News

Transport News Brief

Provided courtesy of commercialmotor.com

Free London 2012 workshops for freight operators and their customers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:22:24 GMT -

Transport for London are offering over 200 workshops, both inside and outside London to help hauliers and their customers keep running smoothly during the Olympic and Paralympic Game periods this summer.

Experts in the field of freight management will provide an overview of the Olympic and Paralympic route networks and highlight the planning work undertaken to date. The workshops will explain how the road changes could affect businesses and the steps that can be taken to minimise that impact.

The workshops will include group discussions and advice on how to prepare an "action plan" so that businesses are able to operate effectively during the London 2012 Games.

A full list of workshop dates, times and locations are available from www.tfl.gov.uk/2012. Businesses should email freight@tfl.gov.uk with “Freight advice workshops” in the subject line to receive a link to the official booking site. There is a limit of two representatives per organisations and places are allocated on first come, first served.

If you are interested in hosting one of these workshops and have suitable meeting room facilities to accommodate 20 delegates please email freight@tfl.gov.uk.

Freight Advice Workshop Schedule February

30 January 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 -Southwark
1 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 -Birmingham
1 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Leeds
1 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Barking
2 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Hemel Hampstead
6 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Brent
6 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Brentwood
6 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Hackney
7 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Harrow
7 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Enfield
7 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –East Midlands
8 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Thurrock
8 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Redbridge
8 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Greenwich
9 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Swindon
9 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Waltham Forest
13 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Newham
14 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Sutton
14 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Hillingdon
14 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Barking
15 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Lewisham
15 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Bexley
20 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Watford
20 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Croydon
20 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Tower Hamlets
21 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Hounslow
21 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –City of London
21 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Kingston
22 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Crawley
22 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 - Brent
22 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Redbridge
23 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Ealing
23 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Southwark
27 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Westminster
27 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Chelmsford
27 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Cambridge
28 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Camden
28 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Luton
28 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Newham
28 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Slough
29 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Barnet
29 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Merton
29 February 2012: 9:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 –Islington

New online resource launched to help freight industry plan for London 2012 Games

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:15:07 GMT -

Transport for London has released new data online to help freight companies manage the deliveries they make and plan the routes they use during the 2012 Games.

Companies can use the data to check whether individual postcodes in the Capital will be affected by the Olympic Route Network (ORN), Central London Zone (CLZ) or road events. By entering the data into their routing software companies are able to highlight the postcodes that contain both the ORN, for example, and one or more of their delivery locations. That will allow them to produce a list of both clients and locations that will be impacted during Games-time, and will be a timesaving tool when planning deliveries.

The information, which TfL has produced in conjunction with Royal Mail, is now available online at www.tfl.gov.uk/developers.

The postcode data is one of the first parts of a series of detailed information that will be provided to the freight industry to help companies plan for Games-time. A timetable detailing what additional information will become available, along with timescales for their release, will be published later this month, alongside an improved and updated freight web portal for the industry to use. In addition, TfL is working on the development of a freight journey planning tool.

The release of the postcode data was announced at the inaugural 2012 Freight Forum at TfL on 8 September, which was chaired by Graham Inglis, CEO of DHL Supply Chain. The Forum was attended by the Traffic Commissioners, a wide range of freight organisations and operators, including the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Federation of Small Businesses, DHL, UPS, and Sainsbury's, as well as London Councils.

The Forum, which builds upon 20 months of engagement work between the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), TfL and the freight industry, included a number of presentations and workshops on the 2012 freight programme and sought the views and suggestions group members had for dealing with the transport challenges and opportunities the freight industry will face next summer.

Key issues discussed and identified at the meeting were:

How best to adapt the regulatory framework for the freight industry to deal with the challenges thrown up by the 2012 Games
The most effective way of communicating with the industry and its customers
The critical importance of the timing and quality of the information provided to the industry

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: "The delivery of the Olympics is a huge job which can only be delivered successfully in partnership. Last week's freight forum was an invaluable source of intelligence about what those involved in making and receiving deliveries will need to keep London running during the Games. It also confirmed that no one organisation or sector can achieve this alone - it will be a joint effort.

"The new postcode data we have released is an important part of the information we will be providing to London's business community to allow them to plan for next year's Games."

