Global Trailer March 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 28

BUSINESS

28 MARKET REPORT

An update on the Balkan state of Bulgaria.

32 BUILT TO TASK

Valk Welding robots finalise the optimisation process of a trailer builder.

46 TIPPERS

Wielton has introduced improvements to its flagship tipper models.

50 TRAILER DESIGN

Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia ensures optimal fleet uptime with its dedicated spare parts and aftersales network.

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Brianza Plastica continues to invest in consolidating its presence in the commercial vehicle and tank container sectors.

54 EVENT REVIEW

Attendees will have more time to check out the latest commercial vehicles and technology at Work Truck Week 2023 thanks to extended exhibition hours.

FEATURES

34 KÄSSBOHRER

The OEM presents a reliable and robust range of tanker and silo vehicles.

38

SAF-HOLLAND

This equipment specialist bolsters axle durability with premium technology.

40 GORICA GROUP

Based in Dubai, GORICA Group has a broad range of tanker and silo vehicles tailored for various industry applications.

44 JOST

JOST innovates lightweight, efficient tanker and silo components.

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

Headquartered in California, with manufacturing plants in Mexico, Hyundai Translead is humble in its approach to providing the road transport fleets of North America with durable, efficient trailing equipment. It also stands out in the market for its industry-leading achievements in customer experience and innovation.

AS MUCH AS WE TALK ABOUT THE FLOW OF INFORMATION AND FLOW OF IDEAS AND EVERYTHING ELSE, IT’S ABOUT MATCHING UP TO THE SPEED OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ BUSINESS SO THAT WE CAN MEET THEM WHERE THEY’RE AT AND KEEP PACE WITH THEM.”

REGULARS

Hyundai Translead Chief Sales Officer, Sean Kenney.

THE POWER OF AI

VOCAL VOICES IN THE CREATIVE community have expressed concern, alarm, even anger, over the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) generators that produce images by using art and photography available online without acknowledgement of the copyright owners. Programs such as OpenAI’s DALL-E, which relies on deep learning models to generate digital images from prompts, are available to the public and are being widely adopted for both professional and private use. While demand for this technology is surging, unfair competition is exposing ethical, moral and legal dilemmas. This is serious business. Outside of the art world, and perhaps not as controversial, a new service, powered by AI, was unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas which is reported to transform the speed and cost of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) development. Data company, AIMMO, headquartered in Korea, with offices in Europe and the US, strives to overcome the challenge of excessive data collection that has constrained the progression and commercialisation of AV technologies. Looking at self-driving algorithms, for instance, this approach demands significant data collection which in turn reduces data quality and thus the overall time and efficiency of data operations.

Autonomous Driving Data-as-a-Service

(ADaas) is expected to exponentially reduce time and the associated cost of the most significant bottleneck in AV development – the training of self-driving algorithms. It also provides gains for customers in a single, integrated, end-to-end workflow.

AIMMO has prioritised wholesale changes to the data ops process in the automotive and mobility sector as it is a leading vertical undergoing rapid and significant transformation. As a result, it has invested extensively in sector-leading expertise from the AV and automotive domains with personnel experienced in complementary disciplines from operational design domains to functional safety to machine learning. The company boldly claims this toolset offers the potential to leapfrog the competition to accelerate AV deployment and commercial viability.

The founder and CEO of AIMMO, SeungTaek Oh, has observed much anticipation as to when AVs will be commercialised due to standards and regulations ever-changing across the world. He is adamant the arrival of ADaaS will change the game and contribute to progress in the market.

CEO

John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

COO

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

INTERNATIONAL SALES

Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST

Peter White peter.white@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey

DESIGN

Kerry Pert, Louis Romero

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

Salma Kennedy salma.kennedy@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OFFICE

Prime Creative Pty Ltd 379 Docklands Drive Docklands VIC 3008 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.globaltrailermag.com

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ARTICLES

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT

Global Trailer is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Global Trailer is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Global Trailer are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated. Follow us on twitter @Globaltrailer

OUT OF THIS WORLD

JOST KKS – push-button trailer coupling

#futurenow – Thanks to our revolutionary coupling system you can now change semitrailer quickly and safely out of the cab. Your start in the future of logistics. Ready to beam up?

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EUROPE DENMARK

Transport and logistics company, DSV, is doubling the lifecycle of 1,100 trailers as part of a circular economy initiative.

DSV Road CEO, Søren Schmidt, said the business aims to run a more sustainable operation.

“Realising those ambitions often involves high-level innovation and new technologies,” he said.

“But sometimes, we can achieve great value with solutions that are more straightforward. Refurbishing rather than replacing our trailers will enable us to save carbon while delivering services of a continued high quality to our customers.”

Typically, DSV uses a trailer for approximately five years before it returns it to the leasing company or manufacturer and instead leases a new trailer. Refurbishing a trailer after the first five years, DSV expects to add another full lifecycle of five years of use to the trailer.

Based on required input resources and applying recognised emission conversion factors, TIP Group has calculated an 18.6 tonnes carbon footprint of a newly produced curtainsider. Refurbishing a trailer entails significantly lower emissions. The refurbishment of DSV’s 1,100 trailers includes replacement of those parts of the trailers that are most subject to wear and tear, such as the brake discs, brake pads, airbags and side and roof curtains.

Based on TIP Group’s calculations, refurbishment of a used curtainsider emits an estimated 2.7 tonnes of CO2. This includes both materials, energy and heating used for the

refurbishment. The difference in emissions between a new and a refurbished trailer shows emissions savings of an estimated 16 tonnes per trailer and approximately 18,000 tonnes for the total 1,100 trailers, which will be refurbished in 2023. Introducing circular economy initiatives, such as refurbishing rather than replacing, can, according to DSV, be an effective tool for achieving emissions reductions.

“Refurbishing our trailers is a great example of how circular economy initiatives can bring us closer to realising our sustainability ambitions,” said Schmidt.

“With limited resources available globally, we must think smarter and more responsibly when it comes to the consumption of those resources.”

The refurbishment of the 1,100 trailers in 2023 kicks off DSV’s new trailer refurbishment program through which all DSV-owned trailers in its European network will undergo refurbishment at least once before the company returns the trailers to the manufacturer.

“Discovering the emissions reductions

we can achieve through refurbishment, we have decided to establish a trailer refurbishment program,” said Schmidt. “Practical circular economy initiatives such as this program will be pivotal in reducing DSV’s overall carbon footprint.”

DSV will put the first refurbished trailers on the road at the end of January 2023 and will finish refurbishing the last of the initial 1,100 trailers before the end of December 2023.

FRANCE

CEVA Logistics has created a dedicated Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) organisation as part of its integration of automotive logistics specialist, GEFCO.

This follows the CMA CGM Group’s purchase of the French automotive logistics specialist in July 2022. CEVA Logistics offers a full range of global logistics and supply chain services, including contract logistics and air, ocean, ground and finished vehicle transport.

With the acquisition and integration

DSV actions circular economy plan to refurbish 1,100 trailers.

GROUPED. FOR SUCCESS.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

EUROPE

of GEFCO, CEVA is reported to be the largest France-based logistics company and a global leader in automotive logistics solutions.

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how, so we are growing in both scale and expertise to co-create value with our customers,” said CEVA Logistics CEO, Mathieu Friedberg.

GEFCO’s remaining business, mostly in contract logistics and ground transportation, is being integrated into CEVA’s existing operations. CEVA plans to finish integration activities and replace the GEFCO brand worldwide in 2023.

The new product organisation will be under the direction of former GEFCO COO, Emmanuel Cheremetinski. As the global product leader for finished vehicle logistics, Cheremetinski will lead a global team of approximately 4,000 employees.

“With our new CEVA colleagues who came from GEFCO, we are able to offer extensive global capabilities to a wide range of industries, including the automotive industry.

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GEFCO traces its roots back to 1949, when it was created by French automaker Peugeot.

GEFCO’s former FVL division transported approximately four million vehicles a year using its fleet of 1,600 trucks, nearly 3,000 vehicle transport wagons and more than 100 vehicle compounds.

CEVA’s existing FVL solutions in limited geographies have been integrated into the new product organisation.

Prior to the GEFCO acquisition, CEVA already supported 14 of the top 15 global automotive manufacturers and many global automotive parts suppliers with logistics solutions, including inbound to manufacturing, component and aftermarket services. With the addition of full vehicle distribution and transport, CEVA can offer full lifecycle solutions to the global automotive industry.

“Our promise of Responsive Logistics requires high levels of industry know-

vehicles and terminal equipment. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has commissioned Linde Engineering to build the hydrogen fuel station within the scope of its Clean Port & Logistics innovation cluster as part of a test centre at the Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT).

It is expected to be operational later this year.

CHINA

“Backed by the CMA CGM Group, we expect our growth to continue as we target becoming a top three global 3PL.”

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Guillaume Col, Deputy CEO, Regions and Products, CEVA Logistics, said: “With the automotive industry undergoing significant transformation, integrating a mature finished vehicle organisation puts CEVA in a very strong position. With a unique depth of expertise and solutions at all stages of the automotive supply chain, we are already developing comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for this sector.”

GERMANY

A new hydrogen fuel station at the Port of Hamburg will be used to test hydrogen-powered heavy goods

AUSTRALIA

FUWA K-HITCH

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khitch.com.au

The heart of the station, Port of Hamburg said, is an energy-efficient high-pressure ionic compressor that compresses the hydrogen up to 450 bar. This will allow equipment such as straddle carriers, empty container stackers, forklift trucks, reach stackers, terminal tractor units and trucks to be refuelled with hydrogen efficiently.

“Our commissioning of Linde Engineering to build the hydrogen filling station is the next milestone for our hydrogen activities in the Clean Port & Logistics cluster,” said HHLA Hydrogen Network Head, Dr Georg Böttner.

“With the construction of the filling station, the required infrastructure

EUROPE

VALX International p: +31 (0)88

Kässbohrer’s Super Eco Combi development with Ewals.

GROUPED FOR .

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

EUROPE

is now being created to speed up the transition to emissions-free heavy goods logistics and port operations, and to drive forward the decarbonisation of logistics.”

HHLA established Clean Port & Logistics as an innovation cluster to test hydrogen-powered equipment in port logistics. The aim of the project is to examine how hydrogen can be used to reliably supply power to harbour technology and port logistics.

HHLA is working with partner companies from around the world to develop solutions to bring hydrogenpowered heavy goods vehicles and terminal equipment to market quickly and to put in place the measures necessary for their use.

The concepts developed for operation, safety, repair, maintenance, refuelling and supply are tested and optimised in practical operation.

Linde Engineering Executive Vice President Components, Dr Alexander Unterschütz, said: “We are delighted to support this forward-looking project with our technology. Efficient, and most importantly, safe refuelling of various hydrogen vehicles is essential for sustainable and seamless port operations.”

The cluster is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of a national innovation programme for hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The funding guidelines are coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich.

NETHERLANDS

Kässbohrer has engineered a highcapacity Super Eco Combi (SEC) vehicle

with Ewals Cargo Care to improve efficiency and sustainability. Since the beginning of the year, the SEC vehicle developed with Ewals has undergone many tests, including a test drive by Mark Harbers, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management. Another test day for the 32m SEC was held on the 29 November 2022 in AMPT Maasvlakte, with a large number of officials from RDW, Rotterdam Port Authority, Rijkswaterstaat, TLN, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and Rijkswaterstaat.

Kässbohrer’s 32m combination developed with Ewals presents the Kässbohrer Mega Curtainsider K.SCS M with a dynamic wheelbase and huckapack features.

During development, the turning radius needed to be improved. Thanks to Kässbohrer’s engineering excellence and experience in 32m container chassis, the Mega curtainsiders that form the SEC do achieve a working turning radius.

The Kässbohrer 32m SEC is reported to provide great efficiency in terms of sustainability by higher capacity in terms of two vehicles, Mega upper structure for higher vehicle capacity as well as intermodal compatibility. For intermodal transportation, the two huckepack curtainsiders used on the SEC can be used separately or as a combination with the dolly that can be safely loaded to trains thanks to their S460 MC steel robust chassis, as well as its train loading brackets that are suitable for P400 classified e-f-g-i wagon types.

Additionally, with its 90mm gooseneck height Kässbohrer K.SCS M Mega

curtainsiders offer 2,950mm inner height. This way Kässbohrer K.SCS M Mega curtainsiders enable the transportation of goods with higher volume, while also providing up to 40 per cent fewer carbon emissions.

NETHERLANDS

Three new refrigerated trailers have joined the TIP Group fleet and feature Advancer AxlePower systems for fullelectric operation.

The three trailers are currently being operated by Herbert SAS, Tielbeke Transport B.V. and Wezenberg Transport B.V. delivering for Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands.

