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ISSUE 136
TRANSPORT &LOGISTICS T H E
I N D U S T R Y
F O R WA R D
ISSUE 136
D R I V I N G
FELIXSTOWE
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS MAGAZINE
THE PORT OF BRITAIN
THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
COURIERS TO BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE MERCEDES CITAN
BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES GETTING YOU MOVING
PALMER & HARVEY
THE UK’S BIGGEST DELIVERED WHOLESALER
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THE STANDING START THE NEED FOR SPEED felt the need, the need for speed this month. National pride enveloped me as
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Transport and Logistics witnessed Lord Drayson (Paul to his friends) break the electric land speed record at RAF Elvington in Yorkshire. With their adapted Le Mans racing car, the British engineering team used a lightweight twenty kilowatt hour battery to provide 850 horsepower in order to smash the previous
PUBLISHER: Noah Quirke EDITOR: Daniel Stephens
record of 175mph. Indeed, not only did they beat the record, they were out of sight, setting the groundbreaking speed of 204.2mph. Racing enthusiast Lord Drayson has always had his sights on breaking the record
FEATURE MANAGERS: Adam Foster Shane Kelly
after setting up Drayson Racing Technologies to advance the potential of electricity in
ART EDITOR: Steve Williams
most proud of, but the focus it would bring on the possibilities of electric vehicles.
DESIGNER: Kate Webber ` CONTRIBUTORS: Jeff Senior Rob Samuels Matt Waring PRODUCTION: Vicki Lindsay Lisa Pollinger ADMINISTRAT0R: Charlotte Lewis ACCOUNTS: Nick Charalambous Transport & Logistics Magazine is published by: NQ Publishing, 3 Brook Street Huddersfield HD1 1EB Tel: +44 (0)1484 411 400 E-mail: noah.quirke@nqpublishing.com www.tandlonline.com
transportation. He said afterwards, quite modestly, that it wasn’t the record that he was Speaking of groundbreaking technology, it is the tenth anniversary since Concorde last made a commercial flight. This superpower of the skies, which flew at nearly twice the speed of sound, might have been the mode of transport for the wealthy but few could argue about its elegant good looks or its bewildering ability to get from London to New York in less than four hours. Small aircraft delivering passengers around the world at breakneck speeds might be a thing of the past in this low-cost, budget airline world yet Virgin head honcho Richard Branson still believes in travel for the super rich. One of his companies in the Virgin Group has been developing an aircraft that will travel into suborbital flight offering a select few a real view of space and moments of weightlessness. Virgin Galactic believes its SpaceShipTwo will be the first of its kind in a new market known as “space tourism”. The concept is certainly not a thing of science-fiction, with the first passengers set to take flight next year at a cost of $200,000 each. The well known names heading for space in 2014 include Stephen Hawking, Tom Hanks, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Transport & Logistics Magazine is published by NQ Publishing. Company registered in England & Wales. All material is the copyright of NQ Publishing. All rights reserved. Transport & Logistics Magazine is the property of NQ Publishing. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without the written permission of a director of NQ Publishing. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.
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DANIEL STEPHENS EDITOR
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
INSIDE SECTIONS
NEWS CARBON EMISSIONS PORTS ENTERTAINMENT LOGISTICS COUNCILS COURIERS HAULAGE VEHICLE REVIEW RECOVERY LOOKING BACK AT...
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FEATURES News The latest top stories
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Alliance Boots An holistic approach
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Palmer & Harvey The UK’s biggest delivered wholesaler
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Portsmouth International Freight/Mainland Market Deliveries Improving the flow of freight
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Port of Felixstowe The port of Britain
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Lays International The haulage suppliers for every event
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Aberdeen City Council Reducing carbon footprint
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National Courier Association Supporting our members delivering excellence
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The Sameday Company Couriers to business
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Sprintshift Logistics solutions
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The Mercedes Citan Mercedes are Citan pretty
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Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services Getting you moving
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Yeates Garage Customer satisfaction
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Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators The voice of the recovery operator
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Lowes Breakdown & Recovery First class service
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Fred Henderson Ltd 40 years of excellence
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Looking Back At... The Menai Suspension Bridge
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Follow us on
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THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
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BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES @TandLMagazine 2
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CONTENTS
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THE MERCEDES CITAN
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ALLIANCE BOOTS
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PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
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PALMER & HARVEY
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NEWS
RAC IN BRITISH GAS OPERATIONAL FLEET DEAL THE RAC has announced a major new five-year contract to provide repair management services for the British Gas operational fleet across the UK. The RAC won the bid to take care of the 15,000-strong fleet of British Gas following a competitive tender in March 2013. The contract is due to start at the beginning of July. This is the first major win for the RAC’s redeveloped Accident Management offer, which includes a £2m investment in a stateof-the-art IT platform and the hiring of some of the UK’s leading experts in the field. Rob Morton, British Gas Managing Director Procurement and Supply Chain, said: “Following an open market tender, British Gas
has awarded preferred supplier status to the RAC for the provision of our fleet repair management services “British Gas looks forward to a successful partnership with the RAC during the next five years.” One of the key aspects to the new RAC Accident Management is that the Approved Bodyshop Network has invested in technology that enables them to deal with a significant proportion of work using the well-established RAC Rapid Repair. This solution means that an increasing proportion of repairs are able to be fasttracked to reduce overall time – guaranteeing effective cost control and a faster-than-
MORRISONS PLANS NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE MORRISONS is the latest major supermarket to announce plans to open another large distribution centre in the UK. Bosses at the firm said the 150,000 sq ft site in Bury, Greater Manchester will be run by supply chain specialist Wincanton and will be used to service more than 100 Morrisons M local stores in the north of England. Around 100 new jobs could be created once the facility is fully
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operational and this will be the company's second convenience distribution hub. Neal Austin, Morrisons group logistics and supply chain director, said the retailer is looking to extend its M local venture at pace in 2013. "The convenience market is a fantastic opportunity for us and, as we expand our store offering, we've got to make sure we have the infrastructure to support it," he remarked.
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average repair duration, without compromising vehicle safety. Jim Monteith, head of Accident Management at the RAC, said: “We are delighted to be working with British Gas to support their impressive fleet and operational arm. “The main focus for fleet operations remains effective risk management and cost control – something that is at the heart of our new service. “The £2m investment in a state-of-the-art IT system called ICE Claims, coupled with the recruitment of experts from within the industry, has resulted in a number of key benefits aimed at facilitating an efficient and cost-effective solution for the RAC and its customers.”
LOCOG CHIEF JOINS HS2 THE GOVERNMENT believes its High Speed 2 (HS2) rail plans will benefit greatly from the input of Lord Deighton, who was the former boss of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). He will lead a taskforce that will maximise the economic benefits of the super-fast rail network, which includes job creation.
The HS2 project has caused controversy, with opposition to the scheme appearing to grow by the day. The public are primarily worried about the cost of the huge development, with many people believing the money could be better spent elsewhere. "HS2 provides a once in a generation opportunity to drive growth, generate jobs and secure our country's future prosperity," Mr McLoughlin remarked.
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NEWS
NEW 700,000 SQ FT LOGISTICS CENTRE WARRINGTON Borough Council has granted planning permission for Travis Perkins’ 700,000 sq ft regional logistics centre at Omega North. The £35m logistics centre will supply Travis Perkins wholesale and retail outlets across the region, supporting around 450 jobs on site. Geoff Cooper, chief executive of the Travis Perkins Group, said: “This is an exciting time for the entire group. We are growing our already extensive product portfolio,
and our new RDC in Warrington will enhance our offering by improving the supply of products to our branch network. We always work hard to put our customers first, and this is another important development.” Construction is expected to be completed in 2014 with operation planned for 2015. Brakes and Hermes, both have logistics hubs under construction on Omega North. Only two plots now remain available on Omega North.
ELECTRICITY TO BE SUPPLIED TO VEHICLES THROUGH ROAD VOLVO IS DEVELOPING an electric truck system that uses power lines built into the surface of the road. It has built a 400-metre long track at its testing facility in Hällered outside Gothenburg and the company has been researching the system since last autumn. Volvo is working with Alstom on the idea which entails two power lines built into the surface of the road along the entire length of the road. A current collector in contact with the power lines will be located on the truck. The lines are sectioned so that live current is only delivered to a
collector mounted at the rear of, or under, the truck if an appropriate signal is detected. As an additional safety measure, the current flows only when the vehicle is moving at speeds greater than 37 mph. Mats Alaküla, Volvo’s expert on electric vehicles and professor at Lund University, said: "The vehicle is equipped with a radio emitter, which the road segments can sense. If an electric vehicle passes a road segment with a proper encrypted signal, then the road will energize the segments that sense the vehicle."