Graham Inglis, Chair of 2012 Freight Forum and CEO of DHL Supply Chain, said: "We know that come Games time the transport network will be a lot busier. However, now is the time for businesses that rely on freight deliveries to get their action plans in shape. The aim is to minimise the impact of the Games on their daily operations, and the new postcode data that TfL has released will be critical to this planning process. It will be crucial in the coming months to identify potentially challenging areas to keep business operations running smoothly next year."

Nick Lester, Corporate Director of Services at London Councils, said: "London's businesses need to be able to continue to operate during the Olympics and Paralympics, whether they are directly involved with the Games or not. Making sure freight can move around is key to getting this balance right - which will not be an easy task. London's boroughs will play their part in planning for Games-time by working closely with the companies in their areas."

Karen Dee, Director of National and Regional Policy at Freight Transport Association, said: "The logistics sector faces a huge challenge in London next summer when it will effectively have to deliver much more, but in far less time. Earlier this year an FTA survey exposed how utterly unprepared many companies in the supply chain felt faced with this Olympic-sized challenge; the availability of this postcode data will allow industry to better prepare itself.

"There is still a lot of work to do in preparing the supply chain, but as part of TfL's Olympics stakeholder group we look forward to working towards the smooth delivery of a successful Games that is memorable for all the right reasons."

Geoff Dunning, Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association, said: "The forum was a real step forward in relations between TfL and the freight sector. Now that the key issues have been identified, we can develop an effective action plan."

Deliveries and collections make up 17 per cent of all traffic in London, with 281,000 freight journeys made in the Capital between Monday and Friday each week. During the 2012 Games, temporary changes to parts of the road network in central and other parts of London will affect routes, parking and loading bays in those areas, which will impact freight deliveries.

TfL chief to address FTA Olympics conference

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:46:38 GMT -

Transport for London Commissioner Peter Hendy will top the bill at the Freight Transport Association's conference 'Managing Deliveries and Servicing during the Olympic Games', an essential event for businesses keen to prepare for the logistics challenges posed by next summer's London 2012 Olympic & Paralympics Games.

The rostrum of impressive speakers also includes Sarah Bell, Western area Traffic Commissioner, and Richard Turfitt, Eastern Traffic Commissioner - who is currently looking after the Metropolitan and South East areas.

With the Games now only months away, it is vital that businesses are well prepared for what is bound to be a huge logistical challenge not only in London but across much of the UK. The increase in demand for goods and services it will produce, against a backdrop of restricted access, will put huge extra demands on transport operators and businesses.

Sponsored by UPS - Official Logistics and Express Delivery Supporter of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - the event will help reduce the risk of disruption to businesses through effective planning, giving them peace of mind and helping them save time by avoiding delays and making more efficient deliveries.

The conference programme includes:

Keynote speech by Peter Hendy, Commissioner, TfL
Restrictions in London
Security measures
Data and journey planning
Venues outside of London
Case study - UPS
Operator licensing and the Olympics - Sarah Bell TC
Delivering at night during the Olympics
Panel session: How are businesses planning? - Richard Turfitt, TC
Model FTA approach

The cost for FTA members is £325 + VAT for the first delegate and £275 + VAT for subsequent delegates, and for non-members £385 + VAT for the first delegate and £345 + VAT for subsequent delegates, with a special offer price for those who attended FTA's previous Olympic conference in May. To book a place, call the FTA Member Service Centre on 08717 11 22 22 or go to http://www.fta.co.uk/events/olympic_freight_conference_2011.html

Olympic preparedness tops concerns of London's freight operators, says FTA

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:31 GMT -

With next year's Olympics set to disrupt London's supply chain for up to three months, anxiety among the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) London members is growing.

Earlier today, Olympic preparedness topped the concerns of FTA's London Freight Council members.

An additional £2.8 billion increase in spending by tourists is forecast from the Games. Naturally, to capitalise on this increased activity many retail businesses will be applying to stay open longer. However, the narrowing, and in some cases shutting, of standard delivery windows poses a significant concern to companies in the supply chain.

