NUMBER 1 FOR USED TRUCK DEALS IN THE UK
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
AT THE HEART OF THE MARKETPLACE
DECEMBER 2021
IN THIS SUPPLEMENT: Asset Alliance Group ● Brigade Electronics Close Brothers Asset Finance ● Descartes Isuzu Truck UK ● Lens-Tech ● Lytx Europe MP Connect ● ORBCOMM ● Premier Pits Road Transport Expo ● Seven Asset Management ● Totalkare ● Trailer Vision Tructyre ● VOL-TAR ● 9GDƃ GGV 5QNWVKQPU
BUYING GUIDE
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Buying Guide: Contents CONTENTS
24 SEVEN ASSET MANAGEMENT
Asset Alliance Group 0GGF C XGJKENG HWPFKPI RCEMCIG VJCV ƃ GZGU YKVJ VJG TCRKF EJCPIGU CHHGEVKPI VJG EWTTGPV trading environment? Then look no further!
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Close Brothers Asset Finance %NQUG $TQVJGTU %'1 ,QJP (CYEGVV VGNNU WU JQY JG VJKPMU VJG RCPFGOKE JCU EJCPIGF VJG NCPFUECRG HQT XGJKENG Ƃ PCPEG
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Descartes 6 JG ENQWF DCUGF UQHVYCTG UWKVG VJCV VCMGU ECTG QH VCEJQITCRJ CPCN[UKU FTKXGT NKEGPEG OCPCIGOGPV CPF XGJKENG UCHGV[ KPURGEVKQPU
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MP Connect %JGEMKPI VJCV FTKXGTU XKUKVKPI C UKVG CTG RTQRGTN[ SWCNKƂ GF VQ DG IKXGP CEEGUU ECP PQY DG FQPG XKC C UKPING FKIKVCN ECTF
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ORBCOMM )GV VJG HWNN RKEVWTG CDQWV FTKXKPI UV[NGU CPF TQCF VTCHƂ E KPEKFGPVU D[ RWVVKPI QPDQCTF ECOGTCU CPF VGNGOCVKEU U[UVGOU VQ YQTM
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Isuzu Truck UK In the market for a light to medium truck? 9JCVGXGT [QWT PGGFU +UW\W 6TWEM 7- JCU UQOGVJKPI UWKVCDNG HQT GXGT[ CRRNKECVKQP
Lens-Tech *QY VJG VTGPF VQYCTFU FQQT OQWPVGF RGGRGT YKPFQYU JCU IKXGP VJG JWODNG (TGUPGN NGPU CP KORQTVCPV PGY TQNG
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Seven Asset Management 9J[ 5GXGP #UUGV /CPCIGOGPV KU EWTTGPVN[ CFFKPI QXGT PGY VTCEVKXG WPKVU VQ KVU KPETGCUKPIN[ RQRWNCT EQPVTCEV JKTG ƃ GGV
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Totalkare .KHVU CPF RKVU YJGVJGT [QW RTGHGT VQ TCKUG VJG XGJKENG QT NQYGT VJG VGEJPKEKCP 6QVCNMCTG OCMGU CNN TQWPF YQTMUJQR CEEGUU C FQFFNG
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Lytx Europe %QODKPKPI KP ECD ECOGTCU CPF VGNGOCVKEU U[UVGOU ECP JGNR ƃ GGVU MGGR VJGKT FTKXGTU JCRR[ D[ UWRRQTVKPI VJGO KP VJGKT YQTM
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Road Transport Expo 2022 New truck-centric event Road 6TCPURQTV 'ZRQ CKOU VQ MGGR VJG UJQY XGT[ OWEJ QP VJG TQCF PGZV UWOOGT
CONTACT INFORMATION Editorial Editor 9KNN 5JKGTU Deputy editor )GQTIG $CTTQY Group technical editor %QNKP $CTPGVV Contributor ,CEM %CTHTCG Art and production Design Tim Noonan Production editor 4QDKP /GE\GU Group production editor +UCDGN $WTVQP Deputy group production manager 5GCP $GJCP Display advertising Senior display sales executive $CTPCD[ )QQFOCP 5OKVJ Display sales executive %CTCIJ $CTT[
Premier Pits 2 KVU CPF TCORU DQVJ RTQXKFG CP GZEGNNGPV YC[ QH ICKPKPI CEEGUU VQ VJG WPFGTUKFG QH [QWT XGJKENGU VQ ENGCP VJGO DGHQTG CP /Q6
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Trailer Vision #FXCPEGU KP FGVGEVKQP VGEJPQNQI[ OGCP VJCV VQFC[oU UCHGV[ U[UVGOU ECP FKHHGTGPVKCVG DGVYGGP UVCVKE CPF OQXKPI QDLGEVU
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VOL-TAR 6JG XQNWOGVTKE OKZGT VJCV UCXGU QP VKOG CPF EQUV KP CURJCNV UWRRN[ CPF KU MKPFGT VQ VJG GPXKTQPOGPV VJCP VTCFKVKQPCN UQNWVKQPU
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Directors &KXKUKQPCN FKTGEVQT Vic Bunby /CPCIKPI FKTGEVQT Andy Salter Printed by 9KNNKCO )KDDQPU Distributed by /CTMGVHQTEG /CKP QHƂ EG 4QCF 6TCPURQTV /GFKC UV (NQQT %JCPEGT[ *QWUG 5V 0KEJQNCU 9C[ 5WVVQP 5WTTG[ 5/ ,$ 2WDNKUJGF D[ &88 /GFKC +PVGTPCVKQPCN .VF
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A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
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Buying Guide: Asset Alliance Group
Complete solutions As operators adapt to rapid change, Asset Alliance )TQWR WPFGTUVCPFU VJGKT PGGF HQT ƃGZKDNG ƂPCPEG EQUIPMENT AND FINANCE SOLUTIONS Operators that have pondered their vehicle finance during the past 12 months are probably not alone. A turbulent year has caused many to pause for thought and consider whether or not their current funding arrangement fits the bill, while others may be faced with entirely different circumstances to those of a few months ago.
MOVING GOALPOSTS With more than 10 years in the commercial vehicle funding game, Asset Alliance Group knows that things change, and that finance often has to do the same. The economic side of the commercial vehicle industry can be a static world of fixed terms and immovable contracts, but the group understands that rigidity doesn’t marry well with a permanently changing environment, so the ‘computer-says-no’ approach is very much off the table.
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Operators need adaptable suppliers now more than ever, which is why the group is keen to tailor both new and existing finance packages to customers’ needs – however different those needs may be from a year ago. The company stresses that it is willing to renegotiate existing arrangements for operators that find themselves in need of new vehicles before their original term is up, or those that want to hang onto them that bit longer because they are unsure about what’s around the corner. Its flexibility isn’t just limited to contract length, as it’s a one-stop shop for all forms of finance and provision.