£2MILLION DEALERSHIP NORTHSIDE TRUCK & VAN
THERE’S a new star rising for commercial vehicle operators in north Lincolnshire – MercedesBenz dealer Northside Truck & Van has just started construction work on a new dealership at Stallingborough, near Immingham. Northside has acquired the site on Kiln Lane and will develop the new facility at a combined cost of around £2 million. Customers will benefit from a comfortable and welcoming
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reception area, while the state-ofthe-art, 10-bay workshop will remain open into the night. It will have a VOSA-approved ATF (Authorised Testing Facility) for trucks, as well as a separate MoT testing station for vehicles in the Class 4, 5 and 7 categories, covering cars, minibuses and vans up to 3.5-tonnes gvw. Scheduled to open in December, it will provide jobs for 30 people.
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NEWS
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ADVANCED SUPPLY CHAIN JUST THE TICKET FOR FASHION MANUFACTURER FASHION MANUFACTURER Just Jamie, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tailoring products, has agreed a deal with fast-growing logistics provider Advanced Supply Chain (ASC) for the provision of freight forwarding services of its direct imported product. As a longstanding partner of Just Jamie, ASC already handles pre-retail work and UK distribution for the business. The new twelve-month rolling deal is the final link in providing the business with a complete, end-to-end supply chain. Just Jamie is part of the Li and Fung group of companies and supplies tailoring products to retail giants, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and George Clothing. Working with ASC more closely will allow the company to benefit from improved service levels, greater visibility of product and lower all round costs when compared to other multi-provider options. Mike Danby, Chief Executive at ASC, said: “By providing a successful end-to-end logistics operation we can offer cost and time effective
supply chain solutions to our customers irrespective of product type or origin. “As Just Jamie is one of the leading suppliers of fashion clothing in the UK, we are extremely proud to be chosen as their full service, end-to-end supply chain partner.” Robert Godfrey, Managing Director at Just Jamie, said: “It was an easy decision to expand our existing contract with ASC as the company has continually delivered excellent service, proactive system improvements, and a willingness to go the extra mile to fulfil our needs. This latest deal is testament to the success of our relationship over the past six years. “We pride ourselves on supplying clients with precisely what they need, when they need it, which means that an efficient logistics operation is absolutely vital.” Due to the business’ rapid growth, ASC has launched a major recruitment drive and is currently seeking candidates across a number of roles across the UK, including many Senior Positions.
SCOTTISH HAULIERS TO PAY £1,000 TO USE UK’S ROADS
AN INDEPENDENT Scotland’s businesses face paying up to £1,000 a year more to transport their goods to the remainder of the UK, according to a report being unveiled by Vince Cable warning separation would lead to higher costs for motorists. The Government analysis highlights the impact of legislation being introduced next
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year that will introduce a charge payable by hauliers for wear and tear of the UK’s road network. For UK companies, the bill will be offset against other road taxes so that nine out of ten HGVs will cost no more to run. The charge would place a substantial additional burden on a separate Scotland’s businesses.
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NEWS
EU PLANS TO TRACK SHIPPING EMISSIONS THE EU will start measuring shipping emissions from next year as a first step towards delivering a global solution for cutting the sector’s climate change impact. EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas today made the announcement in a joint emailed statement issued as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meets for week-long talks in London that will encompass proposed market-based
measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Commissioners said the proposed measurement regime would form the starting point for either a global mechanism for curbing emissions or the potential inclusion of shipping in the EU's emissions trading scheme (EU ETS). “At EU level, we consider several options, including market-based mechanisms,” the statement reads. “A simple, robust and globally-feasible approach towards setting
a system for monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions based on fuel consumption is the necessary starting point. “This will help make progress at global level and feed into the IMO process. It’s therefore our joint intention to pursue such a monitoring, reporting and verification system in early 2013.” Shipping accounts for around three per cent of global emissions, but this is expected to rise to 18 per cent by 2050 if no limiting action is taken.
FAST-CASUAL DINING
COUNCIL NOT LISTENING OVER RAIL INTERCHANGE THE RAIL FREIGHT Interchange is earmarked in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan for 15 hectares close to the rail line through Deeping St Nicholas. The plan – which sets out the vision for the South Holland and Boston area through to 2031 – also includes an associated 45 hectares for industrial use. Around a dozen residents attended a meeting of Deeping St Nicholas Parish Council on
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Monday, where South Holland District Council senior planning officer Phil Norman outlined the history and current situation regarding the RFI. At the meeting parish council chairman Nicholas Watts said 800 out of the village’s 1,000 residents had previously signed a petition against the rail hub, adding: “From that it’s fairly obvious that we don’t want it, but it would seem the council is not really listening...”
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LAST TWO RENAULT MAGNUMS SOLD IN UK PORTSMOUTH-based international freight forwarder, Freight Transport has taken delivery of the last two Renault Magnums to be sold in the UK. The two Renault Magnum 480.25 6x2 tractor units join the company’s 25-strong fleet. First launched in 1990, the Magnum won "International Truck of the Year" in 1991. Its spacious
2.5m-wide cab with a flat floor and generous headroom became a favourite with long-distance drivers. It is succeeded by Renault's new long-distance, Euro-6 “T” range due to arrive in the UK in the autumn. The Magnums were supplied through Renault Trucks distributor, Sparks Commercial Services replacing Scania and Daf.
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Passenger Information W ith the economy in its current state and growing concern about the environment, boosting passenger numbers is high on the agenda of operators and local authorities alike. To increase ridership, perceived barriers to bus travel need to be removed. One area often overlooked is the information provided to the passengers once they are on the bus. By informing riders of the stop they are at, the next stop and the bus's final destination, they can relax and enjoy the journey – and the driver can concentrate on driving. Hanover has created a modular passenger information system to meet
the needs of a variety of requirements, budgets and buses. The system can make internal and/or external announcements as well as showing information on one or more LED displays or multi-media screens. It can be configured to work on buses dedicated to one route or those that travel on many routes. The onboard computer works using GPS to locate where the bus is and where the bus stops are. It can make announcements as the bus approaches the stop, when the doors open and when it leaves. Such “This stop is…” and “The next stop is…” announcements can be enhanced by adding other useful information such as tourist landmarks
and the public transport connections passengers can make. Customers are thereby given plenty of time to prepare to leave the bus and to reassure themselves they are at the stop they require. Enhancing the passenger experience for everyone – especially the visual and hearing impaired – leads to a more consistent passenger experience and, inevitably, to an increase in passenger satisfaction. For further information on Hanover’s ‘Talking Bus Systems’, please contact Hanover Displays Ltd on 01273 477528 or visit our website www.hanoverdisplays.com
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CARBON EMISSIONS: ALLIANCE BOOTS
AN HOLISTIC
APPROACH Alliance Boots is a leading international, pharmacy-led health and beauty group delivering a range of products and services to customers
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ationalisation of the supply chain has been a key activity at Boots UK over the last 7-8 years. That’s resulted in products being receipted through a single Store Service Centre at Beeston in Nottinghamshire, then out to fifteen countrywide Cross Dock Centres (CDCs) for despatch to stores. The operation is supported by a fleet that undergoes continuous renewal, recently including a transition from single to double-deck trailers and a resultant 17% improvement in trailer fill. That’s part of a focus on improving efficiency and reducing emissions and fuel use, with trailer fill further improved by loading the step frame to maximise space. Other improvements including schedule optimisation that’s saved 3.3 million miles (store delivery and primary trunking combined) over the last year, limiting speeds and look-
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CARBON EMISSIONS: ALLIANCE BOOTS ing at a variety of fuel efficient measures including, tyre pressures, driver behaviour through telematics and dual fuel vehicles. Backhaul growth, as Central Transport Contract Manager Peter Robinson recalls, has been significant: “We collect from suppliers using our transport and we’ve seen a 12% growth last year. That’s taking miles off the road and about 30% of supplier receipts are now carried on our vehicles.” A particularly challenging aspect of Boots UK operation is the tendency to replenish items individually rather than by pallet load. Since stock isn’t held in CDCs, that causes rapid transport needs and requires warehouse stock to be optimised for picking. And that, as Sustainable Development Manager Ian Barnes explains, gave other opportunities: “We’re looking at pallet optimisation so our suppliers stack product onto pallets in the most efficient way to get more on vehicles. That gives us maximum inbound fill rather than just focusing on outbound. “Because we’re sending singles to our stores, we break receipts into boxes for picking so we’re asking suppliers to send in multiples that tip straight into an internal transport box. Pallet optimisation can reduce the number of pallets we receive so it’s a trade-off against store time and avoiding unnecessary transit packaging.” The need for small quantities led to collaboration with Alliance Healthcare Distribution Limited helping to reduce delivery miles. “Almost every store has a pharmacy and receives medicines daily,” remarks Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Richard Ellis. “Alliance Healthcare provides the drug deliveries
“WE’RE LOOKING AT PALLET OPTIMISATION SO OUR SUPPLIERS STACK PRODUCT ONTO PALLETS IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO GET MORE ON VEHICLES” and we make use of space on their vans to deliver medicines and non medicines goods to smaller stores.” Collaboration extends to delivering other retailers’ stock on the company’s vehicles, using a haulier’s spare capacity to handle deliveries in the north of Scotland and having arrangements with other retailer around the country as well as in the Isle of Man. Carbon reduction is the subject of Boots UK targets and, with transport products accounting for 15% of energy emissions, there’s scope for a big impact. And although switching to double-deck trailers makes comparisons with new initiatives difficult to measure, progress is being made. “We view everything holistically and join up the dots so transport isn’t looked at in isolation,” says Richard. “We’re making this work in a more sustainable way across the whole delivery pattern, getting a feedback of ideas and liaising with people in the contract manufacturing side. It’s a much more joined up process than ten years ago.”
