IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE Inside!
Mercedes-Benz Unimog REVIEW:
Extreme Machine! INTERVIEW: Eduard Nikolaev, Kamaz Team PROFILE: MTS Haulage, Westport SUSTAINABILITY: CNH Industrial & Goodwood IN FOCUS: Commercial Vehicle Rental
MARCH 19
€4.50 inc.V.A.T.
STG £3.75
Diary Dates: Events & Exhibitions 2019 March Facilities Management Ireland
5-6
RDS, Dublin
www.fmireland.com
FTAI Transport Manager Seminar
5
Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield www.ft ai.ie
Geneva Motor Show 2019
7-17
PalExpo, Geneva, Switzerland
www.gims.swiss/en/
Plant, Machinery & Materials Expo
14
Citywest Convention Centre
www.plantandmachinearyexpo.ie
SEAI Energy Show 2019
27-28
RDS, Dublin
www.seai.ie
Traff Ex 2019
2-4
NEC, Birmingham
www.traffex.com
IRX & EDX (Internet Retailing & eDelivery Expo)
3-4
NEC, Birmingham
www.internetretailingexpo.com
IRHA AGM & Conference
5-6
Slieve Russel Hotel, Ballyconnell, Cavan
www.irha.ie
Bauma 2019
8-14
Munich Messe
www.bauma.de
CV Show 2019
30 – 2 May
NEC, Birmingham
www.cvshow.com
Waterford Truck & Motor Show
4-5
Tramore Racecourse
www.waterfordtruckshow.com
FPS Expo 2019
15-16
Exhibition Centre, Liverpool
www.fpsshow.co.uk
Scania Driver Final
24-25
Sodertalje, Sweden
www.scania.com
Tip-Ex/Tank-Ex
30-1 June
Harrogate Convention Centre
www.tip-ex.co.uk
10th Full of the Pipe
8-9
Punchestown, Kildare
Kevin – 086 0850015
Multimodal
18-20
NEC, Birmingham
www.multimodal.org.uk
Motor Transport Awards
3
Grosvenor House Hotel, London, UK
www.mtawards.co.uk
UKWA Awards 2019
3
Dorchester Hotel, London, UK
www.ukwa.org
25
Cashel, Co.Tipperary
www.duallashow.ie
89th National Ploughing Championships
17-19
Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co.Carlow
www.npa.ie
IMHX 2019
24-26
NEC, Birmingham
www.imhx.net
68th Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)
12-22 September
Messe Frankfurt
www.vda.ie
Coach & Bus Show UK
2-3
NEC, Birmingham
www.coachandbus.co.uk
Fleet Transport Awards
10
Citywest Hotel, Dublin
www.fleet.ie
Motorhome & Caravan Show
15-20
NEC, Birmimgham
www.cmshow.co.uk
Busworld 2019
18-23
Brussels Expo, Belgium
www.busworld.org
International Bus Confernce
21-23
Brussels Expo, Belgium
www.busconference.com
Fleet Bus & Coach Awards
14
Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield www.fleet.ie
Solutrans 2019
18-22
Eurexpo Lyon, France
April
May
June
July
August Tipperary Truck Show (Dualla) September
October
November
www.solutrans.eu
Contents MARCH 19
www.fleet.ie | 3
2 Diary Dates Events & Exhibitions 2019
34 Review Transpotec Logitech 2019, Verona, Italy
4 News • ADAS.ie information day held • BYD to launch electric commercials in Europe • Mayo Co Co goes greener • TruckScience forms strategic alliance • DKV UK Card access • Waterford Truck Show 2019
38 Preview CV Show 2019 and new VWCV T6.1
8 Interview With Dakar Rally 2019 winner
42 Shipping & Freight News on Stena, Brittany & CMA-CGM
10 Cover Trying to get the better of the Unimog!
44 In Focus Truck, Trailer & Van rentals
12 New Fleet MY 2019 DAF and Renault Trucks sold
47 Comment Brexit and the Landbridge
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Healthline.com, Keith Wilson, startupdonut
14 Profile MTS’ Eye-catching, range topping Volvo
49 Opinion Future breakthroughs
Administration: Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey Email: enquiries@fleet.ie
18 Fleeting Shots Driving songs and green logistics
50 Legal Correct insurance cover
20 Sustainability CNH Industrial and The Goodwood Estate
51 Tyres • Kerr’s Tyres expands • Goodyear supports Transaid • New Hankook Marketing Chief
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, Rob Van Dieten, Gianenrico Griffini
Advertising: Mary Morrissey - mary@fleet.ie Sponsorship/Events: Orla Sweeney - orla@fleet.ie Design: Eamonn Wynne
22 Safety Promoting safe driving
Printed in Ireland
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.
Fleet Transport Official Irish Jury Member of the International Truck of the Year Award
Official Irish jury member of the International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck Awards follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport
52 Finance Budgeting
24 LCV I Topics include overloaded vans, accessories, health warning and rugby ambassador
54 LCV II • Nissan NV300 transformed • Ford Ranger revised • Mercedes-Benz V-Class revamped
28 Health Matters Three ways to get a heart attack
56 Trailer Latest from Krone and Schmitz Cargobull
28 Fuel Prices From around the globe
58 Soapbox Letter to Finance Minister
29 Awards Launching the Fleet Transport Awards 2020
P12
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.
40 Education Associate Apprenticeship for Freight & Logistics sectors
P20
Transport Barometer: Data from 17/01/2019 - 15/02/2019
P51
Transport industry strong Q4 2018 The European transport market remained completely unaffected by international trade conflicts and pessimistic economic forecasts in the final quarter of 2018.
A look at the analysis of the four th quar ter shows that demand from companies offering freight for the transport market via TimoCom exceeded the amount of available vehicle space on offer by more than two-thirds. On average, from October to December 2018, there were 71 freight offers for every 29 vehicle offers. “The transport industry experienced a traditionally strong final quarter,” said TimoCom’s Gunnar Gburek. “Transport prices will remain under pressure in 2019, as transport capacity remains scarce.”
4 | NEWS 1
ADAS.ie hosts Information Day to launch aftermarket collision avoidance technology
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indscreen calibration specialists ADAS.ie recently hosted an Information Day to coincide with their appointment as national distributors of the Mobileye range of collision avoidance systems, which can be retrofitted to older cars and commercial vehicles. Held at the Woodlands Hotel in Waterford, representatives from the insurance and motor industry came together to hear about this unique system and its benefits from Mobileye experts and to try it out for themselves in a fleet of test vehicles. The system, which includes six ADAS features – well-known on new cars – can be retrofitted into nearly any vehicle. It is expected that fleet operators, ever mindful of the importance of driver safety, both in terms of human life and its fi nancial implications, will be primary adopters of the collision avoidance system. ADAS features increasingly come as standard on new vehicles, but up until now there was almost no means for Irish motorists and companies to retrofit such features to their existing cars or fleets. The retrofit system is made by Mobileye, an Intel company, and global leader in collision avoidance technology. Mobileye technology has been chosen by leading carmakers and more than 30 million vehicles currently on the road are equipped with it, whether builtin or aftermarket. The Mobileye collision avoidance system includes six real-time safety alerts in one convenient unit, which can be installed at any of the dedicated ADAS.ie centres across the country. The forward-
The Mobileye collision avoidance system is fitt ed at any of the dedicated ADAS.ie centres across the country.
facing camera identifies potentially dangerous situations and provides audio and visual alerts to assist the driver in preventing or mitigating a collision. Speaking at the event, Gerry Fitzgibbon of ADAS.ie explained about the systems: “With this technology we can make these safety features available not only to private or company cars, but also for buses and large municipal vehicles, where we can supply systems specially designed to scan the specific blindspots and to address other challenges that drivers of these vehicles face. Indeed, in the initial distribution phase, we will be concentrating on spelling out the many benefits of these Mobileye systems to insurers, fleet operators and public transport operators in particular.”
BYD pure electric commercial vehicles arrive in Europe
F
ollowing successful field trials in Scandinavia last year, Chinese automotive and high-tech engineering manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) has launched three zero emission commercial vehicles targeted at f leet customers across Europe. Two BYD pure electric medium to heavy duty trucks and one BYD pure electric van made their debut appearance in Europe at a premiere presentation at the Estadio Nueva Condomina Stadium, South-east Spain. BYD’s eTruck range and vans have been proven in China and certain other global markets but have not previously been offered to customers in Europe. The fi rst trucks available to European customers are the T6 (7.5 tonne GVW) light truck and the Q1M Terminal Tractor (46 tonne GCWR), the latter specifically designed for airport, port and distribution centres. Also launched is the fully electric BYD T3 2.8 tonne light commercial vehicle, which is the first van BYD is bringing to Europe. Both the T6 and T3 with payloads of 980kg and 4,000kg respectively provide a range distance from 220-240kms between charges, while the Q1M will run for 18 hours before recharging is required. New cabs and chassis for the T6 and Q1M are currently being developed. The event in Murcia was hosted by both BYD and dealership Tomi Maquinaria, a key electric forklift truck dealer for BYD in the Spanish FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
regions of Murcia and Almeria. Guests included representatives from local and regional Spanish government, logistic companies and dealerships. Patricio Valverde, Counsellor of Development and Infrastructure of the Murcia region, said: “We thank Grupo Tomi for their efforts regarding sustainability and innovation as a tool to reduce the environmental impact, but also to reduce costs and mostly the importance of logistics to achieve those objectives.” Javier Contijoch, Vice President of Sales at BYD Europe, said at the launch: “BYD established its European electric truck division in 2018 and has since tested two of its prototype electric trucks across Europe. Spain was chosen as the fi rst pilot market. The premiere of the BYD electric trucks is the start of the roll-out in Europe. Other European regions are soon to follow.”
NEWS II | 5
Green & Red of Mayo going Greener!
M
ayo County Council is going even greener with the acquisition of two new Citroën Berlingo electric vans replacing petrol and diesel vehicles. Supplied by Citroën Ireland through Sean O’Neill, National Fleet Sales Manager, following a tendering process, the new Berlingo Electric LX SWB panel vans with a 49kW/67bhp power output, can cover up to 170 kilometres on a full charge. These vehicles, which have a 636kg payload, take just 30 minutes to charge to 80 percent of their battery capacity at fast charge points, or eight hours at a regular charging system. The two vehicles are now operational and being used across the County with more electric vehicles likely to follow in the future. Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive, Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, at Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, said he was proud of the Local Authority for taking this step towards a greener future: “When we talk about Mayo and the organisation we are trying to build here - Sustainable, Inclusive, Prosperous and Proud - well, I am proud that we are moving on to the next phase of the transformation of this organisation
Pictured left/right at the arrival of the new Citroën Berlingo Electric vans to Castlebar are Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council; Peter Hynes, Chief Executive, Mayo Mayo County Council; Cllr Blackie Gavin, Chairman, Mayo County Council and Martin Keating, Head of Environment section at Mayo County Council.
to being more energy efficient, greener, more environmentally aware and more environmentally friendly.” “The role that we would like to see this organisation take is one of leadership, we don’t want to be following other people, we want to be green, and we want to be seen to be green as it is an important aspect of our future in a whole lot of areas including tourism and food production. Whatever it is we are doing, Green is going to be a big
part of the future of this County.” There are two charging points in front of Áras an Chontae, available to Mayo County Council and the general public, and further dedicated charging points will be installed for Mayo County Council to charge the new vehicles.
TruckScience forms partnership with NTEA
T
ruckScience, the Westport, County Mayo based company which develops solutions for the global commercial vehicle industry, has partnered with The Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA) to offer innovative truck design soft ware to members of the leading trade association for the industry in North America. Established in 1964, NTEA represents more than 2,050 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial vehicles, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers are also affi liated to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programmes and services, and hosts The Work Truck Show, North America’s largest work truck event, which takes place in Indianapolis each year. Commenting on the agreement, Steve Carey, NTEA President & CEO, said: “NTEA is pleased to collaborate with TruckScience to bring a cutting-edge vehicle design technology solution to the North American commercial vehicle industry. Th rough TruckScience, companies will be able to access a robust set of resources for certification requirements.”
The TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator is used by truck dealers, body builders, upfitters and fleet operators in 30 countries worldwide. Sales in North America have been growing steadily since the App was launched there in 2017. “We are proud to partner with an industry leader such as NTEA, to grow our customer base in the US and Canada. This is an important strategic partnership for our organisation, and we are excited about the opportunity to showcase our app at The Work Truck Show® in March. Going forward, we look forward to working closely with NTEA members to align our products to their evolving needs,” added Jens Hellberg, Managing Director of TruckScience. www.fleet.ie
6 | NEWS III
DKV offers access to the UK domestic market via the DKV UK Card
D
id you know that DKV offers professional and fleet drivers access to the UK domestic market via the DKV UK Card? By utilising the UK Fuels network, the card is accepted at 2,000 sites in the UK. Company vehicle drivers can simply add the DKV UK Card to their existing DKV account. DKV Euro Service partners with UK Fuels and Keyfuels for domestic fuelling in the United Kingdom. The DKV UK Card automatically replaces previous UK Fuels card (via DKV) when they expire. “There are no card charges and all costs will be
itemised on the client’s monthly DKV invoice. Th is means the driver gets the best of both worlds. Best to contact orders@ dkv-euroservice.com to acquire the DKV UK Card,” explained Neil White, Team Manager UK at DKV Euro Service.
DKV Euro Service is a leading service provider to commercial fleet operators and passenger transport. From cash-free service en route at more than 70,000 brand-independent acceptance points to toll billing and value added tax refunds, DKV offers a host of services for cost optimisation and effective f leet management. More information on: https://w w w.dkveuroservice.com/gb/global/ To become a DKV customer call the DKV expert team at 0800 1970366.
Country Music on Stage for Waterford Truck Show 2019
T
ramore Racecourse is the new venue for the annual Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2019. Now in it’s 8th year, the event, which takes place over the Public Holiday weekend on the 4th and 5th of May 2019, will attract hundreds of trucks and other vehicles as well as a vast array of trade exhibitors. Another big attraction is the County Music Festival, organized alongside the Truck Show. All proceeds will be donated to designated charity, the RNLI. After hosting the Show initially in Tramore and subsequently in Waterford city and Kilkenny in the past, Noel Brennan, spokesperson for the Committee expressed delight at being able to bring the Show back to Tramore, stating: “The announcement of the venue at the Racecourse was greeted with great enthusiasm by traders, exhibitors and sponsors and those planning to attend are looking forward to coming, not only to Waterford but to being back in Tramore.” He thanked main sponsors Circle K, Bridgestone, Dennison Trailers and Fleet Transport magazine for the ongoing commitment to the event and welcomed Volvo Trucks on board as the sponsor of the main stage in celebration of the brand’s 25th Anniversary of its FH Series last year. For the first time at the Show, a Country Music Festival will be held with a top line-up of stars such as Paul Kelly, Seamus Moore, Pamela Gilmartin and the Back Axles, entertaining visitors. Speaking at the launch Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr. John O’Leary said: “It was not only set to be a great Truck Show but the announcement that there will FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Pictured l-r: John Burke (WTS); Mark Lonergan (WTS); Noel Brennan (WTS); Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford City, Cllr.Joe Kelly; Verona Murphy (President of the Irish Road Haulage Association); Deputy Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr.John O’Leary; Nina Byrne, Business Development Manager (Circle K); Paul White (Fleet Transport Magazine); Paul Jackman (Tramore Racecourse); Pau Halley (RNLI).
be a fantastic Country Music Festival over the weekend is an added boost to the event especially for the general public and country music lovers from all over the region.” Deputy Mayor Cllr. O’Leary also praised the work being done by the committee and their commitment to making the Show such a success. “There was no doubt it would bring thousands of visitors once more to Waterford City and County.” Metropolitan Mayor Cllr. Joe Kelly followed this by saying that: “It is a great opportunity for the town of Tramore to welcome visitors from all over Ireland and the UK, and it should add greatly to the local economy over the weekend.” Mayor Cllr. Kelly also thanked the committee for its fundraising efforts for local charities, and in particular the RNLI which benefits from this year’s event. Verona Murphy, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association also attended the launch and spoke highly of the event and the ongoing commitment and dedication that the committee and volunteers put in to highlight
the merits of the road transport industry and providing those involved the opportunity to meet and network over the course of the weekend. Nina Byrne representing main sponsor Circle K, Paul Jackman, Director of Tramore Racecourse and Paul Halley from the RNLI also spoke at the launch gathering. Further additions to the Show programme will be announced over the coming months. Weekend tickets are now on sale online from the Tramore Racecourse Ticketing Page which is also accessible through the Waterford Truck Show website: www.waterfordtruckshow.com. Admission rates range from €16 for an Adult 2 day weekend ticket or €10 for a single day entry which can be paid on the day. Children are admitted free of charge. Truck display entry registration details and Trade Stand booking information can also be found on the website: www. waterfordtruckshow.com.
