Ecofficiency from FUSO Canter - Fleet Transport Magazine Fleet

Transcription

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE
Inside!
Ecofficiency from FUSO Canter
INSIDE
• More Economical • Bigger Payload • Lower Emissions
REPORT: FTAI Transport Manager Seminar • Geneva Motorshow 2014
PREVIEWS: CV Show 2014 • FPS Expo 2014 • Multimodal 2014
PROFILE: Sligo Haulage & Distribution FEATURE: Tail Lifts & Cranes
PLUS: New Fleet • Health Matters • Safety Matters • Fleet Maritime
APRIL 14
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Contents APRIL 2014
Fleet Transport Magazine,
D’Alton Street, Claremorris,
Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826
Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571
Email: [email protected]
www.fleet.ie | 3
4 News
• Longer and sleeker trucks
• SsangYong’s next Rexton
• New Sortimo Sales Rep
• Fleet Transport Awards 2015 open for
entries
• EasyFix can secure loads
• New VW Crafter to be built in Poland
• Volvo Truck Roadshow
• Changes abound for EU Truck Racing
• Unique EV Delivery concept
27-30 Fleet Maritime
32 Fuel Prices & Safety Matters
8 Interview
One-to-One with Pius Dettling, Head of Fuso
Sales & Marketing
40 Finance
Internal Audit
35 Review I
SEAI Energy Show 2014, RDS, Dublin
36 Review II
Geneva Motor Show, PalExpo, Switzerland
38 Profile
Sligo Haulage & Distribution
Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827
Editor: Jarlath Sweeney
Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle,
Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry
Kiersey, Rob Van Dieten, HSA, Joe O'Brien, Dr. Betty
Maguire
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal
Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Joe O'Brien, Paul
Sherwood, Dreamstime
Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Owens,
Paula Mullarkey
Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney
Design: Eamonn Wynne
Cover Photo: Jarlath Sweeney
Printed in Ireland
10 Cover
Fuso Canter – bigger payload and better allround
12 New Fleet I & II
Two pages of new truck sales
16 Report
FTAI Transport Manager Seminar
48 Warehousing
Review of LogiMAT 2014, Stuttgart, Germany
18 Fleeting Shots
• Reading Matters
• Motorbike Racing
• Work awards
50 Distribution & Econnovation
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Driving Experience
52 Feature
Tail Lifts & Cranes
Fleet Transport
Official Irish Jury
Member of the
International Truck
of the Year Award
Diary Date:
Thursday 2 October 2014
FLEET TRANSPORT
AWARDS
www.fleet.ie
follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport
54 Soapbox
Drivers CPC
22 Preview II
FPS Expo 2014 & Multimodal 2014
24 Health Matters
Sleep Apnoea
P6
Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept
no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles
or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or
opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport
management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility
for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining
from acting as a result of the material in this publication can
be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.
The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions
on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the
magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial
material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice
should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.
44 Comment
The viewpoint from Howard Knott
47 Opinion
UK Road User Charges
20 Preview I
CV Show, NEC, Birmingham
Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Van &
Utility/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime/ Green Fleet
Management are published by JJDS Publications Ltd.
Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Co. Reg. 368767
Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.
42 Legal
Court Cases
P18
Transport Barometer: Data from 13/02/2014 - 14/03/2014
P38
TimoCom celebrates 70
telematics providers
With over 70 telematics providers
connected, TimoCom's TC eMap is
the tracking platform with the largest
scope of providers. Thanks to the
tracking solution transport business
is more secure, efficient and simple
and mutually benefits contractor and
customer.
The procurement platforms of the IT
service provider TimoCom are well
established in the European transport
sector. Here users can find daily freight and vehicle offers, warehousing space or tender
long-term transport jobs. Since June 2013, TimoCom also offers a platform where
up to 75 different telematics systems can be displayed simultaneously. That not only
facilitates the everyday transport business, but makes it more efficient and secure.
www.fleet.ie
4 | NEWS 1
Changes to Commercial Vehicle weights
and dimensions moves forward
T
ruck and trailer manufacturers
were the focus of attention at the
European Parliament as members of
the Transport Committee voted in favour of
proposals to allow for longer cabs and increase
the overall combination length. These new
designs could save hundreds of lives as well as
reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The Transport Committee voted to allow truck
manufacturers scope to make the vehicle’s
front end more aerodynamic, allowing a more
streamlined noise, which will facilitate more
room for driver comfort. Some of the additional
cab space will be used to help eliminate blind
spots and include a crumple zone to protect
cyclists and pedestrians.
Although the process for introduction by
manufacturers will not become mandatory by
2022, truck and trailer makers will be working on
reducing fuel consumption and corresponding
carbon emissions. “Th is decision is good for
pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, hauliers and the
environment. Th is vote brings the end of the
brick-shaped cab closer. It’s a key decision that
will reduce road deaths and kick-start progress on
missions after 20 years of stagnation,”
lorry CO2 emissions
stated William
am Todts, Clean Vehicles Officer at
Transport & Environment.
It is estimated
ated that
trucks with a rounder
front and with rear
hed to
f laps attached
the trailers could
i mprove f uel
economy byy up
to 7-10%. The
Transport
’s
Committee’s
v o t e no w
needs to bee
confi rmed
by
the
Plenary
of
the
European Parliament this month before the
draft law can be considered law by EU Member
States.
Meanwhile, ACEA, the EU Automobile
Manufacturers’ Association supports the
initiative and calls for the flexibility to use the
l fficient innovations
extra space ffor ffuel-effi
such as alternative powertrains, more efficient
cooling solutions, fuel tanks for alternative
fuels and waste heat recovery. “Th is flexible
approach has far more potential to improve the
fuel efficiency of the truck of the future,” said
ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.
New Rexton W to continue SsangYong’s
upward trajectory
T
he next generation of
SsangYong’s Rexton W
Sports Utility Vehicle is
about to arrive in Ireland. Due to
go on sale from early summer, the
4WD Rexton W will be offered in
seven seat passenger, commercial
and business (utility five-door
commercial) versions.
With previous generations having
reputations as sturdy workhorse
vehicles, the latest Rexton SUV
maintains a body-on-frame method of
construction, combined with double wishbone
and coil spring front suspension and coil spring
five link rigid axle at the rear to maximise its
Power is provided by a 2.0 litre 155PS
e-XDi diesel engine mated to either a
6-speed manual or 5-speed T-Tronic
automatic transmission.
off-road capabilities. Towing capabilities are
rated at 2.6 tonnes.
The price is likely to be a keen drawing
point for customers, something
highlighted by Eoin Mulvihill, Head
of Marketing & Communications at
SsangYong Motors Ireland. “With
prices starting from only €34,119
including VAT, this new car has an
almost unrivalled position in the 4x4
sector. Th is is a strong off-roader that
adds serious strength to SsnagYong’s range,
and the most impressive thing about this car
is its price point.”
Sortimo Area Sales Executive appointed
D
ue to recent continuous growth
in business in Ireland, Sortimo
International Ltd, the van
racking specialists, has appointed Russ
Bainbridge as its Area Sales Executive.
This newly created position will see Russ
service Sortimo’s existing Installation
Partners and to develop more business
with LCV manufacturers. Russ has
decades of experience and expertise
in the coach building and van shelving
business, having worked with a number
of companies in this sector in the UK
and Ireland.
On his appointment, Peter O’Conner,
Area Manager – Ireland, Sortimo
International Ltd commented, “We
welcome Russ to the Sortimo team here in
Ireland. Over the last three to four years,
it has been a tough market, but thankfully
we have achieved steady growth by
consistently offering innovative solutions
to the light commercial industry. We now
believe it was the right time to invest and
develop the opportunities we currently
have and look to gaining many new
customers with Russ on board”.
Galway says farewell to two transport stalwarts
FLEETTRANSPORT | APRIL 14
NEWS II | 5
Entries now open for the
Fleet Transport Awards
T
he search is on for the 2015 Fleet
Transport Irish Haulier of the Year in
association with Rosslare Europort.
With 16 categories in contention this year,
the Fleet Transport Awards programme is
now the most valued and respected in the
industry. Whether you operate or manage a
large, medium or small sized company, your
application will be welcomed.
Entering the awards is also the best way to
demonstrate your company’s commitment to
the specific area of the road transport industry
in which you operate, and to be associated with
management excellence and best practice.
Companies that reach the fi nalist stage will
gain extensive recognition and profi le building
opportunities during 2014/15 and beyond.
Winning an award will have a direct commercial
impact on your business by not only retaining
existing clients, but also in securing new
business.
The simplest way to enter the awards is online
at www.f leet.ie. Alternatively a hard copy
application is enclosed or can be downloaded
from www.fleet.ie. Hardcopy entries can be posted
to Fleet Transport, D'A lton Street, Claremorris,
County Mayo.
The Fleet Transport Awards 2015 will take
place on Thursday 2 October 2014 at Citywest
Hotel, Dublin.
