Fleet Transport May 2015 webfull

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE Inside!

Premiered at CV Show 2015

Súil Eile!

REVIEWS:

IE P RE V

W:

MAY 15

€4.50 inc.V.A.T.

STG £3.75

9.27mpg!

(But don’t just take our word for it)*

*Independent 44 tonne, 6x2 road test – Commercial Motor 8/12/11.

The price of fuel isn’t coming down. So MAN has been busy developing engines that use a lot less of it for you. As proved in the recent test of our TGX 26.440 by Commercial Motor, with a record-breaking 9.27mpg that put the MAN way ahead of its competitors.

Add our MAN EcoStyle system, standard on every MAN truck with an R&M contract and helping operators save anything up to another 15% on their fuel bills, and you have a partnership that could stand the test of even these recessionary times.

MAN economy... and you!

MAN Importers Ireland Ltd., Oak Close, Oak Road Business Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: 01 419 1300 Fax: 01 419 1370 enquiries@mantrucks.ie www.mantrucks.ie

Contents MAY 15

Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, Rob Van Dieten, HSA, Joe O'Brien, Dr. Betty Maguire, Michael Corcoran, Leonard Allison

4 News • Moves at Cold Move • BUMBLEance Truck Run • FPS meets Transport Committee MEP • AIB supports Business • IRHA Conference • 46 GVW for trucks and drags • Moffett auction give away for 70th Anniversary • Daimler Trucks laud Louisville 8 New Fleet I Details of new Scania, Renault, Hino, Iveco & MAN 10 Cover European Premiere of Sinotruk A7 12 New Fleet II More new truck sales

16 Report I IEA Supply Chain Ireland

Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey

20 Review I FPS Expo, Harrogate, UK

Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney

22 Fleeting Shots Pin Pics from the industry

Design: Eamonn Wynne

38 Report III Scania YETD 2015 40 Health Matters The demon drink!

41 Awards Get your entries in for the Fleet Transport Awards

48 Opinion Prelude to IRHA Conference

31 Report II SEAI Energy Show, RDS, Dublin 32 Warehousing IFOY Awards – Part II

P6

37 Fuel Prices & Safety Matters

46 Legal Taking shortcuts

30 Event Preview Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2015

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.

36 Design Applauding young designer Barry Llewellyn

44 Finance Business Partnerships

24 Review II CV Show 2015, NEC, Birmingham, UK

Printed in Ireland

34 Feature HGV Aftermarket

42 Times Past Army specials

14 Profile Brian Cunningham Transport

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Joe O'Brien, Michael Corcoran, Leonard Allison

www.fleet.ie | 3

50 Comment The M50 & Dublin traffic 52 Shipping & Freight Maritime Stories 53 Trailer Featuring Krone, Thermo King & Hiab 54 Soapbox Credit where credit is due

P22

Transport Barometer: Data from 16/03/2015 - 14/04/2015

Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

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

Official Irish jury member of the International Forklift Truck Award

follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport

P36

TimoCom presents IT solutions at Transport Logistic 2015

For 18 years, both quality and quantity have been TimoCom's top priorities.

In the end, this is evident in the IT service provider's technical and entrepreneurial progress. It is therefore not surprising that in recent years the software company that has Europe's largest transport platform and offers the related products and services has established itself as market leader. An essential part of their success are without a doubt the more than 100,000 users who access the 450,000 freight and vehicle offers every day.

Visitors to this year's transport logistics trade fair in Munich (5/8 May), TimoCom presented its valuable products to everyone involved in transport - TC Truck&Cargo, TC eBid, the warehousing exchange and TC eMap were be tested at various work stations. www.fleet.ie

4 | NEWS 1

Management Buyout at Cold Move

A

management buyout has been completed at Cold Move, the Galway headquartered supply chain specialists. In a deal worth €4.5m structured by Donworth Capital, over 100 jobs have been secured at its four facilities, serving customers in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Jason Mallon commented, “Cold Move is now well placed to continue its development as a leader in the supply chain sector. The re-structuring brings expertise and a well-financed balance sheet, enabling the development of our business. The team would like to thank Donworth for their on-going support through the process and welcomes John as Chairman of the Board of Cold Move.”

Cold Move’s Managing Director, Jason Mallon who in 2005 joined the company from the beginning and together with Stephen Gillen has partnered with John Casey of Donworth to structure the acquisition which was part financed

by Bank of Ireland.

Donworth Capital, established in 2012 by senior industry professionals John Casey and Peter Strange, invests in

businesses with growth potential and provides strategic corporate advice to businesses on mergers, acquisitions and restructuring.

Last year, Cold Move recorded a turnover of €7.6 million and is forecast for continued growth. The company provides temperature controlled and ambient supply chain management services to retailers, manufacturers, brand owners and food service operators.

BUMBLEance Truck Run

W

ell known Midlands haulage company, Tierney International, has joined with the newly opened Obama Plaza in Moneygall to host the inaugural Truck Run in aid of BUMBLEance, the Children’s Ambulance service.

Transport operators are invited to send a truck to participate in the charity run or if staff members would like to be involved in the fundraising effort, contact Jennifer Tierney through Facebook htt ps://www.facebook.com/ events

Donations can be made on-line through the event’s i-donate account available through the following link htt p://www.idonate.ie/bumbleancetruckrun.

Cheques made payable to BUMBLEance Truck Run can also be sent.

“We appreciate any donations, whatever the size may be and we thank everyone in advance,” said Jennifer Tierney. “We look forward to seeing you on the day and helping this great cause to raise the funds they need for a second ambulance.”

Details of the BUMBLEance Truck Run is as follows: • The event commences at the Obama Plaza (Junction 23 on the M7) at 2:30pm.

• Route begins from Obama Plaza to Toomevara to Nenagh to Borrisokane to Birr to Roscrea to Dunkerrin and returns to the Obama Plaza.

• Registration takes place on the day upstairs in the Obama Plaza between 12 - 2:15pm.

• All categories of trucks welcome, but restricted to tractor units and rigids only.

• Family fun day and entertainment are being provided in the Plaza that day as well as a marquee, music and refreshments in Ollie Hayes bar in Moneygall that night.

FPS meets with EU Transport Committee Member Deirdre Clune MEP

F

PS, the Federation of Fuel Suppliers for the UK & Ireland has travelled to Brussels on a few occasions to lobby for a Derogation on the changes to the Driver’s Hours Weekend Break.

Under current tachograph legislation the Weekend Break is 45 hours, which is not practical for the oil distribution business particularly in the winter months when the demand for heating oil deliveries FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

are at a peak. FPS is seeking the Weekend Break be reduced to 35 hours for oil distributors.

Pictured are (L/R): Mark Askew FPS, Deirdre Clune MEP, Nicholas Hayes FPS Ireland, Cathy Corrigan, Naas Oil Company on meeting with Ms. Clune on 17 April in Brussels.

NEWS II | 5

AIB Commercial Finance Regional Event Cork: Supporting Business

A

IB Bank’s commitment to regional development and its expertise covering multiple industry sectors from Food to Agriculture to the Hospitality sector were highlighted at a Breakfast Briefing in Cork. Over sixty of Munster’s accountancy practices were in attendance to hear from Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Macroom Haulage on how AIB has played a major role in the success of his award winning business. Paddy explained how he considers the bank as a business partner and how AIB supported his business during tough times to being a fi nancially strong and diverse company.

He presented a specific example on how Invoice Discounting assisted his business without additional cost or incurring any administration burden.

Paddy actually used this method as a tool to reduce costs and drive his family run business forward.

With the advice of an experienced fi nancial team in this specialist sector, Paddy works with the bank to improve procedures and processes, which allows him to make quick and prudent fi nancial decisions. "In the tough world of transport," Paddy stated. "It’s good to have a bank like AIB in your corner and knows the industry like ours."

Pictured (l-r) Conor O'Sullivan, AIB; Deirdre Morrissey, ID Manager, AIB; John O'Doherty, Regional Director, AIB; Alan O'Regan, Head Asset Finance, AIB; Deirdre Moore, Head of AIB Commercial Services and Donal Dempsey.

IRHA Annual Conference 2015 – 8/9 May

T

he Slieve Russel Hotel in Ballyconnell, County Cavan is the chosen venue for this year’s annual Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) Conference and AGM. To be held over the weekend of the 8/9 May, the main focus of the AGM will be the election of a new President and a new National Executive and Management Team to represent the interests of the road transport industry over the next two years.

“The fi rst session of business will commence on Friday 8 May at 7.30 p.m with the second session taking place the next morning from 9.30 a.m. After lunch, the fi rst meeting of the newly elected Council will be held,” stated Jonathan Molony, National Secretary, IRHA. Current IRHA President, Eoin Gavin (Bunratt y) steps down after two successful tenures at the helm.

Weight Limit Increase to 46 tonnes GVW for 6 (or more) axle Rigid Truck & Drawbar Trailer Combinations

T

he Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport has signed new Regulations into law allowing a national weight limit increase to 46 tonnes GVW for 6 (or more) axle rigid truck and drawbar trailer combinations from 1 June 2015.

Six (or more) axle rigid truck and drawbar trailer combinations will then be allowed operate at a gross combination weight of 46 tonnes. Th is represents up to a 4 tonne increase over the pre-existing national weight limit and aligns with the limit applicable to six axle articulated vehicle combinations, which was introduced on 1 April 2013. However, it is subject to vehicles satisfying the following standards: Rigid trucks and drawbar trailers already in service will require air/equivalent suspension systems and Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) in order to be allowed to operate as part of a 46 tonne combination.

New 3 axle rigid trucks fi rst registered on or

after 1 June 2015 (in addition to requiring air/equivalent suspension systems and EBS) will also need Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however new rigid trucks registered from this date having more than 3 axles are exempt from requiring ESC. New drawbar trailers first licensed on or after 1 June 2015 (in addition to requiring air/equivalent suspension systems and EBS) will also require Roll Stability Control (RSC).

A system has been put in place to plate both new and existing vehicles for 46 tonne operation.

Before proceeding to an NSAI appointed plating centre to have a vehicle re-plated, vehicle owners/ operators must obtain a stamped and signed “46 tonne Declaration of Conformity form” (DOC) from the original vehicle manufacturer (or his authorised Irish distributor).

Th is Declaration will confi rm that the vehicle is technically capable and is fitted with the necessary safety features for operation as part of a 46 tonne combination. Only then can a vehicle be plated by an NSAI appointed plating centre for operation at 46 tonnes.

Further information on this weight limit increase is available in the ‘Your Vehicle’ section of the RSA website www.rsa.ie under the ‘Vehicle Standards’ tab. www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS 111

Moffett auctions special 70th Anniversary Forklift truck for local charities

A

s part of its 70th anniversary celebrations, Dundalk truckmounted forklift manufacturer Moffett, part of Cargotec’s Hiab business area, will be donating and auctioning a special edition 70th anniversary forklift for local charities.

AWARDS REWARDING BEST PRACTICE THE LEADING AWARDS PROGRAMME FOR THE IRISH ROAD TRANSPORT AND HAULAGE INDUSTRY

THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2015 CITYWEST HOTEL, DUBLIN

• Irish Haulier of the Year 2016 • Irish Truck of the Year 2016 • Green Commercial of the Year 2016

The special edition truck will be a one-off build, featuring a custom paint fi nish in platinum silver and anniversary edition branding. The model type and specification will be selected to complement the fleet requirements of the winning customer, and will be decided on in consultation with the local Moffett dealer, the customer, and company representatives.

The money raised from the winning bid will be donated to charities chosen by the winners and runners-up of the Moffett World Championship 2015. Qualification rounds began last month across Europe, South Africa, Australia and the USA, with the Championship Finals being held in October in Dundalk.

“We encourage all of our customers to be generous with their auction bids, because Moffett will donate the entire winning bid to charity,” stated Keith Quigley, Senior Vice President, Truck Mounted Forklifts, Hiab. “By asking the finalists of the Moffett World Championship to choose their favourite charities in their home towns, we hope that many local people will really benefit from the money raised. We value our close working partnerships with our customers, and we think this is a fi ne way to celebrate our 70th anniversary.”

The online charity auction will run until 30 September 2015, and bidders can fi nd more information, and pledge their bids, by registering at moffett jubilee.com.

Freightliner and Western Star trucks headline at recent MidAmerican Trucking Show

A

s well as new Freightliner and Western Star trucks at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show, Daimler showcased the SuperTruck study, demonstrating a wide range of possibilities for significantly improved efficiency of road freight transport in the future.

The highlight among the production-ready products at North America’s biggest commercial vehicle exhibition was the new Western Star 5700 XE, which will be produced in Cleveland, North Carolina, beginning this month. The tractor has sophisticated aerodynamics and is equipped with the highly efficient new Detroit Diesel powertrain with the DD15 engine and the DT12 automated transmission. As a result, the truck’s fuel consumption is reduced by almost 15 percent. See picture on page 3.

For further details contact: Orla Sweeney / Denise Owens Tel: 094 9372819 Email: awards@fleet.ie or log onto www.fleet.ie FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

The new Freightliner SuperTruck concept provides further evidence of Daimler Trucks’ technological leadership. In addition to the existing series-production vehicles, the SuperTruck from Freightliner shows how targeted measures in aerodynamics, energy management, the use of an intelligent powertrain and other levers can further reduce fuel consumption. For example, the SuperTruck is equipped with the DT12 automated transmission and predictive technology that controls the vehicle speed using GPS and digital 3D maps.

In test drives, the SuperTruck at a weight of 29.5 metric tonnes consumed an average 19 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (12.2 mpg) at a speed of around 100 km/h (65 mph). In addition, the SuperTruck achieved a 115 percent freight efficiency improvement (measured in tonne-miles per gallon) over a 2009 baseline truck.

“The SuperTruck engagement is another component of our strategy to make future road transportation as environmentally friendly and fuel efficient as possible,” said Martin Daum, President & CEO of Daimler Trucks North America.

Driving FMX-CELLENCE

The Volvo FMX has been specifically developed to make driving in construction applications easier and safer. Combining exceptional off-road and on-road capabilities with the I-Shift automated gearbox, the FMX is an excellent all-rounder that’s just as at home in a quarry, on a building site or on the road.

For more information on Volvo Trucks’ complete range go to www.volvotrucks.co.uk www.volvotrucks.co.uk

Search: VolvoTrucksUK 54061

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

8 | NEW FLEET I

O’Toole Transport's Murray Ambulance relies on Renault and Baus AT new Scanias

A

t the time of the launch of the Fleet Transport Awards 2016 at O’Toole Transport’s Dublin Port depot, company Managing Director, Laurence O’Toole was awaiting new additions to his 70 strong truck fleet. Now they have arrived and are already hard at work out on the roads at home and abroad.

Purchased from McElvaney Motors (Finglas) Dublin were four new Scania R580 VB Topline Streamline 6x2 tractor-units featuring O’Toole’s distinctive navy blue livery and V-shaped style lines. O’Toole Transport is the current Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year 2015 and International Haulier of the Year title holder.

P

oland’s growing inf luence in the automotive industry can also be seen in the coachbuilding sector and one prime example of this fine work is with Murray Private Ambulance Service. The Castlebar, County Mayo based company which provides high quality emergency and non-emergency medical assistance has added another new ambulance to its now seven strong fleet.

In purchasing a new 2.3 litre (135hp) Renault Master from Shaw Commercials, Castlebar the panel van was immediately sent to the Baus AT factory in Torun, Poland. Here the German company converts the vehicle into a high specification fully equipped ambulance, built to Murray’s requirements. It is the fourth such conversion for Murray Ambulance.

Company Managing Director, James Murray is very pleased with the quality of the workmanship of the new unit and combined with the new Renault Master, finds it excellent value for money.

On average, each of his vehicles cover between 14,000 to 15,000 kilometres per month, so reliability, durability and economy all come into play together with the most important requirement, patient comfort. To further enhance this aspect, the fitt ing of air-suspension is being considered.

As Murray Ambulance Services is 159001 Quality Assured, the new vehicle meets CEN: 1789, the European standard for ambulances and medical transport vehicles.

New Hino and Iveco sales at Long Haul Commercials

B

usy times at Long Haul Commercials, Tullamore. Apart from the arrival of the new Sinotruk A7 4x4 to its sales yard, deliveries of new trucks to customers are ongoing, through Martin Hough and the sales team at the Hino, Isuzu and Iveco dealership.

Th is Hino 300 817 complete with flatbed body and 7.2 tonne/metre Bonfiglioli crane was destined for Dan McInerney & Sons, Ennis, County Clare. Value Tech Engineering Ltd (Kanturk, County Cork) supplied the crane, which can lift 1 tonne at 7.0 metres.

Sporting its distinctive colour scheme is another new Iveco Stralis 460 6x2 Hi-Way tractor unit

sold to Kieran Kelly Haulage, Ennis.

Reliable & Frugal MAN swings deal for Madden

D

ave Madden at Iggy Madden Transport (Galway) informed New Fleet of the two new MAN TGX 26.480 6x2 tractor-units purchased from MAN Importers Ireland, “The deal involved a trade-in, but I have to say what swayed us was the reliability of MAN over other makes in the fleet over the years. They quietly go about their business with litt le or no breakdowns. Also I think MAN has the Euro 6 system well worked out. Th is week alone one of

the new MAN TGXs did 10.34mpg on a multidrop run to the UK. Compare that with some other makes in the fleet, which are struggling to keep above 8mpg on light Continental work.

We are looking at purchasing another MAN TGX in the very near future.”

“When we get a chance we have to fit light bars and wheel trims to fi nish off the usual spec that we have on our trucks,” added Dave.

Need a quote? 01 2900 200

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

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

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

THE INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR IS NOT JUST A TRUCK ...IT IS A PROFIT CENTRE.

PROFITABILITY BEGINS WITH A CALL BOOK A DEMO WITH SETANTA 01 403 4500. www.renault-trucks.ie

10 | COVER

East meets West as Sinotruk enters Irish & UK Markets

• Successful European debut at CV Show

C

hinese production efficiency meets European standard technology as Sinotruk made its debut at the CV Show at the NEC, Birmingham. All eyes were on the glowing white A7 8x4 models on display. Prior to their departure for Birmingham, Fleet Transport got a closer look at this latest import from the Harris Group, having recently taken on the franchise for Higer coaches and LDV vans. As with Higer, Harris will market Sinotruk in Ireland and the UK through its Truck Dealers’ International (TDI) division, which once held the Iveco franchise. While the 8x4 chassis/ cab and 8x4 with mixer tank will be marketed initially, a tipper chassis with day and rest cabs is to follow soon, with additional trucks around different weight categories to be introduced within the next two years.