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
Both new and second-hand vehicles are available on industry-standard contract hire, but there’s also hire purchase and rental, all of which can be customised. The firm is also well placed to advise on the packages that will best suit an operator according to its current situation, as something bespoke that does the trick is far more likely to build a long-term customer relationship than an off-the-shelf deal.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY Among the company’s recent projects is a £1.2m investment in a unique technology platform that includes an r2c Online fleet management system. The aim was to bring together leasing, rental, financial and fleet software that could soak up the feeds from Asset Alliance Group’s existing systems and serve them up under one straightforward platform, making the digital side of things faster and easier for customers. Further developments have included opening a fourth sales and rental depot in the M62 corridor in 2020 and recently recruiting additional senior sales staff – all against the background of the acquisition of the business by a private bank, announced at the end of 2020, which will bring a greater level of secured funding to the business.
● For more information call 01425 383124 or visit assetalliancegroup.co.uk
INVESTING IN YOUR BUSINESS AND LOOKING FOR FINANCE?
ASSET ALLIANCE GROUP CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY
As well as trucks and trailers, we provide low-rate finance for all forms of capital expenditure including: Warehouse infrastructure • Packaging equipment • Forklifts • CCTV
For more information call our asset finance team today on 01425 485685 or visit our website
www.assetalliancegroup.co.uk @Asset_Alliance |
AssetAllianceGroup |
AssetAllianceGroup
Buying Guide: Brigade Electronics
Wired for safety Brigade’s SideScan®Predict monitors for collisions even without the truck indicators being on VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS SideScan®Predict is the latest innovation to prevent cyclist collisions, designed with the driver in mind. Unique in the market, SideScan®Predict has been wholly designed and developed by Brigade Electronics and is one of the most technically sophisticated products in its portfolio. Using artificial intelligence, SideScan®Predict constantly gathers object detection data including the speed and distance of any cyclist or other vulnerable road user from the lorry. Infrastructure service specialist FM Conway was looking for a cyclist detection system that could be activated at all times, not just when the vehicle indicators were selected. Unfortunately, many available systems would create too many false positives and therefore driver desensitisation/overload. Although not mandatory, a system that can be active at all times is a recommended requirement in the Direct Vision
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Standard and FORS specification. Steve James, transport manager at FM Conway, explains: “Brigade approached us and asked us to trial SideScan®Predict in the early stages of development and it met all the objectives we set out. “At FM Conway, we are passionate about safety – it is intrinsic to our company ethos and this is reflected in our BSI-39001 certification. As such we strive to be at the forefront of new technology, so we were keen to see what the system could do.
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
“We worked with Brigade for over six months on the project and we are really pleased with the results. It reduced false alarms considerably and feedback from our drivers was also very positive.” The system was designed to reduce false alarms, allowing the driver to be confident in the accuracy of any warning. This allows the system to always be switched on when the vehicle speed is below 22mph, regardless of the indicator selection, without irritating the driver. Driver responses have been overwhelmingly positive. FM Conway driver Dave Thomas says: “As a driver, your worst nightmare is an incident occurring in the nearside blind spot. This gives me peace of mind and there is no way I would want to drive a vehicle without this fitted to it.”
THREE-STEP WARNING SideScan®Predict differentiates static objects like road furniture from moving objects and only sends audible alerts to the driver when there is a potential risk of collision via a three-step warning. The first step is ‘Moving Object Detected’, which triggers a yellow visual warning but has no sound, to minimise driver distraction. ‘Danger of Collision’ also lights up yellow and has an audible warning to the driver to be vigilant. The last step is ‘Collision Predicted’ with a flashing red light and high pitch audible warning for the driver to take immediate action to avoid a collision.
O For more information call 01322 420300, email sales@ brigade-electronics.com or visit brigade-electronics.com
Buying Guide: Close Brothers Asset Finance
Closing up the gap Close Brothers Asset Finance has a range of options to help operators in the post-pandemic recovery INTERVIEW: JOHN FAWCETT As CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s transport division, John Fawcett is at the forefront of supporting the haulage sector. In this Q&A he shares his thoughts about current trends and demand in finance. CM: What’s been the trend in finance for vehicles, trailers and related equipment since the beginning of the pandemic? JF: Demand dropped in the first lockdown last year but gradually picked up as restrictions lifted and has remained strong ever since, though supply issues are currently impacting on new vehicle finance levels, resulting in the used vehicle market enjoying strong demand. CM: What was the impact on hauliers and how have you been able to help? JF: Many vehicle operators experienced a significant initial impact on work and income in lockdown one last year. Since then, those working with the high street retail, hospitality and entertainment sectors have had many challenges, while those in most other sectors have enjoyed strong demand. We have assisted those in challenged sectors with payment support and CBILS funding, while providing funding for growth in the fleets of those operators doing well. CM: Where are you seeing the greatest demand coming from in the haulage sector now? JF: Currently, the highest levels of demand in this sector are for larger payload capacity vehicles, from long-wheelbase light commercials to the largest tractive units.
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CM: What are the emerging trends for haulage finance as we start to emerge from the Covid crisis? JF: The need for flexible payment structures to match recovering income streams plus seasonal cashflow peaks and troughs to support the affordability of operators’ monthly commitments. CM: How would you expect this to affect demand for finance into the future? JF: We expect the demand for vehicle finance to remain very strong in the future, particularly where lenders can adapt to customers’ changing needs. CM: What are the main products relevant to the haulage sector? JF: There are various products that come under the broad umbrella of asset finance with one of the key ones being refinancing, or capital release as it’s also known; it’s a proven way to make your assets work for you and release cash back into the business. It’s pretty straightforward and involves the finance company purchasing the asset and financing it back to you, with repayments calculated in line
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
with the income the asset is expected to generate. And at the end of the refinance term, you own the asset. Other examples of asset finance products include hire purchase, which allows the customer to buy the equipment on credit. The finance company purchases the asset on behalf of the customer and owns the asset until the final instalment is paid, at which point the customer is given the option to buy it. Then there is the finance lease, under which the full value of the equipment is repaid to the finance company with interest over the lease period. At the end of the term, the company can choose to continue to use the asset by entering a secondary rental period; sell the asset and keep a portion of the income from the sale; or return it. At Close Brothers Asset Finance, we ensure each deal is bespoke to a customer’s needs by offering a personal face-to-face or virtual service, and we look outside the box to provide the solution needed. Each product is tailored to the customer’s individual needs – it’s not one-size-fits-all. Our evolution is about ensuring we’re flexible to customers’ changing needs, offering agreements that fit their cash flow requirements at a given point in time, rather than merely providing a standard offering. CM: What does a finance leasing package look like for EVs, given the uncertainty over residual values? JF: We’re looking closely at EVs across all vehicle classes and are committed to providing scalable funding on them. We continue to research and work with partners who can give us the insight and knowledge we need to confidently lend on the right EVs. Commercial EVs are still in their infancy but we already have significant experience in, among others, the London electric taxi market, which has launched viable EVs. At Close Brothers Asset Finance, we are ready to champion this transition for hauliers by working with them to provide the right structured finance solutions for them.