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3
8 | INTERVIEW
One-to-One Eduard Nikolaev, Kamaz Master Team - Dakar Rally 2019 winner Three successes in a row in the toughest rally in the world. What’s the secret of this performance? Your driving style? Your crew? The entire Kamaz team? Strategy? The truck? A mix of all these reasons? First of all, this is the team victory. Our result came thanks to the team and thanks to our leader Vladimir Chagin, who devotes a lot of time to improve our driving skills. And certainly, much depended on the trucks. This year we were driving new Kamaz Masters, with new engines that proved themselves. The reliability of vehicles, the team, team experience are the components of success. Did you change your driving style in any way to adjust to an all-Peruvian ‘special’ Dakar? For me, this Dakar was very difficult, for the fi rst time I encountered such complexity of the sand dunes. Last year we raced on the Peruvian sands, but for the 2019 event the organisers somehow bypassed the same dune line routes. The experience, that we have in driving on the sands certainly helped, but when I was driving through the dunes this year, I realised that it was by some miracle that I didn’t get stuck somewhere, not falling on the side, thankfully. In my career I have never driven on so much sand. I would like to train for these extreme conditions in future. Can you tell us, about your Dakar this year? Was it more difficult than before, due to the extensive presence of sand, unpredictable dunes, fesh-fesh and dangerous canyons?
so much that what was lost could be won back immediately. Did you miss your team-mates, as Mardeev and Karginov had to abandon the competition?
situations in Africa, but this was my fi rst time. I am grateful to the whole crew that we could get out quickly from such a position by digging ourselves out. Would you like to race in a bonnet truck in the future?
Of course I missed their support. When two trucks abandoned it seriously affected our strategy, our tactics and it was harder when we had some heart-pounding, emotional moments when we really lost time. I think that if the team had been in full, such moments would not have happened and the fans and the team management would not have worried so much.
A bonnet truck is very interesting and I was involved in the construction of the fi rst bonnet truck for the team and was its test pilot. The truck performed very well. Th is is our next step and our future, as the bonnet truck allows, to go faster in any conditions – on the sands, winding tracks, and off-road.
When your truck got stuck in the sand during Special Stage 8, did you lose your faith?
What does this success mean as Kamaz celebrates its 50th anniversary?
No, as I said, 100 kilometres of dunes can change the whole race, and I soon realised how much I lost, how much time I still had, but didn’t focus on it, just did my job. I did my best to get out of this situation, we then gave it 100% to the fi nish. According to the stories of our teammates, they faced such
We really wanted to bring the best result and dedicate it to the 50th anniversary to Kamaz. It is a great honour for us, as we are a part of the company and factory. We are glad that we managed to bring this special gift back for the anniversary.
The difficulty was that we started first and it was difficult to hold positions but managed to lead on the fi rst two stages. The dunes were unpredictable, and if caught in them, waste a lot of time. Also, another difficulty was that the race was shorter this year. Though you can’t say, that it was quite short - 10 days, 3000 km of special stages, but 10 km of driving on the sand felt equal to 300-400 km of hard roads. As the average speed was low, the lead table could change FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Text: Gianenrico Griffini - ITOY
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10 | COVER
Daimler Annual Press Conference 2019
“Everything indicates we are on the right track”
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aimler Truck & Bus’ annual press briefing is always an interesting affair, and the 2019 conference was made more interesting by the choice of venue, the Unimog Museum at Gaggenau, South West Germany. As Daimler is a global company operating across all markets with a range of products that sell to a wide customer base, its annual report delivers an immediate and precise indication of how the various markets and sectors within those markets are performing.
While cautiously optimistic regarding the outlook for 2019, Martin anticipates “a slight increase in unit sales and with the aim to achieve a return on those sales of 7-9 percent.” Again in 2019 Daimler intends to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and Mr. Daum calls for “legislation that supports the transport industry, and we are committed to investing €1.4 billion in R&D every year.” He highlighted that Daimler will move directly from ‘Level 2’ (partial) automated vehicles straight to ‘Level 4’ (highly) automated.
Martin Daum, Member of the Board of Management, and responsible for Daimler Trucks & Buses began his presentation on a high note: “2018 was the most successful year in the history of Daimler Trucks.”
“We think it is possible not only sometime soon, but realistically sooner than we realise and we have committed €500 million to this technology and it will be only the beginning, and we have the funds to do it.”
He reported record sales of 517,300 vehicles, realising a revenue of €38.3 billion, a figure significantly higher than 2017. 2018 also delivered an improved return on sales figure of 7.2%, with EBIT up from €2.3 to €2.7billion.
Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Stefan Buchner, continued with the good news, reporting sales of 144,000 units stating 2018 as being the “best sales and order intake since 2008.” In addition he highlighted customer feedback that “describes the new Actros,
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
which will hit the market in June, as the best package on the market.” In addition, he stated that Mercedes-Benz has reduced costs by over €400 million and this will be realised in the 2019 figures. Mr. Buchner then explained that Daimler’s FleetBoard Telematics business has acquired the ‘habbl’ logistic software system developed by Eikona AG. “Our Digital Services and Solutions unit guarantees that our customers obtain the right solution for their needs from a single source. With habbl we now have a new and pioneering product in our portfolio,” he explained. One highlight of the event was the official handover of a fully electric MercedesBenz e-Actros 6x2 to Logistik Schmitt of Bietigheim. This 25-tonne GVW truck (pictured below left) will run a daily route over three shifts between Otigheim and the Mercedes-Benz plant at Gaggenau, achieving a daily mileage of 168 kms. When presenting the e-Actros to Logistik Schmitt Stefan stated: “There is every indication we are on
COVER | 11
the right track.” Being on the right track is becoming increasingly important for the company and this was clearly explained by Dr. Manfred Schuckert, who gave an overview of the industry’s current discussions with the European Council and the Commission on the subject of heavy vehicle emissions and the methodologies used for measuring those emissions. Importantly, large passenger vehicles are not currently within scope of the proposals, though this may change. The limits are measured using the ‘Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool.’ (VECTO). Within VECTO there are a number of parameters which take account of each vehicle’s specifications, on-board technologies, and duty cycle. From these parameters it is proposed that a baseline for vehicle emissions be set using new trucks registered from July 2019 to June 2020. The aim is to then reduce levels by 15% by 2025, with a total reduction of 30% by 2030, with all figures to be reviewed in 2022. The subject is highly complex, and while nothing is agreed, negotiations are ongoing and agreement on final tolerances are expected soon. However, what is known is that if a manufacturer exceeds the agreed limits the proposed penalties are punitive, to say the least. At present, it is suggested to levy a fi ne of €4000 per gram/tonne kilometre (gtkm) over the agreed limit between 2025 and 2029. This amount may increase to €6800 per gtkm from 2030. Dr. Schuckert explained that if a particular model exceeds the agreed limits by just 1 gtkm, and the manufacturer produces 40,000 units of that model, the company is liable to a fi ne of up to €160 million. What is defi nite as Manfred concurred, is that “what is coming will change the industry a Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
lot, and we will need to put new technology into these vehicles, and this will mean that vehicles will become more expensive.” Th is point was also noted by Martin Daum who added the reductions in CO 2 will make transport more expensive, and this must be communicated. It is easy to see why manufacturers such as Daimler are directing resources towards alternative drivetrains. What does not seem to be appreciated is that the industry has already delivered dramatic reductions in emission levels. In 1996, average fuel consumption of the Euro 1 Mercedes-Benz SK 1844 was 40.8 l/100 km, and in 2016, the equivalent truck, a Euro 6 Actros 1845, achieves 31.9 l/100 km - a reduction of almost 22%. With all good rules there must be some exceptions and after the press gathering a tour of the Mercedes-Benz transmission plant at Gaggenau, which Daimler claims to be the oldest automotive plant in the world was arranged. We then proceeded to Daimler’s heavy duty test track at Otigheim to drive the heavy duty utility truck, the Zetros, an exception to some of the emissions rules. While Unimog is available in Euro 6, Zetros is currently only available in Euro 5. In reality there are no private sales as Zetros is destined for special operations such as emergency rescue and Defence Forces. One interesting point regarding Zetros is that the majority of buyers select a manual transmission which is preferred for operating in extreme and remote locations. For this exercise, we opted for the Zetros 2733 with 6x6 traction and 8-speed manual gearbox featuring bodywork from Schmitz Cargobull. While the truck is unquestionably tough and durable, it is exceptionally easy to drive and works best with gentle and precise inputs on the controls. All switchgear and controls that a driver needs are well-placed and simple
to operate when negotiating rough ground or fjording water courses. Nevertheless, as a 6x6 with a 4.8 metre wheelbase, running on 395/85 R20 tyres, it is not the most comfortable truck available. Then again it is not meant to be. It is configurated to traverse any type of terrain which it can do, and do well. It really is a special purpose truck, designed and built in a manner that exudes competence and that includes gravity defying manoeuvres that did not phase it in any way. After driving the Zetros, the twin-axle Unimog 5023 did feel somewhat smaller though no less competent. Having driven all types and versions of this legend before we are fully aware and respectful of its capabilities. Th is version came with the 170 kW (230hp) Euro 6 diesel and a semi-auto EAS transmission. Admittedly, it took a few minutes to get back into the swing of using this transmission in an off-road situation, which only demonstrates how quickly we need to adapt to new technologies. However, it is always an enjoyable challenge to see if it is possible to get the Unimog stuck around the Otigheim test facility, and again we were not disappointed that we failed - again. It is a remarkable vehicle that is a testament to pragmatic and innovative engineering that has kept it unrivalled for all of 70 years. The main question from the event is - Are Daimler and Mercedes-Benz on the right track as Stefan Buchner claims? It would appear so as far as the figures and fi nancial reports read. Sales are positive and the company is investing heavily in future technologies and alternative drivelines to ensure it stays on the right track when the environment gets tough - just like Unimog.
www.fleet.ie
12 | NEW FLEET I
Broad customer base highlights DAF Trucks' versatility
T
he flexibility and versatility of the DAF Trucks range is suitably demonstrated through four recent new sales deals. DAF Trucks Ireland’s Sales Manager, John McCann has informed New Fleet of these new key handovers. From Allenwood, County Kildare, Carroll Plant Hire traded in a long-serving Euro 5 DAF LF for a brand new DAF LF 180 with dropside tipper body made by Keltruck Bodies Ltd., Carlow and fitted with Edbro CX10 Tipping Ram. The new 12 tonne GVW truck is now in service delivering turf across the midlands. Powered by the latest MX-5 4-cylinder 184hp engine, it features automatic temperature control, dual mate seats with luxury driver seat, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Advance Emergency Braking and Lane Departure and Reverse Warning Systems.
N&C Enterprises has come back to DAF Trucks Ireland for more CF 8x4 tippers! On this occasion, the Kilmeague supplier of bulk aggregates to merchants and builders throughout Ireland has acquired two new CF 8x4’s with Fitzgerald built tipper bodies with electric front-to-back load covers. Both trucks come fitted with top spec PACCAR MX-11 engines, an auto greaser (fitted by Hi-Power Ireland) and a variety of driver safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Advance Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning and Reverse Warning System.
Based in Mullanarry, County Monaghan, JC Enviro Drain Services has chosen the DAF LF.210 14 tonne GVW rigid as the most suitable application for its specialist work. Specified with sleeper cab, a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission helps smooth the journeys for company owner, Brian Duff y.
Associated Rewinds (Ireland) Ltd, with three locations in Dublin, has taken delivery of its new DAF XF.540 6x2 tractor-unit, with SuperSpace Cab and highly specified cab interior.
New Renault Range T High for Glynns Transport & Distribution
W
est of Ireland Renault Trucks dealer Shaw Commercials, Castlebar, County Mayo has sold this new Renault Range T High flagship tractor-unit to Milltown, County Galway based Glynns Transport & Distribution. With over 36 years of service in the road transport industry at home and abroad, the company has invested in this new Renault Range T High 480 4x2 tractor-unit. The former International Haulier of the Year at the annual Fleet Transport Awards is also accredited with the Irish Exporters Association Good Distribution Practice
(GDP) Passport.
Glynns Transport & Distribution is a family run business that has evolved from humble beginnings in the agricultural and builders providers sectors in Milltown and Tuam, where the trucks served the business delivering product in and out, as explained by Padraig Glynn, MD: “As the business expanded, we looked at broadening our customer base. Today, we run a fleet throughout Europe for many multinational companies based in the Connaught region. Our customers include many of the medical device companies based in Galway. These companies expect a very high level of service and we continue to exceed their expectations.”
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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 | MARCH 19
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
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00353 879778583 or 0044 1869343511
THE TOYOTA PROACE
Reputation is Everything. The Toyota Proace earned the honour of being Irish Van of the Year 2017 and more recently a What Van? of the Year Award 2018. It more than lives up to that reputation. It’s hardworking, easily handling payloads of up to 1.4 tonnes. It’s economical, getting up to 53 miles per gallon. And, with a wide range to suit businesses of all sizes, it’s versatile too.
Swinford Motors Ltd.
Dublin Road, Swinford, Co. Mayo | Tel: 094 9251233 | www.swinfordmotors.com | www.patkellyautopoint.com *Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Deposit required. Finance provided by way of a hire purchase agreement by Toyota Financial Services (Ireland).
14 | PROFILE
Black Beauty – Pure bred Volvo FH.16 750 6x4
I
t takes a special truck to feature within the pages of Inside Lane, the Volvo Truck magazine for operators, drivers and enthusiasts. So for Keith McDermott, having his stunning MTS Haulage Volvo FH.16 750 6x4 tractor-unit featured on pages 17 to 19 of Edition Number 63 - Winter 2018 was a fitting accolade. The feature suitably rounded off the year in which the FH series celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Specialist photographer Keith Wilson brilliantly captured the resplendence of the
all-black heavy haulage truck with Kelberg T100 Aluminium Aggregate tipping semitrailer on tow. The main photo in the feature was taken alongside the high rugged rock face at Corcoran Concrete’s quarry off the Ballinrobe Road in Westport. It was here at this ever-changing facility that Keith fi rst cut his teeth in the construction sector and road haulage in general. His grandfather Petie Joe Corcoran, who established the business, showed him the ropes, as it were, and Keith’s ‘gra’ for all things machinery continues to grow to this day.