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CARBON EMISSIONS: PALMER & HARVEY
THE UK'S BIGGEST DELIVERED WHOLESALER Palmer and Harvey have nationwide distribution facilities operating in the independent and multiple Convenience, Forecourt and CTN retail arena, providing a range of turnkey solutions to meet your specific business needs
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elivering to every postal area daily is a challenge for any organisation. In the case of Palmer & Harvey, the challenge is growing with the introduction of new products and services and an increased focus on an expanded distribution operation. Palmer & Harvey is the UK’s largest wholesale distributor, supplying more than 14,000 product lines to 63,000 retailers that include convenience stores, petrol station forecourts and the larger supermarkets. It supplies over 70% of independent forecourts located across the UK. Product supply is through a structured distribution system. “We have a central distribution centre in Coventry and thirteen distribution centres throughout
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CARBON EMISSIONS: PALMER & HARVEY ambient, frozen and chilled lines and despatches seventy vehicles daily. Supporting the network are 1,000 commercial vehicles, a mixture of ambient, chilled and frozen for the multi-point operation. Coventry is home to the artic fleet, with large, double-deck trailers for distribution to the regional centres, which have mainly eighteen tonne trucks to handle deliveries to stores. Inbound produce comes in on supplier vehicles, third party carriers and Palmer & Harvey’s own fleet as a backhaul activity. Outbound is internally resourced and based on predictive stock levels.
HANDLING PEAK DEMAND Fleet renewal focuses on a maximum seven year lifespan and generally means 100 new vehicles each year. But the renewal policy, as Rhys recounts, is governed by peak demand in summer when service stations are busier: “We bring our new vehicles into the fleet during March and April when our volumes kick off and leave the old fleet in place. We increase by roughly 60-80 vehicles through the summer and, in September, cut the fleet right back by disposing of old vehicles. At some branches, we can recruit new drivers fairly easily and we have a permanent agency arrangement.” The ordering process for individual stores is helped by a recently launched app allowing customers to place orders and to
check and compare prices. There’s also an online ordering system and a handheld scanner, launched in September 2011, to scan barcodes and upload orders via a computer’s USB port. Online orders have increased by 68% since the scanner was introduced, with online customers spending 28% more than those ordering by other methods. Other innovations have been introduced to improve overall efficiency. “Voice picking has improved picking times because operatives don’t have to walk about looking for stock,” comments Rhys. “The system tells the picker its location and the number of units needed. We’ve also introduced in our main branches an automated cigarette and tobacco picking operation that can pick for three branches together.” The introduction of the automated, high speed tobacco picking facility was the first of its kind in the UK, the machine having previously been used in the pharmaceutical and fashion sectors. It picks up to 100,000 cigarette packs an hour with a zero error rate and ensures security and accuracy for a high value product.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY Changes to the fleet to improve fuel efficiency have included aerodynamics on vehicles and a move to automatic gear boxes. Stopstart technology has been introduced on some vehicles, as has telematics to track
“WE HAVE A CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN COVENTRY AND THIRTEEN DISTRIBUTION CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND”
the UK and Northern Ireland,” remarks national transport manager Rhys Thomas. “To achieve economies of scale, rather than delivering individual pallets to each area, we’ll take a trailer load into Coventry, break it down and deliver to each distribution centre. They’re held in the warehouse, picked overnight, loaded and out the following day to the stores.” The distribution network expanded last September with the opening of the latest distribution centre at Hemel Hempstead to support the growth of the convenience market within the M25. The 168,000 square foot site, which has sixteen loading bays and a 40,000 square foot chiller, was fitted out at a cost of £6.5 million. It stocks 11,000
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CARBON EMISSIONS: PALMER & HARVEY
“WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT WAYS OF IMPROVING FLEET PERFORMANCE AND REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS”
106–112 Davigdor Road Hove, East Sussex BN3 1RE www.palmerharvey.co.uk Tel: 01273 222100
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usage, allowing drivers’ performance to be monitored and training needs identified, with the overall aim of improving average miles per gallon across the fleet. Rhys says: “We have a selection process to make sure we get a better performing vehicle and are currently basing our fleet on mainly Euro 5 engines. Our first Euro 6 is having the body built at the moment so we can start trialling it and see the impact.We’ve taken on routing and scheduling packages and an online proof of delivery system where the driver has a handheld terminal to provide an electronic signature on screen. That’s downloaded to the centre so we know it’s been delivered and it allows us to manage delivery windows and forewarn customers if we’re running late.”
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P&H Direct, a new van sales company, aims to supply cafes, garden centres, sandwich shops and pubs, adding to the existing Snacksdirect and Sweetsdirect operations. The three brands will make over 50,000 customer calls fortnightly and there’s also an extension to the product range and increased emphasis on online sales. All that’s intended to cater for a convenience sector predicted to grow from £34 billion to £40 billion by 2017, with a £300 million banking facility recently arranged to develop and expand the business over the next five years. That, as Rhys admits, will put further pressure on the distribution operation: “We are constantly looking at ways of improving fleet performance and reducing carbon emissions. We’re always looking at ways to drive down cost, pollution and improve efficiency to our customers.”
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CARBON EMISSIONS: PALMER & HARVEY
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portsmouth:feature 2 02/07/2013 10:21 Page 16
PORTS: PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT/MAINLAND MARKET DELIVERIES
IMPROVING THE FLOW OF FREIGHT With easy access and the most routes to France, Spain and the Channel Islands Portsmouth International Port is perfectly positioned for ferries, cruise and cargo Harbour Offices Continental Ferry Port George Byng Way Portsmouth PO2 8SP www.portsmouth-port.co.uk Tel: 023 9229 7391
elegates at the European “Weastflows” conference were recently given full briefing on the bespoke track and trace system that has been developed by Anglia Business Solutions and Mainland Market Deliveries Ltd (MMD), the shipping arm of Portsmouth International Port. The company provides shippers with a fully-integrated turnkey service, including stevedoring, ship and
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“WE ARE INCREASINGLY AWARE WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF OUR INDUSTRY ON THE ENVIRONMENT” customs agency, handling, storage and onward distribution. It is perhaps best known as one of the UK’s leading specialists for fruit importation, handling 70% of all bananas eaten in Britain. The tracking system has set it apart from other UK ports.
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The idea behind the system is simple – barcodes are attached to products the moment they start to make the journey from field to supermarket. An innovative web portal allows organisations involved in the supply chain to monitor the progress of each shipment. It is believed to be the first time a UK port has introduced a web based tracking system for fresh produce, allowing full traceability from anywhere in the world. Growers, shippers, wholesalers and retailers are all benefiting from this technology. The tracking system gives shippers ‘real-time’ information about where their fruit is. This reduces waste by making sure the shipments are collected at exactly the right time, helping to keep fresh produce in perfect condition. There is a reduction in wasted journeys, with HGVs only needing to be dispatched when produce is ready for collection; this ultimately means a reduction in CO2. It also helps to ensure full advantage is made of empty space in trailers, reducing the overall number of lorries on the roads allowing the whole process to run more efficiently. There is also the benefit of traceability, something the industry now demands. The system gives growers the certainty that their fruit has left MMD and is travel-
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portsmouth:feature 2 02/07/2013 10:21 Page 17
PORTS: PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT/MAINLAND MARKET DELIVERIES ling to the ripening centre, and it allows the supermarket to trace the fruit back to the farm of origin, which can be important if there is a problem with the produce. Martin Putman, Port Manager of Portsmouth International Port, said, “We are increasingly aware we have a responsibility to reduce the impact of our industry on the environment. By introducing our tracking system we are making progress in that aim. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share our experience with other logistics professionals attending the Weastflows conference.”
BENEFITS Richard Jones, Director of Technology at Anglia Business Solutions said the benefits of the tracking technology will be vast including “direct cost savings, lower headcount, improved financial information, and versatile stock management”. Jones, who is responsible for software at Anglia, says the initial brief called for a reliable warehouse and stock management system that could support the financial management of the business. The challenging and complex project brings together the Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP system, cloud computing and mobile technology to enhance productivity, efficiency and green endeavours. Jones says it will be particularly beneficial from an environmental point of view as it will mean “less paper as processes go online as well as better management of both vessel and vehicles”. It is also beneficial to other markets as MMD can make their stock holding visible in real-time for their customers. Portsmouth’s project fits well with the overall ethos of ‘Weastflows‘. The EU funded organisation aims to improve and enhance freight logistics in North West Europe and encourage a move from an over reliance on road haulage to the more sustainable modes of rail, short-sea shipping and river transportation.