-SL_PISL Ä UHUJL VW[PVUZ for the transport and logistics industry Are you looking to purchase new or used vehicles, or release capital held in existing assets? Our team of industry experts work closely with businesses, understanding their needs and providing [HPSVY THKL Ä UHUJL ZVS\[PVUZ MVY I\ZPULZZ NYV^[O
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Buying Guide: Descartes
Smarter thinking Tacho analysis, licence checks and safety checks can all be handled by the SmartCompliance suite TACHOGRAPH ANALYSIS AND COMPLIANCE Descartes offers a one-stop shop for compliance across a trio of connected products covering tachograph analysis, driving licence verification and walk-around vehicle safety checks, all designed to give road transport operators smart, fast and safe solutions to keep their businesses compliant and moving. The SmartCompliance suite comprises SmartAnalysis, SmartLicence and SmartCheck, with each service complementing the others in addressing potential issues for vehicle operators. SmartAnalysis tachograph analysis software is employed by many of the UK’s leading road transport operators, and ensures compliance with drivers’ hours, working time legislation and tachograph rules. The system analyses more than a million tachograph records every month, with automated email alerts flagging up potential issues that require immediate attention. It also
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provides easy-to-read reports that are available online. Operators can subscribe to the reports that are most important to them, filtering the data they receive to provide useful information on compliance. All fleet tachograph data is securely stored and available via Descartes’ web portal, so it can be accessed from any location by authorised staff.
LICENCE TO DRIVE SmartAnalysis also provides a number of modules such as driver debriefing to prove a business is taking all possible steps to ensure compliance and the safety of vehicles and drivers. But compliance on the road needs to complement proof that drivers are allowed to be there in the first place, which is where SmartLicence comes in. Some companies are still relying on annual licence checks, which isn’t acceptable from a duty of care perspective. In an analysis of 12,000 licences, SmartLicence found 3,000 issues, including 2.5% of drivers either with an expired licence or
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
being close to losing their licence due to having nine or more penalty points. Such workers cannot be relied upon to notify an employer if they pick up a driving ban, so the SmartLicence system allows organisations to assess risk and conduct regular automated DVLA checks in accordance with that risk. The more points on a licence, the more frequently it will get checked. It also provides a historic log of checks and licence changes, providing a clear audit trail if required. The final product of the trio is SmartCheck, a smartphone or computerbased vehicle check app that replaces traditional, cumbersome and easily ignored paper-based checks. It won’t allow drivers to tick boxes in quick succession, ensuring walkaround checks are actually taking place, and the data is immediately captured and available to view without having to wait for paper evidence to find its way back to an office. SmartCheck offers an auditable form that records checks, defects and corrective action, helping with vehicle management as well as checking compliance, with fleet mechanics able to log repairs and track safety check history. The three SmartCompliance systems come together to form a genuinely smart compliance management solution for transport operators, ensuring safety for drivers and companies as well as easy, time-saving record-keeping.
O For more information email info@ descartes.com or visit smartcompliance. descartes.com
Buying Guide: Isuzu Truck UK
Network solutions Isuzu Truck UK provides a wide range of light to medium trucks with models for every application COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Isuzu Truck UK (ITUK) was formed in 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Japan. It is a dedicated commercial vehicle sales, marketing and aftersales operation with more than 60 strategically located UK dealers, offering sales and aftersales support packages. The 3.5- to 13.5-tonne vehicles come with a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assist as standard, and extended warranties are available for certain models. ITUK’s unique and award-winning CARE (Customer facing, Always listening, Reliable and trustworthy, Efficient and friendly) programme supports every customer proactively over the life of the vehicle. This approach continues to make Isuzu Truck a firm favourite with retail and fleet organisations across the country. Comprising a broad range of chassis cabs with wheelbases to suit a vast array of applications, Isuzu Truck’s UK market
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share continues to grow across the sectors in which it operates. Customerfocused financial solutions and bespoke repair and maintenance packages have made a huge contribution to this sales growth, along with the highly successful Driveaway bodied vehicle programme. Driveaway vehicle body options include dropside, tipper, utility, curtainsider and box at both 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. The bodies are fitted in conjunction with ITUK’s bodybuilder partners, TGS Group, Brit Tipp and PPS Commercials. The programme offers ready-to-go vehicles that can be customised to specific requirements with the addition of
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
items such as tow bars, flashing beacons, fall arrest protection, cage conversions and Chapter 8 safety liveries. The Driveaway product is simple and convenient. There is one invoice for the complete vehicle – which is fully typeapproved – integrated financial documentation and, of course, the pre-built nature of the programme normally means lead times are much shorter than for conventional orders. ITUK’s 7.5-tonne N75 is at home in any environment, and has long been admired for its outstanding performance including its impressive payload capacity, small turning circle and relatively small physical footprint. The N75’s compact dimensions are ideally suited to urban and rural operations alike, with low chassis weight giving a higher axle tolerance and load latitude across the vehicle.
N75 7.5-TONNE RANGE
● Highly durable and proven engine variants: 3.0-litre 148hp or 5.2-litre 188hp
● Manual/semi-automatic transmissions ● Day and crew cabs
N35 GRAFTER 3.5-TONNE RANGE
● Highly durable 1.9-litre 118hp engine ● Single and twin rear wheel variants ● Manual/fully automatic transmissions The company’s larger 11-tonne and 13.5-tonne derivatives, the F110 and the F135, also benefit from a compact cab and chassis, boasting physical footprints no larger than the European manufacturers’ 7.5-tonne products but with additional payload. The ITUK dealer network continues to go from strength to strength, courtesy of its fully trained, highly skilled professional employees who use state-ofthe-art diagnostic equipment to ensure unparalleled levels of customer service. Be it haulage, construction, forestry, vehicle recovery, waste management or recycling, Isuzu Truck UK and its dealer network offer the products, performance, aftersales support and reliability your business needs.
● For more information call 01707 282930, email info@isuzutruck.co.uk or visit isuzutruck.co.uk
Harness the power of Isuzu Great service and support to match your business needs. INNOVATIVE PAYLOAD PERFORMANCE
3 YEAR UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY*
AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAMME
Demand only the best... 01707 282944 / isuzutruck.co.uk
* Terms & Conditions apply. Subject to specification.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Buying Guide: Lens-Tech in the US, and are issued by Highways England to the drivers of left-hand-drive trucks arriving at UK ports. In trucks without peeper windows, they have traditionally been applied to the rear of the nearside passenger window in a horizontal format, to increase visibility below the door, as well as to vans, to improve the driver’s view along the nearside panel. No adaptation of the existing product is required for vehicles with peeper windows – it is simply a case of sticking the lens to the correct area of the glass.
FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Maximum vision As peeper windows become more common, LensTech’s Hi-Vue lenses have become even more useful FRESNEL LENSES Lens-Tech has developed a solution to dramatically improve forward visibility on trucks fitted with peeper windows, effectively eliminating the blind spot created by windscreen pillars. The company, which designs and builds Fresnel lenses for commercial vehicles, has begun applying its Hi-Vue lenses to peeper windows in the lower front doors of truck cabs, which have become increasingly popular since London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) came into force. Positioned on the nearside peeper window in vertical format, the lens can improve forward visibility by 30 degrees. It allows drivers to see into the area obscured by the windscreen pillar, improving their ability to spot anyone or anything close to the truck’s front left-hand corner. “It’s very difficult to alleviate the
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blind spot created by the pillar, and a pedestrian or cyclist hidden behind it is extraordinarily vulnerable,” says Les Haigh, CEO of Lens-Tech. “With the force majeure of FORS and the DVS requiring the maximum amount of vision from the driver’s seat, there’s a push towards getting those peeper windows into the doors. We’re discovering that there’s even more to be had from a lens in a peeper window, because of the huge blind spot zone behind that pillar, but if you attach our small A5 size lens to the glass in the right place, you’ll see around it.”
EASY APPLICATION Lens-Tech’s Hi-Vue Fresnel lenses are made from PVC or acrylic, and are easy to stick to glass using their peel-back self-adhesive. Measuring 21cm x 12cm, they take up a nominal amount of window space. The company’s lenses are fitted in the peeper windows of most new Daimler Trucks and Kenworth models produced
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
“The reason we haven’t looked at this area until recently is because we didn’t want to place a lens in a position where it could obstruct the driver’s view of the mirrors,” adds business development manager Mike Eastwood. “Now that manufacturers are fitting peeper windows to trucks coming off the line, there is an opportunity for transport managers to consider enhancing that view even further.” Hi-Vue lenses also represent a low-cost solution for operators looking to make their vehicles safer. Prices start at £7.99 excluding VAT for individual PVC lenses or £7.49 for orders of 10 or more units. Orders can be placed directly or via most of the UK’s truck component resellers.
O For more information call 023 8021 3110 or visit lens-tech.com
$W[KPI )WKFG .[VZ 'WTQRG
&TKXGT UWRRQTV +P ECD ECOGTCU JGNR ƃGGV OCPCIGTU VQ UWRRQTV VJGKT UVCHH D[ FGVGTOKPKPI WPWUWCN FTKXKPI DGJCXKQWT TELEMATICS/CAMERA SYSTEMS It’s hard to talk about commercial vehicles without mentioning the UK’s current shortage of HGV drivers. The government has taken measures to speed up the driver licensing process and agreed to grant visas to 5,000 EU truck drivers, but recruiting new additions to the workforce is not easy. For overseas drivers, working conditions and pay need to be significantly better than those at home. Fleet managers also need to attract those who are considering a new career or a return to a job they previously left.
SUPPORTING DRIVERS Attracting the best talent is about more than filling a short term-gap, however. A team of well-supported, skilled drivers will ensure a fleet operates safely and productively, reducing insurance costs and improving the long-term health of the haulage company that employs them.
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This support needs to include provisions for mental health and wellbeing. And this need is becoming ever more pressing, with 30% of selfreported work-related illness in the transport and logistics industry due to stress, depression and anxiety. If those behind the wheel are experiencing such issues, it’s not hard to see how incidents can occur, such as accidentally jumping a red light or momentarily drifting off at the wheel.
PROACTIVE APPROACH Fleet managers can use technology to take a more proactive approach to driver behaviour. This includes getting a better indication of what is typical for any particular driver and being able to tell when something isn’t quite right. For example, you could have a 20-year veteran driver with an impeccable record who suddenly begins to demonstrate road rage. This is where the latest generation of video telematics can help fleet managers to understand patterns around
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
what is usual (and unusual) for drivers, because the manager has the option to review video clips of any incidents in the last six months. This might reveal, for example, that the driver was involved in a near-collision at the hands of another road user. While the incident was flagged and discussed at the time, it may have resulted in lasting trauma. Camera and telematics systems that offer connected technology can also help fleet managers to understand the impact of external factors on their drivers, such as heavy traffic, road work or weather conditions. They can also integrate with data such as staff rotas – for example, was that driver really speeding for no reason or were they under pressure to meet a quota during a particularly short-staffed period?
DIALOGUE AND DISCUSSION Pinpointing the issue is only half the challenge. To make a difference, organisations must create a space for dialogue and discussion. Coaching sessions are one way for managers and drivers to address the issue. While the needs of every individual will always be unique, by taking some of these steps, fleet managers can remove the stigma and work towards a more open, inclusive environment that supports drivers.
O For more information call 01908 880733, email intlchannelsales@lytx.com or visit lytx.com/surfsight
Smart, Connected Video Dashcams With our innovative technology, you can identify and assess risky and distracted driving behaviours that might not be detected by traditional telematics.
Connect with us today! Visit lytx.com/surfsight-network for more information.
Buying Guide: Premier Pits
Clean up your act! Getting a vehicle spotless for MoT needn’t be a trial if you use one of three solutions from Premier Pits UNDER-CHASSIS WASH RANGE Premier Pits is known for its specialist prefabricated workshop pits, which it has supplied to the commercial vehicle and PSV sectors for more than 40 years. However, the company also offers a suite of under-chassis washdown pits and ramps, designed for yard installation to help clean vehicles from top to undercarriage in preparation for their MoT. The first option is a galvanized washdown pit, which is the company’s most compact solution and ideal for
those with limited outdoor space. It comprises a large, built-in settlement tank with a weir and a flow forge floor, which allows vehicles to be washed simultaneously from above and below, saving time and workshop space. The second option is a half washdown pit and half ramp combo, designed for garages with width and height restraints and/or challenging ground conditions. It takes up approximately 19.5m of yard space and comprises a pit, flanked by two ramps. The pit is deliberately shallower than the aforementioned washdown pit option, which makes this solution ideal
for premises located on loose surfaces such as gravel or sand. The third and final option is the galvanized full ramp, which is the company’s largest system at 28.2m. It is a fully structural calculated ramp that can handle up to 8 tonnes per axle with a safe working load of 40 tonnes, and includes a safe landing platform for drivers to exit the vehicle. All of the above products are CEcertified.
O For more information call 01775 821222, email info@premierpits.com or visit premierpits.com
TRANSFORMING
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE & PSV MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
WORKING & MAINTENANCE PITS INSPECTION & TEST PITS WASHDOWN PITS & RAMPS
Premier Pits – The UK’s No.1 Prefabricated Pit Company supplying the Commercial Vehicle & PSV industries for 40 years. Improve the efficiency of your workshop with our range of inspection pits and washdown solutions, built to the highest CE certified standards.
