Global Trailer January 2024 by Prime Creative Media

Global trailer

www.globaltrailermag.com ISSN 1839-5201

2023 | ISSUE 74

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INNOVATION

BUSINESS

NEWS

TPMS Is Rolling Out Landing Legs: VALX Tippers: Schmitz Cargobull Fifth Wheels: JOST

Executive Interview: Librelato Global OEM Ranking List Market Report: US Industry Voice: CIMC Vehicles

Vale Peter Schmitz South Africa PBS Cybersecurity Trends Acquisitions

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COVER STORY

WHERE COMMUNICATION IS KEY

What began as a modest sawmill in the south of Brazil has, over the past 50 years, expanded to become a major player in the Brazilian trailer building market. Librelato has gained a reputation of building equipment that can withstand the varied and demanding environmental conditions in the country, which the company says comes down to listening to its customers.

“OUR PHILOSOPHY IS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.” Librelato CEO, José Carlos Sprícigo

IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS 30

MARKET REPORT

INDUSTRY VOICE

SPECIAL REPORT What does a high productivity scheme like Performance-Based Standards look like in South Africa? Global Trailer reports.

FEATURES 34

LANDING LEGS VALX demonstrates its latest landing leg technology.

CIMC Vehicles shares an update on its business activities and future plans.

TIPPERS A look at Schmitz Cargobull’s latest tipper offering.

A look at the state of transport and logistics in the US.

FIFTH WHEELS JOST unveils state-of-the-art fifth wheel tech.

REGULARS

56 EVENTS

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

58 MEGATRENDS

06 NEWS

59 PREVIEW

BUILT TO TASK See how a Colombian OEM uses SSAB steel.

TPMS Suppliers are gearing up to supply Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) across Europe and abroad.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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

INTENSIFYING EXCHANGES

JOURNALISTS Louise Surette louise.surette@primecreative.com.au Peter White peter.white@primecreative.com.au

A S o S

I L

DESIGN PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

TRANSFORMATION OF THE transport industry is said to be in full swing. There is a vision of what road haulage might look like tomorrow and it includes the application of innovative technologies such as automated driving along with alternative drives in freight transport to protect the climate, digital solutions for securing loads and everyday logistics, more sustainable last mile delivery – even cyber security in the cab, the office and the trailer. Forecasts from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport for Germany and the International Transport Forum, among other authorities, assert that we will see a significant increase in freight traffic on the road by 2050. While there are currently efficiency, supply chain and road safety challenges to address, these matters are expected to exacerbate due to projected rises in demand for the use of heavy vehicle equipment and the impact it has on infrastructure, the environment and, more broadly, society. These were all key talking points in November at the DEKRA Future Congress which saw about 350 participants engage in discussions from commercial vehicle technology to digitalisation to final mile. Jann Fehlauer, Managing Director at DEKRA Automobil, spoke at the opening

of the event and said future-proof freight transport remains essential for economies and society as a whole. One the topics explored in detail was UNECE R155 which is a set of international regulations developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for the cybersecurity of vehicles. The regulation is intended to enhance the cybersecurity of connected and automated vehicles and provide a common cybersecurity framework for the automotive industry worldwide. It covers vehicle software and systems security, personal data protection and cybersecurity incident management. SAF-Holland President EMEA and Chief Technology Officer, Christoph Günter, facilitated a discussion and detailed the impact this regulation – which requires vehicle manufacturers to establish a cybersecurity management system from mid-2024 and to provide evidence of this for the type approval of new vehicles – for the trailer industry. SAF-Holland is one of many suppliers working to ensure the cybersecurity of its mechatronic products to support OEMs in what is expected to be an extensive process.

ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey

DESIGN Kerry Pert, Louis Romero

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Salma Kennedy salma.kennedy@primecreative.com.au

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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.

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A Global Leader in Sophisticated Manufacturing of Semi-trailers and Specialty Vehicles Intercontinental Operation, Local Manufacturing

CIMC Vehicles(Group)Co.,Ltd.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL AFRICA CONGO A trucker strike in the Democratic Republic of Congo blocked exports of copper and cobalt mined by multinational companies. The drivers, who are predominately from Zambia and Tanzania, are asking for additional payment per journey as danger pay, sources told Reuters. They are refusing to transport the metals from the mining hub of Kolwezi, with a reported 2,700 trucks carrying 89,000 metric tonnes of copper at a standstill. Copper and cobalt are are fundamental to the global green-energy transition with copper used for power generation and cobalt required for rechargeable batteries. Affected mines include Switzerland’s Glencore Plc, China’s CMOC Group and Canadian Ivanhoe Mines, with experts predicting a potential tightening of global supplies. The Central African country is the world’s largest cobalt producer and one of the biggest sources of copper. Almost all the material is trucked by road from south-eastern Congo to Zambia, destined for ports in South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique.

ZAMBIA A graduate operations management trainee for transport and logistics company, GXO, has embarked on a sixmonth secondment as a project officer in the Zambian capital of Lusaka. Nicoletta Effah will be working for international development organisation Transaid, supporting its longstanding Zambian road safety project. Her arrival marks 15 years since Transaid first partnered with the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) – the

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A Graduate Operations Management Trainee for GXO has embarked upon a six-month secondment as a Project Officer for Transaid in Zambia.

only public commercial driver training school in Zambia – to build capacity to deliver professional heavy good vehicle driver training to internationally recognised standards. “I know I can’t make a tangible change alone, so I wanted to join an organisation that could, and GXO’s graduate scheme has offered me this opportunity,” Effah said. “I’m focused on ensuring that the changes I help to put in place can be maintained after I leave.” Early priorities for Nicoletta have been creating a maintenance schedule to forward-plan servicing, avoiding clashes with when the assets are needed for

practical training. This has become increasingly important given the current high utilisation of all training vehicles, due to exceptional driver demand. “The secondment programme is a great opportunity for Nicoletta to gain new skills and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she makes on the ground in Lusaka,” said GXO Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Gavin Williams. “Our graduate programme plays a vital role in developing our future leaders and we’re delighted to partner with Transaid and be able to offer such a fantastic experience.”

ASIA INDIA CEVA Logistics has acquired a 96 per cent stake in Mumbai-based warehousing and transportation specialists, Stellar Value Chain. The acquisition adds to CEVA’s existing presence in India, allowing for the delivery of holistic supply chain services to customers across the Asia Pacific region and beyond, the company said. “We’re on the cusp of an exciting new era at CEVA Logistics in India.” said CEVA CEO, Matthieu Friedberg. “Our combined culture, capabilities and overall operations will allow us to reach new heights.” CEVA has been operating in India for more than two decades but the acquisition of Stellar boosts CEVA’s domestic contract logistics and omni-channel fulfilment service, providing it with a presence in more than 60 locations and 35 cities across the country. The deal is part of the company’s plan to expand and diversify its presence and to support the continued growth in domestic consumption, manufacturing and warehousing. The new sites complement CEVA’s existing contract logistics and eCommerce portfolio, extending its scale and scope to strengthen its offerings in the eCommerce, automotive, food products, consumer, fashion and retail, healthcare and pharmaceuticals market segments. “The acquisition enhances our contract logistics and, with advancements in 3PL, expands our scope in warehousing and fulfilment services,” said Managing Director India Subcontinent, Paras Rawal. “In alignment with our well-

established air and ocean business, we will strategically utilise our capabilities to provide a full suite of supply chain logistics solutions for our current and future customers.” Founder, Anshuman Singh will continue to lead the Stellar business and CEVA will maintain the approximately 6,000 employees from the former business.

HONG KONG In the wake of increased global trade, DHL Express has launched its expanded Central Asia Hub (CAH) in Hong Kong. The total investment for CAH to date has reached €562 million since its establishment in 2004, highlighting DHL’s commitment to growth opportunities in Asia Pacific, the company said. The hub is one of three DHL Express global hubs connecting Asia Pacific with the rest of the world, with its peak shipment handling capacity now increased by almost 70 per cent. At its full capacity, the hub can handle six times more shipment volume than when it was first established in 2004. “We have invested more than €1.8 billion into our three global hubs, demonstrating our commitment to support our customers’ growth as they

expand globally,” said DHL Express CEO, John Pearson. “CAH is important to our customers in Asia and globally, as it handles close to 20 per cent of DHL Express global shipment volume. While global trade is normalising following a pandemic boom, our investments today will improve our global and regional network, putting us in an excellent place when global trade recovers.” DHL Express’s Asia Pacific air network operates on a multi-hub strategy, supported by four hubs – CAH in Hong Kong, North Asia Hub in Shanghai, South Asia Hub in Singapore and Bangkok Hub, linking to approximately 900 DHL Express facilities in the region. “Asia is home to some of the fastest growing markets in the world,” said CEO for DHL Express Asia Pacific, Ken Lee. ” Since it was established in 2004, we have seen a continued increase in air cargo demand driven by trade between Asia and other regions, and cross-border e-commerce. Even as global trade normalises after the pandemic, we have seen over 30 percent growth in throughput between Asia and other continents in the first three quarters of 2023 when compared with the same period in 2019, far exceeding the pre-Covid level.”

DHL opens central Asia hub.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA & EUROPE SOUTH KOREA Global freight forwarder, Scan Global Logistics (SGL), is pressing forward with its global growth strategy, entering South Korea by acquiring ENK Logistics, a longterm partner since 2006. “We have been doing business in South Korea for many years already, but it will be different to operate under our own brand with new colleagues that we know are offering the same high standard service to customers, that we do ourselves,” said Global CEO of SGL, Allan Melgaard. “We are confident ENK represents a perfect fit with SGL DNA and our way of working.” As a G20 economy, South Korea holds a pivotal position in the trade markets of Southeast Asia and beyond with a business-friendly and efficient regulatory environment. “By joining SGL, we can leverage tangible synergies from the strengths and capabilities of both companies,” said ENK Logistics owners Erick Yang and Kevin Yang. “We are already well-positioned in a highly competitive and robust market in South Korea, and our collaborative efforts will enhance our local expertise and knowledge. This benefits our existing customers, who will now gain access to an extensive global network, expanded offerings, and significant business opportunities.” SGL, now actively operates in 50 countries globally compared to 17 countries in 2016. This latest acquisition, the company said, aligns with SGL’s strategy to be present in the largest economies worldwide and marks another milestone in its Pacific region growth following the purchase of Pioneer International Logistics (Australia) in 2020 and Orbis Global Logistics (New Zealand) in 2021.

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Mars mission in progress.

ARMENIA Logistics provider, Gebrüder Weiss, is part of an important space program, trusted with the job of safely transporting sensitive equipment to a mission simulation site in Armenia. As a partner of the Austrian Space Forum’s Mars Analog Mission (OeWF), this is the second time the company has transported equipment containers from Innsbruck, a journey that needs constant monitoring. “We have regular transports to the region and are represented in Armenia with our own location,” said Chief Executive Officer of Gebrüder Weiss, Wolfram Senger-Weiss. “The route leads through countries with Gebrüder Weiss locations, but such a complex project requires additional specialists to permanently monitor the transport. In projects like these, we see ourselves not only as a logistics partner, but also as responsible for shaping the future of mobility.” Apart from transport services, Gebrüder

Weiss also provides a test site at the Maria Lanzendorf location near Vienna, where, at the end of January, the OeWF will run through its routines one final time, prior to departing for the actual mission site in Armenia. “This is the dress rehearsal for the team and the hardware,” said the Director of the OeWF, Gernot Grömer. “The days in Vienna make a significant contribution to the success of the mission and we appreciate the extended support and the valuable partnership provided by Gebrüder Weiss.” The mission itself starts on 7 March, 2024.

FRANCE French pharmaceutical logistics company, Walden, has purchased Ivemar to support its subsidiary, Transpharma International, and grow its European fleet. “The acquisition of Ivemar provides Transpharma International with transport assets, a strong team

EUROPE well practised in GDP and licensed premises located in a key European trade corridor for transport and logistics,” said Transpharma CEO, David Evans. Transpharma International specialises in first-mile pharmaceutical transport and global freight forwarding. The addition of the Ivemar fleet will grow its European fleet to more than 250 vehicles, offering pan-European temperature-controlled transport for shipments. The acquisition, Walden said, will also develop its capability for in-transit storage and cross-docking at licensed warehouse locations close to Brussels, and the addition of licensed and temperature-controlled storage at Brussels airport. The addition of storage capacity directly at the aircraft exit now enables Transpharma International to strengthen its service and it can now offer temperature-controlled storage solutions for goods in transit, as well as storage of supply flows to manufacturers from and to the rest of the world. The founder and CEO of Ivemar, Yves Smets, said he was delighted to see the company joining Walden Group. “Our expertise and infrastructure are the perfect complement to Transpharma International’s network and capabilities,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to bring additional expertise to the group.”