Opening the doors to emission-free refrigerated trailers, the project is a result of a collaboration between Thermo King, BPW Bergische Achsen KG and TIP Group.

“It is uplifting to work together with the industry leaders and demonstrate capabilities of the technologies that put sustainability front and centre in the transport industry,” said Laurent Debias, Product Management and Marketing Leader at Thermo King in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Combining our expertise with BPW and TIP Group we’re putting new technology in the hands of the transport companies that allow them to turn the energy typically lost by a trailer during transit into clean power for the refrigeration units.

“Our innovation enables change in transport refrigeration and helps fleets achieve sustainable practice goals, move goods in the most environmentally friendly way and meet lower emission requirements

EUROPE

from regulators.”

Thore Bakker, General Manager Trailer Solutions and Mobility Services at BPW Bergische Achsen KG said: “The sustainability balance of our solution includes both an ecological and an economic dimension: Emissions and noise are reduced, and ongoing operational costs drop immediately – an important advantage, especially in current times of high energy prices. The customer experience tour comes at exactly the right time as pressure on the industry has never been so intense.”

TIP Group Vice President Sales and

Marketing, Rogier Laan: “In our mission to create zero-emission temperature-controlled trailers, we are offering different solutions to our customers to meet their specific needs. “The battery only solution is already available and this trial, with the energy axle configuration, will take up to about 12 months. The first results are very promising.

“We strongly believe that diesel temperature-controlled trailers will quickly fade-out in favour of fully electrical and we are here to drive and support that transition.”

Developed in partnership with BPW,

the Advancer AxlePower is a fully integrated, tractor independent system that combines BPW’s ePower axle with Thermo King refrigeration unit and power management technology.

The trailers operating for Albert Heijn feature Thermo King Advancer A-500 Whisper-Pro, PIEK certified refrigeration units and BPW ePower axles. The AxlePower’s smart energy generating system delivers the power needed to run the trailer refrigeration unit by converting energy recovered by the trailer’s axle during the vehicle’s routine operation.

The system stores the energy

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EUROPE

generated while the vehicle is rolling or braking in a high voltage battery and reuses it to power the refrigeration unit – enabling fully electric, low or zero-emission and autonomous trailer refrigeration.

The battery pack, being charged while the trailer is moving also powers the unit autonomously while the trailer is stopped. Featuring smart power management that controls the engagement and disengagement of the generators, Advancer AxlePower also minimises the resistance on the tractor and provides the driver and fleet manager with real-time battery charge visibility to avoid ‘charge anxiety’. The possibility to capture and reuse energy makes the Advancer AxlePower system an ideal solution to futureproof and increase the sustainability of all types of trailer journeys. With silent running and no CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when operating from the battery-pack, this technology allows customers to sustainably run long-haul and inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and low noise urban areas.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Transport and logistics company, DFDS, has agreed to acquire McBurney Transport Group, a Northern Ireland carrier. The deal is reported to be priced at 1.2 billion DKK (approx. €161.3 million). With the acquisition of McBurney Transport Group, DFDS will expand its network in the UK and Ireland and connect services to Europe and Turkey, in which DFDS operates.

McBurney Transport Group is based in Northern Ireland with over 800

employees and serves high-street retailers, supermarkets and food producers with temperature-controlled and ambient warehouses and multiple strategically located depots in the UK and Ireland. The Group operates a fleet of around 400 trucks and 1360 trailers, including 955 refrigerated trailers.

“DFDS is dedicated to serving the UK and Irish markets with reliable and efficient transport and logistics services,” said DFDS CEO, Torben Carlsen.

“With increasing importance, we connect our UK and Irish services with the rest of Europe through our extensive network. With the acquisition of the McBurney Transport Group, we enhance the scope of our customer offerings, particularly towards the resilient food sector.”

Norman McBurney OBE, the founder of McBurney Transport Group, said: “By becoming part of DFDS, we gain access to new development opportunities. I am certain the wider market coverage, including access to DFDS’ extensive transport network, will benefit our many longstanding customers. I am confident that our

many loyal and dedicated employees will be comfortable and happy after this transaction.”

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. Once approved, the McBurney Transport Group will integrate with DFDS cold chain UK & Ireland.

This deal is aligned with DFDS’ strategy of growing solutions within cold chain logistics. The acquisition also develops and expands DFDS’ transport network that is focused on moving goods in trailers by road, rail and ferry.

McBurney will become part of the Logistics Division’s Cold Chain business unit. The integration of McBurney is expected to generate synergies. Expected synergies and an integration plan will be disclosed in connection with the closing of the transaction.

SPAIN

Transport company, JCARRION, is renewing its fleet with 405 new trailers from Schmitz Cargobull. The order includes 335 S.KO COOL refrigerated trailers and 70 S.CS curtainsider semitrailers. Of the 405 Schmitz Cargobull trailers

JCARRION modernises fleet with Schmitz Cargobull.

EUROPE

on order, 135 S.KO COOL vehicles are already on the road in Europe.

JCARRION Deputy General Manager, Pedro Morales, said he is impressed with Schmitz Cargobull trailers and the company’s value-added services.

“This is the first time we have entrusted Schmitz Cargobull with the renewal and expansion of our fleet and we are very satisfied,” he said.

“For us, as a specialist in refrigerated transport with more than 40 years of experience, having a strategic partner like Schmitz Cargobull, which offers high-quality products and value-added services, is crucial for our

continued growth in an environment as competitive as the current one.”

JCARRION’s S.KO COOL trailers feature 45mm-thick wall panels instead of the standard 60mm walls, which reduces tare weight in favour of payload.

According to Schmitz Cargobull, its Mono and MultiTemp refrigeration machines provide the right cooling for every transport.

In addition, its TrailerConnect telematics system with position and sensor is fitted as standard.

“In a market situation where data analysis is becoming increasingly important due to the digitalisation of

companies, it is a qualitative advantage to be able to offer our customers a system with which they can monitor their fleet as standard,” said Schmitz Cargobull Ibérica Key Accountant, Javier Espliego.

The S.CS curtainsider semitrailers are also equipped with Schmitz Cargobull telematics as standard, and can transmit position and technical data to the control centre in real time. The height-adjustable VARIOS body is certified according to DIN EN12642 XL, and the roof tarpaulin is reinforced with the manufacturer’s safety roof and the side tarpaulins are equipped

Perfectly effective

temperatured goods more cost-effectively with the S.KO COOL reefer. The innovative insulation system FERROPLAST® together with the efficient S.CU cooling unit and the smart TrailerConnect® telematics system ensure optimized and reliable transportation. Also available

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

EUROPE

with a wire mesh for theft protection.

UK

Transport company, Manfreight, has taken delivery of 20 new Schmitz Cargobull S.CS Fixed Roof trailers. The trailers, all fitted with TrailerConnect telematics and built in the OEM’s Manchester factory, are key to expanding Manfreight’s bulk and dry freight division.

“We’ve been buying Schmitz trailers for the best part of 30 years, we value them as a trusted partner,” said Manfreight Managing Director, Chris Slowey.

“The technology they have been able to offer us on the temperaturecontrolled side of our business is second to none and we were keen to incorporate that same level of specification to our curtainsider fleet, as we look to expand this new division.”

TrailerConnect, according to the OEM, allows Manfreight to access information from the trailers at any time via an online portal, which also displays an overview of maintenance and trailer scheduling data. The system also increases safety, because it automatically sends the company

alarm messages via SMS or e-mail if a trailer has been tampered with.

“They’re a bit more than your standard curtainsider, that’s for sure,” said Slowey.

“Having these 100 per cent connected units gives our customers complete faith and confidence that their goods will be delivered on time, every time.”

Each S.CS Fixed Roof curtainsider has a straight front wall for free side loading and tarpaulin tensioning, an XL load securing side curtain with standard anti-theft protection and a Schmitz Cargobull aluminium roof which allows a side loading height of 3,100mm.

The new trailers will be paired with Manfreight’s Volvo and Scania prime movers and are expected to cover in the region of 135,000 kilometres per year. They are built on Schmitz Cargobull’s fully galvanised Modulos chassis which comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through and have Rotos axles covered by a 1,000,000km or six-year warranty, whichever comes first.

Load security is enhanced, with each body complying with EN 12642-XL specification.

UK

Logistics company, Culina Group, has acquired a European transport business.

International Road Ferry is, according to Culina Group, a major player in the transport market with offices in Rotterdam, Grubbenvorst (Venlo), Felixstowe and Thetford and specialises in full and partial load transportation between Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.

“International Road Ferry and Culina Group are complementary businesses, both are strong organisations with well-earned reputations in the industry and hold similar values,” said Culina Group CEO, Thomas van Mourik.

“This is a great fit which is going to be beneficial for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group a key player in European transport. “It goes without saying that we are acquiring some excellent people, contracts and facilities. This move significantly expands our European network and will enable us to benefit from synergies and efficiencies that will improve our service offer to customers even further.”

Going forward it will be business as usual for International Road Ferry which will sit within Culina Group’s Stobart Intermodal operation headed up by Arthur Koutstaal as Managing Director.

Raff Hustinx, Stobart Europe Managing Director, will be assisting with finance and reporting.

“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great spirit,” said International Road Ferry CEO,

Manfreight grows division.

EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

Antoine Ligtvoet.

“Our aim is to now support our growth trajectory with the added infrastructure and resources of the overall Culina Group. The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing market share.

DUBAI

To boost female representation across its business, Dubai-based transport and logistics company, Aramex, has committed to a government initiative that promotes gender equality in the

Aramex prioritises gender equality in the workplace.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AMERICA

workplace.

Aramex International LLC has signed a pledge through the UAE Gender Balance Council to increase women representation in mid and senior positions to reach 30 per cent by 2025.

“This initiative is key to achieving our global mission of connecting people, not just to one another, but also to live and breathe fairness, equity and opportunity in the environment we offer to our female and male colleagues,” said Aramex Chief HR Officer, Nadeem Baig. Aramex is exploring profound ways to empower women through focused activities.

“We are confident that the initiative by the UAE’s National Committee will in time be replicated by others in the region, and the world will continue to be inspired by the UAE as an example nation where real-world agendas are tackled and addressed in their best form,” said Baig.

The UAE Gender Balance Council, established in 2015, is a federal entity responsible for developing and implementing the gender balance agenda in the United Arab Emirates. The Council is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Council’s objectives are to reduce the gender gap across all government sectors, enhance the UAE’s ranking in global competitiveness reports on gender equality and achieve gender

balance in decision-making positions, as well as promote the UAE’s status as a benchmark for gender balance legislation.

It also launches pioneering initiatives and projects to enhance gender balance throughout the country and contributes to achieving the Council’s vision of positioning the UAE as a world model for gender balance.

US

ACT Research’s latest report saw December US trailer orders end 2022 at near-record levels.

The State of the Industry: U.S. Trailers report saw 2022’s December net US trailer orders come in at 57,300 units — 115 per cent above December 2021 and nearly 46 per cent higher compared to November.

ACT Research Director CV Market Research & Publications, Jennifer McNealy, said December was the second highest month since the company began keeping track in 1996. “The year closed with 361,500 net orders placed, exceeding the previous year’s 249,400 level,” she said.

“Approximately 306,000 trailers were built in 2022, and our projections point to a continuation of that upward trend into 2023.”

However, according to McNealy, supply-chain concerns are still lingering with some manufacturers sharing that the situation for some parts has deteriorated with no shortterm improvement in sight.

“Regarding demand, most trailer makers continue to see demand exceeding capacity through the end of 2023; although, some have mentioned an erosion in confidence, but are also quick to note that this hasn’t appeared in the form of cancellations,” she said.

US

Freight transport forecaster, FTR Transport Intelligence, has announced the appointments of its new CEO and COO.

Jonathan Starks was named as FTR’s new CEO, replacing Eric Starks who will be transitioning to Chairman of the board.

Jonathan Starks joined FTR in 2001 and has spent his career in the role of Chief Intelligence Officer, where he developed and expanded FTR’s Freight•cast transportation model and subscription services product line. The company also announced that Jami Sargent would be its new COO, the first in its history.

Sargent has been with the company since 2016, and prior to her role as COO she was the company’s Chief of Staff.

According to FTR, Jami’s efforts to implement processes across the organisation while assuming many other responsibilities was instrumental

FTR CEO, Jonathan Starks

NORTH AMERICA

in the FTR’s ability to experience growth during the pandemic.

FTR Chairman, Eric Starks, was pleased to welcome Starks and Sargent into their new positions.

“Jonathan and Jami’s nimble decisionmaking and ability to navigate an ever-changing business environment give me supreme confidence in their abilities to lead the organisation into the next chapter of FTR’s journey,” he said.