EasyFix for Safer Loads
E
asyfi x Rubber Products is well known
worldwide for producing innovative
solutions for the agriculture, equine
and construction industries. The Ballinasloe
based company has now developed and
produced a number of rubber products for the
Road Transport sector. These are marketed as
the EasyBrace Mat and the EasyBrace Joist.
tailor made products to meet their particular
requirements.
With load securing coming more into focus by
the Enforcement Authorities, the EasyBrace
Mat is currently being field tested by P&O
Maritime (Ireland) Ltd and is proving its worth
for durability and safety. “I found the EasyFix
product extremely strong and it stands the test
of time, and at an affordable price,” explained
Tom O’Leary, Transport & Logistics Officer,
P&O Maritime (Ireland) Ltd. “The specialist
equipment we move is in transit to or from sea
going vessels which can be very slippy due to
salt water. Having tried other foreign made
anti-slip mats, they fell apart after some use, so
thankfully we found an Irish company based
in County Galway that produce a better made
product. The EasyBrace Mat works for us and
we see great potential for the product in the
road transport sector,” added Tom.
The EasyBrace Mat helps to secure loads while
in transit. Due to the quality of the rubber, the
mats have a high anti-slip coefficient thereby
preventing any movement of the transported
load. The mats can be placed under the timber
skids or att ached to the timber skid whilst in
use under loads and can also be used on flat-bed
bodies on trucks and on trailers. The EasyBrace
Joist is a rubber shoe that fits snugly and securely
under timber skids. Both products are re-usable
and have long life spans. Representatives at
EasyFix Rubber Products are willing to work
with transport operators nationwide to provide
Made in Poland –
New Volkswagen Crafter … and Caddy!
F
ollowing the report in Fleet
Van & Utility from last year
that the agreement between
Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen
on the joint production of their
respective Sprinter and Crafter
LGV ranges would end, Volkswagen
has announced that the new Crafter
will be made in Poland. The
successor to the current Crafter
will roll off the assembly line in
a new purpose built factory in
Wrzesnia, Central Poland, set for
competition mid-2016. Up to 2,300
new jobs will be created.
Th is development indicates the direction the
Volkswagen Group is heading in that the new
to build the new Crafter in Poland,”
explains Dr. Leif Östling, Member
of the Board of Management at
Volkswagen AG with responsibility
for Commercial Vehicles, “we are
sett ing a new strategic course for our
light commercial vehicles.” He goes
on to say, “The Crafter is the ideal
candidate for all growth markets in
the world and will further advance
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
along its path as a globally operating
manufacturer.”
Crafter will also have a MAN badge as both
VW Commercial vehicles and MAN Truck &
Bus are sister brands now. “With the decision
The new plant in Poland will become
the second plant for Volkswagen Commercial
Vehicles as the Caddy van has been built in
Posnan for over a decade.
www.fleet.ie
6 | NEWS 111
Volvo Truck Roadshow Back by popular demand
T
he Vol vo Tr uc k
Roadshow returned
to Ireland last month,
stopping off at some the
country’s main dealers and this
type of event is fast becoming a
regular occurrence. The reason
for the frequent visits is simple,
it is in response to customer
demand. Customers like the
opportunity to drop in to the
dealer at a time that suits and
try out their truck of choice.
After visiting with the Dennison
Group in the North, it was the
turn of Irish Commercials in
Galway and Naas to play host to
the visiting demo team.
they were all impressed with the
system, and could see particular
areas of work where it would be of
immense benefit.
Equally, the customers impressions
of the day were very positive, helped
no doubt by the friendly relaxed
atmosphere, and the good weather.
As an opportunity to sample the
range of vehicles and discuss the
merits of each with the expert
Demo Team, the Roadshows are
well worth a visit.
Fleet Transport caught up with the Roadshow on
the final day in Naas. The selection of fully loaded
trucks on offer included three 6x2 tractor units,
two FH (500 & 460hp) and one FM (500hp) all at
44 tonnes with Globetrotter cabs. Sitt ing beside
the tractors were a 32t 420hp 8x4 FMX, and two
4x2 rigids a 18t 280hp FE and a 12t 210hp FL,
with all models running Euro 6 engines. Absent
from this visit was the flagship FH16 750, though
that did not seem to deter the visitors with the
trucks kept busy throughout the day.
Interestingly, the busiest truck was the FM 500
6x2 Globetrotter with a line of drivers eager
to try out the now legendary Volvo Dynamic
Steering. Speaking with drivers after their runs
All changes for 2014
FIA European Truck
Racing Season
F
ollowing the withdrawal of
Renault Trucks’ backing of the
MKR Technology team which
lead to the Czech outfit pulling out
of the series, it is all change for the
forthcoming FIA EU Truck Racing
Championships. For the 2014 season
which opens in Turkey on 4 May, new
teams have been set up with negotiations
between teams, sponsors and drivers
ongoing while mechanics are beavering
away building up new vehicles.
Former MKR driver, Adam Lacko led the
driver merry-go-round by signing up with
the Buggyra Freightliner
team, while the MKR
Renault Truck Racers will
now be in the hands of a
newly formed team made
up of VTR and Team 14,
which ran older Renaults
in past Championships.
With MAN racer Mika
Mäkinen quitting the series,
another leading MAN TGS
challenger Rene Reinert
bought his race truck and
there are plans that a new
French team will run two
MAN trucks this year.
After stabbing its toe in the water last
season, the Lion Truck Racing Team
(formerly Truck Race Team Allgäuer) has
expanded with new personnel joining the
outfit. Currently a new MAN TGS is being
built for the French Cup Champion, Steffi
Halm, who will contest the 10 round, 20
race 2014 Championship. Th ree other
trademark yellow MANs will run in the
French Cup. From the organisational side,
Carlos Barros has been appointed the
new technical delegate of the FIA for the
European Truck Racing Championship
following the sad death of Ross Garrett
in January after a long illness.
The staff at Irish Commercials
were very pleased with the turn out
and the interest from customers
at both venues on the respective
days. The ongoing success of these type of events
means they will be continuing in the future - so
it’s worth looking out for the Roadshow coming
to a Volvo Trucks dealer soon.
Paul White
Sshh! Zero Emissions
City Delivery Concept
O
ne of the interesting exhibits at the recent Geneva
Motor Show was the collaborative project
from Rinspeed, Harman, Linde, Continental,
Aaglander and Inmares. The zero emission city delivery
concept based on the next generation Rinspeed MicroMAX
light utility vehicle comes equipped with Connected Dual
Servo Drive technology (CDSD). Its choice of front/
rear/all-wheel-drive traction is provided by specialist
companies Aaglander and Inmares and adaptable for a
variety of applications.
Linde Material Handling supplies all-electric power,
having expertise in developing electric drive systems
for industrial trucks for over 40 years. Harman came on
board to create an acoustic pedestrian safety system, while
Continental Automotive played a role in designing the
vehicle’s dashboard technology and of course its tyres.
InspecƟon
Dhollandia Introduces a Eew Range of
InnovaƟve Tail LiŌ SoluƟons for 2014.
Dhollandia – VOCS 750kg column liŌ
• This new soluƟon merges the rear frame of the body
and the tail liŌ itself into one single component.
• The commercial vehicle industry is searching
conƟnuously for techniques and methods to make
vehicles lighter, and maximize their pay-load. This
Dhollandia product forms the perfect answer.
• Recently won the Golden InnovaƟon Award at the
Soloutrans Expo 2013 in Lyon, France.
Tail liŌ Thorough ExaminaƟons should be
carried out every 6 months.
Ref: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
(General ApplicaƟon) RegulaƟons 2007.
A Thorough ExaminaƟon provides a report
of the detailed inspecƟon into the overall
condiƟon of the tail liŌ. Our experienced
engineers can carry out this examinaƟon
(On Site If Required), this report will give
the customer peace of mind that the tail
liŌ is operaƟonal to the required safety
standards.
• Thermo King main dealer
• Dhollandia main dealer
• LocaƟons in Dublin, Cork,
Roscommon and Galway
www.brltd.ie
DUB½®N
allinlough RefrigeraƟon Ltd.
M50 usiness Park,
allymount Avenue,
Dublin 12
Phone: +353 1 4600322
CÊÙ»
Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork
Phone: +353 21 4882077
Mesh CanƟlever plaƞorm increasing fuel economy
RÊÝÊÃÃÊN
allinlough, Co. Roscommon
Phone: +353 94 9640045
G½óY
hnit 8
Glenascaul Manufacturing Park
Oranmore, Co. Galway
Tel: + 353 91 790788
8 | INTERVIEW
One-to-One
PD
We are now bringing in the hybrid in Euro
6 as we believe in the twin power technology, so as
a Group we continue to develop same and we are
also looking at hybrid technology in combination
with other products, not only with the Canter.
There are also some testing prototypes ongoing
with other products at the moment, which is ready
to go and ready to use in different products and
that is depending on market trends, and customer
willingness. We can easily adopt a technology to
the several brands which are in the world.