Automatic transmission will also be part of the specification offered shortly.

Said to offer extremely good value for the re-emerging construction sector, the A7 is the fi rst of a number of new model configurations from the China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co Ltd (CNHTC) to give the company its full title. From distribution trucks to tractor-units, an

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

extended Sinotruk range will soon head to our shores. Over the years, Sinotruk has formed alliances with Volvo Trucks and MAN Truck & Bus and even from the fi rst look at the A7, some styling similarities in the truck’s overall design can be seen. Its side profi le looks like the previous Volvo cab while the front section would not seem out of place in a Renault Truck. We understand it was styled by an Italian designer based in China.

What’s powering the vehicle is interesting – a 380hp Steyr Euro 5 SCR diesel made in Austria mated to a 9-speed full synchromesh ZF gearbox.

Steyr is a fully owned subsidiary of MAN Truck & Bus (and has 25% shareholding in CNHTC). Other European sourced components noticed were ISRI – Isringhausen driver seat, WABCO air suspension, Bosch electrics and Continental cab suspension (4 point), while Stoneridge will supply the digital tachograph.

For an eight-wheeler, manoeuvrability is very good. The A7 comes with 8-9 cubic metre cement mixer tank fitted, direct from the factory in Jinan (Shandong Province) China. On the vehicle seen at Long Haul Commercials, Tullamore, it was fitted with Pirelli 315/80R 22:5 tyres, but for UK and Ireland markets, Bridgestone 295s will be installed. Interesting

COVER | 11

that Pirelli which were originally specified as the famous Italian tyre brand was recently taken over by ChinaChem. Operators will take a look at the disc brakes in the front and traditional drums in the rear and also the generously sized bunk if rest is required. Visibility is excellent all around the cabin, especially from the large exterior mirrors. As we have found with the other Chinese imports, spec levels are high even down to Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) fitted.

CNHTC is China’s third largest heavy truck manufacturer. State owned, its Sinotruk brand, which meets ISO 9001:2000 Quality Certification, currently enjoys over 20% market share in its home-market while its overseas sales are conducted in Russia, Angola, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Vietnam – now Ireland and the UK have been added. “What you get is proven quality components that make Sinotruk 8x4 range reliable and easy to drive,” explained Liam O’Neill, Vice President at Harris Group at the Sinotruck A7’s debut at the NEC. “Sinotruk vehicles operate and are sold in some of the world’s harshest environments… places our competition only use to test vehicles!” he quipped. “Further refi nements to the cab and chassis will be made to make it more European like,” he added.

Interest in the new Chinese import was very satisfying, according to Liam.

Within minutes of the unveiling of the new A7s, a fleet order of three new 8x4 Mixer units were sold to an Irish owned construction company based locally in Birmingham.

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

Spec Check Make/Model

Sinotruk A7 Construction Series

Chassis/Configuration Ladder frame 8x4 GVW

32 tonnes

Axle loads

Front: 9,000 kg – Rear: 26,000 kg (Max permissible 7,500/19,000) X2

Engine

Steyr (MAN) D.10 (10 litre)

Power

380hp X 2,000 rpm

Torque

1,560Nm @ 1,200 – 1,500 rpm

Transmission

ZF 9-Speed Manual

Suspension

Front: 4 Leaf Springs – Rear: 5 Leaf Springs

Brakes

Front: Disc – Rear: Drum + Wabco ABS + ASR + Engine Brake

Wheels/Tyres

315/80R22.5 or 295

Cab

High Roof Sleeper: Air Suspension

Wheelbase

1,950 + 3,200 + 1,400 = 6,500m

Dimensions

Length: 9.4m – Width: 2.496m – Height: 3,050m

Fuel Tank

300 litre (Alloy)

Standard

Air Con, Stoneridge tacho, Cruise Control www.fleet.ie

12 | NEW FLEET II

Volvo Trucks presents ‘A Clear Picture’ for Camden Group

C

amden Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of PVCu products, has recently taken delivery of a number of Volvo FH.460 4x2 XL Globetrotters tractor-units from Northern Ireland Volvo dealer, Dennison Commercials.

“Volvo is the perfect fit for us,” says Stephen Clements, Camden’s Transport Manager. “It’s an innovative company, constantly looking to keep ahead of the competition; they’re market leaders; committed to the highest levels of quality; and have a great record in environmental sustainability – an ethos and set of values that reflect everything we do at Camden. The fact that the trucks also look fantastic is an added bonus!”

The new trucks are liveried in Camden’s striking green and black colour scheme, which was been specifically designed to reflect the company’s total commitment to sustainability.

Somers Commercials delivers new Mercedes-Benz 2 Actros Units

A

number of new Actros tractor-units from Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles were recently delivered by main dealer Somers Commercials of Camolin.

Also taking delivery of a 2545 LS Actros is Anthony D’Arcy Ltd in Tinahely, County Wicklow, a company producing sportsground sand and building material for the past 25 years, and also specialising in graded sands for golf, sports pitches and equestrian gallops.

In Waterford, Paul Doyle Hire Services of Dunhill has added a 2545 LS Actros to its fleet, which serves all of the South East as far as Dublin, providing relief drivers for the transport industry for both short-term and long-term options.

Recently, the company has added trucks to its range of services with both rigid and artic units now available for hire.

Anthony D’Arcy is pictured (2) taking delivery of his new Mercedes-Benz 2545 LS Actros from Pat Kenny (right) of Somers Commercials Ltd. In Wexford, Somers has delivered a 2551 LS Actros to Martin Barnes Transport in Gorey, which will be used to carry out general haulage work throughout Ireland.

Pictured (1) is Paul Doyle (right) with Ivan Cummins collecting his new Mercedes-Benz 2545 LS Actros from Pat Kenny (left) of Somers Commercials Ltd.

1

Martin Barnes is pictured (3) with his son Nathan collecting his new Mercedes-Benz 2551 LS Actros from Pat Kenny (left) of Somers Commercials Ltd.

3

Need a quote? 01 2900 200

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

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

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

-ZIGS [MXL

CLASS EXCLUSIVE 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX

THE ABSOLUTE DRIVING PLEASURE

ST DRIVE E T A K O O B TO OUR DETAILS OF Y

5 0040 FOR CALL 0800 91 L IVECO DEALER LOCA RSHIP.CO.UK LE W.IVECO-DEA

OR VISIT WW

FIRST 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC GEARBOX IN THE INDUSTRY for best Comfort and Safety

OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY thanks to a choice of ECO or POWER modes

UP TO 10% LOWER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS* thanks to record reliability and durability

BEST IN CLASS PERFORMANCE highest power 205 hp and torque 470Nm

*vs manual transmission

“ In the most competitive year ever the new IVECO DAILY was the number one choice of the 23 members of the jury, representing the top commercial vehicle publications across Europe and Russia” J. Sweeney, Chairman International Van Of The Year

W W W. I V E C O . C O . U K

14 | PROFILE

Brian Cunningham Transport expands operations at home and away

M

odest y prevent s Br ia n Cunningham from boasting about the progress made and success achieved in his transport business over the past decade. The Belcarra, Castlebar native fi rst cut his teeth in haulage with a local Cash N’ Carry, delivering goods to retail outlets and hostelries around County Mayo and beyond. Th is led to Brian purchasing a used Iveco Ford EuroTech in 1999, imported from the UK. But it was not a straight forward plan as he had to trade-in his car and obtain the remaining balance through the bank. The only recognizable features from then to now are that Brian has earned a few grey hairs and that the distinctive colour scheme on his trucks remain prett y much the same.

At fi rst general haulage services were provided to the agricultural, construction, engineering and manufacturing industries. The business grew quickly and was incorporated in 2003 when the transport operations of Lough Conn Milling Company (Crossmolina) was acquired.

Container transport became a specialty during that period.

Currently Brian employs 30 staff and operates a fleet of 20 tractor-units and 70 trailers and two Shunters. “We are specialists in container transport and operate a container handling and storage facility at our depot in Castlebar.

We work with all the major shipping lines and have the ability to handle and store laden and empty containers enabling us to minimize empty running, thus creating a more effective and efficient supply chain for our clients. Our fleet of trailers includes Gensets for the transport of temperature-controlled goods. We also provide a container blanketing and repair service to our customers should they require it,” explained Brian.

As with most businesses starting off, mistakes were made and lessons learnt but Brian has come through the little acorns to strong tree period and is now working on adding muscle to the branches.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Pictured at its stand at the FPS Expo in Harrogate, Yorkshire last month are Adrian Cunningham, Carl Williams, Operations Director UK; Ian Tennant and Brian Cunningham.

“Th is is being done through diversification both at home and over in Britain.”

Diversification into tanker haulage was significant to the company’s growth strategy. “Our fleet of tankers are capable of carrying a large variety of bulk liquids including ADR products. All tankers are insulated and have steam coils to provide additional heat to products if required,” added Brian.

The company expanded further and in 2011, moved into the UK, concentrating on developing the bulk tanker business in both markets. The UK operational headquarters moved from Widnes to a specialized depot at Ellesmere Port (Cheshire) earlier this year and the company has recently achieved ISO9001/2008 accreditation as well as acquiring Waste Collection permits

for the UK, Netherlands, Belgium and France in addition to the Irish permit, which has been held for some time.

Presently the company is in the process of establishing a new depot in Dublin, located close to the Port and together with housing a container and ISO tank handling and storage facility and equipped with a recently acquired SMV Konecrane Reach Stacker, it will provide a vital link to connect the Irish and UK operations.

Investment in vehicles and personnel has helped Brian Cunningham Transport progress up through the ranks from small operator to significant player in the West of Ireland. He keeps his fleet consisting mainly of Scania and Renault Trucks fresh as over 60% of the truck line-up less than three years old. The company’s

PROFILE | 15 Transport Manager, Tommy Staunton, based in Castlebar, together with his excellent team of highly skilled and competent drivers ensure customer’s needs are always met. Brian’s brother Adrian, a Chartered Management Accountant recently joined the company as Finance Director and across the Irish Sea, Carl Williams was appointed Operations Director UK, while Ian Tennant also looks after its UK operations. All of these bring vital expertise and experience to the fi rm.

Brian and the team, in conjunction with their local IT partner Computeq, have leveraged technology such as the MoveIT traffic management and Galway based Blue Tree Fleet Management systems to enable the company to locate its Administrative HQ for both the UK and Irish operations in Castlebar. “The live tracking functionality increases fleet security, deployment and efficiency as well as providing functionality to enable our customers to track their cargo in real time,” stated Brian. There are two jobs located in Castlebar that directly relate to the UK based operation and Brain expects this to grow as the UK and European business increases in the future. Brian pointed out that while the company is expanding elsewhere, the company is totally committed to Castlebar and sees more Administrative jobs being created as the UK and European business progresses.

“Our Vision is to be the partner of choice for our customers and a model of operational excellence for our industry. Our approach has always been based on the principle of Continuous Improvement where we continuously review our processes to make them more efficient and cost effective. Of course, our success would have been impossible without our team of competent and dedicated staff,” explained Brian.

Brian Cunningham Transport: Fleet Profile Trucks - Scania, Renault • 60% - 3 years or newer • 60% - Eco-friendly Euro 5 and Euro 6 • Customer access to on-line tracking • Equipped with Blowing and Tipping Equipment • ADR Certified • Blue Tree R:Com Fleet Management System

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Trailers - an 80 strong trailer fleet includes • Flat/Skeletal trailers • ISO tankers • General purpose tankers • Gensets • Curtainsiders • Waste ejectors • Tipping trailers

Other Equipment • Reach Stacker • Terberg Shunters • Vans

www.fleet.ie

16 | REPORT I

Irish Exporters Association launches Supply Chain Ireland

A

great sense of positivity and support transcended from the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin following the launch of Supply Chain Ireland by the Irish Exporters Association. Th is new initiative will encompass exporters from SMEs to multinational companies with advice on multimodal supply chain, logistics and customs issues. Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association (IEA) welcomed the attendees, with over 130 industry specialists representing air, road, sea and rail transport present along with Government and key stakeholders.

“Supply Chain Ireland will strive to strengthen Ireland’s position as a leading location for conducting global supply chain activities. Th is forum will provide a network for exporters across all sectors to interact and exchange information on best practice through supply chain and logistics activities through a series of targeted information seminars, events and roundtable meetings countrywide.”

“It is a very exciting initiative aimed at providing a platform for business to learn from one another and from leading experts in the field. We at the IEA felt a responsibility to drive collaboration across the transport and logistics sectors, corporate and Government in order to support and develop the industry,” Simon said.

Simon thanked event sponsors Crowe Horwath and Irish Rail and then introduced keynote speaker, Tom O’Mahony, Secretary General, Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

Mr. O’Mahony wished the new initiative every success and looked forward to continuing the good relationship his Department has with the Irish Exporters. “Ireland needs a vibrant and efficient freight sector in parallel with our continued economic growth,” he began. “Soon my Department will be launching a Consultation Policy Document on the sustainable development of freight transport and will be looking for contributions from all sectors involved.”

Before discussing issues post recession, Tom said that the Government is there to facilitate trade growth in response to industry needs and will not add to the administration burden. “The recession had a massive affect with reduced volumes and traffic halved on our roads. Despite the deficit, the sector remained competitive and with the rapid economic recovery, the sector is responding well as business increases through our ports and airports. He brought us back to 2009 when over €2 billion was directed towards transport infrastructure. In recent years that figure had dwindled below €1 billion. “While much was spent on constructing the motorway network, the asset must be maintained and protected, unfortunately there is not enough money around to do this,” he stressed. Tom

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association (IEA) & Tom O’Mahony, Secretary General, Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

cited regions that need attention such as the completion of a Cork to Limerick motorway and noted that the roads in the West “are poor, and affecting industry growth.” Currently, the Government receives €300 million from tolls but needs €1.6 billion per year to maintain the asset and meet PPP obligations. So with €1 billion available from the Government there is a shortfall, but in order for the Minister for Finance to allocate more funds, even though revenue is flowing from the growing economy again, restrictions on spend from Europe has to be lifted, and we know Minister Noonan is working on achieving this. Next June will see the new Capital Investment Plan for 2016 – 2020 issued which will hopefully help to resolve these issues in the short term.”

Well aware of the noticeable congestion brewing on Dublin’s M50, investment will also be required to improve public transport services in order to

att ract motorists from their cars and ensure delays for the road transport sector are kept as low as possible. “The Department is committed to supporting the Irish economy by ensuring that goods can be moved more easily about the country and particularly to and from ports and airports,” he concluded.

Next main speaker, Howard Knott , needed no introduction. As Trade Facilitation Director for the IEA, Howard commenced his presentation on ‘Untangling the Supply Chain and its role in competitive exporting’ by saying that “A sustainable, competitive, flexible supply chain has never been more in demand. As Irish exporters penetrate more overseas markets, grow their presence in existing markets, or export for the fi rst time, it is crucial that they are guided along the supply chain. Supply Chain Ireland initiative will be member driven and support activities across the island of Ireland.” The evolution of

Howard Knott , Trade Facilitation Director for the IEA

REPORT I | 17 the IEA’s Supply Chain Ireland initiative stems from the creation of Trade Facilitation Ireland ten years ago, and the Rail Freight Group established in 2009, which Howard played a major role within same. Its ethos is evident in the new broader grouping which now takes in air, road and shipping sectors. Synergies and networking between all concerned can be formed to benefit the industry as a whole. Howard mentioned the various European Union led programmes such as Weastflows and the Celtic Arc as sustainable ways of moving forward with fi nancial support available for rail and port developments, etc. He sees great potential for Ireland’s maritime sector with more opportunities for smaller shipping fleets offering bulk, passenger and freight services on short sea routes and continued to impress us with his knowledge on developments by the major shipping companies at home and abroad that offer RoRo and LoLo services. Howard also touched on rail freight and how the European network is expanding while at the same time Intercontinental rail services to and from Asia are currently under development. He admitted that there are some flaws in the system which needs attention to ensure that each link of the Supply Chain moves on more efficiently.

Kevin Churchill is Head of Procurement in London’s Camden Council, which along with the IEA, is a partner and participant in the EU backed Interreg IVB ‘La MiLo’ project which focuses on sustainability city logistics. Mr. Churchill explained the numerous merits of the formation of a consolidation centre which handles and distributes supplies of mainly office goods to offices within the Borough and neighbouring Councils. Opened last year, the project concentrates on the last mile delivery concept where two 7.5 tonne trucks deliver to the final destination on set days. Prior to the final drop, bulk supplies are delivered to a warehouse operated by DHL, with orders broken down to the pre-listed requirements. Over £1 million worth of business is done in this manner across 3 Boroughs with 100 suppliers involved. Due to bulk buying, discounts have been gained while the number of daily vehicle drops to these offices have reduced by 46%. With a 45% reduction in kilometres, a serious environmental imprint has been achieved. As the project progresses additional Boroughs and even the private sector will be invited to participate and the current Euro 5 vehicles will be replaced by possibly electric powered vans. "This change of logistics operation has seen staff at Camden Council adjust their systems accordingly to their benefit, as fewer deliveries mean more productive time at work," stated Kevin.

‘The Aviation Security Supply Chain’ was the topic of Sinead Quirke’s presentation.

Representing the Irish Aviation Authority, the non-Government funded organisation is profitable having made €25 million last year.

Most of its work is centered on overseeing regulations, providing air traffic control and other related services. Air cargo security is also a major part of its day-to-day activities as its main objective is to ward against acts of unlawful interference within the industry.

Among the challenges ahead for its 650 personnel is the expanding Air Cargo business. Sinead

Kevin Churchill, Head of Procurement in London’s Camden Council

pointed out that those involved in producing and exporting need to have a full understanding on how the Supply Chain works from once it leaves the factory to the fi nal destination, i.e. customer.

“Responsibility, accountability, effective training and gett ing into the security culture is advised”, she said. “Proper and appropriate tamper proof packaging is essential too”, added Sinead.

She posed some open questions to IAA operations that require every item to be screened regardless of size, volume and weight. As the responsibility is on the producer from start to fi nish, she simply asked "What is being exported and is there a need to use airfreight?" "Are all the third party logistics providers on the same wavelength?"

"Is the consigner well known and reputable?"