Tel: +44 (0)1775 821222 Email: info@premierpits.com Web: www.premierpits.com
FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE WITH TAX RELIEF EXAMPLE A 12m Premier Working Pit, fully installed by our professional team* from £660.00 ex VAT per month Total net cost after tax relief approx £19,240.00 ex VAT** *Price is for a standard 12m Premier Working Pit. Full installation includes excavation and price is subject to site survey. Other installation options available. T & C's apply. **Finance example based on a 3 year term, subject to status and correct at time of print. Tax relief based on 19%.
Buying Guide: Trailer Vision
Smarter detection Systems like Cycle-Safe can differentiate between static and moving objects around a vehicle VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS Advances in smart detection technology could sound the death knell for ultrasonic sensors, which cannot differentiate between moving and static objects. With the advent of the Direct Vision Standard and the desire for operators to use equipment that TfL says “should not activate in relation to roadside furniture”, many have questioned whether ultrasonic systems should still be employed, especially when new smart technology can be just as economical and significantly more effective.
The high false alarm rates of ultrasonic sensors lead many drivers to ignore them or even disable their systems, which is clearly of no benefit in terms of road safety.
COST-EFFECTIVE RELIABILITY Historically, smart alternatives to ultrasonic sensors have been prohibitively expensive. However, this is no longer the case and optical detection is now both cost-effective and reliable. Cycle-Safe is an example of this new technology. It was tested and approved in Germany by the ADAC motoring association, can differentiate between
static and moving objects, and only sounds an alarm if a vulnerable road user of any description becomes a hazard, significantly reducing the driver’s workload. Installation is also much faster and easier, as it does not require the fitter to drill multiple holes to add sensors to the side of the vehicle. With the advent of affordable smart detection systems such as Cycle-Safe, the UK’s roads are set to become safer for all.
● For more information call 01733 246473 or visit trailervision.co.uk
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
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Buying Guide: MP Connect both driver and site about qualification expiry dates and enabling them to plan daily routes and training in advance. MP Connect is supported by the Mineral Products Association and major operators in the minerals sector. By the end of 2021, for instance, Cemex UK will make MP Connect a mandatory requirement to gain entry to its UK sites. Drivers who hold the outgoing Driver Skills Card can upgrade by visiting mpconnect.co.uk.
AWARENESS COURSE
Access all areas The MP Connect card makes site access for drivers in the extractives sector both quicker and simpler SITE ACCESS CONTROL Developed by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council, MP Connect is a single digital card that speeds up the process of site entry and ensures access to site is only granted to drivers whose competencies match site requirements. It is supported by its own app, which can be downloaded from Google Play for Android. MP Connect is at the forefront of safety on site, preventing unqualified drivers from gaining access to sites and protecting both people and companies from bad practice.
SKILLS RECORD The card provides a record of driver skills, and using the app includes a fully integrated learner management system, including toolbox talks and e-learning modules, adding to driver CPCs. Extra
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discounted training pathways are also among the benefits of MP Connect. Using the app, drivers can activate the system’s geofencing functionality, providing an opportunity to check-in to a site digitally up to 200m from the weighbridge, while parked in a safe place.
CARD ENTRY Instead of certificates and paperwork, MP Connect, which replaces the Driver’s Skills Card, stores all driver records and skills on one card. This card is then scanned prior to entry to site. Using a simple traffic light dashboard, the site manager can see if the driver is good to go (green), may need to complete a requirement such as a site induction (amber), or has multiple missing elements and is therefore not qualified for site access (red). It uses real-time information such as safety alerts and site closures, informing
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
Drivers will need to have attended MP Skills’ Site Safety Awareness course to obtain MP Connect. The course provides instruction in mandatory safety, health, and environmental knowledge, and behaviours on and off site, with seven hours of CPC training. It is designed for all drivers of tippers, mixer trucks and tankers, among other heavy vehicles.
WIDER TRAINING MP Skills is also a leading provider of face-to-face and online courses in the quarrying, mineral products and mining sectors, all of which count towards drivers’ CPC accreditation. They include: Truckmixer, Logical Logistics and Vulnerable Road Users. Employer-led apprenticeship schemes, available for both levy and non-levy paying employers, are also available.
O For more information call 0115 983 5755, email enquiries@mpskills.co.uk or visit mpskills.co.uk
What is mp connect? Developed by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC), mp connect is your very own, all-in-one safety solution when it comes to accessing mp connect registered sites. The application carries out requirement checks in a matter of seconds, making the industry a safer place of work for everyone.
The card comes packed with many exclusive benefits: 俶 A record of all your safety training history in one place, along with site inductions and qualification expiry dates 俶 Real-time information on site updates such as safety alerts and closures 俶 Access to a fully integrated learner management system (LMS) 俶 A dedicated library of industry-specific e-learning content 俶 A scannable QR code on the back of your card, giving you access to your LMS account 俶 Discounts on a variety of CPC courses
How do I receive my card? To obtain your card, you will need to attend and successfully pass the Site Safety Awareness course, brought to you by MP Skills. The interactive training provides you with essential safety knowledge and 7 hours of CPC. We offer the following range of Driver (CPC) training courses: • Site Safety Awareness • Truckmixer Awareness • Logical Logistics • Vulnerable Road Users Get in touch with us to obtain your card, or to book your place on one of our courses.
www.mpskills.co.uk | 0115 983 5755
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Buying Guide: ORBCOMM
# HQTEG HQT good Bringing camera and telematics data together in one U[UVGO RTQXKFGU UGXGTCN MG[ DGPGƂVU HQT ƃGGVU TELEMATICS/CAMERA SYSTEMS Pairing telematics systems with camera technology can be a force for good for truck fleets, says ORBCOMM. Camera systems are quickly becoming ubiquitous among UK hauliers, helping to protect fleets and drivers and make the roads safer. But smarter fleets are looking at the bigger picture. Traditionally, video footage and telematics data have lived in separate systems. To maximise return on their camera investment, however, fleet managers are increasingly integrating their telematics platforms with video. Each brings its independent strengths, providing the best of both worlds in one place. On its own, video helps to exonerate drivers and reconstruct the events of an accident. But when the visual contextual evidence of video footage is triggered and matched with hard data from telematics, fleet managers get a bird’s-eye
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view of every driving event with details of the whole story. Managers can review incidents, reconstruct accidents and apportion responsibility. Any disputed claims can be examined quickly, drivers can be swiftly exonerated and the insurance processes can be expedited. The data can also inform coaching for drivers, improve safety and reduce accidents.
REASONS TO INTEGRATE The number one concern for UK fleets today is to keep drivers safe and happy. In collisions, participants don’t always see or remember each moment accurately. Telematics provides detailed location,
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
driver and speed data, complemented by camera footage capturing the before, during, and immediate aftermath of an incident. This creates a virtual, indisputable witness and exonerates drivers when they are not at fault. Beyond driver exoneration, the combination is vital for improving driver safety. Fleet managers can identify the cause of unsafe driving events, such as harsh braking, and the context in which any event occurred. To improve awareness and accountability, fleets can address these behaviours with drivers, reference specific instances and build trust with employees. From a legal perspective, context is key to addressing liability. Video and telematics evidence can collectively help to remove ambiguity and prevent a dragged out court process that ends in a ‘he-said-she-said’ situation. For accident reconstruction, fleets need to retrieve the full picture of any road incident, which involves recreating the full context of harsh driving or collision events, including internal and external factors such as road conditions, weather, the position of the vehicle, and driver involvement. Unfortunately, staged collisions and crash-for-cash scams are common. Combining telematics data with video allows for forensic analysis of collisions and irrefutable proof of who is at fault.