JS
Coming back to Europe and today’s
Canter, the most significant development is the
increased payload, moving the 7½ tonne barrier
up to 8.55 tonnes. That moves the Canter to a
different level in many ways. Would you agree?
PD
Yes and as I said we very much believe
that customers are more and more sensitive about
a good combination of payload and fuel efficiency
in a compact truck, which they can use in urban
operations and the combination which we offer
gives certain customers good value. Therefore we
expect that customers who are driving especially in
urban areas, will come to our product particularly
intent on a truck with more payload. I think also
the initial price of our product is below that of the
European competitive level.
JS
The fact that the Vario product is no
longer with us, do you see that you can in some ways
replace some of that market that’s existing and that
can no longer be catered for by Mercedes-Benz?
PD
Absolutely, the Vario has of course a wide
range of products so it could pursue applications
which we cannot cover on a one-to-one relationship.
But there are a lot of Vario customers, we are now
in contact with our dealers and offering them
our product. We are fully convinced that these
customers have the opportunity to replace their
JS
Do you expect any difference?
JS
Looking at the various markets, Fuso is
extremely strong in Asia, do you see an opportunity
to increase your marketshare in both Europe and
Russia?
JS
While Fuso and Canter for us in
Europe has been such an important product for
decades, Fuso is a major player for Daimler in the
development of hybrids apart from being market
leader in so many countries.
JS
Now, will we see further development of
that hybrid technology with this new generation of
Canter?
No.
PD
Most probably it will need a bit more but
we have a very good ratio. We have Euro 5, yes it’s
smaller but Euro 6 runs about 8,000 kilometres – so
it's a bit more, but not substantial.
Pius Dettling,
Head of Fuso, Sales & Marketing
Europe with Jarlath Sweeney,
Chairman, International
Van of the Year Jury
PD
Yes, that’s absolutely right, Fuso started in
Japan with only average technology in place in 1994
and since 2006 we have developed second generation
of the diesel/electric hybrid system running more
than 2,000 units out on the roads. Japan is also
the Global Hybrid Technological Center for the
complete Daimler Trucks Group, which works
with the team in Stuttgart, Germany.
PD
existing Varios with our Canter.
JS
Obviously you can’t integrate the Canter
chassis/cab to a bus, like the Vario could, but you
have the 4x4 option at a higher level now?
PD
Yes, of course, one of the advantages
with the 8.5 tonner is where we can cover a bigger
portion of the Vario customer and their specific
applications.
JS
Last time the Canter was introduced you
launched the automated Duonic transmission at
the same time. Over that period how has that new
technology been accepted in the marketplace from
a user point of view and what’s the feedback that
you have had?
PD
We’ve had very positive feedback from our
customers and also see a clear trend of increasing the
demand rate. We have a different picture between
our 3.5 tonne and 7.5 tonne weights. If we look at
the 7.5 tonne we have an order rate of 70%, so our
customers really appreciate the Duonic system,
while the 3.5 tonne segment is around 30%.
JS
Moving to your new drivetrain which is
supplied by FPT, the Iveco company, is there any
advances in that because I understand that when
the last generation was introduced in the Canter,
you had the engine with EGR supplied by them, but
you actually modified it to include SCR for certain
markets on that same block. Is that the same phase
of development for the Euro 6 versions?
PD
Yes, we use these as base engines which are
then further developed
and engineered in Japan.
This also happened with
the Euro 6 version – but
we are again continuing
to use the same base
engine with both EGR
and SCR technology.
JS
Have you
done any test analysis
as regards AdBlue
consumption between
Euro 5 and Euro 6 for
this engine?
PD
We very much believe that we have this
opportunity and that is why we are also investing
in all-wheel-drive technology. We believe that
the 4x4 system now with the new high/low gear,
particularly in the 7.5 tonne segment will be more
and more competitive in respect of payload, fuel
consumption, etc. Therefore we see that we can have
a better marketshare here in Europe and in Russia.
I’m not that familiar with Russia as it is managed
by the joint venture which we have with Kamaz.
They are marketing the local market version.
There are now something like 2,500 trucks in that
market, so progress with the project is ongoing,
with investment in more local content.
JS
With regard to your 4x4, you still have
to adjust the 4-wheel-drive system on the hub. Did
you consider introducing more modern technology
in that respect?
PD
Yes it’s a mix – on one side it’s robust
and easy in that way and the other side of course
it’s cumbersome. With an electronic system it is
indeed more convenient. But for the time being
we are continuing with that set up.
JS
Final question, looking to the future,
where do you see the Canter family in Europe?
PD
I think we will still have our place
between the van segment and heavy trucks. In
the 2.5 - 10.0 weight classes we believe that our
customers will always have need for a truck in
that segment. So we will continue to be the line
supplement between the van and the trucks.
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10 | COVER
Six tonne
payload in
a Canter
– That’s Fuso
“E
cofficiency”- now there is a new word that may enter
the Oxford Dictionary of English someday soon as it
describes the new Fuso Canter “as even more efficient
and even cleaner.”
Fleet Transport went to the ourtskirts of Lisbon in Portugal to hear all
the details of the latest edition of Daimler’s best selling truck.
New Canter is more efficient in that it is now more productive with the
addition of the 8.55 tonner as the range topper. Th is new variant can offer
a payload of up to 6 tonnes – depending on the application. New Canter is
also cleaner with the introduction of Euro 6 engine emission controls, that
are also fitted to the acclaimed EcoHybrid versions. Other modifications
made to the Canter to qualify for Ecofficiency status include increasing
the injection pressures on the 3.0 litre Diesel engines to 2000 bar (+25%),
extending axle ratios and introducing Electronic Stability Programme
[ESP] as standard, using low-friction engine oils, installing stop/start for
the drivetrain and using low rolling-resistance tyres. The result? Up to
9% more economical than the outgoing model, while at the same time,
reducing CO2 emission by a similar amount.
The development of the 8.55 tonne Canter is interesting, particularly that
it has the potential to carry a 6 tonne payload. Th at’s better than some
12 tonne rigids with box body and tail-lift , etc. Its added advantage is the
cost benefit from lower purchase price and reduced running costs. Easier
to manoeuvre too! Heretofore the Canter range began at 3.5 tonnes
and ended at 7.5 tonne GVW. With the introduction of the designated
9C15 and 9C18 models with 150 and 180 hp respectively, the 8.55 tonne
models will appeal to a broader range of customers in various fields from
Distribution, Construction, Municipal, Landscaping, etc.
The largest Canter has a Duonic automated dual clutch transmission
fitted as standard, with the 3.0 litre engines (supplied by Fiat Powertrain
Technologies) using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) BlueTec 6
technology with a particulate fi lter. Th ree wheelbases are on offer from
3.4m to 4.75m, with maximum body length allowable at 7.21m. Maximum
payload is exactly 5995 kg, supported by a new 850mm wide chassis frame,
heavier duty transmission and higher brake pedal ratio.
As with the previous Canter, there is a Euro 5 engine version for the light
versions up to 6.0 tonnes but modified to meet new EU Regulations. Termed
Euro 5b+, here the exhaust gases are further cleaned by a combination of
Exhaused Gas Recirculation (EGR), oxidation catalytic converter and
particulate fi lter. By the way, Euro 6 adds about 30 kg of extra weight to
the Canter as the engine and radiators are slightly heavier.
What is noteworthy is that on all models the particulate fi lter needs no
maintenance or does not need to be cleaned. It is done automatically.
Euro 6 technology has also added value to the EcoHybrid version, the
COVER | 11
fi rst mass produced parallell diesel/electric system that is cost effective.
In achieving up to 23% fuel savings (and reduced carbon emissions) the
additional €8,500 (plus VAT) investment, can pay for itself in a few years.
Currently the ESB (Electric Supply Board) is the biggest fleet operator of the
EcoHybrid with An Post and Celtic Linen trialing same since last year.
Similar to the higher weight Canters, the EcoHybrid uses the same 3.0 litre
150 hp diesel block with a 40 kW electric motor att ached. Its 200 Nm of
torque is fully available from the start with energy for the motor provided
by a lithium-ion battery pack which weighs 63.5 kg. On the road, it moves
off in electric mode and when the brakes are applied or accelerator released,
the batteries are recharged through recouperation. Then at a speed of
around 10 kp/h the diesel engine kicks in. Start/stop control stops the
diesel engine when the vehicle is stationary and the cycle begins again.
Even though the extra weight of the hybrid drive is around 150 kg, the 7.5
tonne chassis has a load capacity of up to 4.8 tonnes.
On the 4x4 version, which was originally launched in 2012, a few things
have changed on the 6C18 designated model which is the 6.5 tonne, 2.0m
wide Comfort cab (or Crew Cab) with the 175 hp engine. New features on
the 4x4 Canter include the standard fit engagable reduction gear which
reduces the maximum speed in the individual gears and also increases
traction. For this off-roader, the payload provided is around 3.5 tonne.