Tighter regulations and certified transport operators will become more into focus with the Authorities’ future road map plans. "Higher risk cargo requires higher regulations and additional screening," she advised.

The major role that road haulage operators provide in the Supply Chain sector was significantly highlighted by Eoin Gavin, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association. 99% of Irish exports are moved by road with 20% of the 10,000 strong

fleet carrying 80% of the goods transported, according to Eoin, who continued by outlining the many challenges overcome in recent years to make the industry sustainable, particularly since the Fuel Rebate scheme was introduced in 2011. Current issues being addressed include the readjustment of motor tax on trucks and reducing the high average profi le of the driver.

Th rough submissions to the Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, TD, Eoin is confident that the motor tax will be aligned with Northern Ireland and Europe in general. An apprenticeship programme for 18 year olds is to be started up offering young potential drivers, education, training and practical requirements to enjoy a career in the industry. “Our industry is the only one that gives operators a licence before proper on the ground training is undertaken.

We are working on gett ing this issue right as properly trained drivers now are our transport companies of the future.”

Eoin called for greater collaboration between hauliers (like the airline industry) in order to reduce empty running and advocated the implementation of longer/heavier Eco-Combi trucks to reduce the sector’s overall carbon footprint. This autumn, Eoin’s transport

Eoin Gavin, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association www.fleet.ie

18 | REPORT I company will test trial this 25m combination on night runs from Bunratt y to Dublin with the special trailer built by Dennison. He applauded the formation of the Consolidation Centre in Camden and supports the Last Mile Logistics’ initiative. “Projects like this should be implemented in Ireland”, he emphasised.

“City based hauliers could operate this system very efficiently due to their local knowledge”, he added. Eoin also spoke about the Limerick/ Shannon Sustainable Gateway Pilot Project which he is involved in along with Limerick County Council and the IEA. The Q&A that followed brought up the issue that drivers are not treated with due respect and that the industry needs to do some more to make it att ractive to young people.

Gerry Culligan, Commercial Director at Irish Rail discussed ‘The way forward for Rail Freight’. Growth in the rail freight business has been significant although at 1% of Irish Rail’s business, it is low, admitted Gerry, unlike the UK which is at 10% and the global average at 20%. “Rail freight will become more relevant with our growing economy as road congestion and environmental concerns increase”, he said.

More loads in larger volumes at higher average speeds are the advantages offered by rail freight.

Of the almost 1,100 freight services provided during 2014, both reliability and punctuality was well over 90%. "In the last two years, we achieved 6% overall growth mainly on the Mayo/Dublin/Waterford services. “While we invite new business, we, as in the CIE Group, are constrained on making investments as we have no Exchequer support. The freight business has to be commercially viable, and willing to work with 3PL providers." Gerry mentioned the Belmond Grand Hibernian, all-inclusive luxury tour train project that will be in operation here by 2017. He included developments at Shannon Foynes Port and the company owned Rosslare Europort as areas where further rail freight growth can be achieved. “Efficiency will have to be improved currently with longer trains than the 18 carriages used at present and more passing loops installed,” he said. More night time services are also part of the plan which would impinge on the maintenance crew’s operations.

With regard to TAC-Track Access Charges, Irish Rail is keen to implement a lower rate shared with the passenger train service.

Gerry Culligan, Commercial Director; Irish Rail

Commissioners. Caroline Kennedy spoke about the recently introduced Electronic Manifest System (EMS), while Joe Cleary talked about the introduction of the European Customs Code, which will affect all international traders that will go fully live on 30 April 2016.

The EMS was successfully launched in October 2014 and is now required for all ships and aircraft entering or leaving Ireland covering all goods, both from within the EU and from outside. Every Single Administrative Document (SAD) should be matched to the appropriate e-Manifest and the experience over the initial six months period has shown that only 20% of import SAD’s have done so. The Revenue Authorities have been in a constant engagement process with traders and have tweaked the system to cut out unnecessary complications. Caroline informed the meeting that, from July 2015, the Revenue will share its EMS data with the Department of Transport and will be moving into “full implementation” phase of the project under non-matching import SADs will not be released. She made a request to the carriers in the room to ensure that all Manifests are lodged electronically and on time, that there is only one Manifest per flight/ship, and to ensure that the data on the Manifest is completely

accurate so that SADs can be matched.

Joe Cleary said that the Union Customs Code is being implemented in order to modernize Customs legislation and procedures within the community, simplifying customs rules and procedures, increase clarity for customs officials and to complete the move to a paperless and fully electronic environment. All manufacturers but particularly those firms that are further processing imported materials will face substantial changes in procedures and processes and the Revenue is seeking to engage the companies most affected so as to ensure that the full implementation on 1 May goes as smoothly as possible and that the operations of significant exporters are not disrupted unnecessarily.

Both Caroline and Joe undertook to do all possible to assist businesses in dealing with the changes and propose to also engage through involvement in future Supply Chain Ireland events.

The success of its award winning Navigator division which delivers car parts on behalf of Ford, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover, sourced in the UK with 99.57% on time deliveries was noted, as was Rosslare as the busiest port in Ireland when it came to ship/ferry visits and next to Dublin in terms of its freight and passenger movements.

“As we develop the rail freight market in Ireland, it is essential that we work closely with all key stakeholders and play our part in providing a competitive, sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain offering for the benefit of our customers and the Irish economy,” concluded Gerry.

The event concluded with a pair of presentations from the Customs division of the Revenue FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Gerry O'Reilly, spoke on behalf of one of the event sponsors Crowe Horwath Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Shaw Commercials, is one of Ireland’s premier Commercial Vehicle Sales, Hire and Repair Centres.

Among the broad range of Services provided include:

HGV, LCV & Trailer repairs • • • • • • • • •

Parts & Spares Department 4-Wheel Laser Alignment Commercial Vehicle Testing Approved Test Centre Speed Limiters & Weight Plating Repair & Maintenance Computer Diagnostics Tachograph Calibration Pre Testing Facility

Fleet Services • • • •

Inspection Checks ABS / EBS Specialists Commercial Vehicle brush wash 24/7 365 Roadside Recovery

Renault Trucks Approved Dealer for the West of Ireland, offering the full award-winning range of Renault HGVs and also the Renault Master Range.

Summer Special at Shaw Commercials!

Own a new Renault Master LM 35 135 bhp for less than €15 per day Price includes: • 4 Year Warranty • Tyres • Maintenance *Price based on 4 years finance - maximum 40000 kms per annum Deposit/trade in to the value of €5000 + VAT required Terms & Conditions apply

Shaw Commercials & Renault Trucks - Your Winning Team Call our Sales Team today to discuss a competitive price on (094) 9027250 or Trucks: John McNamara 087 2745889 Vans: Tom Lavelle 087 6007776

web: www.shawcommercials.com email: sales@shawcommercials.com

20 | REVIEW I

FPS Expo 2015 – Harrogate International Centre, (21/22 April 2015)

T

he 2015 FPS Expo was a nostalgic occasion as it was the fi nal time to be held at the Harrogate International Centre.

For next year the event moves to the new ECL in Liverpool offering better spaces and facilities for exhibitors. As always, FPS Expo hosted by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, showcased the latest products, techniques and services for the fuel distribution industry. Like previous years, Irish interest was prominent from both exhibitor and visitor aspects.

First Irish winner of the FPS Driver of the Year

A

ttention to detail and going beyond the call of duty were just some of the attributes recognised by the adjudicators of the annual FPS Driver of the Year in awarding Ciaran Quinn from Flynn Fuels, Mullingar as the overall winner. It was the fi rst time that the prestigious title went to an Irish driver.

Ciaran, pictured center with Samantha Keegan and Edward Byrne from Flynn Fuels, spends most of his time driving a Scania P420 6x2 tractor-unit with Heil tanker trailer to and from Dublin Port but is also available for other duties when needs be.

Flynn Fuels has just announced the sett ing up of an Athlone depot for its fuel oils, products and services.

Mayo businesses represented at FPS Expo

T

wo Castlebar, County Mayo based businesses Brian Cunningham Transport and Shaw Commercials, were among the fi rst time exhibitors at the FPS Expo.

Brian Cunningham Transport, which offers a range of road transport services is further investing on its operations at home and abroad, while Shaw Commercials are the Renault Trucks and Renault Master Dealers for the West of Ireland.

Currently Brian Cunningham has 9 people employed at its UK base in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire running seven trucks covering Britain and Northern Europe. Established in 1999 initially serving the transportation needs of local businesses in the West of Ireland, the company expanded in 2011 into the UK in 2011, concentrating on developing the bulk tanker business in both markets.

The UK operational headquarters moved from Widness to a specialized depot at Ellesmere Port earlier this year and the company has recently achieved ISO9001/2008 accreditation as well as acquiring Waste Collection permits for the UK, Netherlands, Belguim and France in addition to the Irish permit which has been held for some time.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Pictured at its stand at the FPS Expo in front of the new Renault T460 6x2 tractor-unit supplied by Shaw Commercials and featuring Brian Cunningham Transport’s new company logo are Adrian Cunningham, Mick Shaw (Shaw Commercials, Castlebar) and Brian Cunningham.

REVIEW I | 21

DAF Trucks – Of the three truck companies exhibiting, DAF Trucks had a number of ADR configured vehicles on display indoors and outside the HIC. Examples present included the LF rigids and CF Series rigids and tractor-units.

EnviroStore (Drogheda) designs and supplies plastic tanks of various shapes and sizes. Laura Fitzgerald was present to advise from its bigger stand in Hall C.

Herbst Soft ware – Another Irish company and regular FPS Expo exhibitor, Herbst Soft ware offers a specialised, fully integrated management and accounting solution for the oil distribution business.

MAN Truck & Bus – Nick Handy from MAN Truck & Bus is pictured in front of a new MAN TGS 24.400 6x2 tractor-unit. MAN is the leading brand in this sector having acquired many loyal ERF operators when it acquired the British marque.

Morgan Fuels is a major fuel card provider in Ireland, UK and across Europe. Andrew Smith and Fiona McKenna were there to provide the Q1 Card.

Platinum Tanks (Castleblaney) provides a range of Single Skin and Bonded Domestic Oil storage tanks. Pictured are James Hamilton and company Managing Director, Patrick Cassidy.

Scania – which did not actually display vehicles on its own stand, had various versions on other exhibitor’s pitches including this Scania P370 8x4 rigid curtainside from WTS.

WTS – William Tank Services is supplying seven new LAG 30,000 litre Bitumen Spec tanker trailers to Reynolds Logistics (Dublin & UK).

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

www.fleet.ie

22 FLEETING SHOTS

Transpec Limited is the new sponsor of Ballinkillen Hurling Club

L

eading distributor of spare parts for all makes of truck and trailers, Transpec Limited is the new sponsor of Ballinkillen Hurling Club (Carlow). Pictured at the presentation of the Ballinkillen Hurling Club’s new team jerseys are Transpec’s Managing Director, Richard Sheehan and Club Coach, Roy Kavanagh.

Commenting on the sponsorship Richard Sheehan said: “We are delighted to be associated with Ballinkillen Hurling club and indeed with the GAA. We wish the team well for the forthcoming season and hope this is the start of a long standing relationship between Ballinkillen

Hurling Club and Transpec.”

Established in 1999, Transpec currently has two branches, its Dublin headquarters and the other in Limerick, and also has a number of sales representatives on the road covering the 32 counties with a long established customer d base throughout the Carlow and Kilkenny region.

130.165 km/h - New World Record for a Tractor!

N

o, it’s not a tractor-unit, but an agritractor that has set a new world record for fastest tractor. The record was achieved in a Valtra tractor in partnership with tyre specialist Nokian Tyres.

Combining their Scandinavian expertise, the amazing record was set on a snowy and icy road in Finnish Lapland. Multiple World Rally Champion, Juha Kankkunen kept his head cool and drove the machine at a speed of 130.165 km/h (80.88mph). Breaking the record was made possible by the world’s fi rst winter tyre

tt a TRI for tractors, the Nokian Hakkapeliitt (440/80R28 151D & 540/80R38 167D)) and the Valtra T234.

“I have achieved top speed tests with several cars. Th is was the fi rst time with a tractor, and we immediately got a world record! The tyres and tractor worked really well, even though the weather was challenging,” said Juha Kankkunen.

TATA: Big, Fast & Furious in India!

A

t the Budh International Circuit near Delhi, the fi nal rounds of season two of the TATA Prima T1 Indian Truck Racing Championship came to a climax with British driver Stuart Oliver retaining his title.

Stuart, along with other big name UK based British Truck Racing champions including Dave Jenkins and Mat Summerfield of the winning Castrol Vecton team were among the field of 12 identical TATA 4038.8 4x2 racing tractor-units. Prepared to British Racing standards, the TATA race trucks boast 370hp, weigh 600kg and reaches a peak of 135 kp/h.

Prominent brand names such as Cummins, WABCO, Castrol and TATA Technologies support the fledging series which was promoted during build up of the Cricket World Cup. “We are excited to demonstrate the high performance of WABCO’s advanced safety and efficiency technologies in a racing environment,

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

he most extreme which represents the or heavy duty operating conditions for trucks,” said Jacques Esculier, WA BCO Chairmann & er.

Chief Executive Officer.

“WABCO is proud that our technologies offer safety and efficiency benefits for millions of vehicle operators on India’s roads every day.”

“We are pleased too ack welcome WABCO back ship’s as the Championship’s Braking Technologyy Partner for this second yearr event. Tata Motors appreciates WABCO’s ongoing commitment to pioneer safety and efficiency technologies for commercial vehicles here in India and worldwide,” added Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata

Motors Limited. “We greatly value WABCO’s contribution of advanced technologies that help Tata trucks and buses to be safer and more efficient on the road.”

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

IMPORTANT NOTICE NEW REGULATIONS TO INCREASE THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR 6 (OR MORE) AXLE RIGID TRUCK AND DRAWBAR TRAILER COMBINATIONS From 1st June 2015 owners/operators of six (or more) axle rigid truck and drawbar trailer combinations may operate at 46 tonnes provided they satisfy the following criteria:

Six (or more) axle Rigid Truck and Drawbar Trailer Combinations

What is Required on or after 1st June 2015?

Rigid trucks (with 3 or more axles) already in service prior to 1st June 2015

Air/Equivalent Suspension1 & Electronic Braking System (EBS)

New rigid trucks (with 3 axles) first registered on or after 1st June 2015

Air/Equivalent Suspension, Electronic Braking System (EBS) & Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

New rigid Trucks (with more than 3 axles) first registered on or after 1st June 2015

Air/Equivalent Suspension & Electronic Braking System (EBS)

Drawbar trailers (with 2 or more axles) already in service prior to 1st June 2015

Air/Equivalent Suspension & Electronic Braking System (EBS)

New drawbar trailers (with 2 or more axles) first licensed on or after 1st June 2015

Air/Equivalent Suspension, Electronic Braking System (EBS) & Roll Stability Control (RSC)

In order to be permitted to operate at 46 tonnes, the vehicle manufacturer (or their authorised Irish distributor) will be required to confirm in writing (by completing a “46 tonne Declaration of Conformity”) that the vehicle is technically capable and is fitted with the necessary safety features. Only then can a new vehicle be plated or an existing vehicle re-plated by an NSAI appointed plating centre for operation at 46 tonnes.

For more information on these new regulations, including the penalties for breach of national weight limits, please visit www.rsa.ie 1

“Equivalent Suspension” means a suspension system which fulfils the conditions for equivalence to air suspension as set out in Annex II to Council Directive 96/53/EC. Consult the vehicle manufacturer or their authorised Irish distributor for further information.

24 | REVIEW II

All things Commercial at the CV Show 2015

4

50 exhibitors attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over Europe and beyond to hear and see the latest technology within the Commercial Vehicle industry. Fleet Transport’s team, Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle and Paul White were at the NEC, Birmingham to cover the three halls used for this edition of the annual show.

GreenChem

Every hall was packed with big and small models, large and little parts and everything in-between at the NEC, Birmingham. Like bees to honey at this time of year, visitors from all sides of the commercial vehicle industry flocked together for the three-day event.

AdBlue - GreenChem (Solutions) & Air1 With AdBlue becoming more in demand as both vans and cars require it as their powertrains progress to Euro 6 with SCR, both GreenChem & Air1 were present. GreenChem (Solutions) marked its 10th year of trading with a fund-raising putting competition at the CV Show to support Transaid, the international development charity promoting transport for all across the world.

GreenChem exhibited its latest AdBlue offering for the light commercial vehicle market in a take-away package for operators’ own convenience. There were operating examples and limited samples available for visitors to take away.

Air1 highlighted the importance of quality AdBlue and contamination issues at this year’s show.

Visitors had the chance to see a commercial vehicle’s catalyst as used in SCR technology on display, sectioned so those interested could see exactly how fine and delicate a catalyst really is and why it is imperative that quality AdBlue is used.

Air 1

Carrier Transicold The CV Show marked another opportunity for Carrier Transicold to present its new everCOLD (flexible fleet maintenance package) and oneCALL (24/7/365 incident management service) programmes, following their international launch at the IAA Show in Hannover last September.

The 100-square-metre stand will also feature Carrier Transicold’s lightweight Vector™ 1350 unit alongside an exclusive “innovation lab”, where visitors can gain insight into the future of refrigerated transport.

Carrier Transicold

Continental Tyres A broad range of products and services were on display by Continental Tyres – Choosing the right tyre can help operators achieve the lowest overall running costs whatever the application.

New products launched include the new ContiRe CityService tyre, a retreaded tyre specially developed for waste and refuge vehicles; the Conti Hybrid 22.5 Drive and Trailer tyres, completing the roll-out of the new Generation 3 Hybrid range; the highly successful ContiPressureCheck Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a new radial tyre in Continental’s Speciality range used in ports and harbours on terminal tractors and trailers.

Continental VDO TIS-Web analysis and archiving soft ware made its debut at the Continental VDO stand with a comprehensive range of Apps designed for modern day transport operators and workshops.

Continental Tyres

The Driver App, with the use of a VDO SmartLink Pro Bluetooth dongle and VDO Digital Tachograph, offers drivers remote access to digital tachograph, VDO counter and calendar information to ensure the driver can easily review the amount of rest time taken. Information can be viewed on a Smartphone up to 50 metres away from a vehicle.