Natalie Chapman, FTA's Head of Policy for London, said: "Potential Olympic disruption is causing those in the logistics sector many sleepless nights. The Olympics and Paralympics will mean that for around 100 days the logistics sector will have more to deliver and far less time to deliver it in. We believe that part of the solution can be found in allowing more deliveries to be made at night time, but this will require a temporary relaxation of lorry bans from some London councils."

FTA, in association with the Noise Abatement Society, has pioneered the development of quiet delivery techniques that could be used to allow deliveries to take place at times currently restricted due to planning or noise abatement reasons. It is intended that these be used during the Games period to allow more deliveries to take place at night.

However, as well as additional restrictions on the Olympic Route Network, other controls and restrictions on freight vehicles in London are expected to remain in force throughout the Games period.

Chapman concluded: "We are advising members to think of the Games as a three-month Christmas trading period, with peak but unpredictable demand for goods and services overlaid on regular delivery patterns.

"The logistics sector can play the part of Britain's Olympic hero and help deliver an amazing event that is memorable for all the right reasons. But more can be done to provide delivery flexibility and avoid landing operators with the dilemma of either breaking the law or keeping their customers happy."

Paragon innovation automates Olympic delivery routes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:22:54 GMT -

Paragon Software Systems is providing transport operators with software functionality to manage vehicle movements along traffic-disrupted routes during the London Olympic and Paralympic games.

Paragon software users can now model how road closures, congestion and the increased demand for consumables will affect operations as well as consider how to handle changes to delivery times, unloading times and alterations in delivery frequency. A recent poll of Paragon customers indicated that around 72 per cent of companies have already begun planning for the games.    

With the start of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics only eight months away Paragon Software Systems is keen to help its clients minimise likely disruption to any London logistics operations. Using data recently supplied by Transport for London Paragon has developed functionality and prepared data files that can be used in a Paragon system. As a result users can tackle issues such as identifying delivery points that may be affected and understand where the likely areas of congestion will be. For example, users can easily identify which of their customers are likely to be affected by a specific event such as the cycle road race.

It is also possible to identify and exclude those sections of the Olympic Route Network likely to affect their delivery operations so that delivery vehicles avoid them on the day.    

Paragon will soon also include congestion data around the event start and finish times for each venue so users can automatically create delivery schedules taking account of the anticipated hold-ups.  

“Paragon customers servicing the areas affected by the Olympics and Paralympics will be able to use their existing systems to plan their deliveries simply by using the additional data files we can provide for both games. We are making these facilities available free of charge to all our existing users. Using the added functionality Paragon users will minimise disruption to their services, helping them keep their own customers happy during a very exciting but challenging time,” said Phil Ingham, Paragon Support Director.

FTA slams London Olympic parking charge extension

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:19:33 GMT -

Proposals to impose additional parking charges beyond the Olympic Route Network during the Games period in London have been attacked by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The leading trade body believes that London Councils' plans to extend the £200 parking fine penalty currently set for the Olympic Route Network (ORN) to surrounding areas is an unjustified, cynical move to cash in on the Games at a time when businesses will be under intense pressure to keep London moving.

Companies delivering goods kerbside on the high street typically attract penalty charge notices (PCNs) quite innocently. Although these are often successfully contested, which in itself costs time and money, many are not and the industry still pays many millions in PCNs each year. FTA's Head of Policy for London, Natalie Chapman, says:

"We all know that next summer is going to pose an enormous challenge for the logistics sector already - the last thing it needs are further financial burdens. If we want the Games to be a success we need to get behind the logistics companies that are so crucial for allowing businesses to keep up with heightened demand and to making everything run smoothly.

"These proposals are unjustifiable and heap on added pressure at a time when many companies are still trying to work out how the ORN is going to affect customer delivery. By extending out these PCN costs beyond the ORN, the goalposts have been moved once more and companies are going to be left with a bigger logistical headache if they want to avoid incurring fines for doing their jobs."

FTA is encouraging members to respond to the consultation, which can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SSWHZ9Z

Leading UK companies repeat order for 1,000 Scania trucks

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:59:37 GMT -

Eddie Stobart and A. W. Jenkinson Forest Products have once again signed a joint-procurement agreement with Scania in the UK for the supply of 1,000 trucks. As such, the deal mirrors the order placed by the two operators in 2010, which at the time represented Scania's largest ever supply agreement in the UK.