As mentioned in the well-written article by Laura Reeve, specifying this flagship truck took some time and effort, not to mention investment. Right from the off, Keith’s attention to detail was second to none, and it shows. Starting with the appropriate registration number 181 MO 750, it’s a standout model with intricate paintwork, featuring touches of red and silver blending in with the dominant metallic black on the Globetrotter XL cab. Placing the initial order with Irish Commercials (Naas), main Volvo Truck dealers, was where the journey began to create a showroom class product. Built at the Volvo Truck factory in Ghent, Belgium, the newly born ‘Black Beauty’ was transferred to Royal Class Truck Interiors in the Netherlands for the cab interior fit-out. On arriving in Ireland, two other main elements had to be completed – a trip to SM Components in Belfast to install the toolboxes and catwalk, while closer to home, stopping-off with Ronan Mitchell at RJM Spray Painting in Claremorris to complete the eye-catching livery on the truck and trailer. Kelsa roof bars and spots as well as Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys set the required standard. Inside the customised cabin, furniture
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
PROFILE | 15
Keith's Volvo FH.16 750 6x4 with Timber Harvester
either, as Adaptive and EcoCruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, load indicator, Reverse monitor and camera further smoothen Keith’s working day, especially over the sometimes difficult terrain covered around the West of Ireland.
and fitt ings go beyond home comforts, such as heated and ventilated leather seats, audio package and Bluetooth connectivity. An electrically controlled lower bunk and a microwave further embellish the truck's interior. On the mechanical side, driving comfort is improved within the cab thanks to front and rear suspension upgrades, while the Tandem Lift axle comes into its own when heavy haul operations are underway. Installed with Volvo’s D16K Euro 6 750 hp with I-Shift Crawler automated transmission and strong gearbox retarder, together with a most powerful Volvo Engine Brake - pulling loads of up to 120 tonnes gross is no problem. When it comes to safety nothing is amiss
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
|
Trading under MTS Haulage, the company name has evolved since Keith established McTrac Services in 2002, operating a JCB Fastrac with a 22 tonne trailer. From there, on reaching 25 years of age, his fi rst foray into trucks began and sparked his passion for Volvo. An FH.500 6x2 tractor-unit with Prestige trim was his fi rst experience of the brand with the famous ‘Iron’ symbol, with a Volvo FM.420 joining the fleet soon after. Then in 2007, the fi rst Volvo FH.16 660 6x4 in Ireland bore the now distinctive black livery and is still in operation. Back then, the unique look did not go unnoticed, even from far afield. Renowned Welsh truck artist, Alan Spillett featured Keith’s FH 660 in his Landscapes of the Road – Roadscapes Calendar. Co-incidentally, one of the recent photographs of Keith’s FH.16 750 shot by Keith Wilson taken at the scenic Erriff River Valley near Linnane is almost an exact replica of the artist’s impression on the calendar.
2012, winning the Owner Driver Haulier of the Yeart title, and was a nominated fi nalist in the 2019 awards programme. For the past seventeen years, Keith offers an exemplary service. He mainly supplies aggregate to Corcoran Concrete, but also carries out heavy haulage operations, transporting anything from plant and machinery to portacabins and even boats. What stands to Keith’s business mostly is how he looks after his two Volvo FH’s. He is a great advocator of preventative maintenance to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum. What is further admirable about Keith’s principles and character is that when the recession hit hard here, he decided to head to Australia for a period, working in the mines to ensure that payments on his units were kept up. Along with the Kelberg tipping trailer, Keith uses a Nooteboom low loader for heavy haul work. Happy with his lot, Keith enjoys driving the range topping FH.16 750 and is modestly proud in that his Volvo truck with its high spec is recognised at home and abroad. We imagine that he is not looking forward to the pending arrival of autonomous trucks!
Subsequently, as an owner-driver, Keith was honoured at the Fleet Transport Awards
Photos: Keith Wilson
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TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie
Engaging Connectivity
AWARDS 2020
Networking is an investment in your business!
DIARY DATE THURSDAY
10
OCTOBER
Attend the Fleet Transport Awards & Networking Event and Yield great results for years to come... your road to success
Thursday 10 October 2019, Citywest Hotel, Dublin
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Leading the way in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Headway Monitoring & Warning
Pedestrian & Cyclist Collision Warning
Speed Limit Indicator
Intelligent HighBeam Control
As specialists in ADAS calibration with an unmatched branch network across the country and technology capable of calibrating over 80% of vehicles on the road, ADAS.ie is at the vanguard of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in Ireland. Distributors for Mobileye, the world leader in ADAS technology, we can now retrofit the latest in life-saving Collision Avoidance Systems in older fleets and municipal vehicles. See ADAS.ie
ADAS.ie, 1C Portlaoise Enterprise Centre Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 N2F7 T: 1850 232 743 E: info@adas.ie W: www.adas.ie
18 | FLEETING SHOTS
Classic songs keep drivers in tune
R
ecent research has found that 90% of drivers say music makes them feel happy, and that the classic hits are very much fi rm favourites, featuring heavily in top-20 song lists to make you feel good while driving. Alongside Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody coming out on top, a further seven of the top-10 songs were originally recorded in the 1970s or 1980s with drivers stating they’d rather listen to the likes of ABBA and Marvin Gaye to boost their mood in the car.
Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer and Eye of the Tiger by Survivor also provided more of a mood-boost for drivers than modern day hits. However, Pharrell Williams’s Happy and I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas were the only songs to feature in the top 10 from the new millennium. With a preference for a throwback playlist while driving, more than 84% of the 2,000 18-84-year-olds surveyed said they often or always listen to music in their vehicle. Listening to music releases the feel good hormone dopamine according to scientists, increasing by up to 9% when listening to an enjoyable track. Pop and rock music were considered to be the best genres of music to listen to while on the move, with almost three quarters (64%) of
respondents saying that listening to different types of music while driving changes their mood. Top 20 mood moving songs: Top 20 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Artist / Group Queen Abba Bon Jovi The Proclaimers Survivor Katrina and the Waves Wham!
8. 9. 10. 11.
Pharrell Williams Cyndi Lauper Black Eyed Peas Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Journey Oasis Greatest Showman Katy Perry Outkast The Darkness
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Bob Marley Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa DJ Otzi
Song Bohemian Rhapsody Dancing Queen Livin’ on a Prayer I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) Eye of the Tiger Walking on Sunshine Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Happy Girls Just Wanna Have Fun I Gott a Feeling Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Don’t Stop Believing Wonderwall Th is Is Me Roar Hey Ya! I Believe in a Th ing Called Love Th ree Litt le Birds One Kiss
Percentage 41.4% 36.8% 34.5% 30.4% 29.5% 29.1% 28.4%
Hey Baby!
6.9%
27.6% 26.1% 23.8% 23.6% 23.1% 21.4% 20.7% 16.6% 16.5% 14.7% 14.1% 12.2%
Porsche commissions MAN eTruck for Green Logistics *Going low-noise and emissions-free for assembly of the new electric Porsche
A
clean, quiet drive to the factory: Porsche has commissioned a fully electric MAN eTGM for logistics operations at its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen site. The zero-emissions, virtually silent 32-tonne tractor-unit is the fi rst vehicle of this kind that has gone into series production in Germany. Preparations for production of the fi rst fully-electric Porsche are currently the core focus at Porsche headquarters, with the eTruck helping to achieve its e-mobility roadmap objectives, according to Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG: “By integrating the eTruck into our production logistics, Porsche is taking another step on the path to the ‘zero-impact factory’.” The journey to the “zero-impact factory” takes in many different stops and measures. One example is the fact that Porsche has already been using energy exclusively from renewable sources at all production sites for two years now, and the railway logistics transportation from production locations solely uses natural power. Porsche is also electrifying its logistics vehicles – transporters, trucks and forklifts – to an increasing extent. The battery-powered eTruck is a MAN eTGM 18.360 4x2 LL tractor-unit, with the overall combination with a semitrailer designated at 32 tonnes GVW.
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of 149 kWh are used to store energy, making it possible for the eTruck to cover a range of 130 kilometres. In addition to its low noise emissions and being CO2 -neutral, the strengths of the electric vehicle include reduced wear and maintenance. The eTruck uses recuperation, or the recovery of energy by the electric motor during braking, to decelerate without mechanical braking and therefore with no abrasion to the brakes. The electric commercial vehicle will be used for deliveries on the almost 19-kilometre-long route between the Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.and the Freiberg am Neckar site operated by its logistics partner LGI. Using the eTruck avoids over 30,000 kilogrammes of CO2 that would otherwise be emitted each year. Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
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20 | SUSTAINABILITY
CNH Industrial and The Goodwood Estate – Seasons of Sustainability were spreading grey water out on the fields. Back at one of the storage areas, a Case 321F Compact Wheel Loader was busy unloading pallets of beer from one of the three Iveco Daily vans in the fleet, ready for distribution. Two brands of Goodwood’s own beer and ale are brewed from its own harvest elsewhere on the Estate. Maximum utilisation is key, especially when it comes to the seasonal peak requirements, so the New Holland CX6090 Combine Balers operate 24/7 and are well maintained on site when in storage.
G
lorious Goodwood, The Festival of Speed and The Goodwood Revival are all flagship annual events at the Goodwood Estate. But did you know within the picturesque surroundings of the 12,000 acre Estate, located in the heart of West Sussex, there are 3,500 acres dedicated to organic farming? In fact, this landmass consisting of livestock, tillage and forestry is Europe’s largest lowland sustainable farm.
his “continuous innovation and diversity of the Goodwood Home Farm,” and managing “the complex business with skill and huge knowledge.”
In the family of the Duke of Richmond since the 1740s, the Goodwood Estate attracts over 1 million visitors to its annual high profi le events. Behind the scenes, produce from the organic farm supplies practically all of the catering requirements such as meat, dairy and beer! This significant seasonal provision order requires careful planning and excellence in farm management. Tim Hassell, who has spent the last decade as farm manager has projected and overseen the progress of the sustainability side of the Estate and particularly making the organic programme viable. Award winning too, as Tim was voted ‘Farmer of the Year’ complementing
Both parties, CNH Industrial and The Goodwood Estate are pleased with how well the alliance has worked out over the past two years or more, as shared values are met such as introducing new methods to enhance sustainability while increasing efficiencies and ultimately productivity.
Tim played a major role in implementing the innovative partnership with CNH Industrial in which a selection of its brand’s products such as Case Construction Equipment, New Holland Agriculture and Iveco Commercial Vehicles have been specified and supplied to operate on the farm.
While on a guided tour of the vast expanse that is the Goodwood Farm, some of the CNH Industrial vehicles supplied were on duty at various locations, such as the New Holland T7 tractors transporting stakes and wire for the ongoing fence maintenance (up to 5 miles annually), while other versions
According to Nigel Emms, spokesperson and cordinator for CNH Industrial on the project, the successful partnership, with its matching characteristics shares the same ecological objectives, and while much has been achieved during the first term, there are further potential environmental gains, particularly in terms of reducing fossil fuel usage by producing self-generated fuels. Biomethane generated from farm waste that can power all of the machinery on site is an opportunity currently under exploration. Concurrent to this proposed development is a total upscaling of the dairy as the current facility to milk 200 Sussex Shorthorn cows, twice a day needs modernisation. Interestingly, in light of Brexit, Tim recently put through 40 acres of new forestry to gain the EU payouts before the premiums dry up. Twenty-six are employed under Tim’s watch. Overall, more than 750 people work at the Goodwood Estate. As Tim is moving on to pastures new in Worcester, these two projects and others such as introducing solar panels on farm buildings will be on the ‘To Do’ list for his successor. As July, August and September are the peak event periods at the Estate, the catering requirements to supply all of the hospitality tents on site are well planned in advance, explained Tim. “To provide the tens of thousands servings of beef, lamb, pork, milk, cheese and beer at each event takes time and preparation, so that the husbandry of the stock, be it cattle, sheep or pigs reared on the farm, meet our exact requirements. At any one time, we have 200 Sussex Shorthorn dairy cows, 50 Suckler cows, up to 50 sows and over 1,400 Southdown sheep in stock, all home-bred. 92% of the milk produced is
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
SUSTAINABILITY | 21 either bottled or made into cheese. To feed the livestock, almost 700 acres is dedicated to rotational tillage with spring oats and barley together with winter wheat and forage rye providing the necessary fodder and also to supply the home brewery.” On the retail side of the business, its client base (apart from the Goodwood Hotel) includes locals who regularly come to the shop on the farm, while wholesale customers in Brighton and London receive delivery of their orders from the refrigerated Iveco Daily vans. As well as the Iveco 3.5 tonne and 7.0 tonne Dailys, a 19-seater Tourys midi-coach is on standby to transfer guests to and from the various corporate events. Other happenings at the Goodwood Estate include the Goodwood Hotel, the two golf courses, country sports and an airfield.
“While on a tour of the vast expanse of the Estate, various examples from the CNH Industrial equipment portfolio were in action” Feedback from the drivers relating to the examples from the CNH Industrial equipment portfolio in operation is reported back to CNH management teams which is invaluable with regard to ongoing product development. In order that farm personnel obtain the best out of the vehicles, induction training is provided with technical back-up provided by local dealers, if required. Other benefits to CNH Industrial are that the Goodwood Estate has a blue-chip status and provides a platform to showcase its equipment throughout the event programmes. Loyal and potential customers are invited to the farm to see the equipment at work in a practical way, which makes for good business. Ultimately, sustainability in the partnership is the key word as it covers every aspect relating to protecting the environment. CNH Industrial’s brand culture is based on traditions of ongoing development of alternative fuel vehicles, precision agriculture programmes and a constant effort to support energy saving, self-sufficient farming. Thanks to the broad range of CNH Industrial brands operating all over the world (12 in all), no other single company could supply all of the Goodwood Estate’s varied and multi-faceted vehicle and equipment requirements.
Case New Holland (CNH Industrial) Equipment at the Goodwood Estate New Holland: Iveco T Series Tractors x 6 Daily Vans x3 Telescopic LMT Handlers x 3 Daily Tourys Midi-coach Combine Harvester x1 Combine Header 23 ft x 1 Balers x2 Case: Wheel Loader, Compact Wheel Loader Backhoe Loader, Mini Excavator, Skid Steer Loader
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
wwww.fleet.ie
22 | SAFETY
Safety Matters . . .
Safety Matters . . .
Nothing trumps a safe driver
T
o effectively control workplace transport risks, the vehicle, the driver and the working environment must be appropriately managed, but in this article the concentration is on the driver. Every year a proportion of workplace transport accidents can be attributed to the vehicle or mobile work equipment being operated by untrained or inadequately trained drivers. Poor driver att itude, antics and driver error also contribute to many workplace transport accidents. With appropriate driver selection, the provision of instruction, information and training and adequate supervision, workplace transport accidents and incidents can be significantly reduced. Also, there is more to operating a vehicle than just driving it. Some vehicles require additional specialist skills for activities such as order picking, lift ing, loading, unloading, coupling, uncoupling trimming and sheeting and working with specialist attachments.
• •
are driving. If the driver is claiming to have previous experience, assess them to ensure that they are competent. Authorise drivers in writing. Assess the driver’s competence to drive the vehicle and then authorise them for each vehicle type they have been trained to use.
For further information go to htt ps://www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_ at_Work/. Advice on medical fitness to drive is available on www. rsa.ie
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005), requires that the employer takes account of the employee’s capabilities in relation to safety, health and welfare when assigning an employee to a specific task. For instance, when appointing workplace transport drivers, the employer must ensure that the employee is not put at risk by being given work they do not have the competence to undertake. Under the Act, employers must ensure that their employees have the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision, as far as reasonably practicable to ensure their safety, health and welfare at work. Driver Selection A driver selection and vett ing system should be in place to check that drivers have the relevant knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience for intended tasks. Th is should include licence and qualification checks as well as details of experience of a similar role. Independent checks should be carried out to verify that information provided is valid. Careful driver selection is vitally important so detailed consideration should be given to this task. When selecting people to drive workplace vehicles: • Select employees who have the correct safe att itude to workplace transport and have the ability to perform the job in a responsible, competent manner. Appropriate selection will require an evaluation of age, experience, driving record and maturity, as well as att itude. • Consider the employee’s physical fitness, such as health, eyesight, hearing and mental ability to carry out the job. Where possible, match the particular vehicle requirements, the task and situation with the driver’s fitness and capabilities. Do not allow anyone who is unfit due to drugs or alcohol to drive a vehicle. • Carry out background checks; for instance, check the employee’s driving licence background. Verification checks may include reference to licensing authorities, training providers or a previous employer. Ensure that driver’s licenses or certificates are appropriate for the vehicles they FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
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DON’T MISS
FPS EXPO 2019 The UK & Ireland’s leading liquid fuels distribution industry event. With exhibitors and visitors from across the world, the FPS EXPO is not to be missed! Organised by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers – the voice RI WKH LQGXVWU\ Č‚ WKLV \HDUȇV HYHQW RÎ?HUV JUHDWHU opportunities than ever before: Learn about future trends Compare products and services Network with industry partners Industry led panel sessions Keep up with your competitors Stay on top of new regulations and legislation :KDWHYHU \RXU UROH LQ WKH RÎ? JULG HQHUJ\ VHFWRU QRZ is the time to visit our website and reserve your place.
For full details of the event, the venue and how to register, visit www.fpsshow.co.uk.