“The entire Board is excited about their ability to continue to deliver worldclass service and market intelligence to our valued clients.”

US

Transport business and OEM, XPO, has renewed its platinum partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking for 2023.

“Our safety culture at XPO has taken on a new dimension through the training developed by Truckers Against Trafficking,” said XPO CEO, Mario Harik.

“Human trafficking is a hidden crime, and the [Less-Than-Truckload] LTL industry is in a position to be part of the solution. Through our partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking, our drivers can potentially save lives.” The announcement coincides with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and marks another milestone in the company’s anti-trafficking training for its drivers.

In 2022, approximately 4,500 XPO employees learned how to spot signs of human trafficking by completing a training certification program. Truckers Against Trafficking tailored the content for short-haul LTL and local trucking operators.

“XPO exemplifies how the trucking industry can be a force for good in combatting human trafficking,” said Truckers Against Trafficking Executive Director, Esther Goetsch.

“By championing our training in their national operations, XPO mobilises thousands of drivers to support this important cause.”

An estimated 50 million individuals worldwide are victims of human trafficking at any given time.

Truckers Against Trafficking is engaging the transportation sector to report suspected abuse through channels such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Approximately 1.4 million truck and bus drivers have completed Truckers Against Trafficking training to date.

Earlier this year Harik spoke with CNBC’s Frank Holland about the state of the freight market as well as XPO’s planning to ramp up trailer production in 2023.

The business performs 13 million shipments per year, moves 18 billion pounds of freight annually, serves 25,000 customers (two thirds are industrial) and has 294 terminals. “Supply chains today are operating much more efficiently than when they were a year ago,” said Harik. More product, he added, is flowing into the country which is providing XPO’s industrial partners including Ford, Dow, General Electric and Caterpillar with greater access to raw materials so that they can complete pent-up, open orders for their customers.

A key competitive advantage for XPO is its capacity to build its own trailers. “We use two types of trailers,” said Harik. “Trailers that move freight

between our terminals and trailers that we use to pick up freight from our customers’ locations.

In 2022, XPO produced more than 4,700 new trailers – double of what it produced in prior years.

It is also boosting its trailer production capacity by 50 per cent going into 2023.

XPO aim to use the trailers it produces to move more freight for its customers as well as improve operational efficiency.

US

North American supply chain solution provider, JB Hunt, has signed a longterm trailer supply agreement with Wabash.

The US-based OEM is building a backlog with strategic customers who are interested in jointly planning demand for a period beyond 12 months.

“Wabash has undergone substantial change over the last two years to create the right organisational structure to enable this type of strategic progress that positions Wabash to create value at the centre of an ecosystem of customers, suppliers and partners,” said Wabash President and CEO, Brent Yeagy.

“The collaborative nature of multi-year demand planning builds upon our improved pricing construct to generate another important proof point of how we are structurally improving the foundation of our company by smoothing out demand cycles that drive unnecessary variability through the entire supply chain.

“We’re strategically managing our backlog and enabling our customer’s

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NORTH AMERICA

success from first to final mile, and we’re pleased to start this new path forward with JB Hunt.”

JB Hunt CEO and President of Contract Services, Nick Hobbs, said the trailers provided by Wabash in the coming years will help expand fleet capacity for services like outsourcing and dropand-hook freight.

“With an additional 15,000-plus trailers, we can improve the efficiency of our equipment so that assets are in the right place at the right time for available drivers,” he said.

“It’s essential to our mission of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America.”

This long-term order agreement with JB Hunt is reported to couple with Wabash’s 10-year aluminium supply agreement with Hydro, strategically coordinated to provide certainty that Wabash can meet pent-up demand as its additional dry van capacity comes online in early 2023.

Last year, JB Hunt announced a goal to reduce carbon intensity (32 per cent) by 2034 using 2019 as a baseline.

“Our roadmap to achieving this aspirational goal will help JB Hunt strive to significantly reduce our carbon emission intensity while holding true to our customer commitment of providing efficient, quality-driven, competitive supply chain solutions for moving their freight,” said JB Hunt Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Vice President, Craig Harper.

“Our goal is an ambitious challenge to improve JB Hunt’s carbon footprint and to help advance the transportation industry’s progress in developing sustainable solutions that are commercially viable and scalable for widespread adoption.”

JB Hunt aims to incorporate alternative-powered equipment into its fleet, expand the use of biogenic fuels and improve fuel economy to reach the 2034 target.

US

Great Dane CEO, Bill Crown, is stepping down.

Effective 1 January 2023, Great Dane

President, Dean Engelage, will succeed Crown as the company’s CEO. This appointment is reported to be part of a managed executive transition coordinated by Crown, the Great Dane executive leadership team and Great Dane’s ownership.

“It has been a privilege to serve Great Dane as CEO over the past 25 years, where both our internal team and our customers feel like family,” said Crown. “Dean and I have worked closely together, and Dean has been a terrific leader and President for Great Dane. I step aside with confidence that Great Dane is in good and capable hands. I think it is important to highlight, that among Dean and his team’s many accomplishments, they have led Great Dane to become the safest company in the trailer industry for our associates, and they have elevated quality to the highest levels in our company’s history in areas including products, services, and people, maintaining Great Dane as a world-class market leader.

“I thank Dean for his day-to-day leadership as Great Dane’s President for the past nine years, and I know that, in his new role, he will continue to lead the company with the values our customers depend on and the pioneering spirit that has positioned Great Dane as an innovator in the industry. I appreciate Dean’s willingness to take over for me in the role of CEO.”

Engelage said he is honoured to accept his new role as CEO of Great Dane. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team to further the company’s market leadership and equip our customers for the future, while maintaining the first-class

Great Dane President, Dean Engelage.

NORTH AMERICA & OCEANIA

customer experience they expect from us,” he said.

Additionally, Crown and Engelage announced that they have named Rick Mullininx to succeed Engelage as President and Chief Operating Officer of Great Dane, also effective 1 January 2023. Mullininx has been with Great Dane for 40 years and served in various engineering and manufacturing roles within Great Dane for all that time making him one of the company’s most senior and valued associates. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Engineering. In this role, he is responsible for product design, production engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and customer service, leading those teams with his vast knowledge and experience.

“Great Dane is an exceptional company and I take on this new position with excitement and humility,” said Mullininx. “Great Dane’s legacy is a customer-focused approach during every interaction and at every stage of production, providing exceptional equipment that performs well under the most challenging conditions. I’m honoured to be part of a legacy that is family-oriented yet future-focused.”

Engelage said: “I am delighted to have Rick Mullininx step up to take over responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Great Dane Team. I know he will do a terrific job.”

Prior to Great Dane, Engelage worked for American Airlines and General Dynamics in marketing, purchasing and finance, and most recently spent more than 16 years with CC Industries, the management company that manages the Crown

family’s portfolio of operating companies, in various management positions. Engelage began his career with CC Industries in 1996 in the marketing department of Woodard, a CC Industries managed furniture company, becoming President of Woodard in 2004. After presiding over the sale of Woodard in 2008, Engelage worked on the Johnson Truck Bodies and Trail King acquisitions and also managed CC Industries’ Asia operations.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has a Master’s degree in Finance.

Mullininx first joined Great Dane in 1980 when he took a summer engineering position as an intern in the Research and Development department in Savannah. Soon after, he accepted a position as an engineer in Production Design and Development, responsible for developing designs for customer orders. Mullininx continuously gained experience, responsibility, and leadership within the engineering department at Great Dane.

Prior to his most recent role as the Executive Vice President of Engineering, Mullininx served as the VP of Engineering, responsible for the design and production engineering for five trailer product lines in addition to previous manufacturing engineering duties. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina.

AUSTRALIA

Equipment specialist, JOST Australia, has promoted a professional with more than 35 years of transport industry experience.

Shane Harbridge has been appointed to the role of National Fleet Manager at JOST Australia. He has extensive product and application knowledge along with a commitment to customer service excellence.

“This role will see Shane working closely with fleets and assisting with product specification to maximise productivity and safety along with the introduction of new innovative JOST products,” said JOST Australia.

“Shane will also play a key role in helping fleets with training requirements, from driver training to maintenance and workshop training, to ensure maximum benefit for our customers fitting JOST products.”

AUSTRALIA

The December quarter has traditionally been the highest quarter for new registrations for the calendar year according to ARTSA-i Data Analytics Executive Director, Rob Perkins. “The December 2022 quarter broke new ground with growth of 31.6 per cent for prime movers and 20.8 per cent for trailers compared with the prior September quarter new registration figures,” he said.

“By comparison, rigid trucks are only showing low single digit percentage growth for the last quarter.”

An analysis on a year-by-year basis shows:

• Heavy trailers are approaching 15 thousand new registrations p.a.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

OCEANIA

compared with 10 to 11 thousand from 2017 to 2020.

• Heavy prime movers are stepping up to close to 8,000 new units p.a. compared with a more typical 6,000 in previous years.

• Heavy rigids oscillate from a typical 7 to 8 thousand to close to 10 thousand in 2022.

• Medium rigids remain in a band of 7 to 9 thousand units p.a. “History is not necessarily a pointer to the future, but it is useful in understanding recent performance,” said Perkins.

“Whether prime movers, trailers and heavy rigids continue their strong performance in terms of new registrations will be proven over time. “Anecdotal evidence is that forward order books are still strong so the pointers are for another record year in 2023.”

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Woolworths Group is exploring joint value creation opportunities with a specialty retail business in Australia and New Zealand.

Woolworths has agreed to acquire a 55 per cent equity interest in pet food, accessories and services retailer, Petspiration Group. It is the owner of PETstock and has a network of 276 stores as well as a loyalty program with 2.4 million members.

“Specialty pet is a large and growing retail segment in which we have limited presence,” said Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci.

“We are delighted to be investing alongside founders, Shane and David Young, in Petspiration, the number two player in the segment.

“Specialty pet is a logical adjacency given the high penetration of pet ownership across Australia and New Zealand. The partnership will allow us to meet more of our customers’ pet family needs with a complementary range of specialty pet products and services, strengthen the Everyday Rewards loyalty program and unlock opportunities for material value creation across both businesses.

“We will work together to support Petspiration’s growth through access to our retail capabilities in areas such as Digital and eCommerce, Supply Chain, Retail Media, Format and Network Development, and Advanced Analytics.

“We are confident that this investment will deliver a strong return on investment for Woolworths Group shareholders.”

Shane and David Young (and other existing shareholders) will retain a 45 per cent equity investment in the business and continue as CEO and Managing Director respectively, running Petspiration as a standalone business within Woolworths Group, under a separate board and governance structure.

Within Woolworths Group, Von Ingram, the newly appointed Managing Director of W Living, will assume responsibility for bringing the partnership to life and unlocking the value creation opportunities across the Group.

“This is a unique opportunity to partner with Woolworths Group to continue to grow and strengthen the business we founded in Ballarat just over 30 years ago,” said Shane Young. “We will operate independently

of Woolworths Group but will work closely together through our common values to deliver on all the opportunities we have to jointly create value for our pet families and supplier partners.”

Woolworths’ supply chain arm, Primary Connect, will be expected to bolster store network growth and provide supply chain capability. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions including ACCC and NZCC approvals with completion expected in midcalendar 2023.

AUSTRALIA

Rapid rising costs of food, fuel and transport are not going to change soon according to an RMIT professor, as long as supply chain disruptions continue.

Professor Vinh Thai, who teaches at the RMIT School of Accounting, Info Systems and Supply Chain, said reduced sailings, shortage of empty containers and port congestions have significantly added costs to the supply chain, indirectly increasing costs of food and other commodities. These inflationary woes, especially impacting essential items, won’t improve any time soon given the uncertainties that persist across global supply chain networks.

“This is not expected to improve any time soon, given the uncertainty of the ongoing war in Ukraine, skills shortage, congestion in some world’s major ports, and unpredictable geopolitical events such as the conflict between China and Taiwan,” said Vinh.

“Businesses need to build up and enhance their supply chain resilience

OCEANIA

capability to ensure the costs of transporting essential items aren’t being passed onto Australians. Their supply chains should be able to efficiently predict, respond and recover from disruptions,” he said.

Promoting best practices, investment promotion and buyer-seller matching events for supply chain diversification through the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative with Japan and India was a step in the right direction but more needed to be done according to Vinh who supported the development of a national supply chain resilience strategy.

“The government can further support this by introducing policies which support the development of the national supply chain capability through building key infrastructure including digital in logistics, especially maritime logistics, given the maritime dependency of Australian trade,” he said.

“On a global scale, governments need to be working together to provide incentives for cross-border supply chain collaboration, especially in the South East Asia region and take a more proactive role in logistics and supply chain manpower development.”

Professor Vinh is the founder of the Australian Maritime Logistics Research Network (AMLRN), connecting maritime academics and industry professionals in Australia and overseas.

