Facts - The Transport Professional’s Magazine #49

The Transport Professional’s Magazine

£3.40 ISSUE 49 2009

VIEW THIS MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.belljohnstone.co.uk

www.belljohnstone.co.uk 2009ISSUE49FACTS 5

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NEWS 6First Hybrid Scottish taxi company, Tweet for latest M8 News, Truck Drivers fed up of motorway pirates, 60 years of DAF, Scottish Transport Awards nominees PHIL FLANDERS 9 RHA’s Scottish Director on emissions reduction

BRIAN ADAM MSP 11 SNP’s Chief Whip welcomes good news in the North East

MUNICIPAL 18 Scotland’s Zero Watse Plan and RWM Show preview FUEL MANAGEMENT 28 Andrew Hargreaves of Fuel Proof Ltd plus News & Profiles LOADS & LIFTS 37 Richards Short of Penny Hydraulics Ltd plus News & Profiles SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS 40 News and Profiles

RECOVERY 44 Frank McAllister of Tow Show plus News & Profiles WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT 47 News and Profiles WHEELS & TYRES 49 Travis Brown of Goodyear plus News & Profiles Bell Johnstone are proud to be Allied Industry Members of theRoad Haulage Association.

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Cummins ISBe 6 cylinder Euro 5 EEV Copyright - All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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6 FACTSISSUE492009 www.belljohnstone.co.uk

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Now it has been agreed by West Lothian Council that the Toyota Prius can be licensed as a private hire vehicle, West Lothian / Edinburgh based Calder Cabs have become the first company in Scotland to run a fleet of hybrid Toyota Prius.The company which has been serving the West Lothian / Edinburgh area for three years collected the six Toyota Prius from Tom Graham, Business Centre Manager at Western Toyota in Sighthill. They chose the Prius because it is a hybrid car and has a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor. This means it can offer CO

2 emissions of

just 104 g/km and combined fuel

economy of 65.7 mpg. It also has the ability to run solely on electric power when in traffic so that fuel consumption and emissions are nil.Colin Paton and Andrew Liddle, Directors of Calder Cabs said: “We are pleased to be able to respond positively to calls from the Scottish Government for businesses to look at their carbon footprint and find ways to reduce this. We have spent a lot of time researching hybrid vehicles and come to the conclusion that the Toyota Prius is the perfect choice for our business, as well as our corporate customers whose businesses require them to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Transport Scotland is continuing its investment in the central motorway with a further £4.4 million upgrade to the M8 between Junction 5 (Shotts) and Junction 6 (Newhouse) which started with the first of three phases on Friday, August 14 for two weeks.By the time the current programme for this route is achieved in 2011 over £21 million will have been committed since 2007. This latest phase of works will involve upgrading and resurfacing the eastbound carriageway between Newhouse and Duntilland.And with almost 57,000 vehicles using this section of the M8 daily, operating company Bear Scotland is aiming to keep drivers informed by launching the first-ever Twitter page for road works in Scotland. Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “The M8 links two of Scotland’s major cities and is vital to the economy. This investment is hard evidence that the Scottish Government is committed to maintaining our trunk road infrastructure while delivering the biggest construction programme seen in Scotland in a generation. Projects such as this are helping to maintain employment and activity in the sector. Construction employment increased in Scotland by 1.4% in the year to March, a much better position than south of the Border.”

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland Consultancy Manager, said: “The heavy volumes of traffic that have used this road on a daily basis since it was built in the 1970s have resulted in sections of motorway becoming worn over time. It is essential that we carry these works out now to ensure the M8 remains in good working order for years to come.“With so many vehicles a day using this route it is important that we keep road users aware of the forthcoming upgrade works. That is why we are launching our Twitter page for these particular works and we would encourage people to use as well as other sites such Traffic Scotland which gives 24/7 journey planning advice across the whole network.”Log on to the Twitter site and search for http://twitter.com/M8_Jct5_to_Jct6 to become a follower and get regular updates about the works. Drivers can also visit www.trafficscotland.org in the normal means for real time journey planning advice across Scotland’s trunk roads.The second and third phases of works are planned for the autumn which will see further upgrades take place on the eastbound carriageway between Duntilland and Blairmains and the westbound carriageway between Duntilland and Junction 6 at Newhouse.

Andrew Liddle and Colin Paton of Calder Cabs

First Scottish hybrid taxi company

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson

Tweet for latest M8 news


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According to an employer consultation by Skills for Logistics (SfL), logistics businesses welcome the opportunity to develop the skills of their drivers through the new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Results indicate that companies see the training legislation as an opportunity to encourage drivers to update their skills and improve road safety.Key findings are that:- • 89% of respondents think it will lead to an increase in the economic awareness of drivers, for example, in terms of fuel savings and reduction in vehicle wear and tear • 87% see a potential benefit in improvements in road safety • 81% see a potential increase in environmental awareness of driversThe main criticism from employers is that the

Driver CPC is not sufficiently prescriptive, needing 35 hours of Periodic Training in five years, but with no legal requirement for assessment. SfL believes that there is a real opportunity for business to benefit from this required training if employers approach it in the right way and seek training that includes assessment.Dr Ross Moloney, Head of Intelligence at Skills for Logistics, comments: “Driver CPC will ultimately have an impact on the professionalism of the HGV Driver. More enlightened employers can see that there are real opportunities to develop the skills of the workforce and to benefit the business.“Those that are already training their staff can align this to the Driver CPC. If training is developed appropriately some of it can go towards certified qualifications such as the

Scottish / National Vocational Qualifications (S / NVQs), so the individual benefits from getting a vocationally recognised qualification. There is a great opportunity for employers to make the Driver CPC work for their business needs and to develop driver’s skills.”The results of the employer consultation are central to SfL’s response to the Driving Standards Agency Consultation - Driver Certificate of Professional Competence scheme - improvements to administrative arrangements. Employers participating in the survey demonstrated awareness of the forthcoming training legislation, with 98% of those questioned aware of the requirements.

For more information: www.drivercpc-periodictraining.org

A-Plant, one of the country’s largest plant and tool hire businesses, have secured a new 12-month rolling preferred supplier contract estimated to be worth circa £900,000 per annum from Malcolm Construction Services, part of the Malcolm Group, based in Paisley. The new contract awarded by Malcolm Construction Services was won by A-Plant based on the good service offered by company, the breadth of the product offering and availability of the A-Plant fleet and the excellent relationship between the two companies. Malcolm Construction Services is a one stop major contractor for comprehensive civil engineering and groundwork services throughout central Scotland. An enviable combination of in-house expertise and assets at Malcolm Construction Services allows the company to respond rapidly to client needs: from bulk excavation and infrastructure to waste management. In addition, the company is fast becoming renowned throughout the UK as a

specialist contractor for indoor and outdoor leisure pitches.A-Plant’s Chief Executive Officer, Sat Dhaiwal, said: “We are delighted to win the new contract

from Malcolm Construction Services, which further strengthens the relationship between the companies and confirms our very strong commitment to the Scottish market.”

Stagecoach are giving their support to a Scottish Government campaign aimed at promoting greener travel and transport.The Perth-based transport group, which operates around 1500 buses across Scotland, is backing the campaign by giving consumers the chance to win free local bus travel for a year.More than a third of car passenger journeys are less than two miles and road transport is one of the largest contributors to climate change.The Scottish Government’s Go

Greener travel and transport campaign is promoting the benefits of leaving the car at home at least once a week, particularly for shorter journeys.There are many benefits to leaving the car at home - not only will you save money on petrol and parking costs, you can leave the stress of being stuck in a traffic jam behind, benefit your health, and help Scotland Go Greener.Even leaving the car at home just once or twice a week can make all the difference. You might even surprise yourself and enjoy the

change as it becomes part of your routine.Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter said: “We are proud to be part of the Scottish Government’s Go Greener campaign. Public transport has a crucial role to play in cutting global carbon emissions and we are also doing what we can as a business to reduce our own carbon footprint.“Our research has found that climate change is of real concern to our customers. They want to help do something about it and taking public transport instead of commuting by

car is an effective way for people to make a difference.“As well as being a greener, smarter option, public transport can also be a cheaper way to travel, which is really important to families in the current economic environment. We hope that by promoting the benefits of sustainable public transport we can help make it easier for people to have greener lifestyles.”

For more information on ways to be greener visit: www.infoscotland.com/gogreener

Make the most of Driver CPC

A-Plant and Malcolm Construction Services in harmony

Stagecoach backs Scottish Government greener travel campaign


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With the majority of coloured vans no longer being made, with the blame being laid at the door of, you guessed it, the credit crunch Scottish success story, Eagle Couriers were stumped for supply of red vans to add to their rapidly expanding fleet.To solve this problem they turned to Rapido Print & Design Ltd in Glasgow who supplied what is becoming the industry standard of new vehicle signage by having their “white” vans wrapped in digitally printed vinyls.Not only did this solve the problem

of getting a red coloured vehicle, but it also meant that they could incorporate and improve their existing branding into the print process and cut their costs for their livery production.As their vans are leased and all damage to the vehicle has to be paid for at the end of the lease, another benefit is that with the addition of two layers of vinyl, it acts as a protective skin for the vehicle from stonechips for example. The livery is removed at the end of the lease period and you have what is effectively factory paint underneath,

leaving the vehicle with a higher residual value for the leasing company.This process is currently being utilized by many transport fleets with Rapido servicing amongst others, the 550 vehicle fleet of HSS Hire. Managing Director John Taggart says, “I am pleased that we have helped Eagle to provide them with a solution that met their needs and budget. They quickly realised that this new process was the most cost and time effective way to solve their supply problem. I look forward to helping them to

livery their growing and existing fleet.”Rapido is an established large format digital print company. They provide a full solution for digital graphics signage for vehicles and other signage areas using the latest innovations in technology and installation methods.Based in the East End of Glasgow, Rapido Print and Design Ltd are one of Scotland’s leading vehicle signage specialists. The company works closely with many national fleets across the UK. Rapido’s team have worked over a two week period to create the kit for the new vehicles and to ensure that it would not only fit, but that the print quality and colour control were a match to Eagle’s exacting needs.

For more information: 0141 554 4336 or www.rap-ido.co.uk

Rapido solves colour issue for Eagle Couriers


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Now that the Scottish Government, closely followed by the UK Government, have announced legally binding reductions in CO

2 emissions in

the coming years, what will be expected from the freight industry?For the foreseeable future, most trucks will use diesel. Diesel engines are the most reliable and over the past 20 years have become more fuel efficient and less polluting. SAFED (safe and fuel efficient driving) and the Freight Best Practice schemes have also helped reduce emissions. SAFED results have shown that it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 10% as well as reducing wear and tear on the trucks. Freight Best Practice, which was launched in Scotland last November, has had a good response from the freight industry with many now looking at the guides and hopefully getting ideas on how to make efficiencies and savings. They have just launched Scottish specific case studies. So far they have developed:

“innovation is Scottish timber haulage” which focuses on tyre pressure control systems. “Fuel saving in a Scottish haulage fleet” gives details of how one fleet operator has managed to over 800,000 litres of fuel a year. “benefits of operating electric vehicles in an urban environment” which will become more prominent due to air quality problems in town centres.Last but not least there is “technology innovation secures future at rural haulier”.

The first three case studies are available now and the latter should be available in the near future. They are worth looking at and will give everybody ideas on ways save emissions and to improve your business bottom line.Both the Scottish and UK Governments have invested in these schemes for the benefit of the industry. If you don’t help yourself, why should you expect further help from Government?

We keep hearing various reports that the worst of the recession is over and that there is more optimism around. From what I hear the haulage industry is still in the depths with little or no sign yet of any improvement.This time last year there were 415 LGV drivers signing on at the Job Centre in Scotland. Last month there were 1225. The peak was in March when 1445 were actively looking for work. From that perspective things do look a little brighter but did all those who are no longer on the register get jobs in the freight industry? I have heard of some who are now working in other industries and their new jobs are unrelated to their previous occupation.When real signs of an upturn come through, will we have lost these drivers or will they return? According to a recent survey by Manpower, recruitment in the transport sector is set to fall by a net 4% in the third quarter of the year, as hauliers

and logistics companies report disappointing hiring prospects.Add to this that European CV registrations have declined for the 14th consecutive month, recording a 34.8% drop in June, compared with the same month last year. In the UK, all CV registrations were down 40.8% between June 2008 and June this year. Trucks were the worst hit, plummeting 52.4% across the whole of Europe and 48.6% in the UK. Light commercials are also down in the UK by 40.2%.The freight industry is a good barometer of economic activity and judging by the figures above I see no real sign for optimism yet.Not so long ago we had a driver shortage crisis which at the time was helped a bit by the influx of foreign drivers. As time goes on there is a real probability that we will be in the same situation again as UK drivers retire. The average age has increased with fewer coming into the industry. Will we be able to respond to a lasting upturn in fortunes or will we be facing another shortage crisis? I have heard that certain police forces in Scotland are raising the profile of the enforcement of driving without seat belts (where fitted) and the illegal use of hand-held mobile phones.