GERMANY Truck and trailer component supplier, SAF-Holland, has shown an increase in sales and earnings this quarter, as well as a significant improvement

in operating free cash flow and a reduction in the company’s leverage ratio. Group sales increased by 35.2 per cent to €1,589 million, while Q3 sales growth was 37.4 per cent. Adjusted EBIT improved by 65.6 per cent to €152.8 million in the first nine months, with Q3 also growing by 59.8 per cent to €58.6 million. In the first nine months, SAF-Holland increased its consolidated Group sales by 35.2 per cent to €1,589 million. This growth was largely due to Haldex AB, which has been included in the scope of consolidation since February 21, 2023 and contributed €297 million to Group sales in this period. “After the first nine months of the financial year, we are well on the way to achieving the synergies and cross-selling potentials we announced in connection with the acquisition of Haldex,” said Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of SAF-Holland, Alexander Geis. “Thanks to the increasing share of the aftermarket business to slightly over 30 per cent of Group sales, or nominally €489.2 million as at the end of September 2023, we are even more resilient as a Group and are very confident about the fourth quarter of the current year and the coming financial year.”

FRANCE Equipment specialist, JOST, has won the the gold I-nnovation Award in the Equipment Suppliers category at last year’s SOLUTRANS trade fair. The winning system is the KKS, a remote-control trailer hitching

JOST wins award for innovation.

solution that automates the entire coupling and uncoupling process, including air, electrics, and brakes. “Receiving the I-nnovation Awards 2023 is a symbol for the collaboration and confidence of the JOST customers, teams, and partners in the company’s innovative products,” said Managing Director JOST France, Frédéric Ménestrot. “Together, we are preparing the future of transports.” JOST’s KKS enables drivers to couple and uncouple semi-trailers via remote control without leaving the driver’s cabin, saving time, reducing the risk of accidents and removing the physically demanding aspects of coupling. The award, which is from the French Bodywork Federation, considers innovative projects from bodybuilders, equipment suppliers or providers of digital solutions, whose goal is to drive change in the sector. It was presented at the SOLUTRANS transport trade fair taking place in Lyon, France.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE

Vale Peter Schmitz.

GERMANY A company owner of Schmitz Cargobull who was committed to innovation, quality and customer-centred solutions – Peter Schmitz – has passed away. He died on 9 November (84) in his home town, Alternberge, Germany. As a graduate engineer specialising in vehicle construction, Peter Schmitz joined the then Schmitz-Anhänger GmbH & CO. KG as Managing Director in 1973, representing the third generation of the entrepreneurial family. After its transformation into a public limited company in 1998, Peter Schmitz managed the company as Chairman of the Management Board until 2003. From 2003 to 2013, he was responsible for the company’s development as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. He was reappointed to the Supervisory Board from 2017 to 2019. “With his spirit of technical innovation and commitment to continuous improvement, he has played a key role in constantly expanding Schmitz Cargobull’s position as a technology and

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market leader for trailers,” the OEM said in a statement. “Around two dozen patents in trailer and semi-trailer construction speak for his technical expertise.” One of his most revolutionary innovations, according to Schmitz Cargobull, is the invention of the Ferroplast insulating panel which forms the basis for Schmitz Cargobull’s market leadership in refrigerated vehicle construction. Following his strategy of ‘growth through renunciation’, he spearheaded major restructuring measures at the Altenberge and Vreden production plants in the 1990s with great professionalism. “Peter Schmitz will be remembered as a visionary and constructive mastermind who created the technical foundations

Krone celebrates win for telematics.

for customer-orientated solutions with his innovative and quality-driven ideas,” the OEM said in a statement. “With his knowledge and commitment, he made Schmitz Cargobull a leading company in the industry. “Peter Schmitz always had an open ear for employees and customers and was close to the daily business. His company principles, his striving for constant improvement and progress, as well as his friendliness and approachability, will never be forgotten. “Our deepest sympathies go to his family. The memory of Peter Schmitz will live on in the Schmitz Cargobull family.”

GERMANY BPW subsidiary, idem telematics, has broken its own record at the

EUROPE German Telematics Award with five nominations and two first place finishes, including the coveted Vehicle Technology category. The fifth annual award ceremony, held in Berlin, highlighted that truck-trailer telematics is moving away from being an accessory to an integrated component of vehicle technology. Telematics, the company said, is a valuable decision-making aid for vehicle operators who now want to get involved in vehicle networking with a view to upcoming EU regulations. This is the third time that idem telematics has won the German Telematics Award in the trailer and swap trailer category. There were also awards in the disciplines of location tracking, transport management and driver management. A special characteristic of the German Telematics Award is the depth and accuracy with which both the practical use of the solutions and the future potential of the participating companies are examined. The jury, consisting of experts from research, industry, consulting and media, present typical everyday tasks that have to be solved under time pressure with the fewest possible clicks on the user interfaces of the terminal devices. “The transport industry is facing fundamental changes,” said Managing Director of idem telematics, Jens Zeller. “Artificial intelligence and the networking of drivers, freight and vehicles open up fascinating opportunities to exploit completely new efficiency potential. This is why the industry must not lose sight of the fact that many vehicle operators and

ITALY As part of a growth strategy to expand and strengthen its healthcare network in Italy, logistics company H.Essers is acquiring Romano Trasporti. Headquartered in the south of Italy and operating both nationally and internationally, Romano Trasporti owns a modern fleet of 95 trucks, and 100 temperature-controlled trailers. “Italy has been one of our focus countries for years,” said H.Essers CEO, Christopher Van den Daele. “We have operated there since the 1980s. Our business is growing organically, but we are always looking for interesting expansion opportunities. With the acquisition of Romano Trasporti, with a presence in Naples, Rome and Milan, we are strengthening our logistics network in the country and further expanding our services for healthcare customers.” Romano Trasporti is a family-owned business and was was looking for a like-minded and experienced partner to enable further stable growth and expand its business within the healthcare sector. “The logistics market is becoming increasingly complex and, as a company, we wanted to ensure continuity for our customers,” said Marketing and Sales Manager, Gennaro Romano. “We are happy that we can now do that together with our team under the wings of the family-owned H.Essers, which offers us a lot of perspectives. Our customers can also count on the additional experience and capacity of this leading international logistics player.”

NETHERLANDS TIP Group has acquired Botlek Trailer

Services (BTS), one of Rotterdam’s oldest family-owned transport companies founded in 1945. BTS is reported to be a full-scale workshop with two locations, operating in addition to TIP’s existing Botlek branch and workshop, and servicing similar customers as TIP. It brings long-standing relationships with customers such as Hoyer, P&O FerryMasters, Schmitz CargoBull, CLDN, Ewals, DFDS and Krone. TIP’s Maintenance and Repair (M&R) offering is expected to be greatly enhanced by adding body repair, painting, tanker maintenance and repair capabilities to our current service portfolio. With this acquisition, TIP gains all assets of BTS, including workshop equipment and parts. It also brings the number of workshops in the Netherlands to 16 and increases TIP’s market share in the M&R market. Announcing details of this acquisition, Bob Fast, TIP President and CEO said: “We are excited to welcome BTS into the TIP family. This is an important step in our Benelux growth and will greatly increase our presence in the Rotterdam port area.” According to Peter Jan Troost, Managing Director TIP Group Benelux: “Acquiring BTS will broaden our service offering in one of the most strategically important transport logistics in Europe. “TIP already has a good relationship with BTS, and we are working together with them and De Rijke Group to ensure a smooth and effortless transition for all stakeholders involved, including the continuity of business for all customers and suppliers.”

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE & NORTH AMERICA

Kässbohrer makes Polish delivery.

POLAND Kässbohrer has delivered three custom-designed tankers to liquid fuel transportation company, Baza Paliw. The K.STB E fuel tankers further expands Baza Paliw’s operational capabilities and efficiency within the industry, adding to its current fleet of seven tankers, five of which are Kässbohrer. The handover took place at Baza Paliw headquarters in Blonie, Poland. “For several years, we have relied on Kässbohrer tanker trailers to meet our operational needs, and our experience has been positive,” said Transport Manager, Roman Kwiatkowski. “The quality of materials used, precision in manufacturing, and innovative engineering in Kässbohrer products meet our expectations, which is why our decision to purchase additional fuel tankers from Kässbohrer was straightforward.”

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The Kässbohrer K.STB E fuel tanker has been designed with safety, efficiency, and production excellence at the forefront. It is compliant with ADR regulations and features advanced functions, including overflow protection and an advanced anti-theft system. With configurable options, electronic level indicator systems, dispensing systems, pumps, hose reels, and manifolds, it adapts to various transportation needs. “At Kässbohrer, we take pride in our commitment to delivering high quality products and building strong relationships with our customers,” said Area Sales Manager, Piotr Dąbrowski. “This ceremonial handover signifies not only the successful completion of a contract, but also the continuation of a long and fruitful partnership.”

SLOVAKIA Transport and logistics provider, cargo-

partner, will double the capacity of its iLogistics Centre in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, with the construction of a third warehouse. The transport and logistics provider’s facility expansion will increase its storage capacity from 27,600 pallet spaces to 50,000, and create 60 to 70 additional jobs. cargo-partner has been operating in Slovakia for 30 years and earned a turnover of nearly €140 million in 2022. “Our Slovak team is a top performer in our group, and I am glad they have recognised and taken advantage of Dunajská Streda’s potential as a vital intermodal hub, turning it into a thriving logistics centre,” said Founder and CEO of cargo-partner, Stefan Krauter. “It is now one of our most important rail cargo hubs in Europe, enabling us to deliver automotive components to leading OEMs in various Central European countries.” The new Class A warehouse building was designed with an emphasis on energy efficiency and will include 22 loading ramps and two drive-in gates for efficient loading and unloading.

US Transport and logistics company, cargopartner, has launched a new crossborder service between the US, Canada and Mexico. This new service includes trucking, warehousing and customs clearance. Other custom services are also available such as cross-border trucking for full load, part load and grouped shipments; specialised transportation for oversized, temperature-sensitive and valuable goods; an enhanced

Tra vat sm ava

NORTH AMERICA road freight network across North America; expedited domestic and crossborder trucking; and state-of-the-art warehousing in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois. The launch of the cross-border service was made possible via growth in cargopartner’s Mexico team.

US American AIT Worldwide Logistics has launched a new middle mile network service which it predicts will offer a faster, more secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional expedited lessthan-truckload services.

The network, AIT said, would be particularly beneficial for customers importing goods to North America. It will connect markets across the United States by serving more than 160 lanes every week, with hubs strategically located in import/export gateway cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas. “This initiative is not about rapid, unchecked expansion,” said AIT Chief Business Officer, Greg Weigel. “It’s about providing a consistently higher standard of service that connects with AIT’s first and final mile options to deliver a world-class, end-to-end supply

Perfectly effective

chain solution for our customers.” The middle mile network reduces the dwell time – the number of hours a shipment waits from when it’s dropped off at a hub until beginning the middle mile segment of its lifecycle – thus reducing the average transit time by one to two days less, compared to typical services. “Measuring dwell time at the shipment level is a unique feature of our operation and the middle mile network is making significant cycle time improvements for some of the world’s largest and most discerning supply chain clients,” said

Transport 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 fully electric as S.KOe COOL. More Information: www.cargobull.com

NEWS INTERNATIONAL NORTH AMERICA AIT Sr. Vice President, Americas, Ryan Carter. “We’re able to ensure exceptional service reliability because our uncompromising dedication to monitoring quality metrics enables us to proactively identify and resolve potential issues.” In the future, AIT will be expanding the Middle Mile Network with new hubs in additional strategic locations across the United States. The company also expects to extend the network into Canada and Mexico to better support cross-border demand from customers who are increasingly relying on nearshoring as part of their sourcing strategy.

US Heavy vehicle air suspension manufacturer, Hendrickson, has acquired Brunner International and Brunner Manufacturing and Sales, taking on its brake shoe and s-cam offerings. Brunner, based in both the US and Canada, is a privately owned business

Hendrickson announces acquisition.

that manufactures components for the commercial vehicle, bus and trailer markets. “We are excited about this acquisition, as it will provide a platform for Hendrickson to expand our core competency in braking and provide additional components that will enhance our existing product portfolio,” said Hendrickson President and CEO, Matt Joy. The Brunner product brand will continue and Brunner will operate as a division of Hendrickson Brake and Wheel End, with its 325 employees becoming employees of Hendrickson. Based in Woodridge, Illinois, Hendrickson manufacturers and supplies medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions, integrated and nonintegrated axle and brakes systems, tire pressure control systems, auxiliary lift axle systems, parabolic and multileaf springs, stabilisers and bumpers to the global commercial transport industry.