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PORTS: PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
THE PORT OF BRITAIN
COURTESY OF THE PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest and busiest container port and plays a pivotal role in keeping the UK’s trade moving
T Tomline House The Dock Felixstowe IP11 3SY www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk Tel: 01394 604943
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services, to more destinations, more often than any other UK port. “The new North Rail Terminal will increase still further our rail capability. By allowing us to run longer trains, as well as more of them, it will allow users of the port to improve the efficiency of their supply chains and at the same time reducing cost for them.” Dr John Meredith, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Port Holdings, said, “The Port of Felixstowe was Hutchison Ports Holdings’ first investment outside Hong Kong and the new North Rail Terminal is evidence of our continuing commitment to Felixstowe and the UK market. This new facility complements the recent investment we have made in Berths 8&9 and
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COURTESY OF THE PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
he Port of Felixstowe has officially opened a new rail terminal which doubles rail capacity at Britain’s biggest container port. The new North Rail Terminal was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG, local dignitaries and a large number of the port’s customers. Commenting on the new terminal, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owner of the Port of Felixstowe, said, “Rail is becoming the mode of choice for an increasing number of shipping lines, forwarders and shippers to move their goods to and from ports. It provides cost, environmental and reliability benefits for many customers and the Port of Felixstowe offers more rail
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COURTESY OF THE PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
PORTS: PORT OF FELIXSTOWE
ensures that Felixstowe has a range of facilities unequalled anywhere else in the UK.” The £40 million investment in the new rail terminal is part of a scheme to increase capacity at the Port of Felixstowe that includes the new Berths 8&9, opened in November 2011. The new rail terminal, co-financed by the European Union Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme, allows the port to accommodate trains of up to 35-wagons length. 10 kilometres of new track has been laid for the terminal which provides nine additional tracks, making a total of 20 tracks on the port – more than King’s Cross station - and it has the only traverser at a UK intermodal terminal. Stephen Hammond, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said, “Felixstowe has long been at the forefront of efforts to promote the use of rail for container freight and thus to reduce congestion and environmental impact from HGVs. The investment in this terminal will also complement Network Rail's own investment in the Strategic Freight Network, which the Department for Transport is supporting.” The investment by Hutchison Ports will further enhance the Port of Felixstowe’s position as the UK’s major hub port, and the Port of Britain. With both unrivalled rail and road links connecting the port to distribution hubs in the Midlands and elsewhere in the UK, Felixstowe’s role in keeping the UK’s trade moving is pivotal, delivering real benefits to customers, the community and the industry.
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lays:feature 2 08/07/2013 11:23 Page 20
ENTERTAINMENT LOGISTICS: LAYS INTERNATIONAL
THE HAULAGE SUPPLIERS FOR EVERY EVENT Established over 40 years ago to service the Film, TV and commercial Industries, Lays International also supply general haulage, courier and freight forwarding service throughout Europe
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ENTERTAINMENT LOGISTICS: LAYS INTERNATIONAL hilst the film industry seems a glamorous business, being a haulage supplier for it can be an uncertain existence. “The film game is very up and down,” says Paul Lay, Managing Director of Lays International. “It can be flat out one minute and absolutely nothing another time. That’s the difficulty of this business because you have massive overheads but sometimes have to wait for the work to come. We currently have around 100 vehicles in the yard but in September won’t have enough available so it’s feast or famine.” It’s a situation to which the company is accustomed; having operated since 1995 after succeeding a previous firm in the same business, and 99% of its
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work is in the film industry. Lays handles the troughs by owning all its vehicles and premises outright so in these quite periods it has no financial commitments to third parties. Additionally, it is always looking for ways to fill this gap from general haulage to high volume short term work. But when the peaks come along, it’s a hectic time until the films are finished.
SPECIALISED FLEET With the big films, and Lays has been involved in every Harry Potter plus several Bond films, the work can last for months and involve most of the company’s fleet. That fleet includes regular flat beds, artics and vans for general transport plus specialised wardrobe trailers, light trucks and camera trucks with dark rooms. Paul says: “Some have tumble dryers, washing machines, generators and air conditioning. Half are racked as needed and the rest are empty trucks used for anything. All trucks have steps out the back and internal lighting because they work nights and even empty trucks sometimes need to have racks and steps installed. “We’ve gradually developed how to build them ourselves from drawings we have. I’ve
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got a few good people I use, metal workers and carpenters that have I have worked with numerous times in order to develop how we build these vehicle. They’re very good at it but we’re always trying to improve each one.” The vehicles are expensive, with camera trucks typically costing £20,000 to fit out and often kept for ten years. That’s possible because they’re relatively low mileage, with many vehicles often on location for weeks at a time and covering an average of 2,000 miles annually. Apart from the unevenness of the work, filming means much uncertainty and the need to react quickly. There’s little advance notice, no detailed contracts and films can be delayed or cancelled at the last minute. And, as Paul recounts, requirements are generally vague: “We’ll be told when a film is to start, the number and type of vehicles needed and for how long. There’ll be a rough list and we’ll agree a deal, then the film starts.” After that, the situation can change with lorries needed at short notice, a big emphasis on strict time keeping so filming schedules aren’t delayed and often high risk value items having to be packed, loaded, transported and unloaded. Lays handles this by hiring
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ENTERTAINMENT LOGISTICS: LAYS INTERNATIONAL drivers who are adaptable and generally have a background in removals work, usually sending them out with experienced drivers to learn the business. It also adopts a flexible attitude because it works frequently for the same companies and each job depends on the successful completion of the previous one.
BIGGEST PROJECT That attitude is necessary because the company is required to work all over Europe and to tight timescales, which sometimes means putting two drivers on each vehicle. A recent example was Fast & Furious 6, the biggest project Lays has been involved in, where 70-80 vehicles were required for 3-4 months. Paul says: “They were filming in London on Tuesday and wanted to film in Tenerife on Wednesday. So they doubled up on
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every vehicle and parked some in London with equipment on and had another set of vehicles shipped out two weeks earlier with another set of equipment to be ready for them to start the next day. They actually shipped 500 vehicles, including cars and tanks, chartering a ferry from Southampton so we drove them on and then off in Tenerife.” For now, Lays is going through one of its quiet spells but is likely to enter its busiest ever period in September when several films are due to begin production. But there’s no certainty they’ll all start on time, if at all, so planning is difficult. “If we could plan it out, it would be so easy, but there’s no notification,” comments Paul. “It’s a funny business driven by supply and demand so we have to be on hand. Everything’s 100% urgent and we have to give a very good service.”
Delta Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham, Surrey TW20 8RX www.laysint.com Tel: 01784 432100
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Aberdeen City Council :feature 2 05/07/2013 14:53 Page 24
COUNCILS: ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT
Aberdeen City Council is looking to reduce its carbon footprint but one of its most challenging areas is within its large vehicle fleet 24
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Photo credit: Aberdeen City Council.
COUNCILS: ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
he last twelve months have been spent conducting several trials for Aberdeen City Council’s fleet operation. These have included assessing its refuse collection operation, preparing for Euro 6 and looking at alternative fuels. The work put into improving the transport options and infrastructure led to the council being named Scottish Transport Local Authority of the Year. The recognition has partly resulted from its work in improving the safety and efficiency of its fleet of 600 vehicles and 1,200 plant items. “We have been looking at many alternative fuels and trialling various things,” remarks Fleet Manager Nigel Buchan. “We have five electric vans and two hybrids. We’re looking at every alternative and the availability of European funding gave the opportunity to buy some hydrogen buses.” Acquiring ten hydrogen fuel cell buses is part of the city’s aim to create a hydrogen economy to supplement its renewable sector. The £20 million project will bring Europe’s largest fleet of fuel cell buses to the region, saving an estimated one tonne of CO2 a year. Nigel says: “They’re due to go into service at the turn of the year. It’s being done in a partnership between Aberdeen City, First Bus and Stagecoach and they’re
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running a four year trial.We’ll then look to expand the process. We’re looking at a hydrogen powered refuse collection vehicle but the starting point is the buses and we’ll see where we go from there.” The council is currently working on its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan that examines the way people move around by all modes pf transport. Developing an effective plan requires the involvement of the public and all stakeholders to ensure a transport system that is fully accessible, safe and secure.At the same time, the aim is to reduce energy consumption, pollution and emissions, improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and to make the urban environment more attractive.
