specialist Luke Monaghan (photo 2) with his new Renault Range K430 8x4 Tipper.

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 | FEBRUARY 16

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Transport Manager Ireland 2016

FTA’s Transport Manager Ireland Conference returns, taking place at the Johnston House Hotel, Enfield, on Wednesday 9 March. This ‘must attend’ conference will provide you with the very latest information, guidance and best practice advice surrounding forthcoming legislation from industry-leading speakers, including:

• Keynote speaker - Director General of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce on the potential threat to international trade for Ireland • the UK Border Force Civil Penalty regime and the current situation in Northern France • the Traffic Bureau and its key priorities for roadside enforcement Plus much more!

Book your place today www.ftai.ie/TransportManagerIreland 018447516 Sponsored by

DELIVERING SAFE, EFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS

Media partner

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

New Faymonville trailers available, built to customers speciÄcations, 4-axle step frame available on short delivery times.

New MAX 4-axle step frame extendable, in stock for immediate delivery, option for hydraulic or aluminium ramps, two rear steer axles.

New Schmitz Cargobull tippers in stock, both lengths available, choice of colours, immediate delivery.

New MAX Flat trailers, Äxed and extendable version available, only 6 tonnes empty, option for steer axles.

Large selection of second hand trailers also in stock, ready for work, DoE’d and serviced.

14 | MARKETPLACE

No strong ray of sunshine for truck sales market

U

nlike the light commercial vehicle marketplace, which recorded significant growth (42%) in Ireland last year, sales of new trucks increased by a mere 4.43%. According to industry experts and sales managers for the various brands, there are no indications that the market will return to its highest level from 2007.

“The HGV market for vehicles over 17 tonnes GVW struggled to improve, meaning that the total market was slightly shy of 1500 units. There are no indications that the market will increase substantially in 2016, thus meaning that the total HGV market is still 50% below its “boom time” levels. In 2006 the market for HGVs was almost 3900 units, many of these of course prior to the introduction of the Digital tachograph,” said Joe Crann, Managing Director, Westward Scania.

Taking the lighter trucks into the overall total, that figure rises to 1864 units, which shows the modest growth. “Confidence is creeping back to the HGV end of the business and it is good to see customers have started to change vehicles that were certainly overdue a change,” said Fergus Conheady, Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles (Ireland). “Government purchasing and economic sentiment were key factors in the growth. The outlook for 2016 is for the market to remain at the same levels as 2015, with regular business replacing the Government orders.

One leading industry expert expressed concern to Fleet Transport that the overall figures are somewhat distorted in that one leading brand registered: “Quite a lot of Euro 5 product within Ireland and then exported many of these. Th is was done by utilising a loophole in the legislation, so while there was nothing illegal in this activity, most observers certainly felt that this was sharp practice at best to see a major manufacturer taking orders from a known Euro 6 compliant country, long after the formal derogation date had passed.”

Regarding construction vehicles, the collective brands are dealing with more enquiries for eight wheelers, which is a positive sign.

With the exception of Iveco, which plans to introduce the revised Stralis range later this year, the other main players will concentrate on customer requirements now that the latest safety regulations in

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

trucks have been implemented, such as Lane Detection Steering system and Active Brake Assist.

Commenting on the sales success during 2015, Joe Crann said, “Scania is delighted to have increased its market share to 33% during these difficult times. More than ever, customers are really utilising their trucks. When that happens, the value of a quality product becomes more apparent and that together with class leading fuel economy and driver appeal has clearly been to our advantage. Having the only Euro 6 V8 on the market is a great advantage for customers who have driver retention issues, and the cast iron residuals of the entire range have seen customers shorten the replacement cycle as they sell 3-year-old vehicles and move into a new truck with full warranty cover.”

Renault Trucks Ireland is pleased with its performance, according to Harry Nash, Managing Director, Setanta Vehicle Sales. “2015 was a very successful year for Renault Trucks Ireland. We generally held an eight to ten percent market share in the new heavy commercial registrations. New sales across our Construction, Tractor-unit and Rigid sectors grew at a very high rate, coupled with a steady demand for quality used tractors sold with manufacturer’s warranty.”

“2015 seen the addition of a number of dealers throughout the country, such as Dennehys in Limerick and Toal Trucks in Armagh.

Shaw Commercials also opened its second dealership in Galway, giving Renault Trucks Ireland a broad dealer network throughout the country. Our order book for 2016 is reasonably strong so far, and enquiry levels are up. 2016 is an exciting year for us, as it will see the addition of a factory fitted 5-axle tipper or mixer now available.

We will also be offering a tridem version on 4 and 5 axle rigids.

We have an active demonstration vehicle plan for 2016 with the addition of a Range C tag-axle tractor-unit for tipping applications mainly. Th is will offer additional ground clearance coupled with great traction.”

“We will also add a mini mid-lift tractor-unit to our demo fleet, giving exceptionally light tractor tare weight and the capability of carrying large diesel tanks for continental use or long haul work.

Th is is due to join our demo fleet later this Spring.”

MARKETPLACE | 15

New Models coming down the road

D

ue to the long life cycles of trucks, manufacturers have more time than their car counterparts to design replacement vehicles, particularly when it comes to new cabs. The evolution of cab renewal programmes among brands can span two decades or more and it’s refreshing to see totally new cab creations being revealed.

In recent years we were impressed by the latest examples from Volvo Trucks with the all-new FH series and the Range T from Renault Trucks, its sister brand within the Swedish group. Both new cab introductions were timed with their development of Euro 6 engine exhaust emission regulations while the other models within their range of vehicles were suitably modified to match the new family look accordingly. Their competitors adjusted their line-ups also, which added another few years in their lifespan but collectively will have to go back to the drawing board in earnest once the new commercial vehicle weights and dimensions legislation change within the next decade or so. On the drivetrain side of things, truck manufacturers have to introduce the next phase of Euro 6 which will include more sensors plus more intense monitoring of AdBlue quality.

Before then we can look forward to new cabins from Scania and sister brand (under the Volkswagen Group) MAN Truck & Bus. Currently Scania is undertaking pre-production tests of its new cab and driveline in selected countries (including Ireland) but we will have to wait until later this year to see details of the final production version. We hear that it will be into 2017 before the new TG - Truck Generation heavy duty range from MAN arrives, but in the interim, a new range of vans (from 3.5 tonne GW) to light trucks (up to 7.5 tonnes) will be entering the marketplace, based on the all-new Crafter range from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, due for launch this autumn.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

There is talk among the trade that Mercedes-Benz is about to give a facelift to the multi-award winning Actros, while Hino needs a Euro 6 engine supply for its European versions of the 700 series and is reportedly talking to Cummins. In Asia, the 500 series, its mid-weight truck class has got a cab makeover, as seen on the recent Dakar Rally.

Meanwhile in Turin, Italy Iveco is finalising details of its revamped Stralis at the heavy end set for a summer launch. Nothing new from Isuzu on the truck front for a year or two, but its fellow Japanese brand, FUSO Trucks will have the all-electric version of the Canter light truck range called the E-CELL on sale across Europe.

Staying with Asian brands, the Harris Group is planning to extend its model line-up of Sinotruk, adding to the multi-wheeler application presently on sale.

Word from Teeva Motors, which markets the Chinese JAC Motor’s Electric Range Extended Truck is entering Ireland, first with retrofits and then with fully built vehicles once homologation requiements are met.

SIMI New Registrations 2015 Heavy Commercials Position 2015

Brand

Jan/Dec 2015

Marketshare

1

Scania

487

26.45%

2

Volvo Trucks

290

15.75%

3

DAF Trucks

253

13.74%

4

Mercedes-Benz

190

10.32%

5

Renault Trucks

190

9.23%

6

MAN

158

8.58%

7

HINO

103

5.59%

8

Iveco

50

2.72%

Totals: 2015: 1,841 vs 2014: 1,763 = +78 (+4.43%) Light Trucks Position 2015

Brand

Jan/Dec 2015

Marketshare

1

Isuzu Truck

89

4.83%

2

FUSO Truck

22

1.20%

Teeva Motors EV

Renault Range D2

New HINO 500 Series on the left verses outgoing model

Having revamped its complete range of trucks in all weight categories,

Renault Trucks is set to introduce the right-hand drive version of its new Range D2 series, which has 2-metre wide cab, based on the Nissan Atleon/NT500, most suitable for city centre deliveries.

www.fleet.ie

16 | PROFILE

Superior Express – All transport solutions sorted!

T

hree letters within the Superior Express name – PER – aptly sum up the Dublin 12 company’s philosophy. That is, transport and distribution ‘per’ the customer needs. Add in a nationwide and personal service, throw in warehousing and contract hire, and you’ve got the fi rm established by Brian and Deirdre Cleary in 1987, in a nutshell.

technologies, we can plan and deliver all our client’s distribution and supply chain needs, both nationally and internationally,” explained Brian Cleary.

of staff, we now run an extensive operation, with a fleet of 80 vehicles operating from 12 locations across the island of Ireland,” Brian explained.

As the company heads into its third decade of business, Superior Express has future-proofed the fi rm with investment in structures, technology and vehicle fleet to facilitate expansion plans, which also includes offering a European service. Most significant perhaps is achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 18001 accreditation for Quality Management Systems and Occupational Health & Safety Management.

With all of their drivers having been trained in Good Distribution Practice, Superior Express enjoys a long held reputation in providing a fast, reliable and efficient service.

This has been recognised by Fleet Transport with Superior Express qualifying as a fi nalist in the 2016 Irish Haulier of the Year programme. “With the ongoing changes and demands on transport companies, we have remained flexible and innovative, providing a wide range of transport solutions,” added Brian. This level of efficiency, matched with recent technological advancements and cost-effective solutions, ensures that Superior Express retains and maintains its competitive edge.

Additionally Superior goes one step further in offering a special contract hire package, where a vehicle and driver are provided to the client full time for the duration of the contract. “We can brand the vehicle with the client’s logo and brand information, and deliver the vehicle to the client with one of our highly experienced drivers,” said Brian.

Substantial investment which is bearing fruit has been directed towards Information Technology (IT), customer support and driver training. “Our staff have the experience and expertise to ensure that all supply chain needs are met in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Using the latest

However there is no resting on laurels.

Even during the recession, the vehicle fleet was constantly upgraded. Whatever the customer requirements, there is a suitable type of truck, trailer or van available. “We can handle any courier, haulage or transportation requirement. With the help of a great team

Location, location, location. Th ree of the most important words when selling property, but the same can be said when sett ing up a business of this nature. Superior, based at the Western Industrial Estate just off the Naas Road in Dublin 12, is within a short distance of the M50, with the M1 to the North, the N4 road West, and N11 and N7 to the South all close by. Another storage hub is situated at the Robinhood Industrial Estate, with similar easy access to the major junctions around Dublin. At the Dublin 12 site which spans 1.5 acres, over 40,000 sq. ft. of warehousing is available for customers can to pallets at an economical rate. Full storage and order fulfi lment services are provided with excellent back-up. “We use a stock control system so we can track packages, parcels and pallets at all times.”

Storage and next day delivery make up the bulk of the daily activities at Superior Express. It sees further growth potential in its Same Day delivery service around Dublin city. “We deliver post, parcels and pallets nationwide (to the 32 counties) within 24

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

PROFILE | 17 hours, supported by our Track & Trace system that facilitates customers to see that their delivery has been made.”

“An increasing number of customers avail of our Same Day delivery service. We make set calls starting from 10 am in each direction of the capital - North, South, East & West, with further collections and drop-offs from 2 pm. Anything from parcels to pallets can be delivered in this manner,” explained Brian. With this in mind, Brian is thinking about becoming more eco-friendly for this strictly urban based service, noting that an electric powered light truck would be the perfect solution, but the initial cost could be prohibitive. On suggesting the likes of the Fuso Canter diesel/electric Eco Hybrid, he would be interested in a test trial to see how it would work fi rst.