US North American commercial truck and trailer component supplier, ConMet, has announced the acquisition of TruckLabs, a technology company focused on reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiencies for fleets. TruckLabs is the maker of TruckWings, a truck-mounted aerodynamic device that automatically deploys at highway speeds to close the gap between the back of the cab and front of the trailer. TruckWings reduces drag, improves stability, and increases fuel efficiency by 3-6 per cent – saving more than 4,000 litres of fuel and almost 7,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions for each diesel truck per year. “TruckLabs’ innovative TruckWings product is an ideal addition to ConMet’s portfolio,” said ConMet President, John Waters. “Their technology aligns well with our goal of providing OEMs and fleets with forward-thinking, profitable solutions to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.” Following the 250 per cent yearover-year growth of TruckWings, this strategic investment by ConMet will enable continued growth and impact for TruckWings in reducing emissions in the commercial vehicle industry. “ConMet is the perfect partner to introduce our product to a wider customer base, and adds much needed scale to our manufacturing capabilities,” said Daniel Burrows, founder and CEO of TruckLabs. “Together, my team and I are excited to join with ConMet to supercharge our impact on our customers’ fuel costs and climate goals.” Through TruckWings’ telematics technology, every mile is tracked to

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commerc

NORTH AMERICA provide real-time reporting. Every TruckWings-equipped commercial vehicle is equivalent to removing two cars from the road. As the industry explores alternative fuels like electric and hydrogen, improved aerodynamics will play an ever more important role in addressing range extension and weight reduction, ConMet said.

US Wisconsin-based Stoughton Trailers has a new dealer joining its network of trailer sales and service providers. The American semi-trailer manufacturer announced it will bring Fleet Trailer

& Equipment (FTE), which provides trailer sales, leasing, parts, service and graphics expertise, into its fold. “We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent Stoughton Trailers in Alabama and Mississippi,” said CEO Pres Overby, “We believe our team, facilities and processes provide customers with the best service in the southeast. Stoughton’s commitment to building quality products, coupled with our experienced dealer team will provide even more value to trucking customers in our market.” The Stoughton Trailers’ dealer network provides sales, parts and service to

trailer customers across the United States, Canada and Mexico. “We are proud to welcome Pres and the FTE team to the Stoughton Trailers network of full-service dealers,” said FTE Vice President of Sales – Dealer Channel, Luke McMaster. “This is a highly capable team with an outstanding reputation for focused customer support. We believe they have the right experience, relationships, and world-class facilities to help us grow our dry van, reefer and chassis market sales in the increasingly important southeast market.” Meanwhile, the company has also

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL NORTH AMERICA appointed a new General Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing for its Stoughton Parts Sales business. Lance Hansen has a diverse background of sales and management experience in the trucking industry. He most recently worked at Bendix CVS, where he was Vice President of Aftermarket Sales, Fleet, & Field Operations, serving the United States, Mexico and Canada. Stoughton Trailers is a family-owned company that designs, manufactures and markets semi-truck trailers and intermodal container chassis used for over-the-road trucking, as well as agricultural trailers and other specialty transportation equipment.

US American logistics equipment provider, Wabash, has announced it will launch a joint venture with investment firm Fernweh Group. The Indiana-based company is hoping to drive a “significant expansion” of its Wabash Parts distribution network and Trailers as a Service capabilities, and to enhance the company’s e-commerce platform and partner ecosystem. The new business is intended to accelerate Wabash’s development and growth of an end-to-end digital platform and under terms of the deal, Wabash will have a 49 per cent interest and California-based Fernweh will hold a 51 per cent share. “The transportation, logistics and distribution industry continues to experience a rapid pace of change,” said Wabash President and CEO, Brent Yeagy. “In 2020 we made a strategic pivot to transform the company so Wabash would be ready to meet the

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needs of the future, including shifting resources to lead the end-to-end digital transformation of our industry. This joint venture with Fernweh is the next step in that transformation and will allow Wabash to experiment, learn and iterate with speed.” Meanwhile, Wabash has reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The company’s net sales for the third quarter of 2023 reached $632.8 million, reflecting a 3.4 per cent decrease compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The company achieved consolidated gross profit of $123 million, equivalent to 19.4 per cent of sales. Operating income amounted to $77.6 million, representing 12.3 per cent of sales for the quarter. These results exceeded prior expectations, primarily due to the company’s strong material margin, favourable product mix, and strong results from parts and services, tanks, and truck bodies. As of September 30, 2023, total company backlog stood at approximately $1.9 billion, a decrease of 20 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2022 as the timing of order activity is likely to come toward the later end of typical seasonal patterns for the industry. “We’ve successfully created value by redefining our relationships with customers and suppliers, and now, we’re ready to take it to the next level,” Yeagy said. “With digital transformation as our compass, we are poised to extend our reach even further within the dynamic segments of transportation, logistics, and distribution as we set the groundwork

to deliver an innovative digital marketplace that will endeavour to enhance efficiency for our customers by pulling on the full breadth of our partner ecosystem.” Yeagy said the company is poised to generate significant free cash flow in 2023 even while making meaningful investments in operations.

US North American freight and logistics company, XPO, has begun construction on a new 60-door facility in Lakeland, Florida. The project marks an important milestone in the implementation of the company’s previously announced plan to grow capacity in its North American network with the addition of 900 net new doors nationally by the first quarter of 2024. “We’re excited to expand our footprint in the dynamic Central Florida region, as we continue to grow capacity in strategic markets where we expect strong long-term demand,” said XPO Chief Executive Officer, Dave Bates. “This new service centre in Lakeland will greatly benefit our customers and provide best-in-class freight transportation service to businesses across the state. It also allows us to support the local community with well-paying jobs.” The almost 3,000 square metre facility will is expected to open for business in the second quarter of 2024, servicing areas that include Tampa, Orlando and Lakeland and when completed, the company expects to employ approximately 75 people. Currently, XPO employs nearly 640 people across ten service centres in Florida.

SOUTH AMERICA & OCEANIA Q3 results reflect Randoncorp stability.

BRAZIL Randoncorp has recorded a consolidated net revenue of 2.9 billion BRL (almost €550 million) in the third quarter of 2023, a positive outcome considering the current competitive market context. Year-to-date, the transport equipment company has recorded 8.3 billion BRL (€1.5 billion), a figure that represents stability in comparison to the first nine months of 2022, even in a year with a strong retraction in volumes in one of the company’s main markets. Randoncorp’s CFO Paulo Prignolato said that the performance achieved, despite a drop in volumes and revenues associated with the truck market and a challenging international scenario, is thanks to the company’s business strategy. “We are managing to deal with and

overcome these challenges due to the resilience of our companies and our diversification of markets, geographies and portfolios, which in addition to contributing to positive results, allow us to continue executing our strategic plan,” he said. Consolidated EBITDA reached 396.4 BRL million (almost €75 million) in the third quarter, reaching 1.3 billion BRL (€246 million) in the year, which represents an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the period from January to September 2022. The EBITDA margin remained stable in the quarter compared to the same period last year, at 13.7 per cent, and is at 15.4 per cent in 2023, above the same period of the previous year. The company suggests the factors contributing to revenue include continued good demand in the

semi-trailer market, as well as solid aftermarket performance in both revenue and sales volumes. Revenue from the foreign market, which combine export values with sales made by units located outside Brazil, totalled $119.1 million USD in the third quarter, representing 20.1 per cent of consolidated net revenue. In 2023, this indicator reached $385.4 million USD, 15.5 per cent higher than the same period in 2022, favoured by the increase in revenues from operations Hercules, in the United States, and Juratek, in the United Kingdom. “Over the last few years, we have focused on expanding our operations in the aftermarket and international markets,” said Randoncorp CEO, Sérgio Carvalho. “Adding to all this, portfolio expansion and defence of the leadership position in our already consolidated businesses continue to be fundamental to the company’s strategy. We remain confident in achieving the main indicators of the guidance released to the market, certain that we are on the correct path so that the company continues to grow in a sustainable and balanced way.” Financial solidity has also been a factor in the results recorded, Randoncorp said, and was highlighted by the S&P Global Ratings agency, which maintained the corporate rating on the Brazilian national scale at “brAA+” and recently changed the outlook from stable to positive. Among the points listed for this classification are the expectation of good profitability and reduction in Randoncorp’s leverage in the coming years, due to the recovery of operating markets and greater cash generation.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL OCEANIA AUSTRALIA NatRoad, the largest national association for the Australian road transport industry, has joined IRU as its newest member. The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is a not-forprofit association that supports Australian road transport operators, while the IRU is the International Road Transport Union, a global road transport organisation, upholding the interests of commercial road vehicles. “With a history spanning 75 years, NatRoad plays a critical role in improving the industry and operating environment for all Australian road transport operators,” said IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto. “The global IRU network will surely benefit from NatRoad’s extensive knowledge in improving sector conditions as well as in sustainability and environmental matters, particularly eco-trucks, given Australia’s long experience with road trains.” NatRoad is comprised of 2,000 members that together employ more than 15,000 people, and advocate for the country’s $96 billion road freight industry. Our key priorities are to help our members and create the conditions for a thriving, safe and profitable road transport industry in Australia, and joining IRU will only further these objectives,” said NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark. “Our commitment to safety, efficiency, sustainability and industry best practices aligns perfectly with the values upheld by IRU. We particularly look forward to working with IRU’s global network of national associations

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and leading international road transport companies to exchange on decarbonisation avenues and best practices.”

AUSTRALIA Three Schmitz Cargobull employees have travelled from Germany to the other side of the world to help support their colleagues at the Australian Schmitz Cargobull factory in Melbourne. The three employees, who recently completed their training, have taken up the challenge of moving down under to use what they’ve learned to implement Schmitz Cargobull processes, advance the expansion of the service areas and help with the introduction of trailer telematics and the transport refrigeration unit S.CU in Australia and New Zealand. “This is the greatest adventure of my

Schmitz Cargobull trio on adventure down under.

life and definitely a different life than in Germany,” said Jan Fiedler, who will focus on marketing the Schmitz Cargobull trailer telematics, digital services and eventually the introduction of refrigerated transport. “I was convinced to take this step and gain a lot of experience, after all, it’s not every day that you get an offer like this.” Schmitz Cargobull’s refrigerated truck assembly plant in Melbourne opened in 2019, manufacturing vehicles specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Tobias Iking, who has completed his studies in industrial engineering, is working as a supply manager after introducing the Melbourne site to the cross-factory Schmitz Cargobull production system. He will remain in Australia for two years. Meanwhile, Michael Lösing, a trained

OCEANIA mechatronics engineer, will support the implementation of the Schmitz Cargobull production system, which has already been implemented in other plants, and help build it from the ground up. “For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to travel a lot and get to know new countries and cultures,” said Lösing. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of building the proven processes in our Melbourne factory.” Schmitz Cargobull has more than 90 trainees in more than 20 different professions at the German locations in Horstmar, Altenberge, Vreden, Münster and Gotha. “We are very pleased that we were able to recruit three employees.” said Schmitz Cargobull Head of Group Human Resources, Michael Hengesbach. “Through their professional training and previous work at Schmitz Cargobull, they bring in-depth specialist knowledge and we wish them much success and fun in their new tasks in Australia and New Zealand.”

AUSTRALIA Freight Management Holdings, part of Singapore Post (SingPost), has agreed to acquire Border Express, the sixth largest national transport and distribution service provider in Australia. With a network of 16 facilities, a fleet of more than 700 vehicles and a dedicated team of 1,300 employees, Border Express has proven itself to be a reliable partner to 3,000-plus clients from across industries including large retail and consumer brands. Upon completion, Border Express will join the transportation companies held under the FMH Group umbrella, GKR

Transport, Niche Logistics, BagTrans, Formby Logistics and Spectrum Transport. Over the past three years, SingPost has expanded its operations in Australia with the FMH Group and CouriersPlease. This transaction is reported to align with SingPost’s strategic ambition to expand its logistics network and foster synergy within its Australian operations to deliver enhanced value to its customers and partners. In addition to this transaction, SingPost has reached agreement with the remaining minority shareholders of FMH to take its ownership to 100 per cent. The Australian integrated logistics market, according to FMH, is estimated at over $120 billion AUD. With the acquisition of Border Express, the revenues of the enlarged FMH Group are expected to exceed $1 billion SGD. “FMH Group has built a sustainable integrated logistics business in Australia,” said SingPost Group Chief CEO, Vincent Phang. “This acquisition is immediately accretive to earnings, solidifies FMH as a leading logistics provider, and continues the growth and development of our Australian operations. We look forward to welcoming Border Express to the FMH Group and SingPost Group family.” Simon Slagter, FMH Group Group CEO, added: “Border Express is a highlyregarded transportation provider throughout Australia. Upon completion, the acquisition will support FMH Group to realise the vision of a new logistics ecosystem where people and physical assets are connected through a ubiquitous technology platform, enabling true supply chain efficiency.”

Border Express Executive Director Transformation, Mark Luff, said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter as we enter into a conditional agreement with FMH Group. Joining forces with FMH Group will provide us with access to an extensive network, cutting-edge technology and resources that will enable us to serve our customers even better and expand our reach even further.” The transaction is subject to relevant statutory approvals and other closing conditions. SingPost, founded in 1858, is a postal and e-commerce logistics provider in Asia Pacific. Its portfolio of businesses ranges from national and international postal services to warehousing and fulfilment, international freight forwarding and last mile delivery, serving customers in more than 220 global destinations. Headquartered in Singapore, SingPost has more than 4,900 employees, with offices in 13 markets worldwide.