Similarly, the TIS-Web Fleet App, gives all of the above information plus Driver Card download, messaging, vehicle check report and location data for vehicle tracking. The Workshop App gives technical information to the workshop tachograph technician, including service and error code information. Relating to the latest generation DTCO Rel 2.2 digi-tacho, it leads in to the forthcoming 2019 EU legislation that will further add to the scope of the system. Also revealed at the event and pre-show conference was VDO’s futuristic ProViu mirror/camera system.

Continental VDO

DAF Trucks DAF Trucks laid its emphasis on its new ‘DAF Transport Efficiency’ programme with a whole host of new product features and services designed to deliver cost savings for operators. Product developments and enhancements that made their show debut include: Eco Mode as standard, Silent Mode (on CF and XF Silent models), Predictive Cruise Control, Predictive Shifting, Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, MX Engine Brake and Driver Performance Assistant.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

REVIEW II | 25

DAF Trucks

“For our customers today” stated DAF Trucks’ Managing Director, Ray Ashworth; “We’ve created possibly the most highly desirable trucks on the market, brimming with driver appeal and built to the highest quality standards. 2015’s DAF truck is a highly prized asset for both the Transport Office and the driver. The DAF badge, I believe, has become the one that the image-conscious operator wants to see on the front grille.”

DKV Euro Service Already well known for its fuel card services across Europe and as a leading service provider to the pan-European transport and logistics industry, DKV Euro Service drew attention to the introduction of Belgian road tolls, which come into force next year.

The new Belgian satellite-controlled toll system is intended for trucks over 3.5-tonnes MGW and will introduce a distance-based system (using an On Board Unit), which replaces the timebased system of the current Eurovignette. The most likely options for haulage firms are pre-pay and post-pay settlement. DKV Euro Service intends to integrate both of these into its existing large service portfolio.

Pictured manning the stand were Nick Holt and Neil White.

DKV

Goodyear Goodyear returned to the NEC for the second year running, following the successful launch of its new KMAX and FUELMAX products at the 2014 CV Show.

The Goodyear KMAX range has been developed for improved mileage performance, while not compromising on fuel efficiency and traction. Likewise, the Goodyear FUELMAX range is for the operator seeking to optimise fuel efficiency combined with good mileage.

Goodyear

In 2014, the FUELMAX tyre achieved top ratings in tests conducted by internationally renowned automotive testing company TÜV SÜD Automotive GmbH. Gray & Adams The Gray & Adams stand in the Cool sector featured a 13.6-metre lifting deck 44 pallet semitrailer in Marks & Spencer’s new Adventures in Imagination livery, and an 18-tonne DAF rigid commissioned by Burnt Tree’s successful RefrigeRental operation. Outside, another 18-tonner (Scania) in the colours of Greggs bakery was presented. “These are three prestigious names, so we’re delighted that they’ve agreed to support us,” said Gray & Adams' Joint Managing Director, Peter Gray.

Lawrence David

Iveco Although the Daily, reigning International Van of the Year dominated the Iveco stand, there was still some room for its truck range, notably the Stralis with its new flagship termed Hi-Life. Based on the 560hp AS440S56TX/P Hi-Way 6x2 tractor-unit it features a special livery and is packed full of genuine Iveco accessories to create what Bob Lowden, Managing Director at Iveco UK & Ireland described “the safest and most luxurious Stralis heavy truck on the road. Every feature we’ve added is designed to make on-board life that little bit more special for the driver.

We think it’s the perfect blend of style, comfort, convenience, safety and efficiency. Drivers will appreciate the goodies on board”.

Iveco

Isuzu Trucks

Also making its debut is the Euro-6 Isuzu Urban N75.150(E) short-wheelbase chassis, featuring a Brit-Tipp all-steel tipper body offering a payload of 3,780kg. There were also two N75.190(E) 7.5 tonne models wearing Argos and HSS Hire colours.

Kalmar

Gray & Adams

Isuzu Truck Isuzu Truck introduced its new Euro-6 12-tonne GVW Forward F120.240 4x2 rigid that features a compact overall footprint as well as class-leading carrying capacity of 7,952kg. Available with either Isuzu’s Easyshift or manual transmissions, it is easy to drive and offers excellent manoeuvrability.

With Isuzu’s Euro-6 four cylinder 5.2-litre diesel engine producing 240PS and an impressive 765Nm of torque, the new engine offers superb fuel economy and performance.

www.fleet.ie

26 | REVIEW II

Mercedes-Benz

Lawrence David Lawrence David exhibited three products from its vast portfolio of trailers and vehicle bodies. On display was its EN12642XL pallet network double-deck trailer, an 18-tonne EN12642XL curtainsider and its latest home delivery vehicle. With divisions offering trailer manufacturing, truck bodywork, asset management, repairs and refurbishment across seven sites and more than 420,000 square feet of manufacturing space, Lawrence David has been at the top of the commercial vehicle manufacturing industry for over 40 years.

Millbrook Proving Ground

Kalmar Distribution tractors (aka Shunters) were in the spotlight too with offerings from Kalmar (a sister brand to Moffett under Hiab parentage). Apart from demonstration latest models such as TT612d, a presentation on the heritage of this specialist equipment was given, to provide a deeper understanding of its timeline. Kalmar is the leading manufacturer of Terminal tractors, having sold more than 60,000 units globally.

Mercedes-Benz In kicking off the first day Press Conferences, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles set the buoyant tone that is currently being enjoyed by the industry across the UK. “We sold more, lent more and mended more than last year,” stated Mike Belk, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, surrounded by an impressive display of the triple-pointed-star brand’s varied range plus Fuso.

In all, Mercedes-Benz UK had 80 exhibits both indoors and outside and as strong supporters of the CV Show premiered the new Vito van, Econic 4x2 Skip loader (on CNG), a Unimog UGE 340, and the first Euro 6 Atego Crew-Cab.

MiX Telematics

Millbrook Proving Ground Millbrook Proving Ground, best known as a vehicle test centre, offers a number of services and programmes for the truck, bus and van industries. It has a Portable Emission Measurement System and is working with TfL (Transport for London) to help improve the air quality in and around London city. For the LCV sector, a new ServoSled has been installed that will improve the accuracy, repeatability and correlation of test pulses to a real crash. To compliment the new sled, Millbrook has also invested in the latest high speed, high definition camera equipment used in the tests.

MiX Telematics The South African Fleet Management provider launched three new products. To date over 500,000 customers use their systems. MiX Telematics 3D is its new remote digital tachograph download system to ensure transport operators keep up to date with legislation while MiX Vision is its dual facing camera system. myMiX is a Smartphone App that can improve driver performance, resulting in reduced fuel consumption as achieved by some leading fleet operators.

Details of the latest (dash mounted) MiX Fleet Manager were also demonstrated by the stand team present.

Penny Hydraulics

Penny Hydraulics Penny Hydraulics - a long established family owned and run business in Chesterfield is the UK’s leading manufacturer of load handling equipment for commercial vehicles. The CV Show heralded the formal launch of PH Cranes to meet the needs of the 1 to 18 tonne commercials.

Made in Italy, over 470 lightweight, user-friendly and innovative models were offered covering between 0.5 to 5 t/m lifting capacity with boom reaches up to 6.83 metres. “A choice of remote controls are available,” explained Jess Penny, General Manager, Sales. “The first is attached to the crane by a length of cable while the other is a wireless device that allows the user to stand in any position, with a best all round view of the working area.”

SDC Trailers

SDC Trailers Trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers' stand was a hive of activity not only with the showing of a total of six trailers but also the exciting Bloodhound supersonic car, which gave the opportunity for visitors to sit in the driving seat of the rocket-powered vehicle. SDC exhibited its ‘Fastliner’ Buckleless Curtainsider. The Libner design, with Eddie Stobart livery, has sliding concertina aluminium planks attached to curtains, running in a standard-fit roof rail and giving a clear side aperture for easy loading. The design offers increased aerodynamics, accessibility and safety functions. Others included a 4.2-metre Hireco curtainsider, 4.6-metre TIP curtainsider and a 4.0-metre TRL Libner curtainsider, all of which were displayed in the outside arena. A 4.8-metre SDC curtainsider in Owen’s livery was to be seen at the Palletforce stand. SDC’s sister company, FP&S Truck and Trailer Parts, was also present.

Search Imprex

Search Impex Regular show exhibitors Search Impex was there to display its range of promotional diecast model trucks and trailers. “Customised in a company’s corporate colours and complete with authentically reproduced livery, model vehicles act as high profile, collectable advertisements for any business. The models are frequently used to promote a new livery, as gifts for key customers, company anniversaries or employee rewards and are a relevant and often sought after corporate gift,” explained Brenda Newsome, Search Impex.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Smart Witness Stoneridge Terberg

Sinotruk Within a few minutes of the first visitors coming onto the Harris Group stand to where the Sinotruk A7 8x4 had its European premiers, three units were sold to a leading construction company based in Birmingam. Two versions of the new Chinese truck were showcased on 8-wheeler chassis/cab and the other coming with a factory fitted mixer tank. This Sinotruk is powered by a MAN/Steyr 10 litre 6 cylinder Euro 5 diesel providing 380hp and a maximum torque figure of 1560Nm (see Cover Story).

SmartWitness Award-winning SmartWitness has been at the forefront in introducing the forward-facing cameras in the UK since 2009. Increasing numbers of drivers are relying on ‘dash-cams’ to improve their driving and save on their insurance premiums. Demand has never been higher as the products become as popular with private motorists as they are with fleet managers. A recent survey from the Road Haulage Association found that 54% of Britain’s fleets were now using journey recorders and 35% were close to doing so.

Stoneridge Keeping abreast of Driver Hours’ Law and Working Time Directive is made easier thanks to Stoneridge and its latest Exakt Duo2 digital tachograph. Real time information is available on the driver’s current timeline situation including countdowns on drive and rest periods as well as useful warnings when they are nearing driving limits. Stoneridge’s range of brake testing and tachograph calibration offerings were also demonstrated.

At the special Press Conference held prior to the opening day, Victoria Tramma, Marketing Manager revealed that Stoneridge customers have seen an average drop of 60% on driving infringements thanks to Duo Technology. During her presentation, Victoria demonstrated the new Duo Watch App co-developed with Sony that provides all the tacho info from your wrist.

Terberg DT 183 is Terberg’s first market specific, specialist distribution tractor ever seen in Europe.

It is powered by a Cummins Tier 4 Final diesel engine mated to an Allison gearbox. Visitors were taken aback by its stylish cab design that enhances the driver’s ergonomic operation and visibility. We believe that the DT 183 will become the shape of things to come for the distribution sector and other special vehicle chassis applications across Europe,” stated Alisdair Couper of Terberg DTS. Thermo King The new Thermo King V-200/300 Max Spectrum multi-temperature units exhibited are powered by the vehicle and designed for applications on small trucks and vans for retail home delivery market.

VB Air Suspension

Thermo King

Thermo King is also the first in the market to deliver safe, reliable and efficient units that use R-452A refrigerant. The new SLXe trailers with next generation refrigerant are in production now and can be ordered across Europe. Thermo King offers peace of mind to hauliers through a comprehensive, nationwide network of certified dealers. Depots throughout the UK and Ireland are enhanced by mobile workshops nationwide, providing advice and assistance around the clock.

VB Air Suspension Not all of the vehicles on display were bright and shiny was the case at the VB Air Suspension stand where the Ginaf Rally Power race truck was exhibited, unwashed, having competed in the gruelling Dakar Rally. VB, one of the primary sponsors of the Dutch led team, designs and installs type-approved suspension systems for LCVs. Core applications for VB products include ambulances, utility vehicles, motorhomes, buses, car transporters/recovery vehicles and fragile goods carriers.

VBG Group The VBG Group unveiled a new ‘V-2’ version of its best-selling VBG 795 coupling that comes with an easily replaceable Guide Funnel and is lighter and stronger than its predecessor. VBG 795 has long been a driver’s favourite using 57mm drawbar eyes. The new ‘V-2’ coupling has a number of innovative features to facilitate easy safe connection processes and reduce the risk of damage and accidents. Additionally, the structure has been improved so that the coupling is not only easier to install but also more robust, thereby reducing the need for service and maintenance.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White & Cathal Doyle

www.fleet.ie

VBG Group

Sinotruk

REVIEW II | 27

30 | EVENT PREVIEW

Head South East to the Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2015

T

he third annual Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2015 takes place on the 16/17 May at the Waterford Airport Business Park, with a huge line up of exhibitors and attractions not only locally, nationally but also from the UK.

Lovers of classic and custom built trucks are in for a real treat as up to fi ft y fine examples of yesteryear are coming over from England and Wales. These beautifully restored and maintained vehicles will set the scene on the eve of the show’s opening by participating in a special convoy through Waterford city on Friday the 15 May. Enthusiasts and potential customers of today’s trucks and vans will be in a position to negotiate with sales representatives from Mercedes-Benz, Scania and DAF Trucks present. Having a major financial institution such as AIB on site will be beneficial to secure the deal if required. Military service vehicles from the Defence Forces will also be a big attraction, as will the experts of graphic design and vehicle signage who will be promoting their creative artwork.

As per past events, the Waterford Truck & Motor Show is very much family orientated, and this year is no exception. Parents will appreciate the niceties on offer at the dedicated Food Village and Farmer’s Market while the children’s playground will keep the little ones active and content.

Again, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Waterford Hospice Movement, with sponsorship coming from AIB Bank, Bridgestone Tyres, Roadskill Training Centre and Topaz. Commenting on the positive momentum generating for the 2015 Waterford Truck & Motor Show, Lynda Lonergan, on behalf of the organisers said, “We are delighted with the impact to date for this year’s show, along with our regular supporters from Britain, we have an increased interest from England and Wales. Some members of the committee attended various shows in the UK last year and promoted our event over there. From vehicle and trade exhibits to bouncy castles, local cuisine and artisan supplies, there will be something for everyone at the show.”

Local Hotels offer attractive accommodation rates at Waterford Truck Show 2015

A

t the forthcoming Waterford Truck & Motor Show the organisers have secured preferential rates for exhibitors and visitors at three different hotels all within a short distance of the exhibition venue.

“We are delighted to be able to secure preferential rates for exhibitors and visitors to the Waterford Truck and Motor Show at three different hotels all within a short distance of the exhibition venue, stated Mark Lonergan from the organizing committee.

“Each hotel is offering rates that include breakfast and offer a different range of facilities to suit your requirements. Reservations need to be made directly with the hotel and please quote the Waterford Truck and Motor Show at the time of reservation to benefit from these rates. The hotels have advised us that availability is limited and will be offered on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis.”

Check out details on the Show on htt ps://www.facebook.com/ WaterfordTruckandMotorShow. Twitter: @waterfordtruck Viking Hotel, Waterford Cork Road, Waterford, Tel: +353 (0) 51 33 69 33 Email: info@vikinghotel.ie Web: www.vikinghotelwaterford.ie Rates: • €45.00 per person sharing • €65.00 in a single room • Includes bed and full hot and cold buffet breakfast Waterford Truck & Motor Show 2015 Opening Times: Saturday 16th May - 11.00am - 6pm Sunday 17th May - 11am - 5pm Admission Prices: Adults - €7.50 per day Weekend Pass - €15.00 (Fri/Sat/Sun) FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Tower Hotel, Waterford The Mall, Waterford Tel: +353 (0)51 862300 Email: info@thw.ie Web: www.towerhotelwaterford.com/index.html Rates: • Friday and Saturday, 15th and 16th May 2015 • Standard Rooms - Single €79.00 • Double / Twin €109.00 • Sunday Night – 17th May 2015 • Standard Rooms - Single €69.00 • Double / Twin €79.00 Majestic Hotel ,Tramore Tramore, Co. Waterford Tel: +353 (0)51 381 761 E-mail: info@majestic-hotel.ie Web: www.Majestic-hotel.ie Rates: Double or Twin Rooms Single Rooms Packages: 2 nights Bed/Breakfast & 1 Dinner 3 nights Bed/Breakfast & 1 Dinner €100.00 per night Bed & Breakfast €65.00 per night Bed & Breakfast €109.00 per person €149.00 per person

Children under 12 years & OAPs - Free of Charge Further information on www.waterfordtruckshow.com Also on Twitter and Facebook

Contacts: Larry Power - 086 3835498 John Burke - 087 2020032 Mark Lonergan - 087 2538345 Noel Brennan - 086 2764712

REPORT II | 31

Automotive world presents green face at SEAI Energy Show ustainable energy as an engine of economic growth and job creation was a theme at this year’s Energy Show organised by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). That alternative fuel vehicles are an increasingly important part of that message was reiterated by the

S

allocation of a dedicated Electric & Alternative Vehicle Showroom for motoring exhibitors. Held once again at the RDS in Dublin, there was a good turn-out of automotive manufacturers showcasing the latest developments in green-friendly automotive technology.

Volvo Making its Irish debut was the Volvo V60 Hybrid. We’ve seen plug-in hybrids before but this car combines a 69hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle with Volvo’s 2.4 litre diesel (rather than the usual petrol) engine. Officially it can achieve a rather incredible 155mpg and has CO 2 emissions of just 49g/km.

Renault The Twizy and the Zoe were the star turns on the Renault stand.

The Zoe in particular has been winning plaudits for its strong range performance combined with regular fi ve seater hatchback practicality.

Nissan The Japanese brand has long been to the fore in driving electric motoring forward. At the Energy Show the Leaf - winner of the Irish Green Fleet Car - Electric category winner at the recent Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards was on display, as was its fellow all-electric offering, the e-NV200 light commercial van.

BMW There’s no doubt that the major attraction at the show was the presence of BM W’s plug-in hybrid sports car, the i8. Th is stunning look i ng mach i ne combines a 129hp electric motor with a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine to deliver supercar performance and supermini running costs. Also on show was the i3 compact EV.

Gas Network Ireland Green vehicles aren’t just about electric vehicles and repre sent i ng t he natural gas sector was this Volkswagen Caddy van presented by Gas Net works Ireland.

A proper refuelling station net work remains a stumbling block, but there’s litt le doubt that gas is increasingly being recognised worldwide as a serious alternative to petrol or diesel.

FUSO Trucks T he on ly t r uc k manufacturer at the Energy Show, FUSO showed the Canter Eco Hybrid. The 7.5 tonne GV W vehicle combines a 3-litre 150hp turbocharged diesel engine with a 40kW electric motor/ generator and dual c lutc h autom at ic transmission to offer up to 23% better fuel economy than the regular Canter.