Attracting overseas customers was the ultimate aim in the decision to have a stand at the annual Multimodal exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, UK for two years in a row. “Exhibiting there provided a platform for us to promote our business abroad with some good networking opportunities added in.” Very much a hands-on ownercum-Managing Director, Brian is keen to promote the company’s motto: “Business made easy” – by being clear and positive in what it does. “Our modern fleet of vehicles and staff are there to ensure your delivery, parcel or package gets to its destination quickly and securely. When you need fast and secure service we can offer same day delivery to anywhere in Ireland, or next day delivery covering most parts of the world.

Once you give us your parcel, we’ll get our wheels moving.”

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

www.fleet.ie

18 | REPORT II

Alternative Drives explores

F

ive commercial vehicle manufacturers participated in the bi-ennial Alternative Drives event, organised by the International Truck of the Year jury at Solutrans 2015 at Eurexpo, Lyon, France.

Advances in the further greening of road transport operations from a commercial vehicle aspect were explored by Iveco, Scania, Renault Trucks (all with Natural Gas products), while Fuso with Gruau covered the diesel/electric and all electric powertrains.

“Iveco has a long history in developing Natural Gas powered trucks, vans and buses,” began Clément Chandon, from the brand’s Heavy Line Gas Business Development business.

Compressed or Liquefied Natural Gas is the best alternative to diesel as its available, cheaper to buy and above all produces a smaller carbon footprint, not to mention that the vehicle benefits from additional torque at lower revs, thereby producing less noise.

Clement stated that over 6,000 Daily ‘Natural Power’ vans are in operation across Europe, along with 2,500 Stralis trucks and more than 5,500 buses. “By July 2016, France will be home to 33 fully serviced refilling stations as the State invests in the growing uptake for Natural Gas in commercial vehicles.”

Erk Rönnefarth, Market & Production Manager at Fuso EU highlighted the developments in hybrid and all-electric drivetrain technology, which includes the Euro 6 Canter Eco-Hybrid and the latest E-CELL version. “For more than 40 years, Fuso has followed paths which nobody has taken before. It produced its first electrically powered bus as early as 1973 and now as part of the Daimler Trucks business unit developing hybrid and electric products, the future has already begun,” emphasised Erk.

Iveco Stralis Natural Power

customers. In between, the Canter EcoHybrid was successfully launched in Europe.

Used by Local Authorities in Portugal, the E-CELL test trial with five dropside and three box bodied units had no failures and saved an estimated €1,000 over the average 50,000 kms driven compared to conventional diesel power. “Drivers loved the smooth, comfortable ride,” said Erk.

moreover, their noise emissions are at lower levels than their diesel counterparts.”

Representing Renault Trucks was Karien Forien, Director of Energy Efficiency Strategy who promoted the CNG version of the Renault Range D Wide truck. “Natural Gas engines release practically no particulates, with no emissions of either fumes or smells;

“For now, the city of Paris possesses France’s largest fleet of Natural Gas vehicles, over half of which consists of Renault Trucks’ models. From a technical standpoint, this CNG version of the D Wide design offers optimal functionality for distribution-type

Promotion of the E-CELL in the Irish market will begin following its premiere at the SEAI Energy Show at the RDS, Dublin.

In 2006, Fuso began series production of the Canter Eco-Hybrid for the Japanese market, two years later it began Europe’s largest hybrid fleet trials, with ten Euro 5 versions of the diesel/electric combination in London. Then the first E-CELL study was presented at the IAA CV Show in Hannover.

Move on four years to the start of a one-year E-CELL fleet trials with eight Portuguese FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

LNG Tank

“Natural Gas vehicles are the solution in response to the quest to improve air quality in cities, especially when running on biomethane fuel. Our biodiesel vehicles are compatible with B30 (30% biodiesel in the fuel) and up to B100.”

REPORT II | 19

the greening of transport uses or with a municipal waste dumpster. The vehicle is available in two configurations; a 4x4 carrier and a 6x2 carrier.”

While we’re heavily committed to developing Natural Gas vehicles, we don’t overlook the existence of other technologies offering viable alternatives to diesel. As a vehicle manufacturer, we must accompany this movement by proposing increasingly energy efficient transport solutions, by speaking out loudly and with conviction in support of this evolution. Speaking ahead of the COP 21 climate change conference, Karien added: "Renault Trucks will be present at this worldwide event with two innovative vehicles; Maxity Electric featuring a fuel cell that runs on hydrogen and Renault Trucks’ D 100% Electric."

"Lastly, we’ve also been investigating over the past few months the potential of the 100% electric technology with a fuel cell that runs on hydrogen, as implanted into the Maxity Electric model adopted by the French Post Office. The fuel cell solution actually serves to overcome two major obstacles with electric vehicles; autonomy (the fuel cell doubles vehicle autonomy), and recharge time (the time required to fi ll up with hydrogen is comparable to that for a diesel model). Th is vehicle will also be on display at the COP 21 conference, on the stand sponsored by SymbioFcell, our fuel cell partner,” concluded Karien.

Scania As Product Manager, Sales & Marketing Sustainable Solution- Trucks, Johan Palmqvist is to the fore at Scania’s CO2NTROL programme and referred particularly to the company’s long-term commitment to offering the widest range of sustainable transport solutions. “Scania produces the widest range of alternative fuels, he began, and referred to the fact that its engines run on gas and biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). "Scania offers transport operators the opportunity to reduce their CO2 footprint very simply, without giving up anything or incurring significantly higher costs,” he added.

“Scania was the first manufacturer to sell and deliver Euro 6 engines, and the first to market a complete engine range based on three different biodiesel platforms, which can provide up to 65% CO2 reduction when using

Renault Trucks D Wide CNG Gas Euro 6

FAME (Fatt y Acid Methyl Ester fuel). With using HVO, this renewable biodiesel can yield up to 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.”

Johan mentioned the two types of Natural Gas powered trucks on exhibit at Solutrans, the P280 4x2 rigid in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) form with Chéreau fridge body and the G340 4x2 tractor powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). A version of the same model was available for the ITOY Alternative Drive tests around the roads linking the Eurexpo to Lyon the next day.

Gruau Leading French commercial vehicle builder and converter Gruau has since 2010, operated a ‘clean transport business’ by becoming an electric solutions integrator. Its background is in the design, industrialisation and integration of functions, marketing and distribution of specific vehicle kits, customised fleets

or niche vehicles, according to Matt hieu Gougeon, Technical Commercial Expert at Gruau. “Blue Green,” represents the Gruau Group’s sustainable development approach and its 1,100 employees across its 17 sites are focused on this objective. On average, Gruau converts 48,000 light commercials per year covering 20 product application lines.

One of its latest developments is Electron II all electric light commercial, powered by a 400V Lithium Ferrophosphate (LFP) battery that offers 3 levels of capacity from 38 to 58 k.Wh. Up 50 kms extra battery power can be gained through its 1-hour quick charging system.

An extra information touch screen differs the cabin from normal vans. Nothing is taken out either on the spec as full connection with the outside world is available.

Gruau Electron II

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

www.fleet.ie

20 | COVER/TESTS

Alternative Drives - Part II - Test Drives IVECO • Daily 35S14N V12 CNG Natural Power Panel Van • Eurocargo ML120 EL21P CNG Natural Power • Stralis Hi-Street AD190 S33P CNG Natural Power

EGR, SCR or Particulate Filters, the latest generation Cursor 8 CNG Euro 6 Natural Power engines require no additive. With the lower price of Natural Gas, total cost of ownership is reduced by up to 10% compared to the standard Euro 6 diesel.

Where Biomethane is available, totally decarbonised driving is achievable.

At the Solutrans A lternative Drive programme, Iveco presented the Stralis, Eurocargo and Daily vans using either CNG or LNG (or both). On the 330hp Stralis 4x2 tractor-unit, it had dual power from CNG and LNG, which enabled a range distance of up to 850 km (200 from the CNG and 650 km from the LNG tanks fitted). The LNG offers better distance as it is compressed and stored at extremely low temperatures (well below freezing). Producing less than 72dB of noise, the Stralis Natural Power is certified according to the PIEK Quiet Truck, the European standard for silent trucks.

All three Natural Powered Iveco’s drives impressed with their superior levels of pulling power, especially in high gears. They were more silent in movement out on the roads surrounding the Eurexpo Centre in the outskirts of Lyon. Surprisingly, both the Stralis and Eurocargo had manual gearboxes, which is not the norm, but were specified on the customer vehicles driven.

The Italian manufacturer has been a forerunner in the field of Natural Gas power since the late 90’s. Both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines are provided for its truck and bus ranges, with power options stretching from 136 to 330hp. Without FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

FUSO • Canter E-CELL 6 C15E Based on the conventional Fuso Canter lightduty 7.5 tonne chassis cab, the second phase of the E-CELL development is cited as the brand’s “most innovative family member”.

It has a 6.0 tonne gross weight offering a 3.0 tonne payload (thanks to the unladen plus

battery weight exemption). Top speed from this 150PS/650Nm unit is limited to 90 kp/h and its driving range distance averages 100 kilometres. Two battery boxes weighing 600 kg are fitted to the ladder frame chassis consisting of two battery packs providing 48.4 KWh. There are two charging options – with two on-board chargers, Normal with a 230V/16A system that takes 7 hours, or Quick with 390V/100A that takes just one hour.

Already expectations have been fulfilled, with the customer trials in Portugal, conducted over a 12-month period. Supported by the Portuguese Government, the eight prominent municipal and commercial customers covered numerous applications such as waste removal, forest-care, gardening and landscaping, goods transportation and postal services. Some of the glowing comments from these operators included; “Environmentally wonderful,” “The Future,” “Charging and driving the vehicle is intuitive and quite easy,” “The main added value is definitely the absence of noise and emissions.”

COVER/TESTS | 21 While on the test drive accompanied by Erk Rönnefarth, the instant acceleration and silence was appreciated right from the off. The single speed transmission means that there is consistent smooth movement.

Regeneration is achieved by deceleration and through use of the twin-phase exhaust brake engaged by means of a stalk on the steering column. On the satisfaction scale, we concur with one Portuguese operator; 9 out of 10!

Renault Trucks • Range D 19 Wide 4x2 R CNG

Gruau • Electron II Electric Van

Last March, Renault Trucks completed the renewal programme on its Range D (Distribution) with the D Wide CNG. It is fitted with a new 9.0 litre Euro 6 Natural Gas engine, offering a power rating of 320hp and available in 6-cylinder NGT9, with two configurations – 19 tonne 4x2 and a 26 tonne 6x2 (both rigids) catering mainly for the urban environment. Both units operate equally well on Natural Gas or bio-methane fuel (biogas). Their driving qualities as experienced during the drive are on par with that of a diesel engine, while at the same time providing higher torque (1,356 Nm) with lower noise levels.

With the Electron II, based on the Fiat Ducato platform, both panel van and chassis cab are used by Gruau for conversion into a fully zero emission electric vehicle capable of covering up to 200kms with the larger battery pack or 150kms in its 58 k.Wh version. (Offering a peak power of 90 kW, which is equivalent to 130 hp with a diesel).

Its torque levels at 220 Nm @ 11,000 rpm exceeds the combustion engine (at a maximum speed of 90km/h).

Again, smooth, quick acceleration is the order of the day here with the added advantage of silent operation.

renewable raw materials produced using vegetable oils and animal fat. According to Renault Trucks, the return on the investment can be made within five years based on the initial price premium. The customer truck used for the ITOY trials gave us an insight to the fi nal specification required by the operator, and to how it has to work day-by-day.

Scania • Series G340 LA 4x2 MNA GL

One of the main features of the D Wide CNG is the installation of a fully automatic Allison transmission (Series 3200), which is perfectly suited to refuse collection applications. Renault Trucks provides a choice of fuel tank capacities on the D Wide CNG – 600 litres of gas compressed to 200 bars, which is 90 kg of gas in six tanks, or 800 litres, which has 120 kg of gas using eight tanks. Th rough these systems an operating range of up to 400 kilometres in urban environments can be achieved.