NEW ZEALAND Australian logistics company, Qube Holdings, has fully acquired Pinnacle Corporation, giving it a stronger foothold in the New Zealand market. The Aotearoa-based group of companies provide container storage, handling and logistics and employ about 300 staff. “This acquisition will see Qube’s brand presence grow in the New Zealand container logistics market, with significant longer-term organic growth opportunities, and builds on our existing port logistics presence,” said Qube Managing Director, Paul Digney. In May, Qube made its first foray into New Zealand, securing 50 per cent stake in Pinnacle and fully acquiring specialist

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE & OCEANIA bulk logistics provider, Kalari Proprietary. Along with the full acquisition of Pinnacle, Qube has also taken over Western Australian company, Stevenson Logistics, an established container transport and logistics operator located in the port precinct of North Fremantle. The move, Digney said, would expand the company’s exposure to the hay and agriculture export market in Western Australia.

UK AIT Worldwide Logistics has secured the purchase of Mach II Shipping Ltd, a UK-based freight forwarder specialising in worldwide distribution of pharmaceuticals and related products. According to AIT, the acquired company has earned a reputation for high-quality shipping solutions in the life sciences industry, including transportation programs for clinical trials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmaceutical machinery and finished products. “In addition to temperature-controlled air freight, Mach II provides outstanding dedicated road service for high-value life sciences moves throughout Europe with a managed fleet of temperaturecontrolled vehicles operated by Good Distribution Practices-trained independent contractors,” said AIT Executive Vice President, Life Sciences, Chris Amberg. “Additionally, their value-added services include in-house customs clearance and a temperaturecontrolled warehouse in Ashford, Middlesex, near London Heathrow Airport.” Services at the Ashford location are mirrored by a second office in the Netherlands, opened in 2019 as a

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response to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. This facility features an ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer farm, safely and securely storing oncology products at below -60°C. Mach II’s global Pharmafreight partner network is also included as part of the acquisition. “I’m delighted to welcome Mach II and Pharmafreight teammates to the company,” said AIT President and Chief Operating Officer, Keith Tholan. “Their well-tenured expertise provides an instant boost to our world-class Life Sciences Division, and we look forward to elevating cold chain service for our customers, especially in Europe.”

POLAND Cold chain logistics company, Lineage, opened its new Central Eastern European Headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, late last year. The new office reinforces Lineage’s presence in the region after the company’s 2020 acquisition and rebranding of Pago, a warehousing, distribution and transport logistics provider in Poland. “The opening of the Warsaw office is the latest step in empowering us to elevate service standards and bolster capabilities in the temperaturecontrolled supply chain, serving customers across Europe,” said the President of Lineage Europe, Harld Peters. “As Poland stands as the sixth largest food producer in the European Union, our network in this region will offer customers access to a developed market with cutting-edge technologies.” The opening also solidifies Lineage’s focus on streamlining Europe’s

food supply chain, the company said, presenting customers with a comprehensive solution for transporting products across Europe, significantly improving operational efficiencies. With a strategically positioned network of facilities in pivotal European ports, such as Spain, Italy, and France, Lineage aims to optimise the movement of food products within the temperaturecontrolled supply chain. “Our office in Warsaw reflects Poland’s pivotal role as the gateway to Central Eastern Europe and a crucial market for produce movement in Europe,” said Regional Vice President Operations, Central & Eastern Europe, Daniel Chudzik. Presently, Lineage operates a network of more than 70 cold chain facilities in 11 countries in Europe, including six facilities in Poland.

AUSTRALIA The Drake Group has received a Product Innovation Award for the O’Phee ‘London’ Double Stack Container Super B-Double Skel trailer. The Product Innovation Award, as part of the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) National Awards, recognises HVIA members who have designed, utilised new technology or built an innovative product to address the growing road freight task. Manufactured by The Drake Group, ‘London’ represents a significant leap forward in the field of container transportation. Mick O’Phee said it brings a whole new meaning to High Productivity Vehicles (HPV). The Super B-Double Skel trailer combination, which has also been

OCEANIA designed to run as a Super B-triple, can double stack containers with a fully Australian-compliant load restraint system. It can transport four 40’ containers or eight 20’ containers before a third trailer is added, significantly increasing productivity and efficiency by 100 per cent over current existing Super B-double combinations in a single journey. This was proven in the combination’s first trial on public roads earlier this year with Qube, where, under stringent safety conditions, it carried eight empty twentyfoot equivalent (TEU) containers on a defined route within Qube’s port facilities and limited public port roads. Accepting the award on 24 November, Mick O’Phee thanked everyone involved in the project. “This combination and operation could not happen without the support of the regulators, the stakeholders and of course, due process,” he said. “Thank you to the NHVR, Port of Brisbane, Transport and Main Roads, the police and our valued customer, Qube. “The meetings together have been countless and seemed endless throughout this journey.” O’Phee also took the opportunity to thank NHVR Chief Engineer, Les Bruzsa, for his support. “Les’ guidance, support and wisdom has been invaluable,” he said. “We have worked together on many first concepts over 30 years. “We’ve developed a lot of new things together before Les was even in the NHVR, and I appreciate your valued support.” The ‘London’ combination was first unveiled earlier this year at the 2023

Brisbane Truck show. The term ‘London’ was a code O’Phee Trailers used, based on the famous London double decker buses, to keep the project under the radar during the concept, design, manufacturing and approval process. During the design phase, the combination was subjected to countless regulatory and independent safety and operational assessments. These included an independent assessment report by O’Brien Traffic, NHVR’s Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Framework and computer simulations which evaluated performance under various loading scenarios, wind monitoring and wind loading assessments, road infrastructure and traffic management assessments on route, load restraint assessments and Swept Path Analysis. Once it was constructed, ‘London’ went through further safety tests and assessments including physical tilt tests and desktop assessments relating to its stability. Although it is currently restricted to transporting empty containers on a defined route within Qube’s facility and limited public port roads, The Drake Group has solid enquires from other operators and Ports domestically and internationally that are interested in adopting the high productivity trailer.

AUSTRALIA The Queensland Government has started works on the Inland Freight Route, also known as the Second Bruce, through a $107 million early works package. The package will include priority upgrades along the critical freight route, brought forward by accelerated

Queensland funding. This lays the foundation for major works as part of the $1 billion Inland Freight Route. The 1,185-kilometre Inland Freight Route will establish a viable northsouth alternative to the Bruce Highway, forming a critical freight corridor between Mungindi and Charters Towers. More than half of the State Government’s $200 million commitment is now on the table to accelerate early works delivery. This is kickstarted by a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will widen the existing bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres. Works will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles. This is the first of two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston. The $107 million early works package will focus on addressing constraints north of Injune, and constraints in the vicinity of Belyando, including: two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway; major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway; two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont; and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said building the Second Bruce is essential as Queensland population continues to boom. “It will provide an alternative route for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events,” she said. “Our government wants to see this

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL OCEANIA critical freight corridor built, so we’re honouring our commitment to this project and getting works started now.” With the Bruce Highway being the “single most important highway in the country”, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mundgindi and Charters Towers is vital. “By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring strong supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities,” he said. “Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway.”

AUSTRALIA Secon Freight Logistics founder, Maurice (Maurie) Joseph Considine, has passed away at the age of 91. Co-founding Secon Freight Logistics in 1969 with fellow partner, Jim Seide, Considine established a growing business based upon the values and principles that he always maintained throughout all his endeavours in life. The idea to start the company came about at a Christmas party the year prior during a conversation with Seide, where Considine suggested that they go into business. His words were, “If you look after the trucks, I’ll get the customers”. In a statement online, Secon Freight Logistics said Considine had an incredible life, a competitive spirit and an overwhelming desire to help others. “He often said he is most proud of being

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able to provide employment for over 150 people,” the company said. “Maurie was well respected within the Logistics industry and will be missed by many. “We thank Maurie for everything he has done for us, for those before us, and the others that will come after us. As a Secon family, we will miss him dearly.” Outside of work, Considine was very active and played 37 VFL games with Hawthorn as number 28. He also coached Victorian State Team, Old Paradians Football Club, and was Assistant Coach at Hawthorn under John Kennedy for five years. Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO, Peter Anderson, expressed his condolences to Considine, one of the association’s dearest members and supporters of the industry. “Maurie was always innovative in his thinking, hard working at everything he tackled, humble around others, generous to those less fortunate than himself and the epitome of a real gentleman,” Anderson said. “With five sons all starting their working lives within the transport industry those values that he espoused throughout his life continue. “A loving husband, proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Maurie was a man that our industry was proud to have in its ranks.”

AUSTRALIA A 10-year contract between transport and logistics company, Austrans, and rail freight operator, Pacific National, was announced late last year. This deal supports their mission to decarbonise the national supply chain by moving more freight on rail and

demonstrates an investment in people, equipment and technology. “This announcement solidifies the 37-year relationship between Pacific National and Austrans,” said Austrans Managing Director, Greg O’Shea. “Pacific National’s performance and customer-centric focus are unmatched in rail and align seamlessly with Austrans’ core values, which have been a driving force behind our business growth. “Pacific National’s support has helped Austrans evolve from a small freight forwarder into a nationally recognised presence in Australia. “I am thrilled about our future to grow with Pacific National and the additional benefits this collaboration will bring to our customers and the environment. Here’s to pushing boundaries for our end customers, fostering a less carbon intensive future in the national supply chain, and delivering what matters together.” Paul Scurrah, CEO and Managing Director of Pacific National, said the contract is an excellent outcome for Austrans customers. “Pacific National is Australia’s leading containerised rail freight provider, and it continues to invest heavily in people, rollingstock and terminal assets, and new and improved technologies,” he said. “These investment initiatives, combined with Pacific National’s existing depth of nationwide expertise and operational capacity, provides Austrans with added scope to expand and thrive in the national supply chain. Rail freight also provides a lower emissions transport solution to both Austrans and its many end customers. “Pacific National aims to be Australia’s most trusted and respected logistics

OCEANIA partner by delivering what matters, and we are excited to continue transforming the intermodal containerised market with our long-term partner Austrans.”

NEW ZEALAND Cold chain logistics company, Lineage, has opened a new next-generation cold-storage facility in Tauranga, New Zealand. “We’re very proud to grow our network in New Zealand to meet the needs of our customers in this market,” said Lineage President for Asia Pacific, Brooke Miller. “With over three million cubic feet of space, and more than 16,000 pallet positions, the Tauriko facility is a significant expansion of our operations In New Zealand.” Lineage Regional Vice President for New Zealand, Guy Moniz, said the access to the Port of Tauranga was one of the many advantages of building the world-class facility. “With our new facility less than 20km from one of the country’s largest ports, we are well-positioned to continue delivering excellence in supply chain solutions and serve our customers in the region,” he said. In line with Lineage’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency was a central consideration in the construction of the project. The warehouse is equipped with a rainwater harvesting system for refrigeration condensing, rapid doors on all chambers to minimise temperature fluctuations, and features an 890kW solar array for power generation. Lineage in New Zealand now has 25 facilities across the country, stretching from Auckland to Dunedin.

AUSTRALIA A new research hub is expected to foster the research and commercialisation of 2D materials like graphene which can be used in a range of applications including batteries, coatings, paints and sensors. Member for Chisholm, Dr Carina Garland, recently opened the new Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing of 2D Materials (AM2D). It is hosted by Monash University at the Faculty of Engineering in Clayton, Victoria. The opening showcased the research activities the hub would undertake and provided an opportunity for researchers to discuss new developments in the industry. Capable of high conductivity, strength, advanced thermal and optical properties, 2D materials – including graphene – can be used for a range of purposes. AM2D’s research will focus on Australia’s graphene and 2D manufacturing capability by supporting the production of high-tech products, including energy storage devices, advanced anti-corrosion coatings, sensors and water treatment membranes. AM2D Director Professor, Mainak Majumder, has a decade of experience in graphene research and commercialisation. “Graphene’s versatility has spawned many applications that are finding their way to the market,” said Professor Majumder. “We are at the tip of this iceberg in this journey as innovative grapheneenhanced products are being designed, and existing products are moving up the technology readiness levels (TRL).” AM2D has secured $9.4 million in

funding over the next five years, including $4.4 million under the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Research Program. Monash University will team up with five other Australian universities: the University of Adelaide, RMIT, Queensland University of Technology, University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. These universities will also work in collaboration with Ceylon Graphene Technologies, Ionic Industries, NematiQ, Sparc Technologies, Industrial Innovations, Cientifica and CSIRO to realise the transformative potential of 2D materials. AM2D is building upon an already established collaboration and connection between industry and universities to create jobs in manufacturing and hightech industries, and to also continue the growth of the sector. Professor Majumder said the newly launched Hub will take a holistic approach to the development, manufacture and application of 2D materials including how they move across the supply chain. “AM2D is also looking at ways to overcome bottlenecks in sustainably producing and modifying bulk quantities of 2D materials and using machine learning to cost-effectively characterise these materials,” said Professor Majumder. “We’re investigating the ways in which we can add value to Australian mineral and mining resources and cater to the global demand for critical materials required for the energy transition. It’s a very exciting, very diverse research agenda, but we have a fantastic and diverse team from all over Australia and internationally to help support this.”