Scheduled for delivery between March 2012 and December 2013, approximately 300 units will enter service this year. As with the previous order, the mix of vehicles will comprise mainly Scania R-series tractor units but will also include a significant number of Scania G-series models.

"This agreement reflects our on-going satisfaction with Scania and the levels of support provided by the company's dealer network," comments Stobart Group Chief Operating Officer, William Stobart. "Scania's focus on ongoing development will allow Eddie Stobart to continue to provide sustainable distribution and the usual high levels of service to its customers."

"Over the past two years, the partnership between Eddie Stobart, A. W. Jenkinson and Scania has continued to develop positively," says Hans-Christer Holgersson, Managing Director of Scania (Great Britain) Limited. "Winning such a significant repeat order not only demonstrates that our products meet the operational needs of these two high profile customers day-in day-out, but also the capabilities of our service organisation when it comes to providing a comprehensive range of back-up services on such a large geographical scale."

Eddie Stobart, part of Stobart Group, is one of the most recognised and strongest brands in Britain, best known for its iconic green trucks. Today, Eddie Stobart is the name behind a road haulage fleet of 2,280 trucks and some of the best vehicle utilisation in the industry, helping to maximise efficiency and environmental benefits.

A.W. Jenkinson Forest Products and its subsidiaries handle over 2 million tonnes of green waste, roundwood, chips, sawdust, bark and other timber co-products each year, collected from forestry sites, sawmills and other wood processing industries throughout the UK. The company is the largest UK supplier of woodchip and bark products.

"TUV Spec" Krone Trailers Are Essential For Maru's Euro Operation. Load Security Safety And Speed Come As Standard.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:55:28 GMT -

Maru International, one of the UK’s leading independent multi modal logistics and freight forwarding specialists, have recently added a further 4 Krone trailers to their 40–strong trailer fleet.

Carrying a wide variety of cargo across virtually all industries, including steel, IBCs, pallets, and individual small packages, the new Profi Liner curtainsiders from Krone Trailers UK feature the unique Krone Multi-Lock load security system which, certified to Euro standard, VDI 2700 is key to ensuring that Maru comply with European safety regulations.

Responding to operator needs and increasingly stringent European safety regulations, Krone designed the Multi-Lock rave-securing system to provide maximum load securing options (over 3,000 using a complete system) faster loading, increased flexibility for different load types and most importantly, safe handling.

According to Richard Grimes, International Business Development Manager for Maru, safety is paramount but speed and efficiency are pre requisites when providing the level of professional service for which Maru is renowned.

“Krone Trailers offer the simplest and easiest stripping and re boarding of any of the manufacturers” Comments Richard, “and this assists us greatly when turning vehicles round for loading and unloading to meet our deadlines at the hub. The Multi Lock Side Rave securing facility forms a key part of the process.”

Maru supply international transport services to most towns and cities in Eastern and Western European countries and with the mileage involved, reliability is as important as back up service.

“Krone’s European service network is crucial to our operation” Continues Richard Grimes. “In the unlikely event we have any need, we can contact Krone. Their after sales service is incredibly helpful and critically, in what are time-sensitive markets, gives us fast and efficient response times.”

All Krone trailers are accredited with European body structure codification, EN 12462 XL. This guarantees a tough and robust standard of build which not only provides for additional security and safety but also ensures a long working trailer life.

“We have always found”, concludes Richard, “that all Krone Trailers have excellent build quality. Our investment with Krone means that during their lifespan for Maru their tractor/trailer combinations travelling over a million miles are robust enough to remain in service for many years.”

Maru has a further two Krone Profi Liners on order.

Jungheinrich's Port success

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:59:47 GMT -

The Port of Bristol is Britain’s most centrally located deep sea port. With an estimated 42 million people living within a 250 km radius of the facility and the Midlands and London both within easy reach, it is recognised as one of the most economical port distribution locations in the UK.

Plenty of major retailers and suppliers to the retail sector have chosen to establish national distribution centres near to the Port and one of the latest is leading wines and spirits importer Matthew Clark who recently moved into an 8,500 square metre storage unit within the Royal Portbury Dock – part of the dock estate.

The facility is operated on Matthew Clark’s behalf by the Bristol Port Company and offers over 10,000 pallet locations.