The NTG 9 engine, featuring controlled ignition technology can operate on B100 which is 100% biofuel. Th is stems from

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

In the latest Euro 6 guise, the Scania G Series with Natural Gas option used the Swedish brand’s 9.0 litre in-line 5-cylinder 340hp/250kW (@1900 Nm) diesel block converted to this alternative fuel. Maximum torque is at 1600 Newton Metres @ 10501400 rpm.

The 4x2 tractor unit driven featured the popular Highline cab, a wheelbase of 3,700mm, and a 12-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic with integrated retarder is the preferred choice.

Driving the gas engine proved no different to the way a conventional diesel performs in terms of ride or handling, but with lower noise levels (at 72dB) and better torque in the ‘high-box’. Other elements of the chassis are traditional with parabolic springs and air suspension on the rear.

www.fleet.ie

TRANSPORT www.eet.ie

AWARDS 2017

REWARDING BEST PRACTICE )OHHW 7UDQVSRUW $ZDUGV

\HDUV

FHOHEUDWLQJ

Fleet Transport Awards 2017 Date: Thursday 13 October 2016 Venue: Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

Sponsorship Opportunities The Fleet Transport Awards are firmly established as the most valued and respected honours in the road transport industry.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, these Awards provide a platform for the sector to celebrate best practice and an ideal networking opportunity.

There are sponsorship packages currently available for these prestigious Awards. Being a sponsor at the Fleet Transport Awards will not only position you as a leading company within today’s challenging market place but will provide you with an unrivalled opportunity to give something back to a client base that is essential to your ongoing business success.

To enquire further about sponsorship opportunities please contact Orla Sweeney.

Phone: +353 94 9372819 Email: orla@fleet.ie

fleetMaritime: IRISH SHIPPING & FREIGHT

MARITIME I | 23

Compiled by Howard Knott Edited by Jarlath Sweeney email: maritime@fleet.ie

Volume 11, No. 1 Spring 2016

New opportunities at South Eastern ports Rosslare Europort

Rosslare Container Terminal

W

hile the main business at Rosslare Port remains the handling of Ro-Ro services being operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line, the County Wexford port now handles a regular flow of cargoes of round timber shipped by conventional cargo vessels from Scotland. Irish Rail management is currently in a process that could lead to the Port’s operations being transferred to a third party under a long term contract. The Port also hopes to secure funding under the recently announced Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTAS) Tourism initiative. This funding, in which Tourism Ireland plays an active role, is directed towards regional ports and airports and is focussed on the development of traffic levels through existing services, and the development of new services that will spread tourist activity to areas outside the busy Dublin region.

Frank Ronan, who has extensive experience in both manufacturing and transport services took the helm at Waterford Port on October 1. He reports that the Port is in good financial health and, while the Lo-Lo container services have yet to recover from the economic downturn, Waterford Port

the Port’s throughput in bulk cargoes has grown substantially during 2015 with 21 vessels calling during the month of July alone. The opening of the Glanbia dairy products plant and completion of the re-development and extension of the Coillte panel board plant, both of which are located close to the Belview quayside will further boost traffic through the Port.

In the context of development works being carried out at Irish Ports and others planned for the near future, one particular export activity at Waterford Port involved the loading of three vessels with dredged spoil for shipment to Zeebrugge. The spoil had come from nearby Dunmore East Harbour which was being dredged for the first time in thirty years. The spoil contained the remains of TBT (TriButylTin) anti-fouling paint used by fishing and other vessels. Although treated and dried the material had to be sent to Zeebrugge for final treatment and disposal. Concerns are being expressed at Howth and other fisheries harbours that the necessary dredging at their locations will throw up similar problems with associated high costs.

Bulk Cargo Waterford

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

FREIGHT FERRY SERVICES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2016

24 | MARITIME II

Both Cork and Dublin Ports have reported strong figures for 2015

I

n his end of year statement, Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins reported that total traffic through the Ports of Cork and Bantry Bay had reached 11.1 million tonnes. Total trade traffic at the Port of Cork reached 9.8 million tonnes, up a significant 10% on 2014 traffic figures. Bantry Bay Port Company dropped slightly from 1.3 million tonnes in 2014 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2015.

Total container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy Container Terminals in the Port of Cork grew by 8% compared to 2014 figures, with over 205,000 TEU’s handled.

Th is is very encouraging particularly as the Port received planning permission to move all container operations to Ringaskiddy in the near future. Dry bulk cargoes such as animal feed were up by 2% in 2015. Fertilisers and cereals both decreased slightly.

The Port of Cork cruise business grows year on year with 55 scheduled cruise liners calling to Cork in 2015. In total, these liners carried in excess of 145,000 passengers and crew to the region. John Mullins said: “These transit visitors are an excellent economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a welcome boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. The Port of Cork has completed work

on upgrading the facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal and can now handle ‘Quantum Class’ vessels, which are the largest liners operating in Europe today. The Port of Cork continues to work closely with cruise lines to increase calls to both Port of Cork and Bantry Bay.” In 2015 the Port of Cork was granted planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port redevelopment which is a milestone for the Port of Cork and particularly the Munster region. According to the Chairman, receiving planning permission for the Ringaskiddy Port redevelopment has given the organisation a renewed confidence in the future of trade for the Cork region.

He said: "Not only is this a great boost for our company but most importantly for our customers, who can now confidently plan for the future, knowing the Port has the capacity to accommodate their growth."

Following a public tender process in November, advance works on the project are due to begin in January 2016. These advance works are a positive step in terms of the Ringaskiddy Port redevelopment and will include site clearance to the proposed container compound area which will serve to prepare the site to ensure the main works are

not delayed. The next step is to launch the main works tender process in April 2016, with a view to a contract being awarded in Q3 2016. It is estimated that 849 FTE jobs will be created during the construction of the Ringaskiddy Port redevelopment project which the Port aims to have operating by Q4 2018.

Port of Cork is reported to be engaged in discussions with a view to returning the former IFI site at Marino Point to use as a rail connected quayside and bulk freight terminal. Lo-Lo containers shipped through the new Ringaskiddy Port redevelopment could also be fed to and from the national rail network through a proposed barge link between Ringaskiddy and the Marino Point facility.

Dublin Port Company has reported record trade volumes with 32.8 million gross tonnes moving through the Port in 2015.

Th is surpasses the previous 30.9 million tonnes peak of 2007. 7,166 ship calls were made to the Port, more than twenty a day.

The growth was evenly balanced between import and export volumes, with imports up by 6.5% at 19.5 million gross tonnes while exports reached 13.3 million tonnes, 6.4% ahead of the 2014 figure.

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

IRISH SEA ROUTES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2016

MARITIME III | 25 There was particularly strong growth in imported trade vehicles with 102,149 vehicles brought in from overseas, an increase of 25.8% in the year. The unitised modes also grew very strongly with Ro-Ro units growing by 6.8% to 877,826 units. Th is is 145,000 more than came through Dublin Port in 2007.

The volume shipped through the Port in LoLo containers increased by 8.6% to 614,226 TEU. Th is is very much an indication of the growth of export volumes from Irish based manufacturing plants to a significantly more diverse range of destinations in continental Europe and further afield.

On the tourism side, 1.8 million ferry passengers travelled through the Port in 2015, representing a 5.1% increase on last year and placing Dublin Port on a par with major national airports including Cork and Shannon. Th is volume increase very much mirrors the Failte Ireland results for a year in which tourism growth was accelerated, particularly from Great Britain and the USA. The switch by Stena Line in March from the Stena Nordica to the Stena Superfast X providing capacity for an

additional 1000 passengers, and Irish Ferries moving Oscar Wilde from Rosslare to Dublin over the Christmas period contributed to the achievement of these improved results.

In addition, 2015 was a strong year for the Port’s cruise business with 149,000 visitors on 93 cruise ships, up 8.1% and 5.9% respectively on 2014. The strong growth was driven in particular by the port having the capability to handle cruise ships greater than 300m in length for the first time. One of these was P & O Cruises’ Britannia, the flagship of that company’s fleet with an overall length of 330 metres, a beam of 44 metres and a draft of a relatively modest 8.6 metres. She accommodated over 4300 passengers and 1400 officers and crew.

Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “2015 was an exceptional year for Dublin Port with a 6.4% increase in cargo volumes. We have seen growth over the past three years of 17.3% and are now well ahead of where we were at the height of the boom in 2007.”

"It is timely that we received planning permission for the Alexandra Basin

Construction materials drive growth

A

s reported previously in Fleet Maritime- Winter 2015, the Doyle Shipping Group took over the Port of Greenore in early 2015, and has invested heavily in developing capacity there to handle a wide range of bulk cargoes. Given the Port’s central location between the Dublin and Belfast areas, the Doyle Group is confident that it can drive considerable traffic through the County Louth Port. It seems unlikely, in the short term at least, that Greenore will challenge the neighbouring Port of Warrenpoint for the Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo container traffics operated by Seatruck, Cronus and Cardiff Container Lines.

In the Shannon Estuary, traffic levels at the Shannon Foynes Port Company controlled Limerick Port have been significantly boosted by the return to full action of CRH’s Irish Cement factory in the city. Most of the cement is destined for the booming construction activity taking place in the south-east of England, but the Port also handles considerable volumes of scrap metal. Like many other regional ports, RFD (Refuse Derived Fuel), provides a source of steady traffic through the port, most of it en route to the Baltic countries. For many of the shipping lines this traffic is valuable return business for vessels coming to Irish ports with timber and agri-bulk products. However the rapid progress towards completion of the Dublin Waste incinerator could divert this product to Dublin and undermine the economics of some of the Irish calls.

Redevelopment Project during 2015. Th is is the single largest port development project ever in the country and will help us to continue to cater for the expected high levels of growth in future years. We also fi nalised debt facilities of €100m with the EIB during 2015 and succeeded in securing €23m in grant funding from the EU for our investment plans."

"Our growth in recent years has been driven by the investment decisions of our major customers including Irish Ferries, Stena Line, Seatruck, CLdN, Doyle Shipping Group and Ecocem, and it is essential that we match these customers’ commitments by investing in nationally important port infrastructure in Dublin, the country’s premier Port.”

It has been suggested that these strong growth figures at Dublin Port may lead to the Port Company considering a revision of its Masterplan of 2012. Dublin and Cork’s growth figures over the last few years far outstrip those of other European ports, many of which have seen reductions in throughput over the same period.

Cargo through Dingle

A

stand out example of such revival of business through local ports is the start of a series of vessel calls to Dingle Harbour, County Kerry to load shipments of up to 3,000 tonnes of stone from a local quarry.

This is the first shipping operation through the port since the 1960s, though Dingle has always been an active fishing port.

The stone is shipped to Northfleet in the Thames Estuary and to Ellesmere Port on the Manchester Ship Canal, and is ground up for use as road dressing.

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

EUROPEAN ROUTES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2016

26 | MARITIME IV

Biomass and other fuels good for Derry and Foynes

D

evelopments at the Port of Lisahally near Derry may be an indication of new business that will tip the balance of shipping activity in the bulk shipping sector towards import dominance. In December 2013 construction work commenced on a biomass powered generating plant alongside an existing coal burning power station. While the plant, which has been operational since September 2015, is stated to be fuelled by timber that would otherwise have gone to landfill, the reality in 2015 was that the build up of woodchip for burning there was done with material shipped in from South Wales. In August alone, three vessels brought in almost 10,000 cubic metres (cbm) of this material.

The opening of the Mayo Power Plant (at Killala), scheduled for early 2017 will suck in considerable further quantities of wood products through Dublin, though in this case, from one of the US Gulf Ports, while biomass imports will ramp up considerably over the next four to five years as Bord na Móna and other power providers switch to burning this material from peat or coal.

Remaining with bulk shipping, considerable progress was achieved at the Port of Foynes during 2015. Foynes is categorised as a Tier 1 Port under the EU Ports policy which means it is in a position to submit requests for EU funding assistance under the TEN-T and Motorways of the Sea programmes. The Port was successful in its 2015 application and has secured funding towards quayside works and preliminary work that could lead to the re-connection of the Port with the national rail network. During 2015 a number of projects were announced for the Foynes Port area mainly relating to the areas of fuels, and it appears likely that cargo volumes will considerably increase over the next few years. Re-opening of the rail link and upgrading of roads servicing the Port area will also facilitate this.