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WHERE COMMUNICATION

IS KEY

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COVER STORY

WHAT BEGAN AS A MODEST SAWMILL IN THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL HAS, OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS, EXPANDED TO BECOME A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE BRAZILIAN TRAILER BUILDING MARKET. LIBRELATO HAS GAINED A REPUTATION OF BUILDING EQUIPMENT THAT CAN WITHSTAND THE VARIED AND DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTRY, WHICH THE COMPANY SAYS COMES DOWN TO LISTENING TO ITS CUSTOMERS.

company can have the best in quality material and the most innovative technology on the market, but if its customers aren’t satisfied, it isn’t doing its job. That is why, for Brazilian manufacturer Librelato, customers are its guide and at the centre of its decision-making. “Our philosophy is based on the understanding that the success of the company’s business is directly linked to customer satisfaction,” said Librelato CEO, José Carlos Sprícigo. “Therefore, we establish constant communication with our customers to understand their needs and present solutions suitable to their reality. Through this dialog, new possibilities in products and innovations are born.” Librelato is part of the Librepar holding company, which includes: Ibero Group, Sthall Master, Libreparts, also Sigaway, Movanto and Librelato Financial brands. Its manufacturing facilities are found in Criciúma and Içara in the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of the country. With an industrial site of 86,000m² including four production units, Librelato annually produces 13,500 units of semi-trailers. In 2022 alone, its revenues exceeded R$2 billion (more than €370 million) and it currently employs 2,000 staff. The company’s portfolio has grown and diversified over the last five decades to include semi-trailers, interlink trailers and road-trains for various applications, such as flatbeds, bulk grains, tippers, tankers, curtainsiders, dry vans, lowbeds, intermodal chassis, among other special lines. Librelato is one of the fastest growing trailer builders in the national market and currently, it ranks as the third largest company in the sector. It has significantly expanded its international presence, exporting 6,000 trailers in recent years, to become Brazil’s second largest trailer exporter. The company offers solutions for virtually all product lines in trailers and semi-trailers. “Our great differential is the robustness of our products, combined with the low weight. This means that Librelato’s trailers are more resistant and, at the same time, lighter,” Sprícigo said. “Therefore, we are gaining, year by year, more space in the national market and in the international market.” In the last 12 months, the company has invested in the development of new technologies and services for the market. At Fenatran 2022, for example, the main trade fair for the road transport in Latin America, Librelato presented Librelato Financial, the company’s new financing service. During the event, Sigaway was also presented to the market and brought the possibility of monitoring loads and vehicles of any brand. Meanwhile, the creation of the Librepar holding company represented

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Librelato CEO, José Carlos Sprícigo.

one of the most significant changes for Librelato in recent years. The new group signals a horizon of new possibilities with a structure divided into three verticals, to increase each business unit: Assembling vertical, headed by Librelato, Auto Parts vertical – with Ibero and Sthall Master – and Technology Services vertical, where the startups, Sigaway, Movanto and Librelato Financial, represent the group’s investment in diversifying markets and revenues. The market

Looking broadly at the trailer market in Brazil, Sprícigo explains that in the segment where Librelato operates, configurations such as tippers trailers, bulk grain and tankers are predominant and account for the largest number of sales, bringing new demands every year. In addition, with increasingly specialized and professional logistics, new configurations are emerging. Trailers in Brazil, for example, which two years ago had three axles, today have four axles which allows carrying more load in a single trailer. In the segment of trailers and semi-trailers, the Brazilian market reached 57,800 units licensed from January to August last year. Innovation

The widespread innovation strategy within Librelato focuses on makeing the customer and market need always the priority. As a result, the search for more sustainable, enabling, and profitable technologies for carriers has been a constant, Sprícigo said. “Cargo is the most valuable product of road transport, and it is precisely what we care about most,” he said. “Our history demonstrates this. We started with trailers that were increasingly lighter, but with greater robustness. That brought greater load capacity to the carrier and the possibility of reducing fuel consumption.” Another advancement Librelato has made, is in the area of logistics with its trailers connected through high embedded technology, which allows, for example, total fleet management and control through advanced telemetry solutions. The company also believes in not just investing in products, services and solutions but also in the constant modernisation of its factories, Sprícigo said. “We understand that the quality of Librelato trailers is closely linked to the advances

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COVER STORY

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Anzeige 1

A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP José Antônio Gorgen is a Brazilian gaucho, also known as a cowboy. From heading out at the age of 19 to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, bordering Argentina and Uruguay, to make his mark growing grains, he went on to become the founder and president of the GEES Group, one of the largest soybean producers in Brazil with six farms adding up to 38 thousand hectares. A Librelato brand customer since 2012, Gorgen has acquired more than 1,900 products from Librelato, helping the company become a pioneer in the adoption of tipper trailers for grain transport. For Gorgen, the rough conditions including poor paving makes Librelato’s trailers and their quality design a must-have. “They are extremely reliable products for my operation,” he said. “Because they are lighter and more robust, they can carry more load and require less maintenance. That is, they are available longer in the harvest outflow operation. In addition, due to the high quality of the composition, its resale value is excellent.”

The future

of our manufacturing processes, especially, to the qualification, engagement, and appreciation of our workforce.” Offerings

With a focus on delivering economically viable technological solutions to fleet owners as well as lighter and more durable products, the translation is greater profitability to customers according to Sprícigo. Case in point it the company’s Evolut series in the area of tippers, flatbeds, tankers and curtainsider trailers. In addition to the four-axis version, exclusive options were added to the portfolio that started to facilitate the transport of materials with anti-corrosion properties, speeding up the fastening of loads and enabling the control of fleets. Following the global trend, Librelato’s current products already have connectivity technology. The telemetry system facilitates fleet management, with intelligence and efficiency and allows operations to be safer in all aspects. Among the most wanted features in the market are real-time location, alert, speed history and downtime, Sprícigo explained. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also stands out as currently one of the most desirable features by Brazilian fleet owners, primarily due to the extended tyre lifespan it offers. The feature has demonstrated its value by extending the life of the tyres by 30 per cent.

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Librelato’s strategies are mainly anchored in the vision of expansion and continuous improvement. Sprícigo said its main goal is to consolidate the company’s leadership in its segment each year, by expanding its presence in national and international markets. “We will continue to invest in research and development, aiming to create innovative and sustainable products to meet the growing demands for efficiency and safety in the transport sector,” he said. The company also intends to strengthen existing partnerships with national and international suppliers and customers. In this regard, geographic expansion is a priority, with a focus on new markets and brand consolidation in places where it already operates. “Librelato will always have the customer as the focus of its activities,” Sprícigo said. “The purpose is to exceed expectations and provide high quality services and products that boost the business of partners and customers.” www.librelato.com.br

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THE

AMERICAN WAY BY ALL ACCOUNTS, MARKET DATA COMING FROM THE AMERICAN TRAILER BUILDING SECTOR IS SENDING MIXED MESSAGES AND THE POSSIBLE REASONS ARE VARIED. FROM ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND LABOUR SHORTAGES TO OVERSEAS COMPETITION, THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPINIONS AS THE AMERICAN TRAILER INDUSTRY ASSESSES THE FUTURE.

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ast November the US International Development Finance Corp. announced it would fund a $553 million project to build a deep-water shipping container terminal in Sri Lanka’s Port of Colombo. The project was billed as an opportunity to transform Colombo into a world-class logistics hub at the intersection of major shipping routes and emerging markets, but pundits knew it was a move to directly compete with China in international development financing. Competing with China has arguably become an American industry past-time and that includes the trailer building industry. Such is the concern that some are taking their arguments to Congress.

MARKET REPORT

W W W.G LO B A LT R A I L E R M AG .C O M / G LO B A L T R A I L E R / 3 1

Last year, Wisconsin-based Stoughton Trailers hosted members of Congress at a roundtable event to discuss the ‘threat to American manufacturing’. Stoughton President and CEO, Bob Wahlin, has been vocal in his concerns about the state of domestic manufacturing and competition from foreign manufacturers, and how new policies might boost domestic economic activity. While one side of the argument is firmly of the belief that overseas trailer manufacturing is causing American companies to lose market share and is threatening jobs, some experts argue the market is actually doing well and perhaps increased competition has forced American manufacturers to become more efficient and innovative. So, the question remains. Is overseas manufacturing a real or exaggerated threat? According to federal data, nearly 13 million Americans are employed in manufacturing, which is the highest number since the recession of the late 2000s. Within the American trailer building sector, the market is expected to reach a value of $16.3 billion in 2024, representing a 3.1 per cent increase from 2023. This growth is expected to be driven by several factors including rebounding demand, an improved supply chain and moderate American economic growth. The dry van trailer segment is expected to be the largest in 2024, accounting for 57 per cent of total revenue due to the strong growth of e-commerce driving demand for

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KEY US TRAILER BUILDING MARKET TRENDS •

I ncreasing demand for lightweight trailers in an attempt to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

•

rowing adoption of technology such as G telematics and electronic braking systems.

•

S hifting demand towards specialised trailers such as reefers and flatbed trailers.

CHALLENGES FACING THE US TRAILER BUILDING MARKET •

Supply chain disruptions leading to shortages of raw materials and components.

•

A shortage of skilled labour.

•

Economic uncertainty including rising interest rates and inflation.

MARKET REPORT

 “WE THINK EQUIPMENT PURCHASING PAT TERNS ARE CHANGING, WHICH SHOULD PROPEL THE FREIGHT CYCLE FORWARD IN 2024.” Tim Denoyer ACT Research Vice President and Senior Analyst

transportation to distribution centres. While the push to keep manufacturing on American soil appears to be shared on both sides of the political spectrum, not everyone thinks the answer is as simple as cutting off foreign countries. In a recent opinion piece in Foreign Policy Magazine, the President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Adam Posen, argues that if the government imposes export and investment restrictions on countries such as China, if would then have to monitor and prevent its own headquartered companies from moving activities abroad. “There is no reason to take that frustration out on the rest of the world—let alone on private Chinese companies that happen to have had commercial success,” he writes. “In fact, doing so will make US security worse by hindering the technological progress necessary for resilience and by eroding the United States’ influence on third countries.”

ACT RESEARCH UPDATE Expectations are for freight markets to continue bouncing along the bottom in the near term, following holiday volatility and a change in trajectory on the way in 2024. Tim Denoyer, ACT Research Vice President and Senior Analyst, said retail sales turned back to real growth last holiday season after a year of declines. “The acceleration in real disposable income growth as inflation slowed sharply in 2023, and the ongoing strong labor market, support a recovery in goods demand. The end of destocking, rise in imports, and recent easing in oil prices improved our confidence that peak season would end on a higher note for freight demand. But although private fleet capacity expansion continues to pull freight from the for-hire market, we think equipment purchasing patterns are changing, which should propel the freight cycle forward in 2024.” Spot load postings remain low, and while spot equipment posts have declined, the rebalancing of capacity is making little net progress with the industry still adding capacity. Slowing Class 8 tractor sales—recent selling rates are already down 20 per cent from the record 1H’23 level— means fewer new additions, and the pace of fleet exits remains historically elevated, so the removal of overcapacity is gaining momentum under the surface. Denoyer said: “With freight volumes broadly starting to pick up, the spot market is still loose heading into winter, but we expect the trajectory of rates to shift in 2024.”