AUSTRALIA

New research has revealed a major shift in globalisation, as companies rush to move manufacturing closer to home to protect against supply chain disruptions.

The latest Trade in Transition study, commissioned by DP World and led by Economist Impact, captured the perspectives of 3,000 company leaders as they navigate the latest disruptions to global trade from the conflict in Ukraine to inflation. The global survey included the views of 1,000 executives in the Asia-Pacific and Australasia (APAC) markets of Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea. According to the findings, 97 per cent of companies surveyed in APAC and 96 per cent globally confirmed they are making changes to their supply chains due to geopolitical events. And, in the space of just a year, the number of companies shifting manufacturing and suppliers in APAC and globally has more than doubled compared to 2021.

DP World said that this was mainly driven by efforts to reduce both costs and the risk of disruption, which has seen businesses use a variety of strategies.

In reconfiguring their supply chains, 51 per cent of APAC executives said they were diversifying their supplier base — against the overall average of 47 per cent among their peers globally. One in three or 29 per cent of APAC respondents also said they were decreasing the length of their supply chains due to geopolitical events, while 33 per cent of businesses plan to expand into more stable and transparent markets.

DP World Asia Pacific & Australasia CEO & Managing Director, Glen Hilton, said global geopolitical trends will continue to pose a key challenge to Asia-Pacific’s trade landscape, which

has already seen companies respond in two key ways.

“The first is undertaking more due diligence of their supply chains, and the second is expanding into new and stable markets,” he said.

“Asia-Pacific is also ahead of the global average when it comes to implementing new technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced automation, and these drivers will continue to catalyse innovation and boost supply chain resilience for our region.

“The latest Trade in Transition data bodes well for companies in our region and their ability to cope with the challenges to come.”

Globally, 30 per cent of executives cited the persistent threat of inflation as having the most significant negative impact on trade over the next two years.

In APAC, a quarter of companies cited rising inflation as a top concern. Within Australia, the report found an appreciable increase in exports and imports during 2022.

In October last year, total imports in Australia grew year-on-year (YOY) by 46 per cent while imports grew by around 36 per cent.

The primary driver of export growth in Australia for 2023, according to executives surveyed in the country, is growing demand in key markets — which was cited by about 39 per cent of respondents.

According to the report, faster delivery times – cited by 26 per cent of respondents – and an expansion of operations into existing markets – cited by 19 per cent – will also boost exports from Australia in 2023.

THE LIMIT TAKE IT TO

HEADQUARTERED IN CALIFORNIA, WITH MANUFACTURING PLANTS IN MEXICO, HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD IS HUMBLE IN ITS APPROACH TO PROVIDING THE ROAD TRANSPORT FLEETS OF NORTH AMERICA WITH DURABLE, EFFICIENT TRAILING EQUIPMENT. IT ALSO STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET FOR ITS INDUSTRY-LEADING ACHIEVEMENTS IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION.

Just prior to the beginning of the global Covid-19 pandemic, January 2020, Sean Kenney joined Hyundai Translead as the OEM’s Chief Sales Officer. Over the past three years he has been busy organising and leading the company’s sales organisation across all product lines while consistently involving himself in all the other functions as needed. Being an engineer by background, Sean also participates specifically in product development where Hyundai Translead engineers are focused on their next innovation.

“I work with, our business strategy team to formulate longer term strategies for both commercial and product,” he said. “However, my role also has that flexibility where I can get involved in any area of the business needed including finance, operations, and supply chain.”

Inter-departmental cooperation is encouraged at Hyundai Translead, for the benefit of the end user, and so Kenney also works closely with Brian Jung, the Director of Business Strategy, to ensure alignment in their activities.

“Over the past three years, we’ve put a number of systems in place that enhance the customer experience. Interestingly, a number of those system elements were extended to internally facing aspects of the business providing other reporting and system elements for us in separate areas of the business such as the manufacturing operation.”

The challenges of Covid-19 prompted Hyundai Translead to adapt its customer experience strategy.

“When I first started, the company already planned to implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to improve relationships with customers, increase documentation, traceability, and capture the 360-degree view of the customer,” said Kenney. “That quickly morphed into a broader customer experience (CX) architecture. Candidly speaking, as we went into the Covid situation in the pandemic, I was actually anticipating that we would hit pause on all of it. I was actually rather surprised, and quite excited, that the message from our CEO was, ‘Can you go faster?’ I think this represented acknowledgement and agreement that our commercial systems needed great investment if we were going to continue to grow in how we serve our customer. Our leadership saw the opportunity to accelerate it. And that’s what came out of it. So, ultimately, instead of pivoting, we doubled down on the strategy and accelerated from there.”

The response from customers, according to Kenney, has been fantastic.

“We basically started with the premise that our customer’s business life should mimic more of their personal life as a consumer.” he said. “As consumers we experience great convenience; information such as order, schedule, and delivery confirmation flows with speed – most of the time in a push fashion so that it fits into today’s pace of life. But when it comes to our business life, the business systems just haven’t kept up with those in the consumer space in terms of speed and flow. The feedback from it has been fantastic. We have very strong adoption across our entire customer base. Not only with our dealers, but with our direct customers as well. The feedback has been very consistent, ‘We like this. Go further, go faster.’”

Kenney’s collaboration with Jung and his team has been advantageous when looking at strategy development in a holistic sense. Looking at CX, for instance, it was Jung and his team who took the baseline commercial strategy focus and grew it even further focusing the effort to the entire customer journey. Out of that came the concept for HT360 – a tool that empowers the customer. It examines the business from every angle of the customer’s journey from acquisition to the repurchase position and includes such aspects as acquisition, financing, customer care, aftermarket parts, service provisions, and, of course, repurchase.

FAST FACT

North American OEM, Hyundai Translead, supplies industry with dry and refrigerated trailers that feature a lightweight polymer core composite panel in the box build.

“HT360 looks at specific metrics and measures in things like customer care which is notoriously difficult to measure,” said Kenney. “Aspects that include aftermarket parts availability, pricing, and logistics fulfilment; those types of metrics have made it into this whole HT360 ecosystem and have been extremely well received not only by the customers, but it’s been well received inside Hyundai Translead. The business begins to say, ‘I see what we’re about; I see what the mission is here and I see where I plug in’. Brian Jung and his team have done a great job not only marketing HT360 externally, but internally as well.”

The CX software that Hyundai Translead uses allows customers and dealers to access information as efficiently and quickly as possible through a centralised portal.

“For example, if you placed an order with us, you should have your specification and the schedule for when it’s going to be built,” said Kenney. “You should have information on how many trailers are completed and how many units are yet to be built. When will those remaining trailers be built? What line are they building on? That is what the system seeks to do – to get that flow of information out to the customer so they can make very informed decisions; it’s a move in extreme transparency. Initially, you might think with the operating environment over the last 18 months, customers might complain as they saw their production schedule moving around however instead, we were met with complete empathy from the customer base; an understanding and an appreciation for that transparency because they were fully informed in real-time – this allowed them to make informed equipment decisions. In terms of putting the power back into the customers’ hands, Hyundai Translead is doing a superb job and has more developments to follow.

“As much as we talk about the flow of

information and flow of ideas and everything else, it’s about matching up to the speed of our customers’ business so that we can meet them where they’re at and keep pace with them,” said Kenney.

On the trailer production front, the OEM is working on some new products which are due to roll out later this year.

“These trailer innovations will apply to specific segments of fleets in some cases and other cases they’re quite broad in scope. Last year at TMC, in 2022, we unveiled HT LinkVue which is the industry’s first surround view camera, integrated at the OEM level, and we’ll be bringing that to market this year to enhance our dry and refrigerated vans. We’ve got customers who are eager to add this to their equipment as soon as it is available. We’ve had some trials with a few customers so far and have received some great feedback – they can’t wait to get it on their equipment and use it. In terms of other goals, aside from our CX goal commercially, one of the biggest goals that we have is really investing in people. Anywhere from sales to productivity to business skills. We continue to improve across the business in how we are leveraging some of the new tools that we’ve developed. We are also investing in enhancing our customer management proficiency along with improving how we work with our indirect channel. In terms of productivity, we are improving how we utilise the functionality of the various software applications that we use every day. It’s a tremendous focus for us.”

Hyundai Translead, which is headquartered in California, manages a network of 22 dealers and has five regional office locations. It also has two manufacturing plants across the border in Mexico, Tijuana and Rosarito, and employs a total of about 8,000 personnel.

The OEM has strong offerings in its dry and refrigerated van trailers as well as their intermodal and flatbed products.

“Hyundai was the first to go with hot dip galvanised as a standard offering in the

“IN TERMS OF OTHER GOALS, ASIDE FROM OUR CX GOAL COMMERCIALLY, ONE OF THE BIGGEST GOALS THAT WE HAVE IS REALLY INVESTING IN PEOPLE. ANYWHERE FROM SALES TO PRODUCTIVITY TO BUSINESS SKILLS.”

Sean Kenney, Hyundai Translead Chief Sales Officer

industry way back now – about a decade or so ago – and it forever changed the industry,” said Kenney. “The other manufacturers were forced to go with it as customers continued to pursue a solution to the corrosive operating environment the equipment found itself in. Combine that with the ongoing development of revised panels that are stronger, lighter, constantly taking weight out and looking at corrosion, and it addresses they key issues that fleets consider. That being said, based on customer feedback, we’ve been more focused on delivering products that are durable, more resistant to corrosion and easier to maintain than simply cutting weight.”

Regarding current and future trends, Kenney said everything is getting intelligent now. “Fleets have a great interest in that,” he said. “But there’s a couple of challenges to it. Number one: The technology is moving quickly. There’s a little bit of fear, uncertainty, and doubt about technology passing them by after investing and not being updated. So, if a fleet made a move to adopt a certain system and they have an asset that they intend to keep for 10 years, they have concerns about the eventual need to update that technology on their equipment.”

Another challenge Kenney points to is making the best use of data from smart, intelligent road transport equipment. “Ultimately, if you can’t make your interpretations of a dataset actionable, then how do you determine a return on the investment? That is the general directional drive in the industry – to move towards smarter technology. The industry will get there slowly over time as the technology proves itself by impacting the customer’s operational metrics whether in maintenance, efficiency, or safety.”

FAST FACT

The HT LinkVue trailer camera system offers drivers a surround view of the trailer. Cameras pointed in every direction provide increased awareness by reducing blind spots.

On a related note, smart technology generally has its own ecosystem, which means the interoperability just isn’t necessarily there according to Kenney.

HT LinkVue is also said to be compatible with the company’s HT LinkSense offering unveiled in 2021 which seeks to create a gateway agnostic ecosystem for fleets allowing them to add smart sensing products to their equipment while sending the data through their existing telematics gateway they have already adopted.

With HT LinkVue, though, Hyundai Translead expects to see some positive benefits following the uptake of this innovation as about

FAST FACT

Through HT360, Hyundai Translead supports the entire customer journey for fleet operators from purchasing and financing to maintenance. Going beyond producing high quality trailers, Hyundai Translead is focused on increasing the value of every product and investing in customer support.

45 per cent of its customers confirm trailer or heavy vehicle damage from backing up. The use

of a surround view camera system should help to improve the safety of truck operators, other road users and the community as well as prevent damage to heavy vehicles and infrastructure.

The OEM is also putting the finishing touches on a brand-new iLab which is reported to represent an investment of $20 million USD. Hyundai Translead’s Innovation Lab (iLab) was built to empower greater innovation and quality of products and features to meet customer needs.

“This R&D and test centre at the Rosarito plant will include a complete state of the art road simulator inside the building. There will also be massive hydraulic systems to fully test vehicles as well as automated testing for floor ratings and more.”

www.hyundaitranslead.com

BUSINESS IN THE BALKANS

Bulgaria, according to the World Bank, has undergone a significant transformation over the past three decades, moving from a highly centralised, planned economy to an open, market-based, upper-middle-income economy securely anchored in the European Union (EU).

“In its initial transition to a market economy, the country went through a decade of slow economic restructuring and growth, high indebtedness, and loss of savings,” the World Bank said in a statement.

“However, the advancement of structural reforms, starting in the late 1990s, the introduction of a currency board, and expectations of EU accession unleashed a decade of exceptionally high economic growth and improved living standards. Yet, some legacy issues from that early period remain and, along with the global economic crisis of 2008 and the pandemic-induced crisis in 2020, have undone some of the gains achieved during the high-growth period.

“The long-term structural challenges facing Bulgaria include negative demographic trends, coupled with institutional and governance weaknesses. Strengthening institutions together with improved efficiency of public service delivery will support private sector expansion unlocking inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

“High rates of inequality of opportunity limit access to key public services, constraining

the ability of individuals to escape poverty and thus leading to persistently high-income inequality. Poverty and inequality are reinforced by inadequacies in the targeting, coverage, and generosity of the social security system, limiting its role as a redistributive mechanism.”