2015 Harbours Act signed by President

O

n Christmas Day, President Michael D. Higgins signed the 2015 Harbours Act into law. The main thrust of the Act is to transfer direct ownership of the four ports designated as Regional Ports from the Irish State to the appropriate Local Authorities. New Ross will transfer to Wexford, Galway to Galway Council, Drogheda to Louth and Dun Laoghaire to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Local sources are unsure as to how the implementation of these changes in ownership structure will impact on Port Development plans, particularly those of Galway and Dun Laoghaire which are presently with An Bord Pleanála.

At a recent meeting held with the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport Directorate, Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, and Pat Keating, CEO of the Shannon Foynes Port Company, spoke of the need for the EU to give recognition to the importance of the Port in increasing Europe's connectivity.

Sean Kelly said: “Shannon Foynes is one of a limited number of terminals with deep water facilities in Europe - facilities that no other Irish port enjoys. With the Panama Canal set to double its capacity in 2016, there is an unprecedented opportunity for Europe and for Ireland to capitalise as Shannon Foynes can cater for the huge new vessels that will be coming through.

We are asking the Commission to strategically extend the North Sea - Mediterranean Core Network Corridor under the Trans-European Transport Network to Shannon Foynes Port. The landscape has changed since these corridors were put in place and the Port has since become more connected through important transport infrastructure being put in place with the new motorway and extended rail line.

Being listed as part of this strategic corridor will bring increased funding and investor confidence to the local area and ultimately lead to significant job creation. Super tanker trade alone has potential to generate more than 3,000 jobs on the Shannon Estuary," Mr. Kelly added.

"The future is increasingly bright for the Shannon Estuary with the Shannon LNG terminal last year being identified as a key part of European energy strategy, following a successful campaign in Brussels.

Similar recognition for Shannon Foynes Port can see the region become a centre of International Trade as Chinese and US links intensify, and Europe seeks to diversify energy sources away from Russia."

Trading activity up in 2015 in what was a good year for Irish Ports

T

he strong growth in activity within the Irish economy has been reflected in substantial increases in traffic through Irish ports in 2015. Driven, as in previous years by increased exports, there has also been a substantial pick-up in imports of consumer and construction related goods.

While the big increases in tonnage numbers have been shipped through the major ports, 2015 has also seen significant new business being routed through regional ports.

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR TEAM FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2016

REPORT III | 27

IRHA & AIB host successful transport conference for South-West operators

T

he Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and AIB’s Asset Finance division jointly held a conference attended by for over 200 transport operators in the South West region on 28 January. Kieran Marshall, Head of Asset Finance for AIB, chaired the event.

Keynote speaker, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D., emphasised the crucial role the transport and logistics industry plays in the economic wellbeing of Ireland’s economy. He highlighted the role of the current Government in raising the profi le of the industry through the provision of an Essential User Rebate and reduced road tax, so that Irish transport companies can compete on a level playing field with UK/European operators. Working with the IRHA over the last four years, these steps have safeguarded Irish jobs, been revenue generating for overall tax take, and are key steps in eliminating rogue operators within the industry. Minister Noonan stated that a small number of operators that are non-compliant diminish the professional standing of the industry, and that investment in training and development are key areas for future development.

Robert Mulhall, Managing Director AIB Retail Banking, outlined key challenges to the transport industry, notably increases in insurance, labour expenditure, labour availability, and cost of compliance. Short term fuel cost decreases have given rise to rate reduction demands, but in the long term a competitive, compliant and productive haulage sector is needed for continued economic growth. He noted that the impact Government has on road safety is crucial through the Road Safety Authority (RSA), but that this has been at a substantial cost to operators who are experiencing substantial Insurance cost hikes even though their risk profi le is substantially reducing. Robert stated, “The transport sector is a key area of business development for AIB. The bank has access to industry experts to develop businesses further, and the secret to success lies in their knowledge, experience and personal contacts with its existing and new customers in this industry.”

IRHA President Verona Murphy spoke about the importance of professional development.

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

The transport industry remains highly competitive, but needs the support of Government for continuous professional development and training for transport operators, necessary to increase professional standing and overall productivity of the industry in general. All industries in Ireland depend on transport to be a success. Verona announced a Driver Apprentice Scheme that will be rolled out shortly benefitt ing all members of the industry. She also announced a toll discount scheme for parkmagic/IRHA toll users, starting at 10% with further discounts possible.

Robert Mulhall,Managing Director - Retail, Corporate & Business Banking at AIB

Ms Verona Murphy, President IRHA

Oliver Mangan, AIB Chief Economist, spoke on the reasons behind low fuel prices.

He predicts that prices will remain low in the short term but that overall, supply will decrease at current barrel prices as offshore (deep sea) or oil ex-shale producers exit the market, thereby decreasing supply and causing inevitable price increases. His thoughts on inflation and interest costs were very informative, with his prediction of low interest rates for the next five years.

In relation to euro/sterling exchange, the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s possible exit from the EU is having a significant effect on the exchange rate, probably weakening the Euro to 85 pence sterling or weaker, but the effect of a UK exit from the EU would be profound on our trade with the UK. The fi nal speaker, Peter Capriani of AON Insurance outlined why the cost of insurance is rising, and how the haulage industry can obtain competitive quotes in a limited market that sees Irish claims as major cost drivers in higher policy costs. Legal fees, an injury board that is no longer fit for purpose, and an insurance industry whose brokers gain higher fees from higher rates, all adds to our spiralling insurance costs.

A lively questions and answers session concluded the event, and the large attendance were left under no illusion that spiralling Insurance costs are the next main item on the IRHA agenda.

Oliver Mangan, Chef Economist, AIB

Photos: Brian Gavin - Press22

www.fl www.fl eet.ie eet.ie

28 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 4) / SAFETY MATTERS Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Albania

ALL

169.00

-

169.00

Lithuania

EUR

1.023

1.068

0.900

Andorra

EUR

1.007

1.075

0.795

Luxemburg

EUR

1.036

1.091

0.847

Austria

EUR

1.063

1.206

0.954

Macedonia

MKD

61.00

63.00

42.50

Belarus

EUR

0.527

-

0.545

Moldova

MDL

16.75

17.35

13.97

Belgium

EUR

1.278

1.336

1.054

Montenegro

EUR

1.060

1.100

0.870

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

1.81

-

1.71

Netherlands

EUR

1.513

1.589

1.110

Bulgaria

BGN

1.94

2.14

1.88

Norway

NOK

14.18

-

12.59

Croatia

HRK

8.78

-

7.61

Poland

PLN

4.03

4.38

3.83

Czech Republic

CZK

27.27

-

25.39

Portugal

EUR

1.323

1.456

1.041

Denmark

DKK

9.79

-

7.69

Romania

RON

4.54

5.31

4.16

Estonia

EUR

0.905

0.955

0.835

Russia

RUB

37.15

-

35.56

Finland

EUR

1.338

1.410

1.141

Serbia

RSD

127.00

-

127.90

France

EUR

1.270

1.337

1.022

Slovakia

EUR

1.153

-

0.956

Georgia

GEL

1.64

1.74

1.54

Slovenia

EUR

1.159

1.209

0.988

Germany

EUR

1.212

-

0.951

Spain

EUR

1.092

1.226

0.918

Greece

EUR

1.298

1.520

0.937

Sweden

SEK

12.47

12.97

11.43

Hungary

HUF

339.00

-

346.00

Switzerland

CHF

1.351

1.404

1.352

Ireland

EUR

1.249

-

1.099

Turkey

TRY

4.25

4.27

3.31

Italy

EUR

1.409

-

1.202

Ukraine

UAH

19.10

21.80

15.70

Kosovo

EUR

0.90

-

0.88

UK

GBP

1.022

1.120

1.023

Latvia

EUR

1.040

1.086

0.889

USA

USD

-

-

0.558

Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . .

Heavy Goods Vehicles: Safe coupling/uncoupling of tractor and trailer combinations

A

number of fatal and major vehicle incidents are reported to the Health & Safety Authority every year where heavy goods vehicle1 drivers have been killed or seriously injured during the coupling and/or uncoupling of the tractor and the trailer unit.

interlocks, cab alarms), supervision and raising risk awareness were control measures identified that could help prevent vehicle runaways.

When coupling and uncoupling the trailer to and from the tractor unit, the parking brakes on both units should be applied to ensure that neither unit is able to move in an uncontrolled manner. Th is unintended movement is known as a ‘vehicle runaway’.

Effective means of preventing vehicle runaways include:

A recent HSE2 (UK) led study explored the factors that contribute to vehicle runaways using a multi-method approach. Some of its key messages are listed here:

•

Failure to apply the cab handbrake and/or trailer parking brake was identified as the primary reason contributing to vehicle runaways.

A combination of individual, job and organisational factors were identified as affecting drivers’ behaviours, and particularly the extent to which the cab handbrake and/or trailer parking brake would be applied.

Distractions, complacency and the adoption of bad practices (e.g. relying on the emergency braking system), as well as a lack of technical knowledge and poor appreciation of risks (e.g. beliefs that the trailer parking brake is not necessary to prevent the cab-trailer configuration from moving) were perceived as contributing to failures in applying the cab handbrake and/or trailer parking brake.

•

• •

interlocks that automatically apply the trailer parking brake when the red air lines are disconnected. cab alarms that remind drivers to apply the handbrake were also perceived as helpful in preventing vehicle runaways. automatic site systems (e.g. ‘locking’ trailer wheels). loading bays that slope downwards toward the loading ramp.

A copy of the full report in PDF format can be downloaded here: htt p://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr1069.pdf Further information: For further information on Work Related Vehicle Safety matters.

Please follow the links below. www.vehiclesatwork.ie or by contacting the Workplace Contact Unit at Lo-Call: 1890 289 389 (Between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday).

1 Including Shunter operations; Shunter driving involves driving vehicles in company premises only rather than on public roads. Shunter drivers may also, however, hold a

Control Measures: Provision of easily accessible controls, physical solutions (e.g.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

license to drive HGVs on the road.

2 Health and Safety Executive

FLEETING SHOTS | 29

FTA publishes new edition of popular legal guide

F

ully updated for 2016, the 54th edition of the Freight Transport Association’s Yearbook of Road Transport Law, sponsored by Bridgestone, has now been published. The must have Yearbook is an indispensable publication designed to provide those in charge of commercial vehicle fleets with all the information they need on road transport legislation.

The Yearbook’s 460 pages covers all aspects of road transport law, including Operator Licensing, driver licensing, weights and dimensions, construction and use and traffic regulations, together with related material regarding employment, health and safety,

Shaw, Managing Director, Bridgestone Europe - North Region.

plus key addresses and other contact details.

“Bridgestone is once again proud to sponsor the Yearbook of Road Transport Law, which will prove an invaluable tool for f leet operators in the months ahead. Bridgestone is closely aligned with a large proportion of the Yearbook recipients, so sponsorship of this publication is a great opportunity for us to reinforce our presence in the industry, and build upon our existing reputation amongst readers,” said Robin

Every FTA member receives one copy of the Yearbook.

Additional copies can be purchased from Shopft a at a cost for FTA members of £42, or £80 for non-members with discounts for multiple orders. Please quote product code 4501. Further details are available from htt ps://www. shop.fta.co.uk/p-229-fta-yearbook-of-roadtransport-law-2016.aspx or by calling 0044 3717 11 11 11.

Daimler Trucks at Bauma 2016

S

truck or a heavy-duty truck, heavy-duty tractor units or an individual specialpurpose vehicle – the Mercedes-Benz and Fuso brands offer the right answer to every question in the construction segment.