If this needs to be increased it can be upgraded to 7.0 or 7.5 tonnes. The
all-wheel-drive can be engaged wherever required but by a manual twist
of the differental locks on the wheel hubs. Bit dated in these times, but it
makes the technology more affordable.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - [email protected]
At the launch press event, Fuso Trucks arranged a three part test drive
with a selection of 30 different Canters to choose from. The Canter 7.5
tonne 7C13 EcoHybrid was driven around at ease through the town of
Cascais with the standard 3.5 tonne 35C13 (both Duonics) brought into
the mountains to the off-road course and where the 6C15 4x4 was put up
to the challenge. As time allowed, a shorter run was made in the 9C18
Duonic to see how the new flagship fared. All journeys were made in a
business-like yet smooth and efficient manner. It was noted that the Duonic
box always searched for the lowest revs to keep the fuel consumption at
bay. On the 8.55 tonner, the additional (but optional) mirrors were an
advantage and recommend that they should be fitted as standard. The only
notable visable difference between the 9C’s and the other Canter cabs is
their reinforced bumper and smaller housing for the LED lamps.
Aboard the Canter 4x4, its higher ground clearance was a must as we slowly
carved our way through the slippery, wet and potholed fi lled dirt track on
the circuit provided. On the steep downhill slopes, the engine brake that
delivers up to 50 kW was appreciated. Surprisingly, the turning circle in
the tight confi nes was much better than expected.
For the European market, the Canter is produced at the Tramagal plant
in Portugal about (150 km north of Lisbon). With 140,000 units sold
worldwide each year, the Fuso Canter in Euro 6 form will continue this
successful trend for parent company Daimler Trucks for many years to
come.
www.fleet.ie
12 | NEW FLEET I
New and Used in demand at
Longhaul Commercials
B
risk trade was enjoyed by Longhaul
Commercials, Tullamore, County
Offaly in the fi rst quarter of 2014 for
both new and used trucks, according to Martin
Hough, Sales Executive. “Most of the sales were
generated at the high-end with two-to-three
year olds in demand.”
Martin maintains that the market in general
still lacks the appetite for purchasing brand new
“with the big governing factor, in my opinion,
being the lack of available fi nance, as the pillar
banks are slow to lend,” he said. “They put their
clients through very strenuous rigours before
approving the funding.”
Pictured are two recent new sales conducted by
Martin to Dunbia (Kilbeggan) – an Iveco Stralis
450 hp 6x2 tractor and an Isuzu N-Series N75.190
4x2 rigid sold to John F. Heneghan, Athlone.
New Scanias
and new
livery for JPT
Transport
W
ith the purchase of two new Scania
R440 6x2/4 Highlines, John Phillips
Transport (JPT) has introduced
its new corporate identity. Supplied by
John Delaney (Naas) the new trucks will
contribute significantly to improving fuel
costs and thereby allowing further improved
efficiencies, according to Niall Phillips,
representing the Celbridge based company.
The high spec on the new Scania tractors include
14-speed opticruise autobox, cruise control,
climate control and auto chassis lubrication.
Very Last Renault Magnum
sold plus 2 Premium LDs
K
ieran McKay holds the unique
distinction of owning the last new
Renault Magnum to be registered
in Ireland. Working across the Continent
will be this 480 hp 4x2 tractor-unit operated
by McKay Transport, Dundalk along with
another similar model in the fleet.
K ieran is pictured with Harry Nash,
M.D., Setanta Vehicle Sales, Dublin at the
handover.
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Meanwhile, Kennedy International (Allenwood)
has invested in two new Renault Premium
Long Distance 6x2 tractor-units from Setanta
Vehicle Sales. According to Jim Kennedy, M.D.,
Kennedy International, the Premiums were first
choice for a number of reasons, “We buy Renault
Premiums because
they are very reliable,
good on fuel and offer
the best payload of
any of the trucks
in their class.” He
added, “These trucks
will be used on tanker
work and are fitted
with alloys and bigger
diesel tanks.”
www.wrightcover.ie
Wright Group Brokers t/a Wright Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - [email protected]
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14 | NEW FLEET II
Great start for Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Vehicles in 2014
* New fleet sales, many conquest deals
Celtic Linen, one of
Ireland’s leading laundry
service providers, has
just taken delivery of
two new Mercedes-Benz
Actros 1845LS tractorunits. Supplied by
Somers Commercials,
main distributors for
Mercedes-Benz in the
South East, is at work
distributing laundry
between Celtic Linen’s Drinagh site in Wexford and its Regional depots
throughout Ireland.
Tescohasstrengthened
its fleet with the addition
of 8 new Mercedes-Benz
Axor 1824 rigids for
distributing dry and
chilled foods to Tesco
Express stores in Dublin
and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile the first ever Mercedes-Benz 2545 Actros 6x2 tractor units
trucks are sporting the distinctive silver livery of Kilsaran - Ireland’s
largest producer
and distributor
of conc rete
products.
Suppl ied by
MUTEC,
they will run
at 46 tonnes
and distribute
Pav i ng a nd
Walling products
between
Kilsaran’s
headquarters in
Dunboyne and its customers across the country.
Dungarvan Transport increased the number of Mercedes-Benz Actros
Wicklow firm, King
Tr ee Services ,
which specialises in the
care and maintenance of
trees, has purchased a
unique Mercedes-Benz
Atego 1318 4x4 with a
body specially built by
Timmons Engineering
of Camolin.
St ay i ng on t he
horticultural subject,
Rentes Plants from
Moyvalley, Broadford,
County Kildare, one
of the longest running
nurseries in Ireland,
has purchased a new
Sprinter 4x2 chassis/
cab fitted with a box
body.
Some Come, Some Go... Goods Vehicles equipped with
Groeneveld’s Heavy Duty Automatic Chassis Greaser
Always on the move for Best Profitability
trucks in its fleet to twelve with the recent addition of four new Actros 2545
models. Supplied by Mercedes-Benz Commercials Dealer Surehaul of Clonmel
of which Dungarvan Transport is a long-standing customer. Commenting,
Surehaul’s Sales Manager Mark O’Connor said, “It’s a great endorsement to
see them returning for more, having received the first two MP4 trucks we
delivered back in July 2012. We look forward to continuing this success with
our new class leading fuel efficient Euro 6 engines.”
Fi na l ly, a not her
conquest sale achieved
w ith Slane-based
haulage firm Noone
Transport which
has strengthened its
fleet to 31 articulated
tr uck s w ith the
addition of its first ever
Mercedes-Benz trucks
- two Actros 1845LS
tractor units, finished
in the company’s distinctive, white and red livery. Noone’s chosen Actros
features the 2.5m BigSpace cab, flat floor, air conditioning, night heater, fridge
and additional roof pod air conditioning for use when the vehicle is stationary.
“Mercedes-Benz is delighted to introduce these trucks to a new customer,
knowing the Actros has proven itself as the ‘Truck of Choice’ amongst many
of the Ireland’s most well-known fleet operators,” said Fergus Conheady,
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager.
Cork - Roy
Dublin - James
Belfast - Mark
Mob (087) 2575116
Mob (087) 2597102 Mob (0791) 2631524
Your Efficiency Is Our Challenge
Dublin Tunnel Commercials Limited
• HGV & LGV CVRT Testing • Agents for Fuso & Isuzu Commercials Sales, Service & Spare Parts
Dublin Tunnel Commercials (DTC) is concerned with one thing and one thing only - offering customers a comprehensive
fleet maintenance service. Operating from a prime location only minutes from the Port Tunnel, M1 and M50 Motorways
and Dublin Airport, and 10 minutes from Dublin Port itself, DTC is situated in the Airport Business Park right opposite
Kiely’s Pub on the Old Swords Road. Being specialists in all aspects of commercial vehicle service, repair and maintenance,
DTC is effectively a one-stop shop to hauliers and commercial vehicle users, providing a full range of services including
Commercial Bodywork and Painting, Breakdown and Recovery, Tail-lift LOLER Certification, Safe Load Inspections for
I.P.I.A, Safety Checks, ADR Testing, Tank Pressure Testing, ATC Certification, N.A.S.I. Type Approval for New Vehicle Bodies
and Imported Trailers, EU Plating, Tacho-graph Calibrations, RSL Calibrations and HGV & LGV CVRT Testing - Commercial
Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing formerly D.O.E. Testing in association with the RSA.
Just opened is a new 8,000 square
feet workshop dedicated to HGV
mechanical repairs bringing the
total workshop and bodyshop area
in excess of 20,000 square feet,
equipped with the latest diagnostics.
It’s bodyshop has a 15m fully
compliant spray booth.
Commenting on these developments,
DTC Managing Director Ray Gregan
said, “With the slight upturn in the
Irish economy we have decided
to invest heavily in our facility by
adding one extra HGV lane and one
LGV lane. We are proud to be one of
the first test centers in Ireland to be
granted a 10 year operation license
by the RSA. Now with three 22m HGV
Lanes and two LGV Test Lanes, we
are in a position to facilitate vehicle
owners and drivers from around the
country.” Ray explained that drivers
often end up with spare time on their
hands in Dublin Port and Airport
while waiting on a load or a trailer to
become available, using this time to
DTC for CVRT and other services.