This is the place people have in their diary to come to every year. Peter Hughes Tip Tanker Services & Williams Tanker Services
24 | LCV I
Overloaded Vans – A collision waiting to happen
A
ccording to research carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, over half of van drivers are risking accidents because they don’t know how heavy loads impact braking distances. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles conducted a series of brake tests at the MIRA Proving Grounds in Nuneaton on its range of vans carrying varying weights from empty to 500kg at both 30mph (50 kp/h) and 60mph (80 kp/h) to demonstrate the effect on braking caused by driving with heavy loads. Van drivers are risking accidents by failing to leave enough distance to stop, according to the study, that shows over half of van drivers don’t know how heavy loads impact braking distances. The majority of van drivers carry up to half a tonne of equipment on a daily basis which can increase braking distances by up to 36% equal to an extra five metres to stop at 60mph – as revealed in the exclusive tests.
empty to 500kg. The results revealed that 30mph braking distances increased by an average of 33% when vans had half a tonne of ballast on board – equal to an extra two metres travelled. At 60mph, braking distances increased by an average of 19%, or five metres.
The series of brake tests at the MIRA facility were conducted on the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter carrying varying weights from
But a survey revealed over half of van drivers couldn’t identify how much longer it would take to brake when driving a loaded van, while
just 17% could correctly identify the Highway Code advised 30mph stopping distances. Supporting the research, Matthew Avery, Director of Research at Thatcham Research, said: “This is an important message in relation to commercial van safety. We would also encourage van drivers to ensure that loads are well-secured, as movement of heavy items in the rear can also effect stability and stopping distance.”
Innovative and handy accessories for Opel Combo
O
pel/Vauxhall has designed a new range of accessories for its International Van of the Year 2019 award winning Combo. Ranging from bike carriers to roof boxes and rear parking assistants, the stylish and practical equipment can help business users get the most out of their vehicle. For additional carrying and towing options, the Combo Cargo van can be equipped with fi xed or removable towing hitch kits with a 13-pin harness for the electrical system and a maximum vertical load capacity of 74kg. In addition, the aluminium base roof carrier makes the vehicle even more versatile, allowing it to transport up to two conventional bikes or one of many roof box options (75kg in load capacity). It can even be used to carry a surfboard, kayak, skis or snowboard. On model variants with rear doors, steel or aluminium roof racks (capable of carrying up to 115kg or 120kg respectively), can be installed on the Cargo’s roof. Integrated loadrollers ensure easy loading and unloading. With extra options for tradespeople, such FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
as ratchet tie-downs, fold-down load-stops and a ladder, the Combo Cargo can safely carry bulky items such as ladders, pipes and boards. Other handy accessories to help owners organise the load area and protect it from scratches and stains tailored exclusively for the Combo Cargo include wooden floors, and plastic or wooden protection that fits over the sides of the cargo area.
To keep the interior neat and tidy, a practical organiser with two partitions, measuring 610x340x310mm, is available for all versions of the Combo. It can hold a variety of items, from artists’ paintbrushes to plumbers’ tools, and is only 30mm thick when folded down and not in use. Special cup-holder inserts provide storage for smaller items, such as tissues, notepads etc.
LCV I | 25
Van Drivers Health Warning: Top Tips to reduce risks • •
•
• •
V
an drivers have been warned of the serious health risks they face from sitting behind the wheel every day. Motoring experts have issued the warning after researching the health dangers faced from sitting in a driving position for up to eight hours every day. With millions of van drivers spending the majority of their working lives sitting behind the wheel, the researchers found they were at increased risk of health issues such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Jobs such as driving which feature prolonged periods in a seated position were even found to be linked with increased cancer risks. Many drivers could be overweight as they struggle to get enough exercise. Top tips for drivers to stay healthy: • Plan your meals. By preparing lunch the night before drivers can avoid greasy takeaways and save cash too. • Know your routes. Drivers are encouraged to research their routes and not rely too heavily on sat nav. Knowing the route
•
can help them avoid congestion trouble spots and reduce time spent sitting. Take regular breaks. Even pulling over and stepping out for two minutes can make a massive difference. Park away from the job. Van drivers should avoid pulling up right outside an address. By parking on the next street they can gain vital exercise. Grab your tools. It’s difficult for drivers to find the time to visit the gym but by using the tools of the trade they can easily fit a workout in during their working day. A toolbox makes a great weight for curls and lunges. Use the van. Even the vehicle itself can be utilised as a mobile gym with drivers blasting out push ups and dips while parked up. Be mindful. Drivers should try to stay calm and avoid anger and frustration while out on the roads. So take a deep breath and simply smile if falling victim of same. Track it. Drivers can use an App on their phone to measure activity and record hours sat down at work.
The researchers found that life on the road also led to a poor diet for many drivers who are forced to dine at garages and motorway service stations. Now the company has issued a health warning to drivers to make them aware of the risks they face from their sedentary lifestyle. They are also offering eight top health tips, encouraging drivers to take regular breaks and make the time to climb out of their vans and get some exercise. Grabbing a tool box to blast out some bicep curls while safely parked, or even utilising their vehicles for a quick set of tricep dips off the back bumper were just two of the tips offered drivers. Drivers are urged to use their smartphones to track the hours they spent sitting and also download a fitness App to encourage them to exercise during a lunch or coffee break throughout the day.
Conan is togged-out to Amarok! The Amarok V6 is the class leading 4x4 Pickup utility vehicle that has won numerous awards and currently holds the International Pick-up Award 2019. Commenting on the partnership, the #8 specialist said: “I am delighted to join with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles acting as brand ambassador for the Amarok V6. I’ve just taken delivery of my special edition Amarok V6 Aventura which is simply stunning, from the exceptional build quality and design to the V6 workhorse that provides 272bhp, it is a real pleasure to drive and works as a great lifestyle vehicle choice for me.”
I
reland international and Leinster rugby player, Jack Conan has joined up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in 2019 as brand ambassador for their award-winning Pick-up, the Volkswagen Amarok V6.
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Commenting on the partnership, Alan Bateson, Managing Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said, “As Volkswagen is the official car partner to the IRFU, it is great to further that relationship by gett ing Jack on board as a brand ambassador for
Amarok V6. Jack is a world class player and he now represents a world class product in Amarok. In 2018 Amarok was the fastest growing model in the Irish Pick-up segment and 2019 has started the same with huge demand for this exceptional vehicle. Jack has a long-standing link to the building and construction industry which his father was involved in, and with the Amarok V6 being particularly popular with this segment in Ireland it strengthens the partnership even further.” The Amarok is available in Comfortline, Highline and special edition Aventura trims. The Aventura special edition is packed with a lot more extras than the top of the range Highline model and crucially comes with the spine tingling 272 bhp / 580 Nm 3.0TDi V6 engine.
www.fleet.ie
26 | HEALTH MATTERS
Three ways to get a Heart Attack
M
yocardial Infarction is death of a segment of heart muscle as a result of oxygen deprivation. Oxygen is carried by blood via the coronary arteries to the heart muscle and one kind of myocardial infarction is caused by a sudden blockage of one of these vital arteries. Th is reduction in blood supply to a segment of the heart muscle is usually caused by a lump breaking off from a deposit of material on the inner wall of a coronary artery. It is washed downstream and acts as a stopper to the delivery point of the artery. Th is deposit in the artery - also known as a plaque - is composed of a fatt y core whose main component is cholesterol, and is associated with a high intake of dietary fats. One notorious artery whose blockage is often fatal, is known as the “widow maker.” The second type of infarction occurs when the demands of the heart muscle for oxygen exceed the capacity of the blood to transport enough (oxygen) to the muscle. It has been shown recently that there is a strong association between a severe infection and a fairly immediate subsequent myocardial infarction. Th is is due to the fact that a sudden infection – such as pneumonia or severe bronchitis causes the temperature to rise and the heart rate to increase. With an acute infection the patient will fi nd it difficult to absorb the oxygen in the air that he/she needs – lungs are inflamed and clogged with catarrh, or in the case of pneumonia they may not expand to receive the air adequately. Because the heart is beating rapidly, it has not enough time to fi ll properly in between beats, so the amount of blood being pumped out is reduced. Th is reduction affects the supply to the heart muscle as well as to every other tissue in the body. Th is means that the heart muscle is starved of the oxygen it needs – just when the patient is fighting an acute infection and needs a strong functioning heart to combat invasive bacteria or viruses. Infections cause other important tissues to be affected - the linings of the arteries become inflamed and swollen therefore narrowing the arterial lumen. Infections also cause circulating blood to clot and this disturbance in circulation tends to break up a quiescent plaque which may have been in-situ for some time – not doing much harm sitting in a coronary artery until inflammation begins to rough it up. It is then washed into the bloodstream and ends up as a coronary blockage or is swept up to the brain causing a stroke. Because it had been noted that recent influenza-like illnesses were associated with fatal and non fatal heart attacks, six thousand patients were surveyed. The research showed that those who took the ‘flu vaccine had 36% less risk of suffering one of these serious events. It
appears that the flu vaccine is a major protective agent against heart attacks, and not just for the elderly or fragile patient. Another cause of infarction is cocaine. Cocaine causes the coronary arteries to go into spasm, in effect closing down, thus failing to deliver blood to the heart muscle, and autopsy fi ndings have demonstrated myocardial infarction in otherwise normal arteries and normal hearts. Th is is a common fi nding in people who have died from overdosing on cocaine, as they are usually young and otherwise healthy. When a heart attack is diagnosed, the cardiologists have many ways of dealing with it – if it is a blockage from a piece of soft plaque, and the patient is stable, a stent will be used to reopen the artery and let the blood run through it again, this is introduced through the blood vessels - no need for major surgery. If the plaque is made of calcium as in an elderly patient with calcified arteries there is a minuscule drill that will drill through the chalky substance and reopen the artery. Again this will be applied like the stent – no need for major surgery. Of course there are many nonsurgical treatments which will also be considered by the cardiologist. Open heart surgery is much less frequently done nowadays, but has been a major life saver on many occasions. Infarction from too much cocaine will heal if the patient lives long enough to reach medical intervention quickly. The patient with cardiac failure due to a flu-like illness is a complex case and needs major treatment in an intensive care setting. With diabetes, smoking or obesity in the background, or even being elderly the odds are stacked against him/her. The easiest thing is to be aware of the risks and take the anti flu vaccine.
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FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - contributor@fleet.ie
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28 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 08) Country
Currency
95 Lead Free
98 Lead Free
Diesel
Austria
EUR
1.170
1.310
1.190
Belarus
EUR
0.640
0.670
0.640
Belgium
EUR
1.400
1.470
1.510
Bosnia-Herzegovina
BAM
2.16
2.31
2.26
Bulgaria
BGN
1.92
2.31
2.10
Croatia
HRK
8.99
9.89
9.61
Czech Republic
CZK
29.65
32.11
30.36
Denmark
DKK
10.46
11.18
9.69
Estonia
EUR
1.244
1.294
1.284
Finland
EUR
1.471
1.555
1.441
France
EUR
1.482
1.536
1.458
Georgia
GEL
2.48
2.58
2.53
Germany
EUR
1.306
1.553
1.237
Greece
EUR
1.510
1.680
1.360
Hungary
HUF
350.30
362.50
386.90
Ireland
EUR
1.339
-
1.299
Italy
EUR
1.553
-
1.491
Kazakhstan
KZT
180.00
-
191.00
Kosovo
EUR
1.05
-
1.00
Latvia
EUR
1.170
1.220
1.170
Lithuania
EUR
1.070
1.150
1.060
Luxemburg
EUR
1.128
1.212
1.070
Macedonia
MKD
62.00
63.50
60.00
Moldova
MDL
18.89
19.81
16.89
Montenegro
EUR
1.230
1.260
1.190
Netherlands
EUR
1.674
1.754
1.435
Norway
NOK
15.93
16.92
15.73
Poland
PLN
4.76
5.09
5.03
Portugal
EUR
1.474
1.509
1.405
Romania
RON
5.12
5.70
5.51
Russia Federation
RUB
45.49
52.69
47.84
Serbia
RSD
142.70
152.90
158.90
Slovakia
EUR
1.257
1.460
1.220
Slovenia
EUR
1.210
1.350
1.240
Spain
EUR
1.229
1.377
1.211
Sweden
SEK
14.84
15.44
15.74
Switzerland
CHF
1.510
1.670
1.690
Turkey
TRY
6.09
6.12
5.99
Ukraine
UAH
28.47
29.57
28.38
UK
GBP
1.193
1.318
1.286
USA
USD
0.600
-
0.780
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FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie
AWARDS 2020
Rewarding Best Practice
in association with Rosslare Europort
GALA DINNER Thursday 10 October 2019 Citywest Hotel, Dublin ó[XiÉj Ld J_ÉY_É`ck\XZ_k 8i 9_Ù`k_i\ IfX[ JX]\kp 8lk_fi`kp
2 | AWARDS
FLEET TRANSPORT AWARDS Irish Haulier of the Year 2020 The leading Awards Programme for the Irish Road Transport and Haulage Industry Fleet Transport in association with Rosslare Europort, is delighted to announce the launch of its 2020 Awards programme with 17 qualifying categories this year. If you are a Road Transport Operator in Ireland, however big or small, you are eligible to enter the awards. The simplest way to enter the awards is online at www.fleet.ie. Alternatively a hardcopy application can be downloaded from www.fleet.ie The Fleet Transport Awards 2020, celebrating excellence in the road transport industry, will take place on Thursday 10 October 2019 at Citywest Hotel, Dublin. In addition to numerous awards recognising all areas of the industry, the ‘Irish Haulier of the Year 2020’ and the ‘Irish Truck of the Year 2020’ awards will be presented at this national event, bringing together commercial vehicle brand distributors and road transport operators operating the length and breadth of Ireland. For the past number of years this awards ceremony has received the support of the industry, not just from the leading operators in the country, but also from small relatively unknown firms, demonstrating that companies of all types and sizes are recognised and awarded. Whether you operate or manage a large, medium or small sized company your application will be welcomed. This is the only awards programme that is truly supported by the whole transport industry. Why Enter? Winning an award will have a direct commercial impact on your business by not only retaining existing clients, but also in securing new business. In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to differentiate your company from the competition and a Fleet Transport Award is an independent stamp of approval, which is highly valued by customers. Entering the awards is also the best way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to the specific area of the road transport industry in which you operate and to be associated with management excellence and best practice. Companies that reach the finalist stage will gain extensive recognition and profile building opportunities during 2020 and beyond through Ireland’s leading commercial vehicle magazine, Fleet Transport, website, ezine and social media. Again this year the category winners will be supplied with logos and photographs for their own promotional purposes. What category can my company enter? • National Haulier of the Year • International Haulier of the Year • Own Account Transport Operator of the Year • Owner Driver Haulier of the Year • Regional Transport Operator of the Year • Best Van Fleet Award • Best Livery Award • Best Safety Practice Award
• • • • • • • • •
Innovation Award Environment Award Fleet/Transport Manager of the Year Women in Transport Award Excellence in Warehousing & Product Handling Customer Service Excellence Award Technician of the Year Best On-Line Transport Company Award Services to the Transport Industry Award
You may enter as many of the following categories as you wish. A full description of each category is included on the attached Application Form. The overall title of Irish Haulier of the Year 2020, sponsored by Rosslare Europort, will be selected from one of the category winners. What do I need to do now? ……….. 3 simple steps! There are 3 simple steps in the entire process to complete your submission. STEP 1 - Enter online The easiest way to enter is online at www.fleet.ie which takes approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively complete the attached form. STEP 2 - Submission After receipt of your entry form you will receive a number of questions related to the category/categories which your company has entered into. All information submitted as part of this process is handled in the strictest confidence and is protected under the Data Protection Act. STEP 3 - Important dates for your diary Please reserve the following dates in your diary now: • 8 & 9 July - Interviews - Johnstown Estate, Enfield. • Finalists will be announced in the September edition of Fleet Transport. • 10 October - Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner, Citywest Hotel, Dublin. Questions? if you would like to discuss any aspect of the process please contact our Awards Team at: E-mail: awards@fleet.ie or telephone +353 86 1451330 | +353 94 9372819.
Main Sponsor www.fleet.ie
Associate Sponsor
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Award Categories
3
NATIONAL HAULIER OF THE YEAR
INTERNATIONAL HAULIER OF THE YEAR
(sponsored by Volvo Trucks)
(sponsored by Thermo King)
This category is open to operators that transport goods within Ireland and are registered in the Irish Republic. Companies will need to show the active measures they have taken to improve service levels and to grow the company, in both quality and profitability. The judges will be looking for all-round commitment to good business practice led by a commercially minded individual.