From A for Arocs to Z for Zetros, Daimler’s truck range cover the entire spectrum of construction vehicles. Whether it's an

Over a total area of 2100 m2, on an area of 1700 m2 in Hall B4 and over a space of 400 m2 in the open-air grounds right next to it, Daimler is exhibiting 22 vehicles in all for virtually every conceivable application.

*11/17 April 2016 in Munich trong. On every terrain. That is the Daimler motto for its appearance at the Bauma 2016 trade fair. As the world's leading show for the construction sector it offers the ideal podium for the Group's diverse construction vehicles.

urban delivery vehicle or van, a light-duty

Stobart helps to save Carlisle United

C

arlisle United received a series of very special deliveries courtesy of club supporter and sponsor Eddie Stobart, as a fleet of 22 trucks transported pristine new turf, free of charge, to replace the recently f lood-stricken playing surface at Brunton Park.

The Cumbrians, currently chasing a play-off place in League Two, played their last game on their own pitch at the end of November and have since staged ‘home’ fi xtures at Deepdale, Ewood Park and Bloomfield Road as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of Storm Desmond.

us it has been another example of the generosity and desire to help, which has come out of the adversity so many people have faced with the recent flooding events around the country.”

Carlisle United’s Sales & Marketing Director, Phil King said: “Eddie Stobart has been absolutely magnificent and has led the way for us, including the handling of the logistics for a complicated haulage task like this to making sure it was dropped off exactly when and where it was needed. For

Eddie Stobart Chief Operating Officer, David Pickering, said: “It has been a very tough few weeks for many Cumbrians, and as the county’s only professional football team, Carlisle United is something of a symbol for the region. As a business with its roots in Carlisle, we felt we needed to do something to get the team’s home ground back in action, and to give Cumbrians something to cheer about – hopefully at the next home game.”

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.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

30 | REPORT IV

Improving Road Safety in the Transport Sector Supply Chain

S

ince it was established in 2009, the European Transport Safety Council’s (ETSC) PRA ISE project has produced a number of Work Related Road Safety (WRRS) reports annually. Addressing the safety aspects of driving at work and driving to work, topics it has covered include Managing Speed, Minimising In-Vehicle Distraction, Safer Commuting to Work, Safety for Van Fleets, and Fitness to Drive.

With statistics estimating that in Europe six out of ten work accidents resulting in death are road crashes, including both crashes while driving for work and commuting crashes, and 40% of all road crashes involve people on duty and people driving for work, PRA ISE’s (Preventing Road Accidents and Injuries for the Safety of Employees) aim is to promote best practice in order to help employers secure high road safety standards for their employees.

A recent report published by ETSC PRA ISE is ‘Reducing Road Risk at Work through Procurement - Integrating Safety Requirements in the Transport Sector Supply Chain’. Procurement is the acquisition of goods, services or works from an external source. The report focuses on an increasing awareness that, while it is relatively straight-forward to manage road risk within an organisation, where companies employ or use external sources then those contractors in the supply chain must fulfi l the organisation’s obligations on traffic safety as well as meet other sustainability criteria such as reduced environmental footprint.

With EU public authorities spending the equivalent of 16% of EU GDP on procurement, it’s clearly a very significant part of the economy. Cost savings, improved services, greater flexibility, and a focus on core business are the main reasons why companies outsource business to contractors. Unfortunately though, road safety very often does not get the same priority.

There are valid business cases in terms of efficiency to be made for integrating road safety into procurement through which an employer can also make gains. The business case for road safety is centred on the prevention of harm to persons and the protection of property and the environment. It involves managing road safety in a proactive way for fi nancial, moral and legal reasons by overseeing drivers, journeys and vehicles. Savings can be made not only on direct costs such as insurance, damage to vehicles, and delayed delivery costs, but also on indirect expenses such as missed orders and business opportunities, loss of customer goodwill, and low morale among staff.

The PRA ISE report has a series of recommendations for Procurement Managers as well as the EU and Member States.

Steps for employers and Procurement Managers include recognising legal compliance and the economic benefits of integrating WRRS requirements to procurement, including developing structures to conduct joint risk assessments between client and contractor, setting up certification schemes for contractors on work related road safety, and selecting ‘safe contractors’ based on a sound procurement strategy that considers best value rather than lowest price.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

Launching the ETSC PRA ISE report at the 2015 European Conference on Work Related Road Safety in Brussels.

The report also recommends a ‘partnering culture’ - where large employers who subcontract out work out to SMEs should be encouraged to share good practice with these smaller companies who may not have the same capacity for designing new working practices.

Amongst recommendation for the EU, the PRA ISE report proposes developing specific guidance for integrating work related road safety into public procurement, encouraging national authorities to set up certification schemes for contractors on work related road safety, and the creation of an EU Safe Certificate Contractor Scheme which includes WRRS. Additionally it has recommendations for individual EU States including encouraging co-ordination between occupational health and safety, road safety and national procurement authorities on strategies to integrate work related road safety requirements into procurement processes. It also suggests increasing efforts to stimulate, incentivise and enforce procurement which includes road safety requirements Reducing Road Risk at work through Procurement - Integrating Safety Requirements in the Transport Sector Supply Chain can be downloaded in full at htt p://etsc.eu/wp-content/uploads/ REDUCING-ROAD-RISKS-AT-WORK_fi nal.pdf

RSA noted for best practice The ETSC PRA ISE report highlights a number of ‘Best Practice’ examples from selected countries. Among them is the guidance leaflet from Ireland’s Road Safety Authority entitled ‘Chain of Responsibility’. Th is two page leaflet targeted at those involved in the transport industry explains the chain of responsibility for breaches of rules on driving time, breaks and rest time.

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

BUS & COACH | 31

Otokar arrives into Irish & UK markets through Brian Noone Ltd

W

ell known Maynooth based bus and coach dealer Brian Noone Ltd., has been appointed by Otokar Europe as distributor for Otokar buses in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channels Islands and the United Kingdom. For the UK distribution of Otokar buses, this business will be conducted through Minis to Midis, the appointed British agent of Brian Noone Ltd. A second generation family run business with over 30 staff, Brian Noone Ltd., specialises in providing a broad range of small and large coaches and full aftermarket sales support.

Brian Noone Ltd will undertake and market sales and after-sales activities for Navigo T, an 8.4 m Midi Coach with 37 seats.

Founded in 1963, Otokar offers operators an opportunity to optimise their fleets with products ranging from 7 - 18.75 metres in the city, interurban and tourism segments. These products are designed to be simple, functional and suitable for multipurpose. A fleet optimised with Otokar products ensures high efficiency and a significant contribution to operating profits. Each vehicle is developed with a focus on low operating costs as well as optimum flexibility and long years of reliable service.

As a Koç Group company, Otokar operates with over 2,000 employees at its 552,000 sq. metre plant in Arifiye, Sakarya, Turkey. Otokar established Otokar

Europe located in Paris, France in 2011, for the European bus market.

CTTC Coach & Bus Show 2016 – RDS, Dublin – 12/13 November

P

reparations for the ninth CTTC Coach & Bus Show are well underway. Th is bi-annual event, which is Ireland’s largest passenger transport exhibition takes place in the RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion on the weekend of the 12/13 November. The Show, sponsored

by Campion Insurance, is organised by the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), which is the representative body for Ireland’s coach touring companies and private bus operators.

“To date demand from exhibitors has exceeded all expectations. The Show

was officially launched at the beginning of December 2015 and already in excess of 40 percent of the total exhibition space has been booked,” stated Kevin Traynor, National Director of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council.

“The ex hibitor demand ref lects the posit ive out look i n t he economy.

Lead ing coach ma nu fact urers have repor ted a substa nt ia l i ncrease i n the purchase of new coaches. This increased sales activity is evidenced by the fact that a significant number of the top coach manufacturers have already

booked their places at this year’s Show to display their products.”

Ex hibitors w ishing to book a stand ca n do so by log g i ng onto w w w. coachandbusshow.ie or alternatively by contacting Kevin Traynor on 085 858 8395 or 01 8902635.

Wrightbus reaches StreetLite milestone moment

W

rightbus, Ballymena and First Bus have welcomed a landmark 1,000th delivery to the latter's fleet some 2.5 years after taking delivery of its first StreetLite city commuter. Today First Bus has more than 650 StreetLites and in the last two years First Bus has placed orders for more than 450 StreetLite Micro Hybrid buses, one of the most fuel efficient buses on the market delivering significant fuel savings, after working in partnership with Wrightbus to test, trial and develop the vehicles.

The 1000th bus produced was recently delivered to the brand new First Bus depot Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor @fleet.ie

to Alex Jones, Managing Director of First Essex.

in Colchester and forms part of an order for 17 new StreetLite Micro Hybrids with Euro 6 engines for First Essex. To mark the special occasion, Wrightbus presented a Waterford Crystal bowl with an engraved wooden plinth

Micro Hybrid technology has been exclusively designed and developed by Wrightbus, as a technique which captures its energy generated from a bus’s braking system, and redistributes the energy to power pneumatics, hydraulic and electrical systems, which would otherwise require additional power from the engine. The result is a reduction in fuel consumption and, in turn, substantial cost savings over a bus’s typical 15-year operational service life.

www.fleet.ie

32 | MOTORSPORT

Europe conquers South America … Again! … as Peugeot, Iveco & KTM take the honours at Dakar 2016 • •

38th Dakar Rally covered 9,500 kilometres through Argentina & Bolivia Off-road terrain driven in extreme weather and altitudes at 4,800 metres

• •

354 entries – 143 motorbikes, 110 cars, 55 trucks and 46 quads 218 fi nish – 84 motorbikes, 67 cars, 44 trucks and 23 quads

Trucks: Iveco ‘Powerstars’ to Dakar dominance

The delighted Team Petronas Iveco De Rooy crew

W

ith four Iveco trucks in the top ten of the general classification, three of which were inside the fi nal top five, the 2016 Dakar was the most successful yet for the Italian commercial vehicle manufacturers. Out of the 55 competing trucks, six different brands made it into the top twelve.

For the second time in four years, Dutch driver and Team Petronas Iveco DeRooy leader Gerard de Rooy, has tasted success. His performance over the rally’s thirteen stages was commendable, not only on how he controlled the technical aspects of the challenging route but, with his team-mates, kept the serious challenge of multitime winners KA MAZ at bay. The Russian force was somewhat overwhelmed by the speed and reliability of the FPT Industrial powered Cursor 13 Ivecos, with Argentinean driver Federico Villagra placed third together with Ton van Genugten (Netherlands) offering great support to de Rooy in the specially built Iveco Powerstar.

Last year’s winner Ayrat Mardeev fi nished runner-up, 1 hour and 10 minutes behind the Petronas Iveco.

Gerard’s cousin Hans Stacey, a winner in 2007 with MAN, returned to the German brand to come home fourth. Best of the Sugawara Hino 500’s was 13th, achieving another class win.

Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President commented on the success, “Iveco’s vehicles triumph in the 2016 edition of the Dakar, with a resounding success and recognition, after the Eurocargo “International Truck of the Year 2016” and Magelys “International Coach of the Year 2016” titles. Iveco puts the excellent reliability of its trucks on the trails of the Dakar Rally, enabling the team’s outstanding pilots to give their best performance in the race. I would like to thank Gerard de Rooy, Federico Villagra, Anton van Genugten, Pep Vila and Ales Loprais and their remarkable teams for the determination and drive they have shown.”

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

KA MAZ under control!

Dakar 2016 Argentina – Bolivia Special Stage 1:

Rosario/Villa Carlos Paz

Special Stage 2:

Villa Carlos Paz/Termas de Río Hondo

Special Stage 3:

Termas de Río Hondo/San Salvador de Jujuy

Special Stage 4:

San Salvador de Jujuy/San Salvador de Jujuy

Special Stage 5:

San Salvador de Jujuy/Uyuni

Special Stage 6:

Uyuni/Uyuni

Special Stage 7:

Uyuni/Salta

Special Stage 8:

Salta/Belén

Special Stage 9:

Belén/Belén

Special Stage 10:

Belén/La Rioja

Special Stage 11:

La Rioja/San Juan

Special Stage 12:

San Juan/Villa Carlos Paz

Special Stage 13:

Villa Carlos Paz/Rosario

MOTORSPORT | 33

Cars: Perfect dozen Dakar wins for Peterhansel

S

téphane Peterhansel’s twelft h Dakar Rally win is all the more significant in that it recorded Peugeot’s return to the victory podium after 26 years. At that time, rally legend Ari Vatanen took the honours in a 405, now Peugeot Sport celebrates with the latest 2008 DKR two-wheel drive buggy type vehicle.