First Minister Alex Salmond announced funding of up to £3.3m from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise for a pioneering EU-backed clean energy hub in Aberdeen, including Europe’s largest hydrogen bus fleet. Pictured from left are: Aberdeen City Council Leader Cllr Barney Crockett and First Minister Alex Salmond MSP.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS An essential part of the council’s programme is the Strategic Transport Fund, for which it won the Most Innovative Transport Project of the Year award. The £80 million fund will be used to ensure the delivery of strategic infrastructure to support development plans and will be financed by contributions from developers with new planning allocations. It’s an element of the Strategic Development Plan, with current transport infrastructure projects including the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to improve traffic flow in and around the city and local area. This
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COUNCILS: ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL project is expected to create 14,000 jobs and add £6 billion to the local economy over the next thirty years. At a more basic level, there’s a constant battle to reduce the fuel bill and make the transport operation more efficient. “We’ve a driver training programme and we’re looking at fleet utilisation to cut vehicle numbers,” recounts Nigel. “We also have a new computer system for refuse collection to set up the rounds more efficiently. Driver training is part of that and we’re pushing to complete CPC before the end of next year. We use a tracking system at the moment but we’re looking more at telematics to improve drivers’ techniques. We’re also examining onboard cameras for the vehicles, monitoring driving habits and have various trials to cut emissions and fuel costs.”
engines from September this year and the Whole Vehicle Type Approval scheme. “We’re trying to prepare for Euro 6 and we’ve quite a bit of work to do,” remarks Nigel. “It’s quite a change to vehicle specifications, making them a lot heavier and more bulky, par-
SAFETY
ticularly with the specialist vehicles we purchase. The problem arises with the additional equipment we build on the vehicles because there’s not one vehicle that’s standard. We have tippers fitted as gritters with snow plough frames and we have sweepers on chassis, so there’s additional work to get these fitted. We’re working with the body builders to come up with solutions.” After a busy period of conducting various trials, the council is now collecting and communicating the results to establish the best course of action. That will determine how the transport operation progresses but seems likely to produce more innovation and further projects to improve infrastructure and options.
It’s tied in with safety as well, with a review of 360 degree cameras and monitors designed to improve operator safety by enabling drivers to know the whereabouts of bin loaders. At the same time, there are environmental programmes and government targets to meet on reducing waste, which will change collection methods and lead to the introduction of new vehicles for such as food waste collection. The current method of waste collection is being assessed to improve safety by reducing manual handling at the kerbside through sorting the waste later. The biggest challenges at the moment come from the European Union, with the introduction of Euro 6
AT A MORE BASIC LEVEL, THERE’S A CONSTANT BATTLE TO REDUCE THE FUEL BILL AND MAKE THE TRANSPORT OPERATION MORE EFFICIENT
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk Tel: 01224 522000
Proud to support Aberdeen City Council and wish them success for the future
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Quantex:feature 2 04/07/2013 13:42 Page 28
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COURIERS: NATIONAL COURIER ASSOCIATION
SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS
DELIVERING EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1988 the NCA enables members to keep up-to-date with legislation and regulations, maintain standards within their particular industry and provides support and assistance
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COURIERS: NATIONAL COURIER ASSOCIATION
ost trade associations help members keep up-to-date with legislation and regulations, maintain standards within their particular industry and provide support and assistance. The National Courier Association (NCA) does all of that but it also enables members, no matter how small, to provide a true nationwide service to their customers and so compete on level terms with larger companies. The NCA was formed in 1988 and is organised into seven regions across the country – Scotland, Northern, Midlands, Eastern, South Western, South Eastern and Greater London – each with its own representative on the National Committee. In addition to them, there are an annually elected Chairman and Vice Chairman plus non-elected President, Administrator and Treasurer who handle the day to day running of the Association.
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MAINTAINING QUALITY Membership is currently around 100 and that’s purposely limited to maintain quality across the whole network. The general principle is that there’s one member for each provincial and rural area, two or three for a medium sized town or city and an agreed number for every large city
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area. High standards are maintained by ensuring all members adhere to a strict code of practice, subjecting new members to a one year probationary period before full acceptance and conducting ad hoc audits for all full members at any point in their membership. The emphasis on quality means clients have the reassurance of knowing that all members will provide a reliable service and have the support of a prestigious trade association. Additionally, they can locate a member firm in their area using the NCA’s ‘Find a Courier’ service and know
they’ll be charged an agreed national rate. And whatever the consignment and its ultimate destination, NCA members are almost certainly going to be able to provide a same day or next day service to deal with it. That’s achieved by a fleet of around 2,500 vehicles that range from bicycles through motorcycles and vans to trucks of 7.5 to 17 tonnes, which are located all around the country from the Hebrides to Cornwall and including the Republic of Ireland. All of that means members can realistically expect to increase their turnover and profits
“We are committed to raising the profile of our business and the professional service we provide; being a member of The National Courier Association supports this commitment. It enables us to offer our clients the resources and coverage of much larger organisations yet with the assurance they will receive the same level of a personal service they come to expect from us. Finally, as a business owner, the profitability on each booking is paramount to me and working closely with other members within the association provides us with the opportunity to maximize our revenue stream with an increase in bookings and backloads.” STEVE MAY: DIRECTOR, THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
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COURIERS: NATIONAL COURIER ASSOCIATION
through being able to provide truly national coverage as an approved member within a specific area. That’s improved further by working closely with other members and receiving referrals from those members when clients move to another area. Account facilities are available with other members and help and assistance is provided in all major towns, which enhances a member’s ability to operate as a national concern no matter how small and local the business might be. Added to that is the Association’s Retrac service, which offers return loads via the website and so generally avoids empty running.
VARIOUS SERVICES The NCA provides a number of other services, more readily expected of a trade association, such as special rates for insurance cover, discounts on fuel, vehicle purchase and hire, a regular news group and regional meetings that give the opportunity to network and swap ideas. There’s also free admission to the NCA Trade Fair and the chance to enter its annual awards, which have Courier of the Year categories at national and regional level.
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Non-courier companies can become NCA approved suppliers, which carries accreditation as a trusted body from the Association. This provides access to the courier network, helps increase turnover and profits, and ensures suppliers keep in touch with the courier industry. Applying to become a member or approved supplier is a simple process, with entry forms available on the NCA’s website. However, as you’d expect, the process for members is much more extensive, with full input of details that include services offered, systems and controls, and the extent and type of vehicles operated. The Association is very clear that, although it is seeking new members, any applicants have to be established courier trading companies that have office based staff and have been trading for at least one year. That means owner drivers, who don’t have the necessary infrastructure, will not be granted membership. The overriding aim, after all, is to maintain the quality of the service at all costs.
National Courier Association NCA House 30 Woodhall Croft Pudsey LS28 7TU www.thenca.co.uk Tel: 0845 6037813
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sameday:feature 2 06/07/2013 11:06 Page 34
COURIERS: THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
COURIERS TO BUSINESS
The Sameday Company provides award winning express business courier services from five local offices in the South of England ometimes a company’s name says it all, which is the case for The Sameday Company. “We specialise in express, same day and dedicated courier services for businesses,” states Managing Director Steve May. “We only work with account customers and concentrating on providing a reliable and professional product to businesses regularly is better for us and our clients.” Those clients include architects, the NHS, pharmaceutical and publishing companies and it carries anything that fits in its van fleet. Bigger consignments may require it to utilise service partners within the NCA network, which the company uses to cover remote locations, provide backloads and supply specialist vehicles. Working with NCA members, Steve believes, has
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www.thesamedaycompany.com Tel: 0845 6022163 Andover: 01264 352 352 Southampton: 02380 111 735 Basingstoke: 01256 761 818 Winchester: 01962 860 800 Camberley: 01276 590 070
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other benefits: “It increases margins through intertrading and is a great way of building relationship with independent courier companies. It’s important to have a professional body to endorse the service we provide and to have contact with companies facing the same challenges we do.” The arrangement allows great flexibility, although the company uses its own resources where possible to provide a 24/7 service to destinations anywhere in the UK and Europe. That can extend to taking calls in the early hours for parcels that need to go to destinations on the continent, which may mean hand-carrying to an aircraft or boarding a ferry. An arrangement with a business travel agency enables the necessary bookings at short notice. Some consignments require urgent delivery while others are booked in advance and need the assurance
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COURIERS: THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
of a reliable service. “It may just be a business-critical requirement,” explains Steve. “We move exhibition material for some clients and it’s impetrative to have products and display material set up when their team arrives without finding boxes are lost in an overnight network.”
PROFESSIONAL IMAGE It’s about providing a flexible and reliable service, which applies to those needing a one-off delivery as well as regular customers. There’s also, as Steve confirms, a big emphasis on professional image: “All drivers carry identification and have branded workwear and vehicles. We work very hard on our image and business service because we’re representing our client to their client. It’s important for them to know their goods and service are represented in a professional manner.”
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The company faces the challenge of rising costs but works closely with suppliers to keep them in check and has introduced efficiency measures to remain competitive without compromising service quality. Some of that also aims to reduce emissions, with regular vehicle maintenance for optimum efficiency, speed limiters and backloads to restrict empty running. The hard work was recognised by an NCA Silver award, voted by the company’s customers. So the aim, as Steve confirms, is to grow the business without jeopardising that relationship: “We’ll continue to promote The Sameday Company and grow at a rate that won’t compromise our service. We have a very strong brand, a loyal customer base and a committed team. It’s been a long and steady but enjoyable process and we’re proud to have a strong and successful company.”