The Bulgarian economy advanced by 3.3 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2022, compared to initial estimates of 3.2 per cent, following a 4.6 per cent expansion in the previous three-month period. This, according to Trading Economics, marks the slowest growth since the first quarter of 2021 when the economy contracted, partly due to the spillover effects of the war in Ukraine.

Both household consumption (3.3 per cent vs 3.9 per cent in Q2) and government spending (7.7 per cent vs 10.3 per cent) slowed, while fixed investment continued to decrease (-6.1 per cent vs -9.5 per cent).

Meanwhile, net external demand contributed

positively to growth, as exports (11.1 per cent vs 8.5 per cent in Q2) rose faster than imports (9.3 per cent vs 12.4 per cent in Q2). On a quarterly basis, Bulgaria’s GDP rose 0.6 per cent, in line with the preliminary estimate, slowing from an upwardly revised 0.8 per cent growth in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, industrial output growth in Bulgaria eased to 5.7 per cent year-on-year in October 2022, down from a downwardly revised 10.7 per cent in the previous month. It was the softest growth since February 2021 as output declined sharply for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (-30 per cent vs 1.6 per cent). Output continued to accelerate for manufacturing (14.2 per cent vs 14 per cent) while output fell at a softer pace for mining and quarrying (-2.1 per cent vs -2.4 per cent). Compared to the previous month, industrial production declined 2.0 per cent, after a revised 2.6 per cent fall in September.

Analysts at the World Bank reported that growth deceleration is forecast to continue in 2023, in line with global and EU trends. Going forward, reforms and investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the EU Multiannual Financial Framework will help sustain growth.

Rising food and energy prices continue to put pressure on poorer Bulgarians who spend a disproportionately high share of their income on these necessities. Poverty is projected to remain relatively unchanged at 6.7 per cent in 2023, though downside risks are likely to persist.

At the time of writing, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria released a statement on the Caretaker Government’s legacy.

“Our legacy to the successor government is: Crises have been resolved; institution-toinstitution relations have been re-established; a good dialogue has been maintained with citizens; and the belief that the governance of a state is an open and transparent exercise,” said Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Galab Donev, at the opening of the cabinet day.

“Often sociologists say about us that none of the Caretaker Government members is particularly outshining. This is because we work as a team. Our cabinet consists of executives, not of actors. We are not acting on a stage, we are exercising our prerogatives in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the country.”

National recovery and resilience

Donev wrote a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to express gratitude to her for her high assessment of the quality of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and of the progress achieved in its fulfilment. The Prime Minister thanked on behalf of the Government and on his personal behalf in response to the Commission President’s letter from a week before where von der Leyen congratulated the Bulgarian Government on its first successful steps to fulfill the RRP and informed about the first disbursement of 1.37 billion euros to Bulgaria.

In his exchange of letters with the President of the European Commission, Donev noted the Caretaker Government’s consistent effort and focus on the implementation of the next set of milestones and targets which include important steps in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption measures, procedures regarding energy efficiency, as well as investments aimed at improving the social and healthcare sectors and many others.

Donev also confirmed the Bulgarian Government’s firm commitment to the full implementation of the National RRP and thanked von der Leyen for her assurance that as heretofore, the Bulgarian Government may count on beneficial collaboration with the European Commission.

This plan responds to the urgent need of fostering a strong recovery and making Bulgaria future ready. The reforms and investments in the plan will reportedly help Bulgaria become more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.

The plan comprises 56 investments and 47 reforms. They will be supported by €6.27 billion in grants – 58.9 per cent of the plan will support climate objectives and 25.8 per cent of the plan will foster the digital transition.

The transformative impact of Bulgaria’s plan is the result of a strong combination of reforms and investments which address the specific challenges of Bulgaria. The reforms address bottlenecks to lasting and sustainable growth, while investments are targeted to address common European challenges by embracing the green and digital transitions, to strengthen economic and social resilience and the cohesion of the single market. In particular, Bulgaria’s plan will accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy sector, promote the large-scale deployment of digital infrastructure, including in rural areas, as well as support investments in improving the business environment, education and skills, research and innovation, social protection and healthcare. All reforms and investments have to be implemented within a tight time frame, as the Regulation on the Recovery and Resilience Facility foresees they have to be completed by August 2026.

The plan will foster economic growth and create jobs. It will lift Bulgaria’s gross domestic product by 1.9 per cent to 3.0 per cent by 2026. This boost to the economy will bring up to 36,000 citizens into jobs. Bulgaria will benefit significantly from the Recovery and Resilience Plans of other Member States, for instance through exports. These spill-over effects account for 0.6 percentage points of gross domestic product in 2026. This demonstrates the added value of joint and coordinated action at the European level.

International cooperation

Earlier this year a deal was signed where Bulgarian gas company, Bulgargaz, will receive access to the terminals and gas transportation infrastructure of the Turkish state-owned energy company, BOTAŞ.

“In the context of the severe energy crisis, with concerted efforts we can achieve much more, both for Bulgaria and Turkey, and for Europe as a whole,” said Donev.

Kiril Petkov, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria, and his Finance Minister, Assen Vassilev, said their country provided 30 per cent of the Soviet-calibre ammunition Ukraine’s army needed during a crucial three-month period last spring, and at times 40 per cent of the diesel.

“Kiril Petkov has shown his integrity, and I will always be grateful to him for using all his political skill to find a solution,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, told WELT, adding that the Bulgarian leader “decided to be on the right side of history, and help us defend ourselves against a much stronger enemy.”

www.globaltrailermag.com

HALVING THE PRODUCTION TIME OF

LAG TRAILERS

VALK

An optimisation process has greatly reduced the production time at LAG Trailers. The final leap was recently made with the installation of two welding robots from Valk Welding. In this way, the European builder of aluminium tank trailers wants to continue to grow.

“Someone who worked here 10 years ago no longer recognises the factory,” said LAG Trailers CEO, Rob Ramaekers – standing at the production line in front of a welding robot from Valk Welding which was recently put into operation.

Every year some 2,000 tank trailers roll out of the factory in Bree (Belgium) where 420 people are employed. LAG Trailers is among the largest producers of aluminium tank trailers in Europe.

Ten years ago, LAG, which is part of the large Chinese transport vehicle manufacturer, CIMC, started an impressive optimisation process. The company outsourced the production of hundreds of components to other companies in the region. It also divested a range of ancillary products to

WELDING ROBOTS FINALISE THE OPTIMISATION PROCESS OF A TRAILER BUILDER.

focus entirely on the construction of tank cars in which it has specialised since 1947.

Standardisation

During the reorganisation, branched production lines were introduced and the company switched to a modular design of its tank cars. All these modifications greatly increased efficiency and reduced production time. For example, LAG Trailers today makes a tilt-bulk trailer in 250 hours where it used to take 800 hours.

“Standardisation is the basis of success,” said LAG Trailers Manufacturing Manager, Leon Bokken. “That also made the arrival of welding robots possible.”

The first robot was welcomed in 2020 and the second followed in 2022.

LAG has five production lines where it builds fuel trailers, tank trailers, bulk trailers, bulk containers and container chassis. One of the robots is used on the aluminium tanks production line for the bulk trailers, while the other is used in the bulk containers production line.

Scustomised welding robots

“Welding aluminium tanks presents several challenges,” said Peter Pittomvils, Commercial

Director of Valk Welding, who supplied both welding robots. Valk Welding developed custom welding equipment that was produced in-house.

“This also allowed us to make custom welding torches for hard-to-reach places,” he said.

The robot is equipped with an Arc-Eye laser camera that copes well with the reflections of aluminium. The camera not only catches position deviations, but, if necessary, can also catch the variation of welding seam geometry, such as varying gaps, by adjusting the welding parameters in real time (adaptive welding).

More advantages

With the welding robot, LAG Trailers saves two welders on its two production lines. However, saving on personnel costs was not the main goal of robotisation, Ramaekers emphasised. “Good welders are very hard to find, and if you have them, it is best to use them for work where they are irreplaceable.”

He also cites consistent weld quality as an important added value of the robots. Pittomvils often hears the same arguments from customers. With the tightening labour market for technicians, Valk Welding, with nine branches across Europe, is experiencing a huge demand for flexible welding robots. The company is active in numerous sectors and due to its extensive experience in trailer and tank construction, the link with LAG was quickly made. Valk Welding is known within Europe for its very flexible welding robots and meanwhile also has solutions where welding robots are fully automatically programmed.

The welding robots were embraced by the staff within no time. The welding programs are created completely offline thanks to Valk Welding’s unique calibration technology. “Programming works just like Lego construction,” said Ramaekers. “You drag the necessary modules together and the welding program is generated.”

www.valkwelding.com

THE PERFECT COMBINATION

WITH ENGINUITY, KÄSSBOHRER PRESENTS THE MOST RELIABLE, ROBUST AND HIGH-QUALITY TANKER AND SILO VEHICLES IN 10 PRODUCT GROUPS INCLUDING THE SAFEST DANGEROUS GOODS TANKERS, LIGHTEST CHEMICAL TANKERS AS WELL AS THE HIGHEST HYGIENE STANDARDS IN ITS ATP CERTIFIED FOOD TANKERS.

ICombining engineering excellence and a customer-centric approach, Kässbohrer offers Europe’s most versatile and lightest tanker and silo heavy vehicles.

The OEM provides stainless steel or aluminium tankers spec’d for the most stringent hygiene requirements necessary for the food sector, the safe transportation of hazardous chemicals, even the secure transportation of manure in different volumes and specifications combined with insulation or heating options according to the operational needs of the customer.

Presenting Europe’s lightest silo range, Kässbohrer offers high quality tipping K.SSK silos including the lightest ADR tipping silo vehicles that are suitable for transporting powder, or granular materials, as well as K.SSL non tipping silos for the most efficient transportation and discharge of lowdensity materials.

Award-winning bitumen tanker K.STS by Kässbohrer

Kässbohrer bitumen tanker K.STS meets all the needs of hot petrochemical goods transportation and raises the bar in safety in operations with its award-winning remote control option.

Offered with 30m³ to 37m³ capacity, Kässbohrer K.STS bitumen tankers provide maximum payload thanks to their tare weight starting from 6,050kg. For the operational needs of its customers, K.STS can be equipped with various heating options, such as steam, water, and electrical heating depending on

climate conditions.

Kässbohrer’s Trailer Innovation 2017 Award ‘Safety’ category winner bitumen tanker K.STS 32 realised with Hoyer, is a fine example for the industry. Currently presented as an option, K.STS 32 bitumen tanker can be equipped with a remote control enabling the automated discharge of bitumen remotely assuring the safety of the driver, the site, and the environment.

Secure transportation of fuel, oil by Kässbohrer Compliant with ADR regulations and made of high-quality aluminium, Kässbohrer fuel tanker K.STB, stands out in the liquid dangerous goods transportation with features for advanced safety including overfill protection and Sealed Parcel Delivery (SPD) which monitors load capacity for any changes during operations for safety. K.STB also features anti-theft options.

Kässbohrer fuel tanker K.STB with 32m³ to 42 m³ volumes, increase load capacity and efficiency in operations, with its low tare weight, starting from 4,750kg. For the specific needs of its customers, K.STB can be offered with one to six compartment options, mechanical and electronic dipstick systems, pump, counter,

hose reel and collector.

Lightest and easiest to clean chemical transport by Kässbohrer

Kässbohrer’s Chemical Substance Tanker K.STC PR is developed to provide the highest safety standards for the transport of liquid chemicals without compromising user-friendliness. Europe’s lightest chemical tanker, Kässbohrer K.STC PR, is available in 30m³with 6,450kg tare weight to 37.5m³ with 6,980kg tare weight, and it offers extra cargo transport benefits and fuel savings during transport without cargo.

Presenting a stainless steel tank body, K.STC PR is offered with a different number of filling and cleaning manholes which conform to EN 140 25 standards on each compartment separated by baffle plates. With its walkthrough baffle option, K.STC PR enables the easiest cleaning operation with the possibility of walking between baffles by entering the tank only from a single filling manhole.

Kässbohrer K.SRC PR is ingeniously designed with ready-to-use I profile stainless steel electro-polished modular chassis with single-type brackets. With its unique chassis, K.STC PR not only allows less costly and faster repair while minimising material waste but also enables seamless integration of the retrofit additions using only bolts and clamps.