Traffic Police Officers will use the full force of the law.This could mean the officers will automatically charge the driver and report him to the Procurator Fiscal as well as reporting the company to the relevant Traffic Commissioner, or in Northern Ireland the DVLNI. • There will be no Fixed Penalty option. • They have made it clear that drivers using a hand-held mobile phone while driving in a built-up area, negotiating roundabouts, junctions or manoeuvring the vehicle will be charged with dangerous driving. The company will also be charged with causing or permitting. • The offence will be Dangerous Driving. • Drivers could be banned for six months, have their licence endorsed with a MINIMUM of 4 points and have to sit a driving test. • Companies could be called to Public Inquiry. The meaning of dangerous driving is the way in which the vehicle is driven and where the standard falls far below that which is expected of a competent and careful driver.

Emissions reduction

Phil Flanders Scottish Director - Road Haulage Association


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Another summer month passes by as we prepare to once again endure the cold, not that it ever gets that warm, and the shorter days. Holyrood is currently in recess, but Parliament will be back in session at the start of September.Some good news came for the North East and all who pass through from, or to, the North recently. Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland have announced that £120,000 would be spent on a programme to resurface the Haudagain roundabout over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of August. Despite my own constituency office being right next to the roundabout I am delighted that this investment of £120,000 has been put in place to improve one of the most important and busiest routes in Aberdeen and out of the city to the North.There has been some concern expressed recently that the roundabout was suffering badly due to the sheer number of vehicles, including buses and HGV’s that use the route, but this welcome action from Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland will help resolve this issue. I must also commend the sensible approach that has been taken from Aberdeen City Council, Grampian Police, Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland in working together to carry out these improvements out with peak times and I hope that disruption was kept a minimum.In other transport news, there has been a call made for a new £25 billion transport hub to be built. Reform Scotland would like to see the hub, possibly built around Edinburgh airport, to connect all of Scotland’s cities with high speed rail, and to connect us to the South. They also call for both the A96 and the A9 to be upgraded to full dual carriage-way. I don’t know that we necessarily needed experts to tell us that was needed though. The group accept that such costs are particularly daunting in the current economic climate. There is already the Scottish Transport Projects Review which was recently published. With this the Scottish Government has already committed to projects such as improving the A96 and A9, as well as the A82. Work is already well underway for much of this as many of you will know if you’ve been travelling up the A9 recently. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, another major piece of Government spending on infrastructure, is almost underway though we still await the outcome of the Public Local Inquiry.Transport Scotland also recently announced £4.4 million worth of work to begin on the M8 between Shotts and Newhouse. This will help with improvements to the road surface increasing safety on the route. In the same announcement, BEAR Scotland has decided in keeping with the times to start a Twitter page. This is designed to keep road users up to date on the latest road works. Whether that will truly be of assistance to any of you I’m not sure.It would seem despite continuing concerns over the economy that some sectors are still doing

well. Now is a good time to work for one of our very own Scottish bus companies – Stagecoach. It came out in the news recently that Mr. Souter had given up his yearly bonus to pensioners of the company and to charity. Apparently his top level staff have had their pay rates frozen while frontline staff are still to expect previously agreed pay increases. If only our banks could learn from the example! I had not realised until now just how big an operation Stagecoach is, with its Megabus brand spanning two continents, and seemingly doing well in the USA. They also seem to have started a tour bus operation in New York. Over

25,000 staff work under the Stagecoach banner. Fuel prices remain high, though not at the levels they were before crude oil prices plummeted earlier this year. Diesel appears to have closed the price gap in many places with petrol, however. It will be interesting to see now that the banks have published their annual reports whether pressure will be mounted to increase lending to small businesses. Some welcome relief is needed for many including local haulage businesses, and those they serve. We’ll see how that pans out next month.

Good news in the North East

Brian Adam MSP SNP Chief Whip


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Adverc BM Ltd are celebrating their 26th anniversary this year. Twenty-six years ago, life started trying to preserve limited battery capacity on small yachts, on swinging moorings. Since then Adverc have been involved in a multitude of scenarios, both marine and automotive, such as with famous round the world yacht sailors, bomb disposal vehicles, supermarket trucks and trailers, ambulances and fire engines, the MOD, security and police vehicles. Although still a small company, the reputation of Adverc is now worldwide one which has enabled them to collaborate with major van and truck manufacturers, at home and abroad, as well as with body-builders and adaptation specialists.The common thread with all Adverc Systems is, the company say, that day-to-day performance must not be compromised or jeopardised by battery problems. With yachts at sea for six months or an A & E Ambulance with high electrical loads, this can be quite a task. However, whatever needs to be done is done, to achieve this objective. Over the past two years, the provision of additional technical and manufacturing hands on facilities has enabled Adverc to progress in different areas, the three prominent ones being: • Low voltage protection on vehicles and trailers especially with tail-lifts • On-board trailer battery charging • A sleeper cab solution (SCS)Guardian Low-voltage protectionThe scope of the GUARDIAN LVPM System is wide ranging, in providing an audio visual alarm partially or totally isolate individual or several circuits or a total electrical system, such as a tail-lift.The alarm approach has been used on Council vans whilst tail-lift protection is a feature on many supermarket fleets and the purpose of the GUARDIAN is to prevent jump-starts caused by the excessive use of a tail-lift.

Providing a reliable tail-lift system has been quite a task, due to constant exposure to the elements, pressure washing and the vehicle mileages covered. However, this has been achieved with successive new truck models of different makes and additional emphasis has been placed on speed of installation. On board trailer chargingAlthough early days, this system has been one of the most successful design-to-completion projects achieved to date.Trailers with batteries, in particular the double-decker variety, have, traditionally, been plagued with battery and logistical problems, due to regular and fast turn around, for example, in the case of parcel deliveries, accompanied by slow and inadequate recharging of batteries.The traditional approach has been to charge batteries with two pins on the 24N and 24S sockets on the trailer, using conventional susies. The subsequent charging current is less than 12 amps maximum and woefully inadequate.The brief provided by Geopost (DPD) was to provide 36 amps charging for the trailer batteries, with, of course, each trailer having any number of tractor units available.Accordingly, the wire gauge/current ratings and lengths were looked at and even susies. An OSCAP DC-DC charging system was designed to produce 36 amps charging current whilst the vehicle is on the move. Each tractor unit has an ABM split-charge module to accommodate vehicle battery charging as well, all from a standard 100amp alternator. Both systems are protected with circuit breakers or fuses.LEDs provide a visible status indication at various points in the system.Uprated wiring has been employed throughout, as has the charging susie, built to the new ISO25981 specification. The result has been the achievement of the magical 36 amps-charging figure requested

by Geopost (it can be higher). The resulting system is also a ‘balanced one’, meaning that the charging system also has a current limiting device, eliminating earlier problems associated with wiring overheating. Finally, as a back-up requirement requested by the customer, the same OSCAP technique was used, albeit using the 24N and 24S sockets already on the trailers. Sleeper cap solutions (SCS)Adverc were called upon to improve the battery charging on several trucks in a family haulage business using sleeper cabs and having a history of jump-starts in the mornings.The basic vehicle charging system was found to be acceptable, leading to the eventual conclusion that the ‘overnight stay’ may be the problem, due to excessive use of 12 volt equipment by drivers using ‘voltage droppers’, to the point where the 24 volt system was compromised, resulting in a non-starter the following morning.Accordingly, the SCS System was designed and developed to provide a 12 volt ‘reservoir’, which would be charged up and replenished from the 24 volt system, whilst the vehicle is on the move during the day.On parking-up for the night, charging ceases, leaving a full ‘reservoir’ of 12v capacity, to use as the driver wishes. Although unlikely, once the reservoir is fully depleted, it is “good night time”. The main thing is that the main 24v vehicle system is not compromised and the truck should start, the following day. If necessary, any additional 12v capacity can be achieved using bigger batteries.To date, no vehicles with SCS installed have required jump-starts because of flat batteries.The above are examples of what Adverc can do, in terms of ideas, concepts, or the fabrication of special systems for specific situations and roles.

For more information: www.adverc.co.uk

Adverc BM Ltd celebrate anniversary

Unite, the UK’s largest union, reiterated its calls for a total overhaul of the UK’s system of truckstops. Unite’s call comes as a new survey reveals that thefts from lorries have risen by 63% in the past year, with most taking place while drivers are parked up and asleep. Earlier this year, Unite launched their TruckStop campaign to push for safe and affordable truck stops across the UK, amid growing concerns that poor, unsafe truck stop facilities made truck drivers easy crime targets particularly while drivers are parked up and asleep.

Len McCluskey, Unite Assistant General Secretary, says: “This survey confirms our haulage members’ experiences, which is that crime is a growing problem for truck drivers. The only way to address this and keep both drivers and their cargoes safe is to provide decent and safe facilities for haulage drivers.“Lorry driving is a tough job and drivers need to know they have safe and affordable overnight parking in truckstops offering them a good night’s rest. We’re fighting to make our roads safer for professional drivers but government and the industry must lead here to provide secure parking and overnight

accommodation and stop, once and for all, the motorway pirates who prey on truck drivers.”The survey was carried out by Truckersworld. Freight crime is believed to cost the economy some £250m a year Unite’s campaign for safe truckstops was launched in February this year. TruckStop is pushing for a cross-industry strategy to ensure professional drivers have somewhere decent and safe when they park up overnight.

Truck drivers fed up of motorway pirates


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Today Juratek are recognised as one of Europe’s leading distributors of brake discs, pads and brake drums for heavy commercial vehicles, trailers and buses. The Juratek brand is well known throughout Europe for their quality, durability and in-service performance. Juratek pads and discs are fitted by team Oliver and Team Frankie, two of Europe’s leading truck racing teams. Stuart Oliver, who is the current British champion, has been using Juratek pads for some time says “the pads that [Juratek Ltd] supplies work very well, in fact better than any used previously”.Stuart says the key factor to his outstanding achievements to date in 2009 is due to the

confidence and performance of his Juratek brakes. “This gives me a perfect feel through the brake pedal and allows me to stand the truck on its nose at the last possible moment”. At the start of 2009 Team Frankie the official Renault Truck Racing Team tested Juratek discs and pads against their current OE material, after the initial test run Team Engineer Daniel Stagl reported: “During our test runs in Nogaro, France we fully tested and approved Juratek discs and pads for use on our two racing trucks. “Both drivers, Frankie and Markus, have been very satisfied with the performance of both the brake pads and discs, also the analyses of the telemetry showed that the Juratek brake pads

were very powerful and work very well in our race trucks.”Using the knowledge gained in the heavy vehicle sector, Juratek have designed and launched a range of brake discs and pads for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This new range is made to the same exacting standards as the current heavy commercial range.All Juratek brake pads are R90 certified. The company are currently working in advance of the legal requirement with our suppliers on the R90 accreditation of our brake disc range. The Juratek car and LCV range continues to grow but already it covers in excess of 83% of all UK disc and pad sales.This new range is available from Juratek distributors across the UK.

For more information: 01302 727312 or www.juratek.com

From the track to the road


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Mackay Hannah are pleased to announce the short-list for The Scottish Transport Awards 2009. TheAwards, in association with Transport Times and supported by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland will be presented on October 29 at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow. The short list is as follows: Scottish Transport Local Authority of the Year Award • Fife Council • Aberdeenshire Council • Glasgow City Council Best Bus Service Award • Arriva Scotland West • Aberdeenshire Council and Stagecoach Bluebird • Perth and Kinross Council • First in Scotland East Advanced Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement Award • City of Edinburgh Council • Glasgow City Council • Scottish Government

Best Transport Integration Award • Fife Council • Nestrans • Aberdeenshire Council • Renfrewshire Council Best Practice in Travel to School and Work Schemes Award • Scottish Borders Council • Aberdeenshire Council and The Highland Council • Cycling Scotland The Public Transport Operator of the Year Award • First in Glasgow • First ScotRail • Stagecoach Bluebird • Stagecoach in Fife • Virgin Trains Excellence in Technology and Innovation Award • Aberdeenshire Council • Argyll & Bute Council • Road Safety Scotland The Best Transport Partnership of the Year Award • Aberdeenshire Council and

Stagecoach Bluebird • Fife Council • Perth and Kinross Council & Stagecoach East Scotland • First ScotRail • Stagecoach West Scotland • Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Excellence in Marketing and Travel Planning Award • Amey • First in Glasgow • SPT Contribution to Sustainable Transport Award • Glasgow City Council • Stagecoach West Scotland • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde The Frontline Employee of the Year Award • George Kelly, ScotRail • Vicki Greenhill, Amey • Jimmy McGrory, Arriva Walking & Public Realm Award • East Dunbartonshire Council • Renfrewshire Council • Glasgow City Council Cycling Improvements Award • Fife Council • South Ayrshire Council

A further four awards by nomination will be presented on the night of the awards by the judges for: • Outstanding Contribution to Local Transport in Scotland • Outstanding Contribution to Transport across Scotland; • Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Contribution to Transport Research in Scotland.