So for all aspects of fleet testing,
maintenance
and
service
requirements, there genuinely is no
need to look any further than Dublin
Tunnel Commercials.
As an additional service customers
can use RFM Live to log on to the
RSA’s Mandatory Quarterly Tests
and obtain paperwork required on
all signed up vehicles. “This enables
customers to see and download
the paperwork off their own web
based portal. It’s like us doing their
document filing, but it’s at their
fingertips. The calendar also keeps
them up to date as to which vehicle
is next due.”
New & Used Trucks & Trailers
15m Commercial Spray Booth
FUSO Trucks
RSA Approved
CVRT Centre
Currently the Fuso Canter Eco
Hybrid 7.5t is on trial returning
26% saving on fuel plus having a
class leading payload capacity.
Dublin Tunnel Commercials Limited.,
Heli Centre, Airport Business Park,
Old Swords Road, (opposite Kiely’s Pub)
Cloghran, County Dublin
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am 1:00 pm
Tel: (01) 808 0924/5
Fax: (01) 808 0940
Web: www.dtcommercials.ie
Book on-line: www.dtcommercials.ie
16 | REPORT
Marking a change in attitudes
A
Seminar for Transport Managers hosted by the Freight
Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) could be described as
marking a change in the attitudes of the transport industry in
Ireland. The event held at the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield
attracted members from both the truck and bus sectors, and those with
an interest in hearing what the speakers had to say.
The FTAI has run quarterly information seminars throughout the country
over the past two years, and with each event there is a noticeable increase
in the numbers attending. Considering the attendance at the Enfield event,
issues affecting the transport industry are being taken more seriously,
and operators are becoming more
proactive.
EcoCombis until 2015,” with the key issue being road versus rail.”
Speaking on the UK Road User Charge, Mr. Higgins, called on Taoiseach
Enda Kenny to do ‘whatever it takes’ to ensure that the new UK truck tax
which he described as “discriminatory” does not come into effect on 1
April. On the same subject Mr. Higgins added “I have already written to
Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas.”
Mr. Higgins informed the audience that he had also made representations to
Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar T.D., asking that all roads in Northern
Ireland (NI) be exempt from the User Charge for Republic of Ireland hauliers,
and to stop all funding for NI roads
from the Republic of Ireland.
The invite to attend promised an
interesting list of speakers who
would deliver presentations on
important topics that affect the
industry directly or indirectly,
making the seminar an event worth
marking in the diary.
Delivering a ‘Message to the
Industry’ on the cost of workplace
accidents, Mr. Martin O’Halloran
(CEO Health & Safety Authority)
said, “the economic cost to Ireland
is €3.1 billion. Martin describes this
as an “economic haemorrhage” with
40% of these reported accidents
Opening the seminar Neil
vehicle related. The costs can be
McDonnell (Chairman FTAI)
reduced or eliminated by “active
outlined some of the topics for
prevention rather than passive
discussion, which included an
acceptance,” and he called on
update of EU transport policy,
companies to leave the event with the
safety in the workplace, operator
intention to “prevent one accident.”
Deirdre Sinnott , Senior Inspector, Health & Safety Authority and Martin O’Halloran,
compliance, and the impending
In order to help businesses manage
CEO Health & Safety Authority
HGV Road User Charge for the
safety in the workplace, the HSA
UK.
website, which registered over 1
million downloads in 2013, provides
Before calling the first speaker,
valuable information that is easy to
Neil highlighted that over the past two years only 9 transport licences had
work with and free. As the HSA’s Deirdre Sinnott explained “you don’t need
been revoked or not renewed, equivalent to 0.15% of the number of licences
to buy in an expensive consultant” to be compliant.
issued. He pointed to “the low level of enforcement”, and blamed the legal
framework for this lack of enforcement and not the efforts of the relevant
Speaking on the issue of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) and
authorities with whom the FTAI have a good working relationship. He
operator compliance, the RSA’s Director of Standards and Enforcement,
assured the members that the Association is continuing to lobby on their
Denise Barry had the audience’s full attention, as she delivered a clear and
behalf regarding the UK’s Road User Levy (RUL), and will continue to
comprehensive progress report of the CVR reforms, and outlined the next
do so. Neil reiterated that the FTAI was working with the authorities to
stages of the programme.
represent members’ interests, and influence in a meaningful way the proposed
Transport Bill due in 2015.
Denise began by presenting a number of images taken roadside at inspections.
The images depicted vehicles with cracked brake drums, corroded chassis
As the only Irish member on the EU Transport Committee, Mr Jim Higgins
frames, and inoperable braking systems, and clearly demonstrated why the
MEP spoke to the group on the subject of the ‘Leichtfreid Proposals’ and
reforms are necessary. However, the aim of the presentation was to focus
how it may affect the Irish transport industry. The Leichtfreid Proposals arise
on the benefits of compliance, and how compliance delivers efficiencies
from a revision of the vehicle weights and dimensions regulations throughout
for the operator. Th is will be of greater significance as the ‘Commercial
the Union. Commenting on the proposals Mr. Higgins called it ‘a missed
Vehicle )perator Risk Indicator’ (CVoRI) system develops through 2014
opportunity.’ While there is some movement on increased weights for two
and early 2015.
axle coaches, and a possible increase in length for car transporters to 20.75
metres. Mr. Higgins said that, “there will be no clear outcome on 25.25 metre
To date the reforms have delivered a significant improvement in vehicle
Jim Higgins, (MEP) & Martin Diskin, Department of Transport
Aidan Flynn, (FTAI); Jim Higgins, (MEP) and John McConnell, (Corporate Lead
Executive, e-Flow)
REPORT | 17
Gary Green, Senior Area Engineer, FTAI
roadworthiness. The figures show an increase with, ‘on or before time’ annual
testing, and a 20% increase in maintenance programmes in place. Both of
these elements along with adherence to tachograph regulations will enhance
an operator’s CVoRI score. The more compliant or ‘Green’ an operator’s
score rates, the less frequently they will be inspected or have their vehicles
delayed at the increasing number of roadside checks.
Commenting on roadside checks, Denise said the Authority “stopped three
times the number of vehicles in 2013 compared to 2011,” and continued,
“Poor results at the roadside will cause a follow up inspection” - of which
the Authority are conducting 250 per month.
In closing, Denise mentioned that later this year the Authority would be
granted increased powers, allowing them to take prosecutions and immobilise
or detain vehicles at roadside checks. Although the noted increase in
CVR compliance is welcome, Denise said, “the case for improvements in
roadworthiness are as compelling as ever.”
Arguably the headline topic of the day was to be UK Road User Charge. To
explain the background to the levy, FTAI invited Simon Chapman from the
UK Department for Transport, and Sue Holloway from Northgate Public
Services to address the meeting.
From 1 April the time based tax must be paid in advance on all non UK
registered commercial goods vehicles over 12 tonnes that use the road
network. The charge applies to all UK roads, with the only exemptions
being the M6 Toll Road, and two roads in Northern Ireland where they
criss-cross the Border. According to Mr. Chapman, “Ministers have the
power to exclude certain roads once a case is made. However from the 1st
of April the A5 (in Northern Ireland) will be included.”
The time period levied is per one 24 hour day, from 00.00 hrs to 24.00 hrs.
The daily amount charged depends on the number of axles, the weight, and
the trailer, and will cost from £1.70 to £10.00 per day. Operators have the
option to pay on an annual basis in which case charges range from £85.00
to £1,000. It is possible to claim a refund in cases where the levy is paid and
the vehicle does not operate on UK roads or is sold. However this is only
available to those who register and pay online, and is a pro-rata rate of the
annual levy.
Neil McDonnell, Chairman FTAI
Importantly the levy is non-transferrable between vehicles, and non payment
or underpayment is deemed a criminal offence, and attracts a fine of £300.00.
The fi ne must be paid at the roadside before the vehicle can continue, and
additional immobilisation and storage charges will apply.
Over the day in Enfield other speakers delivered presentations which
covered topics such as Cycle Safety (Christopher Snelling FTA), Carbon
Reduction (Conor Molloy) and Work Related Safety (Deirdre Sinnott, HSA).
Es Shepherd (FTA) delivered the fi nal presentation by giving an overview
of forthcoming events and legislation. The event provided members with a
great deal of information, and individually clarified several points relevant
to their operations.
Speaking to ‘Fleet Transport’ - Media Partners for the event, after his closing
address. Neil McDonnell said “we are very pleased with the number of
members who attended” saying “the feedback has been very positive.” Neil
wished to add “a note of thanks to the event sponsors for their support.”
Celtic
Transport
Solutions
Providing a 24h assistance for operators working in
France, or transiting throughout France.
TRUCK ASSISTANCE IN FRANCE
It is possible to register for an online account or choose the ‘pay and go’
option. Most of the major credit and fuel cards are accepted, and the tax can
also be purchased through third party agents such as ferry companies and
Eurotunnel. Possibly a sign of things to come, when registering the vehicle
details it is required that you specify the Euro emission rating for the truck.