While there is some block stacking at the site, the majority of the pallets are stored within pallet racking served by a fleet of three Jungheinrich reach trucks.

The reach trucks - Jungheinrich ETV 320 models with a 2-tonne capacity - were purchased outright by the Bristol Port Company.

A significant influence on the Bristol Port Company’s decision to specify models from the Jungheinrich range was the fact that the trucks feature Jungheinrich’s patented mast dampening system.

When working at height, truck masts sway and, for obvious safety reasons, truck operators have to wait for the swaying to stop before attempting to deliver the pallet into the racking. Jungheinrich’s mast damping system minimises elevated fork (laden or unladen) swaying time. The pallet racking within Matthew Clark’s facility has been designed to maximize space available within the apex of the roof and, at its highest point, offers six beam levels. This means that the trucks lift to heights of over 11.5 metres and it was calculated that the Jungheinrich damping system saved 14 seconds per lift when compared to alternative makes of reach truck. The Bristol Port Company’s Paul Osborne, who manages the Matthew Clark site, was also impressed by the trucks’ state of the art AC technology which, importantly, ensures that running costs are kept to a minimum.

The trucks’ regenerative braking and regenerative mast lowering features reduce energy usage – and therefore truck running costs – significantly by reclaiming excess energy and using it to charge the battery every time operators brake or lower the forks.

Around 25 per cent of the energy needed during a typical shift is reclaimed in this way – meaning every fourth lift is energy free.

Some 4000 line items are stored at Matthew Clark’s Bristol facility. Incoming lorries are unloaded using a combination of pallet trucks and counterbalance machines and pallets are checked and allocated a position within the racking by Matthew Clarke’s warehouse management system before being put away by the reach trucks.

Because of the expensive and fragile nature of the loads and the heights to which they are lifted within the storage unit, each of the reach trucks is fitted with a fork-mounted camera system, height selectors and centralised side sift to ensure that pallet put-away and retrieval is as fast, efficient and safe as possible.

“We undertook numerous visits to reference sites before concluding that our client’s needs were best met by the Jungheinrich trucks,” reflects Paul Osborne.

“We also involved our drivers in the decision and they were impressed by the trucks handling and the comfortable working environment that they offer.”

The trucks were supplied with a red paint finish to meet The Bristol Port Company’s corporate requirements.

Fuelled for long term success with Isuzu Truck

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:01:35 GMT -

At Southampton based oil and fuels distributor WP Group, the longevity, manoeuvrability and reliability of a tanker vehicle are the driving factors when specifying new assets for their 32-strong fuel distribution fleet. The recent addition of a brand new 11 tonnes Isuzu midi tanker resulted from the proven performance of the company's first Isuzu, an 8 tonne baby tanker, that has given the company outstanding performance over its working life.

As Russell Fairchild, operations director at WP Group says, “We have run our first Isuzu on a daily basis for over 11 years and its reliability, manoeuvrability and driver recommendation were all deciding factors in ordering an Isuzu again for this latest slightly bigger new midi tanker.”

Supplied by local Isuzu dealership, Ferndown Commercials Ltd, this newest vehicle within the WP fleet is an Isuzu F110.210 rigid, specified with Isuzu’s popular Easyshift transmission. The 4x2 rigid has been fitted with a 7500 litre, twin compartment Magyar aluminium tanker body that conforms to the latest ADR and UK petroleum industry regulations.

The tank is built on a subframe that gives it the necessary extra strength, but also allows the chassis to flex in normal operating conditions. One additional safety feature of the tanker body is its fuel metering system that allows the driver to read the tanker capacity levels from ground level, therefore keeping the driver off the top of the tanker itself.

WP Group currently operates 32 commercial vehicles, ranging from the Isuzu 8 tonne baby tanker right up to 44 tonne articulated tankers that are capable of delivering 37,000 litres of fuel. According to WP, the role of each of these vehicles is critical in the supply of fuels and lubricants to its customers and, although most of the WP fleet consists of much larger tankers, there is considerable demand from customers for a specialised service.

After considering a number of options, the versatility of the 11 tonne Isuzu was the best solution for this latest midi tanker acquisition and as Russell Fairchild confirmed, “The new Isuzu is currently performing really well in a number of demanding roles from those ‘hard-to-reach’ rural customers needing heating oil through to keeping large generators running at many public events across the South of England.”