Open to Irish registered hauliers that transport goods internationally. Details of vehicle fleet and type of contracts undertaken should be outlined. If there are depots overseas, please state so, and detail measures taken in terms of driver and load security when overseas. Adhering to European/International legislation is also a key consideration within this category.
OWN ACCOUNT TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles)
OWNER DRIVER HAULIER OF THE YEAR
Entrants must operate their own fleet of vehicles to distribute their own goods. Companies will need to show the active measures they have taken to improve service levels and to grow the company, in both size and profitability. Judges will focus on investments or improvements made to increase efficiency of the distribution sector of your business/production facility.
Operators of own vehicle(s) as an owner-driver are eligible to enter this category. History of involvement in business and type of work undertaken must be outlined as well as vehicle details. National, International and Regional hauliers can be in contention for this award. Details of vehicle fleet should also be outlined together with service and maintenance routine.
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Best Van Fleet Award
(sponsored by Applegreen)
(sponsored by Peugeot)
This category is open to operators who transport goods within a specific region of Ireland, operating a specific fleet of vehicles for local distribution. High levels of customer service together with efficiency and reliability are key factors here. If a member of a network, please state. Details of types of vehicles as well as service and maintenance routine should be outlined. Highlight any special areas of service provided.
This award sets out to recognise companies which operate a number of light commercial vehicles and consistently demonstrate best practice in their operation. As the van sector includes a large number of companies who are not primarily engaged in transport, there is great scope to include companies who use light commercials to provide services to their customers or end users. Outline any special or specific equipment fitted to the vehicles.
BEST LIVERY AWARD
BEST SAFETY PRACTICE AWARD
(sponsored by ORBCOMM)
(sponsored by Health & Safety Authority)
A good corporate image can be achieved through stylish and modern livery on operators’ vehicles. These mobile advertising billboards can impress both the customer and public alike and do a lot to increase levels of professionalism within the company. Not only are clean, effective graphics and colour schemes required here, but the condition of the vehicle carrying the livery is also up for consideration when the marks are allocated. Details on how the corporate image supports the business objectives/strategy is also key in this category.
Companies entering this category should show evidence that their company embraces safety as a culture and provides the same resources to it as all other activities in the organisation.
INNOVATION AWARD
ENVIRONMENT AWARD
(sponsored by easytrip)
(sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland)
The Innovation category seeks entrants who can demonstrate that their ideas have made a genuine difference to their company, resulting for example in either profitability, a new or altered business process within the company or changes in the products and services provided. Companies that have entered new sectors/markets or have introduced a new product should enter this category.
Companies will need to demonstrate how they have developed environmental impact assessments and environmental statements to meet planning, transport and other environmental consent requirements. Increases in efficiencies through reducing empty running, driver training, purchasing of Euro 6 or alternatively powered engines will prove your care of the environment as will recycling/waste disposal regime.
FLEET/TRANSPORT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
WOMEN IN TRANSPORT AWARD
(sponsored by Iveco in partnership with Emerald Truck & Van.)
(sponsored by TBC)
Overseeing the efficient and safe operation of a fleet of trucks and their drivers are what the judges will look for here.
This category is designed to recognise women working in all areas of the transport and haulage industry. If you have achieved success in your area of expertise in the road transport industry, the judges will welcome an entry from you, whatever your position.
This person must demonstrate the highest levels of ability, professionalism and knowledge of fleet. Methods of reducing costs as well as knowledge of IT techniques in improving the day to day running of the business must also be detailed. Type of vehicles used and employment responsibilities should also be outlined.
(sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus)
An active safety management system which includes Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment must be in operation for all the company’s activities. Investment in safety procedures through implementation of staff training or safety items must be outlined.
This category aims to recognise women who are positive role models in the industry to encourage more women to see the haulage industry as a worthwhile career. The judges will look for innovation, enthusiasm and dedication in what is often perceived as an unattractive industry by women. www.fleet.ie
4 | AWARDS Best On-Line Transport Company Award –
This category promotes good web design from a user’s experience (or UX). How well the transport company presents itself on the web, how easy it makes itself found and what information it provides to customers will also be taken into account. Other aspects which will be taken into consideration will be Website functionality; Website Best Practice; Social Media; Website User Experience.
(sponsored by TBC)
EXCELLENCE IN WAREHOUSING & PRODUCT HANDLING (sponsored by Combilift)
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD
This category offers an opportunity to a broad range of operators in the transport, storage and handling of products. It is open to companies such as hauliers, own account, distribution, freight consolidation, forwarding and logistics specialists. The judging panel will assess policies and procedures covering aspects of this specialist sector including history, customer relationship management, security, Health & Safety, HR & Training and care for the environment.
The ‘Customer Service Excellence’ award recognizes specific accomplishments in customer service, whether they are achievements by an individual, a team, or a department. The judges will look for evidence of the effort and impact of excellent customer service on the customer and business. Training and demonstrable commitment of the company to customer service will be an added bonus in this category. Customer testimonies will also be of benefit.
Technican of the Year
SERVICES TO THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY AWARD
(sponsored by Renault Trucks)
(sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance)
Entrants in this category must have completed an apprenticeship and have a minimum of one year's experience. Entrants should be fully competent in the servicing/repair of commercial goods/passenger vehicles to the highest manufacturer standards. As well as technical competence in the mechanics of a vehicle, entrants must have a thorough knowledge of the electrical and electronic components of a vehicle and be comfortable with using the latest diagnostic equipment to identify and rectify faults.
Any individual who has made a significant contribution to the transport industry can be nominated in this category. Those who have helped to raise standards or are actively involved in campaigns on behalf of the transport industry will be acknowledged with this award. It is open to nominees of all ages not just those who have completed a life time of service.
(sponsored by Valero Marketing Ireland Limited)
Fleet Transport Awards 2020 Irish Haulier of the Year Entry Form Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of Vehicles: . . . . . . . .
Category Entering - please tick boxes National Haulier of the Year International Haulier of the Year Own Account Transport Operator of the Year Owner Driver Haulier of the Year Regional Transport Operator of the Year Best Van Fleet Award Best Livery Award www.fleet.ie Best Safety Practice Award
TRANSPORT
Innovation Award Environment Award Fleet/Transport Manager of the Year Women in Transport Award Excellence in Warehousing & Product Handling Customer Service Excellence Award Technician of the Year Best On-Line Transport Company Award Services to the Transport Industry Award
A
AR 2
‘I have read and understood the terms and conditions of entering the Fleet Transport Awards 2020’. Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please send completed Entry Form plus additional material by Friday 7 June 2019 to Competition Secretary, Fleet Transport Awards 2020, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. Alternatively it is much simpler and quicker to enter online at www.fleet.ie Tel: 094 93 72819 Email: awards@fleet.ie Terms & Conditions: • • • • • • • • •
Any licensed Haulier or Own Account Transport Operator is eligible to enter in the Fleet Transport Awards 2020, established to honour excellence in operation or services to the transport industry. Entries must be received by Friday 7 June 2019 and will not be returned. There is no entry fee. All entries will be treated in strict confidence and are judged by a panel of experts from the industry. Confirmation of receipt of entries will be sent out to all applicants. The completed entry form can be accompanied by a 1000 word document outlining further details on your company and its operations. Photographs and customer testimonials can be included. The finalists will be published in the September edition of Fleet Transport Magazine. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews on 8 & 9 July 2019. A five minute video or Powerpoint presentation, although not essential, will be welcomed on the day of the interview. Presentation of the prizes will take place on Thursday 10 October 2019 at the Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner at Citywest Hotel, Dublin. The decision of the Adjudication Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into afterwards.
www.fleet.ie
Dennison Sliding Bogie Tipper Trailer
Tel: 045 866468
– Specįcally designed to replace the 8-wheel Tipper and short wheel base Tipping Trailers
7 metres = 38.5 tonnes max GVW -
More stable when tipping and more manoeuverable. Certi̧ed on tilt test at 8.50
This trailer offers operators the best of both worlds!
8 metres = 46 tonnes max GVW Meets the law to run at 46 tonne max GVW
DON’T GET CAUGHT SHORT! RSA Weights & Dimensions This type of trailer operating at 46 tonnes GVW on Irish roads is 15.2 tonnes overloaded which will result in a prohibition.
KINGPIN TO CENTRE OF REAR AXLE MEASUREMENT, WHATS YOURS? 7 Metres = 38.5 tonnes GVW max / 8 metres = 46 tonnes GVW max Dennison Trailers Ltd., Maudlins Cross, Naas, County Kildare.
T + 353 (0) 45 866468 F + 353 (0) 45 876244
E info@dennisontrailers.com www.dennisontrailers.com
34 | REVIEW
Transpotec Logitec 2019 VeronaďŹ ere, Verona, Italy
T
|
21-24 February 2019
he 2019 running of the biennial Transpotec Logitech Exhibition moved up a gear or two with a much bigger and better display of commercial vehicles and associated auxiliaries across five main halls at the Veronafiere in Northern Italy. Now organized by Fiera Milano, which has vast expertise and
experience of staging big events like this, has brought fresh impetus to an exhibition that is growing in stature and substance.
Anteo New 750kg tail-lift for quick fitt ing to any 3.5 tonne panel van
Chereau Trailers French manufacturer demonstrated Next connectivity
CitroĂŤn Hail the International Van of the Year 2019 wining Berlingo!
Continental Tyres and latest compliance digital tachographs
DAF Trucks Brand merchandise brings good business and wears well for the fan FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Jarlath Sweeney was there to taste the flavour of the event.
REVIEW | 35
Dhollandia Dutch tail-lift specialists had a broad selection on show
DKV Euroservice New Box Europe transponder that offers much more
Fiat Professional Bespoke chassis variations to suit different applications
Ford Special Edition MS-RT prepared for the Italian market
Isuzu Truck Various gross weight examples of N-Series
Outdoor Display Conspicuous by its absence was Iveco. New Stralis due this Summer
Kรถgel Trailers Th is German manufacturer is making an impact in Italy
Lamberet Introducing the Frigoline electric bike delivery box www.fleet.ie
36 | REVIEW
MAN Truck & Bus Vans, trucks, buses, concepts, Da Vinci livery and dancing girls!
Mercedes-Benz Look, no exterior mirrors on the latest Actros!
Mitsubishi Refrigeration Multi-temp refrigeration systems run on either gas and diesel
Opel New Combo sharing the IVOTY 2019 glory
Peugeot Partner proudly wearing the IVOTY 2019 honour
Piaggio How the Porter has grown up over the years!
Regis Electric Pick-up and city van producer from Benna in Italy
Renault Trucks Gett ing ready for the new F1 season
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
REVIEW | 37
Scania Yes, this P500 XT 6x6 Fire Tender is special!
Schmitz Cargobull Europe’s #1 with its integrated refrigerated and secure load trailers
Stoneridge All new digital tachograph ready for legislation introduction in July
Terberg Th rough Manuport, shutters/tugs are supplied in different guises
Thermo King New e200 electric reefer motor for delivery vehicles
Valeo Global safety technology company promoting truck products and services
Volvo Trucks Sporting a new take on its native Swedish flag colours!
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Showing off the inner workings of the new eCrafter
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
www.fleet.ie
38 | PREVIEW
Visitor registrations open for CV Show 2019
B
ack for its 18th occasion, the annual Commercial Vehicle Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham is the biggest event for the road transport, distribution and logistics sector in the UK and Ireland. The 2019 edition, which takes place from 30 April-2 May 2019 next is open for visitor registrations via the official website: www.cvshow. com. An encouraging number of visitor registrations to this free-toattend event have already been recorded, indicating strong positivity within the industry. Last year close to 21,000 visitors attended the CV Show and this year’s event looks set to be even more popular, with numerous unveilings and global launches across three halls at Birmingham’s NEC. Ford will once again be a major exhibitor in 2019 and will be displaying a comprehensive range of vehicles. Other exhibitors include VW, MAN, FIAT Professional, LDV, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, SsangYong, Peugeot, Citroën, Toyota and Vauxhall. Global trucks brands such as DAF Trucks, MAN and Iveco will be represented, as will trailer manufacturers such as SDC, SOR and Cartwright. Refrigeration specialists Carrier and Thermo King & Frigoblock will be there also. These manufacturers will be taking stands alongside many other enterprises involved in the CV support industry, from telematics
firms and tyre producers, through to commercial training providers and supply chain specialists. David Crawford, Sales & Marketing Manager for the Show is looking forward with confidence to the forthcoming event: “The high number of exhibitors and visitors registering for this year’s CV Show is a reassuring sign of market confidence and buoyancy within the road transport industry at a time of possible market uncertainty in other sectors. The Commercial Vehicle Show has always been, and will continue to be, the hard-working show for hard-working people.” To register to attend the CV show for free, go to www.cvshow.com
Volkswagen’s T6.1 Multivan breaks cover
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he fi rst of the new generation of mid-sized vans, people movers and leisure vehicles from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been unveiled at Volkswagen AG’s home base of Wolfsburg in Germany. Multivan got the honour of being the fi rst of the family to break cover, with other versions including the Transporter panel van and California campervan to follow during the year. Dubbed T6.1, the name is both as an acknowledgement that this is more a facelift of the existing T6 rather than a brand new model, while also referencing the new digitised and connected systems on board by tipping a nod to the technology world’s methodology for updates. That said, there’s plenty of new stuff for the T6.1 to warrant a new nomenclature. Outside, the front bumpers and lights make it easily distinguishable from its predecessor, while there are also new rear lights. The interior gets a much more substantial makeover with the addition of the latest generation Digital Cockpit and the new third generation of the modular infotainment matrix (MIB3) - in fact the T6.1 is the fi rst FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Volkswagen product to get this along with the forthcoming Passat. Under the skin there are a range of new assistance systems including Cross Wind Assist - previously seen in the Crafter - which will come as standard fitment. Other options include Lane Assist, Park Assist, Rear View Assist, Side Protection and Trailer Assist. The biggest change the driver of a current model might notice is a switch from hydraulic power steering to an electromechanical system, necessary to facilitate all the new assistance systems on board, though Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says it also
leads to improved driving stability. The 2.0 TDI diesel engines have been reconfigured to meet the Euro-6d-TEMP-EVAP emissions standard. They come in power outputs of 90, 110, 150 and 199PS. And perhaps most significantly, there will be an all-electric T6.1. Built in collaboration with ABT, there will be two versions both developing 112PS, with battery capacities of 38.8 kWh and 77.8 kWh. The more powerful version has a range of up to 400km on the NEDC cycle says Volkswagen. Now, if that comes with an affordable price tag it just might be a game-changer. Cathal Doyle
PREVIEW | 39
CV Show 2019 – Most Wide and Varied 30 April – 2 May 2019, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK
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V Show 2019, the UK & Ireland’s largest and most varied commercial transport exhibition, is once again being held again at Birmingham’s NEC.
According to David Crawford, Sales & Marketing Manager for the Show: “The annual event promises to be fantastic, showcasing many of the latest models from a wide range of global manufacturers, as well as the leading product developments from the commercial vehicle support industry. The continued developments in production, ecotechnology and safety engineering will all be very much in evidence across many of the stands, and we are proud of our ongoing position as an industry showcase of these advancements.” “We will have two distinct zones within the show, designed to allow visitors to easily identify exhibitors within two key sectors of the industry. Workshop is an industry showcase devoted to the hundreds of exhibitors within the automotive aftermarket and commercial vehicle maintenance sector, while Cool is dedicated to the needs of those with temperature control requirements through the displays of cold chain equipment specialists and refrigerated transport suppliers.” “This year, we are ramping up our social media around the event with live coverage and highlights of the show being featured across our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. Don’t forget to follow us for the latest updates – using the #cvshow to get involved.” All-new Vivaro at the CV Show
and connectivity technology, the all-new Vivaro is the vehicle that sits at the heart of our commercial vehicle range.” Vauxhall has also said it will offer a fully electric version of the van in 2020. Continental Automotive Seminars Continental will be hosting three days of seminars in the Piazza Room 9 at the NEC to discuss Smart Tachograph and the Future of Transportation. The seminars will be run at set times throughout the three days and will last one hour. Complete the online form to secure your place: htt p://www.vdofleet.co.uk/save-the-date/ Commenting on the seminar series, Kevin Green, Head of Sales at Continental, said: “At Continental we are pleased to be the leading manufacturer within the industry and will gladly help fleet operators with the changes taking place. We try to make it as easy as possible to keep businesses up to date and will gladly discuss anyone concerns or confusion.” Continental will also be discussing other futuristic products that will be coming soon, showing the power of the group and the involvement in leading edge technology that focuses on safety and security. Sealey Tools to showcase latest tool ranges Located in the heart of the Workshop area, on stand 4D101, Sealey will be showcasing the most recent additions to its range of commercial vehicle servicing tools and equipment, plus existing bestsellers. Also on display will be new models of its patented 360° Inspection Lamp, a selection of hand tools and a wide variety from their consumable range. The consumable range was fi rst introduced in 2015 and since then it has not stopped expanding, bringing the total number of products on offer to just shy of 2000. Sealey is rightly proud of the choice that it offers on such items, as well the lifetime guarantees that come with its hand tool range.