Mitsubishi The highly regarded Out la nder PH E V received plenty of attention. It’s the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, and offers headline fuel economy figures and emissions of 1.9 l/100km and 44 g/ km for not much more purchase cost than the regular diesel model.

There’s also a commercial version available.

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Outdoor Ride and Drive As well as the static indoor displays, a number of manufacturers including BMW, Nissan and Volvo were offering potential customers an opportunity to put their product offerings to the test around the streets of Ballsbridge. www.fleet.ie

32 | WAREHOUSING

International Forklift of the Year finalists 2015 – Part Two

T

he 2015 International Forklift of the Year (IFOY) testing took place from 19–26 February at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in Osnabruck, Germany. Twelve materials handling vehicles, a specialist tester and 22 jury members from 14 countries put the fi nalists through their paces. The jury is made up of representatives of the leading logistics media from all over Europe, including Fleet Transport.

Awards are presented in five categories for the best new materials handling vehicles of the year, automated guided vehicle and warehouse truck classes along with a successful intralogistics system solutions. The five manufacturers who made it to the final round include: Clark, Jungheinrich, Still, Toyota Material Handling and Unicarriers. The winner’s trophies will

be presented on May 5 at the IFOY Award Night during the CeMAT@ transportlogistic fair in Munich.

In this second report from the competition the shortlisted warehouse equipment suppliers are profi led.

Jury Member of the International Forklift Truck Award

Clark is now branching out to offer transportation solutions for people and stock via electric carriers using AC technology. The fully-equipped CBX4 with its cab, trailer-hitch and an access control system which runs via a Smartphone App, is an ideal vehicle for maintenance operations, factory tours, internal express tours, small parts logistics and even special cleaning services. The vehicle design with a canopy roof makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, screening out ambient noise. The additional trailer option means sufficient cargo space is always available, especially for services which are extremely material-intensive.

The automatic hitch aid also simplifies transportation using the trailer.

Clark CBX4 With the CBX4, Clark has released the fi rst people and load carrier vehicle with an all-purpose concept for internal transportation within large production facilities and for operations with an extensive footprint.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Only authorised persons are able to access the vehicle thanks to the entry control system which uses a Smartphone App. The vehicle management system makes it possible to check which driver has operated the vehicle and where the vehicle was switched off and parked. The carrier can travel at speeds up to 25 km/h and additional safety mechanisms such as an automatic switch-off function when the driver leaves the vehicle are also possible.

WAREHOUSING | 33

Jungheinrich ECE 225

Still FM-X

The new Jungheinrich ECE 225 is a horizontal order picker designed with a focus on picking performance, energy efficiency and workstation design.

The Still FM-X is available with load capacities of 1 to 2.5 tonnes and combines compact dimensions with a maximum lift height of 13 metres at a residual load capacity of 1000 kg. The FM-X accelerates to a top speed of 14 km/h with high lift speeds of up to 0.70 m/s. Energy consumption compared to its predecessor is lowered by 20% and additional energy saving is possible when using the energy efficiency BlueQ mode.

Features include a patented JetPilot steering wheel system which aids intuitive multi-function control. Low energy consumption is achieved due to the latest drive and roller technology. Individually adjustable sett ings are possible, depending on operator and work requirements with particular focus on the platform and backrest design as well as the availability of various storage options. Safety is enhanced with an integrated lighting package. The powerful 3.2 kW motor and efficient drive concept facilitates optimum acceleration and a top speed of 14 km/h. Load adaptive cornering speed is also included via intelligent ‘Curve Control’ and three adjustable travel programmes are available for individual requirements. There is also a side touch mode installed in the backrest for faster order picking. Impact reduction is achieved by means of a sprung platform which is adjustable to weight, and various comfort backrests with armrests and seats are available for back relief over longer distances. An extensive range of options are possible including ECO mode, which reduces energy consumption by 25% compared to its predecessor.

Relaxed, comfortable and safe work throughout a whole shift is achieved by the ergonomic cabin concept. Numerous equipment options allow the truck to be adapted to individual customer requirements; for example, the FM-X can be fitted with Superelastic tyres for outdoor operation. The truck can also be operated in extreme conditions - due to several cabin versions (cold store, wind protection, rain/snow protection). Visibility through the mast of the new FM-X is substantially improved by optimising the installation of the hydraulic pipes, positioning the free lift cylinder off-centre and a slim fork carriage. A new active load stabilisation system ensures the swaying of the mast is reduced to a minimum when raised, via counter movement cushioning in the carriage cylinders of the mast - the result is faster storage and retrieval of pallets.

Toyoya/BT Levio

Unicarriers Tergo URS

The new BT Levio P-series 2.0-2.5 tonne powered pallet trucks are designed primarily for medium to intense applications. These compact trucks have a f lip-up driver platform and a Click-2-Creep feature making them ideal for working in confi ned areas and loading/unloading trucks.

These trucks´ small size and high travel speed potential (up to 12.5 km/h) make them easy to manoeuvre in tight places, offering flexibility and maximising the pallet movements per hour. Driveability is enhanced by the foldable side guards, small turning radius and excellent all-round visibility.

The series comes with a large choice of driver protection and ergonomics: foldable gates, fi xed backrest and fi xed side protection with foot sensor at the back to reduce the risk of foot injuries. The adjustable tiller arm height enables operators to work in the ideal position for comfort.

The Tergo URS, which is based on the Tergo family, is a reach truck and VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) machine combined in one model, with capacity up to 1500 kg and lift heights to 10,350 mm. Unicarriers stated that Tergo design is the result of customers requesting a truck suitable for VNA operations but also requiring a multipurpose truck with a low Total Cost of Ownership.

The URS work station fits operators of all sizes and combined with an ergonomic design it ensures an efficient and comfortable working day. The seat has a weight adjustable suspension linked to the uniquely tapered tilting backrest. The position of the mini steering wheel as well as right hand control positions and an adjustable floor height (including pedals), can be configured by each driver for maximum comfort. Driver sett ings are linked to individual operator PIN codes or RFID cards, enabling individuals to have their own personal performance sett ings stored.

The advanced electronic concept provides driver and load optimum stability by controlling the speed and angle when cornering. The BT Powertrak ensures that the drive-wheel grip is always maximised according to the load weight. The Levio has low energy consumption and regenerative braking, making it more environmentally conscious and a lithium-ion version is also available for multi-shift operations.

Novice drivers will perform safely at a speed suitable to their skill levels. As their experience grows, new truck sett ings can be configured to maintain safety while improving performance to the maximum. The URS is built using 85% of the Tergo reach truck which means engineers have the parts and knowledge to provide efficient service support, ensuring maximum up-time.

Text & Photos: Joe O'Brien - joe@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

34 | AFTERMARKET

Commercial Vehicle Aftersales: options for the operator

I

n the March edition of Fleet Transport, Commercial Vehicle Finance was explored to give the reader an insight into what is on offer regarding fi nance from the various institutions as well as the inhouse financial services that are available from the manufacturer/distributor. As a follow up, this month we look at Aftersales Packages, as in Repair and Maintenance (R&M) contracts as well as vehicle warranty and aftermarket products. With Total Cost of Ownership at the epicentre of all purchasing decisions it is imperative that the operator takes all aspects on board arising from the purchase, utilization and maintenance of a vehicle, right down to resale or disposal of a vehicle. The main truck distributors were asked for a synopsis of aftersales products and services that help the customers in maintaining their fleet and complying with safety standards.

FUSO Trucks FUSO through Mitsubishi FUSO has been present in the Irish market for approximately 30 years. Its extensive dea ler net work compr i si ng of si x teen agent s nationwide makes it easily accessible to a broad customer base. Every FUSO Canter from 3.5 tonnes to 8.55 tonnes GVW comes complete with a comprehensive 5 year or 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes fi rst). Th is warranty is subject to an annual vehicle health check which must be completed by an authorized FUSO agent in order to adhere to the warranty protocol.

The maintenance interval for the new Canter is 40,000 km or every year depending on which comes fi rst. The FUSO dealerships throughout the country have factory trained technicians, fully equipped specialist workshops and FUSO specific factory diagnostic equipment which ensures correct diagnosis as well as any soft ware updates, which are necessary for the Canter. Th is is all to ensure that the Canter is kept running in an efficient, safe and cost effective way.

Mitsubishi FUSO Ireland covers the 32 counties with Sales & Service of FUSO products.

FUSO Parts are designed specifically for the Canter and are tested meticulously to guarantee that they fit and work correctly. Th is ensures superior quality to contribute to greater efficiency and safety of their vehicles. FUSO Genuine Parts will enhance the life expectancy of the vehicle as well as increase the resale value of the vehicle.

Also FUSO Canter parts come with a one year guarantee and are readily available throughout the dealer network. FUSO’s next morning parts delivery service from its warehouse in Dublin makes unavailability an unlikely situation.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Volvo Trucks

Renault Trucks

Vo l v o Tr u c k s has been at the forefront of the Irish market for over forty years and today is the second largest producer of heav y trucks with an extensive dealer network, which caters for its customers worldwide including 8 dealerships between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

R enau lt Tr uck s, w i n ne r of t he International Truck of the Year 2015, is selling its T Range with the option of a two year (160,000km/ year) full Repair and Maintenance contract as standard. If the customer so wishes they can opt for a 4 year 500k or 4 year 600k panEuropean maxi warranty. Vehicle recovery and a replacement truck comes with this package should the Ireland/UK dealer be unable to carry out the repair within 24 hours or 48 hours in Continental Europe.

Volvo provides many solutions for its customers, one coming in the form of Volvo Service Point Online (VSPO) which is a user friendly electronic method of providing the DOE (Dept of the Environment) with maintenance records and can also be used to schedule maintenance online with the dealer for operators who have opted for Repair and Maintenance contracts. VSPO also keeps an accurate account of all service invoices, schedules and reported defects which can be searched by vehicle which saves time and also reduces errors.

Another important aftersales package is Dynafleet telematics which offers communication between the truck, operator and dealer. It provides Exception reports on vehicle and driver when used in the context of Gold Contract, thus making compliance easier and is a method of proof for operators who need to manage and prove their emissions. Additionally, Dynafleet when used in conjunction with a repair and maintenance contract allows the operator to communicate closely with the dealer. As such the dealer and workshop becomes part of the operator’s fleet management team.

The Renault Construction and Distribution Ranges known as C and D, offer extended warranties or R&M as an option also. With vehicle complexity at its highest Renault stated that it makes sense for operators to consider full Repair and Maintenance contracts. Th is puts the responsibility on the dealer to maintain the operator’s fleet as well as host the maintenance records for the operator, carry out the safety inspections together with annual DOE and bi annual tachograph calibration requirements. Full Repair and Maintenance contracts for tractor units over a four year term come in as litt le as €199 a month, making it an att ractive deal to the operator. Additionally customers who opt for long extended warranties have the option of fi xed menu pricing for those items not covered by warranty such as lube servicing and brake overhauls. Competitive supply and fit deals come with a two year unlimited, mileage warranty if fitted in a Renault Trucks dealers workshop.

DAF Trucks Volvo also states that with the increasing complexity of vehicles and the use of electronics, technician training is imperative, and Volvo has highly trained master technicians which ensures a high standard of repair and maintenance as well as managing risks more effectively than in house or ad hoc servicing. Volvo can offer maintenance programmes built around your individual trucks and operating schedules, which in turn will lead to a trouble free ownership. Volvo Trucks come with a two year warranty and provide a range of benefits to protect your investment wherever you are, home or abroad.

All genuine Volvo spare parts come with a 12 month warranty but when fitted by a Volvo workshop that term is increased to 24 months on parts and labour. Plus in the event that a breakdown does occur the warranty will cover roadside recovery and any consequential damage.

DAF Distributors Ireland founded in 1973, the sole concessionaire for the DAF Trucks range of commercial vehicles in the Republic of Ireland offers a number of Repair and Maintenance contracts subject to agreed annual mileage, and offers flexibility with contract terms to meet customer requirements. Its compliance package includes routine servicing according to DAF standards, safety and maintenance inspections as required by RSA, tacho calibrations and annual CVR test. The benefits of a Repair and Maintenance contract for the operator ensures the vehicle is maintained to the highest standard with fi xed costs and no hidden charges at CVR test time.

DAF Check, an electronic vehicle maintenance record system is available to all customers free

AFTERMARKET | 35 of charge, transforming the way inspections are carried out, stored and communicated, making it easy for the customer to log in and check the inspection and servicing details of their vehicles.

Full 3 year warranty is available on all DAF vehicles which commenced from April 2015.

Another important offer for DAF customers who are unsure of going down the R&M route is “Market to the Max” loyalty programme which offers discounts to DAF customers who purchase genuine DAF parts.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles

As part of the Daimler Trucks division, Mercedes - Benz trucks have been a hallmark of premium quality for over 100 years. Mercedes-Benz prides itself on reliability and economic efficiency and also for its top level product and service quality.

It also holds comprehensive expertise in the area of customer orientated transport solutions.

All Mercedes-Benz trucks are supplied with a one year bumper to bumper and three year or 450,000km driveline warranty and can boast the largest non- insured manufacturer’s warranty.

Also Mercedes-Benz is now offering an extended warranty for all models with cover up to five years or 600,000kms. Where Repair and Maintenance contracts are concerned the five-year package ranging in mileage from 100 - 150,000km per annum is deemed the most popular but a three year 100,000km package is also available and suits some operators.

David Smith, Aftersales Manager with MercedesBenz Commercial Vehicles Ireland reports that R&M contracts have increased dramatically since 2008 and because of the economic downturn, operators have moved to inclusive contracts which aid them in controlling their costs with greater certainty. With regard to part deals, Mercedes-Benz genuine parts and parts packages are priced competitively and provide customers with genuine quality, which is not available from certain suppliers. Their fi lter and brake kit packages have proved to be a huge success and all genuine parts come with a one year unlimited mileage warranty.

customers, needs or operational type. The vehicle provides “real time” feedback for the costing of these packages so the customer pays only for a package related to the truck's individual needs. Repair and Maintenance contracts vary with all periods and mileages catered for, but with increasing reliability many customers opt for a standard warranty only. For customers who wish to be cautious towards potential failures Scania offers 3-7 year R&M contracts with 4 year being the most common.

All Scania dealers offer maintenance record hosting for customers using the Scania dealer system although most customers still prefer to retain their own individual records. Scania do not sell warranty only packages and instead offer a comprehensive suite of R&M packages in which there are no hidden surprises or exclusions which seem to suit the majority of customers.

Westward Scania also offers a competitive pricing structure, and a Scania part fitted in a Scania approved workshop is covered for 12 months parts and labour.

Iveco

three years, or a maximum mileage of up to 450.000km. Model and application-specific extended warranties are also available for all MAN vehicles. There is a variety of options for Repair & Maintenance contracts in the form of MAN Comfort, Comfort Plus and Comfort Super. These contracts are tailor made to the needs of the operator and cover everything from service work and inspections to wear and tear repairs in the Comfort Super package. Another after sales product worth mentioning is MAN ServiceCare which offers increased efficiency through proactive maintenance management.

This package which puts the responsibility on the service agent for the planning and undertaking of maintenance work takes the pressure off the operator so they can concentrate on their core business.

MAN Genuine Parts are tested rigorously to comply with strict quality standards and come with a 12 month warranty that is valid worldwide.

Also, to keep downtimes as short as possible 95% of all unavailable parts are supplied overnight by the European Logistics Centre established

by MAN.

Hino Emerald Truck & Van located in Rathcoole, County Dublin is the main Iveco franchise holder in Ireland with sub-dealers in many other counties. It has a sister company, NI Trucks in Belfast and Portadown. As a result Iveco is well covered across Ireland. It offers a 24/7 emergency breakdown to all its customers. Warranty on Iveco commercial vehicles varies depending on the vehicle purchased and its usage. As a guideline, the Stralis comes with a 24 month or 500,000km parts and labour warranty and the Eurocargo comes with a 36 month or 250,000km parts and labour warranty. Iveco has created “Elements” a wide range of tailored service packages designed to maximize vehicle uptime, by providing operators with total flexibility in choosing a planned maintenance contract to suit their specific operation.

With Iveco genuine parts a 12 month or 150,000km warranty is offered from authorized Iveco dealers and labour is also covered if an authorized dealer installed the parts.

Harris Hino is the main supplier and assembler of Hino trucks in Ireland.

Its dealer network workshops provide regular servicing, road speed limiter, tachograph testing and D.O.E preparation together with the administration of service and inspection records to Government standards. All dealers offer a range of R&M contracts to suit customers individual needs along with roadside assistance 24 hours a day 365 days a year this service is called HINO Pro-Care. Each Hino truck comes with a 24 month unlimited mileage warranty.

Harris Hino has a delivery service for genuine parts, knowing that time is of the upmost importance in your business.

Isuzu Trucks

Scania MAN Truck & Bus

Scania which was founded in 1891 and since then has manufactured and delivered over 1.4 million trucks and buses, is one of the leading manufacturers of heavy transport vehicles.

Unlike competitors Scania has concentrated its resources on the heavy transport segment.

It has over 1600 dealers worldwide including 8 dealers in Ireland, making it an easily accessible franchise for its customers. Presently Scania through importer and distributor, Westward Scania offers a 12 month warranty with all new trucks. Several extension packages are available, which are tailored to the individual Text: Leonard Allison - contributor@fleet.ie

Man Importers Ireland, a member of the OHM Group is the exclusive distributor of MAN commercial vehicles since 1994. In conjunction with its extensive nationwide dealer network MAN Ireland has been able to deliver to its customers the highest level of service and quality spare parts for all MAN truck and buses which come with a 12 month warranty on the entire vehicle and a two year powertrain warranty with unlimited mileage. TGX and TGS series owners/operators can benefit from an extended powertrain warranty of up to

Isuzu Trucks has extensive dealer coverage in Ireland, and has approximately 22 sales and service agents. Harris Commercial Vehicles has been steadily growing since its establishment in 1989 and is the leading Isuzu dealer on the island of Ireland, situated within the Harris Group on the Naas Road in Dublin. Isuzu Trucks offers comprehensive support and maintenance options to optimize the vehicle's functionality. Its busy service and parts department is staffed by a team of qualified technicians and has undergone extensive training on the maintenance, diagnosis and repair of all Isuzu Commercial Vehicles.