While this has no bearing on the amount charged at present, it is reasonable
to assume it will in the future.
If the Charge is paid at one of the limited number point of sale agents within
the UK a receipt will be issued. However for online payments there will be
no physical record of payment such as a disc, or Vignette. Enforcement will
be primarily done using the current network of Automatic Number Plate
Recognition (ANPR) cameras, with the number of ANPR cameras being
increased on key roads, for example, the main routes to and from the ports.
Text & Photos: Paul White - [email protected]
EUROPEAN RECOVERY
CELTIC TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS
DISEZ KERGOAT
Jimmy QUINN
Sebastien DANIELOU
+33(0)6 43 63 95 90
www.celtictransportsolutions.com
+33(0)6 23 94 08 14
www.disez-kergoat.fr
www.fleet.ie
18 | FLEETING SHOTS
Reading Matters – Truck Makers Series:
MercedesBenz Trucks
On page 22, Colin describes the arrival of
the New Generation (NG/SK) range in 1973
which heralded the dawn of Mercedes-Benz as
a global player in the business, while on page
28, the introduction of EPS – Electronic Power
Shift in 1985 was mentioned. As we know this
innovation was a game changer in the industry.
Move on to page 94 and see Merc truck cabs
wearing various different brands, mostly Asian.
Towards the end of the book, striking photos
of Freightliner and Sterling trucks from North
America are featured.
by Colin Peck
ISBN 978-1-845846-43-5
www.velocebooks.com
P
aying a visit to the Mercedes-Benz
Museum in Stuttgart is well worthwhile
for the vast range of trucks bearing the
iconic ‘three-pointed-star’ brand on display. If
not in a position to do that though, take a read
of Colin Peck’s latest work under the Veloce
Truck Makers Series, namely ‘Mercedes-Benz
Trucks’. Contained within the 128 pages of text
and broad range of photographs from all over
the world, is an excellent account of the history
also brings the reader up-to-date with the current
line-up within the Daimler Truck Group that
share components with each other, be it cabs
or drivetrains.
of the Daimler owned truck marque.
This compact book also examines all partnerships,
acquisitions and alliances Mercedes-Benz
Trucks’ has encountered over the decades and
Truck racing, be it on track or cross-country,
deservingly gets its own chapter to bring together
another thoroughly enjoyable book about one of
the industry’s thoroughbred brands.
Aaron Clifford’s on a fast track to success!
ere’s a name to look out for in the
motorbike racing circuit, Aaron
Clifford. The 14 year old has already
made a big impression in the scene in Ireland
and now is applying his talent overseas.
H
Distribution, Schuberth Helmets, Vulcanet
and Noone Transport. “We really couldn’t do
without our main sponsors, Noones and Dixons,
they are a great help,” said Kenneth Clifford,
Aaron’s proud father.
His 2014 season got up to speed after a three day
test in Cartagena, Spain followed by competing
in the first round of the Thundersport GB Series.
Aaron qualified in 17th position on a hired bike
and was 2 seconds off pole over the four races.
He found the competition extremely tough
and recorded two 15th places, a 16th and 19th
overall. He managed to go within 0.6 seconds
off the fastest lap.
Kenneth has every reason to be proud as from
a very early age (9), he began racing in minimotos, progressing on to winning two Irish
Championships in 2011. Racing an Aprilla RS
125 in the Irish Clubman’s Series he won the
Southern Irish Championships. Currently,
Aaron holds the lap records in three circuits,
Kirkistown and Bishopscourt in Northern
Ireland and at Mondello Park. Due to fi nancial
constraints, Aaron may not be able to compete
a full season. Interested parties can contact
Aaron through his facebook page.
Aaron had his new Aprilla RRV 450 ready
for the recent Irish Championship rounds in
Mondello on 23 March and for the Donington
Park on 10 April and is grateful for the support
primarily from Dixon Transport, SMR AKB
FedEx Express is a Great Place to
Work in Ireland…….again!
F
rom the recent annual list revealing
the best companies to work for in
Ireland, FedEx Express, a subsidiary
of FedEx Corp and the world’s largest
express transportation company, has
been officially named as one of the Best
Workplaces in Ireland.
Noted for its camaraderie, contribution to
the local community and the flexibility of its
management, FedEx Express has been recognised
for the ninth year running by the Great Places to
Work Institute Ireland, which runs the annual
listing. Known for nurturing and developing
team members at all levels, FedEx Express
to ensure growth and development and
ultimately a good working environment,”
says Trevor Hoyle, Vice President of
Operations FedEx UK & Ireland.
operations in Ireland are particularly highly
regarded in terms of Learning and Development,
hiring practices and communication.
Ranked as the 11th best company in
Ireland, FedEx Express receives the award
for its desire to continuously improve
its working culture. Winning companies
were accredited for building employee
trust and creating a rewarding cycle of personal
contribution and appreciation, whilst delivering
outstanding business performance.
“At FedEx, we pride ourselves in offering our
team members the best opportunities possible
A Daimler Brand
The New Sprinter
Irish Van of the Year 2014
The best Sprinter ever!
s}:RUOGSUHPLHUHRIQHZVDIHW\IHDWXUHV
s:RUOG
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www.mercedes-benz.ie
Motor Distributors Ltd. Naas Road, Dublin 12.
Tel:- (01) 4094 444
20 | PREVIEW I
CV Show, NEC Birmingham
• Companies of note exhibiting at the annual Commercial Vehicle Showcase
BPW
29/30 April &
1 May 2014
www.cvshow.com
BPW’s ECO Air tank will be launched
at this year’s CV Show. Manufactured
with reinforced fibreglass plastic (GRP),
this new TÜV approved air tank saves
up to 60% in weight when compared to
the normal steel tanks of today.
In a winding, mesh-like design, the polyamide-impregnated glass fibres not
only make the air tank particularly robust, but also provides very high life
expectancy. ECO Air tank possesses extreme strength - burst pressure is more
than three times the nominal pressure - whilst the GRP material is characterised
through high corrosion resistance, weather proof and chemical stability and
can be used in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C.
Apart from weight reduction, the ECO Air composite tank offers advantages
for the vehicle manufacturer and with subsequent trailer maintenance: the
GRP air tank can be mounted by just one person, which greatly eases the
installation. Meanwhile, the air pipe connections, located in the tank endcaps,
can be connected simply via standard metric fittings.
BPW ECO Air Compact
In addition, BPW’s ECO Air COMPACT, a completely new running gear
system, is being showcased. Designed for 9-tonne on-road applications, it is
suitable for both drum and disc brakes. ECO Air COMPACT is mounted
on a two-part cast trailing arm, the joints of which are bolted together
diagonally. Combined with the four-point contact, this guarantees optimum
load transfer and stability. Moreover, the two adjustable hanger brackets in
the whole modular system provide the trailer builder with optimum latitude
for axle alignment.
The suspension mounting is also completely maintenance-free. Components
are not welded together; it is of modular construction which means individual
components can be purchased separately and therefore can be easily replaced
- one such component is the steel-rubber-bush.
Carlsen Baltic
Carlsen Baltic is one of Europe’s biggest producers of lightweight refrigerated
bodies for light and heavy vans up to 6 tonnes, used for frozen food deliveries
using low-carbon, eutectic refrigeration systems. The Danish owned company
is displaying its latest solutions for the temperature-controlled grocery home
delivery market: a 3.5 tonne multi-compartment, multi-temperature body
using a low-carbon, eutectic refrigeration system.
Carlsen Baltic
Its latest development to meet the growing demand in grocery home-delivery, is
a multi-temperature body with eutectic plates. The body has three temperature
zones: -36°C, +5°C and +12°C. The temperatures can be adjusted according
to the operator’s specific needs and the eutectic system will keep constant
temperatures in the van.
“It is the perfect solution for today’s distribution with multi-drop delivery with
multiple door openings. This solution is used by many of Europe’s leading
home and office food delivery companies,” said Linas Starkevicius, Managing
Director for Carlsen Baltic.
Grayson
Heat exchange specialists Grayson Thermal Systems will showcase the latest
additions to its range of radiators for leading commercial vehicle makes,
and announce upcoming plans to introduce a complete intercooler range
by 2015.
Grayson Thermal Systems
Routing and Scheduling solution from Maxoptra
Grayson is a leading manufacturer of cooling systems for bus and coach brands
and began making serious inroads into the CV market just over two years
ago, designing and manufacturing products for leading British and European
truck models. Its products are marketed to fleet operators and distributors
throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Based near Birmingham, Grayson has recently invested £2m in its premises
and has taken on additional staff throughout its research and manufacturing
operations so that it can handle growth in business across all its markets.
“We now offer products for DAF, Dennis Eagle, Mercedes-Benz, Scania
and Volvo Trucks and they are delivering cost savings of up to 50 per cent to
operators,” said Andrew Hateley, Aftermarket Business Development Manager.
“We’ll be building on that with the new intercooler range, which should start
to come into the market later this year.”