Groupe PSA brand Vauxhall has announced it will return to the CV Show with the global unveiling of the all-new Vivaro van. Using the PSA EMP2 platform, it will be offered in two wheelbase lengths: the 4.95m “medium” and the 5.30m “large” vans. Based on the current Peugeot Expert & Citroën Dispatch body shell and powertrain, the new Vivaro will be built at the Vauxhall plant in Luton and, with the plant’s capacity due to increase to 100,000 units per year, manufacturing at Bedfordshire the factory has been safeguarded until at least 2025. “As a British brand since 1903 and the UK’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, we’re delighted to reveal the all-new Lutonbuilt Vivaro,” said Derek Wilson, Vauxhall’s LCV Director. “Practical, comfortable, economical and packed with all latest driver assistance Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Copies of Sealey’s latest Tool Catalogue TM and all their current promotions will be available on the day, as well as some fantastic show deals. BIL Group launch AluTruk range with new 3 in 1 design For the third year running, BIL Group will be returning to the CV Show to showcase its successful AluTruk range, displaying its innovative range of lightweight, high-strength load carrying solutions. The latest innovations to be displayed at the show are the new 1000kg rated “Payload Truck” and the “3 in 1” AluTruk. The AluTruk has been carefully engineered to take the bulk of any given payload away from the user which, in some instances, has turned a three-man job, now safely achievable by just one operator.
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40 | EDUCATION
Logistics Associate Apprenticeship – Delivering exciting career options for the Freight Distribution & Logistics Sectors On the 26 September 2018, Technological University (TU) Dublin School of Management welcomed the first cohort of Logistics Associate Apprentices to commence their journey of achieving a Higher Certificate in Logistics. Currently 17 associated companies have employed the apprentices on the new ‘earn as you learn apprenticeship’ covering various employment disciplines within the freight distribution and logistics sectors. Prospects for 2019 look even stronger with 36 apprentices committed by employers in the road haulage, shipping, freight forwarding, retail and distribution sectors. Certainly, this new apprenticeship has grabbed the attention of the industry and long may it continue!
promote the opportunities within the industry to school leavers, teachers, parents and career guidance personnel who are hearing about the freight distribution and logistics sector for the fi rst time. Th is is an exciting time for all involved in the project as it offers the opportunity to articulate and demonstrate the opportunities, but it is reliant on industry participating in these solutions. “We must put our best foot forward collectively and collaboratively to att ract new entrants. After all, as an industry we are competing against other industries,” commented Jerry Meredith, Business Services Manager, Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI). The recently published ‘Addressing the Skills Needs Arising from the Potential Trade Implications of Brexit’ confi rms the skills shortage issue and makes 8 recommendations to enhance the att ractiveness of the industry and this includes supporting the development and promoting the rollout of and engagement with the logistics and service apprenticeship programmes. “Th is is a fi rst and having Government support for our industry is imperative in gaining recognition for us as a vital industry for the Irish economy,” added Jerry. “It affords employers the confidence that apprenticeship programmes will deliver in the long term and makes the choice easier for new entrants to choose the freight distribution and logistics sector as the number one career choice for them. We need to develop a culture where family members of those currently working in our industry become more interested and enamoured with following in their parents’ footsteps and promote ourselves as an industry that not only supports the welfare of employees but offers dynamic career paths and exciting prospects for the future,” he added.
Skills shortages is prevalent within all business sectors and none more so within the freight distribution and logistics sectors, where an acute lack of ‘suitably skilled’ personnel is restricting business growth opportunities. Employers are finding it difficult to fi ll vacancies. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship was developed by TU Dublin along with a dynamic consortium made up of industry representatives and trade associations such as the Freight Transport Association Ireland (lead proposer), CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport), IIFA (Irish International Freight Association), IPICS (The Supply Chain Management Institute) - and the Institute of Shipbrokers. Like all new ‘earn as you learn’ programmes the industry need was demonstrated during the proposal and development phases of the project. While this programme is a long-term project aimed at att racting new entrants into the industry, it will also serve as providing upskilling and career progression opportunities for existing staff. Th is is demonstrated by the participants of the fi rst year of the apprenticeship with a healthy mix of new recruits and existing employees making up the 27 apprentices. The apprenticeship is managed by Anna Gorecka who is engaging with industry and also with schools to promote the opportunities within the freight distribution and logistics sector. FTA Ireland recently surveyed members and found that the number one issue (90%) impacting them is skills shortage. The specific areas of concern cover a diverse range of specialities including driver shortage, general operative, warehouse and transport planners. One of the key opportunities for this apprenticeship programme is to FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Key Benefits of the apprenticeship for employers: • Upskilling opportunities; • Builds loyalty amongst staff; • Offers career progression opportunities; • Helps with succession plans for businesses; • The programme is built around work related experience and work specific projects; • Att racts new entrants into the industry. “At the recent annual Fleet Transport Awards Gala Banquet, the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship won the 2019 ‘Innovation’ award. This helps in raising awareness and gaining recognition for our industry. We will continue to build momentum around raising awareness of the diversity and options with the freight distribution and logistics sector which will help encourage young people to get involved in our industry. But we need your help, as an employer consider all options open to you to recruit an apprentice or upskill existing employees. Consider and promote apprenticeships as a viable option, you won’t be disappointed.” For more information on the apprenticeship please contact Anna Gorecka on 01 8447516 or email agorecka@laa.ie or visit www.laa. ie
42 | SHIPPING & FREIGHT
Stena Forecaster returns to normal duties following Airbus transatlantic charter
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n 12 February the 3,000 lanemetre Ro-Ro ferry Stena Forecaster took up duty on the Line’s Belfast-Birkenhead route displacing the Stena Forerunner. She is now sailing daily round trips between Monday and Friday alongside the daily services operating by the Ro-Pax vessels, Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey. In 2020, these vessels will be displaced on the route by a pair of vessels being built at the Chinese AVC Yard. Prior to moving to Belfast Stena Forecaster operated for a number of months for LD Seaplane transporting Airbus components from Saint Nazaire to Mobile, Alabama. The
Stena Forecaster
Airbus plant there assembles four Airbus A320 aircraft a month and the fuselage pieces shipped aboard the Stena Forecaster are each typically 80ft x 18ft x 22 feet and weighing 39 tonnes. Wings and other components from a number of Airbus locations have also been consolidated at St. Nazaire for shipment on the vessel.
LD Seaplane’s own designated vessel for this service is the Ville de Bordeaux and she will be fitted with a giant SeaWing kite designed and built by an Airbus subsidiary company. Airbus will deploy the kite on the Mobile operation not only to save fuel costs on the service, but also to learn more about the operation of such equipment and its potential application to other vessel types and services.
Brittany Ferries delivery delayed
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rittany Ferries has announced that it is not in a position to introduce the LNG powered ferry Honfleur into service on the prime Portsmouth to Caen-Ouistreham service in 2019. Though the German FSG yard launched the vessel on time last December, financial pressures at the yard are now being blamed for the delay in gett ing the vessel completed. Th is delay will also put further pressure on Brittany Ferries in scheduling the
routes as Brexit kicks in.
additional Western Channel services committed under the UK Government's diversion of traffic from the Dover-Calais
The FSG yard was six months late in delivering the W.B.Yeats to Irish Ferries and this delay has proven to be very costly for the builder. It has now been reported that the second vessel for Irish Ferries, which was to be delivered in 2020 and is planned to replace the 2001 built Ulysses on the Dublin-Holyhead route, may be further delayed.
CMA-CGM completes Containerships acquisition
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ollowing the receipt of approval from the European Commission for the takeover of the Helsinki based Containerships, CMA-CGM is now pulling together its short sea European operations. The Marseilles based carrier which is the world number four in deep sea container shipping, had acquired the Iberian specialist MacAndrews Line in 2002 and had recently completed the integration of that company’s operations with OPDR. In a statement CMA-CGM said: “Customers of the CMA-CGM Group’s intra-European activity will now benefit from the expertise of 2,700 employees located in 130 offices”. The Containerships acquisition not only brings the line’s traditional Baltic focus into play but also the operations developed by that company in markets as diverse as Russia, North Africa and Turkey. ”With Containerships, CMA-CGM is also pursuing its strategy towards the protection of the environment with the upcoming entry into the Containerships fleet of four 1,400 TEU vessels powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). These vessels will be followed from 2020 onwards, by the entry into service of the nine 22,000 TEU and two 1,400 TEU containerships ordered by the CMA CGM Group,” continued the release. Currently Containerships also operates a fleet of LNG-powered trucks, further reducing the FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
carbon footprint. In a sperate development, CMA-CGM is completing the takeover of freight forwarder CEVA. The US$ 1.65 billion purchase of the Swiss based global forwarder will operate at arm’s length from the main shipping activity and the company has been quick to reassure the freight market that CEVA will not receive any preferential treatment from the shipping lines within the group compared to any other forwarder. The takeover has been approved by the European Commission which has advised that it does not see any competition issues in the takeover. CMA-CGM competitor, Maersk Line has controlled Forwarder DAMCO for a number of years and has recently moved into the Customs Brokerage business. Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie
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44 | IN FOCUS
Commercial Vehicle Hire & Rental ‘It’s all about flexibility’
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n today’s uncertain business environment, the flexibility offered by commercial vehicle hire and contract rental can provide a trouble free and instant method of acquiring vehicles needed to meet changing customer demands - yet some are hesitant to engage. Fleet Transport’s Paul White reports on the offerings from the main providers and how new trends are transforming the sector.
As a leading name in the vehicle hire business, Commercial Fleet has always had a pragmatic sense of the current state of the market. Frank Norton at Commercial Fleet takes a wide view of the industry’s current issues, and believes that at the moment nothing positive or negative can be att ributed to any one factor. Frank, like others fi nds business brisk in the heavy and lighter segments, which could highlight the driver shortage being experienced by many distribution companies that is directing them into sub 3.5 tonne GVW vans. He also commented that many other operators are being quite cautious and fi nds that while many deals and quotations are agreed in principle, some operators are holding on before finally signing. This would of course be dependent on the type of work the operator is engaged in, and related to the factors that affect that operator’s business. Here, Commercial Fleet’s experience can help create suitable solutions for their customers.
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
At Northgate Vehicle Hire, a number of solutions are offered, especially in the lighter segments. Valentine Onukwili explained that for people working in the demanding delivery business, Northgate can provide a range of f lexible options under their ‘Vanonomics’ banner. Th is flexibility can allow operators to contract for 12 to 36 months and return the vehicle earlier without penalty if the work dries up.
Rentals is kept very busy. The company is trading since 1968 and its solid client list is drawn from the many businesses, both private customers and State and semi-State companies in the general Leinster region. It provides all manner of lighter vehicles on short or long term rental or lease basis.
Northgate can also deal directly with manufacturers on the client’s behalf when specifying vehicles and thereby benefit from the company’s buying power. Northgate’s flexible Vanonomics policy could prove to be a winner as demand for large volume panel vans is expected to steadily increase, mirroring the increase in online shopping - and not forgett ing the reverse logistics of vast numbers of product returns.
The issue of insurance for people hiring vehicles has often presented difficulties on both sides of the equation. However, Go Rentals has managed to turn this into a positive selling point. The company can provide insurance in an easy and simplified manner ensuring its customers get on the road as quickly as possible. Th is is highly att ractive for customers who may need commercial insurance for a short time, or it is their first time being quoted for a premium which can be a difficulty for many start-up companies.
Online shopping is certainly delivering an amount of buoyancy to the demand for vans, and buoyancy is a word used by Colin O’Brien of Go Rentals, Naas. As with many of the hire companies spoken with, Go
PC Commercials of Baldoyle, Dublin is a well-known vehicle sales, recovery and repair centre. PC’s Mark Donnelly stated that the company is currently busy with van hire, though this is mainly in the
INFOCUS | 45 spot hire segment. Th is is a bonus as PC Commercials hire a mixed fleet of vans and trucks with 90% of hires being towards the heavy rigid truck end of the market. It is interesting that Mark has noticed an increase in the number of enquiries about electric vehicles, and would describe the queries as becoming more serious about zero emission technology. Mark points to some of the advantages contract hire can bring, especially the outsourcing of so many different and problematic aspects of running commercial vehicles. All of which is of particular importance for the small business operator. From road tax and maintenance to compliance and avoiding an unexpected major component failure, that can throw a monthly budget out the window. Th is of course does not mention the thorny issue of residual values. In the vehicle hire world, the hirer takes the profit or the loss on the residual value and it’s all part of the deal. The current shortage of skilled workers, be they drivers or technicians was commented on by National Truck Rental’s Tony Morgan, who feels this drought is reflected in an increase in demand for van and tractorunit hires. Such demand could indicate that the standard distribution rigid is not as popular as previously, possibly due to a shortage of licence holders to drive them. The business has also changed and one key features enticing operators to consider contract rental is the peace of mind it brings, especially with regard to compliance.
“There is a lot more to do that just gett ing in and driving, he said, adding that there is now a realisation that there is no point in not adhering to the rules and its good for everyone. Interestingly, Tony mentioned another factor moving some to contract hire. It is where operators have had bad experiences with newer trucks, especially with modern software and AdBlue dosing systems. Because of the high cost of repairs to these systems, some operators who have had problems are now opting to go the hire route. This makes anything that goes wrong, 'someone else’s' problem. As with some others in the business, Tony has seen an increased level of enquires for electric vehicles, especially vans, though there remain some serious concerns about the range capabilities and the supporting infrastructure. In reality, “the vans are just not there yet,” he said. John Seaman of Cork Rent-A-Van would agree that at the moment, electric drivetrain technology is just not there as yet and feels there are a number of issues that make customers nervous about electric. One being the range and the other, the infrastructure, and while the charging points for the electric passenger car is an important issue, it is a critical issue in a commercial activity. Having drivers parked up for extended periods of the working day waiting for a van to charge could not be described as a productive use of time, in a market segment where both the margins, and delivery times are tight.