Isuzu Trucks also comes with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty with emergency assist as part of the warranty. www.fleet.ie

36 | DESIGN

Barry Llewellyn eyes Volvo Truck of the Future up to the ceiling to create an open panoramic feel to the truck giving the driver an excellent night-time ‘view’. Hardwood flooring as seen on yachts adorns the truck’s flat floor. Due to the absence of a steering wheel and other stalk controls, the centrally positioned driver’s seat has just a number of information panels curved around this person.

The bottom screen acts as a command surface, where the driver can give his/her input on how the vehicle should be controlled, e.g. slowing down or speeding up the truck, overtaking other motorists, or otherwise over-ride the autonomous system if required.

F

rom over one hundred entries, Dubliner Barry Llewellyn emerged as one of the winners of the Volvo Trucks ‘Truck of the Future 2050’ Design Competition. The 17 year-old Lusk, County Dublin native attended two special presentation receptions in recent weeks, the first at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland HQ’s in Warwick followed by a meeting with the Swedish company’s Design Team at its head office in Gothenburg. Barry who attends Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf, won the 11 to 18 years category with his final interpretation after spending months sketching hundreds of pages. Featured prominently in his creation were autonomous driving (driverless trucks), alternative fuels and unique entry and exit systems.

Much of Barry’s influence came from his parents, his architect mother and his father who bought him the PlayStation II ‘Supertrucks’ game when he was 9 years of age. From then on, Barry was hooked on design and continuously drafted notes and drawings on future concepts. It was through looking at various automotive design websites that Barry came across the Volvo Trucks Competition.

From early summer to early September last,

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

he kept working on the project. One of Barry’s objectives was to keep within the Volvo Trucks design philosophies. He even interpreted how the famous ‘Iron Mark’ symbol might look in the years ahead. Most of the final sketches were hand drawn with additional pages submitted completed in Photoshop.

When we met at MacHale’s Junction 4 Service Station in Turvey, North Dublin, Barry explained further about the design concept, particularly the rather interesting interior. From the front corners, pneumatic doors open revealing electrically controlled steps that are released for instant access. Cameras replace exterior mirrors, placed lower down than usual in order for the driver to observe cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

At the rear of the cab, automatically adjustable aerodynamic flaps ensure that the gap between truck and trailer is minimised. “With autonomous driving, many actions can be predetermined and preselected even these adjustable flaps to cut the wind resistance,” he said. With the aid of a digital LED windscreen, the interior remains at the perfect light level - day and night. Strong sunlight can be shaded while privacy can be assured while sleeping. Above the dash area is another stretch

To the left and right of the driver’s seat are the camera view panels with vehicle and driver performance levels displayed on the upper touch screen in the middle. Halogram technology is used to create a 3D miniature model of the truck and the vehicles around it.

Above this is a pop up screen with speed and navigation information presented in real time. Barry admitted that he cannot account for how this data will be transmitted as Wi-Fi connectivity could have moved on dramatically by then. “The speed of development of this technology prevents me to determine what system will be in place in thirty year’s time,” he emphasised. Good point.

In one of the corners behind the driver is a comfort seat that slides in different directions on a rail system. Over this seat is the fold up bunk. The dash area, although in basic two-tone grey/black can be changed to replicate the driver’s favourite football team’s colours, for example.

Regarding the powertrain, Barry looks to hydrogen fuel cells as one of the sources but sees that there is still a future for internal combustion engines into the future.

He really likes the current Volvo FH flagship launched two year’s ago. “It has a ready to go stance which is emphasised strongly by the beautiful side profile.” With that project behind him Barry is now working on a streamline portable speaker system that projects high quality sound from a minimalist size. So far he has designed and produced ten phototypes. Remember this Transition Year student whether it’s truck or product design, Barry Llewellyn is going to go very far.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

FUEL PRICES (WEEK 18) / SAFETY MATTERS | 37 Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Albania

ALL

174.00

-

173.00

Lithuania

EUR

1.182

1.220

1.101

Andorra

EUR

1.129

1.189

0.989

Luxemburg

EUR

1.247

1.307

1.073

Austria

EUR

1.255

1.394

1.177

Macedonia

MKD

69.00

71.00

54.50

Belarus

EUR

0.775

-

0.801

Moldova

MDL

17.27

17.97

16.47

Belgium

EUR

1.506

1.568

1.282

Montenegro

EUR

1.200

1.240

1.080

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

2.10

2.20

2.10

Netherlands

EUR

1.711

1.774

1.369

Bulgaria

BGN

2.19

2.57

2.27

Norway

NOK

15.64

-

14.19

Croatia

HRK

9.83

-

9.10

Poland

PLN

4.73

4.95

4.66

Czech Republic

CZK

31.36

-

30.95

Portugal

EUR

1.535

1.673

1.282

Denmark

DKK

11.39

-

9.65

Romania

RON

5.49

6.26

5.35

Estonia

EUR

1.183

1.223

1.139

Russia

RUB

35.77

-

34.89

Finland

EUR

1.492

1.558

1.342

Serbia

RSD

138.90

-

146.90

France

EUR

1.433

1.490

1.237

Slovakia

EUR

1.309

-

1.185

Georgia

GEL

1.84

1.94

1.84

Slovenia

EUR

1.311

1.355

1.197

Germany

EUR

1.427

-

1.227

Spain

EUR

1.290

1.420

1.196

Greece

EUR

1.514

1.607

1.201

Sweden

SEK

14.04

14.54

13.65

Hungary

HUF

357.00

-

376.00

Switzerland

CHF

1.491

1.543

1.548

Ireland

EUR

1.399

-

1.299

Turkey

TRY

4.57

-

3.90

Italy

EUR

1.655

-

1.513

Ukraine

UAH

20.50

26.00

20.80

Kosovo

EUR

1.05

-

1.05

UK

GBP

1.135

1.225

1.190

Latvia

EUR

1.117

1.172

1.087

USA

USD

-

-

0.734

Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . .

Preventing Road Accidents & Injuries for the Safety of Employees - PRAISE PRA ISE Awards 2015: Apply now for the PRA ISE Awards: showcasing organisations that put road safety first

W

hat have the ESB (Electricit y Supply Boa rd), a nd K T L got i n com mon?

These Irish companies, along with European counterparts - Arriva Denmark, The Hellenic Air Force, Royal Dutch Shell and British Telecom - all know that prioritising road safety can; • • •

help the bottom line improve working conditions for staff boost customer satisfaction

And all are previous winners of a PRA ISE Award - for European organisations, large and small, that have committed to putt ing road safety at the core of their business. Iron Mountain also received a “Highly Commended” award in 2014.

w w w.etsc.eu Deadline for applications: 3 August 2015.

For more information about how to make the business case for road safety at your organisation, download this free report; htt p://etsc.eu/the-business-case-for-managing-road-risk-at-work/. and this case study of a previous winner. htt p://etsc.eu/managing-road-risk-at-work-case-study-esb For further information on Work Related Vehicle Safety matters, including Driving for Work Risk Management. Please follow the links below. htt p://www.vehiclesatwork.ie htt p://drivingforwork.ie or by contacting the Workplace Contact Unit at Lo-Call: 1890 289 389 (Between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday).

PRA ISE Awards contact: praiseaward@etsc.eu

Using the roads is a necessary part of our working lives, but it’s a routine activity that leads to an incredibly high level of injury and death. The European Transport Safety Council's (ETSC) PRA ISE project endeavours to address the safety aspects of driving for work. Its aim is to promote best practice in order to help employers achieve high standards in road safety for their employees and the benefit of all.

If your organisation has a road safety programme and the results to prove it – the ETSC want to hear from you. The competition is divided into three separate categories: SME (Small-Medium Enterprise), large company and public authority.

To find out more, and to download a n appl icat ion for m, plea se v isit www.fleet.ie

38 | REPORT III

Denmark’s Lars Sondergard is the best of the best at Scania YETD 2015 finals

T

he sixth biennial Scania Young European Truck Driver (YETD) competition took place in Sodertalje, Sweden on the 24/25 April to find a winner amongst Europe’s elite national representatives.

The 26 finalists battled it out over the two days in a range of challenging tests such as fuel economy driving, cargo securing and safe manoeuvering, to name just a few. Road safety was given extra attention with the introduction of a new exercise in Drugs and Drowsiness to raise awareness on these issues such as drugs and alcohol as well as insufficient sleep or low blood sugars while sitting behind the wheel. Also a new award was introduced for the competitor who was best at securing load cargo, sponsored by the IRU – the International Road Transport Union.

Day two saw the qualification round come to a close and for the eight competitors with the lowest points, it was time for them to leave the competition. Thankfully, Robert who works for Dalton’s of Cahir and drives a Mercedes-Benz Actros, was still in the hunt. In the final round the competitors would do battle on a head-to-head ‘Fight the Fire’ exercise, the well known ‘Knock the King’, with the top three going forward to compete in the Super Z final.

Ireland’s champion Robert Baker from County Tipperary was there to stake his claim (with great support from family and friends) on the €100,000 first prize of a new Scania truck. From a total of more than 22,000 entrants from 26 countries, 26 drivers were shortlisted to go forward to the Grand Final in Sweden, after becoming national champions in their home countries.

In Fight the Fire, the finalists fought derterminedly in setting up an accident scene, extinguishing a fire and reversing their truck through an obstacle course.

The winners booked their place in the Semi-final Knock the King challenge where nine finalists would remain. Robert outclassed his opponent booking his place in the Semis while the winner Lars Sondergard triumphed along with the German contestant who had to compete twice due to a technical issue. Also, the third place finalist from Switzerland prevailed. The other competitors to make it through were from France, Italy, Great Britain, Sweden and Norway.

At last month’s Grand Final at Scania’s HQ , the qualification rounds began on Friday with all competitors completing tests in the following disciplines, Fuel Economy Driving, Defensive Driving, Check Before Driving, Cargo Securing,

The Knock the King Semi-final was very exciting as it pitted the three finalists against each other. Calm and accurate driving was rewarded. Any mistakes were penalized for instance, the driver having to jump out of the cab to pick up the blue cones if they knocked one over. The German finalist held his nerve in the first heat to prevail over the Swedish and Norwegian competitors, sending him through to the winner takes all climax. In the second heat, Robert Baker was narrowly beaten by the Swiss champion, after making an unfortunate late error. The third heat saw the Danish champion, who competed in the 2012 YETD Finals, outclass his Italian and French opposition. All three would now get ready for a tense finale, the Super Z.

First Aid, Drugs and Drowsiness and Combo. This was all adjudicated on a points system with the top 18 sure of a place in the final round. Robert competed extremely well and held his nerve in the qualification rounds placing him in joint fi fth ahead of the eventual overall winner from Denmark.

Here the competitors had to reverse their truck through the Z shaped lanes taking care not to touch any sidewalls or obstacles. At the end of the lane the competitors had to knock the red cone without knocking the blue cones and move forward through the same lane knocking the red cones in four other locations, with the first across the finish line declared the winner. The Danish finalist impressively won making only one mistake and completed the course very quickly in just 4 minutes 38 seconds, with German Patrick Schildmann coming second and Switzerland’s Thomas Knusel placing third. The Danish supporters roared and applauded with excitement and congratulated their FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

REPORT III | 39

hero Lars Sondergard in becoming Scania YETD champion for 2015. He admitted huge surprised with the result and commented; “ I can’t believe it, it was very tight.” The winner of the new Scania tractor-unit worth €100,000 was overwhelmed and commented to the TV crews: “ I know just where to park it” when sitting in his gleaming new truck with a broad smile.

The champion was also joined in the cab by Mia Magnussen, who couldn’t believe her eyes when her Danish driver-boyfriend finished as number 1 in the YETD final and commented; “My guy is so cool and calm, that’s why he won.”

Lars’s victory was well deserved and true to Mia’s comments his actions in keeping cool under pressure is what counted in the end. In an interview, the Danish champion attributed his success to watching the video of the 2012 Final more than fi ft y times where Irishman Gabriel Warde (from Galway) was victorious, and putting in practice his winning technique before coming to Sweden. Even though he made a mistake on the last cone, he still managed to get out, reposition it, hold his nerve and be successful in the end.

In the midst of all the competitive action there was plenty for the event visitors and supporters to see and do. Tours of the Scania engine and chassis factories, Test-drives in a range of Scania trucks and buses, Off-Road driving were arranged plus impressive displays of Scania vintage vehicles. There were also demonstrations for visitors and the media in the R&D Centre showing Scania‘s latest technology including Platooning, Advanced Emergency Braking, along with its hybrid trucks and buses and alternative fuel sources.

Robert Baker said he was very grateful to his employers leading up to and during the event for time off with preperations. He also received great support while competing from the Irish contingent who travelled including his wife Marie and his father Paschal, along with, Gavin Agnew and Eoin Durkan who finished second and third in the Irish national finals and travelled to Sodertalje as guests. The group also included Mark Finneran (Driver Trainer) and Joe Crann, MD of Westward Scania.

Text & Photos: Leonard Allison - contributor@fleet.ie

After the Grand Final, Scania treated all its guests to a most enjoyable night at MW Hall for food and entertainment. The champion and other podium placed finalists were honoured for their success in the competition as well as being officially presented with their prizes. The atmosphere was great and Lars received a rapturous applause and standing ovation when announced as Scania YETD champion for 2015/6. He was then presented with the cheque of €100,000 for the new R-series Scania. The second place prize, offered by Michelin, a VIP package for two for the famous 24-Hour race at Le Mans in June was presented to Patrick Schildmann, who also won the IRU sponsored Cargo securing competition with a prize of €1,500. Third place Thomas Knusel received a voucher for a Hot-Air Balloon tour over Germany’s scenic Munsterland, a visit to the Schmitz Cargobull factory and a two night stay in a hotel for two, offered by Schmitz Cargobull.

The Scania YETD competition which began in 2003 and now takes place globally attracted over 100,000 contestants this year, making it a new record. It focuses on the importance of the driver and how a trained driver can improve road safety as well as reducing environmental impact. It raises awareness as well as increasing a drivers pride in their work. Stefan Lindblom YETD event organizer and the huge team from Scania that make this competition bigger and better ever year deserves enormous recognition for the work they do and for bringing the truck driving profession into the public domain. Scania, through this competition ensures that truck driving can be recognized as one of the most important professions that in someway or another serves everyone worldwide.

By highlighting the role of the driver, Scania also wants to attract more young people into the driving profession. “The driver is absolutely the most important factor in heavy vehicle transport,” stated Scania’s Erik Ljungberg. “Vehicles and infrastructure are obviously of major significance, but fuel-efficient and safe driving is primarily a matter of human behaviour. Through YETD, Scania wants to help raise the status of professional drivers and emphasise their great importance to the profitability of transport companies and to road safety, as well as to the reduced environmental impact. We want to help attract more young, capable drivers into the transport business.”

www.fleet.ie

40 | HEALTH MATTERS

Drivers, Alcohol, and the New Guidelines

D

eath and illness from traumatic injury are by far the most significant health consequences of alcohol use.

tremors and acute anxiety.

In April 2014 the Road Safety Authority recommended that Group 1 drivers (those driving cars, tractors or motorcycles) who engage in alcohol misuse must cease driving for at least three months after abstinence or controlled drinking has been achieved.

Alcohol use is related to all kinds of trauma and injury - it increases the risk for many chronic health events such as diseases and cancers, and it also has acute consequences such as road traffic accidents.

Group 2 drivers with alcohol misuse (those driving trucks or buses) face more stringent conditions – they must cease driving for at least a year after abstinence or controlled drinking has been achieved.

Drinking an average of 25 grammes of alcohol a day (about 3 glasses of wine) significantly increases the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, stomach and bowel, but an irregular pattern of binge drinking can cause sudden death due to a heart att ack or a major stroke.

Alcohol dependence is obviously a much more important consideration and the consequences for drivers are equally more severe.

An unexpected fi nding in alcohol research was that low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease than that in non drinkers - the lowest level of heart disease came with 20 gm of alcohol a day – two and a half glasses of wine a day. Do you weigh up the chance of cancer against that of heart disease?

Alcohol misuse is a major problem in our society and over the last number of years the average consumption of alcohol has increased considerably. More people are drinking in a harmful manner and this is ref lected in the increased number of attendances at our Accident & Emergency Departments all over the country. A great number of attendances at these departments are associated directly or indirectly with problem drinking.

We are all aware that alcohol is associated with increased risk of injury in a wide variety of situations - motor vehicle crashes, cycling and pedestrian accidents and of course interpersonal violence and self infl icted injuries including suicide.

It has also been found that the presence of alcohol in the body at the time of the injury is associated with greater severity of injury and less positive outcomes. The reasons for this are obvious.

Even small doses of alcohol have affects on the brain, which interfere with reaction time, the processing of information, muscle coordination, watchfulness and caution.

An experienced driver will not have as adverse an impact from the alcohol on his performance as an inexperienced one, and it has been found that the fatal crash risk for drinking drivers aged between 16 and 19 years is higher than the risk for any other age group. Th is is due to the fact that younger drivers have a lower tolerance for alcohol combined with relative inexperience in driving.

As alcohol is consumed in large quantities almost everywhere in the world the disease of FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

For alcohol dependence in Group 1 – the period of time is six months cessation of driving and it must be an alcohol free six months.

With regard to Group 2 drivers – no license will be granted where there is a history of alcohol dependence within the previous three years.

In all these four scenarios the driver is obliged to notify the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS), and presumably their (the drivers’) history will be taken into consideration if a license is ever to be reissued in the future. alcoholism is becoming more widespread. Th is is a chronic disease with an insidious onset and the risk of developing it is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed. It is found to impair intellectual function, memory, judgement, and of course physical skills.

When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed much more rapidly than it is eliminated therefore continuous drinking over a short period of time leads to its accumulation in the body. It is important to be aware of these facts because there are conditions involving alcohol and drivers of which doctors must take account when issuing a medical certificate of fitness to drive.

Among other concerns around alcohol are fi rstly alcohol misuse and secondly alcohol dependence.

Alcohol misuse is when the person drinks much more than the recommended limits of alcohol consumption, thus causing disturbances of behaviour or disease related to the alcoholic intake and that these factors are such that they are likely to cause the drinker, his family or society, harm.

Alcohol dependence is seen when the person is so physically and mentally addicted to alcohol that he feels he needs it just to survive, cannot quit or control the drinking, needs more and more to get the same affect, and when he does attempt to stop drinking develops nausea, sweating,

The alcohol industry is constantly exhorting us to “drink sensibly” and what exactly is that?