It was the French native’s sixth win in a car following six titles in the motorcycle class.

Reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) took second place in an ALL4Racing Mini with another former winner Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) completing the podium positions in the new Toyota Hilux. Notable performances by ‘rookie’ drivers Sebastien Loeb (9 times WRC Champion) and experienced WRC campaigner Mikko Hirvonen for Peugeot and Mini respectively, took many seasoned competitors by surprise. Mini had four cars in the top 10, with Toyota and Peugeot on three, with the Axion X-raid Mini team claiming the 4x4 honours. Lower, wider, longer and more powerful, the 2016 Peugeot 2008 DKR claimed nine special stage wins out of thirteen over the two week cross-country marathon – four for Loeb, three for Peterhansel and two for Carlos Sainz (who retired with a broken gearbox).

On the success, Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport Director said, "The results have surpassed our expectations because we came here just to show the performance of the car. And we've achieved that objective well throughout all different types of conditions. That goes to show that we have accomplished the technical mission that we set ourselves. We've nonetheless found a few small mechanical issues, which show us that there is still a margin of progression left in our Peugeot 2008 DKR. We're absolutely delighted with this

result and we hope to confi rm it again next year - maybe even by aiming for a one-two-three."

Bikes: Price name tagged on Dakar trophy

A

t only his second attempt, Australian Toby Price has set a new standard in winning the most arduous and competitive off-road rally in the world. The KTM rider made no mistakes en route to achieving the fi fteenth Dakar rally win for the Austrian bike manufacturer in-a-row. Fellow KTM competitor Stefan Svitko (SVK) further improved on his fi nish record with a runner-up spot followed closely by Husqvarna 450 Rally rider Pablo Quintanilla from the event’s neighbouring country Chile.

Meanwhile in the Quad category, Argentina’s set of brothers in this sport the Patronellis, thrilled the vast numbers of native supporters with a great in-house batt le for the coveted prize. The younger, Marcos, outpaced Alejandro by just 5’23” to mark three overall wins to two. South Africa’s Brian Baragwanath fi nished third. All were behind the wheels of Yamahas.

Results Bike

Quad

Cars

Trucks

1) Price (Aus) KTM 2) Svitko (SVK) KTM 3) Quintanilla (CLL) Husqvarna 4) Benavides (Arg) Honda 5) Rodrigues (PRT) Yamaha

1) M. Patronelli (Arg) Yamaha 2) A. Patronelli (Arg) Yamaha 3) Baragwanath (ZAF) Yamaha 4) Karyakin (Rus) Yamaha 5) Gonzalez Ferioli (Arg) Yamaha

1) Peterhansel (Fra) Peugeot 2) Al-Att iyah (Qat) Mini 3) De Villiers (Zaf) Toyota 4) Hirvonen (Fin) Mini 5) Poulter (Zaf) Toyota

1) De Rooy (NLD) Iveco 2) Mardeev (Rus) Kamaz 3) Villagra (Arg) Iveco 4) Stacey (NLD) MAN 5) Van Genugten (NLD) Iveco

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

Mercedes-Benz Genuine Remanufactured Parts 100 % Mercedes – up to 50 % lower cost Mercedes-Benz Genuine Remanufactured Parts are available for almost every vehicle model. Including yours. For more information about the full range of Mercedes-Benz Genuine Remanufactured Parts contact your local authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

www.mercedes-benz.ie

HEALTH MATTERS | 35

Mind Your Head

B

oxing is unique among sports in that the aim is to strike the opponent, and damaging his/her brain by way of a knockout a mark of success.

Football, and especially rugby players also commonly suffer concussion, but all too often are seen to “recover” and will often insist on playing on. Even without obvious concussion, there will be impacts to the head producing subtle subconcussive injuries that only become obvious where the person is dazed or staggering - this used to be called “punch drunk.”

Road traffic accidents as well as collision sports such as hockey, karate, horse riding and parachuting can produce multiple subconcussive injuries.

As the brain is a delicate soft tissue mass surrounded by fluid encased in a rigid box (the skull), a blow to the skull causes the brain to bounce away to the other side of the skull and impact there.

Th is displacement causes a ripple effect through the brain tissue, pulling and stretching the nerve filaments and causing tiny haemorrhages deep inside the brain. Damaged cells will eventually be replaced by scar tissue which by its nature does not transmit brain impulses, thus leading inevitably to the disruption of the normal working circuits of the brain.

Repetitive head injuries of whatever type are closely related to early onset Dementia, Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease.

These early changes are insidious, showing decline in attention, concentration and memory. Disorientation and occasional confusion follows, with the person often suffering from headaches and dizziness. A personality change occurs with irritability, outbursts of aggressive behaviour, speech abnormalities and cognitive decline.

These symptoms are commonly manifested when the patient is in his early forties as he will have been playing contact sports since the age of eleven or twelve.

The symptoms progress slowly over several decades with increasing abnormalities in behaviour and personality, memory loss, cognitive decline and difficulty in muscular coordination. The person will have a staggering, shuffl ing gait, slow and slurred speech, poor balance and abnormalities of vision.

early onset Alzheimer’s Disease demonstrated obvious damage to the substance of the brain as well as specific areas that were seen to be shrunken and atrophied.

In order to reduce the number of concussive and subconcussive head impacts it has been suggested that the rules of various games should be changed in order to limit deliberate or avoidable trauma.

Protective equipment has been studied and it is thought that some designs of helmets may be effective.

Once this damage has been inflicted it does not reverse, but advances steadily even though the patient may have stopped the causation.

However, the popularity of these games may be due to their capacity for the players to injure one another – as in boxing, football and illegal sports such as cockfighting and hare coursing. Gladiators in the Roman arenas fighting to the death would be considered barbaric nowadays, but where there are big bucks involved with major television interests, the continuing appetite for sports of all kinds (especially dangerous ones) persist.

The National Football League of America had stoutly denied any link between football and brain injury, but recently they sett led a case (for $ 870 million) fi led by former players who claimed their neurological deficits were from playing football.

Consequently, there may not be an urgency to modify the participant's risks, especially when these brain injuries will not manifest themselves for some years after the initial trauma, when the star players will be well forgotten to all but their families and friends.

Previously these brain injuries were only positively diagnosable on postmortem examination, but in the U.S. recently it has been reported that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies of patients with Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - contributor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

36 | FINANCE

Does Training Pay?

A

ll businesses are created to make profit and maximise the wealth of their owners. Employers may have different management styles but unless you are heading a ‘not for profit’ charity, your focus should be to run your business in a manner that creates profit. Turn this profit into cash and you maximise your personal wealth from the process.

When margins are tight the common strategy is to eliminate all discretionary spending. Even maintenance and tyre costs are typically reduced, fleet replacement is put on hold, pre-owned units are purchased instead of new replacements, and contract labour favoured over long term employees. There is the perception that money spent on training has poor, if any return. It can be difficult to monitor, and may lead to good employees leaving to pursue better positions with competitors who did not incur training costs.

Let’s look at the various categories of employees in transport - drivers, workshop staff, administration, management and owners. Money spent on the proper induction and ongoing training of drivers will always be cost effective. Handing keys of a 46 tonne GVW unit that costs over €160,000 to a new employee that has a driving license and Driver CPC without assessing how the individual drives and operates the unit is reckless and definitely not cost effective. We expect drivers to handle new technology (either the vehicle, trailer or electronic device for truck and load confirmation) in an optimum manner, so they have to be trained in proper work practices and how to achieve optimum results. Th is training has to be structured, continuously monitored and updated.

In relation to administration staff, very little by way of training tends to be invested. New accounting and payroll packages, and transport systems are purchased, but the typical implementation strategy is of the ‘sink or swim’ attitude, whereby staff learn by use and any issues will be explained by the accountant during the annual accounts process. Most administration systems that are expensive to purchase and maintain are rarely used to their optimum, because the administration staff have not been trained.

In relation to management and owners of transport businesses, spending money on training is normally non existent. Owners are too busy in their business to take time out and the big investment is actually their time. All professionals must, as part of their qualification, undergo mandatory continuous professional development.

Training within a transport company will be financially benefitt ing if the following criteria are met; the correct course content is used, staff want to learn, there is monitoring and feedback of training,and the managers and owners are willing to be involved.

In the workshop training is even more important. A technician working in a typical transport company may have multiple truck brands and trailer types to contend with. Technicians now have to be familiar and competent with more sophisticated electronics, a greater level of documentation and scrutiny of work done, and will need to be continuously updated and monitored on safe work practices. Not only does training save money, it keeps the technician competent, relevant and safe.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

LEGAL | 37

RISK RATING SELF-DECLARATION

T

he Commercial Vehicle Operator Risk Indicator (CVORI) was introduced as a result of the Raod Safety Authority's (RSA) determination to improve safety standards in the haulage industry.

Legislated for under the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 (CVRA), it extends and defi nes the checks that are to be applied to commercial vehicles and their operators. Th is will have a major impact on the haulage industry in the Republic.

One of the cornerstones of the new regulations is the legal requirement that all operators of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV’s) are now required by law to complete an online ‘Self-Declaration’ sent to the RSA, providing required information in respect of their HCV’s, and Goods Trailers. (Buses and Ambulances are also included). Th is obligation became a legal duty in June 2014.

Th is duty to ‘Self-Declare’ needs to be understood by all operators and a helpful and explanatory leaflet which is called ‘Operator SelfDeclaration’ can be obtained from the CVRT.ie website and from any HCV Authorised Test Centre.

The new ‘Risk Indicator’ is intended to show how likely it is that an operator will fail to comply with the existing road safety regulations which, of course, include all the regulations controlling the activities of drivers and their employers. The rating will reflect current factual information, and reports from encounters with RSA Enforcement Officers. It is clear that making an online Self-Declaration is likely to have a favourable influence on an operator’s profi le and reduce the operator’s Risk Rating. In this context, it is important to remember that an operator has a legal duty to complete a ‘Self-Declaration’.

Before a ‘Self-Declaration’ can be lodged each operator must register at www.cvrt.ie. Registering will give the operator access to an individual CVRT Online Account. The RSA is anxious to underline the fact that it hopes that the information it obtains will help to support compliant operators.

required are carried out, will have the knowledge necessary to enable an accurate ‘Self-Declaration’ to be made.

There are occasions when an operator may take the view that a vehicle is no longer an effective part of the operational fleet and, for that reason, may not need to be included in a ‘Self-Declaration’.

Examples might be a vehicle which no longer has a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), a vehicle which is no longer taxed, a vehicle which has a particularly low annual mileage, or a vehicle which has been temporarily withdrawn from service.

There is a special provision for a vehicle that has been temporarily withdrawn from service allowing the operator to notify the RSA that the vehicle has been withdrawn from service by using the operator’s CVRT Online Account. All the vehicles in the other categories have to be included in a Self-Declaration.

It remains to be seen how many officers the RSA will be able to ‘put on the ground’ but it is increasingly clear that the RSA will be an important part of a haulage company’s operation. Reference to the websites of the RSA and the CVRT should be part of the administrative routine of every operator.

There are four categories of vehicle which attract the duty to complete a ‘Self-Declaration’ form and these are: - 1. Goods carrying vehicles that have a design gross weight over 3,500 kilograms. 2. Passenger carrying vehicles with more than eight seats, excluding the driver’s seat. 3. Goods trailers that have a design gross weight over 3,500 kilograms. 4. Ambulances.

There is no legal duty to declare Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV’s) but, as it may well be easier to have all the vehicle records in one place, LCVs can be added to an operator’s CVRT Online Account.