TOGETHER, NOT APART Bringing cameras and telematics together doesn’t just mean putting them both on one screen. Deeper integration means that telematics data should trigger video recording of driving events configured by safety, operations and compliance teams, which can identify events such as harsh braking, rapid deceleration and acceleration. Replays should be available with location, speed and driver identification data, all in one view. With in-cab cameras and approved third-party camera systems, ORBCOMM provides a full range of camera solutions designed for seamless operation with its telematics devices.
O For more information call 07702 892123 or visit orbcomm.com
GET CONNECTED Telematics for all assets.
Truck Telematics
Combine in-cab devices, cameras, hardware and powerful back-end reporting to improve compliance with tachograph rules and working time legislation, driver performance, critical event capture, fleet safety, operational efficiency and workforce productivity.
Cold Chain Telematics
Get two-way monitoring and control of rigid reefer trucks, refrigerated trailers and reefer containers with real-time temperature monitoring and dataloggers to prove an uninterrupted cold chain from point of origin to destination for food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other temperature-controlled cargo.
Trailer Telematics
Trailer tracking solutions with EBS trailer weight monitoring optimises utilisation, avoids overloaded trailers, mitigates theft, reduces fuel costs and minimises downtime.
In-Cab Cameras
Capture critical events on video with a virtual witness for improved fleet safety and visual proof against false claims. With in-cab cameras and approved third party camera systems, ORBCOMM provides a full range of camera solutions designed for seamless operation with telematics devices.
Learn more at www.orbcomm.com or call us for a demo at 07702892123
CONNECTING THE WORLD’S ASSETS
NEW IN-CAB CAMERAS
Buying Guide: Seven Asset Management
Seven goes for 400 5GXGP #UUGV /CPCIGOGPV JCU WRFCVGF KVU ƃ GGV CPF its technology to support its growing customer base CONTRACT HIRE AND FLEET MANAGEMENT Seven Asset Management was formed in 1997 in a small office in Ipswich. From humble beginnings, the company has become a staple in the commercial vehicle industry, expanding its reach throughout the UK and building a diverse customer base. Fast forward 24 years and the business is thriving. It experienced a successful 18 months during the pandemic, securing new business and continuing to offer key services to customers – particularly those in the pharmaceutical, laundry and supply chain industries – and keeping them operational throughout lockdowns. The company has recently purchased over 400 tractor units from a variety of manufacturers, the first of which are due to be delivered in January with others following throughout 2022. The vehicles include both the new and current generation DAF XF 530, MAN TGX 510, Mercedes-Benz Actros 2545 BigSpace, and Volvo FH500 GL Cab. Each one is specified with driver comfort
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and safety in mind to aid businesses with recruitment amid the well-documented driver shortage, and includes optional extras such as televisions, microwaves and refrigerators. In addition to its new and existing tractor units, the firm also supplies rigid trucks, light commercial vehicles and trailers, along with specialist refrigerated and traffic management vehicles. Seven’s commercial vehicle offering spans services to suit all fleet acquisition methods, including contract hire, fleet management (it currently manages more than 2,000 commercial vehicles throughout the UK), hire purchase and outright purchase with an agreed fleet manage-
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
ment or repair and maintenance package. It can also call on an extensive nationwide network of over 1,100 service and maintenance centres, so operators will never have to look far for their nearest location. All of Seven’s services are supplied with your business in mind, allowing you to concentrate on your core activities while we keep your fleet compliant and operational. Tom Dunnett, MD at Seven Asset Management, says: “The last 18 months have been a challenging time for everyone. However, we have continued to invest in technology to further increase efficiency and compliance throughout our fleet, while also delivering more than 100 tractor units solely to new customers. We are now in a position to be excited about the future.”
LIVE VOR SYSTEM In addition to being a one-stop shop for vehicles, the company also offers a live vehicle off road (VOR) system, which allows operators to track, measure and optimise their fleet’s performance. The system updates every 90 seconds and is supported by a specialist customer care team. It provides a full audit trail of job notes, generates reminders and improves efficiency across a fleet via greater visibility of downtime and maintenance processes. The firm also offers a DVSAapproved secure online documentation system which eliminates the need for paperwork. Users can access all their maintenance, service and inspection records via an online portal with a unique login, which can be depot-specific if required.
● For more information call 01473 261778 or email sales@sevenasset.co.uk
ORDER NOW FOR 2022 DELIVERY Contract Hire your desired manufacturer fully maintained including RFL, maintenance and tyres.
Trucks will be available for delivery from April 2022 and include: ASSET MANAGEMENT
01473 261777
• Recording DVS • Television • Refrigerator • Microwave
sales@sevenasset.co.uk
Scan our QR code To visit Seven Asset Management...
Buying Guide: Totalkare
The ups and downs Whether you prefer to raise your vehicles or lower your technicians, Totalkare has the right solution LIFTING AND TESTING EQUIPMENT Lifts or pits? It’s an age-old debate and there is never a quick or an easy answer. Each option is safe, effective, robust and reliable, but the right choice for your business depends on their application and location.
MOBILE COLUMN LIFTS Mobile column lifts, such as Totalkare’s T8AC or T8DC, are extremely flexible and allow operators to free up workshop space by storing them when they’re not in use. They can be used indoors or outdoors and moved and set up quickly, to adapt to the changing demands of your business. In addition to their flexibility, mobile column lifts also offer the same benefits as a standard above-ground lift. Customers do not have to worry about groundworks, structural changes to the flooring or planning permission and, in some
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cases, new lifting stations can be installed and ready to go in less than a day. Customers also have the option of a fully galvanized lift which is protected from water ingress and can handle wet work, while Totalkare’s G8AC is the only wash bay-ready column lift in the UK.
FIXED LIFTS Not every business requires the flexibility of a mobile set-up, however, and in such cases a fixed lift such Totalkare’s Heavy Duty Four Post Lift or its heavy-duty Y-MECH Lift could be the best choice for a workshop.
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
As with the mobile column lift, no groundwork is required for installation, which means the lifts can be transported, should the business move to a new premises. Customers also benefit from the same access to the workshop’s natural light and surrounding floor space. An optional drive-on/drive-off ramp is available which can allow for a higher throughput of vehicles for servicing. The Heavy Duty Four Post Lift and Y-MECH Lift are also available with the fully galvanized option and capable of wet work.