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STRENX

IN NUMBERS

WITH A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN EQUIPMENT WEIGHT AND OPERATIONAL COSTS, MORE AND MORE TRAILER MANUFACTURERS WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO IMPROVE AND LIGHTEN THEIR OFFERINGS. ONE COLOMBIAN TRAILER COMPANY’S EXTENSIVE RESEARCH HAS DISCOVERED THE ANSWER, COMPLETELY CHANGING HOW IT BUILDS TRAILERS.

t was just over a decade ago when the Hidroamerica team realised they needed to start making some changes and embrace innovation. It was a time when strong and robust equipment was the trend, but as the Bogota-based trailer manufacturing company noticed, that same equipment was also extremely heavy. The search began with a trip. “We visited factories in the United States and learned about T1,” said Hidroamerica General Manager, Felipe Guerrero. “We started looking for this type of material and in 2013 we found SSAB, who we knew would be able to supply special steel in Colombia.” Since that time, Hidroamerica has worked exclusively with SSAB’s Strenx and Hardox steels, considered to be among some of the strongest in the world. “Today, these materials are our standard,” said Guerrero. “They have a very large

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repertoire, which we have used throughout our entire portfolio of semitrailers, flatbeds, tippers, cement hoppers, low-beds and chassis equipment.” In its quest to reduce weight while still offering customers good performance, the Hidroamerica team produced a prototype – a 60-tonne lowbed with a detachable gooseneck. The goal was to create a much lighter trailer and increase the payload capacity, in other words, make every trip more profitable. The result was a flatbed trailer fully constructed with Strenx steel that was 36 per cent lighter when compared to the same semitrailer using ASTM A36, a commonly used steel alloy. Within the design, the flatbed frame is made completely of Strenx 700 as well as all structural components and even the stamped steel floor, which has a cross-hatched surface and a reduced weight of 300 kilograms. In fact, the entire trailer had weighed 7,500 kilograms whereas with the use of Strenx, its weight was 4,800 kilograms, but has all the same benefits. For Guerrero, the benefits of using Strenx steel is in the customer’s profitability. “If you need a robust frame, we offer a higher strength steel that adds durability without

B U I LT TO TA S K

increasing the weight,” he said. “Conversely, if the customer wants a lighter frame, they will get a lighter rig without sacrificing on the frame’s strength.” Having done the math, Hidroamerica said after approximately five years, the increased payload capacity alone pays for the entire cost of the trailer because of this additional tare weight. As Hidroamerica continued to use Strenx and it became their standard, the company began investing in the product by converting its entire manufacturing process to SNC plasma cutting and submerged arc welding for chassis beams. As the team learned and became more adept at using Strenx over traditional steel, the trailers became entire made of the material. “Today, Strenx® steel is used in more than just the main beams. It’s in the entire frame –, every beam, strut, even the floor, is manufactured in Strenx 700,” he said. Looking back, the introduction to SSAB and its products, as well as the innovation and design changes the Hidroamerica made, Guerrero is pleased with the direction the company decided

to go. “We wanted to stand out from the competition, and this is what sets us apart,” he said. “Today we are positioned as the only Colombian company to use 100 per cent Strenx in our production and the only Colombian company with My Inner Strenx certification.” www.ssab.com

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UNDER PRESSURE

THE CLOCK IS TICKING WITH NEW UN STANDARDS ON TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS SET TO COME INTO PLACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR. KRONE IS PREPARED, WITH ITS SMART SYSTEM READY TO BE INSTALLED IN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES.

yre pressure is dependent on so many different factors – the speed of the vehicle, heaviness of the load and geographical conditions. Even temperature has a huge influence on tyre pressures. As of 6 July 2024, these factors will be even more important when it becomes law for all commercial trailers over 3.5 tonnes, registered for the first time, to be equipped with an active tyre pressure monitoring system. For operators this might seem like not much more than bureaucracy and simply one more additional expense, but the technology involved could make their job a lot more efficient. For this reason, Krone has developed the Krone Smart Tyre Monitoring System (or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – TPMS) which collects real-time data on the tyre pressure and temperature of the individual wheels and makes this information available to both the driver of the unit and the fleet manager. This gives fleet managers a transparent overview of their fleet, promotes the ideal tyre pressure and thereby minimises fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, high costs and safety risks due to tyre wear or even tyre bursts are avoided. The system uses the latest sensor technology. The information obtained is passed on to the driver in the vehicle cab as well as sent to the Krone Telematics Portal or the Krone Telematics App via mobile networks which means the fleet managers can receive data at the same time. Flexible integration into other applications is ensured through the Krone Application

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Krone_A

TPMS

Programming Interface. Another highlight of the Krone Smart TPMS, is it offers fleet operators the possibility to create their own alarms and map all conceivable scenarios during transport. It can detect both gradual and sudden loss of pressure, allowing for an immediate and quick repair, preventing major damage. The efficiency of the fleet can be increased by this overview of the entire fleet. In order to be able to evaluate this information independently, the Krone tyre pressure sensors also pick up the temperature data and put it into context along with the measured pressures, the speed and the tonnage of the respective vehicle. To raise the quality of the alarm recommendations to an even higher level, the live data collected is compared with the data from other vehicles using Big Data analysis for each vehicle. Krone then makes the knowledge gained available with the help of dynamic alarms. Vehicles can be delivered with the new Krone TPMS system from spring 2024 and Krone is offering a two-year warranty on the TPMS hardware. www.krone-trailer.com

KRONE TELEMATICS

Scan the QR co

NOW

re!

and find out mo

KRONE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SE Bernard-Krone-Straße 1, 49757 Werlte, GERMANY, Phone: +49 5951 209-0, info.nfz@krone.de, www.krone-trailer.com

Krone_Australien_GlobalTrailer_200x135plus5_DU231120_Telematics.indd 1

22.11.2023 08:45:22

ASPÖCK

SAFE TRAVELS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PRODUCERS OF LIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY, ASPÖCK SYSTEMS UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORT SAFETY. AS IT MAKES A FORAY INTO TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS, A FOCUS ON SAFETY IS STILL AT THE FOREFRONT.

afety for both driver and vehicle is the focus of all developments at Aspöck Systems. The next generation of tyre pressure monitoring systems – Aspöck TPMS – not only reduces the risk of accidents, but it also extends the service life of the tyre and significantly minimises fuel costs and CO2 emissions. The timing couldn’t be better as tyre pressure monitoring systems must be implemented as original equipment for vehicle classes O3 and O4 from July 2024, as part of United Nations legislation. Research shows that low air pressure is the cause of around 90 per cent of all flat tyres and that tyres account for as much as 30 per cent of the fuel consumption of a vehicle. With these figures in mind, operators and fleet managers can quickly understand the huge amounts of resources that can be wasted. By monitoring the tyre pressure – through a communicative group of sensors – companies will begin to get a lot more out of their fleet. Quick and easy mounting

From customised initial programming with a hand tool, to automatic teach-in of new sensors with the Auto Locate function during retrofitting or repairs, the TPMS can be mounted quickly and easily. The monitoring system is compatible with the Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) of all well-known producers, which is a major logistical advantage for vehicle manufacturers. With its expertise, Aspöck Systems creates individualised cabling solutions that are specially manufactured to meet customer requirements.

The design and engineering of the energy-efficient full LED Ecoled III rear lamp are made in Europe. The specifications are worked out in the headquarters in Austria, handled within the Aspöck Group and produced at its largest production site, Aspöck Portugal. The taillight of the Ecoled III goes far beyond the regular installation requirements, with a large homogeneous light surface in Glowing Body Technology. The Flatpoint IV product family rounds out the safety package with the only legally required light sources that are still missing: A side marker lamp in orange, a tail lamp in red and the position lamp in white. The Light Guide Technology is used in all versions and corresponding light guiding points ensure three-dimensional illumination and a modern lighting design. www.aspoeck.com

Continuous communication

The sensors are attached to the rim, either to internal valves or to a belt, and enable precise monitoring of tyre pressure and temperature. The Aspöck TPMS is in constant communication with the towing vehicle and warns the driver if a tyre is below its normal pressure or above its normal temperature. A warning signal is then triggered in real time and shown on the display of the towing vehicle. The reliable safety system is in line with UN ECE-R 141 and complies with the European General Safety Regulation (GSR). Safety-First Aspöck products

Invisible systems, such as the new Aspöck TPMS, are the perfect supplement to the large range of visible solutions such as Ecoled III rear lamp and the position lamps of the Flatpoint IV series.

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ASPÖCK SYSTEMS GMBH Owner and CEO Karl Aspöck Key figures for fiscal year 2022/2023: €165 million sales at Austrian HQ | 390 employees €230 million sales volume of the Aspöck Group | 1400 employees Export quota 94 per cent 8 sales subsidiaries | 4 production locations

CMY

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Combining local expertise, world-class manufacturing capabilities, and an unshakable dedication to innovation. Our extensive line-up of axles, suspension systems, landing legs, couplings, king pins, ﬁfth wheels, and ball races is meticulously designed with a singular objective in mind.

CMY

China

Fuwa Heavy Industries P: 86 750 596633

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SAVE

TO WIN

EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT NEW REGULATIONS IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY OFTEN MEAN MORE BUREAUCRACY AND INCREASED COSTS. BPW IS NOW TURNING THE TABLES, USING THE NEW UN ECE R 141 REGULATION TO PROVIDE VEHICLE OPERATORS WITH SIGNIFICANTLY MORE VALUE AND EFFICIENCY. THE SECRET LIES IN THE INTELLIGENT IC PLUS RUNNING GEAR GENERATION.

nyone that is thinking about buying a new trailer should be aware of the UN ECE R 141 regulation. From July 2024, this stipulates tyre pressure monitoring systems or tyre pressure control systems for all newly registered trailers. As a leading specialist in running gear systems, BPW offers vehicle operators a wide range of legally compliant solutions – from simple to smart. With the new iC Plus running gear generation, fleet operators make optimum use of the potential offered by the new regulation: it comes with a telematics box as standard, which not only reports deviations from the target tyre pressure to the driver’s cab, but also to the fleet manager in real time.

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In its simplest configuration, the telematics box can trigger a warning signal in the driver’s cab and send an email to the control centre. More informative is networking with the market-leading transport telematics system Cargofleet3 from idem telematics: this displays tyre pressures in real time on the driver’s smartphone and on the fleet manager’s screen. However, it is more thorough and more efficient to not only to check the tyre pressures, but

TPMS

also to have this regulated fully automatically: the iC Plus running gear also controls and networks BPW’s multi-award-winning AirSave tyre pressure regulation system, which automatically replenishes air when required. The savings in fuel and tyre wear with AirSave are so significant that the investment is recouped in less than a year. On average, a three-axle vehicle can save around 700 euros a year and 655 kilos of CO2 – vehicle operators can calculate their own savings in euros and cents in a matter of seconds: The Online amortisation calculator from BPW takes into account individual factors such as vehicle type, mileage, number of tyres and much more. Not included in the calculation is the increase in driving and load safety, as punctures can have serious consequences. The ability to measure and control tyre pressures is just one of the many cost-reducing features of BPW’s new iC Plus running gear generation: the real-time detection of axle loads and analysis of vehicle utilisation offers vehicle operators a real leap in efficiency. As with tyre pressure control, the safety and efficiency benefits of axle load detection go hand in hand: the risk of overloading is reduced, which also eliminates any worry associated with

official inspections. Furthermore, iC Plus allows brake pad and performance analyses and digital maintenance management. BPW Product Manager Caren Freudenberg: “Fleet operators should now take the new tyre pressure monitoring regulation as an opportunity to reduce their costs, increase safety and at the same time make their vehicle and fleet management more efficient. With the new iC Plus running gear generation, we also offer new customers a legally compliant, uncomplicated and individualised way into vehicle and transport networking.” www.bpw.de

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TPMS

SENSING

INTELLIGENCE A NEW VERSION OF THE PROVEN TYRE INFLATION SYSTEM – SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. – IS NOW AVAILABLE.

s part of the continuous development of our products and the changed legislation EU Regulation No. 2019/2144 ECE R 141, SAF-Holland is launching a new version of the tyre inflation system SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. to the market. The SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. constantly monitors the tyre pressure of all tyres mounted on the trailer. If necessary, the system automatically refills the tire pressure to the preset pressure. This extends the service life of the tires, saves fuel costs and avoids complete failures. In 80 per cent of all cases, these are the causes of tyre failures and increased fuel costs: low tyre pressure and creeping pressure loss in the case of unnoticed run-in damage.

The SAF-Holland tyre inflation system effectively counteracts these possible impairments: It continuously monitors tyre pressure and always keeps it at an optimal level, even while driving or after run-in damage. The SAF TIRE PILOT, available for rigid and steer axles, is connected to the trailer’s compressed air supply. The control unit independently takes over the inflation of damaged or underinflated tires. If necessary, the system communicates via Controller Area Network (CAN) and Electronic Braking System (EBS). A warning message could be sent to the driver on the dashboard. In addition to the improved, ECE R 141-compliant communication, the individual components have also been revised and optimised. The rotary union on the axle stub – rotor and stator – now features a new and more durable design. The wheel end components of the SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. are already pre-assembled on the axle in order to minimise the effort required by vehicle manufacturers. The extent of pre-assembly varies depending on the axle version. The documents for the homologation of the SAF TIRE PILOT I.Q. are now available online. The online payback calculator shows concrete potential savings in fuel and tire costs based on just a few details at: http://tirepilot.safholland.com www.safholland.com

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A E E E

S t t a p a l

ADDS VALUE EVERY DAY, EVERY TRIP, EVERY LOAD Strenx® performance steel can meet the challenges facing the transport industry, which is constantly looking for ways to increase payload and improve fuel efficiency. Strenx® is a high-strength structural steel with extremely consistent properties, making it perfect for designing trailer chassis and other transportation products that are stronger, lighter and safer. That’s why we call it performance steel.