This Isuzu 11 tonne midi tanker is based at the WP depot in Southampton and operates primarily in the South of England covering approximately 25,000 miles per annum. The standard tanker replacement policy at WP is 10 years, but in the case of Isuzu this timescale is flexible following the proven reliability of the first Isuzu tanker, which already has 11 years uninterrupted service under its belt.

“The Isuzu brand has many attributes that appeal to dedicated and specialist operations and is certainly carving a niche in the oil and fuel distribution sector. The reliability, manoeuvrability and long-term performance of the product are built-in features that are required to help maintain the high standards of operational service required by customers such as WP. We are confident that their new 11 tonne Isuzu will give them many years of premium quality service during its working life,” said Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

Don-Bur Self Steer Longer Semi Trailer Design Receives VCA Approval

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:56:11 GMT -

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has just issued their approval for Don-Bur’s Longer Semi Trailer Design, using a self-steer axle solution. The 15.65m long trailer was built for Wincanton and the turning circle and safety tests were carried out by the VCA at the MIRA testing grounds to ensure Level 2 compliance under the LST technical requirements. The endorsement clears the way for a VSO (Vehicle Special Order) to operate trailers of the same design in the UK.

Following recent technical requirement alterations made by the DfT; including practical turning circle tests, it was previously believed that to achieve the inner 5.3m turning circle limit, a heavier more costly positive steer solution would be required. However, with some engineering ingenuity, Don-Bur passed the demanding test with a more cost-effective and lighter self-steer axle system.

The news comes at a welcome time, when operators with a confirmed LST allocation are cementing specifications for imminent build. With self-steer axles carrying a lesser weight penalty than positively steered counterparts, LST’s can carry more payload within the 44T GVW limit.

David Burton, managing director for Don-Bur said “We are delighted to gain VCA approval for our LST design at such a critical time. Being able to offer a self-steer axle solution provides greater flexibility for the customer and maintains our position as market innovators.”

DAF No. 1 in tractors in Europe

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:51:27 GMT -

DAF has further strengthened its position in the European truck market last year. In the heavy class (15 tonnes +) in the European Union* a record market share of 15.5% was achieved, which puts the Dutch truck manufacturer well on its way towards its target of 20% over the medium term. With a market share of 18.9% in Europe, DAF is number 1 in the heavy tractor segment.

With a market share of 15.5%, DAF strengthened its position in the European heavy truck market segment in 2011 (2010: 15.2%). DAF is market leader in the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Poland and Hungary and the largest import brand in Germany and France. In Austria and the Czech Republic, DAF occupies a strong second place.

In the tractor segment, DAF is the market leader in the Netherlands, Great Britain, Belgium, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Hungary, record market shares were achieved in this segment. In the total European tractor segment, DAF achieved a market share last year of nearly 19%. This DAF is the market leader in the European Union.

The total market for heavy commercial vehicles in the European Union last year was about 244,000 units, an increase of over 33% compared to a year earlier, when approximately 183,000 trucks were registered in this segment. DAF expects the market for heavy trucks in Europe will reach 210,000 to 240,000 vehicles this year. For the light segment - in which DAF is active with the LF - it is estimated that the market in Europe will remain at a level of approximately 56,000 units. DAF saw its market share in this 6 to 15 tons class rise from 7.7 to 8.9% in 2011.

Growth outside Europe

DAF has also strengthened its market position outside the European Union. In 2011, the truck manufacturer delivered more than 5,200 CF and XF vehicles, more than twice as many as in 2010. Significant growth was, among others, achieved in Russia, Turkey, Morocco, South Africa and Taiwan, where last year the 1,000th locally assembled CF rolled off the assembly line and where DAF is the market leader among the European brands in heavy tractors.

Growth in rigids

"Our success is the result of a modern product range, premium service and a very professional dealer organization," said Ron Bonsen, member of the Board of Management of DAF Trucks NV and responsible for Marketing & Sales. "With a market share of 15.5% in the heavy segment in Europe, we are well on our way to our goal of 20% over the medium term. Naturally, we will further strengthen our position in the tractor segment. The growth will especially have to be achieved with our wide range of two-, three-and four-axle rigids, whereby we deliver a vehicle for every specific application."