PREVIEW I | 21
Grayson’s CV products for the aftermarket are developed and manufactured
to the company’s own exacting quality standards, which match or exceed
OEMs’ specifications, and they are all fully guaranteed.
way to see Stoneridge Electronics on stand 4D26 where the company will not
only showcase its expertise in tachograph solutions but will reveal a brand-new
digital tachograph, the SE5000 Exakt Duo2.
Magenta Technology
The new SE5000 Exakt Duo2 will help transport managers make more
informed decisions when planning driving patterns. In addition to the already
existing benefits such as the “One Minute Rule” and real-time updates and
countdowns on drive and rest times, it will have a wealth of new features.
Fleets will be pleased to see that they can now set how Period of Availability
(POA) should be counted, as SE5000 Exakt Duo2 comes with an improved
POA setting. Distribution trucks will benefit from Working Time Directive
(WTD) calculations that have been added into the Duo functionality. Other
new features include: new ferry/train display in Duo; automatic activation
of company locks when new card inserted, display of the product revision in
Info menu and more.
At the NEC, Magenta Technology will highlight testimonials from its broad
customer base in providing routing and scheduling soft ware for companies
like Gist, NHS, Addison Lee, Flower Vision and more recently Natures
Menu, Europe’s largest raw pet food manufacturer. It has chosen Maxoptra,
the leading real-time dynamic routing and scheduling solution from Magenta
Technology, to ensure high customer service levels are maintained as the
business grows.
Natures Menu, winner of the 2013 Pet Industry Award’s ‘Manufacturer of the
Year’ had an existing electronic order management system in place that could
no longer cope with the increasing number and complexity of the orders they
were receiving. As such, the company needed a system that was able to quickly
and easily schedule delivery jobs, so that they could plan vehicle capacities,
routes and expected delivery times to enable them to immediately respond
to customer queries.
“The CV Show 2014 gives us the perfect opportunity to launch our new
SE5000 Exakt Duo2. . We look forward to meeting both existing and potential
new customers to show them how our tachograph solutions can save them
both time and money,” stated Victoria Tramma, Stoneridge Marketing &
Central Sales Manager.
After a tough selection process, Natures Menu chose Maxoptra recommended
by Independent Tracking as part of a total solution which included fitting
TomTom telematics to all of their delivery vehicles. The team at Magenta
impressed Natures Menu with their depth of understanding of the logistics
business. According to Craig Taylor, Managing Director, “Magenta played a
key role in the total end-to-end processes and IT transformation that Natures
Menu undertook in 2013, providing the foundation to scale the business, build
on the high levels of customer service enjoyed by our customers, while at the
same time reducing mileage and fuel consumption for the business.”
MiX Telematics
South African company MiX Telematics will be focusing on its Soft wareas-a-Service (SaaS) delivery model, which provides a broad range of fleet
management solutions, including the company’s state-of-the-art mobile asset
tracking service, MiX DataTrak, and a new generation of MiX Fleet Manager,
which is being launched at the show.
MiX Telematics, Steve Coffin; Marketing & Operations Manager
“Whether it’s basic track-and-trace functionality or a comprehensive, bespoke
service encompassing every aspect of fleet management, our SaaS platform
enables us to adopt a consistent approach to individual customer needs in
order to derive solutions which are fit-for-purpose, flexible and robust in every
case,” commented Steve Coffin, Marketing & Operations Director for MiX
Telematics. “Furthermore, as a multi-national player active in more than 100
countries, we apply the principles of SaaS worldwide. This means we have an
unrivalled wealth of operational experience and knowledge, which today is
passed on and shared by each and every one of our customers globally.”
As an additional incentive, MiX Telematics will be running a competition with
great prizes on offer for all visitors to the CV Show. Further information and
details of how to enter is on www.mixtelematics.co.uk. Everyone intending
to attend the Show is invited to visit the site beforehand to sign up for this
exciting and fun competition.
Snoeks Automotive
A world premiere of the crew cab conversion kit on the all-new Ford Transit by
Snoeks will happen on the first day of the CV Show on 29 April. The new crew
cab (3 person) fitting combines passenger transport comfort and convenience
through additional storage areas. Light, yet durable materials are used creating
a higher payload and fuel efficiency. For those who wish to accommodate up
to seven persons, an optional four-seat bench can be specified.
Snoeks
“As with most of our crew van conversions, the new Transit will be European
Type Approved for N1 vehicles. Our fitting agents will be able to meet this
regulation, no problem,” said Michiel Abbing, Area Manager for Snoeks
Automotive. “No compromises on safety will be allowed and a robust
traceability system is in place,” he added.
OGH Enterprises Dublin, Baldonnell is the Irish agent for Snoeks
Automotive.
Stoneridge
Operators looking for user-friendly tachograph solutions should make their
Stoneridge Duo Mobile app
www.fleet.ie
22 | PREVIEW II
New Exhibitors Flocking to FPS EXPO 2014
T
he event of the year for the oil distribution
industry in the UK and Ireland, FPS
EXPO 2014 takes place on April 9-10
at the Harrogate International Centre.
A wide variety of senior professionals from across
the UK, Europe and as far afield as the USA will
be visiting FPS EXPO 2014 to check out the latest
industry innovations.
The latest company to secure a place at the
increasingly popular industry showcase is DAF
Trucks UK Ltd. The truck company joins an
increasing number of first time exhibitors at
FPS EXPO 2014, including Oriel Systems Ltd,
Concrete Canvas Ltd, The Handsfree Company
and Terence Barker Tanks Ltd to name but a few,
to the extent that organisers FPS (Federation of
Petroleum Suppliers) are considering extending
to a fourth hall.
Dawn Shakespeare, FPS Marketing and Events
Manager comments: “Securing DAF Trucks
is fantastic, year on year visitors to FPS EXPO
tell us that they like to see more commercial
vehicle manufacturers at the show so DAF Trucks'
attendance will reinforce our commitment to
ensuring we give our visitors what they want. This
year we have so much to offer visitors to the show.
More than half of our exhibiting companies have
announced that they’ll introduce new products
and services at the show - everything from new
tankers, testing equipment, safety equipment, new
computer software and oil storage equipment to all
the ancillary equipment that goes with them. This
is all good news for visitors to the show, who will
benefit from exploring the extensive array of new
and innovative products on display, compare the
latest developments in tankers and oil distribution
industry equipment, explore new technology, learn
from industry experts, and talk with manufacturers
- and each other - face to face. The size and scope of
the show floor, cutting edge educational sessions
and new product and technology launches will be
unmatched. It is a testament to the effectiveness
of the event that demand for exhibit space at FPS
EXPO 2014 is still incredibly high with less than
four months to go we are still getting enquiries
from new exhibitors.
Multi Exhibitors at Multimodal 2014
M
ultimodal, the UK and Ireland’s
leading freight transport and
logistics exhibition will celebrate
its seventh anniversary in 2014. For this
year’s event which runs from 29 April to
1 May, Multimodal will be co-located at
the NEC, Birmingham at the same time
as the Commercial Vehicle exhibition. The
exhibitions will be organised independently
of each other on different sides of the NEC,
making it easy for visitors to one show to also
visit the other on the same day.
Multimodal has become the annual one-stopshop for shippers who wish to fi nd ways of
optimising their supply chain and transportation
flows, with exhibitors representing the crème de la
crème of the transport and logistics industry.
As well as the display stands visitors can attend
free seminars to hear fi rst-hand experiences of
those in the logistics sector including the Cooperative, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Collect+, ByBox
and Unipart. The seminars are organised by the
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport,
and the Freight Transport Association, with
something to help everyone run a slicker supply
chain.
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“Brian
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loadd aand
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groupage
upagg services, including Hazardous (ADR) goods,
for both import and export throughout the UK and Mainland Europe. For our customers, it’s all about
maximising load space and minimising road miles. With the high quality Krone mega dry box we not
only provide the optimum in load capacity but also have the flexibility to work the trailer safely and
securely for two distinct operations, 12 months of the year”
Kevin Hopper. Managing Director, Brian Yeardley Continental
Also new this year too is an Air Freight Seminar
Stream in association with The Loadstar, tackling
key trends and issues in the industry and focusing
on a new FTA report into UK air freight shippers’
needs.
Multimodal 2014 will also play host to industry
meetings including the Rail Freight Group,
Leaders in Supply Chain, CILT and Women
in Logistics.
Another fi rst this year will be the ELUPEG
meeting at Multimodal and all attendees are
invited. The theme is ‘Multimodal Transport
and Collaboration in the Supply Chain’ and
will feature speakers from the Stobart Group
and Ford with case studies from Boots and
Premier Foods. ELUPEG is the only European
organisation whose sole focus is the fostering of
logistics collaboration.
Krone Trailers UK, Peckfield Business Park,
Phoenix Avenue, Micklefield, LEEDS. LS 25 4DY
Tel: +44 (0)1132 878817 | Fax: +44 (0)1132 878819
www.krone-values.com | www.krone-trailer.com
Text: Cathal Doyle - [email protected]
www.doublecabin.ie
OGH ENTERPRISES
COMFORT
&
SAFETY
The double cabin system allows panel vans to have
a second row of three or even four seats installed,
accessible from existing side loading doors.