Food transportation with the highest hygiene conditions

Serving all foodstuff transportation needs with its ATP certified as well as pressurised tankers, Kässbohrer offers K.STL and K.STL P in various volume and compartment options. Ingeniously developed to serve the versatile needs of its customers safely and efficiently, Kässbohrer food tankers provide safe liquid food transportation of foodstuff goods from vegetable oil to milk whey, chocolate to specific beverages.

Designed to the smallest detail, the Kässbohrer food tankers are easy to clean with cleaning balls that reach every point inside the tank for hygienic usage.

Kässbohrer offers pressurised food tanker K.STL P that has been engineered to provide hygienic transportation of delicate goods such as chocolate, nut cream, and specific beverages with its unsurpassed surface quality

Offering efficiency in food transport, K.STL P provides discharge pump options, 2R quality inner surface, smoothed and polished welding seams, CIP cleaning lines as well as stainless-steel I profile polished frame, a sterile food-grade pump, discharge cabinet, and airline filters. Offering multiple compartment options with single or separate discharge lines K.STL P, efficiently meets the versatile operational needs of its customers by enabling the transportation of different materials in separate compartments to various stations with

a single vehicle.

In addition to K.STL P, Kässbohrer offers K.STL with up to 30m³ volume, 3 compartments and KTL coated steel chassis. With its tare weight starting from 5,550 kg, K.STL enables increased load capacity and is more environmentally friendly by reducing fuel consumption, offering high efficiency whether it is filled or empty.

Additionally, K.STL is manufactured in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and is assured that all equipment and tank parts are suitable for transporting food.

Ideal solution between the farm and field Kässbohrer developed the tank semi-trailer for natural waste transportation, K.STN, to minimise the environmental and health risks as well as hazards occurring during the transportation of manure to power plants and renewable energy centres.

Taking into account the formation of hazardous gases during the transportation of liquid manure, the K.STN is equipped with pneumatic leveling control as well as overpressure and vacuum valves, which enable the loading and unloading process to be carried out safely and simply.

In addition, the K.STN with its aluminium or steel chassis construction stands for durability and easy maintenance. With an empty weight of 5,450kg and steering axle equipment, the K.STN offers maximum mobility under the toughest road and working conditions.

Europe’s lightest silo vehicles by Kässbohrer Kässbohrer successfully meets its customers’ operational needs with its high-quality tipping K.SSK silos suitable for transporting powder, or granular materials such as sugar, coffee, plastics, ash, and much more with 40m³ to 90m³ loading capacities and non-tipping K.SSL silo vehicles suitable for low-density powder transport such as cement transportation with 31m³ to 45m³ volume options according to the density of the material you wish to transport.

Kässbohrer has the lighest in Europe K.SSK tipping silos with their tare weight starting from 5,050kg which provide operational efficiency with their loading capacity while enabling a continuous and easy flow of the material with its enhanced flow angles, smooth aluminium surfaces, a tilt angle of up to 45º enabled by the hydraulic tipping system, and the 4 kW

electro-hydraulic pump alongside its high-quality stainless steel electro-polished discharge cone.

In addition, Kässbohrer’s K.SSK tipping ADR silo is the lightest ADR silos in the market. Kässbohrer ADR series can be offered in volumes of 40m³ to 60m³ depending on the fleet’s need for versatile dangerous powder and granular materials such as carbide, coal, ashes, and metal chips. K.SSK ADR series, are designed, analysed, and tested in compliance with ECTA/DOW recommendations and ADR regulations.

The lightest non-tipping silo series in the market Kässbohrer K.SSL, with its tare weight starting from 4,100kg, is the perfect fit for the most efficient transportation and discharge of low-density materials, offering maximum payload capacity for the best Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Along with its ingeniously designed cone angles and optimum volume, Kässbohrer’s K.SSL series offer aluminium chassis, cone and manhole options, aluminium airlines, an aluminium toolbox, and aluminium ladder/handrails in its standard features   The K.SSL also offers flexible discharge possibilities for various road and working conditions, such as standpipe strings that are positioned under or within the chassis for discharge from the rear. In addition, lateral discharge via funnel is possible on the left or right side.

www.flatlaminates.com

We stand right in the middle of every project realization.

Close to you since 1962

HIGH QUALITY GRP FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.

SAF—HOLLAND BOLSTERS

AXLE DURABILITY WITH PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY

SAF-HOLLAND IS EXPECTED TO START DELIVERING ITS SAF INTRA AXLES WITH THE OPTIONAL ZINC-FREE SAF PREMIUM COATED POWDER COATING IN Q2 2023. IT PROTECTS THE AXLES AGAINST CORROSION DAMAGE, BOOSTING THE SERVICE LIFE AND RESALE VALUE OF TANKER AND SILO HEAVY VEHICLES.

Complex operating conditions – such as road salt in winter or dirt at landfill and construction sites – can contribute to axle corrosion. SAF Premium Coated, a multi-stage coating process with powder coating, reliably prevents corrosion according to SAF-Holland.

“We are currently the only axle manufacturer that offers an additional zinc-free coating in the nine-tonne segment,” said SAF-Holland Vice President Sales OEM, Alexandre Charpiot.

Higher resale value from additional coating

The improved corrosion protection extends the service life of the axles and ensures a neat appearance of the vehicle fleet. This allows owners to count on a higher resale value, in particular in the case of high-quality tanker and silo bodies. Fleet operators also benefit from the high coverage and the optimum mechanical properties of the powder coating. In

Longer service life and higher economic efficiency – those are the advantages of the SAF INTRA PREMIUM COATED axle from SAF-Holland.

addition, the coated axles are resistant to impact, light, chemicals and extreme temperatures.

SAF-Holland offers a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty against corrosion on its SAF Premium Coated axles.

The coating is applied to the axle beam and also to the steering arm for steering axles. Other add-on parts such as brakes or wheel-ends are not coated. The benefit of the SAF Premium Coated axles for vehicle manufacturers: The coated axles can be painted over if necessary and can be sold at a surcharge directly ex-factory in the case of expensive

bodies such as silo vehicles or tankers. Also, the installation of the corrosion-protected axles is identical to installing standard SAF-Holland products.

All-round protection and high-quality appearance

The four-layer SAF Premium Coated process optimises the technical properties of the rigid and steered SAF INTRA axles: In the first step, airless blast cleaning prepares the surface of the welded axle beam, breaks sharp edges and removes silicates from the welding process. Then a standard cathodic dip coating is applied to the axle as a basis for the next coats.

In the third stage, the axle is primed with a zinc-free epoxy-resin powder that offers good adhesion and protects against corrosion. The final powder coating on polyester resin basis in colour DB703 Iron Mica Metallic has optimum mechanical properties and gives the axle a highquality appearance.

Environmentally friendly, high-performance additional coating

“Together with the top coat powder, the zinc-free corrosion protection powder forms a perfectly coordinated protection system,” said Charpiot.

“With the same performance level, it is significantly more environmentally friendly than zinc solutions containing hazardous substances.”

The additional coating of the SAF INTRA axles also has a positive impact on the test results, as the manufacturer indicates: In the salt spray test as per DIN EN ISO 9227, there was no visible corrosion on the surfaces or edges even after four times the test duration of 2,000 hours.

SAF Premium Coated for standard and offroad applications

The SAF Premium Coated process is suitable for a number of models from the SAF INTRA series with different suspension arm versions, as well as for standard and offroad applications: for all axle types of the rigid SAF INTRADRUM axles and for the rigid SAF INTRADISC axles with the exception of the electric axles and the hydraulically driven SAF INTRA CD TRAK axles. For steered axles, the special coating can also be applied to almost all variants with disc brakes.

www.safholland.com

A special zinc-free powder coating protects the SAF INTRA PREMIUM COATED from SAF-Holland against corrosion damage caused by weather and dirt.

“WE ARE CURRENTLY THE ONLY AXLE MANUFACTURER THAT OFFERS AN ADDITIONAL ZINC-FREE COATING IN THE NINE TONNE SEGMENT.”

Alexandre Charpiot, SAF-Holland Vice President Sales OEM

BLING DUBAI

DUBAI-BASED OEM, GORICA GROUP, HAS A BROAD RANGE OF TANKER AND SILO SEMI-TRAILERS TAILORED FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS.

The tanker and silo vehicles that GORICA Group supplies t to Middle East and Africanmarkets with vary considerably depending on the specific freight task, industry and are typically made from either carbon steel, aluminium or stainless steel. The vehicles are then categorised by target industry.

“First and foremost, we supply acid tanker semi-trailers for the transportation of HCL, “Cement and barite bulkers semi-trailers, tripod (3x700 cft) cement silo semi-trailers for Oil and Gas industry” said GORICA Group General Manager Sales & Marketing, Domen Bockor.; dry cementbulk silo transporters for the construction industry. As for movement of perishable goods, we provide stainless steel milk tankers, stainless steel water tankers, stainless steel aluminium animal feed bulk semi-trailers, aluminium flour bulk semi-trailers, aluminium and steel grain bulk semi-

trailers and aluminium and steel grain hoppers.” For the distribution of petroleum products, GORICA manufactures steel and aluminium fuel tankers, while the waste management industry can specify vacuum tankers and

other combinations.

“Aluminium fuel tankers (especially for Aramco in KSA) are among our most popular products,” said Bockor. “Aluminium feed bulkers for the growing food industry in the Middle

East and Africa as well as grain bulkers in Africa are also proving to be especially popular.” To meet stringent customer expectations, GORICA follows international safety standards and European design which is adapted for the Middle Eastern and African markets.

“The construction, design and other special features of our trailers depend on specific country road regulations which is not uniform like in the EU or the US,” said Bockor. “Beside that we follow ADR European standards. Being a market in leader in all these segments in the Middle East we constantly innovate and adapt our product to client/ market requirements and focus on boosting productivity, maximising the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as well as provide local aftersales support.”

Of the recent trailer deliveries GORICA has organised, the OEM recently completed a bulk

Grain bulker semi trailer.

Aluminium flour bulker semi-trailer.

order of 240 grain bulkers for Africa, 30 aluminium animal feed bulkers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and 21 milk tankers.

“These were all repeat orders,” said Bockor. “We are especially proud of our clients and industry partners who are loyal to GORICA solutions.”

In addition to continuous product development, GORICA is also focused on consolidating its market presence in KSA and West Africa by expanding its facilities.

As for industry trends, Bockor has observed an increase in demand for lighter-weight tanker and silo vehicles. “We have also seen a greater emphasis on TCO analysis where clients not only consider the price but also the productivity and overall performance. In our view this is the correct approach as our products and solutions are there to support and grow our partners’ businesses.”

FAST FACT

A testament to the innovative design of its trailers, the market resale value of GORICA’s road transport equipment is reported to be exceptionally high.

FAST FACT

GORICA tankers typically feature increased shell thickness due to the operational requirements of trailers operating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The average body builder thickness is 5mm however GORICA offers a 6.1mm external shell. This is to endure the harsh environments of the different countries the OEM supports.

As always GORICA is particularly focused on providing optimal aftersales support through its own network of service companies to locally and promptly support its partners.

www.goricagroup.com

Acid (HCL) tanker semi-trailer.

Tripod (3x700 CFT) cement silo semi-trailer.

Valk Welding Group

Tel. +31 78 69 170 11

info@valkwelding.com

www.valkwelding.com

Flexible automation of your high mix / low volume welding production

Valk Welding develops and builds turnkey welding robot systems for small to medium produc�on requirements and is your partner in all welding accessoiries. Valk Welding has become one of the largest independent suppliers of welding consumables in Europe. Valk Welding supplies over 800 tons of (solid) welding wire every month.

The Valk Welding team consists of specialists who know what they are talking about, we go to extremes. The so�ware and research & development departments are constantly innova�ng in the field of hardware and so�ware. Together we are working on a strong connec�on to achieve an op�mal solu�on. We supply all-in-one welding robot systems, but above all we offer solu�ons!

The strong connection

Watch our videos

JOST INNOVATES

THE HUGE RANGE OF TANKER AND SILO HEAVY VEHICLES ON THE ROAD TODAY IS REFLECTED BY JOST WORLD’S EXTENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY AND OPTIMISED COMPONENTS.

When it comes to tanker and silo vehicles, weight can be an issue according to equipment specialist, JOST World, which is why the company is focused on the delivery of weight-optimised products such as the Modul CA, an aluminium landing gear module.

Other features include a patented module drive on the inside, low maintenance due to an integrated lubricant cartridge (no need to lubricate the spindle), continuous back plate for high variability during installation, an innovative A-foot with a large contact area and long drift.

Another weight-optimised component that JOST World supplies is the JSK34 fifth wheel coupling. The 2” cast can save up to 40kg and it also has a maintenance-optimised variant with plastic top-plate liners or integrated LubeTronic 5 point automated central lubrication system filled with high performance organic grease. JOST sensor technology for improved safety is also available.