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sprintshift:feature 2 05/07/2013 09:00 Page 36
HAULAGE: SPRINTSHIFT
LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS Make Sprintshift part of your logistics solutions and be sure your customers get the very best service provider to complement you pecialising in providing all-encompassing transport solutions, continued investment has allowed Sprintshift to adapt as demand has changed in the marketplace. Crucially, the company has not forgotten the values that have seen it build such success. By providing a customer-focussed approach, those that benefit from the Sprintshift service know they are dealing with a company that cares about their needs. Sprintshift is “prepared to go the extra mile”. This is highlighted through its dedication to working with its customers to assist in the development of their businesses by providing an efficient yet flexible distribution partnership that allows them to develop the relationship with their own customers.
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17 Outram Road Dukinfield Greater Manchester SK16 4XE www.sprintshift.co.uk Tel: 0161 343 6673
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The company enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the industry’s premier transport businesses. With a dedicated team of skilled and reliable staff, Sprintshift provides a second-to-none service using its extensive range of vehicles. This is combined with competitive rates and a service that is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Originally established in 2003 by an experienced team of distribution professionals with varied experience and over forty combined years in the industry, Sprintshift is a company built on firm foundations. The combined expertise within the business has allowed it to diversify, providing a flexible service to customers who require a variety of requirements.
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HAULAGE: SPRINTSHIFT Services not only include simple A to B courier work, but also assisting many of the region’s freight forwarding and transport sectors with multi drop work and dedicated vehicle implant packages. This service is complemented by comprehensive storage and distribution for many types of incompatible freight items, for example, garden buildings for many of the nation’s large home improvement centres. Kitchens, bedrooms, and home studies are also stored and delivered direct to the customer’s home addresses for major blue chip clients. Customers are at ease thanks to Sprintshift’s seamless and efficient booking and co-ordination procedures. Indeed, the company has embraced modern technology with software allowing it to view, on a dayto-day basis, current, future and historical jobs. It can search the history of an account by the click of a button. Allowing customers to access their account online makes the process far smoother, enhancing the overall experience of using Sprintshift.
VEHICLE TRACKING The company has also made use of vehicle tracking to further improve the reliability of the service. While tracking the whereabouts of goods gives clients peace of mind, Sprintshift can provide a vastly superior service thanks to its investment in this technology. For example, whilst every care is taken that goods are delivered on time, increasing congestion and road traffic accidents can cause delays. The software allows Sprintshift to check exactly where vehicles are in order to give the best possible estimated time of arrival. The system allows for full traceability, so Sprintshift knows where the vehicle has been over the previous days, weeks and months. If the client requires that information, it can be provided. Sprintshift has built a reputation based on a first class service. With a comprehensive service that is available every day of the year, the company has established itself as an industry leader with innovative working methods, excellent customer relations and a top class service.
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citan:feature 2 02/07/2013 14:03 Page 38
VEHICLE REVIEW: MERCEDES CITAN REVIEW
MERCEDES ARE CITAN PRETTY
Mercedes’ first-ever compact van is the sister of the Renault Kangoo, but the Citan offers considerable brand appeal ow Mercedes-Benz can meet all the demands of the panel van sector. Reminiscent of the Renault Kangoo with the added gravitas, and obvious qualities, of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the new Citan (named by combining “city” with “titan”), is a comfortable, easy to drive vehicle that will easily meet the demands of its user. With the keys in hand the first thing you’ll notice is the made-to-measure interior. No space is wasted and all the requirements needed are present. There is that familiar Mercedes ambience coupled with the feeling of prestige that goes with the brand but comfort is kept to the bare minimum, only the necessities are here. Once on the road you’ll quickly acknowledge the economical engine providing outstanding mileage but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to drive. The handling is superb, even with a full load in the back, but the steering can feel a little light at times when empty. Inside there’s plenty of space in the driver cab and lots of storage space in the back. I was particularly impressed with the location of the gear lever. It is ideally position for effortless handling and gives you the assured control you expect with the Mercedes brand. The engine is smooth and quiet and you won’t find the stop/start system intrusive. With a turning circle of between 10.1 and 12.4 metres depending on body length, the Citan is nicely manoeuvrable too. Safety is of course a key concern and the van scores highly in most regards. Adaptive ESP® (Electronic
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Stability Program) in conjunction with ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and Brake Assist are all pluses, but the van is let down by a poor NCAP rating. But question on your lips is most likely – how much can you fit in the back. Well, three lengths provide the user with flexibility depending on need, while the Dualiner or Traveliner configuration offers further adaptability with an extra row of seating and the capacity to carry five people. Therefore, depending on the length of the van you can carry loads of up 2,137mm and heights of up to 1,258mm. At its most spacious the vehicle will carry 3.8 cubic metres of cargo weighing between 490kg and 810kg. The sliding doors are located on either side with the rear doors opening up to 180 degrees. The option of a standard synthetic floor or wooden floor for the load compartment is a nice addition. Of course, the synthetic floor will protect the vehicle from scratches and is easy to clean but the wooden floor increases insulation and improves loading. So again, it depends on your needs as a user. Those moving Europallets will be glad to hear one will fit neatly in the back.
ADDITIONAL COMFORT In our Citan 109 CDI Long we enjoyed the use of the optional Driver’s Pack consisting of electric folding mirrors, centre armrest with stowage compartment, air conditioning and Parktronic. This provided additional comfort but with added expense. A more practical option might be the Cargo pack. This consists of a split bulkhead, reinforced tyres and a folding co-driver’s seat. The Flexibility Pack is another option on the Dualiner model, consisting of a stowage compartment in the instrument panel, one in the centre armrest and a three-person bench seat with folding bulkhead. All in all, this is a solid, workmanlike vehicle that is adaptable to a variety of needs and won’t let you down. That’s the confidence you get when buying MercedesBenz but expect to pay for the privilege. That said, the Citan isn’t overly expensive when compared to its main competitors. When you factor in the build quality, its ability to be a sturdy, dependable servant for many years, and its economical use of fuel, there isn’t a lot about the Citan that can’t be recommended.
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OUR RATING HANDLING .........................................................8 Good turning/light on steering
FUNCTIONALITY.................................................9 Great space in driver cab, and in back with double sliding doors, plenty of driver storage
LOOKS ................................................................8 Smart Mercedes look similar to New A Class/ Elements of Renault Kangoo are there
PRICE ..................................................................8 Good price but slight premium added over others in class
COMFORT ..........................................................7 Smooth ride/bit more leg room would have been nice
PERFORMANCE .................................................8 Good acceleration/could do with a 6th gear
ECONOMY ...........................................................9 Very good MPG, and ECO start/stop function
SAFETY ...............................................................6 Adaptive ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) in conjunction with ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and Brake Assist BAS)/ let down by poor NCAP rating (3 STARS)
EQUIPMENT ........................................................7 Could do with better radio set up
OVERALL ..................................................7.7/10
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VEHICLE REVIEW: MERCEDES CITAN REVIEW
STANDARD EQUIPMENT INCLUDES: EXTERIOR • Automatic dim-dip light • Daytime running lamps • Exterior mirror heated and electronically adjustable – superseded by option – Driver’s Package • Front left flashing lights • Halogen front fog lamps • Fuel filter flap lockable by central locking system • Lateral protective strips • Left and right sliding doors • Pollen filter • Twin rear doors, double-wing, 180° without windows INTERIOR • Co-driver’s glove compartment • Electrical auxiliary heating • Foldable front passenger seat • Front power windows, with convenience feature on the driver’s side • Full-length partition made of sheet steel • Heat-insulating windows • Height-adjustable driver’s seat • Interior lamp with switch on the D-pillar with three-way setting • Load-securing rings in load compartment • Outside temperature gauge • Plastic flooring in load compartment • Reclining co-driver’s seat • Shelf above windscreen • Smoker’s package • Sunblind with a pocket on the driver’s and co-driver’s side • Sun visor in windscreen behind the rear-view mirror • Travel computer SECURITY AND SAFETY • Adaptive ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) in conjunction with ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and Brake Assist (BAS) • Aspherically curved mirror glass • Automatic actuation of the hazard warning lights during emergency braking • Battery/alternator management • Belt warning for the driver’s seat • Cruise control and speed limiter • ECO start/stop function • Front airbag for driver • Height-adjustable seat belts and belt force limiters • Low-emission vehicle Euro 5 Gr. I • Power-assisted steering • Remote central locking • Start-off assist • Third brake light STEERING, TRANSMISSION AND SUSPENSION • Five-speed manual transmission COMMUNICATIONS AND IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT • Radio / MP3 with Bluetooth connectivity PAINT, TRIM AND UPHOLSTERY • ‘Lima’ black fabric • Non-metallic paint – superseded by option – metallic paint WHEELS AND TYRES • Steel rims 6 J x 15, tyres, without brand specification, 195/65 R 15 – superseded by option – Appearance Package • Spare wheel
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Boleyn Recovery:feature 2 05/07/2013 10:52 Page 42
RECOVERY: BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES
GETTING
YOU MOVING
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RECOVERY: BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES teve Smith is a man on a mission. As Vice President of AVRO and Managing Director of Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services, he believes the recovery industry needs better regulation and is striving constantly to raise standards. It’s something he’s done successfully in his own company, which started in 1959 and has gradually developed since then. “We have workshops, a recovery fleet and an ATF testing suite,” says Steve. “Breakdown recovery is the main business and we’ve developed a nationwide network of trusted recovery operators, predominately AVRO members. “Customers needed support all over the country and we had to meet that requirement. We have to adapt and constantly evolve to the market and we
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manage the company to be able to shift work patterns and offer all types of services. Our customer base is any person who has a vehicle, whatever their vehicle requirements.” Whilst the recovery service can handle anything from a motorbike to heavy plant and deals with any type of customer, it doesn’t compete with the management companies that have swamped the light recovery market, instead concentrating on mainly commercial vehicles. Around 60% of work is from fleet owners with 1-10 vehicles although customers include multi-nationals, big supply chain operators, recycling and refuse companies, construction industry, major hauliers and emergency services. “We don’t exclude anybody and are proud of working for local fleet operators, small family owned companies we built up as our client base over fifty years,” comments Steve. The nationwide recovery is marketed as a pay as you go service to distinguish the operation from management companies. “We ask people to sign up to obtain their details only,” stresses Steve. “There is no membership fee or annual premium; you don’t pay unless you require our services and we’re always there when needed.We feel this approach offers a more transparent value for money, quality service.”