Sensible drinking guidelines recommend a maximum daily level of 3 units for men and 2 units for women – less for women as they suffer greater damage more quickly than men. (A unit is 8 gm of alcohol and is contained in a half pint of beer, a single measure of spirits, or one glass of wine).

A few things to remember about alcohol – one unit per hour is the rate of elimination so spread the drinking time. A full stomach decreases the absorption of alcohol - have a good meal before you go out or have it with your drink. Remember it is almost impossible to gauge your “drink driving” limit when you are out having a good time – either have a non-drinking designated driver or be that driver yourself.

Remember when obtaining a medical certificate of fitness to drive, that one of the duties of the examining doctor is to notify the NDLS regarding a person’s fitness to drive where there is a risk to the public and the driver does not cease driving.

The doctor would have advised the driver in the fi rst place, but if his/her advice is disregarded there may have to be a breach of doctor - patient confidentiality if there is a danger to the driver or to the public at large.

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

FLEET TRANSPORT AWARDS 2016

REWARDING BEST PRACTICE

in association with Rosslare Europort

GALA DINNER

Thursday 3 September 2015 Citywest Hotel, Dublin

Enter Below or Online at www.fleet.ie Fleet Transport Awards 2016 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 Livery of the Year Safety Award

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

‘I have read and understood the terms and conditions of entering the Fleet Transport Awards 2016’.

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

Please send completed Entry Form plus additional material by Friday 29 May 2015 to Competition Secretary, Fleet Transport Awards 2016, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. Alternatively it is much simpler and quicker to enter online at www.fleet.ie.

Tel: 094 93 72819 Fax: 094 93 73571 Email: awards@fleet.ie

42 | TIMES PAST

Military Vehicles

B

ecause of the great current interest in the 1914-1918 confl ict - The Great War, that totally unnecessary First World War - transport-minded people will probably be looking with some interest at what vehicles were around at that time and what has survived. There is very little left in the Republic and the National Transport Museum has only one item, a grim reminder of what life was like for the ordinary soldier.

When the British pulled out in 1922, they left some vehicles and equipment for the incoming Irish Army, of which we can all feel so justifiably proud. Among the equipment was at least one Grampian Velox Fumigator. What, you may ask, is that? Probably dating from 1914 or earlier, it is a vehicle mounted on four wheels and drawn by two horses. The driver sat on a box and immediately behind was its vertical boiler which supplied steam to a horizontal airtight tank at the rear.

Findlater RA F Model IF 2507 H.Woods

The fumigator, Type G1101 was made by the Grampian Engineering Company of Stirling, Scotland. And here I quote some details in the hope that somebody may be able to add to what is known about the appliance. The boiler was made by Walter W Coltman & Company, Central Boiler Works, Loughborough (No 7539). The machine is quoted as being of two nominal horse power, high pressure 120 lb per square inch, working pressure 60 lb per square inch.

The fumigator’s purpose was the regular cleaning of uniforms, essential in the appalling conditions endured by soldiers in the trenches. The troops, already at a low ebb, were in constant danger of contracting any of a various serious illness and standards of hygiene were poor. Clean clothing was a must. To achieve this, clothes were placed in the fumigating tank, which was then sealed and the contents agitated in low-pressure steam, resulting in hygienic cleansing. According to a report in a recent World War One publication, the fumigators moved along or near the front, where the ground conditions and shelling must have made life very hard for everyone concerned.

Fumigator en Route to the National Transport Museum, July 1976

Long disused, the Irish Army fumigator was retrieved from a scrapyard in 1976 by an anonymous Army officer who recognised its historical importance and sent it (in parts) to the National Transport Museum. It was reassembled by Museum members and is currently stored, mainly requiring a repaint and repairs to its wheels. The recovery of the fumigator is now a historic event in its own right, shown in the photographs taken en route to the Museum on the former GNR 1930 Leyland Lion, happily now in Howth. My long-time colleague John Wheatley is standing alongside.

At the other top end of the list of famous survivors is the Defence Forces’ pride, the Rolls-Royce armoured car ARR2, Slieve-na-mBan, which was Michael Collins’ car. It will be seen in some of the upcoming ceremonies and events commemorating the 1916-1922 period.

Fumigator reassembled, in store FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

TIMES PAST | 43 In the early days of the Irish Army, the RollsRoyce Silver Ghost armoured car was a most important vehicle. They were thirteen in number and for this information and what follows I am indebted to Karl Martin’s wonderful book Irish Army Vehicles. The Silver Ghosts were powered by a 7.4 litre six-cylinder engine and a four speed gearbox, weighed 3.8 tonnes and were capable of 55 miles per hour. The cars were numbered ARR1-14; the number 13 was omitted. Th is was a fairly widespread practice at the time, several bus companies having no bus numbered 13. All the Silver Ghosts were named, ARR2 being Slieve-na-mBan, which is believed to have been at Beal na Blath on that fateful day in August 1922.

All the Silver Ghosts remained in service until 1954 when twelve (Slieve-na-mBan excepted) were offered for sale. The twelve were all scrapped except ARR1 which was purchased by an English enthusiast and restored. Another Silver Ghost which had served with the British Army in Dublin and later in Shanghai and Egypt, is in the Tank Museum at Bovington.

Peerless Armoured Car - S. O’Sullivan

Another armoured car used in the early days of the Irish Army was the Peerless, based on a chain-driven solid-tyred American truck. The Army had seven of these and they could not be described as things of beauty. They also proved, by 1932, to be both obsolete and somewhat unreliable, three being already unserviceable.

The armour was removed from these vehicles and some components were used on more modern stock. It later turned out that only one Peerless survived in Britain and this was later restored for the Bovington Museum. In recent years Army personnel at the Curragh have managed to assemble from various sources all the parts necessary to recreate a Peerless and this vehicle is a major triumph for the restorers.

One of the sorrier gaps in old military vehicles is perhaps the RA F or subsidy type Leyland produced during the Great War. Apart from those that survived in Army service, many reconditioned ex-British examples were sold here as commercials and some enjoyed several years of service, into the sixties in at least one instance.

Th is lorry, registered in Cork, belonged to the erstwhile Findlater grocery chain and following sale appears to have gone through several hands before emigrating to England.

Slieve na mBan - S. O’Sullivan

More modern military vehicles are, thankfully, much better represented in preservation.

Sole Distributors For

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

Opening Times: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 2.00 - 5.00pm Text & Photos: Michael Corcoran - enquiries@fleet.ie

www.hipower.ie

SUNFAB Hard Working High Performance Pumps and Motors Designed for Demanding Operations in Hydraulic Systems such as • Forest Cranes • General Duty Cranes • Sludge Pump Trucks • Skip Loaders • Moving Floors • Refuse Collection Vehicles etc.

• Motors especially suited for Heavy Duty High Speed Forestry work etc ALSO COMPLETE RANGE OF P.T.O.’S AND WET KITS EX-STOCK

Max. Working pressure 400 bars High working speeds

For details contact Hi-Power Ltd. Cork - Roy Mob (087) 2575116 Dublin - James Mob (087) 2597102 N.Ireland - Mark Mob (0791) 2631524

www.fleet.ie

44 | FINANCE

Do Business Partnerships Work?

T

he vast majority of Irish transport companies are family businesses owned and run by members of one family. When the business reaches its second and even third generation where it moves to siblings and even cousins working together, there is still a strong family bond that seals the cracks when disagreements arise. The old saying “blood is thicker than water” does hold through in order to retain a cohesive entity.

The modern era sees new businesses being created by non-family business partners, whether this is a partnership or limited company. Here are 10 simple rules to strengthen this process:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Select likeminded individuals Select individuals with diverse talents Lay down responsibilities and titles Set out fi nancial and work input Have an independent review Set out clearly division of profits Have Key Man Insurance cover in place Outline exit strategy and value Agree clearly structure / strategy of business Keep business non personal

If you understand the saying “an ounce of breeding outweighs a tonne of feeding” you will understand that the day you pick a business partner, who always has to win at everybody’s expense, that partnership isn’t going to last long when the fi nal person he/she tries to remove is you!

A good business model has to have a number of owners that have diverse talents. Your accountant may not be the life of the party but he/she will be a positive influence and normally does not want to outshine any other partner. You might be fantastic at sales and customer contacts and a third business partner may be technically and operationally brilliant. Being diverse means a broader skill base and an easier job to allocate tasks.

If you can clearly define responsibilities and titles at the start of the business venture, you stand a better chance of avoiding needless confl ict where individuals can buck responsibility or pass on responsibility to others. If you have an individual responsible for administration, their role may not be the compliance on Drivers' Hours but with responsibilities for drivers' expenses, so clearly differenciate key tasks and responsibilities.

When you set up a business you expect all owners to pull their weight.

Like any good team you need individuals that will do their bit for business success without solo runs or coming off when the fi rst hard tackle goes in. Agree equity investment in the business and agree remuneration for roles taken on. If your business partner deals with administration and works 9 to 5 while working 80 hours a week including washing the trucks on weekends, what was the original expectation and agreement re hours?

Again, like minded individuals either work to live or live to work, so gett ing it right from the start is crucial.

If you can have an independent review periodically of the business performance, it will indicate how each business partner is performing and benefiting.

The biggest single issue that will derail a successful business partnership is a disagreement over division of profits. If both parties invested equally but one is a silent partner (not active in the business), where does the fi nal split of profits end up? What is the appropriate salary for a business partner that works in the business and creates the profit? All questions have to be agreed beforehand.

valued for that exit.

Another big problem in businesses today is where shareholders cannot agree with the direction the business should take. One Director may want to stay small, manageable and profitable and others want to be market leaders. Again back to the requirement of having likeminded individuals in business or else perhaps it’s an opportunity for sell your share and remain as an employee.

Finally do not make the business personal. No matter what happens you are in business to make profit and operate compliantly. You may no longer be best friends with your co-owners but once you can park personal issues outside the door, the business can continue to prosper.

Ireland’s Leading Transport Training Company

Transport Manager CPC

New Dublin, Wednesday, 13th May Full Time Course Starts

ADR / HazChem

Packages & Tankers Initial & Refresher Free Driver CPC included

DRIVER CPC

Weekdays - Weekends - Evenings

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

49

Online booking 24/7 - Nationwide

Key Man Insurance cover is a policy that reimburses the partner on death of a shareholder and the value of the shareholding transfers to the remaining shareholders in the business. It means that an unexpected event does not mean a new shareholder into the business.

When you set up a business have some plan and agreement on how one or all shareholders can exit from the business and how the business is

only €

www.cpc.ie

Enquiries 066 - 7186525 087 - 6363003 1890 - 374837 info@cpc.ie

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

GLOBAL COOLING. R-452A REFRIGERANT SOLUTION

Up to 45% less environmental impact. Pre-emptive compliance with 2020 F-GAS regulations.Certified technicians qualified to convert your fleet. Same low operating cost. This is Thermo King’s new, engineered conversion solution.

The future is ready now.

europe.thermoking.com

++

46 | LEGAL

Shortcuts

I

t is inevitable that people who work together at the same jobs will be tempted to fi nd shortcuts intended to make the work easier. In the transport industry there are a number of activities which lead to the use of shortcuts even if the shortcut is dangerous. Shortcuts can be of two types, the first group being purely physical, and the second group being directed to more administrative issues.

One of the most common, and most dangerous, examples of a physical shortcut is the use of the forks on a forklift truck to provide a ride from one part of the company’s premises to another.

Another example is the practice of jumping from a trailer to the ground, or jumping from the cab of a vehicle. Both these practices are responsible for many accidents each year each one resulting in lost time and, frequently, an insurance claim.

Ever since the concept of limited ‘drivers hours’ was introduced in the interests of road safety, drivers generally have continued to press for a relaxation in the regulations. The reasons for this are complex but basically reflect the feeling that a driver is capable of looking after his own safety and that of others. In a time when driver fatigue is recognised as a major factor in road traffic accidents this view is not only clearly mistaken but potentially dangerous.

Interference with a tachograph record is easier to spot than many might think. Careful and expert analysis of the records will throw up anomalies which should always be investigated and employees should know that interference with a tachograph record will almost certainly lead to dismissal. An operator’s licence is not likely to survive an investigation into false records.

However that may be when drivers meet in transport cafes or canteens they will inevitably discuss the various ways that are rumoured to be available for interfering with tachograph records, whether analogue or digital. In-cab devices can be purchased, or devices that need to be fitted to the vehicle and every operator will be aware that there are ways in which the tachograph record can be subjected to interference.

To add strength to legislation that is designed to improve both public and individual safety the initial responsibility is always placed on the employer.

It is the employer who has to ensure both the safety of the employees and of others who may be affected by their work, and also the legality of any work that they may be required to undertake.

In the fi rst instance, therefore, the employer must make certain that she/ he is up-to-date with changes in legislation that affect the workplace, any equipment that may be used, and, of course, the employees themselves. Any document that it published is deemed to be a matter of public knowledge, and to say that a published document has not been seen will never be a defence to a criminal charge.

Not only must an employer be able to demonstrate that a published document has been seen, but, in those cases in which the new law or regulation directly affects the employees, the employer must be able to show that the document has been drawn to the attention of his employees: ideally this will have been done by formal training.

The arrival of documents which may alter day-to-day practices can be dealt with quite easily by delegating, or accepting, the responsibility for looking for relevant changes, and ensuring that the required changes are implemented. A far greater problem can arise when familiarity with shortcuts, which may in themselves be dangerous, allows them to become an accepted part of daily practice.

The employer must fi rst recognise those practices which are dangerous, such as riding on the forks of a forklift truck or jumping from a cab, and take steps to stop them being repeated. It is worth remembering that an employee’s time off work costs the employer money and, perhaps more importantly, accidents can affect the cost of the insurance premium, particularly if the insurer feels that the employer did not do enough to prevent the particular accident.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

New MAX 3 axle Áat trailer, full spine bed, travels 6” lower than standard Áat, 10 pair of heavy duty lashing rings, headboard, 10 pair of post sockets, container locks, extendable version also available.

In stock

New MAX 3 axle step frame, extendable low loader with lifting Áoor, rear steer axle, auto greaser, choice of ramps, grid Áooring, in stock.

New MAX 3 axle step frame low loader, 48ton gross, front lift axle, rear steer, auto greaser, choice of ramps, in stock.

New Schmitz tipping trailers in stock, hardox steel body, front lift axle, self-opening tail board, auto dump valve.

ALL TRAILERS SOLD READY FOR WORK, MOT’D AND WELL MAINTAINED Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77 Web: www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

Text: Jonathan Lawton - jonathan@fleet.ie

+ + + + from 2015-05-05 until 2015-05-08 + + + transport logistic in Munich/Germany + + + hall A5 | booth 317/418 + + + from

Enviable comfort!

How haulier Martin simplifies his search for freight offers by directly finding suitable ones. Search in TC Truck & Cargo速 and find suitable freight for sure.

Test Europe's leading freight and vehicle exchange in live operation for four weeks - free of charge.

Now also mobile!

48 | OPINION

Eoin Gavin’s IRHA Presidential tenure achieved so much

O

n 9 May the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) will convene for its Annual General Meeting and Conference in Cavan. Deep in the heart of ‘Sean Quinn’ country and in the surrounds and luxury of the Slieve Russell Hotel, members will assemble to review and formulate policy for the road transport industry.

The IRHA AGM and Conference 2015 will also mark the end of Eoin Gavin’s tenure as President. Since the foundation of the IRHA there have been many Presidents and Presidencies that have made an impact on the Association and the industry. Certainly Eoin Gavin’s impact on the position has been one of the most positive and consistent. It is likely that Eoin would give some of the credit to his Management Team. For sure it is one of the most experienced steering committees ever assembled. It is a credit to Gavin that when surrounded by past Presidents and experienced members on that team he was able to focus on his own agenda and have the determination and confidence to follow his own plan and be his own man.

Two years ago at the end of his fi rst term of office, I don’t think I was alone hoping that he would not regret his decision to run for a second term. In what was an unselfish act he chose to allow his name to go forward for election at the helm for another two years. Th is inspired others to stay on as Management Team members and carry on with the job for a second running, steering the Association to further success. Undoubtedly his greatest success was achieving the Fuel Rebate Scheme for hauliers. Th is proposal has been around for a while but in spite of many attempts from the IRHA, it was during Gavin’s Presidency that it became a reality. A key ingredient in getting the proposal past the Minister for Transport of the time, Leo Varadkar and the Finance Minister, Michael Noonan was the support of Government backbenchers for the IRHA proposal. For many years the IRHA was envious of the success that the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) had in terms of political lobbying. By informing the local Branch members and giving them the information to go to TD’s clinics, the message got back to the Cabinet. Simply put, the message from the backbenches was, “Hauliers are a serious lobby, listen to them and their representatives”. Over €30 million has been rebated to hauliers in a scheme that has cost the Exchequer litt le or nothing. Fortunately Eoin Gavin will remain on the Management Team and he will certainly be keeping a close eye on the Commercial Road Tax Reform promised by the Government. While hauliers are pleased with progress to date, there is an expectation of significant reform (of the road tax system) in this year’s Budget.

When the IRHA Conference falls on an election year (which occurs every second year), it brings a level of excitement and anticipation. For 2015, however, there is the added dimension of a Presidential election. Most years since the Association was formed, Presidential elections were more of a coronation ceremony than a contest. In recent times there has been an element of shadow boxing and posturing around. Not since the contest between Jimmy Quinn (North East) and Nick Crosbie (South East) has there been a genuinely tough campaign for the top job. Members this year have a choice when they select a President for the next two years. Pat Hehir (Mid West) and Verona Murphy (South East) have campaigned vigorously across the membership of the Association. Both candidates have their own strengths and experiences to bring to the job and when the votes are counted and the new President is selected, the membership will have to unite and stand behind the victorious candidate. Whichever candidate leaves Cavan with the Presidential chain, the IRHA and the new President will be stronger for having been through a robust campaign. As always the team behind the President is as important, fortunately that team will be strong and experienced.

When the structure of the Association changed in 2000/2001, one of the key objectives was to slow down the turnover of members on the management team so as to hold on to experience and competence.

On a more personal note, Eoin Gavin is still a young man to be stepping down, having served two very successful terms as President of the IRHA and having achieved so much in real terms. Some Presidents only manage to FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

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

deliver the sizzle to members; Gavin’s time delivered the sizzle and the steak. He put money in people’s pockets.

As with all Presidents, the support of your family is important and critical, I know Eoin received this at all levels and his position has enhanced the tradition of haulage in his family. Hopefully there may be a little more time for school concerts and hurling matches in the coming months.