DAF in the UK

In the UK, DAF maintained its exceptional performance by achieving leadership in the market above 6 tonnes for the 17th year in succession. DAF increased its overall market share by 2.6 percentage points over 2010, registering 9,863 trucks to achieve a market share of 26.4%. It was market leader in light trucks (6-14.9 tonnes) with a 36.6% share and in heavy trucks (15 tonnes+) with 23.7%.

"The total UK truck market above 6 tonnes GVW was 37,409 units, some 35.6% higher than in 2010, reflecting a substantial recovery but still well below the normal market level which has traditionally been between 48,000 and 50,000 vehicles for this sector", said Tony Pain, Marketing Director DAF Trucks Ltd. "Some of the growth in 2011 was due to the London LEZ changes which came into effect from the beginning of January. There remains a lot of uncertainty in the economy and 2012 looks like it will be another challenging year for the road transport industry", he said.

Fuelled for long term success with Isuzu Truck

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:45:28 GMT -

TruckPol facing closure: industry pledges eleventh-hour support through its Fight Freight Crime campaign

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:46 GMT -

The Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association, together with leading sector publisher Road Transport Media, are joining forces to help secure the future of TruckPol through the “Fight Freight Crime, Save TruckPol” campaign.

Since the withdrawal of government funding in April last year, the national police intelligence unit has been funded entirely by an appreciative and generous private sector. But unless further, urgent funding is found, the writing looks to be on the wall for what is the only resource of its kind dedicated to fighting road freight crime.

The Fight Freight Crime campaign looks to garner support and funding from the road freight sector it represents, to raise funding for TruckPol at a time when organised truck crime is a growing threat.

Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of FTA, said:

“TruckPol plays a key role in the fight against criminal gangs which target a sector that is both vulnerable and attractive to thieves. The fact that the industry it helps to protect has kept it afloat this last year shows how highly regarded it is. Sadly, without government funding, TruckPol is once again facing closure and it is up to industry to save it at the eleventh hour.”

Geoff Dunning, Chief Executive of RHA, said:

“To manage a problem one must have the ability to first measure its true scale. TruckPol provides vital information on such criminal activity and is the only police resource dedicated to collating and disseminating data and intelligence on UK truck crime. To see the demise of this unit would be a catastrophe and would set us back ten years.”

It costs approximately £120,000 to fund TruckPol for 12 months. However, in these straightened times the collective pot of private sector funding is still some £30,000 short of the mark and with April fast approaching time is running out.

For further information about supporting the campaign to secure TruckPol’s future, contact Chrys Rampley at c.rampley@rha.uk.net.

Renault Truck Commercials invests in new van fleet for courtesy, parts and service

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:10 GMT -

Renault Truck Commercials, the largest dealer group in the Renault Trucks UK network, has invested £300,000 in a fleet of 22 Renault Master and Kangoo vans to enhance customer service and strengthen aftersales support. The new vans, which include sixteen customer courtesy vehicles as well as parts, service and breakdown vans, are allocated across eleven Renault Truck Commercials dealerships in England and Wales.

The investment is part of Renault Truck Commercial’s ongoing plan to improve standards across its eleven dealerships. The courtesy vehicle fleet comprises of thirteen Kangoos and three Masters. Additional parts delivery support will be provided by three Master vans and also a Kangoo. All the new vans are liveried in Renault Truck Commercials’ distinctive branding.

Christophe Blazere, Managing Director, Renault Truck Commercials says: “This marks a major commitment in our drive to deliver service excellence through customer-led aftersales support. Strengthening our service and parts van fleet is key to providing a more responsive service across our dealerships, whilst investing in a professional and practical range of courtesy vans will provide customers with a vehicle whilst their own is being serviced or repaired so we ensure they keep their business moving.”

Renault Truck Commercials operates from eleven strategically located dealerships across England and Wales, providing expert knowledge and specialist support to owner driver and large fleet operators. Its dealer network, which employs 230 staff, provides sales, service and parts for the full range of Renault Trucks vans and trucks, from 3.5 to 120 tonnes as well as all-makes parts and servicing for commercial vehicles.