ADAPTABLE APPROACH The irony is the management companies are often simply call centres using recovery operators like Boleyn to provide their service. However, the firm and its recovery partners can cover any type of incident and vehicle for any individual or organisation. That ability and adaptability led to Boleyn expanding its services and changing to its current name, coupled with a gradual conversion of the fleet to a mixture of slide beds and heavy recovery vehicles. That’s been necessary due to the increased emphasis on commercial vehicle recovery, resulting partly from the company’s location in one of east London’s biggest
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industrial areas. It’s also, as Steve points out, in response to the rise of the management companies: “We’ve evolved our services to commercial requirements, which is specialised where you need to talk to someone that understands recovery, logistics and mechanics. When a heavy goods vehicle breaks down, you often have to consider the owner of the load, the trailer and the unit, and you need to understand what position you’re in and who’s going to pay.”
AVRO Nationwide fleet operation of its customers led to a need for extended coverage, which resulted in the set up of the recovery partner network and maintaining Boleyn’s high level of service meant all those partners have to fulfil certain criteria. The main one is for each company to be an AVRO member because that means they’re vetted annually, conform to minimum standards for training and insurance, and have PAS 43 that covers correct operating and health and safety requirements. “We provide a quality service although we may not be the cheapest,” explains Steve. “If there are problems, we have the right people to sort them out. We’ve found using similar companies to ourselves works best because any family-run operator has a vested interest in giving a good service and getting the job done.” Steve is understandably a great believer in the benefits of AVRO membership, the organisation being a recognised industry standard and responsible for the formation of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery, the Recovery Benevolent Fund and RIES, the independent UKAS accredited inspection body. But the main benefit, he maintains, is customers knowing members are quality assured. He is, however, concerned by a lack of legislation for the industry and the fact that PAS 43 is self-regulated. That can lead to double standards with companies such as Boleyn and other AVRO members providing
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RECOVERY: BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES
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a professional service while others operate at the fringes and undercut prices due to not having the expense of proper vehicle maintenance, training and health and safety standards. This aspect is responsible for a series of recent high profile incidents that have started an industry wide debate which will hopefully result in government action for an even playing field for the recovery industry. The eventual outcome may be an R licence, the equivalent of a haulage operator’s O licence. “Sometimes the only practical way to recover a vehicle and alleviate congestion is to compromise ourselves in the eyes of the law,” says Steve. “An R licence could reflect the issues and anomalies that happen in the recovery industry but aren’t covered by law. Grey areas are appearing because vehicle weights have increased and the law hasn’t caught up with what’s happening in the haulage industry.” Increasing weights mean there are fewer vehicles needed to transport goods while improved reliability results in less breakdowns. That impacts on the recovery industry and its ability to be profitable, which in Steve’s view will lead to further mergers to create the necessary volume. However, his company continues to expand its activities, with the latest initiative
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being to extend the recovery service to foreign firms operating here. That’s been facilitated by research to produce a list of Eastern European hauliers with UK operations and by having multi-lingual recovery operators to aid communication. Steve says: “We’re looking for working partnerships with associations similar to AVRO and
“WE’RE LOOKING FOR WORKING PARTNERSHIPS WITH ASSOCIATIONS SIMILAR TO AVRO AND THEIR MEMBERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES” their members in other countries. If one of my customers breaks down in Europe, I’d call my corresponding association to arrange recovery. That’s a reciprocal business relationship we have. “We talk to our customers and they tell us what they need so we are continuing to add to our services.We’ve invested in the VOSA ATF scheme and we’re continuing to evolve as an all-round fleet service provider.”
77 River Road Barking, Essex www.boleynrecovery.com Tel: 020 85942477
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yeates:feature 2 03/07/2013 11:33 Page 46
RECOVERY: YEATES GARAGE
CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION Originally founded in 1923, Yeates Garage has built a sought-after reputation in a number of fields
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yeates:feature 2 03/07/2013 11:33 Page 47
RECOVERY: YEATES GARAGE
eates Garage has built a sought-after reputation in a number of fields. Recent years has seen investment in the recovery service, valeting and emergency repair, while the company remains an expert in the recovery of prestige, classic and high value cars. In addition, a purpose-built motorcycle recovery vehicle is ideal for those on two wheels, and the fuel drainage service will come in handy for anyone accidentally putting diesel in a petrol engine. Originally founded in 1923, the present owners acquired the business in 1971. Great change occurred over the next forty years as the business adapted to a changing marketplace, cutting its taxi service out altogether before redeveloping the petrol station prior to disposing of it in 2008. Investment in recent years has gone in to Yeates Garage Recovery Service where it has grown an enviable reputation, particularly in 24hour recovery services. The all-day recovery operation is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire on a 30,000 sq. ft. site, which has secure storage facilities for over 400 vehicles. Yeates complements its vehicle recovery service with in-house workshop facilities for emergency repairs to vehicles that cannot be repaired at the side of the road. Highlighting the unwavering standards at Yeates, the company enjoys partnerships with many breakdown clubs and associations such as AA, RAC and Gloucestershire Police. From cars and motorcycles to
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caravans and commercial vehicles across the UK, everything up to 4 tonnes can towed or recovered. And those driving prestige, classic or high value cars should feel safe in the hands of Yeates. The company is considered a specialist in the field. The low approach angle of its recovery vehicles means super cars and classics can be carefully and securely managed. Other services include Yeates Valeting which offers a full cleaning service to include collection and redelivery. Fuel decontamination is also a growing side of the business. With a wide range of cars on the road today and with the increasing amount of drivers who have access to different cars on a daily basis, the prospect of putting the wrong fuel in is a very real and increasing problem. The Yeates workshop is equipped with the Autodrain decontamination unit to enable a safe and speedy repair for all vehicles. The company is approved and recommended by Ford, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Volvo, Saab, and Honda. And to show Yeates is also environmentally friendly it ensures that all waste is disposed over under regulations set out by the Environment Agency. Waste is then removed from its premises by specialist licensed carriers. Yeates Garage has enjoyed success in recent years thanks to unyielding focus on customer satisfaction, utilising its vast experience, expertise and modern equipment to deliver a service that goes beyond expectation. Customer feedback says it all. One called the service very impressive, adding it was “helpful and efficient”, while another called the service “excellent, swift and skilful”.