Explore the world of Strenx®

Contact SSAB Brisbane. Melbourne. Perth G1, 28 Balacalva Street Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Email: australia@ssab.com Visit www.strenx.com

TIPPERS

WEIGHING IN THE SCHMITZ CARGOBULL S.KI TIPPER TAILER HAS HAD A MAKEOVER, AND ITS NEW GENERATION OF BODY AND FRAME MEANS ADDED PAYLOAD AND SMART WEIGHT RECORDING.

he new Schmitz Cargobull S.KI tipper trailer not only features improved payload capacity up to 280kg (50 kg running gear, 180kg body, 50kg frame), it also impresses with improved handling and reliable product quality. It is equipped with a hydraulically operated tailgate, asphalt pusher and sliding tarpaulin. The pneumatic underride guard rounds off a tipper trailer equipment package that significantly increases convenience and safety. The improved rounded steel body, with a loading volume of 24m³ has been designed for use on building sites and with a wide, flat floor, the vehicle has a low centre of gravity to ensure optimum handling and an even spread of wear. Depending on the construction length and frame design, the fully updated modular frame system is anything from 53 to 110kg lighter. The new modular frame system for all trailer lengths is available in a Standard, Light or Heavy-Duty design depending on the level of use. Further weight savings of 50kg have been achieved with the new running gear. However, one thing that has not changed is the ten-year warranty against rust-through for the galvanised S.KI frame generation. The standard taillight position has been modified for transporting bulk goods and asphalt. It is now available as a version that is 140mm higher, and 80mm set back, which creates a greater distance to the bulk cargo during unloading. As a result, the risk of damage to the underride guard bracket is reduced, while taking legal regulations into account. The tipper trailer highlights include: • Hydraulic tailgate – Using three different operating modes, hydraulic tailgates enable the safe tipping of both fine-grained and coarse bulk materials. • Pneumatic underride guard – The electro-pneumatic underride guard with sensors for

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the LED position indicator has undergone a makeover with optimised mechanics and cable guide. • New digital on-board weighing system – To prevent overloading and speed up workflows the on-board weighing system available as an option for tipper trailers meaning the trailers and the roads suffer less wear and there is a reduction in fuel costs and carbon emissions. The on-board weighing system, which is calibrated ex works, allows the driver to determine and document the vehicle’s payload at the location where the vehicle is loaded. It is no longer necessary to drive to a stationary weighing system, which saves time. Operation of the on-board weighing system is intuitive, whether via the supplied screen or via smartphone in the beSmart app. The calculated cargo data can be called up by the driver immediately after weighing. The Schmitz Cargobull telematics allow the data to then be transferred and processed further in the TrailerConnect portal. www.cargobull.com

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH

VITAL TO THE SAFETY AND RELIABLE OPERATION OF A TRAILER, LANDING LEGS ARE ARGUABLY THE UNSUNG HEROES OF TRAILING EQUIPMENT AND VALX HAS MADE IT A MISSION TO ENSURE THEY ARE OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

A LEG UP

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LANDING LEGS

n the world of trailers industry standards are always hitting new heights and equipment manufacturers must maintain pace with innovation. For VALX, which is a subsidiary of truck and trailer part manufacturers, FUWA, the partnerships it develops with world leading trailer builders who only align themselves with the highest quality equipment, demonstrates it is on to a good thing. Although the two companies have had previous partnerships, in 2022, VALX collaborated with Krone, supplying the German commercial vehicle manufacturer after it placed a large order for VALX landing legs. According to VALX, what makes this particular product stand out is the company’s understanding of the critical role landing legs play in supporting trailers, particularly during the loading and unloading process. That’s why every VALX landing leg undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure it meets the highest industry standards, by pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation. “With each new iteration, VALX leverages customer feedback and industry insights to refine its products further,” the company said. “This dedication to innovation has paved the way for more flexible and efficient landing legs without compromising strength and durability.” VALX has ensured its landing legs are designed to withstand the harshest conditions and heavy

loads and made using premium electro-coating and powder-coating techniques, making them durable and resistant to wear and tear. This means even scorching heat or freezing FUWA AND VALX temperatures won’t affect their performance. REPRESENT AT CCVS VALX got its start in the Netherlands in FUWA showcased its latest 2009 and became best known for its axle design innovations at the China Commercial and manufacturing. In 2014 it became part Vehicles Show (CCVS) last November. of the FUWA group and while axles were its Fuwa unveiled its latest axle and mainstay, in 2019 it launched its landing leg landing leg products including VALX range. axles. Today, VALX has two types of landing legs. “FUWA’s participation in CCVS was a The P-LEG which has industry loading static tremendous success,” the company load and lifting capacity and S-shoe fitting for said in a statement. the European standard. “The exhibition served as an Meanwhile the VALX ELEG, an electric important and valuable platform for FUWA to build business landing leg, has both high gear and low gear opportunities and continue settings. establishing itself as a world leading The company said the demand for VALX provider both in the domestic and international markets.” landing legs in 2023 spoke to the market’s confidence and it is buoyed by customers’ CCVS was held 8-11 November at the Wuhan International Expo Center. respond to the products performance and quality. “VALX landing legs have continued to exceed expectations, delivering outstanding performance and ensuring the safe transportation of goods across long distances,” the company said. “Customers have hailed these landing legs as a game-changer, enabling them to optimise their operations and enhance their overall trailer performance.” www.valx.eu

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GLOBAL TWENTY YEARS AGO CIMC VEHICLES HAD A BOLD GOAL OF NOT JUST CONQUERING THE ASIAN MARKET BUT TAKING ON THE WORLD. DESPITE THE ‘TUMULTUOUS WAVES AND CHALLENGING TRANSFORMATION’ THAT REFLECT THE OVERSEAS MARKET, THE TRAILER BUILDER SAYS IT HAS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO PERSEVERE.

t was a grand occasion. CIMC Vehicles’ CEO and President, Guiping Li, delivered his anniversary speech where he was able to reflect on the past two decades and express his gratitude to those who contributed to its journey. Over the past two decades, CIMC Vehicles has evolved from a domestic player to a global leader in the manufacturing of semi-trailers and speciality vehicles. It has pioneered high-quality development in China’s road transport equipment and explored innovation in the field of new energy speciality vehicles, creating a unique entrepreneurial story. His strongest point was the fact that while there have been challenges growing globally, it continues to be CIMC Vehicles’ ultimate mission. “Twenty years ago, in Shenzhen and Yangzhou, China, we officially embarked on our first venture,” Guiping Li told his audience. “From China to the world, through the fierce competition in the Chinese market, the tumultuous waves of the overseas market and the challenging transformation in the European market we have always considered it our mission to become a global leader in semi-trailers and specialty vehicles.” Recent financial results from CIMC Vehicles reflect that its core strategic measures are working, both globally and at home. It reported net profit of more than 244.6 per cent for the first three quarters of 2023 when compared to year-on-year results. It sold 116,273 sets of vehicles of various types worldwide and continues to maintain its world-leading position in the manufacture of semi-trailers for 11 consecutive years. In its latest financial report, CIMC Vehicles achieved revenue of 19.568 billion CNY (approx. €2.5 billion) from January to September 2023, a year-on-year increase

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of 12.42 per cent. Six major businesses or groups demonstrated strength along with steady improvement in profitability. CIMC Vehicles noted that European and US governments have continued to raise interest rates, inflation has continued, and the recovery of the global manufacturing industry has diverged since 2023. “As China’s economy shifts to a new stage of highquality development, the Chinese government’s implementation of a series of stabilising growth policies has effectively consolidated resilient economic growth,” CIMC Vehicles said in its financial statement. China’s domestic heavy truck industry is poised for growth following economic recovery. From January to September 2023, CIMC Vehicles seized growth opportunities in overseas markets, and its profitability in the global semitrailers market improved as a result.

INDUSTRY VOICE

MISSION The global enterprise has achieved strong business growth in the European and emerging markets, with a year-on-year improvement in profitability. The business in the Chinese market maintained a stable development trend and gained market share in market segments. Meanwhile, the Light Tower Pioneer Business Group implemented the strategic initiative of structural reform of the domestic semi-trailer production organisation which optimised operations thereby increasing the gross profit margin of domestic semi-trailers year-on-year. Moreover, Light Tower Pioneer Business Group seized the opportunity of strong demand in emerging markets. It developed and integrated channel resources, increasing the revenue and gross profit margin of the semi-trailer business in emerging markets year-on-year. North American Business continued its growth momentum and consolidated its intercontinental operation niche, improving both revenue and gross profit margin year-on-year. European Business has achieved remarkable results in cost reduction and efficiency increase and made a profit breakthrough. Champion Tanker Business Group has moved

forward against the headwind and started exploring overseas markets, increasing its market share, sales, and revenue year-on-year. TB Business Group – Dump Truck Business innovated and explored new energy development. TB Business Group – Urban Distribution Van Truck Bodies Business optimised organisational development and promoted business transformation. In 2023, CIMC Vehicles launched the ‘Star-chained Manufacturing Network’, committed to promoting the structural reform of China’s semi-trailer production organisation, breaking through the bottleneck of the semi-trailer business, bringing about end-to-end business model changes, and promoting potential improvements in sales and profits. Eventually, the group will achieve the vision of high-quality industry integration, distribution model innovation, and continuous improvements in market share and profitability. While starting the third venture, CIMC Vehicles actively integrated the production, circulation, distribution and consumption resources of seven domestic semi-trailer plants. Presently, the new organisation of ‘Star-chained Manufacturing Network’ has been well formed. The Star-chained LTP production line investment will be implemented. The group has also built an innovative and entrepreneurial platform that supports new energy tractors and trailers and provides integrated solutions for transforming traditional tractors and trailers, accelerating the commercialisation process of new energy semi-trailers. As a new chapter unfolds, and a new journey begins, the next initiative for CIMC Vehicles is ‘National Unified Market for Commercial Vehicle and Specialty Vehicles’ which will rely on innovation to drive growth and improve the operational quality of six major businesses or groups. The OEM will also commit to a new development concept ‘innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing’ to maintain momentum with its third venture and contribute to the construction of Chinese modernisation. www.cimcvehiclesgroup.com

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AMERICAN

DREAMS GLOBAL FINANCIAL TURBULENCE HAS DISRUPTED MARKETS, AND THE NORTH AMERICAN TRAILER MARKET HASN’T BEEN IMMUNE. DESPITE THIS, JOST INTERNATIONAL IS FORGING AHEAD WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND INNOVATIONS.

ate 2023 North American Class 8 truck orders were lower compared to the same time in late 2022, while production of Class 8 truck orders decreased partly due to supply chain troubles. Trailer backlogs and rising dealer inventories were also a concern which weakened Q4 production of trailers. But according to ACT Research, which forecasts the North American market, despite

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the weakness in the overall freight market, fleets continue to be willing to order new equipment. This is good news for JOST which continues to develop products to meet specific application demands in the market. Those that are making some of the biggest

FIFTH WHELS

FAST FACT JOST was established in Germany in 1919 and entered the American market in the 1950s under the name ‘Jostwerke’. Initially, the company focused on importing German-made products, primarily fifth wheels. In the 1980s, JOST established its first US production facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, expanding its product portfolio to landing gear, container chassis components and other trailer parts.

waves are arguably the fifth wheel and landing gear offerings. Fifth wheel

Over the past few years, fifth wheel sensor technologies have gained traction among fleets due to the driver shortage and less experienced drivers on the road. Lightweight products have proven to

be a good option for many fleets, especially those that are weight conscious. The JSK3CNWL is one of the lightest fifth wheels on the market, without the cost of aluminum. This model features a fusion welded steel top plate that incorporates a carbon fibre beam and is compatible with all JOST brackets. Additionally, JOST International has developed a new sensor fifth wheel called the Loc-Light. This system enhances a JOST fifth wheel with the addition of a two-sensor monitoring system as well as a LED throat illumination. Landing gear

JOST has many landing gear models and add on features to fit a fleet’s needs. Trailer longevity has been a focus for fleets, and JOST is working with them to offer the best product to help reach the life cycle they want. For instance, galvanised landing gear models and extended warranty models continue to grow. JOST also more recently introduced an extreme duty product line to the market which includes a landing gear with enhanced ratings, extreme wear cushion foot and a fully galvanised crank handle. The Double Cushion foot has an increased cushion inside the shoe which means a trailer can withstand a greater impact than before without risking damage to the landing gear. It can be retrofitted onto any current cushion foot landing gear or is available as an option on new orders. www.jostinternational.com

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OUT OF

AFRICA

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SPECIAL REPORT

LES BRUZSA IS MAKING IT HIS MISSION TO HELP AFRICAN TRANSPORT INDUSTRIES BECOME SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT. SO WELL-KNOWN FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE OF PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS, THEY HAVE NICKNAMED HIM MR. PBS.

eavily involved in the development and implementation of Performance Based Standards (PBS) in Australia, Les Bruzsa’s expertise takes him around the world. He recently returned from another sojourn to South Africa, where he presented two PBS courses to inform both government and industry stakeholders about the PBS approach to heavy vehicle design and operation. As Chief Engineer for Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), he has seen first-hand how PBS has cut road trauma, improved efficiency and reduced the impact on infrastructure and the environment. The rules and performance standards of the well-regarded Australian PBS program are now being used as the benchmark for a South African scheme and a number of other African countries are looking to follow suit. In Australia, the scheme, which has more than 10,000 approved PBS combinations currently on the road, has become an international leader, with jurisdictions in Europe and the United States seeking out the NHVR’s expertise to implement similar initiatives. “Australia is unique because we are the only country which would have a fully comprehensive PBS scheme in our legislation,” Bruzsa explained. “The PBS pilot project has been running in South Africa for more than twelve years and has adopted most of the Australian PBS rules.” Over this time, Bruzsa has delivered twelve lectures to the delegates and run five practical PBS exercises during the two-day courses. Twelve years ago, when the program first began, South Africa was facing a myriad of challenges. The country needed to reduce the cost of logistics, start to take cutting greenhouse gas emissions seriously and upgrading the nation’s aging infrastructure, not to mention improving its road safety record. Under a PBS approach, vehicles are required to meet a stringent set of performance standards relating to manoeuvrability, stability, and infrastructure impact, while prescriptive limits on mass and dimensions are relaxed. Examples of performance standards include road space utilised during low-speed turning, dynamic stability during an evasive manoeuvre,

and bridge-loading impact. PBS vehicles are typically limited to a specific subset of the road network that has been assessed as suitable, to ensure the safety of other road users and the protection of the road infrastructure. The courses, Bruzsa says, are intensive and cover a range of topics and while there have been some modifications in the standards because South African vehicles are wider, for the most part the country’s transport system is very similar to that of Australia. The industry is also similar with a heavy focus on mining and agriculture, and the vehicles required for those sectors.