While John is aware that demand for vans is high across the board, he noted some interesting changes where customers are becoming quite selective about the specifications of the vans hired. He gave an example where “a customer might specify a front wheel drive to ensure they get a lower loading floor at the back, or sliding doors on both sides, as opposed to one”. Walker Vehicle Rental is one of the most recognised names in commercial vehicle hire in Ireland. Walker has a wealth of knowledge and experience about the business and fi nding the correct vehicles for customers is its forte. Walker’s Sales Director Fran Cunningham agrees with the majority of people spoken to regarding electric vehicles. “Not there yet, but in the category of 3.5 tonne and below we would anticipate electric vehicles playing a major part in the next 3 to 5 years. One reason that it is not successful at the moment is that the technology it too expensive. Rental as a business model depends on a standard product range and if someone is renting a vehicle they need certainty in the battery life, charging facilities the infrastructure and technology,” he said. “With uncertainty in the economy with issues such as Brexit, rising fuel and labor costs, fleet rental and contract hire remains the solution for many businesses as the flexibility provides a degree of comfort. In saying this, there are a large number of other companies where through our MAN and FUSO dealership in Cork we have noticed a strong demand in our 3.5 tonne upward
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46 | IN FOCUS
range through to the full range of trucks sold rather than rented,” added Fran. It is in this sector that Fran expects the new MAN TGE light commercial range that includes panel van and chassis cab versions to excel for Walkers. Fleet Plan Hire provides many of Ireland’s largest truck operators with the full range of contract vehicles, bodies and services. Company MD Jarlath Kelly has noticed an increase in the level of interest in alternative fuels, for both natural gas and electric powered commercials. “In the light weight categories up to 3.5 and even 5 tonne models there is a move to electric,” he said. Although again while the enquiries are strong people still remain hesitant when it comes to taking the jump as electric vehicles remain expensive. Th is is where Fleet Plan Hire can help, though as Jarlath pointed out, the fi nancing model is different because of the high initial price, and the, as yet, unknown residual value of a three to five year old electric van at the end of the term. While these issues have yet to be resolved, as has a national network of natural gas refuelling stations, Jarlath said there is a high level of interest from operators in CNG powered trucks, especially at the upper weight categories. Many would invest tomorrow, but they are conscious about the lack of fi lling station infrastructure which has been promised - but not delivered to date. There is of course one other option that falls between renting and buying. That option that was introduced to customers by Hireco Trailers just over two years ago, which is FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
rental purchase. Th rough this method the operator pays rent as per the agreement, but owns the piece of equipment at the end of the set term. The company is growing the number of services it offers to customers which includes full service and bodywork repairs, secure truck parking and of course trailer hire. Hireco’s Sales Manager Lorna Phipps commented that “operators just don’t want the hassle of looking after equipment, especially the bigger companies”. Th is of course delivers benefits in overheads with workshops and ensures compliance with roadworthiness regulations. Judging by Hireco’s addition of 5,000 trailers to the fleet over the past eighteen months, things are looking up. These new trailers are not the only investment made by Hireco, as the company, so long a feature of Dublin’s East Wall, will soon relocate to a new premises in Naas, County Kildare. What does the future look like? George O’Connor, Managing Director, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland (pictured right) forecasts that new technologies will continue to transform the way consumers access mobility, and businesses will need to think differently and modify their approach in order to continuously meet the evolving needs of their customers.
“We are experiencing growth across all lines of our business as we partner and consult with B2B customers to take away the challenges of fleet and mobility decisions to allow them to focus on growing their business, all while relying on a mobility provider that has a tailored a suite of solutions to meet and exceed their needs. For passenger and commercial vehicles from a couple of hours to a couple of years, there is a solution available from Enterprise.” The vehicle hire sector has always provided an instant and accurate barometer of the economy. People across all aspects of business need transport, and shifts in economic activity are quickly reflected in the hire market. In Ireland we have generally preferred to invest in owning our equipment in the full knowledge that - “when it’s paid for it’s mine”. Now many operators are realising the benefits contract hire can bring. It is commonplace to hire office equipment and outsource other goods and services - so why not do the same with the company’s fleet?
“Our Car Club offering, which was recently introduced in Ireland and is also available in the USA and UK, illustrates how a flexible, easy-to-use transport solution can bring cost savings and environmental benefits to companies and public entities. Th is is achieved through the provision bespoke IT system that allows customers 24-hour, on-demand access to vehicles through an app on their smartphone or tablet.” Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
COMMENT | 47
There’s more to “Landbridge” than you might think
O
ver the past few months I have done everything possible to avoid writing about Brexit. I even went on holiday to the other side of the world, but it seems that, like the proverbial train crash, it is going to happen.
From where I'm sitting - Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie
On my “To Do” list for when I got back from New Zealand was putt ing together a talk on Brexit preparations for the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference taking place, perhaps ironically, at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. I had put off draft ing the contribution to the discussion until I got back in the hope that Britain’s departure from the European Union would have evaporated in the meantime, but nothing really happened.
Another EU initiative may also be helpful. Th is is the planned revision of the current Trans-European network. One likely change could be the designation of ports in the South-east of Ireland and of ports on the French side of the English Channel as being included on the revised network. That would enable fi nancial aid to be given to developments at ports including Rosslare and Waterford and to improved services linking them with continental ports.
One speaker at the Conference really surprised me with the assertion that the Brexit requirement for Border controls would effectively kill off the use of the British Landbridge as a route to European markets for the Irish pharma and food industries and, effectively put those exporters out of business. Yes, he may have a point that the controls may delay vehicles in transit for a number of hours, but it is nobody’s interest to let trucks grind to a halt. Exporters, forwarders, shipping lines and hauliers are sufficiently professional to ensure that all the paperwork is fully accurate and in order, and that the bonds are in place.
As Brexit looms ever near exporters and importers are digging more deeply into what are their actual delivery schedule needs for cargo to and from the continent. In many cases companies have been fi nding that they can use Lo-Lo services integrated with rail services on the continent and secure door-to-door delivery times that are just as good as current driver accompanied landbridge services and at a considerably lower cost. The operators of these services are gett ing smarter and taking full advantage of the potential of IT developments to really move the cargo along.
There are no indications that the ports on the British side of the Irish Sea won’t be able to cope. The risk of Dover Strait congestion will be reduced somewhat provided the British Government agrees to the EU proposal to keep the Channel tunnel open and facilitate the operation of passenger and freight services through the Tunnel for a three-month period even if there is no deal by 29 March. The EU deal insists that the UK must maintain existing EU safety standards and comply with EU rules covering train-driver licences and such matters. It could enable controls be done away from the ports of Dover and Calais. The £90 million that the British Government has agreed to pay to DFDS Seaways and to Brittany Ferries that will subsidise the provision of extra service frequencies on their services mainly in the North Sea and the Western English Channel could actually be a game changer. The extra DFDS capacity and frequencies will operate out of Immingham and Felixstowe to Benelux ports while the nineteen additional weekly Brittany Ferry sailings will be added to three routes, Plymouth to Roscoff, Poole to Cherbourg and Portsmouth to Le Havre. Higher frequencies on these routes could offer the route planners for landbridge traffic some interesting alternatives – particularly in the case of the Immingham and Felixstowe options; the trailers may spend more time on ferries but running from Liverpool or Holyhead to Immingham is a lot quicker than driving to Dover, while the Rotterdam or Zeebrugge run to fi nal destination may also be a lot shorter than running from Calais. Add the cost savings on fuel and the greater use of unaccompanied shipment, the whole thing may not come together too badly after all.
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THE CV SHOW
30 APRIL - 2 MAY • NEC • BIRMINGHAM THE UK’S LA ARGES ST C OMM MERCIAL VEHIC CLE SHOW
The showroom for excellence One event. Three days. Build your industry knowledge at The Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 in an interactive way. Explore the latest products and developments in the show halls and discover the dedicated Cool and Workshop zones. The Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 is the showroom for excellence, providing an ideal opportunity to network and engage. Visit us at the NEC Birmingham, Tuesday 30th April – Thursday 2nd May 2019.
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OPINION | 49
Truck driving robots – Not there yet!
View from the Operators Desk by Sean Murtagh sean@fleet.ie
A
bout two years ago on the Marian Finucane Show on RTE Radio 1, a discussion began about the likelihood of robots replacing manual labour in the mainstream. Truck drivers were mentioned and the general wisdom of her panel was that almost half a million of them would be replaced in the United States in the near future. Similar numbers in Europe would also face extinction, according to her contributors. In the past two years Marian has put this prediction out in other discussions, condemning drivers to a fate similar to dinosaurs. Is she right? Depending on the age profi le, are we the last of the “species”? Personally, I am not convinced that driverless trucks are as close as some people might think. A few points are worth reviewing on this issue. For a start, driverless trucks are here, or at least the technology has been developed. Many of us have seen these autonomous vehicles work in a controlled environment. There is no doubt that the technology and know how to make a truck or bus (or any vehicle for that matter) move in a controlled fashion without a driver is available now. Crucial decisions have to be made to establish a legal framework to control these automated systems that will be as efficient and as cost effective as one controlled by a human. Let’s go back a few decades to a time when there was in today’s terms very litt le automation. When a truck arrived at a premises it was generally a surprise, as there was no mobile phone contact with the driver to be sure of the arrival time and no satellite tracking to pinpoint the delivery progress. It is worth noting that in the not too distant past the land line reliability in Ireland was generally inconsistent. Back to the truck, two men would have been on board and possibly two more on site to offload by hand. Th is could have taken four hours and even though labour was cheaper than now, the cost was significant. In the case of export and imports, the same procedures often happened at ports. In a short time fork lift trucks and containerised transport became the norm, improving efficiency and reducing cost. Helpers disappeared, communication improved, more trucks with sleeper cabs appeared and the industry evolved and moved on - just as it will continue to evolve.
Road transport as an industry has never been afraid of change, but it is likely there will be a few steps to reach the stage of autonomous trucks. Some bus companies are planning autonomous depots as a start. A driver would arrive to the entrance of a depot and the bus would then move around freely to the fuelling point and cleaning bays. It is likely that a degree of autonomy could be introduced in container depots and large distribution centres, similar to the way automated warehouses work. Some of the proposed developments and changes that are suggested may not be as efficient as they may appear at fi rst. Take for example the idea of “platooning”, this idea - where one driver leading a convoy would be in control of possibly ten trucks - was seen, particularly by environmentalists, as a “breakthrough”. Well, the reality has turned out a litt le differently as two major truck manufacturers have abandoned the project. Without being cynical, platooning was invented years ago, better known by its more common name, trains! Autonomous driving would seem like the answer to many of the problems road haulage faces, but there are more steps that need to be taken before it will become a reality and some of those steps will bring cost reduction and efficiency with them. A litt le more patience is therefore required.
Some Come, Some Go... Goods Vehicles equipped with Groeneveld’s Heavy Duty Automatic Chassis Greaser Always on the move for Best Profitability
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50 | LEGAL
Is your haulage operation correctly insured?
T
o determine the cost of an insurance policy, an insurance company must have full details of the risk that is to be insured.
Historically insurance companies were constantly being deceived by people and companies seeking insurance, with the result that in the UK the law was changed by the introduction of the requirement that a contract of insurance would be a contract requiring ‘uberrima fidei’ – the utmost good faith. Th is change enabled insurance companies to refuse to accept claims on a policy where there had been a failure to notify the insurers of a change in the circumstances of the insured, even if the company could not possibly have been aware of the change. The law in the UK and the Republic of Ireland has now been relaxed and, if an insurance company refuses to meet a claim on the grounds of non-disclosure of a material fact, the insured company can now argue that it was not reasonably possible to have been aware of the changed circumstances. Having said that, it is surprising how often road transport companies make operational or commercial changes without notifying their insurers, risking the loss of the protection provided by the insurance policy. A successful commercial undertaking relies on a reliable and efficient haulage service, and this reliance, in many cases, results in a close working relationship. It is not unusual for a customer to ask the carrier to carry additional cargo, whether in the form of an additional number of cartons or in the form of additional weight. Sometimes the destination may be changed, or a destination added, and sometimes the nature of the load may be altered, or its value increased.
Finally, and most importantly, the operator should have regular conversations with the insurance broker. From the point of view of the insurer the fundamental rule remains that there should be full disclosure, and whilst, to the operator, a slight change in the load or its destination may be of no significance, many external factors may affect the real value of the risk so far as the insurers are concerned. Operators should remember that insurance requires daily attention and should not be just an annual event. “The safe and secure transport of high value, oversized machines requires tough trailers with exceptional loading flexibility. In both regards, the Profi Liner and Dry Liner Duoplex Steel from KRONE are more than up to the task.” Adam Ambrose. Operations Director, Flegg Projects.
The reality is that if possible many customers will forget to tell the haulier that the weight of the load, or its nature, has been changed and take the chance that the change will not be noticed in the hope that the haulier’s rates do not increase. In the event of an accident, or damage to the load however, these changes may well mean that the insurers will refuse to accept liability, arguing that the risk is no longer the risk they believed they were insuring. In the event of a Court case the question asked will be whether or not the carrier should have been aware of the changes that had been made to the load. The fi rst line of defence for the transport company, as is often the case, is to be able to show that the driver, indeed all the company’s drivers, have been instructed to tell the employer if he, or she, notices anything unusual about the load whether in relation to its weight or appearance. Any change in the destination of the load, or the time for delivery should always cause the operator to ask a question. In the context of the business the change may be insignificant and the question asked by the operator should not sound like an interrogation. The operator should make conversations about the load as part of the daily routine. It is not necessary to ‘fall out’ with your customer.
KRONE Profi Liner Sliding, raising roof Hydraulic rear widening to 3.480 mm Krone Multi Lock strapping system
Sales office UK and Ireland: Peckfield Business Park, Phoenix Avenue, Micklefield, LEEDS. LS 25 4DY
Tel: +44 (0)1132 878817 | www.krone-trailer.com Registered office: Fahrzeugwerk Bernard KRONE GmbH & Co. KG Bernard-Krone-Straße 1, D-49757 Werlte, Germany
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Text: Jonathan Lawton - jonathan@fleet.ie
TYRES | 51
Kerr’s Tyres Group expands across Leinster and Ballymount, South Dublin. Members of the Maher family will continue as part of the new management team.
A
ntrim headquartered tyre management company Kerr’s Tyres Group has further expanded its business across County Dublin by acquiring the long established tyre businesses of the Maher family. Maher’s has been in this business for 45 years in the Greater Dublin area providing sales and service for car, van, truck and the construction sectors trading under a number of names and locations such as: Auto Tyre Services, Rathoath Vulcanising and Tyre Services. Kerr’s Tyres will be rebranding all the business as Auto Tyre Services and will open two additional centres in Donabate, North Dublin
The acquisition compliments Kerr’s existing business model which already operates in the Dublin area, bringing the Kerr’s Tyres Group up to 10 centres while decreasing the reliance on using subcontractors for its commercial clients. The integration of the two businesses will bring additional expertise, bespoke services and resources to provide an even better customer experience, according to Norman Kerr, Kerr’s Tyres Group MD, who commented: “Th is is Kerr’s Tyres’ second acquisition in the last 6 months demonstrating the growth ambitions of the business. The Maher family had an excellent reputation with experienced staff and this will secure Kerr’s geographical presence in the Leinster region. With the uncertainty around Brexit still to be clarified, we felt more than ever we had to put a solid foundation in the area to ensure our business and that of our customers kept flowing uninterrupted. We are excited with the opportunities that this will present to us bringing additional infrastructure, securing market share, and combining our expertise for further strategic growth.”
Goodyear extends Transaid support Emergency Transport Scheme (ETS) for remote communities that had previously faced long walks on foot to access medical facilities.
G
oodyear has renewed its corporate membership of international development organisation Transaid for a further year, after fi rst pledging its support in 2015.
David Howe, Commercial Sales General Manager at Goodyear, said: “We became involved with Transaid because we wanted to help improve the lives of people in Africa and we are delighted by the impact we’ve been able to have in such a short space of time. Knowing our first bicycle ambulance has already helped to save lives made the decision to renew our support a very simple one; we’re naturally very excited to get our second bicycle ambulance into a community in early in 2019.”
The renewal cements the company’s support for Transaid’s lifesaving projects in sub-Saharan Africa, with its financial contribution providing essential unrestricted funding towards the testing and implementation of new programmes aimed at improving road safety and access to healthcare.
Th is latest bicycle ambulance donation will directly support a project aimed at increasing access to malaria medicines for young children, following the exceptional results from a 12-month pilot in the Serenje district in Zambia. During the trial period there were just three recorded deaths from severe child malaria – compared to the 97 deaths that would ordinarily have been expected.
Goodyear has also agreed to fund a new bicycle ambulance to support the scale up of the MAMaZ Against Malaria programme in Zambia, in which Transaid has demonstrated how a functioning supply chain can save children’s lives. It donated its first Goodyear-branded bicycle ambulance in 2015, supporting Transaid’s implementation of a local
Caroline Barber, CEO of Transaid added: “Our corporate members are essential to the success of Transaid, and we’re delighted Goodyear has renewed its support for another year. They are a fantastic team to work with, and we are excited for what we can continue to achieve together.”