The judging panel, chaired by David Begg comprises: • Dr Iain Docherty, Senior Lecturer/Director of MBA Programmes, University of Glasgow • Professor George Hazel, Managing Director of MRC McLean Hazel Ltd • David Middleton, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is hosting its second in a series of free online conferences to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the commercial vehicle sector.The economic downturn has had a major effect on the commercial vehicle market with latest figures for July showing a 37% drop in registrations of vans and trucks. The UK is home to eight commercial vehicle manufacturers that produce over 200,000 vehicles each year, adding significant value to the manufacturing sector of the economy. During the conference SMMT Chief Executive, Paul Everitt, will discuss the key issues and give an update on the latest industry initiatives. In addition, Professor Alan McKinnon, Director of the Logistics Research Centre at Heriot-Watt University, will

summarise the results of a survey of 100 UK logistics specialists. Funded by the Green Logistics research project, the survey examined likely future trends in freight demand, vehicle utilisation, energy efficiency and emissions. This web conference will be an opportunity to hear the latest information on the UK commercial vehicle market. The session is expected to last for 30 minutes, followed by a question and answer session on all aspects of the sector.As SMMT is committed to supporting the industry, the online conferences are designed to ensure UK automotive companies are informed of the latest issues, have up-to-date market intelligence and are aware of opportunities as they emerge. To register for the free event: www.smmt.co.uk/memberservices/events

SMMT to hold online CV seminar And the nominees are?


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LED technology is revolutionising many aspects of vehicle lighting, in particular warning lights and interior lighting are increasingly benefitting from this latest innovation.Regulations require that vehicles stopping on the highway for works purposes or inspections be equipped with either a roof-mounted amber warning light bar (comprising at least two independent light sources) or two independent roof-mounted amber warning beacons, visible through 360°. If the main beacon is likely to be obscured from the rear by parts of the vehicle or any equipment carried on the vehicle, additional beacons should be fitted toward the rear of the vehicle where they will remain visible.The regulations also state that warning beacons should comply with EC Regulation 65 on Special Warning Lamps. These requirements are in place for good reason, warning beacons provide an essential safety function by warning road users of a hazard ahead, vital to protect road users as well as workers who may be operating near to a stationary vehicle.Sadly however, for some operators the fitting of warning lights is seen as just another expense, and in the current climate the temptation can be to buy the cheapest available product that “ticks the box”. Such a short sighted approach however can jeopardise safety and result in the fitting of poor performance, unreliable, high maintenance products, resulting in a much higher lifetime cost than might first appear.

The primary consideration for a light bar or beacon should be the choice of light source. Whilst halogen lamps are inexpensive, they do have a limited life of around 2000 hours, which can equate to only a few months life in applications where warning lights operate for long periods. This can cause significant disruption especially when mounted on high vehicles. Furthermore the limited light output of Halogen light sources commonly necessitates the use of rotator assemblies to direct the light source, adding further to the maintenance implications as well as being an additional noise source located within operator hearing range. On top of this, the combination of halogen lamp and rotator assembly results in significant power consumption which can be a major concern if vehicles are stationary without the engine runningAn alternative is to use a strobe light source, strobes are much more powerful than halogen sources, avoiding the need for a rotating assembly, reducing maintenance requirements and noise. Again though, light source life is limited and strobe technology is also power hungry.The final and increasingly popular alternative is to use LED technology. LED’s can be used to produce light in a range of different colours including white and amber.The crucial benefit of LED technology is working life, latest generation LED technology offers a life of typically 50,000 hours – many times that of a halogen source, allowing maintenance intervals of many years instead of a few months.

LED’s can be switched on and off at high speed without affecting life, allowing silent operation with a choice of flash patterns. When considering LED technology, care needs to be taken to ensure that quality products are chosen. Previous generation LED’s offer a much shorter life than current generation versions (typically less than half of a good quality current generation product.) A good way to evaluate the quality of an LED product is to consider the length of warranty offered. Haztec for example offer product warranties of up to five years - demonstrating complete confidence in product design and component selection.

EC65 approvalEC65 approval is designed to ensure that visual warning devices are fit for purpose. To gain approval, products are tested by a certified independent test house to verify that the light output is within tightly controlled

maximum and minimum limits over a wide range of viewing angles. The standard also verifies that flash frequencies are correct. In addition, EC65 also includes demanding environmental tests to ensure adequate ingress protection. You should only fit warning lights that have EC65 approval from an independent test house.

Beyond warning lightsGood quality LED’s are more efficient than halogen producing more light whilst consuming less power. In addition LED’s operate over a wide temperature range and illuminate instantly - even in very low ambient temperatures. These benefits, coupled with long life and rugged design is increasingly making LED technology the preferred choice for vehicle interior lighting as well. LED interior lights are available in a whole range of different shapes, sizes and outputs to suit different applications.

SummaryLED technology is being increasingly used in numerous different applications on modern vehicles, this is being driven by the combination of long life, silent operation, low power consumption and slimline design.Whilst it is true that LED technology has a higher initial cost, the long term maintenance and energy benefits of LED are making it an increasingly popular choice for many vehicle applications.

For more information:www.haztec.biz

Coming out of the dark ages


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Zero Waste PlanScotland’s first ever Zero Waste Plan has been unveiled. The draft plan details the steps Scotland needs to take on the journey towards a zero waste society. It proposes a number of ambitious approaches to reduce waste, increase recycling and send less waste to landfill, including: • the potential creation of 2000 jobs through collection, sorting, reprocessing and treating waste • encouraging businesses to reduce waste, increase their recycling of commercial waste and to realise the economic benefits of doing so • the possible implementation of further landfill bans on materials including glass, metals, textiles and wood • improvements to recycling facilities in public places and more kerbside recycling • increasing the focus on re-use, including potential targetsLaunching a 12-week consultation on the plan in Inverness, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, said: “Scotland must reduce its impact on the local and global environment. Our draft Zero Waste Plan maps out how we can reduce the country’s waste, meet our highly ambitious waste targets and contribute to the work on climate change.“This is a positive step in tackling Scotland’s waste - viewing it as a resource rather than a problem. There are major economic benefits, as well as environmental gains, to be had including creating thousands of jobs and new business opportunities.“We all have a part to play in meeting this vision, including the construction industry which contributes around 45% of Scotland’s waste. Reducing waste is good for business, as well as for the environment, as it reduces costs. We need to do more to tackle all types of commercial waste.“The Scottish Government has already signed a commitment to halve its construction waste to landfill by 2012. I am happy to announce that the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is also today pledging to do the same. I would urge others involved in construction projects to do the same.“We are making progress but we must go further in relation to all types of waste. SEPA’s latest provisional figures show that we are already recycling and composting 34.3% of our municipal waste, but we need to reach 40% by the end of 2010. The bar is set and we must work together to reach our goal of a Zero Waste Scotland.”Kenny Boag, SEPA’s National Waste Policy Unit Manager, said: “We have been pleased to have had the opportunity to work closely with the Scottish Government in relation to this draft plan. There are a number of key tasks for SEPA which will help deliver the final Plan. These include helping to develop a supportive and proportionate system of waste regulation; working closely with our partners in the waste industry and Government to make further improvements to data on commercial and industrial waste; and helping to

ensure that the planning system works effectively when it deals with waste management.”Councillor John Laing, Chairman of the Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee for Highland Council, said: “We are delighted the Cabinet Secretary has launched this ambitious plan in Inverness. Highland Council is committed to improving its recycling rates and we aim to reach a recycling rate of 50 per cent by 2013. We welcome a Zero Waste Plan and hope all will make the most of this consultation phase and have their say.”The consultation asks for comments on a number of questions on key areas of delivery. The final version of the plan will be published in 2010.As well as outlining the Scottish Government’s priorities and polices in relation to waste, the plan, when finalised, will comply with the requirement in Article 28 of the revised Waste Framework Directive for Member States to have a waste management plan. It will also comply with the requirement in Article 29 for Member States to have a waste prevention programme. Scotland landfilled 1.26 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste. Scotland continues to meet the EU target of landfilling no more than 1.32 million tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste by 2010.

Key Scottish targets on the recycling / composting of municipal waste are: • 40% by 2010 • 50% by 2013 • 60% by 2020 • 70% by 2025The draft plan also proposes targets in relation to other forms of waste.The Cabinet Secretary visited a Rok construction site in Inverness prior to the launch to see construction recycling in action. Rok is a nation wide construction company, based in local communities, who are firmly committed to promoting and achieving high standards of environmental performance. Rok have signed the WRAP pledge to halve all construction waste to landfill.Viridor supplied all wood and glass props for the launch and demonstrated how materials can be reused and recycled. Viridor is one of the leading resource and waste management companies and currently work with more than 80 local authorities across the UK and thousands of private customers.

For more information: [email protected]

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead


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In response to the increased demands from health and safety Vision UK have launched this Autumn a new video recorder to complement their range of rear view and vehicle manoeuvring systems. This excellent value and compact system records data directly onto an SD card for easy data retrieval that

can be viewed on any pc without the need for special software.Other features of this recorder include the time and date stamping of all video clips, overwriting of the oldest data to ensure that any new incident is always recorded and power loss back up and pre-record features to ensure that no data is lost - even in the event

of a total failure of the vehicle power supply. Depending on memory card selected the recorder is typically configured to store the last four hours of video data.Vision UK systems are fitted to municipal council vehicles across the UK from Westminster to the Highlands of Scotland. Systems go from single

camera rear view systems for small vans, right through to multiple camera vehicle manoeuvring and video recording systems for large public utility vehicles.

For more information: 0800 731 3316 orwww.vision-uk.co.uk

At the Saltex exhibition in Windsor (September 7-9) Bunce (Ashbury) Ltd will be launching the new linkage system for Bunce tractor snowploughs to enable Bunce snowploughs to be attached quickly and cost effectively to agricultural tractors fitted with front linkage which have float facilities.The system allows the plough to be mounted in less than two minutes. The mounting system attaches to the very popular range of Bunce ‘SnoPro A’ or ‘SnoPro B’ tractor snowploughs which can be manually or hydraulically angled to the left or right and are fitted with height adjustable castor wheels, polymer or high carbon steel mouldboards and replaceable high carbon steel wearing edges which are sprung in 610mm sections and are designed to retract if an immovable object is struck, thus reduce the likelihood of damage to the snowplough or tractor. The ploughs can be fitted with squeegee options which are ideal for clearing slush”. This mounting system means that the plough can be easily transferred from one type of tractor to another without any additional cost, (previously when moving snowploughs between different makes or models of tractors it necessitated manufacturing bespoke brackets which cost money and time). This new attachment system has not previously been exhibited elsewhere. For more information: 01793 710212

Rear view recording

All clear ahead


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This year’s RWM will provide you with an unmissable opportunity to catch up with vehicle manufacturers and hire companies including Gullivers Municipal, Cooper Group, Manvik Hire, Terberg Matec and BMI Municipal, and attend free seminars where your industry colleagues will share their tips for saving money and resources. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from September 15-17 RWM features over 500 exhibiting companies, an outdoor area, 36 free seminar sessions, and a new networking zone sponsored by JCB.The free Local Authority Seminar programme (supported by the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) features 12 free expert led sessions over three days, including a number of council case studies and professional advice from the Environment Agency, Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), BREW Centre for Local Authorities and Nuclear Legacy Advisory Forum (NuLeAF). Day One (September 15) will cover planning, finance and procurement. A PFI success story will be shared by Paul Jones, Head

of Waste Management at Northumberland County Council; Philip Russell, Head of Wastes Management at West Sussex County Council will talk about alternative funding mechanisms and Bernard Warr, Head of Waste Management at Cambridgeshire County Council will lead a session on the planning process. Waste management academic Dr Adam Read, currently Waste Management and Resource Efficiency Practice Manager for AEA, will suggest some new ways to approach procurement. Day Two (September 16) will look at hazardous waste and Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment and Day Three ( September 17) covers food waste and collaborative networking. The Business Seminar Theatre (sponsored by Lloyds TSB) features themed days for construction and retail with high profile speakers from Miller Homes, Wates and Marks & Spencer. Fleet managers may also be interested in the opening day’s sessions on chemical legislation.The new Energy and Water Seminar Theatre provides guidance on carbon reduction and

water conservation. Sessions of particular interest on September 15 include a keynote address from Peter Jones OBE, tips on water conservation and re-use from Envirowise and a session on the business benefits of sustainable resource management led by Vanessa Fandrich, Senior Climate and Environments Policy Advisor for EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation. Waste resources and the carbon agenda will be tackled by Dr Dominic Hogg, Director of Eunomia Research & Consulting, on September 17.