When delegates arrive in Ballyconnell for the AGM event they can look back with satisfaction at a job well done and look forward in the knowledge of more strong representation. Whoever the members select as the next President, he/ she should not be influenced too much by their predecessors, they will be receiving the IRHA in good shape, it is up to them to put their own stamp on the job.

Let the new broom sweep clean!

The ideal candidate will: •

TIP Trailer Services Mobile Mechanic - Dublin Based

• • • •

TIP Trailer Services employs staff at more than 70 locations and at more than 50 maintenance facilities throughout 16 European countries.

We currently have a vacancy for a Mobile Mechanic based from our Dublin branch required to maintain and repair Heavy Goods trailers of both TIP rental fleet and customers’ own trailers at TIP workshops, on the roadside, or at customers’ premises.

• •

Be a “Time Served” technician or possess City & Guilds 1,2 & 3 Certificates or equivalent qualifications and experience and have a technical background / experience in trailer repairs Have previous mobile working experience (advantage but not essential) Hold a full valid driving license.

Have a customer /team centric mindset with high level of professionalism Be enthusiastic and able to prioritise workloads to meet deadlines Have a basic knowledge of computers and able to complete relevant written documentation.

With initiative to work autonomously where appropriate

We offer competitive package/benefits If you are interested in joining our team please email your CV and covering letter to: Alan Rock, Branch Operations Manager at alan.rock@tipeurope.com or alternatively post to Alan at the address below:

TIP Trailer Services Airport Business Park, Swords Road Cloghran, Dublin, Ireland

GILL GROUP GILL GROUP, CHURCH ROAD, BALLINA, CO. MAYO | PHONE: 096-73030 | FAX: 096-21854 | EMAIL: INFO@GILLGROUP.IE | WEB: WWW.GILLGROUP.IE

Centre of Excellence in Fleet Training

Tiernan Gill

GILL GROUP www.gillgroup.ie

www.gillgroup.ie

50 | COMMENT

There’s more to Dublin traffic From where I'm sitting problem than Dublin - Howard Knott

I

had intended to talk this month about my recent trip to Bilbao and participation in the fi nal Conference for the CFAEffiplat Atlantic Arc Sustainable Freight corridor there but, something else closer to home, intervened. It was the M50.

By a strange coincidence, the M50 Dublin orbital route came into focus at two quite different events within a 24 hour period. On March 31, speaking at the Irish Exporters Association launch event for “Supply Chain Ireland” (see Report elsewhere in this issue) Tom O’Mahony, Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, commented on the congestion levels on that route increasing day by day as the recovery of Ireland’s fortune begins to take hold, and the need to fi nd ways to relieve the pressure there. The next evening, Gerry Duggan, a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE), and former CIE Group Board Director outlined the Academy’s submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA) on the development of a transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area in the period 2015 to 2040 to a meeting at the Engineers Ireland premises.

Much of that submission focussed on saving the city from the paralysis that would result from inaction in tackling traffic increases on the M50.

Tom O’Mahony did also talk about the Department’s impending launch of its Consultation Document on the development of a Policy for sustainable freight transport, in the light of likely growth in activity. Hopefully this document will incorporate the inputs to the NTA Consultation. As well as that, there is, somewhere in the mix, the 2014 Consultation Document from the Department on Transport Infrastructure which, even less than a year later looks like a scary paper in the light of, for example, the figures quoted by Eamonn O’Reilly, CEO of Dublin Port. He mentioned at the IAE event that traffic growth through the Port grew by a massive 7% last year, with Lo-Lo containers up 9.5% to over 550,000 TEU and Ro-Ro trailer traffic up by 8% to over 820,000 units. Given that the lion’s share of these unit loads hit the M50, not to mention much of the bulk cargo coming through the Port, it is no surprise that the section between the M1 junction and the N7 junction is going to get very busy, very quickly. These figures would seem to bear out the thesis that freight volumes increase at a rate of 1.5 times the rate of economic growth so that, with a lot of economists forecasting economic growth in the 3.5 to 4% range for the next few years at least, then that could translate into a 6% annual freight traffic growth. Add to that Gerry Duggan’s figures of a likely population growth in the Greater Dublin Area to reach 2.5 million by 2030 with Europe’s second highest proportion of population in the 16 to 64 years age range, the proportion that will be travelling to work each day, and things get very difficult.

He was unconvinced that building an outer orbital route linking – sayDrogheda, through Maynooth to Naas would be good value for money and was much more enthusiastic about Public Transport service development, particularly services using fi xed rail infrastructure, i.e. DART, Metro, LUAS etc. Interestingly, he suggested taking container terminal and other Port infrastructure, apart from aviation fuel, away from the South Bank Quay area in which, along with the famous Irish Glass Bott le site, he would locate high density housing with a LUAS link into the transport network.

On the freight transport side he raised again the issue of the development of Road/Rail freight interchange located at Kishogue, South Lucan. Th is undeveloped site astride the main railway line out of Heuston is located about a mile outside the M50 at a crossroads of good quality links to both the M7 and M4 and would also be a suitable location for the storage of empty containers that is currently happening within Dublin Port on land that the Port considers to have a lot more uses than storing and repairing FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

empty containers. Without gett ing too complicated in the figures, if all the Lo-Lo container traffic was moved to and from the Port by rail that would amount to something over one train an hour in each direction – that’s a lot of traffic but not outrageous. It seems to me that, before some planner and developer come up with some wizard housing scheme for the area, this project should be given some serious thought and proper planning got underway.

Th is would be part of the M50 solution, but only a part.

Main Dealers for: Hino, Isuzu & Iveco Sales, Service & Parts from the Midlands to the North-West

• 24 hour Breakdown Service • Recovery Service NEW Hino, Isuzu & Iveco Trucks in stock

Large selection of used tractor units Scania, MAN, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo also large selection of cheap to clear rigids, from 7.5 tonners to 18 tonners.

NEW IN STOCK New range of LDV Vans Contact Sales Director: Martin Hough 087 6601648 Service: Tom Daly 087 8298587 All other queries: 057 93 23322 Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

Important Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) Test Notice: From 1st June 2015, manual shut-off taps fitted to the trailer brake lines of a towing vehicle1 registered since 1st June 2011 will be a reason for failure at the Heavy CVR Test.

Trailer brake lines fitted with manual shut-off taps

Trailer brake lines fitted with self-sealer couplings

Towing vehicles registered since 1st June 2011 fitted with manual shut-off taps are currently subject to a pass advisory at the annual CVR Test, but from 1st June 2015 the use of manual shut-off taps will be a reason for failure.

Owners of affected vehicles must therefore take remedial action by having brake-line taps replaced with self-sealer couplings. When this work is being undertaken it is important that a coupling test gauge be used in order to check the correct functioning of the trailer brakes.

For more information on Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing go to: www.cvrt.ie

1

Including tractor units and rigids designed to tow a trailer

52 | SHIPPING & FREIGHT

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company launches controversial Cruise Terminal Plan

D

un Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) launched a two week Public Consultation on its proposed development plans for a new Cruise Terminal over the Easter Holiday period.

In its announcement of the consultation DLHC stated that, under the Planning and Development Acts this cruise berth facility is regarded as a strategic infrastructure and that the planning application must, therefore be made to An Bord Pleanála. It was expected that a finalised planning application and environmental Impact Statement will go to the Bord at the end of April or early May 2015.

The new terminal will involve construction of a jett y extending from the existing ferry terminal site to about two thirds of the distance to the harbour mouth and the water sports interests

there have expressed concern that the new terminal with a vessel of over 300 metres in length, seventy metres high and forty metres wide will effectively make the harbour unusable. The project also i nvolves considerable dredging both within the harbour and out into Dublin Bay. DLHC a nt icipate a n eighteen month build time for the whole project following the granting of planning permission. That could mean that it would be ready for business for the 2017 season, well ahead of the competing terminal that is currently awaiting planning permission, in

Dublin Port. DLHC expect to welcome 22 cruise vessels during Summer 2015, most of which will not be able to enter the harbour, and visitors will be ferried to shore on the ship’s launches.

CMA-CGM will introduce ‘smart’ containers to fleet

W

orld number three container shipping line CMACGM has linked with French based IT start-up, Traxens, in order to enable the company to equip its containers with tracking units so that it will be possible to know in real-time, not only a container’s position, but also its internal temperature, the vibrations that it will be subjected to, any attempted burglary, the presence of traces of specific substances in the air or even the regulatory status of the cargo.

Commenting on the development, Elie Zeenny, CMACGM senior VP Group IT Systems said that containers are becoming connected devices and these devices will enable them to collect data in real-time, something that is equally important for the line as for the cargo owner.

Serious delays return to Rotterdam and Antwerp

I

n the course of an advice to customers that surcharges will be introduced on the movement of containers through the Ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, barge operator, Contargo said that in Rotterdam, barges are having to wait up to 92 hours for processing, while in Antwerp delays of up to 72 hours are not unusual. Th is is a repeat of the delays that had been encountered during

Spring and Summer 2014, which had then eased as more terminal capacity became available.

Over recent months significant numbers of larger container vessels have been introduced onto the Asia / Northern Europe trades including MSC’s “MSC OSCAR” which is 395 metres long and has a cargo capacity of 19,224 TEU (twenty foot equivalent containers). Rotterdam Port

has said that it expects to bring new terminals at Maasvlakte into operation over the coming months and that these should facilitate quicker discharge and loading.

Delays involving operation of these vessels not only cause problems for the barge operators but also for the short sea feeder services running to and from Ireland.

"Holyhead is a Growing Freight Hub" – Stena Line Route Director

S

tena Line’s, South Irish Sea Route Director, Ian Davies, in the course of an interview with the Welsh “Daily Post” publication, has said that the indicators for the year’s operations through Holyhead are good.

He went on to say: “Freight in 2014 grew by about 10/11% on the previous year and we’re back at the pre-bust years. “There are a lot more ships and a lot more capacity so there is room to grow

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

further. “We are seeing Holyhead as a growing freight hub for the whole of Ireland and are gett ing a lot of Northern Irish hauliers coming through us because we have the frequency and the capacity. They would have traditionally gone through Scotland or Heysham or Liverpool but the connections now are so good with Dublin Port, you can be up to Belfast in an hour and a half.”

“Dublin is growing and Holyhead and Dublin are natural twin routes. It is good news for us as a company, for Holyhead Port and for the wider economy. There is also the investment in logistics in Holyhead and people see this. The Road King truck park opening in May will be a catalyst and I know some of the supermarkets are looking at distribution hubs here, and there could be more good news stories in next 12/18 months. In the long term I think the future looks bright for Holyhead Port,” stated Ian. Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

TRAILER | 53

North West Carrier’s Krone Profi Liners adds flexibility to its European fleet

I

nternational & National haulier North West Carriers (NWC), based in Ballyshannon, Donegal has added six Krone Profi Liner curtainsiders to its fleet on long-term lease through TIP Trailer Services.

According to Paul Dolan, Director, Northwest Carriers, the new curtainsiders have increased loading flexibility and improved load security all round.

Established in 1994, as a small family-run operation, North West Carriers has expanded over the years to become a European specialist, providing a wide range of transport related services, including groupage and hazardous loads, IBCs and food ingredients to destinations throughout the UK and the Continent.

to all European ports and beyond.

And given the diverse nature of our operation which includes foodstuff s, IT equipment and hazardous cargo, we needed a strong but flexible trailer to cope with any type or size of load,” stated Paul.

To this end, NWC specified the Profi Liners for their ability to load through the roof and for the trailer’s unique Multi Lock load security system which, using up to 130 lashing points on each side rave, allows virtually any load to be safely secured at any point along the trailer bed. Furthermore, the curtain straps can be accessed from inside the trailer when the curtain is closed which is an added safety and comfort benefit.

“We have direct accounts with all major ferry operators which provides immediate access

“Our service not only operates on long haul routes but also includes multi drop schedules,” adds Paul, “and this requires a fast method of securing the load in the safest way possible. Th is enables us to provide our customers with an efficient service and added assurance regarding the safe and sound delivery of their goods.”

Eco-friendly Thermo King Trailer Refrigeration Units hits Europe

T

hermo King’s SLXe trailer refrigeration units, are now available with the next generation refrigerant, R-452A across

Europe.

Distribution companies know that reducing the environmental impact of their operations can mean lower performance and at a higher price. With the option for transitioning to the new refrigerant with SLXe trailer units, Thermo King is breaking ground by offering to units that combine the same high performance and reduced sound levels but with an improved environmental performance courtesy of the lower global warming potential (GWP) of new refrigerant.

“Thermo King is the first manufacturer to introduce a solution that offers customers a

choice on how and when to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dwight Gibson, Vice President, Thermo King Europe, Middle East & Africa.

“With the new R-452A refrigerant now available in Thermo King products, we offer our customers the safest, most environmentally responsible, and technically and commercially viable solution for truck and trailer refrigeration applications.”

The new solutions offer the same high level of performance as today’s product portfolio including the same cooling capacity, pull-down and fuel efficiency and provide pre-emptive compliance with 2020 F-GAS regulations.

Later in 2015, Thermo King will offer the same benefits and expand the R-452A refrigerant product offering to its extensive truck transport

solutions in Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

Hiab crowns the first ever World Crane Champion

A

t the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, Hiab held its inaugural World Crane Championships with Johnny Jensen from Denmark, the fi rst ever winner. With a winning time of 2 minutes 18 seconds, Johnny took away a prize of €25,000.

Second on the podium was Tobias Bergström from Sweden, with a fi nishing time of 2:30, and Martin Utpatel from Germany came in third place, with a time of 2:37.

To become World Crane Champion, Johnny Jensen manoeuvred a state-of-the-art HIAB X-HiPro 192 through a series of obstacles, on a specially designed course outside Hall 3. The aim of the competition was to try and beat a time set by the anonymous crane pro ‘Eric’ - Hiab’s very own ‘The Stig’ - on a challenging course, which

included toppling water-fi lled drums with a load whilst keeping the crane below a crossbar.

Carl Gustaf Göransson, Senior Vice President, Sales & Markets at Hiab, said: “The enthusiasm for the World Crane Championships has been tremendous, with people flying in from all over world, and a staggering amount of interest from the media and spectators. There is no better way to show off our fantastic Hiab cranes than with the world’s best crane drivers.”

“The success of this event means that we are committed to doing this annually, and I am pleased to announce that the 2016 World Crane Championships will be staged in Germany at the IAA Exhibition. So I would like to say to all the skilled crane drivers around the world: we look forward to seeing you next year, in our search for the Hiab World Crane Champion 2016.” www.fleet.ie

54 | SOAPBOX

Crisis does not make ones character, it reveals it

T

he Irish Road Haulage Association’s (IRHA) 42nd Annual General Meeting is upon us, and it will see major changes in the Management team. The outgoing team led by Eoin Gavin leaves with real success under its belt. In spite of the worst recession the industry has ever experienced, Eoin leaves the Association and the industry in a far stronger position than he found it four years ago.

The same could be said of Ireland’s political leadership over the last four years. Personally between 2008 and 2010 I was not sure if my own business would survive, let alone Ireland. I awoke morning after morning to more appalling fi nancial news and never knew from day-to-day if the bank in which we had what litt le we had invested would still be in business the next day. Yet today Ireland and business is slowly recovering and for that I salute An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and his team.

Looking back over the last six years, despite the appalling economy some of the biggest hits this industry has had to overcome have been infl icted by Government and the EU. The IRHA succeeded in diverting and changing many of the small hits that were coming our way. However the current cost of taxing a truck in the Republic of Ireland allied to the UK’s Road User Levy and Cabotage regulations have dramatically changed the way in which we do business, and remain the biggest issues to be faced by the incoming Management team and its new leader. We have been told the road tax system will be changed in the next Budget, they will have to ensure the changes happen however, on its own it will not be enough.

however for those who are prepared to put the hours and the work in, I can vouch that they will not regret it. I wish the successful ones good luck. If the incoming team can convince An Taoiseach of the value our industry can bring to his vision for Ireland, they will have earned their place in IRHA history and played their part in Ireland’s economic recovery.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has said Ireland will be “the best little country in the world to do business in” by 2016. From the many accolades today’s Irish economic recovery is generating he is on the money. The economy is the sum of many parts. Multinationals bring skills and quality employment but the majority of employment regeneration will come from the SME sector of which the road haulage industry is a large component.

A contrary view from someone who along with his kin has spent a lifetime in the road transport industry would sum up the views of many hauliers. “The best litt le country in the world to do business in,” Enda said. Certainly not if you are a haulage company and therein lies the biggest challenge of all for both the industry and the IRHA. To be taken seriously as an essential part of this nation’s economy, not for the sake of it but for the value we can and will bring if taken seriously. It is not appropriate that the only way this industry gets attention is by protest or threat of protest action. I have often written about the Dutch and how a Nation recovered from the sea has capitalized on its geographic position and all its transport modes to move the country to a pivotal position in European logistics. Look to Finland increasing its maximum truck weights to 76 tonnes to support the timber extraction industry.

Ireland has consistently ignored the potential of the road transport sector to bring value added to our industrial successes.

The IRHA has spent too many hours trying to convince all too many divisions and agencies of Government of the error of their ways. Arguing against new rules that are contradicted throughout Europe, it would seem that to these agencies of Government the concept of partnership is not something they are familiar with and that they know better than the actual practitioners in the industry?

The 42nd IRHA AGM sees serious competition for the top posts from new blood; some convincing and serious speakers are in the running.

Higher office in the IRHA has for many over the years been an ego trip, FLEETTRANSPORT | MAY 15

Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

FASTPARTS PARTS SPEED OF RESPONSE AND AVAILABILITY OF STOCK ARE CRITICAL TO OPERATORS.

THAT IS WHY DENNISON FAST PARTS OFFERS A SINGLE SOURCE FOR HIGH QUALITY, APPROVED PARTS BY REPUTABLE MANUFACTURERS FOR ALL MAKES OF TRAILER

FAST.

Whether for a eet or single trailer, Dennison Fast Parts are available throughout Ireland and the UK via our highly responsive Fast Parts operation, designed to get parts to our customers whenever and wherever they need them.

Contact Dennison Trailers:

Contact Dennison Fast Parts:

Ireland: UK:

Ireland: UK:

+353 (0)45 866468 +44 (0)1524 381808

www.dennisontrailers.com

+353 (0)45 906022 +44 (0)1524 384736