...AND THOSE DRIVING PRESTIGE, CLASSIC OR HIGH VALUE CARS SHOULD FEEL SAFE IN THE HANDS OF YEATES
100 Prestbury Road Cheltenham. GL52 2DL www.yeatesgarage.com Tel: 01242 261889
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AVRO:feature 2 16/07/2013 11:49 Page 48
RECOVERY: ASSOCIATION OF VEHICLE RECOVERY OPERATORS
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RECOVERY: ASSOCIATION OF VEHICLE RECOVERY OPERATORS
THE VOICE OF THE RECOVERY OPERATOR he country’s economy relies on the movement of goods and freight especially on its road network. The vehicle recovery industry provides an essential service keeping the roads clear of broken down vehicles and working alongside the emergency services clearing the scenes of road traffic accidents; both major causes of traffic congestion. The Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO), founded in 1977, is the longest established trade association for the vehicle recovery industry. Since its foundation AVRO has been at the forefront of innovation and setting industry standards. It was the founding member of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR), founding member of the International Federation of Recovery Specialists (IFRS), and helped start the Recovery Equipment Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (REMSA). President Steve Shinnick acknowledges the challenges the industry has faced in recent years and calls upon businesses as a whole to work together. He says, “The recovery industry has been suffering an economic downturn for a number of years. In 1977 there was just AVRO, however over the years other organisations have been established such as the RRRA followed by LARO and then the SVRA and the RHA recovery section. “Frank Worsford, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Westminster, wrote the so-called independent review of the “Road Transport Breakdown Services” published by the Road Haulage Association in May 2005. The conclusions were that the industry is seen to have too much fragmentation involving too many small groups working on their own agendas to the detriment of the industry and not having an overall strategy.” Other conclusions made include the need for effective management of the industry to come through
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Founded in 1977 The Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) is the longest established trade association for the vehicle recovery industry greater consolidation of the trade associations and other voluntary bodies if it is to move forward in a more positive way.The final analysis noted the industry has a responsibility to put its own house in order and raise the standards of professionalism. In order to do so it must put aside some of its short-term and parochial stances. “Few would argue with the conclusions reached. Responsibility for the current situation must be shared equally amongst existing organisations and unfortunately the recommended changes remain unfulfilled,” remarks Nick. “This situation has been exploited by the AA, RAC and Green Flag. Consequently this has not worked for either side. There have been a large number of business failures and operators leaving the industry. And, according to the consumer group ‘Which’, a recent customer satisfaction survey saw the AA slip from 1st place to second, the RAC 5th from 2nd place, and Green Flag one up from bottom place. Britannia Rescue came 1st with just over 72% customer satisfaction. Green Flag has been for sale sometime now, the AA has debts in excess of a billion pounds and the RAC are not fairing much better. “Our aim as an organisation is therefore to heal the fragmentation that currently exists so that the industry can speak with one voice on major issues.”
AVRO House 1 Bath Street Rugby, CV21 3JF Tel: 01788 572850 www.avrouk.com
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RECOVERY: LOWES BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY
FIRST CLASS SERVICE
With its vast experience, in-house expertise and first-class service Lowes Breakdown & Recovery has developed a strong reputation in North Yorkshire
owes Breakdown & Recovery is a proud member of the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO). With its vast experience, in-house expertise and firstclass service the company has developed a strong reputation in North Yorkshire. Understandably, Lowes is very proud of the reputation it has held for many years. This has seen the business prosper, gaining repeat customers and personal recommendation. The combination of reliability, quality and back-up facilities has seen Lowes continue to grow as a business despite the tough global economic conditions it has found itself in over recent years. Customers have come to expect not only first-rate service from Lowes but added value as well. For example, as part of the Lowes Breakdown & Recovery family of services, it complements recovery with comprehensive van hire facilities. This was a natural progression for the company as it moved from simply break-
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RECOVERY: LOWES BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY
down and recovery into repairs and servicing. This in turn brought the need to supply tyres, batteries and exhausts before moving into van hire. Of course, the company attributes part of its success to those that have helped it on its journey. ELAS Integrated Business Support, the fastest growing supplier of UK employment law, health and safety, payroll and training support, is one such partner whose services have proven invaluable. Being a member of AVRO is also hugely beneficial.The organisation, which was founded in 1977, is the longest established trade association for the vehicle recovery industry. It represents recovery operators throughout the whole of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland through fourteen regional operations. The performance of all its members are constantly monitored to ensure they provide the highest possible standards of service in the recovery industry. Lowes benefit from the range of services on offer from AVRO. As well as entry into the
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AVRO members directory, members are recognised for their compliance with minimum standard requirements. Also, there is access to business information and support, regional meetings and activities, and access to the AVRO Direct insurance scheme. To guarantee standards never drop, members have a bi-annual inspection. In addition, AVRO lobbies parliament on behalf of its members and the industry sector, provides access to employment and legal advice, and has a direct line to leading agencies such as VOSA, Highways Agency and ACPO. With experience on its side, Lowes Breakdown & Recovery has every reason to be optimistic as it looks to the future. The economic climate has not been kind to the recovery industry and there are still challenges to face in the market. Yet, with its attention to customer satisfaction, adding value to the service, and ensuring standards always remain as high as they can be, Lowes is ideally placed to continue its success long into the future.
Station Rd Garage Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 7HN Tel: 01748 906046
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henderson:feature 2 04/07/2013 11:09 Page 54
RECOVERY: FRED HENDERSON LTD
40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Open 24 hours each and every day Fred Henderson Ltd has been servicing and repairing cars since 1973 red Henderson Ltd has been servicing and repairing cars since 1973. Open twentyfour-hours everyday, customers can relax in the knowledge they are in capable hands. Services include breakdown recovery, specialist and motorcycle recovery, car and tyre sales, Bosch car service, MOT testing, engine/ABS/airbag diagnostics and valeting. The company began trading in a disused workshop underneath the railway bridge in Durham city during January 1973. The business soon expanded to employ four people and continued to expand to eight people by 1980 when the business was moved to its present site in Ainsley Street, just a short walk from the city centre. In 1982, with his rally career drawing to a close, Fred Henderson took on a position as Motorsport Manager for Colway Remould Tyres and the business
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Langley Bridge Garage Langley Moor Durham DH7 8JZ www.fredhenderson.com Tel: 0191 384 6319
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took on the responsibility of marketing Colway Motorsport products across the world. By the early 90s the business was running a fleet of six breakdown trucks and continued to expand rapidly along with the success of National Breakdown, eventually to become Green Flag as it is known today, as well as working for the AA and the RAC. The company also took on one of the first privatised police contracts for vehicle recovery. During the 1990s, the fleet of vehicles expanded to sixteen, while a purpose-built control room and up-todate reception facilities were added. The roadside repair service became known as the Breakdown Doctor and a trademark was registered bearing this name. At the same time the company was restructured and became Fred Henderson Ltd. In July 2004 David Henderson joined the business
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RECOVERY: FRED HENDERSON LTD
after working in motorsport team management to concentrate on the workshop element of the business and by 2010 the company expanded to twenty-five full and part time employees. During 2005 Fred completed writing a book – The Real Life Adventures of a 1960’s Road Recovery Man, a publication detailing Fred's life as a young motor mechanic and the many interesting and amusing experiences he encountered. More recently, the company acquired the former S.G.Petch twin franchise site on the A690 just past Nevilles Cross allowing the business to retail quality used vehicles as well as taking on a Bosch Car service franchise to support the already strong technical expertise of the company. Certainly, for the principle service of breakdown recovery, there are few better than Fred Henderson. One customer recently called the service “patient” and “technically superior”. Another said, “Fred Henderson Ltd is easily the best – not only for the courtesy and calm efficiency of the office staff but also for the good, professional attention given to our car in the workshop. Not only had the car been washed after its service, but the excellent mechanic had even cleaned up and painted a scrape on one of the alloy wheels. Superb customer care – and all for a reasonable price.”
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lookingback:feature 2 04/07/2013 09:46 Page 56
Looking back at...
THE MENAI BRIDGE In our regular column we take a brief look at some of THOMAS TELFORD the great pioneers, innovators and technology that has helped shaped Britain’s transport system he Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the island of Anglesey to mainland Wales was the first of its kind in the world. Designed by famed Scottish civil engineer, architect and stonemason Thomas Telford, the bridge was completed in 1826. Anglesey’s main trade in the 1800s was the sale of cattle to the mainland. This presented a distinct challenge because there was no direct route to the customer. Movement from Anglesey to the mainland was by boat or on foot during low tide. At the time, generally, cattle had to be driven into the sea and forced to swim across. When the Act of Union 1800 increased the need for transport to Ireland, and with Holyhead becoming the principle port feeding Dublin, a suspension bridge was proposed. Thomas Telford was the man assigned to the
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development. In all, he was charged with the task of improving the route from London to Holyhead with the improvement of the transport network at Anglesey being a particularly challenging sticking point. Further difficulties for the designers derived from the Navy’s requirement to allow 100-foot high vessels to pass beneath the bridge. The structure took seven years to build with the towers on either side of the Menai Strait erected first. Once the towers, which were made of Penmon limestone, were in place, the gigantic chain cables were attached.These cables were made of 935 iron bars, supporting the 176metre span of the bridge. Together, the suspending power of the chains was over 2,000 tonnes. Opened on January 30th 1826 the bridge reduced the journey time from London to Holyhead from 36 to 27 hours.
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The Menai Suspension Bridge was one of many high profile developments overseen by civil engineer and architect Thomas Telford. Telford was noted for his work in road, bridge and canal building, originally establishing his reputation as an engineer in Shropshire before designing a number of infrastructure projects in Scotland. Prolific in his field, particularly in the design of highways and bridges, he was dubbed The Colossus of Roads. Indicative of his expertise across many disciplines, he was elected as the first President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. It was a position he held until fourteen years after his death.
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ISSUE 136
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ISSUE 136
D R I V I N G
FELIXSTOWE
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THE PORT OF BRITAIN
THE SAMEDAY COMPANY
COURIERS TO BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE MERCEDES CITAN
BOLEYN RECOVERY & FLEET SERVICES GETTING YOU MOVING
PALMER & HARVEY
THE UK’S BIGGEST DELIVERED WHOLESALER