How to Register:Complete the form on www.rwmexhibition.com/efacts for free fast-track entry and seminar updates.

Funding, procurement and resource efficiency tackled at RWM


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Whale Tankers’ (Stand OA209) recently launched GullyWhale Plus - a radically upgraded Medium Volume Combination (MVC) tanker - continues the exhibition round next month, this time surfacing at the RWM Show.Having exhibited at the RWM for the first time last year, visitors to the show will get the chance to get up close to a tanker that boasts a number of new performance, and health and safety related features and product improvements.Complete with an 1800-gallon capacity tank mounted on the 18 tonne MAN TG-M 4 x 2 day cab chassis, GullyWhale Plus is packed with new features that now form either part of Whale’s standard vehicle specification or which can be specified as options.The most significant of the new features is a radically new operating control system. Capable of interfacing with a manufacturer’s chassis and CANbus system, the new PLC (Programmable Logic

Controller) is being deployed to control a number of new key functions introduced to the GullyWhale Plus. The system also has inbuilt capacity for operators to introduce additional functionality in the future, such as vehicle telematic systems. For more information: 0121 704 5700or www.whale.co.uk In response to the growing waste and recycling industry, Griffith Elder & Co Ltd (Stand 100) have put their 28 years of experience in specialist weighing equipment into presenting the Griffith Elder Single Axle Weighbridge. This cost and space efficient weighbridge provides a simple, easy-to-use option purpose designed to monitor axle loads of refuse vehicles. What is it?The Single Axle Weighbridge is an accurate weighing system

designed to weigh individual axles of any size vehicle. It is the ideal choice for law enforcement and monitoring axle loads between refuse sites.How does it work?“Dynamic (in motion) weighing” is the key feature of the Single Axle Weighbridge. The driver moves the vehicle over the platform at a low speed, while the weighbridge electronics automatically calculate each axle weight as the vehicle is on the move. Will it last?The Single Axle Weighbridge has been designed with high traffic of refuse vehicles in mind. The heavy duty construction and simplicity of the design guarantees a long lasting, reliable weighbridge, while continuously maintaining high accuracy for weighing.Other vehicle weighing systems available include single-axle, multi-axle and full-size weighbridges, portable or fixed, to satisfy all waste and recycling weighing needs.

For more information: www.griffith-elder.com ADS Environmental Ltd are the latest high profile company to sign up for My Yard (Stand 830), the most flexible and useable software product for recycling, scrap, waste management and skip hire companies. The signing will take place on Thursday, September 17 at 2pm at their stand. My Yard is an innovative, user friendly software system for managing the movement of skips, wagons and materials in and out of materials recycling facilities and waste transfer stations. Based in the North West, it was

developed in collaboration with a major waste and scrap recycler, and has since gained a series of diverse clients. It’s been designed by people with years of experience within the waste and recycling industry.ADS Environmental Ltd are a national waste and recycling management company with many aspects to their business. They have recently expanded to numerous sites across the country with ambitious growth predicted for the coming year. ADS Environmental believed that My Yard was the perfect solution for companies working across several sites with multiple functions. ADS deal with skips, total waste management and material trading which require very different software needs. My Yard has managed to look at all their needs and combine the necessary tools into one software package including giving up to the minute reporting for sales management on the road, a necessity in a fast growing business. Michael Barker, Managing Director of ADS Environmental Ltd, explained: “On top of the extensive operational logistics, invoicing and reporting that My Yard offers, there is also extended functionality including email marketing, CRM and account management. This software is ideal for ADS Environmental as we develop into a nationwide company. My Yard staff worked closely with us to develop the perfect software for our business and at a very reasonable price.”

For more information: www.myyard.fifthlimb.co.uk


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CMS SupaTrak (Stand 300) will be demonstrating the award winning fuel saving technology - EcoTrak - at this year’s RWM Show. Visitors will be offered a FREE fuel saving consultation and fuel saving consultants will be on hand throughout the event to demonstrate the award-winning EcoTrak technology.During the event, all local authorities are invited to take advantage of the Fuel Saving Share Scheme, in which they can have: • FREE installation • FREE driver training • FREE dedicated fuel saving consultantThere are no upfront costs, but the technology will be installed in exchange for a share of the fuel savings achieved as a result of the technology being implemented.Companies within the waste sector across the UK and Ireland are reducing their fuel costs between 10 and 20 percent whilst

significantly reducing their carbon emissions by using EcoTrak fuel saving technology.Visit stand 300 to find out how much you could save! For more information: www.supatrak.com

Once again Noblet Municipal Services Limited (NMS) (Stand110) will be exhibiting at the ever growing RWM Show. This year once again they will joined by our colleagues from Scotland, Alex Inglis & Co (Blantyre) Ltd, which became part of the NMS group in June 2007. NMS hope to meet with a broad spectrum of customers with enquiries ranging from spot hire, contract hire, used vehicle sales, vehicle engineering and parts supply.Due to the recent recession many customers who traditionally bought vehicles outright are now reviewing different purchase options with contract hire becoming prominent

allowing payments to be linked to revenue, rather than the traditional route of borrowing from finance houses and banks. Even local authorities which have historically leased vehicles are keen to explore the contract hire option. This allows them access to new vehicles but keeps repair and maintenance in-house, safeguarding jobs. A number of Scottish councils are currently evaluating this option. NMS and Inglis are always keen to advise any customers who are exploring this path.Another current trend seems to be to extend the working life of waste handling vehicles. This is where the Alex Inglis skills base comes into its own. For many years the engineers at Inglis have been

refurbishing bodies, lifts and hydraulic components allowing vehicles to extend there working life.This year has seen many enquiries for recycling and food waste collection vehicles. NMS have many of these vehicles operating in Scotland and the feed back from our customers there has been excellent.The company’s sales and marketing team will be glad to advise on either hires or engineering issues. Lucky customers may get a drink or a gift to leave with.

For more information: www.noblet.co.uk or www.alexinglis.co.uk


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LoadMaxx from Air-Weigh (Stand 1176) incorporates state-of-the-art hardware and software technology. The LoadMaxx Scale offers several innovative features including an interface to J1939 / CAN bus, CAN open, and RS232 data download ports. Two programmable weight alarm outputs one of which alerts if the front axle of the vehicle does not have the correct load distributed on it a very important safety factor on smaller vehicles, on refuse vehicles this signal can be sent to the compaction unit CANbus to bring the compaction blade forward ensuring steer axle is legal and load distribution is safe. There is also a GVW alarm which can shut down the packer when target payload is reached. Interface to an inclinometer, and enhanced self-test diagnostics are also included.J1939 / CAN bus interface allows vehicle dash displays and on board computers to easily obtain weight information for wireless transmission to fleet headquarters.Loadmaxx also has automatic trailer recognition for articulated fleets without the need for extra cables between truck and trailer. A spokesman for the company said: “Loadmaax is more than vehicle payload indication, Loadmaax simply plugs in to the vehicle chassis or body and can automatically help avoid overload or unsafe load distribution. Air-Weigh scales measure “on the ground axle weights” allowing operators to see full load distribution on steer and drive axles including payload and gross vehicle weight. When installed in a truck and trailer application this

also includes trailer axle weights avoiding valuable downtime in load adjustment in some sectors”. Air-Weigh plan to have an outlet in Scotland in the very near future any company that feels they could be a partner for Air-Weigh are welcome to meet the team at the RWM Show.

For more information: 01427 875800or www.weighonboard.com

Twelve months in harsh environments have proven the new Dolav Ace after its RWM08 launch. In celebrating its successful first year in the UK and Ireland, the new Ace from Dolav (Stand 850) has met all of its challenges. Specially designed for the recycling and food processing industries, the Ace is free from dirt traps. Rounded corners aid easy steam cleaning. It is strong, tough and durable while remaining light in weight at 36.5Kg. The Dolav Ace resists a wide range of chemicals including battery acid and its UV protection ensures lasting colour and strength. Its thick wall, low built-in stress HDPE structural foam construction readies it for a long, low-cost service life - despite the harsh abuse experienced in recycling. For more information: www.dolav-uk.co.uk


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Leading industrial weighing specialists Weightron Bilanciai (Stand 338) are using this year’s RWM Show to launch their new range of PC based DIADE 1000 series of process control weighing terminals. Developed at the Bilanciai Group Technology Centre in Modena, the 1000 series is claimed to be the most versatile and powerful terminal for weighing and control related processes.The cost effective weights and measures approved instrument, which connects directly to weighbridges, scales and vessel weighing systems, removes the need for on site PCs and offers powerful user-programmable software capabilities. With its wide range of inputs and outputs, integral PLC and versatile connectivity, the new terminal offers far more than just a weighing instrument and is expected to revolutionize data collection and management within the recycling and waste management industries. The DIADE uses the latest industrial touch screen technology and is available in desk top, stainless steel wall-mount and driver operated versions.Visitors to the Weightron stand can also see demonstrations on the company’s Winweigh software which has set new standards for waste management.

For more information: www.weightron.com

With 12 depots nationwide Hydrex (Stands OA234 & OA330) specialises in the short term and contract rental of mobile plant and equipment within the rail, industrial, waste, recycling, mineral extraction and construction industries.The stands feature the Fuchs range of materials re-handling machines for which Hydrex acts as the UK and Ireland exclusive distributor. The only machine in the world “built for the purpose”. Fuchs offers customers in the waste

industry an “innovative solution” with a wide range of sizes and attachments tailor made for the industry. The stand also features a Kramer Wheel Loader Machine which Hydrex has recently introduced to customers in the waste industry. Hydrex work with leading waste and scrap recycling companies in the UK.

For more information: 01275 399510


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Red Forge Ltd (Stand 314) are pleased to announce the release of a new product for the on-board Weighing market. The brand new Omniweigh system has been developed specifically for Tipper bodied vehicles and uses the latest technology to give remote data capture and diagnostics

through the link with vehicle telemetry systems (VTS).The Omniweigh display has been designed for simplicity and robustness, requiring little in the way of driver input, and is capable of storing up to 250 separate weight readings. Also available as optional

extras is a Thermal Printer or a USB data port for collection of weight data directly from the display. Using rugged loadcell design, the Omniweigh system has been

designed for simple installation by your chosen bodyshop, which leads to little in the way of increased lead times. Red Forge Ltd have many years of experience in this process and are on hand to provide advice during the build process.Red Forge will be demonstrating this new product at the RWM Show at the NEC in September, head along to stand 314 if you can make it.

For more information: 01527 526112 or www.redforge.co.uk

Leading onboard weighing and overload protection company, Vishay PM Onboard (Stand 862), will be exhibiting their latest bin weighing technology at the RWM Show. Offering support to local authorities under constant pressure to increase recycling and reduce waste BinWeighII+ also enables private waste companies to improve efficiency and maximise profitability. The company will also be showing its proven range of reliable and highly accurate onboard digital weighing systems which have been designed for waste and refuse collection vehicles and are a preferred onboard weighing system for both councils and private operators. Vishay PM Onboard will also unveil the upgraded VanWeigh®, featuring the new weight displaying screens.BinWeighII+ builds on the success of BinWeigh02, working in partnership with Bartec to offer the next generation of total service management. The BinWeighII+ system couples wheeled bin weighing with line data, tracking, mapping and route management.WasteWeigh, Vishay PM Onboard’s integrated weighing system provides continuous and precise weight information for payload control and operational efficiency.

For more information: www.vishay.com


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Cutting costs is always a top priority for any business, but in recent times hauliers have been forced to explore previously unchartered territory in an effort to reduce waste and maximise productivity. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the modern-day transport operator has needed to evolve rapidly into a slick, highly-efficient organisation, using the latest technology wherever possible to maximise every area of their business and stay ahead of the game. In return, the demands placed on this technology have increased massively, which has led to a surge in development from equipment manufacturers. Benefits such as being ‘user friendly’ or ‘time-saving’ are no longer good enough on their own; equipment needs to provide an instant and sizeable return on investment to even be given consideration. Recent advances in fuel storage and dispensing equipment by leading manufacturers are a prime example of this recent wave of development - not surprising considering the amount of money which is invested in modern fleet vehicles and fuel - as companies looking to upgrade their current refuelling setup will find. So what are the important things to consider before making a decision?