Meanwhile the DCA AIRMASTER PLUS – the first and only trailer axle that stores compressed air – is yet another popular choice for tanker and silo vehicle operators. Without the need for a compressed air tank, as it stores compressed air for the brakes and air suspension in the axle housing, this component saves more than 50kg in weight. It is tested and approved for all European markets, suitable for all torsion-free bodies, enables the implementation of new vehicle concepts, while the axles are ideal for both on- and offroad use.

The forged aluminium air bellows support, WEIGHT OPTIMISER 27, allows weight savings of about nine kilograms per axle which means 27kg per trailer.

The WEIGHT OPTIMISER 27 is designed for all common track widths on trailers, from classic curtainsiders to tankers, tippers and other vehicles. It has also passed the tough testing criteria of the DCA series for durability and extreme accidental overload to guarantee the familiar quality of this JOST product

The new DCA X7 brake has been tested and developed together with Knorr-Bremse in-line with the highest automotive standards. Structural optimisation and perfectly coordinated interplay between the brake disc and pad reduce emissions while maximising the payload and performance.

Another solution for vehicles transporting liquids is the slack-free towing hitch RO*430 - 40 mm / RO*530 - 50, which with its damping properties reduces the movements of the transported liquids to a minimum, but which also means a high level

FAST FACT

The Modul CS is a rear support landing gear designed exclusively for silo vehicles. The reinforcement on the outer tube offers increased bending strength and the double lock nut further minimises the risk of accidents caused by wear. In addition, the landing gears can be moved independently of each other to compensate for unevenness in the ground and to guarantee a safe stand of the vehicle.

FAST FACT

The Modul CA, the lightest landing gear, or the FA027 aluminium drop leg, the newest member of the JOST landing leg family, are suitable for front support.

RO*430 towing hitch.

INNOVATES

LIGHTWEIGHT, EFFICIENT TANKER AND SILO COMPONENTS

FAST FACT

In tankers and silo trucks, it is especially vital that all components are as lightweight as possible, to enable higher payloads. On the other hand, material optimisation cannot be allowed to impair quality. That is why JOST is continuously developing products for silos and tankers that reduce weight and maintenance costs.

of driving comfort.

Thanks to the technically sophisticated mechanism, this towing hitch from ROCKINGER is particularly low-wear and offers

maximum support in the tank and silo segment with the modular upgrade options of safety and maintenance features.

JOST World is also expanding its landing leg portfolio with the new FA027 aluminium landing leg. The aluminium drop support is particularly aimed at users of dump trucks, tankers and silo vehicles, and wherever low weight is a priority. On average, 60-80kg can be saved on each semi-trailer, which can be directly converted into paying cargo, i.e. maximum turnover on each trip. And if the extra load is not used, fuel is saved.

Weight stability is also an important consideration when it comes to unloading. Enter the Modul CS stabilising legs which provide a secure stand during the whole unloading process of liquid and bulk tippers.

Due to conflict in Ukraine it is likely that tank and silo transportation in the EU and in Germany will increase as countries import Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from other countries.

www.jost-world.com

DCA WEIGHTMASTER PLUS.

A MODERN APPROACH TO TIPPERS:

WIELTON

Wielton has introduced improvements to its flagship tipper models. The Bulk Master and Weight Master have been improved to increase their durability and usability. The focus, according to the OEM, was on new design solutions, modernisation of cargo boxes and increasing the quality and durability of products.

After interviewing customers and analysing technological trends, Wielton decided to introduce changes to the tippers, while maintaining their existing functionality.

Structural reinforcement on Bulk Master and Weight Master models

The new improvements introduced in the Bulk Master and Weight Master models included strengthening the load box structure by introducing a new, stiffer, thicker edge of the box and greater density of floor crossbars. For boxes with a flap to the front, the rear pillar has been changed to a narrower one, which increased the unloading light of the rear portal. The top flange gained a diagonal shape to the inside of the box, eliminating the problem of material accumulation.

In the rear edge, a thicker inner wall and profile were used with a gentler angle, thanks to which this element reduces resistance during unloading and minimises the possibility of excessive wiping. In addition, the corner of the front wall has been reinforced, a new standard of spacing of floor crossbars has been introduced and a functional ladder sliding

out from under the box has been installed. A new option has also been added to the offer in the form of a single-wing flap-door in the Bulk Master model. The introduced changes contributed to increasing the durability, reliability and service life of Wielton tipper semi-trailers. The aspect of the introduced structural changes is extremely important in the Weight Master model, which is used in the transport of building materials, pallet loads, big-bags and agricultural crops. The changes introduced are also of particular importance in the Bulk Master model designed to transport agricultural products, fertilisers or biomass, and therefore often used in demanding off-road conditions.

“We continue to develop and modernise not only our factories, but also products for the comfort, safety and satisfaction of our customers,” said Wielton Product Manager,

THE WIELTON GROUP MAINTAINS ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE TIPPER MARKET WITH OPTIMISED TRAILER DESIGNS.

Łukasz Trzeciakiewicz.

“Further optimisations and functional changes are being introduced in our tipper semi-trailers. We are constantly increasing the competitiveness of our products, which confirms the position of the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers on Polish and European markets. We listen to the voices of the market and draw the right conclusions. Driven by experience, we are changing for the better for our customers thanks to many tailormade products.”

Modernisation of boxes in steel and aluminium tippers

To offer its customers the highest quality products, the manufacturer from Wieluń decided to mass modernise the load boxes in its tippers. For this purpose, Wielton implemented in all HP aluminium tippers a reinforced structure of the load box floor, and a change in the profile of its stringers and crossbars. A new closing option has also been introduced – a hydraulic flap. In steel

HP tippers Wielton changed the construction of the load box, introducing a bigger top edge. As a result, the beam and the chain connecting the sides were abandoned. As in aluminium tippers, in steel HP semi-trailers, a hydraulic flap has been implemented as one of the options for closing the box. Also, all Wielton tippers feature a new, universal design of the working balcony (with two options for configuring the entrance – right/ left side) and the flap’s side lashings have been changed to be more functional, with the

option to tighten with a wheel wrench.

Custom solutions to improve functionality

Wielton offers a number of personalised solutions, as part of its custom equipment portfolio, which significantly improve the daily use of tippers. These semi-trailers can be equipped with a fully automatic Hyva slideKAP sliding roof with a self-locking rear beam that requires no additional operations to secure the roof tarpaulin from the driver’s side. This solution significantly facilitates driver’s work and improves their security. Customers have a front wall bumper for transporting pallets and big-bags. This bumper simulates a vertical front wall and prevents goods from moving forward

when driving or sudden braking. Wielton offers a QuickSilver Teflon liner that eliminates the problem of sticking and freezing bulk materials, thus ensuring faster and safer unloading. Wielton also offers a steel liner as an additional solution to support construction transport which allows loading asphalt and thicker material, minimising the risk of damage cargo box. This solution is a compromise between a lighter aluminium box, susceptible to damage and heavier steel box.

Wielton offers customers an interesting solution for agricultural transportation in the form of the vegetable hammock. The hammock is designed for loading agricultural products, especially apples, beets and potatoes, to reduce the risk of damage. Loading a tipper with a hammock is done from the front of the semi-trailer. Products that fall on a tarp suspended teo metres above the floor are cushioned by a hammock attached to one side rigidly with a chain, and a flexible expander on the other. As a result, the tarp flexes under the

“WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND MODERNISE NOT ONLY OUR FACTORIES, BUT ALSO PRODUCTS FOR THE COMFORT, SAFETY AND SATISFACTION OF OUR CUSTOMERS.”

Łukasz Trzeciakiewicz, Wielton Product Manager

weight of agricultural products, which slide off and are not damaged by falling directly to the floor from a height of three meters.

Wielton customers find a solution package for transporting post-slaughter, sludge and waste. This package increases the tightness of the semi-trailer and prevents uncontrolled movement of leakage of products.

Durability and reliability of construction

Wielton is consistently ranked among the leading manufacturers of semi-trailer tippers in Poland. The high quality of the semi-trailer tippers from Wieluń are manufactured from steel or aluminium of the highest strength class, i.e. Hardox HB450, S700, or Endur-AL HB114. The frames of the tippers were made of S700 steel, which is protected against corrosion using KTL cataphoresis painting technology, guaranteeing a long life of the chassis. Wielton uses reliable components and subassemblies supplied by reputable European manufacturers.

www.wielton.com.pl

CGS BOLSTERS

FLEET UPTIME WITH SPARE PARTS SUPPORT AND MORE

IN ADDITION TO DOMINATING KSA TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION AND PROVIDING INDUSTRY WITH BEST-IN-CLASS ROAD TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, SWISS-SAUDI JOINT VENTURE, COLDSTORES GROUP OF SAUDI ARABIA, ALSO ENSURES OPTIMAL FLEET UPTIME WITH ITS DEDICATED SPARE PARTS AND AFTERSALES NETWORK.

With certified factory trained technicians, genuine manufacturer spare parts and accessories, Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia (CGS) provides fleets with everything they need to maintain efficient, productive operations.

“When it comes to protecting your investments and your bottom line you can be confident that you will receive optimum levels of product support and best-in-class service from any of our four workshops across the region,” said Andrew Wilson, General Manager of the CGS Automotive Division. “We will keep your fleet operating as cost effectively as possible, boost efficiencies and help maintain the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the region.”

CGS also provides a portfolio of service agreements for Carrier transport refrigeration units and refrigerated boxes.

Since 1978, CGS has exclusively distributed Carrier Transicold products and is currently its second oldest partner globally. Carrier transport refrigeration units have also been jointly optimised to operate reliably in the Middle Eastern climate.

CGS provides industry with solutions that enable operators to budget and plan ahead with fixed costs for maintenance and repairs of refrigeration units as well as accurate maintenance forecast scheduling.

“We give you the flexibility to keep your fleet moving while ensuring total control

FAST FACT

As a leader and innovator in the cold chain business in the Middle East, Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia now offers a fully inclusive three year warranty on every Carrier cooling unit it supplies.

FAST FACT

The accomplished cold chain specialist for perishable goods in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East has significantly expanded its in-house engineering team so that it can manage the most complex and demanding of tasks. This world-leading expertise is bolstered by investments in Industry 4.0 technologies as well as the operation of CNC machines.

FAST FACT

The team at Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia understands that it takes a complete, effective, cold chain solution to prevent product loss and food spoilage.

CGS TOTAL PROTECTION PLAN

The CGS Total Protection Plan can be purchased with all new units and provides operators with everything they need to manage their refrigerated transportation expenses including fixed, upfront costs for all maintenance and repairs as well as accurate maintenance forecast scheduling for a threeyear warranty period. This plan enables regular inspections, preventative maintenance and calibration. CGS provides the flexibility that fleets need to remain agile and competitive.

with a fixed cost option,” said Wilson. “Potential problems will be prevented before they occur, giving our partners in the temperature-controlled distribution business reduced TCO and reduced road transport equipment lifecycle costs.”

The Automotive division of CGS also provides the Carrier Transicold Lynx Fleet application to the KSA market which intelligently monitors connected refrigeration systems from anywhere

in the world. It provides vital information through a centralised data stream and with improved visibility for asset owners, producers, drivers, fleet managers and retailers on the products being transported and the delivery modes transporting them.

In addition to providing critical data, such as temperatures, location and movement of refrigerated assets, Lynx Fleet can provide analytics and diagnostic information. The digital system provides access to near live service and maintenance schedules for each connected refrigeration unit, helping to aid fleet management procedures and ensure minimal disruption through vehicle downtime.

Operational management and control capability advanced remote temperature monitoring, In-depth service and utilisation reports are all available with the Lynx Fleet Application.

www.cgs.com.sa

NEW PRODUCTS FOR NEW CHALLENGES:

BRIANZA PLASTICA

BRIANZA PLASTICA – WITH MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE PRODUCTION OF FIBREGLASS REINFORCED LAMINATES IN SHEETS AND ROLLS – CONTINUES TO INVEST IN CONSOLIDATING ITS PRESENCE IN THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AND TANK CONTAINER SECTORS. THANKS TO AN INCREASINGLY WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, THE COMPANY IS NOW ABLE TO MEET THE MOST DIVERSE NEEDS OF THE MARKET.

BBrianza Plastica has 60 years of experience in the production of fibreglass sheets and rolls, four production sites in Italy, with both continuous hot-laminating and discontinuous cold-laminating procedures to meet the diverse needs of customers in a fast growing and increasingly demanding market.

A wide and complete range allows customers to choose between Elycold fibreglass laminates – high quality products that stand out for the near invisibility of the fibreglass, thanks to the cold polymerisation of the material, and for the production flexibility that allows for the production of customised products (even in small quantities). Meanwhile, Elyplan fibreglass laminates are characterised by an excellent quality/price ratio, the possibility to produce rolls in lengths to specification, while ensuring consistent quality.