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Meanwhile, the results are speaking for themselves. In South Africa in 2007 there were two vehicles running under the PBS program and currently there are more than 1200. In terms of trips saved, the two countries have similar figures – 26 per cent in South Africa and 29 per cent in Australia. “The safety benefits of the program for South Africa are crucial because road safety is significantly worse there then in Australia and other developed countries,” Bruzsa said. “In terms of crash rates there has been a 44 per cent reduction under the PBS program, an average of 12 per cent reduction in road wear and tear, as well as the environmental benefits of reduced fuel.” There is also the advantage of increased skill levels and helping drivers, operators and stakeholders understand how PBS works and in turn make better decisions. It is Bruzsa’s hope that South Africa’s National Department of Transport will make a decision about the program and make it a permanent part of the government’s legislation. Bruzsa is hopeful, especially considering there is growing interest in the program in other African countries. “Namibia has also embarked on a PBS pilot project and countries such as Botswana and Mozambique are looking at PBS for their vehicles which is also important for cross border issues.” Bruzsa suspects there will be more travelling in his future, and he will of course return

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to South Africa despite his hosts gifting him with a South African rugby jersey after the Australian Wallabies lost. “I do love the country,” he said. “And I want to help them as much as I can.” www.globaltrailermag.com

SPECIAL REPORT

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WORLD EVENTS

TRANSPORT INDIA EXPO 2024

17-19 JANUARY 2024

New Delhi, India The entire spectrum of India’s mobility scene will be explored here, from cloud connectivity and fleet tracking to alternate fuels.

BREAKBULK

MIDDLE EAST 2024 12-13 FEBRUARY Dubai, UAE Since 1989, this event has delivered conference programs and a networking environment for supply chain professsionals. www.middleeast.breakbulk.com

www.smartmobilityindiaexpo.com

WORK TRUCK WEEK 2024

5-8 MARCH

Indiana, US For more than 20 years, this event has gathered the people who design, build, use and maintain the commercial vehicles and equipment around the world. www.worktruckweek.com

MID-AMERICA TRUCKING SHOW 2024 21-23 MARCH

Louisville, Kentucky, US Three days of exhibits, education, networking and entertainment, it is a platform for industry professionals to experience new equipment and technology. www.truckingshow.com

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KEEP A LOOK OUT Intermodal Asia 22-24 May Shanghai, China www.intermodal-asia.com

INTERMODAL SOUTH AMERICA 2024

5-7 MARCH

São Paulo, Brazil With a focus on logistics, foreign trade and sustainable technologies, participants will likely meet to discuss innovation and the state of the supply chain in the Americas. www.intermodal.com.br

Elmia Lastbil 2024 21-24 August Jönköping, Sweden www.elmia.se/en/lastbil IAA Transportation 2024 17-22 September Hanover, Germany www.iaa-transportation.com MEGATRANS 2024 18-19 September Melbourne, Australia www.megatrans.com.au Innotrans 2024 24-27 September Berlin, Germany www.innotrans.de

CV SHOW 2024

Bauma 2025 7-13 April Munich, Germany www.bauma.de/en

23-25 APRIL

Birmingham, UK The Commercial Vehicle Show is reported to be the largest road freight transport, distribution and logistics event in the UK. www.cvshow.com

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PLAN OF

ATTACK

TRUCKING COMPANIES AREN’T IMMUNE TO THE CYBER SECURITY RISKS THAT ARE STEADILY INCREASING AROUND THE GLOBE. AT A RECENT CONFERENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, EVEN THE FBI IS ASKING THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY TO REMAIN ON GUARD AND PROTECT THE VITAL SUPPLY CHAIN.

n FBI cyber intelligence analyst is warning that transport companies need to be vigilant when it comes to digital security and are at risk of cyber-attacks as much as anyone else. Speaking at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s (NMFTA) Digital Solutions Conference in Houston, Texas, Trina Martin stressed the importance of protecting the supply chain and those who are in it. Her message to companies is to report everything, even if a cyber attack fails. Along with speakers from the FBI, the event also attracted representation from the US Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, all who spoke on the most common cybersecurity threats of 2023 and the prevention and reaction methods to help fleets mitigate and recover from those attacks. According to the NMFTA, cyberthreats against mid-sized companies have increased by 150 per cent. “Approximately 90 per cent of hacks occur through phishing and misconfigured networks and devices,” said the Director of Enterprise Security for NMFTA, Antwan Banks. “Because of recent geopolitical events, attacks have become more aggressive and skilled. As a result, companies need to prioritise cybersecurity internally to be proactive before a threat occurs.” According to a recent survey for the 2023 Travellers Risk Index, 55 per cent of transportation leaders in the United States were worried about cyber risks. A third-party logistics study this year showed that 87 per cent of shippers and 94 per cent of third-party logistics providers agree that adopting emerging technologies is vital to future supply chain growth. “As technology continues to evolve, hackers are going to continue to enhance their strategy as it pertains to infiltrating the networks of companies across various industries.” Banks said. Among the risks operators need to consider are: • BEC attacks – short for business email compromise, this is when legitimate email accounts are compromised and used to initiate unauthorised transfers of funds. • Ransomware – when a cybercriminal steals or encrypts data to compel an organisation to pay and ransom to get it back. • Phishing – the use of unsolicited electronic messages that appear to come from a legitimate

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company requesting personal, financial or login information. • Smishing – a social attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware. • Pig butchering – a rapidly growing investment scam that focuses on fake cryptocurrency. www.globaltrailermag.com

FAST FACT Some of the initiatives operators and company leaders can consider according to the NMFTA. •

Training all employees in identifying cybersecurity threats and the steps to take should one occur.

•

outinely scanning all internet-facing R networks and device to identify vulnerabilities.

•

onducting tabletop exercises to develop C a cyber security strategy in case an attack occurs.

•

I nstalling immutable backups that cannot be impacted during a cyberattack.

•

S egmenting the networks so if a hacker can access, they will not have free reign over all networks.

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uddling through the longest recession since the turn of the century, Russia has racked up a sizeable budget deficit and is on track for yet another year of negative growth. Meanwhile, the prospect of fiscal relief is growing distant, with oil in a bear market after closing below $40 a barrel in August – theoretically making for a highly dramatic narrative in the lead-up to the largest transport industry gathering on the planet. But if you ask Denis Krivtsov, head of Russian OEM, Tonar, the country’s fragile economic state doesn’t necessarily mean it will become as prominent a topic as it was in 2014, when the Ukraine conflict and the annexation of Crimea were still fresh in mind and the European Union (EU) put an abrupt hold on west-east trade. According to Krivtsov, much of the western trailer community has since found

new growth potential in the heart of Europe and the still-sprawling east of the continent, leaving Russian businesses alone in dealing with what could be the most severe market slowdown in a decade or two. As a result, he says it is now up to the domestic transport equipment community to consolidate ahead of the parliamentary election in mid-September, which is hoped to give the battered economy a much-needed boost. “The Russian economy hasn’t really improved much since the last instalment of IAA. In fact, many local businesses have since folded as they simply refused to learn from the last crisis,” he explains – pointing to the EU’s recent decision to prolong economic sanctions against Russia until 31 January 2017.

[Story & Interview by Sebastian Grote]

avid Li, General Manager of CIMC Vehicles, the trailer building arm of China’s International Marine Container (CIMC) Group, isn’t quite what you’d expect of a man who has built a €1.93 billion industrial empire from the bottom up. Distinctly humble in his bearing and refreshingly unpolished in his language, the industry veteran is enveloped in an aura of authenticity and adventure that is much more Silicon Valley than Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (the official jargon for a giant business incubation area the Chinese government has set up across the bay from Hong Kong to help local businesses connect more easily with the western world). As such, there is nothing imperious about Li laying out his plan to build the world’s first international trailer building company – only genuine excitement in an idea so captivatingly grand that it would arguably suit an intrepid start-up more than an asset-rich manufacturing firm operating FAST FACT in a time of extreme economic volatility. CIMC Vehicles’ US subsidiary, Understanding the phenomenon that is Vanguard, is currently finalising CIMC Vehicles is therefore not so much a construction of a second factory in question of mapping out the business itself Trenton, Georgia. The €32 million as it is one of getting to know the man manufacturing plant will eventually employ 400 people and produce behind it – a scenario akin to US start-up 10,000 semi-trailers annually. Tesla, which is largely dependent on the

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In August 2016, the Financial Times publically wondered whether Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was intending to drive everyone else in US retail crazy. The reason: Bezos is on a mission to re-define the classic concept of retail logistics. Instead of outsourcing the whole process, he set up a complex in-house transport network that has been aggressively expanding its reach, capabilities and capacity in the logistics and distribution arena over the past year or so. As part of the process, the Seattlebased company is now operating thousands of trailers emblazoned with Amazon’s logos acrosss North America. In Europe, Amazon is expanding rapidly as well, potentially making it a key talking point of the next IAA.

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A KEY TALKING POINT OF THE 2014 IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW, THE BRUISED RUSSIAN ECONOMY HAS FAILED TO TURN ITSELF AROUND IN TIME FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE ICONIC EVENT. WILL IT STILL CONTINUE TO OWN THE CONVERSATION, THOUGH? [ Story by Sebastian Grote ]

ALBEIT A SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS EXPENSE, VISITING A TRADE SHOW LIKE IAA IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN COMMERCIAL ROAD TRANSPORT IN THE FLESH – A KEY ADVANTAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE. [ Story by Sebastian Grote ]

rom wireless connectivity to electric mobility, the digital world is slowly infiltrating every aspect of commercial road transport. Yet although high technology is expected to dominate the conversation at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany (see page 52), it will be people that ultimately set the narrative. In fact, there is a distinct irony to the rise of technology in the manufacturing, according to best-selling US author, Daniel Pink, who has found that forging personal relationships is becoming ever more important as skill-sets evolve and demand more cognitive proficiency. So-called ‘thought jobs’, as Pink puts it, require a higher level of creativity, problem-solving prowess and out-of-the-box thinking, meaning that in order for a business to be successful, leveraging the unique human element behind each employee is key.

FAST FACT According to Russian Economy Development Minister, Aleksey Ulyukaev, the country’s economy is set to grow in the near future, as “the situation in the real sector of economy is improving and the dynamics of industrial production are positive”.

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As such, he says fostering personal relationships in real life, for example in the context of a trade show, will ultimately help businesses become more profitable. In line with Pink’s assumption, Global Trailer has selected ten prominent individuals that have the potential to put their mark on the 2016 edition of the largest global transport industry gathering – either by attending it or as the subject of intense discussion. www.globaltrailermag.com

ALEXANDER DOBRINDT, GERMAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Germany’s Federal Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Alexander Dobrindt, is slated to officially open the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. Dobrindt recently made headlines in Germany when he proposed self-driving vehicles in Germany should be fitted with a black box that is able to record specific details of an accident, much like in the aviation industry. According to newswire, Reuters, his proposal would require drivers to stay seated in front of the steering wheel, even tough they may not have to pay attention to traffic or actually steer. Despite that cautionary measure, Dobrindt approved six German cities – Hamburg, Munich, Ingolstadt, Düsseldorf, Dresden and Braunschweig – to become testing grounds for self-driving vehicles as part of a US$89 million (€80 million) project.

İIFFET TÜRKEN, KÄSSBOHRER As the Executive Board Member responsible for Business Development at German OEM Kässbohrer – which is part of the Tirsan Group, the largest trailer manufacturing company in Turkey – Türken is considered one of the most influential personalities in European trailer building, and one of the most powerful women in the global transport equipment industry. The now 44-year-old joined the Tirsan Group in 1996 after graduating from Bogaziçi University in Istanbul and has since been stirring up Europe’s trailer building landscape – helping establish the Kässbohrer brand amongst the top ten in Europe.

PETER SIJS, TIP TRAILER SERVICES Overseeing the procurement processes for a 71,000-unit strong fleet that covers some five billion kilometres every year, Sijs, Services and Sourcing Operations Leader Europe at TIP Trailer Services, is considered one of the most influential people in Europe’s transport equipment industry. Having to replace up to 15,000 trailers annually, TIP Trailer Services spends an average of €30 million per year on parts alone – prompting Sijs to work closely with component suppliers and OEMs to leverage the latest in technology and develop new strategies to create competitive advantages. Most recently, he collaborated with German braking specialist Knorr-Bremse on the development of the company’s awardwinning iTAP system with FleetRemote functionality.

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