One area that is often overlooked but should be a high priority is fuel filtration. The quality of fuel supplied cannot always be controlled, but having a high-spec filtration system can minimise the risk of damage to both the vehicles being filled and also the pumping equipment on the tank itself. In recent years systems have evolved from basic particle only filtration to aviation grade particle and water systems, removing minute particles of contaminants. Although there is an extra cost for the higher-quality filters, when you consider the potential cost of vehicle damage caused by poor quality fuel, this becomes a logical decision. In addition, a simple sump pump, which up until recently was only used for aviation fuel storage tanks, is now commonly used on diesel storage tanks to remove water and condensation from fuel, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and the blocked filters this can cause.Fuel management systems are another feature which have recently become standard on diesel tanks. In previous years many would consider these systems as an expensive luxury, but companies are now more aware of the proven benefits this equipment gives. One of the most obvious of these benefits is fuel security, as the use of the refuelling equipment can be

closely controlled to help prevent fuel theft and unauthorised dispensing. Access can be controlled in a number of ways including card keys and PIN numbers, meaning drivers and vehicles are uniquely identified on the system. All refuelling activity is recorded by the fuel management system, and can be accessed using PC-based software. This software has become much more intuitive and can provide information tailored to customer’s exact requirements, helping to monitor fuel consumption and vehicle mileage readings. Armed with this essential information, the transport manager can then make the key decisions as before, but with valuable time now freed-up to focus on other areas of their role. In the past purchasing of fuel storage and dispensing equipment has required a host of additional work including civil works and electrical installations, but with the best modern tanks incorporating a mains electrical connection panel including pump isolation, overload protection, level monitoring and cabinet lighting, it’s now a case of drop it in position and away you go, with an electrician only required to make the connection to mains electrical supply.By taking advantage of the benefits these features can offer, companies can find their refuelling setup becomes an integral part of their operation.

Leading UK fuel tank manufacturer Fuel Proof Ltd have launched a new range of high capacity diesel storage tanks, with sizes from 5200 to 60,000 litres now available. The new range includes several new features including a custom-built mains electrical connection panel for easy connection to mains power supply, and a remote cabinet option to enable refuelling in areas with limited space. The mains electrical connection panel (shown below) includes pump isolation, overload protection and cabinet lighting, and is available with a combined overfill / low level / bund alarm. Fuel Proof Director Andrew Hargreaves adds “The new electrical connection panel makes it much easier to connect the dispensing system to mains supply, making the installation process much more straightforward.“The remote dispensing cabinet option will be of particular benefit to customers with only a limited amount of space available: “In some cases customers require a large capacity storage tank but are limited for space, and with this in mind we now offer the option of a remote cabinet, which can be located in the optimum position for refuelling and gives easy access to dispensing equipment and the mains electrical connection panel.”

For more information: 01524 850685 or www.fuelproof.co.uk

Keeping up with demand

By Andrew Hargreaves Director, Fuel Proof Ltd


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Starting in September, you can use the interoperable Box DKV Euro Service’s previously introduced to bill toll in two European countries; in 2010 you can use it to bill in three countries.With this extension, DKV Euro Service is taking a big step towards interoperable toll billing, a requirement an EU directive has made mandatory in 2013 for commercial vehicles as of 3.5 tonnes. The directive prescribes one uniform European service to make billing toll easier and increase the transparency of the process. The underlying principle is simple: one

contract, one recording system, one bill per user.Starting in September, this will be possible with the new interoperable DKV Box for France and Spain. The DKV Box will be expanded for use in Portugal in 2010. The new DKV Box is installed in the cabin in just a few seconds. Simply unpack the box, stick the holder to the inside of the windscreen, and off you go. When you pass a toll gate in France, Spain or Portugal in the future, the vehicle-specific data will be read automatically from the

DKV Box. The data is read through a microwave, a technology that is also used by the Spanish VIA-T, the Portuguese VIA VERDE and the French TIS PL systems. Your DKV Box will automatically receive and transmit the necessary data when you pass a toll gate in these countries. DKV Euro Service, one of the leading European providers of en-route care without cash payment, launched its own on-board unit in 2007. DKV is the only certified non-French supplier and publisher of user contracts in France.Besides the required hardware,

DKV also offers additional software modules that give you a handle on and control over the time and costs associated with toll procedures, such as the DKV Transaction Manager, or the DKV Toll Manager with its alert reports. All of the add-ons consist of programmes that help you evaluate, process and analyse the items on your DKV bill, enabling you to quickly find out where the real costs are and how you can reduce them.

For more information: www.dkv-euroservice.com

Leading fuel card provider Keyfuels have strengthened their position in the UK commercial HGV and fleet market after its acquisition of ReD Fuel Cards Europe Limited.The acquisition, led by Keyfuels’ parent company Fleetcor, includes all of ReD’s fuel card operations in the UK and Ireland. This acquisition will provide significant benefits for both Keyfuels’ and ReD’s customers and partners, with opportunities for wider site network acceptance

and an improved range of fuel cards options.Alex Harper, Head of Sales at Keyfuels, commented: “The synergy between Keyfuels and ReD mean this significant acquisition is an excellent fit to help us raise the bar in the industry. Not only will our customers be able to take advantage of an improved network, but we will also look to deliver improved fuel management and reporting services to all our customers.”

As a market leading fuel card provider, Keyfuels manages over 1.5 billion litres of fuel each year for over 300,000 cardholders with a network 1400 bunkering and retail forecourt sites nationwide. ReD’s 120,000 fuel cards and annual volumes of 700 million litres will complement this. For more information: 0800 939736or www.chjones.co.uk

Combined toll billing for France, Spain and Portugal

Position strengthened

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Fleet managers have been reminded that having a ‘greener’ fleet should also deliver the significant benefit of major cost savings. Steve Clarke, General Manager of The Fuelcard People, said: “Recent press mention of fuel cards’ vital role in greening fleets did not tell the whole story. Fuel cards are not all the same and having the right one can deliver much more than efficient fuel management. Cost savings of 2p to 3p per litre on national average pump prices, and up to 10p on motorway costs, are widely available, for example, although a few suppliers still refuse to offer discounts.”

He pointed out that accessibility is not an issue. “Card validity at every filling station is an over promoted red herring,” he said, “which only matters if a driver completely runs out of fuel unexpectedly. That almost never happens. More importantly, it is nonsense to suggest that a route deviation will be necessary to refuel at, for example, BP, Esso, Shell or Texaco sites. These are hardly rarities, with some major brands being available at more than 1600 locations nationwide.” He urged fleet managers to use common sense when choosing a fuel card. “If your fuel card

is dedicated to one particular major brand, it simply means a driver refuelling before the tank is completely dry. They already do that, don’t they? In any case, an average Ford Mondeo driver with only ten litres left still has getting on for 100 miles of driving. What kind of route would take them that far without passing a major brand filling station? Incidentally, filling a Mondeo tank on the motorway with the right fuel card should be £6 or so cheaper than using a non-discount fuel card.”

For more information: 0844 870 9856

UK businesses that spend at least £450 per month on diesel fuel for their commercial vehicles can save money by using Esso’s new fuel card. The new Esso Commercial Vehicle Card is being launched on September 1. Every week card users are notified of the diesel price for the following seven days. When compared to typical pump prices the

weekly price can be up to 5 pence per litre lower.The new card is accepted at over 850 Esso sites in the UK, including many in Scotland. Benefits include online information about the fuel usage by card and vehicle, thereby enable fuel costs to be monitored and controlled. Cards can be allocated to a driver’s name or a vehicle.

Each card has Chip and PIN technology to ensure that security is not compromised. The card can be programmed so that it can be used for diesel only or diesel and any or all of the following products and services at Esso retail sites: lubricating oils, shop goods, breakdown repair and cover, car and jet wash and vehicle accessories. Martin O’Dwyer, Manager at Esso

Card, said: “Whether businesses operate vans, trucks, HGV’s, buses or coaches, we believe the new Esso Commercial Vehicle Card offers customers real value for money, cost savings, flexibility, security and easy 24/7 administrative control over the internet.”

For more information: www.essocard.com

‘Green’ your fleet and cut costs

New fuel card for vans, HGVs, buses and coaches

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The UK’s largest crane hire operator, Ainscough Crane Hire (ACH) has been using electronic fuel management systems since 1995. Now, with their second generation of equipment, supplied by Fueltek, ACH has extended the application of the technology to include site security, key access and even time and attendance recording.Ainscough Crane Hire is a national operation with 26 locations and a fleet of 600 mobile cranes to meet every need from 10 to 1000 tonnes safe lifting. Their bright yellow vehicles are a common sight on UK roads and have acquired an iconic status. With an annual diesel bill for these vehicles of around £3 million, fuel management and security is a major issue.“Ensuring that fuel goes into permitted vehicles only and not into others is a concern for all fleet operators - no matter what their size. With fuel cost rises and pressure on margins, this is even more vital,” explained Fueltek Managing Director Martin Devine.Beyond security there is the question

of management - what variances are there between the fuel consumption of vehicles of the same type and even the performance of drivers? How can managers identify best performance and make this the norm?The Fuel Access Control Terminal (FACT) provided by Fueltek is at the core of the fuel security and management operation at Ainscough Crane Hire. An island based terminal, the FACT operates with a robust proximity tag which is programmed with a unique identity number and details of each vehicle’s fuel drawing rights. Fuel access is simply a matter of presenting the tag to the reader on the unit, keying in the driver ID and mileage and responding to the plain English instructions on the screen.Based on their experience with the fuelling systems, Ainscough Crane Hire recognised that the crane hire operator, Fueltek technology could have other uses in depot security and management. ACH have Fueltek systems on 26 sites providing fuel management. At 18 sites this

technology is used for site access control via readers that operate gates and barriers. At 20 sites Fueltek systems control access to vehicle key cabinets and at six sites the systems provide data for time and attendance records. The company has also just installed key readers on internal doors on one depot to manage personnel access.Commenting on the relationship Carole Rigby, Ainscough’s Purchasing Manager, noted,

“Fueltek know their business well. The hardware is robust and reliable, easy for our drivers to operate and provides the kind of information that we need to operate the fleet efficiently. It was as a result of this experience that we approached Fueltek to ask them to adapt their technology for the other applications.” For more information:www.fueltek.co.uk

With the seemingly ever-increasing rise in the price of fuel, stiffer taxes and increasingly narrow margins for haulage firms, many in today’s transport world, are increasingly focusing, unsurprisingly, on cutting costs.To this end, Volvo Trucks have identified two factors that have become increasingly important for haulage companies and therefore essential for truck manufacturers to take note of when developing both vehicles and complementary services. These are : • Reducing the cost of keeping the vehicle on the road. • Reducing the consumption of increasingly expensive fuel.Last year, and with this in mind, Volvo Trucks introduced their ‘Fuelwatch’ programme which embraces and monitors every aspect of fuel consumption and how it can be minimised. Its aim is to offer operators a range of measures to reduce fuel consumption including : Optimised Trucks specification, Preventive Maintenance, Efficiency Upgrades, ‘Dynafleet’ telematics, Driver Development and a Fuel Management Service.Volvo Trucks’ Fuel Management Service Manager Chris Evans, says: “Lower fuel consumption contributes to reduced carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrates the positive link between good business sense and a healthy environment. Even a fuel consumption reduction of two or three litres

per 100 kilometres can have a positive effect on the bottom line for the majority of hauliers. What is more, remember that every litre of diesel saved is equivalent to taking away 2.6 kgs of CO2 emissions from the exhaust.”Martin Merrick, Managing Director of Volvo Truck Centre North & Scotland, one of the early adopters of the scheme, adds: “By concentrating on fuel efficiency and saving costs, we can also reduce emissions of global warming gases that are threatening the finely balanced conditions for life across our planet. By adopting a long-term view

and dedicating ourselves to making our products increasingly fuel-efficient, Volvo has taken the lead today among the world’s truck manufacturers in the field of fuel economy.”Chris Evans concludes: “Through efficient logistics and vehicle utilisation, haulage companies are reducing their costs and fuel consumption, proving that economy, logistics and better environment can successfully go hand in hand together.”