The production focuses on achieving high levels of quality, while ensuring a high degree of safety and low environmental impact.

The excellent resistance and dimensional stability, combined with lightness and easy workability, make fibreglass laminates the ideal material for constructing walls and floors of industrial, commercial, temperature-controlled and electric vehicles.

Elycold is a combination of polyester resin (orthophthalic and isophthalic) and glass fibre; over the years, this composite material has replaced aluminium in the production of refrigeration panels for commercial vehicles, campers, caravans and motorhomes, providing manufacturers with excellent long-term properties and UV protection.

Elyplan GRP laminates, produced by continuous lamination, are available in different versions, to allow customers to choose the laminate that best meets their needs.

The main advantage of continuous production is that it allows the highest possible

polymerisation of the composite material, coming from the use of technologies that best maximise this value. The result is a perfectly flat product with tight dimensional tolerances that guarantee excellent quality at very competitive prices.

In general, all fibreglass laminates of the Elycold and Elyplan ranges are lightweight – a feature that is increasingly important and in demand in the transport industry as lighter vehicles pollute less, are faster and more environmentally sustainable. All products are suitable for any parts of sandwich panels to construct walls, sides, floors and roofs of commercial, recreational and passenger vehicles.

The Elycold range is wide and diversified; over time, products have been developed to meet specific needs, starting from Elycold Extra-Glass, rolls and sheets with gelcoat with increased mechanical performances, designed to bring together very special characteristics in a single product: lightness, given by low specific weight, and high mechanical strength, coming from the high percentage of glass content. Elycold Extra-Glass is suitable for vehicles

that require high impact resistance, weight saving and high aesthetics.

Elycold Lite represents the ideal solution for those who need a thicker laminate with good rigidity and low specific weight, while retaining all aesthetic details and values. The use of resins and specific microspheres allows increased thickness, without adding weight, decreasing the density of the laminate and providing greater rigidity, contributing to the flatness of the panel and to conceal the underlying structures.

Elycold Lite is available in sheets and 60m-long rolls and in different thicknesses, from 1.6mm.

Research and in-depth studies in the new Research & Development laboratory have allowed Brianza Plastica to increase the Elyplan family with revolutionary new products: this year saw the launch of Elyplan Extra Glass Biaxial that combines lightness, given by low specific weight, and high mechanical strength, coming from the high percentage of glass content, within the same product. The latest addition to the Elyplan family is the high end product in terms of mechanical strength and impact resistance. Due to the usage of biaxialnon-crimp fabrics, the glass fibre reinforcement can be placed exactly in the direction where it is needed for the application.

The new Elyplan Fire Performance range, compliant with various worldwide fire rating norms, is a product that combine all the main properties of the Elyplan range with the flame retardant requirements of automotive, building and new e-mobility markets. This requirement is an important characteristic that allows this material to be positioned both horizontally and vertically, making it possible to use it anywhere and freely inside transport vehicles.

And in the end, Elyplan Bicolor has been created

to combine two (or more) different colours in the same GRP laminate, for aesthetic needs or functional requirements, like light transmission in commercial vehicles roofs.

COMPANY HISTORY

Brianza Plastica was founded in 1962 to produce fibreglass laminates in sheets and rolls for commercial, industrial and agricultural applications.

Over the years, the production has been expanded with more sites in Italy, introducing new products able to meet the most varied roofing and cladding needs.

In the 1980s, the company entered the field of thermal insulation for roofs and walls in the residential and industrial sectors with the innovative Isotec thermoinsulating system.

Over the years the company has continued to produce, research and develop new products in the fibreglass laminates sector, expanding its range, with straight and curved sheets and rolls, in the corrugated, ribbed or flat, opaque or translucent versions, for applications in the most varied sectors – from agricultural to farming, from commercial to industrial, up to commercial vehicle sector (trucks, buses, coaches) and recreational vehicles (camper vans and caravans).

The acquisition of the two production sites in Rovigo and the one in Ostellato to produce Elycold laminates with discontinuous cold-lamination procedures – respectively in 2006 and 2008 – and the inauguration in 2009 of a new production line in the Carate Brianza site dedicated to Elyplan continuous hot-lamination products, has made Brianza Plastica one of the most important players in the global market of fibreglass laminates, with an extremely flexible production capacity, able to meet the most varied market requirements.

The new logistics-sales headquarters of Brianza USA Corporation in Elkhart, Indiana, was opened in 2014 to serve the US market and to strengthen the Group’s commercial presence in the territory.

In summer 2016, a new production site was opened in Rovigo for the production of Elycold GRP laminates and a new Elyplan continuous production line was inaugurated in the Carate Brianza site.

At the beginning of 2019, the new chemical laboratory was inaugurated, almost tripling the previous surface area. The new facility is equipped with the most advanced instruments to support the production processes both of the insulation panels and composite laminates.

In 2021, to complete its offer for roofing and curtain walls for agricultural and industrial buildings, Brianza Plastica started producing Elysol, the compact polycarbonate sheets at its production site in Ferrandina, Matera, Italy.

For more information, visit: www.elycold.brianzaplastica.it/en and follow the official LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brianza-plastica-fibreglass-laminates-division.

www.brianzaplastica.it

Elyplan Extra Glass Biaxial.

WORK BACK TO

ATTENDEES WILL HAVE MORE TIME TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FROM 500 COMPANIES AT WORK TRUCK WEEK 2023 THANKS TO EXTENDED EXHIBIT HOURS. THE POPULAR NEW EXHIBITOR PAVILION ALSO RETURNS WITH AN EARLIER START.

Work Truck Week takes place 7-10 March 2023 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. It encompasses The Work Truck Show Green Truck Summit, Ride & Drive, educational conference, and more. Green Truck Summit is 7 March. Educational sessions run 7-9 March, and the exhibit hall is open 8-10 March.

Work Truck Show exhibits cover all commercial vehicle industry segments. The exhibit hall is open 9.30am-5pm on Wednesday, 8 March, and Thursday, 9 March 9. That’s 30 minutes earlier than prior years. Friday’s hours remain 9am–noon.

“As Work Truck Week has grown over the last two decades, attendees have asked for more time in the exhibit hall,” said NTEA President and CEO, Steve Carey.

“They use this time not just to see the latest products, but also to talk with engineering and technical experts in exhibitor booths, watch equipment demos and experience some of the latest technology in Ride & Drive. Opening earlier on Wednesday and Thursday helps them accomplish their goals.”

New Exhibitor Pavilion features 25 first-time exhibitors in a dedicated display space beyond the main exhibit hall 8-9 March, 8.30am-4pm.

The 2023 educational program includes a variety of targeted sessions where industry experts and thought leaders share strategies to help improve efficiency, implement best practices and grow operations. Concurrent sessions address market data and industry trends, vehicle engineering and compliance, government relations, advanced fuels and vehicle technology, workforce development and more. Registered Conference Package attendees also can access on-demand materials from many of the concurrent sessions after the event concludes. Exclusively at Work Truck Week 2023, 12 leading chassis OEMs provide updates on vehicle changes and upfitting

FAST FACT

Robert Herjavec, entrepreneur, author, and star of Shark Tank, serves as keynote speaker at NTEA Annual Meeting on 9 March.

FAST FACT

Work Truck Week provides opportunities for industry professionals to connect, including Opening Reception, NTEA Annual Meeting, Generation Next Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception, and Green Truck Summit Reception.

ABOUT NTEA

Established in 1964, NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, a 501(c)(6) organisation, represents more than 2,000 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to NTEA. The Association provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces Work Truck Week and Green Truck Summit. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

solutions. In-depth special sessions offer training on fleet management and increasing truck dealers’ commercial vehicle sales.

Green Truck Summit, NTEA’s full-day advanced fuels and vehicle technology conference, provides insights and resources to support the work truck industry’s drive toward greater sustainability, productivity and efficiency. Held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis adjacent to the convention centre, it features intensive sessions on clean energy trends and operational insights for vocational fleets. Jennifer Rumsey, President and CEO of global power solutions technology company, Cummins, is the keynote speaker.

Work Truck Week networking kicks off with Opening Reception, the industry’s first major gathering of 2023, at JW Marriott Indianapolis on 7 March. NTEA Annual Meeting on 9 March features a keynote from Robert Herjavec, entrepreneur, author and star of Shark Tank. Breakfast is served during this event. Generation Next, an industry professional development group, offers a Leadership Workshop & Networking Reception on 8 March. Plus, many exhibitors schedule their own social events throughout Work Truck Week.

www.worktruckweek.com

WORLD TRUCK WEEK 7-10 MARCH

Indianapolis, Indiana

With equipment offerings from more than 500 exhibitors, attendees will have the chance to witness truck OEM plans, upfitter solutions, optimal commercial vehicle design and more.

www.worktruckweek.com

BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST

13-14 APRIL

Dubai World Trade Centre

Conveniently located in Dubai, Breakbulk Middle East will attract more than 2000 companies representing the full industrial supply chain from over 55 countries.

www.middleeast.breakbulk.com

TRANSPORT SCANDINAVIA

20-22 APRIL

Herning, Denmark

2023

Scandinavia’s leading transport fair is the place for transport industry professionals to network and demonstrate innovation.

www.transport-messen.dk

TRANSPORT LOGISTIC

9-12 MAY

Munich, Germany

A trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management.

www.transportlogistic.de

EXPO CAM 2023 25-27 MAY

Montreal, Canada

The meeting place for Canada’s trucking industry including new products, ideas and solutions for trucks, equipment and technology.

www.expocam.ca

KEEP A LOOK OUT

NUFAM 2023

21-24 September

Karlsruhe, Germany

www.nufam.de

Solutrans 2023

21-25 November

www.solutrans.eu

Bauma 2025

7-13 April

Munich, Germany

www.bauma.de/en

ELMIA LASTBIL 21-24 AUGUST

Sweden

A commercial vehicle fair aimed at ‘the future’.

www.elmia.se/en/lastbil

CONTAINING THE SITUATION

According to a market forecast issued by online container logistics platform, Container xChange, shipping lines continue to reduce vessel capacity and suspend services by considerable blank sailings, with a significant oversupply of containers and a further influx of more TEUs in 2023.

“In 2023, there is a high possibility of an all-out price war,” said Container xChange Cofounder and CEO, Christian Roeloffs.

“It doesn’t seem that the capacity restrictions that we have seen in the past two years are due to return, so we’ll just have ample capacity both on the vessel as well as on the container side.

“With the competitive dynamics in the container shipping and liner industry, I don’t expect especially the big players to hold back, and we do expect prices to come down to almost variable costs.

“We also foresee market consolidation.”

Container xChange explained that this is starting initially with carriers defaulting and reducing their fleet.

According to Roeloffs, the industry will continue to see efforts towards diversification of supply chain sourcing and manufacturing out of China.

“This is a long-term view, and it will need vision and strategy from companies looking for a more resilient supply chain,” he said.

“We will witness increased container volumes intra-Asia and more countries will emerge as potential alternatives like Vietnam, India and more.”

Roeloffs said that in an environment where there will be tighter margins for freight forwarders and traders, the cost is going to be a significant factor going forward.

“Leaders will look for ways to efficiency and business sustenance,” he said.

“Technology offers a great opportunity for leaders to minimise risk with data visibility and transparency while also maintaining a healthy partner portfolio that helps greatly in testing times.”

Container xChange Cofounder and CEO, Dr Johannes Schlingmeier, said tight grips on costs will become paramount for freight forwarders into the year 2023.

“While on one hand there will be a great deal of negotiation with shipping lines and on the

other hand, operational cost optimisation will be crucial for the forwarders,” he said.

“There will be careful monitoring into the demurrage and detention charges for instance, insurance charges, claims etc.

“As capacity on the ocean side becomes more abundant, there is a valid business case for using SOCs which not just offer flexibility but greater control to the forwarders.”

Container xChange said these findings are a natural reaction to what the market has experienced during the past three years, with factors such as Covid, lockdowns and the war in Ukraine taking effect.

“Container prices skyrocketed soon after the pandemic hit because there were not enough containers to fulfil the rising demand and that’s when retailers and importers started to stock much more in advance to avoid the historic port congestions,” it said in a statement.

“The pre-peak season in 2022 saw record container throughput in import-heavy ports. Now that the stocks have been filled, the demand is plummeting.

“The shipping industry will survive this, and we will again start to see normal activity levels in the future, though not immediate future.

“The good part is, that the worst is behind us.”

SIGNIFICANT MARKET VOLATILITY COULD CONTINUE TO DISRUPT CONTAINER SHIPPING PRICES INTO THE NEW YEAR.

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