INSPECTION PITS Vehicle inspection pits are the ideal below-ground set-up, especially for premises with low ceilings. They can increase productivity by allowing technicians to work above and below vehicles simultaneously and employ in-ground brake testers without relocating the vehicle. Like a fixed lift, they provide the reliability and consistency of a dedicated, permanent installation, while vehicles can be driven directly into position, improving the workshop’s throughput and efficiency. The option to integrate brake rollers, shaker plates, and radius plates can render it a seamless, one-stop solution for vehicle maintenance. Totalkare also offers Class 7 MoT bay equipment to complement its vehicle inspection pits. After the initial set-up costs, a vehicle inspection pit has some of the lowest maintenance and running costs of any vehicle-servicing station and can last forever, rendering it a highly economical long-term investment.
O For more information call 0121 585 2724, email sales@totalkare.co.uk or visit totalkare.co.uk
VEHICLE LIFTS
BRAKE TESTING
DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
VEHICLE PITS
INSPECTION & SERVICE
ONLINE TRAINING
SAVE MONEY TESTING IN-HOUSE
FOR
WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT IT’S TOTALKARE
At Totalkare we combine world class lifting and testing products, industry leading ĮķĨĨďīĴș ŦÐŘðÅăÐ ťĊĊÆðă ĨÆāæÐĮ ĊÌ q# ÆÐīĴðťÐÌ ÆďĉĨÐĴÐĊÆř ĴīðĊðĊæ Ĵď ÐĊĮķīÐ ĴìĴ řďķ ăœřĮ ìŒÐ ĴìÐ īðæìĴ ĮķĨĨďīĴȘ
GET IN TOUCH: T:0121 585 2724 / WWW.TOTALKARE.CO.UK
Buying Guide: Tructyre
Treading carefully Tyre maintenance isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ option – it’s EGPVTCN VQ FG TKUMKPI [QWT ƃGGV RQKPVU QWV 6TWEV[TG TYRE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE Tructyre offers three key services: proactively maintaining tyres, reliably supplying tyres, and quickly coming to customers’ rescue – often at the roadside – in the event of a tyre failure. At first glance, these three services seem to be related only by the heavy commercial vehicles in which Tructyre specialises – trucks, trailers, buses and coaches. But it goes deeper; in proactively maintaining tyres, reliably supplying the right tyres for the vehicle, and responding quickly to any emergencies, Tructyre mitigates the tyre-related threats faced by Britain’s fleets. With commercial tyres, it’s all about the frequency of inspection, as a regular tyre survey will detect wear and defects and identify the precise time when a life-extending service should be deployed. Now and again doesn’t cut it; more often than not, an inconsistent inspection regime will consign a tyre to the scrap pile instead of establishing
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a longer and safer service life through regular inspection and professional tyre maintenance. This not only reduces operating risks and chances of failure in use, but also reduces waste which is good news for the environment. For Tructyre, it all starts with an inspection of the tyres fitted to a fleet of commercial vehicles. It ends with the application of a life-extending, safetyenhancing service. For example: ● Regrooving can yield additional mileage of up to 15%, with no safety compromise and sometimes even an improvement. Some tyre manufacturers estimate that a regrooved tyre is between 20% and 30% more fuel-efficient than a new one.
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
● Retreading a tyre can save up to 60kg of carbon dioxide, 68 litres of oil, 30kg of rubber, and 20kg of steel, compared with manufacturing a new tyre. ● Twinning and turning on rim only when necessary extends the service life of the tyre. ● Turning on rim makes for a safer driving experience and maximises the tyre life by an additional 20%. ● Incorrect air pressures can prevent a tyre from reaching its maximum multi-life stage, be that the next regroove or retread. It needs a trained eye to be carefully and regularly inspecting the fleet’s tyres and identifying the precise time to apply life-extending service or the optimum moment to replace a tyre. Tructyre can manage this process. An ongoing programme of maintenance, delivered as part of a Tructyre service package, reduces the chances of a tyre needing to be replaced in a panic at the yard or, worse, at the roadside. For a transport manager or the individual responsible for a commercial fleet, their job as well as their mission could rest on just 1mm of rubber. Tyre maintenance is not an issue to be considered a ‘nice-to-have’. The risks are well established from both a monetary and safeguarding perspective – two sides of the same coin. The question is: has your operation done all it can to de-risk your fleet?
● For more information call 0330 107 0007 or visit tructyre.co.uk
Is your job resting on 1mm of rubber?
Pro-actively checking every tyre every time we visit your fleet reduces the chance we’ll need to visit you in an emergency. www.tructyre.co.uk
Buying Guide: VOL-TAR tasks, including highways, minor civil and ground works, patchworks and repairs, and utility reinstatements. The reduced waiting time due to not having to fetch supplies and then quickly creating and laying the mix means that VOL-TAR limits the time for which a road or path needs to be closed for repairs, keeping clients and the wider public happy. The system can produce 20 different blends using fresh or recycled base from a single truck and can achieve savings of £40 per tonne on raw materials costs alone. The 615kg bitumen tank can be fuelled with red diesel or biofuel, and mixing can be underway within five minutes of arriving on site.
CHASSIS OPTIONS
Mix and match VOL-TAR’s new volumetric mixer provides a quicker and more eco-friendly asphalt supply solution
ECO-FRIENDLY ASPHALT MIXER The new VOL-TAR asphalt mixer is designed to save on waste and so save money. It acts as a one-man-operated mobile batching plant capable of delivering in 100kg batches – or up to 20 tonnes – to ensure there’s no leftover asphalt at the end of a job. It’s also ready to go 24 hours a day. Developed and produced in the UK and available as a custom-build to fit any chassis, the unique patented design of VOL-TAR uses raw aggregates and mixes premium quality hot-mix asphalt on site.
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That means operators using VOL-TAR do not have to travel to a materials plant or spend time queuing to use the facilities – a boon for efficiency. The quality of the asphalt produced is identical to that of materials plants, while the machine can work at multiple sites on jobs of different sizes, and can be preprogrammed for 20 different mix types. VOL-TAR also allows operators to control the amount of asphalt they produce, negating the need to return surplus asphalt to the materials plant or to landfill sites. In short, it’s faster, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly than existing practices. The asphalt mixer has two separate bins for different volumes of aggregate, allowing operators to pre-load them and control the mix type, the amount and the temperature. It can also be used for a broad range of
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
Although VOL-TAR has chosen Renault’s C430 as the partner vehicle of choice, complete with a curtainside to aid access for cleaning, service and repair work, the volumetric mixer can be custom-built to fit an existing fleet vehicle or trailer, or even supplied as a static version, giving operators a wide choice of deployment over and above the complete, ready-to-go package with the Renault chassis. All mixers come with a year’s parts and servicing warranty, with extra warranty available on request, while VOL-TAR also offers financing options with exclusive packages for clients. Reduced waiting and travelling time to fetch supplies, better control over volume and waste – a great result for both cost and the environment – and a flexible UK-built deployment adds up to a comprehensive all-round package.