For more information:www.volvo.com

Fuel management extended

Fuelwatch

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Despite the tough market conditions in the commercial vehicle sector and many of the industries that rely on these everyday workhorses there have been some interesting developments in load handling equipment that present innovative solutions for end users. Many businesses now routinely fit devices such as cranes and platform lifts on to their vehicles to provide a safe and efficient way for employees to complete tasks without manual handling. The benefits in terms of lower industrial injury rates, fewer accidents and improved overall productivity outweigh the costs but there remains the perceived problem of reduced carrying capacity on the vehicle. The ability to transport a larger range of tools and materials to a job can make the difference between profit and loss by avoiding the need for repeat visits and unnecessary and costly additional mileage. Load handling equipment should not get in the way of this.Penny Hydraulics has responded by undertaking a review across its range to design and engineer weight out of its products without compromising on performance and reliability. The company has used advanced 3D modelling and stress analysis techniques, believed to be unique in the sector, to analyse every aspect of its designs and create new components with different materials, shapes and profiles that are much lighter than the originals. The company has also developed a range of new platforms for its Single Wheel Lift, Easyloader Tail Lift and Step Lift models including new lightweight aluminium and galvanised mesh, offering a wider choice to customers. The original Single Wheel Lift, for example, weighed 99kg but the new lightweight version weighs under 50kg. This 50% weight saving means that vehicles can carry more stock, tools and equipment without exceeding their safe and legal loading capacities. This is most important on the increasingly popular three and half tonne class vehicles where space and weight limitations can be particularly tight.Vehicle mounted cranes are also evolving. Customers are now demanding full hydraulic operation for smaller cranes to introduce new levels of performance and safety into their load handling. Hydraulic lift and slew enable handling to be controlled precisely and accurately without any risk of unexpected movements that can be a potential issue with more basic designs, especially if the vehicle is parked on uneven ground or a slope. Two new cranes introduced by Penny Hydraulics in the past year now offer fully hydraulic mechanisms in the under-one-tonne range for the first time in the market. The addition of an electric or hydraulic winch to even the smallest cranes can add to its versatility by allowing loads to be handled below ground level, which is essential in many construction, utility and service applications. Features such as remote control, hard wired or radio controlled, that allow operators to remain

safely clear of the handling area are among some of the other innovations that are now becoming the norm rather than the exception.There are signs that the market is becoming more sophisticated and customers are certainly asking for handling solutions that are matched to their specific requirements rather than simply accepting the “standard” models on offer. Manufacturers or suppliers who are unwilling or unable to meet these demands are missing potentially valuable opportunities. Those that offer a degree of flexibility to work with customers and provide bespoke solutions are likely to be better placed in the future to take advantage of new trends. In many cases these bespoke products are not difficult to develop. Often it is simply a case of devising a new attachment for a crane or a special cradle to support a particular load on a platform lift. For example, Penny Hydraulics recently developed a special spreader attachment for its cranes that allows fully IBC and dumpy bags to be lifted safely even when their straps could not be drawn together for lifting by a basic hook.Sometimes the handling requirement can be more complex and novel solutions are needed. A good example of this is a totally new type of tracked mobile crane developed jointly by Hinowa and Penny Hydraulics. Two versions are available based around proven and established products from each manufacturer. An electric model with a maximum load of 630kg is small and compact and ideally suited to confined areas or indoor applications. For larger applications a petrol engine version can handle items weighing up to 1200kg. Both models allow loads to be handled over off-road and rough terrain areas where conventional equipment or vehicle mounted solutions cannot easily be used. Collaborations of this type between leading manufacturers in their respective fields offer novel solutions that would otherwise be unavailable to the market.

Whether it is through greater collaboration with complementary manufacturers or by devising new products of their own it is clear that companies who are willing to continue with their research and development during the quiet times will be well placed to meet current market expectations as well as greater demand when the upturn surely comes.

Penny Hydraulics designs, manufactures and services load handling equipment which is used extensively across demanding industries to support delivery, service and engineering applications. All products are designed and manufactured in the UK to promote efficiency, reduce the risk of personal injury and help operators comply with manual handling regulations. Vehicle mounted Swing Lift cranes handle loads up to 2000kg while vehicle mounted platform lifts include the Easyloader Tail Lift, Side Lift, Step Lift and Load Lift for loads up to 550kg. The Cellar Lift is designed for handling barrels, crates and other drink related products between basements or first floor cellars. Vertical, sloping and compact models with capacities up to 300kg, enough for a full 54 gallon barrel, are available. The Mezz Lift is a versatile goods lift for raising and lowering loads up to 500kg between two floors in factories, workshops and warehouses. Specialist tyre and wheel service, handling and storage equipment includes the Tyre Lift for handling tyres between two floors in the depot and the Single Wheel Lift for handling tyres on service vehicles.Penny Hydraulics offers comprehensive support including consultation, design, manufacture, installation, training and maintenance from its head office and through a nationwide network of service engineers.

For more information:www.pennyhydraulics.com

Interesting developments in load handling

Richard Short Sales Director, Penny Hydraulics Limited


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Oldham based onboard vehicle weighing specialists Applied Vehicle Weighing have appointed Shaun Hamilton as UK Sales Director and he will play a key role in developing municipal markets.Julian Glasspole, Managing Director of AVW, said: “Shaun’s expertise and experience with RCV’s will be invaluable, after spending 14 years at East

Riding of Yorkshire Council, and a spell with Farid as sales manager, Shaun is ideal, he knows RCV’s inside out and what mangers are looking for to run their fleets effectively and efficiently”.Shaun said: “it’s a great opportunity to join the team, they are growing quickly, I will be working closely with my colleagues at AVW to help RCV operators

to maximise their municipal fleets, AVW have a lot of technical expertise and ground breaking products to bring to the market, they are already working closely with leading body manufacturers to engineer more cost effective weighing systems”. For more information: 0118 948 4908

Vehicle Weighing Solutions announces it has increased to 50 the number of Dennis RCV’s with very latest integrated Loadweigh-CAN weigher it has supplied to London based municipal hire specialist Fiveways.VWS, the Oldham based supplier of onboard truck weighing systems, partnered Dennis Eagle to develop an integrated onboard weighing and overload protection system. What’s new, is the absence of the traditional ‘in-cab indicator’. Instead, weight information is displayed on the existing dash mount, in-built information screen which also shows vehicle management data, diagnostic information and rear view images.

Fiveways Fleet manager Barry Abbot said: “Should the truck or one of its axles gets to within 50 kg of its legal maximum, the compactor stops” not new for onboard weighers but VWS point out the driver has no control to override the system; he has no choice but to take the truck to the tip. Abbot continues: “These systems don’t need any driver intervention, and that’s popular with councils.” Julian Glasspole, MD of VWS, said: “Fiveways was the first to specify the integrated Loadweigh-CAN system because the weigher is CANbus, it wires directly into the Dennis control system, and because there’s no indicator, cabs are much neater.”

Adding to that, Julian explains that his wiring technicians do not have to drill holes or take wiring looms in to the cab. Scott Martin, Fiveways MD, said: “Adding onboard weighing to the hire fleet with packer pate cut off, gives our customers more control to prevent

drivers overloading,” and goes on “this is the simplest system to use on the market.”

For more information: www.vwsltd.co.uk

Applied appoints Hamilton

Fiveways contols councils’ axle weights


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The forklift truck industry was one of the earliest sectors to feel the effects of the economic downturn but could be one of the first to emerge from the recession says John Maguire, Sales and Marketing Director of UK based forklift truck manufacturer Narrow Aisle FLEXI.In recent weeks Narrow Aisle, who design and build the award-winning FLEXI range of articulated forklift trucks in Britain, have witnessed an increase in new truck orders and an upturn in short term rental activity within the UK and mainland European markets.John Maguire comments: “Non-standard economic indicators such as forklift truck sales

figures are a good substitute for official figures, which have proved all too fallible. Rising forklift truck sales can be taken as a strong sign that industry is investing - and that the economy is therefore on the move.”“The forklift market has clearly been impacted by the problems that the manufacturing sectors have had and it is difficult to predict how quickly the UK forklift truck market will recover but from the feedback we are getting it seems clear that companies are seeking solutions to reduce their outlay in materials handling and logistics and are seeking trucks and other handling equipment that will enable warehousing and

distribution centre operations to operate more cost efficiently.”Narrow Aisle reports strong demand for its products from Europe. The company has recently delivered trucks for a number of high profile European retailers and manufacturers including French DIY giant Castorama and German automotive industry supplier Brose. The UK market is also showing signs of recovery with strong interest and a number of sizable orders recently signed.

For more information: www.flexi.co.uk

Schmitz Cargobull have introduced a new system specifically designed to reduce the weight on tractor drive axles when vehicles have been partially unloaded from the rear.Known as the Load Spread Program (LSP), the system constantly monitors and adjusts according to the loading on the axles. Although it is usually left switched on, it can be disabled and run as a standard tri-axle at the flick of a switch.Once activated, the system automatically reduces the air pressure on the trailer’s rear axle, which redistributes a proportion of the load weight to the front two axles.

The LSP provides a number of benefits: • by reducing the weight on the ‘fifth wheel’ it avoids overloading the tractor’s drive axles • it improves the semi-laden trailer’s ability to negotiate curves as the partially deflated air system on the trailer rear axle artificially reduces the trailer

wheel base and the shorter wheelbase is more manoeuvrable. • it improves tyre wear because the rear axle (with the reduced load) ‘grinds’ less when the trailer is on a journey.The device can be retrofitted to all air-sprung three axle semi trailers and is recommended for all users who experience overload at the

front following partial unloading of goods from the back of a trailer. It is particularly suited to refrigerated trailers, although any haulier that transports unevenly spread loads can benefit from the system.

For more information: www.cargobull.com/uk

JJ Fast Foods (now known as JJ Food Services) was founded in 1989 with the objective of providing restaurants with a ‘one-stop shop’, offering high quality products, speedy delivery and excellent service. The company opened its ‘state of the art’, purpose built distribution centre at Enfield in 2001 and since then has opened distribution centres in Birmingham, Basingstoke, Doncaster and Manchester. “We run a fleet of approximately 250 HGV ‘fridge-bodied vehicles built by Solomons and fitted with Ratcliff tail lifts, making regular daily deliveries to our customers located throughout the UK,” explained Micky Montague, Transport Manager. Micky is responsible for running the busy transport department, based at the company’s head office in Enfield. One of his many tasks is to

specify and order all new vehicles for the company and to supervise the maintenance and repair of the entire fleet once vehicles are ‘on the road’. He is currently taking delivery of a total of 60 new replacement vehicles. “All our delivery vehicles are loaded at the distribution depots via loading docks and then make multi-drop deliveries to schools, canteens, restaurants and even the Houses of Parliament, six days a week.“Despite the introduction of many new tail lifts during the past 20 years, we still favour one of Ratcliff’s ‘oldest’ models - the 1000kg all steel overhead beam lift - RV1003. It is a reliable work-horse, totally meeting our needs - i.e. it is fully compatible with our hinged rear door closure, quick and easy to use, robust, and moreover easy to maintain and repair,” explained Micky.

“We get excellent service from Ratcliff and from their 24-365 service agent network. Not only can we get our LOLER examinations and any maintenance work required done on site at any hour to fit in with our delivery schedules, but should the lift fail whilst the vehicle is out, we

can rely on its 24-hour nationwide breakdown service to get us up and running again with the minimum loss of time.”

For more information: www.ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk

Forklift sales “a good substitute for official economy figures”

Spreading the load

20 not out


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The first 20 customers that purchase the NEW Digital Tachograph 1.3A will have the latest state of the art remote download device installed and calibrated totally free of charge. The VDO Remote Downloading offers operators far more flexibility when it comes to data downloading.The benefits of using such a system allows the operator to download data remotely and far quicker than in the past helping to keep their running costs to an absolute minimum.

Remote Downloading Technology VDO have two types of remote downloading technology that cater for both long range and short range data downloading. Data downloading (DLD) is the easy solution for securely downloading the mass memory and Driver Card Data by wireless and transmitting the encrypted data to the office via WLAN or GPRS technology.The download process is controlled from the office computer so that the Company Card can remain in the office, and does not require to be inserted into the tachograph unit.Wide Range Data Downloading - when using the Wide Range DLD, data is transferred to the VDO download server via a mobile wireless network (GPRS) - your internet access to this server is protected. Driver card and mass memory data can then be directly downloaded and transmitted to the data archive at any time and European wide, eg - at the side of a road.A reminder list defines when a download should take place. It is automatically updated every time a connection is established between the Wide Range DLD and the office computer.Short Range Data Downloading - if the vehicle is located in a defined area of an operators site, e.g. in the company yard, the Short Range DLD transmits system data to the office computer via a local wireless network (WLAN). A reminder list in the software supplied with

the DLD defines when a download should take place. No fee is payable for data transfer, because data transfer takes place via the company network.“It is important for operators to appreciate that the data management products now available in the market place have been designed with a lot of thought to making life as easy as possible for collecting, archiving and maintaining tachograph and driver card data”, says Kevin Green Fleet Sales Manager. “At VDO we have been at the leading edge of designing the right equipment to meet the demands of the marketplace at the right price. We made a commercial decision to offer this promotion to the operators so that customers could get a feel for the product and see the advantages for themselves. The first 20 customers that contact me will be able to take advantage of this unique offer.”With sales exceeding €24 billion in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.The Automotive Group of Continental AG is one of the leading global automotive suppliers. With its three Divisions - Chassis & Safety, Powertrain and Interior - it achieved sales of approximately €15 billion in 2008. The Automotive Group employs more than 80,000 people in more than 130 locations worldwide. As a partner of the automotive industry, the Automotive Group develops and produces innovative products and systems for

a modern automotive future, in which a car accommodates individual mobility and driving pleasure to driving safety, environmental responsibility and cost-efficiency.The Chassis & Safety Division (€5.1 billion, 27,000 employees) develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems, sensors, driver assistance systems, air bag control systems, occupant classification systems, washer systems as well as electronic air suspension systems. Its core competence is the integration of active and passive driving safety into the safety concept ContiGuard®. The Powertrain Division (€4 billion, 25,000 employees) integrates innovative and efficient system solutions for vehicle powertrains. These systems increase performance and driving comfort while at the same time lowering consumption and emissions. The comprehensive range of products includes gasoline and diesel injection systems, engine management, transmission control, including sensors and actuators, as well as fuel-supply systems and components and systems for hybrid drives. Information management is at the very heart of the Interior Division (€5.9 billion, 30,000 employees). The range of products includes instrument clusters and multifunctional displays, control units, electronic car-entry systems, tire-monitoring systems, radios, multimedia and navigation systems, climate control systems, telematics solutions as well as cockpit modules and systems. Additional products and services for commercial and special vehicles and spare parts for the independent aftermarket as well as original equipment services for a phased out series production perfectly round off the portfolio.