Interestingly it is not necessarily the registered owner of the vehicle who has the duty to make the ‘Self Declaration’ but rather the person or business that normally operates the vehicle.

In other words the person responsible for ensuring that the dayto-day maintenance procedures, and the periodic checks that are Text: Jonathan Lawton - jonathan@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

38 | TIMES PAST

SERIOUS WORK - RECOVERY VEHICLES

R

ecover y vehicles have appeared in Times Past before and probably will again because they cover such a wide range of makes, shapes

AEC Matador Recovery

AEC Mercury FIC 552 (ex Fire Service)

Leyland Beaver Recovery Tractor LBT100 FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

and historical periods. In former times when regulations were more relaxed, they were often a fascinating, ingenious and sometimes a Heath Robinson-like adaptation of some superannuated vehicle.

They might happen to be taking up valuable space in the garage but were still capable of turning a wheel in case of a breakdown.

The more professional operators invested in sophisticated recovery vehicles which were att ractively painted and lettered, making them an excellent advertisement for the business.

As time passed and commercial vehicles became ever bigger and heavier, more robust towing vehicles were needed. Th ree types frequently adapted to a second life feature here. One of the most remarkable is the AEC Matador, a classic British vehicle from World War II. Powered by a 7.7-litre diesel engine, it was built by the thousands and served faithfully with all branches of the British Forces. When Matadors were sold off at auctions in post-War times, they were eagerly bought up by circuses and showmen but especially by fleet owners and garages. A familiar sight on our roads, several Matadors are still at work, aged sixty years plus, and the great numbers in preservation have become a legend that are a welcome sight on the rally field. The National Transport Museum is proud to have a Matador – a recovery vehicle, as it happens – that came from our own Defence Forces. The Matador shown here was photographed near Listowel, County Kerry.

An unlikely but successful basis for conversion to recovery status are fire engines.

With the rear bodywork and pump removed and then fitted with the essential crane or other recovery gear, they usually retain a most acceptable feature not found on other vehicles. Th is is the double cab which affords some comfort to the crew of a disabled vehicle on a suspended tow – or to an enlarged crew which may have to be dispatched to the scene of a serious incident.

Older fi re engines, most of which were petrol-engined up to the 1960s, did not fi nd favour with recovery fi rms, but conversions are sometimes encountered from the diesel era. However, it should be remembered that fi re tenders are much admired vehicles that engender much affection, and so are regularly sought after by preservationists.

The most appropriate conversion to towing duties is arguably the artic tractor. In Ireland, the most prolific practitioner is probably the CIE Group of companies, which has always had a ready supply of such vehicles

TIMES PAST | 39 from its former Road Freight Department, now part of Irish Rail. Cut down buses were formerly used, and these have also been of great interest to vehicle enthusiasts – a subject to which I would like to return later.

But for now, suffice it to say that Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have made some splendid conversions of tractors, and two classics in the museum fleet from these sources will, I hope, appear in a future offering. Meanwhile, Brian O’Leary’s fine restoration of a Leyland Beaver is illustrated here.

Looking at towing vehicles in isolation is all very well but to see them at work is another matter. Now I have for several years never gone out without a camera, especially since the digital became small enough to fit into a pocket. I therefore offer pictures taken at two incidents, in neither of which I am glad to say anybody was seriously hurt.

The fi rst happened on a Saturday in 1999 when an artic carrying empty trailers came up North Wall Quay in Dublin and turned on to the Matt Talbot Bridge. The trailers shifted dangerously and a crane had to be summoned to lift them back in position as shown in one of the pictures I took that day – I just happened to be passing when the incident occurred with an interesting recovery – or in this case – “Save the Day” vehicle in attendance.

A fi nal pair of pictures shows a more serious incident which happened in July 2003. An artic collided with a van at the junction of Tara Street with the South Quays and Butt Bridge. The artic ended up in the Liffey with the cab submerged as can be seen in one of the pictures, but thankfully the driver was rescued and a major recovery operation ensued. Pollution Control, the Fire Service, Gardai, a crane with its tender vehicle and two recovery trucks were involved for several hours. The most difficult part was probably gett ing the vehicle clear of the water and up high enough to enable the crane to work safely. Th is eventually got the truck back on the ground and it was towed away, however the traffic disruption was considerable.

Due to space limitations, I have offered only two of the many pictures I took – one of which shows a recovery vehicle standing on its rear wheel as it grappled with the angle of its load.

Trailer Talbot Bridge June 1999

Artic in River, Butt Bridge, July 2003

Preparing to pull trailer up.

So much – for now – about recovery vehicles and the activities of an inveterate picturetaker.

Text & Photos: Michael Corcoran - contributor@fleet.ie

The National Transport Museum Heritage Depot, Howth Demense, Howth, Dublin 13.

Opening Times: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays - 2.00 - 5.00pm www.fleet.ie

40 | TRAILER

Two significant new deals for Dennison Trailers in Germany

D

ennison Trailer's impact on the ultra competitive German market is continuing to grow with new orders from customers who have previously purchased Dennison container and tank chassis. Richard Heinbokel & Co. GmBH and Eurogate Intermodal GmbH have placed additional orders due to the quality of the products and the follow up service offered from the Dennison Team.

Richard Heinbokel & Co. GmBH, with operations in Hemmoor, Duisburg and Leipzig is a strong family business founded in 1919. A leader in the field of transporting foodstuffs and chemicals, the company has previously bought tipping chassis from Dennisons and based on the experience with the product, placed an order for 12 Tank chassis which are ideal for carrying all combinations of ISO tank containers.

Announcing the deal during the Enterprise Ireland Trade & Investment Mission to Netherlands and Germany led by an Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD., Dennison Trailer's CEO Aidan Kinsella commented: “We are delighted to receive the order from Richard Heinbokel and Co. Gmbh. The team has worked very hard to deliver a tank chassis for the European market, given our experience of being the leading tank chassis manufacturer in Ireland and the UK.” Eurogate Intermodal GmBH - a part of the Eurokai group and Germany’s biggest container terminal operators - has placed another order with

Dennison’s for an additional six chassis to add to its fleet at its operation in Hamburg. “Over the last three years Eurogate has purchased a number of different chassis types from Dennisons. The chassis for Eurogate was developed after understanding their needs for a heavier chassis for its operations. The chassis is stronger at key points due to the workload of a trailer in port operations where it can take additional stress in loading,” explained Aidan.

Speaking at the event, an Taoiseach said: “Small and Medium industry forms the backbone of the German economy where companies find a niche, become experts in their field and then export their innovative products around the world. It is great to see Irish companies, like Dennison Trailers, working in a similar fashion - honing their expertise, building on years of experience and know-how, to create products that are designed to meet specialist marketplace demands. I am delighted to see that Dennison Trailers are continuing their success here in Germany and wish them well for the future”.

Chereau produces 100,000th reefer unit!

F

ounded in 1953, Chereau, the award winning French truck and trailer constructor, 100% dedicated to controlled temperature vehicles, marked the end of 2015 with the 100,000th truck and semi-trailer body produced in its factories at Ducey and Avranches in the Manche region.

“On the occasion of this 100,000th vehicle, a special numbered series has been offered to “VIP” partners with an exclusive décor customised with the customer’s livery,” said Christophe Danton, Marketing & Communication Manager.

100,000th semi-trailer can feature all of the equipment required to meet customers' businesses.”

“Limited to one vehicle per customer, the Chereau Special

KÄSSBOHRER nominated for Best Trailer Manufacturer in The Heavies 2016

K

ässbohrer, the German trailer producer with 120-year plus history has been nominated for the Best Trailer Manufacturer in The Heavies 2016 by Britain’s Heavy Torque magazine.

The Heavies is an annual awards ceremony honoring heavy haulage transportation achievements under 15 categories. While most of the awards are voted by judges, the best trailer manufacturer and the best truck manufacturer awards are voted through an open poll.

“With engineering and ingenuity at the heart of its production, Kässbohrer’s sole purpose is to improve upon its products and services to better serve its valued customers. We take ‘Best Manufacturer’ award nomination as a token of appreciation by our

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

customers and as such the nomination motivates us to work harder to create value for our customers,” said İffet Türken, Kässbohrer’s Business Development Executive Board Member, commenting on the nomination.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

42 | COMMENT

Planned Belgian road pricing system is costly, but fair

W

hen thinking over the first days of the New Year about the subject matter of this month’s ‘Comment’ piece, I found myself torn between a wide range of topics. These included, for example, the new National Planning Framework published just before Christmas and succeeding the long forgotten National Spatial Strategy. Then there’s the study published by the Western Development Commission on the potential to rail freight as part of the armoury to bring more business to the region. The imminent adoption by the Revenue of the EU’s Union Customs Code. How about the adoption of the International Maritime Office of the new safety of Life at Sea regulations or, perhaps, BREXIT of COP21. But then I met Colin Dunne of IWT at a meeting and he mentioned the new HGV road user pricing system coming into effect in Belgium on 1 April this year.

When I started to look into this one the fi rst thing that struck me was the potential increase in cost suffered by trucks operating in and through Belgium and the likely impact on Irish exporters, in particular. These increases are real. Local estimates give cost increases for an average journey within Belgium of between 0.87% and 8.8%, and anticipate that vehicles that are operating a run that crosses the border between Belgium and the Netherlands will be hit even harder. It will be interesting to see if these increases lead shippers to switch away from using services operating through Belgian ports, or perhaps make more use of rail and barge services to transit the country.

At a time when the EU is trying, despite all the tensions within Europe, to establish common rules and systems, the departure of Belgium from the Eurovignette road user charging system which also includes Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden, and its move to a completely different charging system would seem to be unhelpful. The current system has certain similarities to the UK one; it is based on the specification of the truck and is charged on a daily, weekly or annual basis. The same Eurovignette document will cover work in all of the subscribing countries. The new Belgian system uses ‘On Board Unit’ (OBU) which every truck of over

From where I'm sitting - Howard Knott

3.5 tonnes GVW must carry and have in operation whenever and wherever the vehicle is on the road. The actual charge will vary with the GVW, the Euro Emission norm and the type of road being used.

The operators, Viapass, make the point that all roads in Belgium are subject to toll, though for many a zero rate applies. The soft ware and the detection systems that are part of this are highly sophisticated with a range of detection systems being put into place to ensure that all vehicles do comply.

There are a couple of really interesting things about this new system.

The first is that it will be a charge on vehicle usage, not on ownership, and this seems to be much fairer than the annual £1000 fees and the like. Th is also puts payment for use of roads onto a structure that is very similar to the rail track access schemes which determine the cost that a rail service operator must pay to the infrastructure provider for use of a particular track path. (So, whether intentionally or not, the Belgian system, if it were to become the European norm, could fi nally address the long standing controversy about the relative cost burdens of road and rail freight operators.) The second point is that this development does validate the clear reluctance on the part of the Department of Transport here to put into place any of the existing road pricing schemes.

Might now be the time to adopt the Belgian model?

Exceptional Loads Services Ltd. Specialist Services to the Heavy Haulage Industry • PERMITS • ESCORTING • ROUTE PLANNING • ROUTE SURVEYS Tel: 0402 31229 Fax: 0402 31257 Mobile: 087 2549601 Website: www.wide-loads.com FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

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

OPINION | 43

Tragedy strikes hard!

M

onday 11 January started as a normal day for all truck drivers including Declan Holian, Klaidas Bakanas and their families. However, within hours of leaving their respective homes in Donegal and Dublin, they were involved in a horrific crash on the A2 near Monaghan that claimed both men’s lives.

There is something gut wrenching when you hear a report on the radio of any head-on collision where there have been fatalities. As a truck driver, it is always a little more personal because we are a fairly small community.

During the day pictures of both trucks, such as they were after the impact, were shown on social media, and by the time evening news bulletins came on TVs the full extent of the early morning crash became apparent.