O For more information call 0333 366 0606 or visit vol-tarmixers.co.uk
Buying Guide: WGDƃGGV 5QNWVKQPU
The pressure point Remote tyre pressure monitoring systems can JGNR KORTQXG TQCF UCHGV[ CPF EWV ƃGGV FQYPVKOG TELEMATICS In a joint development with parent company Bridgestone, leading telematics solutions provider Webfleet Solutions has launched WEBFLEET TPMS. The new solution provides predictive tyre management in the award-winning WEBFLEET fleet management platform. Designed for heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, WEBFLEET TPMS uses sensors that continuously monitor tyre pressure levels and temperature. The information is sent to the WEBFLEET Telematics Service Platform for analysis. If issues are detected, WEBFLEET alerts the fleet manager in the office and the driver in the cab in real time – allowing them to take action before more serious problems develop that might lead to accidents, disruption and downtime. “The majority of heavy truck breakdowns on European roads are caused by tyre-related issues such as under-inflated
32
tyres,” says Paul Verheijen, vice-president product management of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “Manual pressure checks are time-consuming and slow leaks are very difficult for drivers to detect. WEBFLEET TPMS is not only digitising and automating this entire process, but also directly enables the fleet operator to make fast, informed decisions to improve road safety and reduce tyre-related costs and downtime.”
COLOUR-CODED NOTIFICATIONS The instant notifications that are triggered when abnormal tyre pressure or temperature is detected are colourcoded. The colours reflect the severity of the issue, which helps users determine the right course of action. The WEBFLEET TPMS sensors are precise and easy to install, as they can be fitted without removing the tyre. They allow the TPMS solution to detect underor over-inflation before it’s visible. While properly inflated tyres increase safety,
A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
they also offer better fuel efficiency and an optimised tyre service life. All of this translates into lower CO2 emissions and extended tyre life. “With WEBFLEET TPMS, we are reinforcing our market leadership in connected transport solutions,” says Jan-Maarten de Vries, CEO of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “By adding real-time tyre insights to WEBFLEET, transport companies have control and visibility over their entire fleet operation – all from one interface.” The launch follows hot on the heels of a raft of new developments from the company, including its most technically sophisticated driver terminal to date, the PRO 8475; and WEBFLEET Video, a video telematics system that uses artificial intelligence technology to automatically identify risky behaviour, such as distracted driving or mobile phone usage. The PRO 8475 connects drivers and businesses via WEBFLEET and combines a wealth of features, including order management, driving performance feedback and apps for keeping accurate and reliable mileage records. With advanced technologies, including LTE connectivity and Google Services, it is also break-resistant, shockproof, UV-resistant, vibration-proof, and both dust- and water-protected. WEBFLEET Video, meanwhile, proactively prevents dangerous situations from developing by using algorithms to deliver 95% accuracy on motion alerts. What’s more, because vehicle dashcams are fully integrated, it allows users to access and manage their vehicles and in-vehicle cameras using a single interface.
O For more information call 0208 822 3605 or visit webfleet.com
From monitoring fuel to reducing fleet operating costs Discover WEBFLEET – Europe’s number one fleet management solution
AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION All vehicles | Current month
34.0
GREEN SPEED IN %
All vehicles | Current month
82%
l/100km
AVERAGE
WASTED FUEL IN % All vehicles | Months
6.3 6.0 5.9 5.7 6.0
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Cut fuel costs. Be safe on the road. Stay compliant with regulations. WEBFLEET helps you do it all. That’s why more than 50,000 companies worldwide trust our solution to get their trucks, drivers and businesses where they need to go. Let’s drive business. Further.
webfleet.com
Buying Guide: Road Transport Expo
INTERVIEW: VIC BUNBY Next summer will see the launch of Road Transport Expo, a brand new UK commercial vehicle trade show. To find out more about this exciting initiative we caught up with Road Transport Media’s divisional director Vic Bunby. CM: Let’s hear your best elevator pitch VB: Road Transport Expo, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, is all about the truck and everything related to it. HGVs will be at the very heart of this brand new event, which will incorporate a number of existing trade shows. Using a hub-andspoke model, attendees will be able to see the latest trucks, trailers and related equipment in the central hub, and then tailor their experience by visiting the specialist zones that best suit their interests. CM: Tell us more about the zones VB: There will be several zones, including the Tipper Zone in association with Tip-Ex; a Tanker Zone in association with Tank-Ex; an urban zone in association with Freight in the City; a Knowledge Zone; a Materials Handling Zone; a Trailer Zone; a Used Truck Zone; and a Ride and Drive. We’re adding zones all the time, and will be in a position to make some more exciting announcements in the near future, so watch this space.
Pitch perfect! Next summer sees the launch of an exciting new event pitched directly at the UK truck sector the City at Alexandra Palace? VB: That’s correct. From 2022 both these well established and popular events will be incorporated into Road Transport Expo. CM: What differentiates Road Transport Expo from other UK commercial vehicle shows? VB: Road Transport Expo is a truck show, and not a van show, a pickup show or a bus and coach show. As well as plenty of trucks to see, touch and drive, there will also be an extensive seminar programme. We promise to give visitors the ultimate show experience.
CM: So no more Tip-Ex at Harrogate or Freight in
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A COMMERCIAL MOTOR SUPPLEMENT
CM: How frequently will Road Transport Expo take place? VB: It will run in 2022 and 2023 in order to get established, and then it
will be biennial, alternating with the IAA Show in Hanover. CM: Who will be the typical attendee? VB: Road Transport Expo will be the perfect show for anyone working in the road transport industry, from drivers through to the MDs of the UK’s largest fleets. With static displays, live demonstrations, ride and drives and an extensive seminar programme, there will be plenty to see, experience, drive and learn, satisfying a broad audience from drivers to senior managers at the UK’s largest haulage firms. CM: What does it cost to attend? VB: Nothing! And we won’t even be charging you to park. CM: When does Road Transport Expo take place, and how do I attend? VB: It takes place from 30 June to 2 July 2022, and you can register for your free ticket at roadtransportexpo.co.uk
VEHICLE LIFTS
BRAKE TESTING
DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
VEHICLE PITS
INSPECTION & SERVICE
ONLINE TRAINING
FOR
WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT IT’S TOTALKARE IN STOCK & READY FOR DELIVERY
At Totalkare we combine world class lifting and testing products, industry leading ĮķĨĨďīĴș ŦÐŘðÅăÐ ťĊĊÆðă ĨÆāæÐĮ ĊÌ q# ÆÐīĴðťÐÌ ÆďĉĨÐĴÐĊÆř ĴīðĊðĊæ Ĵď ÐĊĮķīÐ ĴìĴ řďķ ăœřĮ ìŒÐ ĴìÐ īðæìĴ ĮķĨĨďīĴȘ
GET IN TOUCH: T:0121 585 2724 / WWW.TOTALKARE.CO.UK