For more information: 0121 326 1279 or 07787 103279

FREE remote downloading equipment for first 20 purchasers

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Leading fuel and vehicle management solutions provider, Triscan Systems recently launched their latest innovation to assist managers in the transport arena. EMD provides a number of measurable business benefits. The Triscan Vehicle Management Portal, which is currently being trialed by a number of both private and public sector organisations, has been very well received to date and the company has big plans for the onward development of what it describes as its ‘Product platform for the future’.The Lancashire based IT company has been busy of late with a number of new product

releases that confirm it’s innovative approach to providing ‘Real Information’ - ‘Not just Data’; indeed, the ‘Portal’ has been designed to provide organisations with a graphical and holistic view of their transport operation by aggregating all the key elements fleet managers and operators need to fulfill their day to day operations effectively and efficiently.By aggregating the key information required to effectively manage operations, the portal enhances and supports decision making across the business. Some of the key product benefits include visibility of where vehicles are and how they are being driven, improved fuel efficiency and lower running costs, reductions in staff overtime and increased number of drops per day. In addition management reporting and alerts are only useful if they can be used effectively. Triscan’s solution can provide accurate and high quality information for the driver debrief process; this could easily be integrated into driver and depot league tables to promote change effectively. Ultimately lower carbon emissions can be monitored affected and achievedIn order to realise the above benefits Triscan customers have two key elements to consider. The first is integration and the Vehicle Management Portal has the ability to consolidate, extract and present information from a number of third party systems including: • telematics systems - for driver and vehicle performance • proof of delivery systems - for customer service applications • planning and routing engines - for route and schedule optimisation

• websites and web applications - for access to relevant sites • time and attendance systems - for HR and | duty of care responsibilitiesThe second consideration is that knowledge alone is not enough to make improvements happen, a key element is to make sure stakeholders understand their contribution and how changes to their behaviour will affect a positive outcome. Jason Price, Triscan’s newly appointed Business Development Director, is responsible for driving the product forward with some of the company’s strategic clients comments: “The portal automatically creates a league table based on vehicle and driver performance and proactively informs relevant debrief personnel of who to debrief first and for what infringement.” Jason admits that this in itself is not enough and continues: “By removing statistical information and presenting user friendly A-G ‘energy efficiency’ type ratings, the driver debrief process allows rapid understanding of performance and areas for improvement. This is where Triscan’s product benefits shine through.”Modular in design, implementation of the Triscan portal can be undertaken as either ‘Big bang’ or in a series of well defined, structured phases based on specific business drivers. Triscan are anticipating the next release of the portal in quarter three 2009 and would welcome the opportunity to work with additional potential organisations on their specific requirements.

For more information: 0845 225 3102 or www.triscansystems.com/clarity

Cybit, one of the UK’s leading online Telematics Service Providers, have launched a major new Public Sector integration initiative that will help organisations meet the Government’s latest targets for Back-Office and IT efficiency, as announced in April’s budget. The strategic deployment of vehicle telematics will help drive efficiency savings in operational spend, back-office processes, asset management and facilities management, all of which will contribute to the Government’s £9 billion savings target. Vehicle telematics already plays an increasing role in the delivery of public sector services. The visibility provided by real-time tracking improves day-to-day planning and revolutionises the dynamic management of reactionary services, the collection of accurate employee time recording and proof-of-service delivery. John Wisdom, Sales and Marketing Director at Cybit, added: “The technology is also touching more and more areas of public service. It delivers progressive layers of return on investment. New services also now include more robust lone worker and mobile employee protection.”

In Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council states that Fleetstar-Online played a major part in optimising the productivity of its fleet, by controlling driving time and fuel efficiency. Also, Aberdeen City Council is impressed by Cybit’s focus on tangible performance indicators: savings on fuel through the reduction of unnecessary mileage and reducing levels of overtime worked by drivers.As councils seek to realise the next layer of cost saving, more and more look at systems integration. Organisations can now transfer data without manual input into back-office systems - cutting down on the time and resources required for administration of vital services. This helps organisations link-in to activity of gritters, refuse collection vehicles or ground maintenance operations - as well as lone-workers. This gives local authority managers strategic overview of their resources and empowers key decisions on the deployment of assets. “The pressure on government organisations to become more efficient doesn’t have to result in a drop in service levels,” continued John Wisdom, “Through the strategic integration of data, a range of different departments can automate many overly

cumbersome processes and make themselves more streamlined all the while improving the service to their stakeholders.” Fleetstar-Online is Cybit’s industry leading, scalable suite of Internet-based Mobile Resource Management (MRM) and vehicle tracking tools. The high quality data relating vehicle and job performance is captured in conjunction with location information, reported and analysed through Fleetstar. This allows meaningful business decisions to be made using up to the minute information on operational performance. Powerful reporting capabilities facilitate effective management of operational costs and productivity; support strategic initiatives around Carbon footprint; and increase compliance with legislation including Duty of Care and Health and Safety. The strategic importance of Fleetstar-generated information extends beyond vehicle tracking into the heart of the enterprise: Fleet derived information can be directly integrated into a range of business systems to improve the efficiency of the entire organisation.

For more information: www.cybit.co.uk

Triscan Innovates with EMD - Efficiency Management Delivered

Increase efficiency in public sector

Jason Price


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Prior to the show we were asked pretty regularly are you sure that the Tow Show will go ahead, if so will there be a business conference, what about the social events etc etc.I could understand all of these concerns, particularly after the cancellation of the CV Show and virtually all other motor related events, after speaking with all of the exhibitors we put to them a straight forward simple question, if we go ahead with the 2009 Tow Show will can we guarantee on you support? The answer was an overwhelming yes.They shared our common belief that GB Ltd had talked itself so deep into a recession that it was time for industries like our to pick up the cudgel

and say we are done with talking our industry and business down, time to start talking the industry up and what better way than to lead from the front than the 2009 Tow Show.Clearly the 2009 event could not be on the same lavish scale as previous years, our target was to fill the main exhibition hall three and the foyer with exhibitors. Yes, it was hard work along the way as one or two exhibitors decided that they just did not have the cash to spare and would not be attending, we expected that most who would be attending would be taking the same size of stand or more prudently a smaller stand.With the help of my co-organiser Roy Jones and after many days and weeks of conversations,

visits, phone calls we reached our target, hall three and the main foyer were sold out just before the show. We had landed our budget show.Day one saw the show being opened by Richard Goddard the outgoing Chairman or the Road Haulage Association Rescue and Recovery group Richard commented: “To see a 2009 Tow Show actually up and running has to be a credit to the Tow Show team, a brilliant feat of organisation, doggedness, grit and determination, Frank, Roy and the team we salute you, to attend what is possibility the only event in the haulage and motor industry that will take place in 2009 is a privilege and an unique achievement one which I feel very honoured to formally open. This event is not so much about exhibitors just selling their wares, this is about the coming together of the industry, the customers, attendees, delegates, and all members of the rescue and recovery industry, the 2009 Tow Show will go down in history as the people’s show.”With the show formally opened all remained was attendees, well we may have been a bit concerned but the industry heeded the call for support and turned up in similar numbers as the year before. Many exhibitors and attendees commented how the budget compact event had a nice friendly feel to it.Friday saw the popular informative all industry business conference going ahead, as always a bit hit with the attending delegates, should you wish to read a full report on that and other events please go to our website www.towshow.co.uk there would will find three links that take you to the Telford Tow Times daily newspaper which was published each day of the show.Each exhibitor was presented with a unique certificate thanking them for their support in 2009. I sent the following to all concerned.“The Tow Show Team worked long and hard to deliver a show for 2009. They attracted both exhibitors and sponsors, for whose support we are deeply grateful. All that was left was for you, the industry, to respond by attending and wow we were not disappointed. “Thank you to each and every one of you who turned up on Thursday Day One and Friday Day Two which included the Business Conference and the fabulous Friday evening grand charity Gala event in support of RISC your industry charity. “The 2009 European Tow Show will go down in history as probably the only event in the motor industry that flew in the face of current thinking and had the courage and belief to go ahead.In years to come, for attendees and exhibitors alike, when the question is asked “Did you step up to the plate and exhibit or visit the European Tow Show 2009?” be proud when you can answer, ‘Yes I was there!’.”

For more information: www.towshow.co.uk

European Tow Show 2009

Richard Goddard opening the Show

By Frank McAllister Tow Show Director


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Jim Smith, Managing Director of Kerr & Smith, the car and commercial vehicle dealer and recovery business based in the South-West of Scotland, has a reputation as a very shrewd businessman and has been a longstanding customer of the Roger Dyson Group for his recovery vehicles. Therefore when he approached the company about his new vehicle he knew that although a sale was not in the offing that he could still expect the help and service he had always received. The economic climate has made all operators analyse their costs very closely and it became obvious to Jim that although his five-year-old Iveco Trakker was now ready for replacement the same could not be said for the Dyson Commander recovery equipment on the truck.Therefore the decision to have the system transferred onto a new Iveco Eurotronic Euro5 410 8x4 Trakker seemed logical. Although fully aware that Roger team in Droitwich could effect the removal and build onto the new chassis again economics dictated that it would be Kerr & Smith’s own engineers who would accomplish this task. In fact it took two men two full weeks to perform the operation guided by Roger’s team in Droitwich.

After the successful completion of the project and entry of his new recovery unit into service Smith commented: ‘I’ve always known that buying recovery systems from Roger Dyson meant that I was buying the best quality product in the market. To be able to extend the life of such an investment as this Commander unit really means that I have one of the lowest cost recovery units to run in the UK. I would like to thank Roger and his team who have given my engineers fantastic support as we decided to save money still further and carry out the conversion in our own workshops. Although I do not need a new recovery system today I know where I will go to buy one when I do.”The Roger Dyson Group has recently re-launched its website www.rogerdyson.com with new enhanced facilities such as RSS news feeds on the latest new and second hand recovery vehicles the group has for sale. Comprehensive information is available on the complete Roger Dyson range of recovery systems, along with a virtual factory tour and latest news from the group.

For more information:www.rogerdyson.com

Long life for Roger Dyson in Scotland


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Hofmann, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced the new monty® 5800B tyre changer for heavy-duty wheels. The new ‘power package’ offers an extremely wide clamping range for wheel rims of up to 40mm thick and from four to 58 inches in diameter.Suitable for a diverse range of vehicles and equipment the monty 5800B enables easy tyre changing on wheels up to 2.5m in diameter and 1.5m wide with a maximum weight of 2,000kg. A powerful bead breaking force of up to 3.8 tonnes

enables tightly fitting wheel and tyre assemblies to be handled with ease and the facility to lower the changers chuck axle to just 350mm from the ground makes the monty 5800B ideal for handling wheel rims without a tyre. Other features include a control console with a switch for the simultaneous control of two functions.Chris Behan, General Manager, Snap-on Equipment, comments: “The new monty 5800B is ideal for changing heavy duty tyres on a wide range of vehicles and equipment thanks to its extremely wide wheel rim clamping

range. By combining power with accurate control, our new machine enables costly tyres to be changed with care and confidence.”

For more information:www.hofmann.co.uk

Two of the largest suppliers in the Scottish commercial garage equipment market have joined forces in order to offer customers the best possible Authorised Testing Facilties (ATF) package. Gemco Equipment Ltd and Everquip Inspection Pits will work closely together to satisfy customer demands in this market area and offer a single contact for project management of your ATF. Everquip - one of the largest UK suppliers of pre-fabricated steel pits - will be providing their

Inspection Pits for the ATF Lane and Gemco - one of the largest supplier of garage equipment in the UK - will supply and install all the other test equipment including BM Autoteknik BM12200 VOSA style brake tester, play detectors, headlamp tester, pit jack, load simulator etc. Everquip and BM Autoteknik are the approved suppliers to VOSA and their testing stations, GEMCO are the UK supplier of BM Testing equipment.

Stuart Everard, Managing Director of Everquip commented: “This joint package available from Gemco and Everquip will benefit customers in terms of cost effectiveness, quality, project management and value for money and I believe it will help consolidate our strong position within the Scottish Commercial Vehicle aftermarket.”