During that day and in the days following there were many conversations between drivers as to what happened and how the accident could have happened. In a follow up operation Gardai spent all of the next day at the scene checking for vital clues that may help build a picture of the lead up to the accident.

drivers. However, whatever set of circumstances they found themselves in on that fatal morning, they were left with a split second to make decisions and get themselves out of danger and back into safety. Unfortunately, there was not enough time or a mechanical failure made it impossible for a better outcome.

Drivers often comment that the CPC (Drivers) can be repetitive and sometimes uninteresting.

If there was a section in all modules to see the

results of accident investigations from the previous year, it should act as a tool to improve road safety and identify some risks that drivers were not aware of.

For the two drivers who lost their lives in Monaghan early last January, it would be a fitting tribute to them if some of the lessons learned from their misfortune saved other lives.

What is most unfortunate is that all this information never gets into the public domain so that other drivers could learn from this and other incidents that happen on our roads.

Air accident investigators will tell you that there is seldom one cause of a plane crash.

Generally a series of events that may have started years before the crash happened will line up in a sequence topped off by one simple event that leads to a catastrophe.

It is likely that road accidents are no different. Both drivers involved in the Monaghan accident were experienced www.fleet.ie

44 | AERODYNAMICS

Weight versus Aerodynamics – the great fuel saving debate

I

n the commercial vehicle industry, the great debate of weight versus aerodynamics has been rumbling on now for some years and it is a subject worth understanding if you’re to get the most value from your fleet specification. Even at today’s low diesel prices, getting it right can generate significant savings in fuel costs but getting it wrong can mean a worthless investment. Trailer and bodybuilder Don-Bur has an interesting insight on the subject.

Critically, there are two distinct considerations any Fleet Engineer should make. Firstly, what payload do you expect to be carrying and secondly, what is the average speed of the vehicle? The results from this simple research will determine whether your vehicle will be most affected by either momentum or relative wind speed.

Let’s first address the subject of weight. Most engineers will understand the implications of momentum and inertia when it comes to mass and when referring to HGV’s, we’re not talking about a few hundred kilograms. Make no mistake, every time the driver puts his right foot down on the accelerator of a 44/46 tonne GVW combination, overcoming inertia will easily represent the largest chunk of consumed fuel. Having reached a comfortable cruising speed with a healthy momentum, any braking would subsequently burn all that stored energy in wasted heat and the engine has to start over again.

Weight therefore would seem an important factor; however, the issue of weight saving can be misunderstood. It is possible to get a trailer tare weight down to below 6 tonnes but this impressive weight reduction, relative to the overall total laden weight, is fairly small. As an example, engineering 1 tonne of weight out of your 44 tonne tri-axle trailer specification represents 2.3 percent of the total mass. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to calculate that this reduction just isn’t going to have much of an effect.

However, a 1 tonne tare weight reduction may offer a unique opportunity to add more payload. This won’t directly affect the overall weight and fuel consumption, but it will reduce the number of trips required to transport the same load; indirectly saving quite a high

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

The best of both worlds - Lafarge Teardrop trailer is engineered down to just 5,820kgs for greater payload potential. It incorporates full-wrap side skirting and aerodynamic front dome for optimum aerodynamic efficiency

percentage in fuel. On a smaller scale, you have to consider the effect of a 500kgs weight saving achieved on a 7.5 tonne rigid. When you understand that weight is more critical when stopping and starting, this relatively large weight reduction will have a far greater effect on fuel economy for a strictly urban vehicle than any aerodynamic widget you can stick on it.

Now we turn our attention to the subject of aerodynamics. As your vehicle approaches anything over 60kp/h, air resistance starts to become a far more significant gas guzzler.

In fact, at 85kp/h, approximately half of fuel burned is directly attributable to aerodynamic drag.

As food for thought, an aerodynamic trailer with a humble average fuel saving of just 5 percent will save almost €2,000 per annum in diesel; a figure which can’t be ignored. Under the same circumstances, a Teardrop trailer with an in-operation average fuel saving of 11.3 percent will reduce fuel consumed by near €4,000 per annum. (This figure is based

on 120,000 kilomteres per year and a bulk diesel price of €100.18cpl.

These two key factors then should drive the decisions you make about how to reduce fuel consumption. Trunking trailers that spend much of their time running between 60 and 85 kp/h will benefit hugely from aerodynamic interventions whilst urban trailers on strictly stop-start cycles with multiple drop-offs are unlikely to reach high enough speeds where aerodynamics will have any effect at all.

Then, there’s another subject not touched on yet; cube and double decks. A 'Blade' panel Lifting Deck trailer can have a tare weight of 13 tonnes or more. The benefit though is a full 52 mid-weight pallets; enough to cut delivery frequency in half, which in turn almost halves your fuel cost.

All in all, it’s horses for courses. Aerodynamics plays a huge part with trunking trailers whereas weight becomes a more important consideration for secondary distribution rigid vehicles.

An Argos max-cube Longer Semi Trailer with a tare weight of 14.9 tonnes capable of carrying 60 pallets.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Your brand.

Safe in our hands.

Fifteen Tonne & Refrigerated Trucks Available for Rent Ex Dublin, Galway & Limerick Dual Temperature & Electric Standby

3M Select Graphic Specialist Programme.

The best graphics decision you’ll ever make.

As branding programmes become increasingly complex and demanding, the merest hint of graphic failure could cost considerably more than just ‘putting the problem right’. It could cost your reputation.

CONTACT

™

On the other hand, by choosing a 3M Select Partner, you will be able to enjoy the peace of mind that only comes with graphics that are manufactured under the 3M™ Select Partner Warranty.

www.3M.co.uk/graphicsolutions

Vehicle Trade Sales

Where The Dealers Meet Underwriters Under-write was launched on the 4th of January based in Meath. We are a new trade site with some unique items within the site to make trade sales fast, efficient and hassle free.

Under-write is a trade to trade vehicles sales website, we cater for Cars, Van/Commercials, Trucks, Bikes, Boats and Machinery over Ireland and UK. We are strictly trade only website with each account reviewed before gaining access to the members area. We have main dealers placing their trade vehicles to our site which opens their market to underwriters throughout the country that can give instant live bids. Each account holder is rated on their transaction so it gives the dealer the confidence in dealing with someone new! Once registered you can be both a dealer or a underwriter within the one account.

Register Now For Three Month Free Trial Web: www.under-write.com Email: info@under-write.com Contact: Andrew Browne Tel: +(353) 49 8550667 or +(353) 87 6531644

Tel: 087 9943487 Email: booking@hireatruck.ie

46 | SOAPBOX

The flight from the land C40 and Local Governments for Sustainability

M

ovement of people from the land to cities is nothing new, but is becoming an ever increasing phenomenon.

Today 50% of the world’s population live in cities, with this number growing to 70% by 2050. Cities occupy 3% of the globe’s surface, and consume between 60 and 80% of the world’s energy whilst producing 75% of the world's carbon emissions. In London alone, last year approximately 10,000 people died from pollution related diseases, more than were killed in RTA’s.

Recognising this trend, a group called C40 met at the recent COP21 conference in Paris. Consisting of the Mayors of 80 “Mega” cities, all committed to making their cities more habitable.

Wherein lies the future for the road transport industry and its role in delivering to our cities? It is a question that is currently focusing minds in the International Road Transport Union (IRU). It is seeking to oppose the notion that all CO2 and Nox emissions are the total responsibility of the road transport industry and must be shared by traffic management authorities.

It is obvious that at a local level, Municipal Authorities have more power and can move far more quickly than national or EU authorities.

The outcome for hauliers potentially is that they will be met by a hodgepodge of local rules governing axle weights, entry times, energy requirements etc., as they attempt to make their deliveries.

Municipal Authorities have just been given more power by the British Government and will proceed as I have outlined in a very short time. Where we currently complain about differing national standards within the EU, we potentially face a myriad of standards within our borders.

What are our options? Working both at national and EU levels, the industry and those we serve need to interact with C40 in the interests of common competitiveness and prosperity. Responsible members of the industry do not want to poison our children but we do need to agree common standards for cities rather than differing standards between Paris and London, or fi nding that the truck equipped to deliver to Dublin fails to meet an obscure standard in Cork.

blaming trucks for everything wrong with our roads and streets.

As long ago as 1986 the then Dublin Corporation Public Health Officer reported levels of air pollution in College Green that were way above legal limits. He blamed trucks despite the fact that at that time College Green was a bus parking lot and trucks came up the Quays. Unsurprisingly the refuting of his claims by the IRHA did not att ract the same headlines.

Given the level of pollution in our cities, other than just banning various forms of transport, have our authorities not got standards of their own to achieve? Dublin City Council’s only solutions at the moment seem to involve making life more difficult for traffic.

How do we deal with crashes on our motorways? Equally what is the role of the morphed quango NTA into Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)? Their spokesman is on the radio every other day blaming everyone but themselves, meanwhile the RSA does not appear to have a voice. It’s not just a matter of inconvenience to the public, it is to do with road safety and surely minimising pollution from massive traffic jams? There are standards laid down for traffic management both on motorway and urban routes, yet TII and local authorities don’t seem to have heard of them.

Looking at urban stretches of roads with multiple traffic light sets, where is the co-ordination to allow for efficient traffic flows? I have recently been caught in two traffic accidents on the M50 where members of An Garda Síochána undoubtedly did their best, but appeared to have no master plan. For instance there are no means of establishing contra flows even if they wanted to. Our Minister for Transport presents plans but who has written them, because from a common sense point of view they don’t make sense?

Looking to the future, it is said that a Euro 6 truck will emit more emissions from its tyres than its engine. Is that good enough for our cities? Somehow I doubt it. With 70% of the worlds population crowded into 3% of its surface with 70% of global CO2 emissions we can expect some prett y draconian measures.

How does Ireland, which doesn’t have any city in C40 fare? That doesn’t mean the various Irish bodies involved locally and nationally don’t have views. Unfortunately most play to the public mood by FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 16

Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st April 2016 at the Liverpool ECL A BRIGHT NEW CHAPTER FOR THE UK OIL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST SHOW

-7: ,?76 PZ NYV^PUN HUK ^PSS IL TV]PUN [V [OL ,*3 3P]LYWVVS MVY ;OL UL^ ]LU\L ^PSS VɈLY IL[[LY ZWHJLZ HUK facilities to exhibitors, while the city’s prime location gives improved access to domestic and international visitors.

We are taking sponsorship and exhibitor inquiries now, and we hope you can be part of our exciting new venture. ࠮ 0U[LYUH[PVUHS JSHZZ ]LU\L VU H ^H[LYMYVU[ SVJH[PVU ࠮ (SS L_OPIP[VYZ ^P[OPU VUL NPHU[ OHSS ࠮ 0TWYV]LK ^VYSK^PKL [YHUZWVY[ SPURZ ࠮ 7YVQLJ[LK PUJYLHZL VU L_OPIP[VY HUK ]PZP[VY ÄN\YLZ ࠮ *\[[PUN LKNL WYVK\J[Z [LJOUPX\LZ HUK ZLY]PJLZ MVY [OL M\LS KPZ[YPI\[PVU PUK\Z[Y`

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW.

BOOK NOW TO RESERVE YOUR EXHIBITION STAND

www.fpsshow.co.uk | For sponsorship opportunities contact: Alison Dickson E: Adickson@communicateco.com T: +44 (0) 113 224 2213

Delivering more mileage.

You, everything else.

T KMAX range The D Delivers up to 35% more mileage compared to it’s p predecessor* No there’s a tyre that gets greater mileage without compromising on Now other tyre attributes. The KMax range incorporates KMax Technology, ot fe featuring IntelliMax Rib and IntelliMax Tread for longer tyre life. Ask your pa partners at Goodyear about the tyre that delivers everything, so that your fle fleet can do the same. Learn more at www.goodyear.co.uk/truck

* Comparative tests made by Goodyear Innovation Centre Luxembourg on size 315/80R22.5 between July 2011 and June 2013 show that new Goodyear KMAX S and KMAX D steer and drive tyres offer an improvement in mileage potential of up to 30% and 35% respectively vs. Goodyear RHS II and RHD II+ tyres.