Guy Heywood appointed new Marketing Director at Hankook Europe
H
ankook Tire Europe has appointed Guy Heywood as the new Marketing and Strategy Director for its European truck and bus business. Guy has over twenty years of experience in the tyre industry mainly in leadership positions, Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
and most recently as the Commercial Director for Michelin in the UK, and Truck, Bus & Service Director for North Europe. He takes up the position of Seok Yun Kim who has relocated as Managing Director of Hankook’s organisation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. www.fleet.ie
52 | FINANCE
The Importance of Budgeting
O
ver the last two years, the requirements by banks for road transport firms to produce budgeted profit and loss forecasts and cash flow forecasts for the next 12 and 24 months were in the main a process where actual results have exceeded projections. The buoyant economy meant that turnover has increased, finance has become more readily available, customers' payments have become more regular and credit risk has reduced. Financial institutions however cannot and will not fall into the trap of poor lending decisions that are not adequately monitored and controlled and this is the reason that accurate budgeting is so important. What are the practical uses of a budget? The biggest use of a budget is that it allows to forecast fi nancially the year ahead and take action on matters now to effect the fi nancial outcome of the next year or two years. Setting a budget by the accountant and then not referring to it over the course of the year eliminates any practical use it has. A budget to be useful sets targets for the year ahead, is a basis on which a cash flow forecast is produced and is a tool by which to monitor the business month-on-month. If you had forecasted diesel to cost â‚Ź1.15 a litre and the actual cost is â‚Ź1, this should give rise to a positive variance (difference) of actual costs from budgeted costs.
are highly trained and with commissioned expert advice, look at the data on a purely arms length basis. From this fi nancial data, the banks will assess in detail whether the numbers stack up, how accurate are the assumptions, the level of risk and how well managed is the business.
The two biggest costs in operating a transport fi rm are wages and diesel, and if current volumes dictate increased staff numbers, this will give rise to spiralling staff costs because of a lack of availability of such staff presently. In conjunction with the accountant there is a need to plan best strategy to maximise profitability and sustainability. A cut back on turnover or using subcontractors with close supervision on standard of work may be needed. Most transport operators remember a time pre-recession when drivers dictated the units driven and business profitability was guaranteed by increased turnover. With Brexit around the corner we cannot fall into this trap again. With regard to diesel purchasing and usage there is now far more control over usage and vehicle monitoring. The majority of fleets have telematics information that give clear guidelines on how drivers are performing and a well-structured driver incentive scheme should give positive results. Fleets are now specified to be most fuel efficient and drivers tend to migrate for higher wages not premium brand trucks. The control and budgeting of this massive cost is keenly scrutinised by banks when they assess the business during annual review or applications for additional funding. Once the budget is completed, the next step is to produce a cash flow forecast. If the budget shows a projected profit and the cash flow forecast shows an increasing overdraft, the accountant will explain where this apparent disparity arises from (actually paying for capital items quicker than they are depreciating). The accountant will then give a number of options available to remedy this. If the budget is showing losses and the company still has a positive cash flow it means the healthy balance sheet is being eroded, in other words, previous years' hard work going out the door. Previously budgets were produced purely as a box ticking exercise by banks. Now this process is accessed by credit committees that FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie
Europe’s first Smart Logistics System!
www.timocom.com
54 | LCV II
Innovative NV300 Concept-van highlights from Nissan professionals. For a woodworker moving regularly between jobs, it would allow them to power their professional life – from tools to tablets – in a highly efficient and eco-friendly way. Comprising second-life batteries recovered from Nissan LEAF electric vehicles which have come to the end of their life, Nissan Energy ROAM is the latest example of Nissan’s leadership in sustainable energy technology. The power pack can even be recharged using a solar panel accessory – as mounted on the roof of the NV300 Concept-van – making it a truly ‘off-grid’ power solution.
O
ne of the more interesting and unique exhibits at the recent Brussels Motor Show was at the Nissan stand, with the Japanese brand showcasing its rather special all-new NV300 Concept-van.
and Studio Hardie, a highly respected British design studio. The tastefully hand crafted work on the interior fitt ings blends practicality with artistic flair, with ash being the timber used as per traditional carriage making.
In dramatic fashion, the vehicle’s cargo area has been kitted out as a mobile workshop for a creative woodworking professional. It contains numerous practical and innovative features, with the attention to detail secondto-none.
The NV300 Concept-van also comes equipped with an integrated portable battery solution called Nissan Energy ROAM – an all-in-one, weatherproof power pack that provides convenient, emission-free and silent power while on the go. With a storage capacity of 700Wh and maximum power output of 1kW, this portable battery solution is a state-of-the-art energy hub for mobile
The van’s content has been developed and created in a collaboration between Nissan
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
The NV300 Concept-van is a great example of the new possibilities which Nissan might one day deliver to commercial customers. Its personalised load space includes innovations such as an integrated touch-screen computer, swivel seating on floor rails, space-saving bespoke storage and LED lighting in the ceiling. Designed for both professional and leisure use, Nissan Energy ROAM offers a clean, sustainable solution for customers needing electricity on the go. It will launch in European markets in spring 2019.
LCV II | 55
New Ford Ranger enhanced all-round
F
rom mid-2019, a new version of the successful, awardwinning Ford Ranger Pick-up will deliver more power, greater fuel-efficiency, enhanced refinement and advanced driver assistance technologies for customers across Europe. The revamped version of Europe’s best-selling Pick-up truck features Ford’s latest Euro 6, 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for lowest diesel emissions, delivering up to a nine percent fuel-efficiency improvement when combined with an advanced new 10-speed automatic transmission. The new Ranger engine line-up will be led by the powerful Bi-turbo version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, delivering 213PS and 500Nm of torque – up by 13PS and 30Nm compared with the current 3.2-litre TDCi diesel – for greater load-hauling capability. Th is new drivetrain replaces the 2.2-litre TDCi engine used previously. New Ranger styling enhancements include a revised front bumper design and a new grille, the central horizontal bar now split along its length into two slim sections. The interior now comes with Ebony Black trim, and the Wildtrak version features a more upscale, sporting appeal. Ranger is to be the first vehicle in its class to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Intelligent Speed Assist as standard. Active Park Assist is now also available, in addition to the existing range of advanced driving technologies designed to make driving less stressful and to help avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions. Double Cab high-power variants now feature Active Noise Control technology for improved refi nement. Flagship Ranger Wildtrak models and luxurious Ranger Limited both also offer new premium features, including an easy-lift tailgate.
Its off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3,500kg, and payload capacity of up to 1,252kg. The Ford Performance-developed new Ranger Raptor – the toughest and most high-performing Ranger ever – also goes on sale to thrillseeking customers across Europe in mid-2019. The FordPass Connect on-board telematics modem turns the Ranger into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices, and also enables a range of features to be accessed via the FordPass mobile app – making the vehicle ownership and operating experience easier and more productive for owner-drivers and fleet drivers, including: • Vehicle Status, allowing the driver to remotely monitor items such as oil level, tyre pressures and mileage before sett ing off • Vehicle Locator, helping drivers fi nd their vehicle in busy car parks or unfamiliar work locations • Remote lock/unlock, allowing the driver to allow access for colleagues, or giving the driver peace of mind that the vehicle is locked
Latest Mercedes-Benz V-Class
W
hen the Mercedes-Benz V-Class was introduced four years ago it became a standard bearer in the MPV segment with its design, high-quality feel, comfort and safety assistance systems. The facelift builds upon these core values and thus improves the att ractiveness of the biggest member of the Stuttgart-based brand’s range of passenger carriers and mobile leisure vehicles. What’s more, the latest rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz V-Class paves the way for the next edition Vito van and all versions will soon be offering a fully-electric MPV. New Design & Comfort features in brief: • New presence, thanks to newly designed bumper with reshaped cooling air intake and diamond structure of the radiator grille • There’s a new-look interior thanks to newly designed air vents and new “tartufo” leather colour • There is a new four-cylinder OM 654 diesel with reduced emission and consumption values • New top engine in the V 300 d with 176 kW (239 hp) and 500 Nm torque delivering best values. In the acceleration phase, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30 Nm of torque (“overtorque”) Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
• •
•
An SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for reducing nitrous oxides is fitted For the fi rst time in the V-Class, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission will be available to increase shift ing comfort and fuel efficiency, replacing the 7-speed version Available for the fi rst time, Active Brake Assist can, depending on the situation, reduce the severity of a collision with a vehicle in front, stationary obstacles and pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path (in urban traffic) or it can even prevent them from occurring altogether www.fleet.ie
56 | TRAILER
Krone doubles production capacity for swap bodies and dry freight boxes
D
ue to the positive market demand for interchangeable systems and Dry Liners, Europe’s #2 trailer manufacturer Krone is undertaking a significant increase in production capacity at its Herzlake site in Germany. As Managing Director Bernhard Brüggen explained, production output will be doubled to over 25,000 units in the next one and a half years: “We have already laid the foundation for this production offensive with the introduction of automatic component production in Herzlake. Our swap body systems and Dry Liners stand for high product quality combined with numerous innovative load securing solutions and are therefore in high demand on the market, as evidenced, for example, by our market share of around 70 % for swap bodies. In addition, there is a significant increase in demand, which is also generated by the booming online trade,” Mr. Brüggen continued. In addition to the massive increase in production, this is also associated with an investment offensive. As part of the extensive automation implementation and the associated robot production systems, the entire product range is being revised. This is particularly important not only in order to further increase quality, but also to further increase customer benefits. At the Herzlake site, Krone manufactures steel swap bodies, curtain swap bodies, box semi-trailers and CEP vehicles for courier and express journeys. The range of swap boxes includes beaded or smooth side walls as well as plywood and carbofont-versions or cases open on one side. Variety is also the order of the day when it comes to the design of the cases: from telescopic support legs to double-deck equipment to roller shutters and much more, the choice is almost unlimited. The curtain boxes, which are available in different lengths
and storage heights as well as with different roof and wall systems, are also flexible and practical. At Herzlake, the dry freight box Dry Liner is also built, which can be used for the transport of high-quality and moisture-sensitive goods. The Dry Liner is available with side walls made of steel, plywood or carbofont; various equipment modules can also be selected for the interior. Its coating system is top class too thanks to KTL-plus powder coating. Cathodic dip painting (KTL) is a dip coating which is applied electrolytically to the metal body and baked at approx. 200 °C. The coating is then applied to the metal body. Th is achieves incomparable corrosion protection. Characteristics of the KTLplus powder vehicles are a high gloss shine, highest stone impact resistance, reliable protection against rust and long service life. At the Herzlake production facility, steel structures up to 16 m long, 3.2 m high and 2.6 m wide can be coated in one piece. The total area of the plant in Herzlake covers around 352,000 sq.m.
Schmitz Cargobull Pharma customers benefit from GDP Certificate
P
harma logistics operators, who are required to demonstrate the safety of their processes in GDP (Good Distribution Practice of medicinal products for human use) audits every year, now have a strong partner at their side in the transport sector with Schmitz Cargobull. “We have passed the GDP audit for our TrailerConnect unit and the telematics service portal with flying colours,” reported Marco Reichwein, Managing Director of Schmitz Cargobull Telematics. German Authority TÜV SÜD tested the hardware and soft ware and certified both as GDPcompliant at the end of 2018. In 2013, the European Commission introduced the GDP for quality assurance FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
in the trailer and its storage through to its presentation in the portal or its transmission in the API (interface for the transfer of data to third-party systems)”, explained Hendrik Voth, Product Manager at Schmitz Cargobull Telematics.
and protection against counterfeit medicines. Manufacturers, pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacists must have their processes GDP-audited annually. “With our GDP certificate we can ensure and document comprehensive process safety over the entire supply chain from the recording of the data
Meanwhile Schmitz Cargobull has closed its V.KO Van Bodies production facility in Berlin. With the expansion of its product portfolio in the van segment from three to six tonnes, Schmitz Cargobull developed and launched an innovative product and van body concept. The quality of the van body kits was convincing, but in the highly competitive environment of van bodies, production in the current set-up is not economically efficient in the long term, according to the company statement.
Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie
58 | SOAPBOX
Open letter to Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue Dear Minister Donohue, You wrote in the Sunday Business Post on 17 February an article headed: “We must generate consensus on key policies”. My answer to you, as an someone who has worked in the road transport business for almost fi ft y years is: “Sure, we are delighted to, why don’t you ask the Ministers in charge of the Departments of Transport and Environment to talk to us stakeholders as partners of Ireland Inc. together with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), to hear our opinion, as otherwise we have to continue to obey their dictat. Culture goes very deep. As regards your quote from historian Tom Garvin stating that prior to our joining the EU, the State “prevented the future”, as someone who started working for myself in road transport the year before you were born I absolutely agree. However, what is overlooked completely is that the culture within State Departments has taken a lot longer to change. Personally, I don’t think that change if any, is other than skin deep, as their orders are enforced by our membership of the European Union, rather than an internally driven desire. In the article you stated that: “Now we wholly embrace the future of increased possibilities for ourselves and our fellow citizens”. As a citizen freed up from the shackles of the State protecting its own, removed as a consequence by our membership of the EU, I embraced the freedom membership afforded me. However, I would argue Government Departments only did the bare minimum and then, only under duress. Nowhere in your article do you mention the thousands of small businesses such as my own, which are the backbone of rural employment. You talk of fi ne ideals for the future of our country to which we would all aspire such as, for example, early year’s education. All of these have to be paid from a tax take from citizens in
TRANSPORT www.fleet.ie
Engaging Connectivity FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 19
employment, and those of us in the road transport industry would argue that you have constantly overlooked our industry as a source of wealth creation. With Brexit on the horizon Ireland’s Government instigated the “All-Island Dialogues” which representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) attended. I wrote, after attending my fi rst “Sectoral Dialogue” that now, facing a national crisis we would fi nally all be playing on the one team. The IRHA offered the example of the Holland International Distribution Council as a model going forward for our sector with no response. I do not know of one tangible outcome from those meetings. We continue to have regulation after regulation from one Government source or another introduced and enforced. No one was asking for or listening to our opinion when given, least of all the Minister for Transport. The question of “does this make us more Brexit ready or not?” never arises, Brexit seems to be happening somewhere else.
consensus”. Not one Minister is building a consensus with our industry, there is no dialogue, just do this and do that. As an example; we see vast sums being spent on CNG natural gas stations at approx €1.5 million each, based on the cost of the Dublin Port installation, that at best, only a minority of trucks will ever use. These and other measures are driven by those who have decided that they know best, no mention of consensus there. The IRHA looks forward to engaging someday in real dialogue to reach a consensus on what is good for our industry. If you and your fellow Ministers can achieve that, this Government will go down in history as having achieved significant change. We would welcome the opportunity to “develop a deeper sense of citizenship”. We have much to offer, if given the opportunity.
“Finally, on climate change, you highlighted as a key priority the “need to build a
AWARDS 2020 Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie
Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77
New 3 axle step frame low loader, extendable, with hook on aluminium loading ramps. 39 tonne payload, stake pockets and twistlock pockets.
New Faymonville 4 axle step frame low loader, Įxed bed, double Ňip ramps with hydraulic side shiŌ, out riggers, marker boards, 48 tonne payload.
New Faymonville 5 axle step frame extendable low loader, 3 steer axles, front liŌ axle, auto greaser, opƟon for hook on aluminium ramps or hydraulic ramps.
New Schmitz Cargobull 80 cubic yard bulk scrap trailer, hardox steel body, barn doors with safety lock, front liŌ axle, very strong trailer with light tare weight, 8 tonnes , in stock ready to go.
Wide range of trailers in stock. Ready for delivery, call for more opƟons.
New Faymonville 4 axle 9Ō wide, extendable, payload 60 tonnes, double Ňip ramps, hydraulic legs under rear, out riggers, marker boards, ready to go.
New Schmitz Cargbull 70 cubic yard bulk Ɵpping trailer, aluminium body, with roll over cover, combi door (can be used as barn doors and also as normal top hinge door) Front liŌ axle, wabco smartboard, grain hatches, in stock, choice.
www.ashbournetruckcentre.com
ALSO AVAILABLE
Rear Tipper
Dropside
Rear Tipper with Load Box
• 14ft Box Body includes rear barn doors (270˚ opening) with the option of a side door if required • Tail Lift also available on request • Suitable for B-Class (Car) license holders • Pre-approved, ready to drive away today • Rear Tipper and Dropside available for Canter 3.5T, Rear Tipper also available for 7.5T
fuso.ie A Frank Keane Group Company