For more information:www.everquip.co.uk

Authorised Testing Facilities the real deal

Heavy-duty power


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Motor industry training provider ReMIT is helping commercial vehicle technicians to gain a sector specific qualification by reinforcing their skills through a rigorous refresher programme.ReMIT, the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) is working with commercial vehicle dealers to help their technicians gain the Irtec accreditation. This certifies the competence of individual technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the heavy goods, light commercial, service and passenger carrier industries. To ensure a higher Irtec pass rate, ReMIT is putting candidates through a year’s worth of rigorous training to reinforce their foundation knowledge to prepare them to pass the qualification. Upon successful completion, participants receive an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level Three Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, as well as the Irtec qualification. ReMIT is also providing a similar programme for the light vehicle sector via the Automotive

Technician Accreditation Programme (ATA). ReMIT launched a pilot last year with commercial vehicle dealer Chatfields, and all the technicians on the pilot achieved a Level Three Diploma qualification as well as the Irtec Accreditation. Commenting on ReMIT’s programme, Chief Executive Rob Foulston said: “Through our refresher programme, fully qualified skilled technicians are taken back to their roots, and this is helping them to pass the Irtec qualification on the first attempt. This programme is not only the most innovative way of up-skilling technicians in recent years, it will also make a noticeable difference to the industry’s key business initiatives of customer satisfaction and first-time fix rates.” The first group of technicians to have gone through the refresher programme all recently achieved the Irtec qualification.

For more information: 0115 9759550 or www.remit.co.uk

ReMIT training supports truck technician qualifications

Tecalemit Garage Equipment, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of vehicle servicing and MoT testing equipment, have won the contract to be sole supplier of test instruments to the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA). The precision measuring instruments will be used to carry out testing for Independent Vehicle Approval (IVA). The new contract requires all 95 items of equipment contained within

the Tecalemit IVA test program to be easily assembled and ready for use in less than five minutes. The initial contract, worth over £150,000, requires Tecalemit to design, manufacture and supply a complete set of equipment to each of VOSA’s five main testing stations based in Derby, Kent, Liverpool, Glasgow and Bristol. In addition to the original contract further orders and inquiries have already been received from

Northern Ireland and Cyprus. “Having supplied the emissions testing equipment for VOSA’s GVTS stations, we’re delighted that they have chosen Tecalemit once again to provide them with the IVA equipment for their test stations,” said Philip Cledwyn, Sales Director at Tecalemit. New legislation, effective from April 1 2009, means that commercial vehicle manufacturers will now have to get approval on all types of vehicle,

vehicle systems and separate components. Manufacturers producing specialist vehicles or vehicles in limited numbers, including trucks, buses and coaches, will now be required to take their vehicles to one of the main VOSA stations for IVA testing.

For more information: 01752 219111 or www.tecalemit.co.uk

The standard for VOSA gauged

Large vans have the worst MoT pass rate of any vehicle type seen on UK roads, so commercial vehicle repairers could generate new workshop business if they target their direct marketing towards businesses likely to be using these vehicles, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).According to statistics recently published by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), commercial vehicles weighing between 3000kg and 3500kg had the worst pass rate of any vehicle in the year 2007-2008, with a failure rate of 44.7%, compared to a failure rate of 35.2% for cars and small vans.Large vans are classified as Class 7 in the MoT test, and are favoured

by small business, rental companies and the self-employed because can be driven using an ordinary driving licence, without the need of an “O” licence. The top three failure items for these vehicles were: • brakes: 32% • lights: 29.8% • suspension: 14.9%These would all be covered in a regular service.Stephen Coles, Head of the RMIF’s MoT Technical Operations, commented: “With such a high MoT failure rate, it is clear that very little maintenance work is being performed on these vehicles. Their owners may not realise that prevention could be cheaper than

cure in the long run. This means that with correctly targeted marketing, commercial vehicle repairers could generate new business.” RMIF member commercial vehicle repairers that want advice on

marketing their workshop or MoT activities should contact the RMIF.

For more information: www.rmif.co.uk

Large van MoT failures provide opportunity for CV repairers


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In the current economic climate there is only one thing at the front of any fleet managers mind - cost. Whether its fuel, maintenance or staffing, fleet managers across the UK are desperately trying to reduce overheads in order to keep fleets on the move. With fuel costs representing on average 25-30% of a general fleets operating costs, fuel consumption is now playing a pivotal role in a fleet’s operating practices. This could come in the form of eco-driving education, fuel efficient vehicles or even the reduction of fleet size. However, many people are unaware of the significant effect a vehicles tyres can play in over all fuel consumption. Typically, tyres only represent between 1-2% of a fleets running costs; yet according to tyre manufacturer Goodyear, the right tyre on your trucks can cut as much as 3% off your overall fuel bill. CO

2 reduction and fuel saving is at the heart of

every fleet operators activities at the moment. That’s why Goodyear have developed FuelMax technology. Not only can the fitment of these tyres save up to £400 per year in fuel bills, the saving can equate to a full tonne of CO

2 emission

reduction, per vehicle, per year.The revolutionary design of FuelMax tyres has a number of key benefits with improved fuel consumption and higher mileage, reducing a tyres cost per mile. The tyres importantly have shorter wet stopping distances keeping fleets safer on the roads. These new generation tyres are hailed by Goodyear as setting new standards in economy and safety and Goodyear is convinced that they will be very attractive to fleets in a number of markets. FuelMax technology includes an innovative high silica compound which, when combined with specifically designed tread patterns can help reduce rolling resistance which, in turn will improve fuel efficiency. A good example of this is a long haul business. A typical 40 tonne truck covering 93,000 miles per year, using fuel at £1.15 per litre and with a fuel consumption of 9.5mpg could save a staggering £400 per year by using Goodyear’s new Marathon LHS II and LHD II tyres. Not only this, but lower fuel consumption means less CO

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emissions.CO

2 is becoming a hot topic in the fleet industry

with stringent guidelines beginning to be enforced by the EU. Not only this, many companies have high targets set for CO

2 emissions making more

eco-friendly businesses. Often vehicle fleets are the first port of call. By lengthening the life of a tyre with specialist re-treads, fleet operators can have both reduced costs and continue to have impressive CO

2 records.

Earlier this year Goodyear launched TreadMax; the latest re-tread concept for the manufactures FuelMax tyre range. By re-treading a tyre you can add an extra four lives to the tyres operational capabilities. The current economic climate, coupled with the high cost of fuel continues to

increase the importance of TreadMax as it can potentially achieve the same economic fuel consumption and mileage performance as the best new Goodyear tyre. Every operator wants the best possible value for money now more than ever. TreadMax not only extends the life of Goodyear’s top performing tyres but also extends their performance in terms of mileage and fuel consumption.TreadMax tyres use only Goodyear Max Technology casings along with the same materials and tread patterns as used in our latest generation of new tyres. This means that TreadMax tyres have the same benefits as new tyres, giving lower operating costs as well as environmental benefits.

When it comes to logistics, every second counts when working to strict deadlines. When a vehicle breaks down it not only costs money in repairs it also costs money whether is missed delivery slots or even spoiled goods. For this reason the use of a reliable and swift breakdown service can not only keep a fleet on the move but also save a fleet money.

Goodyear’s TruckForce business was the first full service pan European Truck tyre network, which has brought a new level of service, efficiency and peace of mind to commercial truck fleets throughout Europe. Recently Goodyear unveiled its new and improved TruckForce network with the key objective of offering its fleet customers not only nation wide coverage but also Europe wide coverage. With 75 owned TruckForce centres and in excess of 100 Independent Dealers operating under the TruckForce banner in the UK Goodyear proudly states that they can help keep your vehicles moving. There are also over 1600 TruckForce centres in 30 counties across Europe.

Through ActionLine, TruckForce’s 24 hour dedicated call centre, break down service and fitting can be arranged quickly and simply keeping your business on the move. Because of this fleet managers can be confident that the service received from each and every

one of these TruckForce centres will be up to Goodyear’s impeccably high standards. Each centre is rigorously tested to ensure it provides TruckForces’ trade mark quality service.

“Once shod with the high-technology tyres, keeping tabs on their performance, condition and usage couldn’t be easier. With the help of the Fleet Online Solutions application (FOS), via the internet, fleet managers can track the whole life cycle of their businesses tyres from when they were fitted right up until they are recycled. Whether it is tracking their re-treading or how each driver contributes to tyre wear and performance, this programme, which comes as part of the TruckForce service, will allow easy access to all the tyre usage data a business could need from the comfort of your own computer,” states Nigel Sowerby, Goodyear Truck Tyres UK Director.

For more information:www.goodyear.com

Right tyres can help save on fuel costs

Travis Brown Customer Strategy Manager, Goodyear


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Alcoa are pleased to announce the introduction of a new 17.5 x 6.75 trailer wheel with 10 bolt holes on a 225 mm PCD. This wheel hosts tyre sizes 245/70 R 17.5 and 235/75 R 17.5. It is available in Europe from mid-August and is suitable for low deck trailers for transport of heavy and oversized vehicles and loads, trailers and semi-trailers for volume transport and special

trailers for transport of passenger cars.This new wheel is compatible with drum brakes only. It is suitable for dual mounting and the maximum load is 3000 kg per wheel, equal to load index 146. It is available in Mirror Polished finish, part number 663823.More technical details can be found on the 2009 specification sheet on www.alcoawheels.com.

Compared to steel wheels in this size, Alcoa wheels , the company says,offer many advantages such as lower weight (13.7 kg only), better heat dissipation resulting in less tyre wear and great looks for these special vehicles.

For more information:[email protected] or www.aluminium-wheels.co.uk

A 15 year policy of using only Continental tyres on its 120 tractor units and trailers has paid off for leading bitumen supplier Nynas with their annual tyre budget now lower than it was decade ago. As well as achieving good wear out of its Continental tyres, Nynas is also benefiting from their low weight and the contribution they make to fuel efficiency. The result is savings all round, with up to a tonne more payload carried by each truck every week and fuel consumption of 8.64 mpg for tankers running at 44 tonnes. An annual independent audit by entyrety has also confirmed the benefits that Nynas derives from its good tyre husbandry. Carried out on a spot check basis, these audits have consistently confirmed the company as being amongst

the top performers in terms of its tyre management process, with its consequent cost saving and safety benefits. Ernie Dixon, who as Distribution Manager is responsible for the company’s tyre policy, said: “Careful tyre management based on a three-way partnership between ourselves, our supplier Nation Tyres (a ContiNetwork Partner based on The Wirral), and Continental has helped us contain our costs and even to reduce them. It involves having a clear policy that starts with selection of the correct tyres for our application and the type of vehicles we operate and following on from that with a rigorous regime of tyre checks.

For more information:www.conti-online.co.uk

New wheel available for low deck trailers

Tyre budget down

A major marketing campaign is underway to promote the next staging of Brityrex International, which will take place at Manchester Central between October 5-7, 2010.While show organisers ECI International say they are delighted with the current take-up of exhibition floor space already booked by eager UK and international tyre businesses, they are continuing to spread the word to all corners of the global tyre industry.Early July saw the distribution of 10,000 information packs for the UK’s only dedicated tyre, accessory and workshop equipment trade exhibition. This activity will be supplemented by extensive UK and international tyre trade advertising, marketing, information and online campaigns over the next 12 months.In addition to covering all sectors of the tyre industry, Brityrex 2010 will also place increased emphasis on workshop equipment, tools and services. Research suggests that tyre retailers and distributors have delayed or

postponed making capital purchases during the recession, which is expected to create increased demand for new equipment as market conditions improve later next year.“Although the show is still a long way off we want to make sure exhibitors and visitors have plenty of time to schedule it into their business plans and above all to benefit from our pre show marketing activities,” explained ECI’s Managing Director Paul Farrant.“The initial response has been terrific and the show is already 47% sold, which is a great start. The feedback we’ve had strongly suggests that businesses are looking beyond the difficult trading period to a time when the market will pick up. We’re confident that will coincide with Brityrex taking place next October, which should make it a really positive opportunity for buyers and sellers to get together.”In attracting exhibitors to the UK, ECI International can call on companies involved in its other international tyre trade shows

in Singapore and South Africa. This means that UK buyers will have the opportunity of dealing with new suppliers, taking advantage of exclusive products, brands and services. This is particularly true of Chinese, Indian and Asian manufacturers.The exhibition will again be sponsored by the NTDA, which will hold its popular annual dinner and TAFF Industry Awards alongside the event.A selection of exhibitors already committed to Brityrex 2010 includes: Absolute Air Solutions, Airtec, Apaseal, Autogem, Beissbarth UK, BITS, DQN, Haweka, Hoffman Megaplan, JIA Sources International, Kings Road Tyres,Koryo Tyres Industrial, MAM Software, Ningbo Junda, Profil, Shandong Wanda Boto Tyre, Star Tyre Group, Techking Tires, Treadsetters, Uniroyal Truck Tyres, Value Tyres and Zhengxing Wheel. For more information: www.eci-international.com

Big push for Brityrex 2010

Facts - The Transport Professional’s Magazine #49

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Transcript of Facts - The Transport Professional’s Magazine #49