The highly-regarded crew van conversion from Dutch specialist
Snoeks Automotive, is successfully available in Ireland since 2002.
All conversions are approved by the National Standards
Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in accordance with latest EU
legislation. Kits can be ¿tted to both new and second-hand
vehicles.
OGH Enterprises is the foremost N1 commercial
conversion specialist in the 4x4 and car-van industry. We
work with all the major brands in Ireland, in conjunction
with the NSAI ensuring compliance with all local and
European rules and regulations.
We also offer a complete ¿t-out service for
all commercial vans, including ply-lining,
partitions, bespoke shelving, tow-bars,
roof fans and many other services.
Rock House, Baldonnell, Dublin 22
Tel: (01) 459 4777
Fax: (01) 459 4767
www.doublecabin.ie
Citroën Dispatch
Citroën Relay
Fiat Scudo
Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit
Ford Transit Custom
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Nissan Primastar
Renault Master
Renault Tra¿c
Toyota Proace
Opel Vivaro
Opel Movano
Volkswagen Transporter
Volkswagen Crafter
Important notice for commercial
vehicle owners and operators.
CVRT of Trailers – waiving of levy payable at the annual test.
The Road Safety Authority is waiving the levy on the annual trailer test with immediate effect
until 7th October 2014 as an exceptional measure. This initiative is designed to promote and
improve the roadworthiness condition of commercial vehicle trailers and encourage trailer
owners to bring trailers into the testing system.
If a trailer has already been tested since 7th October 2013, the levy will be waived at the next
annual test of the trailer concerned provided it is tested no later
than the relevant test due date.
Trailer owners must test their trailer annually.
For more information, visit www.CVRT.ie
24 | HEALTH MATTERS
Sleep Apnoea –
a Nightmare for Drivers
I
n this month’s column, Dr. Betty Maguire
highlights Sleep Apnoea, which is a serious
issue for professional drivers.
Sleep Apnoea, or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
is a serious condition in which airflow from
the nose and mouth is restricted during sleep,
resulting in pauses in breathing which can last
10 seconds or more, and can occur up to 400
times a night. As they don’t sleep properly lying
down at night, people who have this suffer from
various symptoms such as excessive daytime
sleepiness, heavy snoring at night, falling asleep
at inappropriate times, impaired concentration,
unrefreshed sleep, irritability/personality change,
and memory impairment.
For professional drivers, these symptoms are
potentially deadly. As driving is a skill which
incorporates many simultaneous activities by the
brain and requires full concentration, it is thought
that up to 20% of fatigue related accidents are
related to nocturnal sleep deprivation.
Of course daytime sleepiness may occur in
people without a sleep disorder, i.e. those who
take certain medications – some anti-allergic
medications, antidepressants, or sleeping pills,
but Obstructive Sleep Apnoea has been found
to be the most common reason for habitually
drowsy driving.
These drivers are as dangerous as those with
high blood alcohol levels, and cannot be caught
at Gardai Checkpoints, so the driver themselves
have to be aware of their sleepiness.
During investigations, it has been found that
drivers who were involved in major incidents had
stated that they had been fighting sleep when these
incidents happened and had noticed themselves
to be sleepy before the incident, but had failed to
appreciate that extreme sleepiness is accompanied
by a high likelihood of actually nodding off.
In these cases there is a ‘micro sleep’ of a few
seconds or so where the driver will have driven
up to 100 metres or so while sound asleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs most often in
moderately or severely obese persons who attempt
to sleep on their backs – 4% of men and 2% of
women are affected.
Obstruction of their breathing passages causes a
repeating cycle of sleep, snoring heavily, sudden
obstructive choking, then awakening with gasping.
Daytime drowsiness follows.
This problem is one of the sleep disorders
and can be diagnosed fairly quickly and
dealt with equally rapidly.
If a driver suspects they might have
Sleep Apnoea he/she should be assessed
as a matter of urgency, preferably by
a specialist, as there are immediate
measures which can be taken – there
is a nasal mask which can be applied
immediately and may eliminate
the apnoea, and improve daytime
alertness. Th is is known as the CPAP
or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
There are surgical treatments, which involve
widening the airways, and also nasal surgery.
There is the fairly drastic means of surgical weight
loss – this has been found to have a most dramatic
effect on sleep apnoea. However, some minor
behavioural changes such as sleeping on the side
rather than the back also helps.
As Body Mass Index correlates closely with
Obstructive Apnoea (and the professional driver
has a tendency to be overweight) a Canadian
Insurance company - who had details of driver’s
weights - found that there was 2 to 3 times the risk
of accidents with sleep apnoea in the overweight
driver.
It is important to assess the professional driver
carefully, as their livelihood is at stake. As there
is no good objective test to foretell sleepiness we
must rely on the driver’s own report of sleepiness,
their spouse’s assessment, any previous accidents
due to sleepiness, and an assessment of their own
att itude to the problem, including their stated
intention to avoid driving while drowsy (as well
as a medical examination).
All these factors were found to have improved in
the drivers who wore the CPAP.
In fact, in professional drivers, who require a
higher standard of fitness than those who only
drive for short distance, there is evidence that even
though there is some sleep apnoea in these drivers,
their accident rate is generally low. Bearing that in
mind, fear of losing their licenses should not inhibit
them from self reported episodes of sleepiness as
the problem might then go underground.
As obesity is the single most important factor in
causing obstruction in the upper airways, weight
reduction should immediately be attempted.
However, it is acknowledged that substantial
weight loss is difficult to achieve, hard to maintain
and takes a long time.
It is fi nally the driver who has to decide whether
or not to drive if he or she is sleepy. Some
responsibility also falls on the driver's General
Practitioner, and also those who are involved
in driver licensing. Greater awareness, rapid
diagnosis, and immediate treatment where
appropriate would seem to be the answer to this
problem.
As part of a study of
the mechanism of
accidents, a steering
simulator was used,
and this was found to
demonstrate impaired
steering ability with
increased wandering
around the road and
delayed responses to
distracting events. This
was found in persons
with sleep apnoea,
and was a result of
a combination of
increased sleepiness
and poor hand/eye
co-ordination.
Need a quote? 01 6714288
MIKE MURPHY
INSURANCE
or Log onto www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie TODAY!
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• Employers, Public & Carriers Liability • Single Truck Insurance & Fleet a Speciality!
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Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - [email protected]
The FUSO Finance credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance, which is a registered trading name of Bank of Ireland.
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fleetMaritime: IRISH SHIPPING & FREIGHT
MARITIME I | 27
Compiled by Howard Knott
Edited by Jarlath Sweeney
email: [email protected]
Volume 9, No. 2 Spring 2014
Stena acquires Celtic
Link ferry service
O
n 26 February the surprise news
came that Stena Line had acquired
the Celtic Link ferry service
running between the ports of
Rosslare Europort and Cherbourg. The Swedish
owned and managed ferry line, which is already
the dominant operator on the Irish Sea with ships
already operating up to 120 round trip sailings a
week out of four Irish Ports, expects to take over
operation of the service from 31 March.
Stena Line will continue to operate the ‘Celtic
Horizon’ which Celtic Link had taken on charter
from her Italian owners in 2011, on the all year
round three weekly trip operations. The vessel
was built by the Italian Visentini yard in 2006
and is a close sister of the ‘Stena Lagan’ and ‘Stena
Mersey’ that operate the Line’s Belfast-Birkenhead
route. The ‘Epsilon’, operated by Irish Ferries on its
Dublin/Cherbourg route is also a similar vessel.
Commenting on the service takeover, Stena Line’s
Chief Operating Officer, Michael McGrath said,
”This exciting investment represents an important
milestone for Stena Line as, for the first time in our
history, we will be able to offer a direct ferry link
between the Republic of Ireland and the Continent.
We believe we can bring significant added value to
the route with our wealth of industry experience and
award winning customer service standards which
we are confident will help to stimulate increased
traffic volumes in the future.” The new route will
also be Stena Line’s first operation in the English
Channel for a number of years. Up to now the
Western Channel routes have been dominated by
Brittany Ferries and LD Lines/DFDS.
Celtic Link Ferries commenced operations in 2005
chartering the Ro-Ro ferry ‘European Diplomat’
from P & O, which had, up to its rationalisation
of services that year, operated on the Rosslare/
France route. While the P & O operation was very
freight focussed, Celtic Link sought to develop
the passenger related business in the Falklands
War veteran vessel, now re-named ‘Diplomat’. In
2008 LD Lines brought its brand new ‘Norman
Voyager’ to open a rival service out of Rosslare
but, in 2009 withdrew, chartering the vessel to
Celtic Link and entering into an arrangement
to market the passenger services in France. The
‘Diplomat’ was retired
and the small Celtic Link
team continued to build
up traffic levels on the
route, its schedules and
those of Irish Ferries
giving Irish exporters a
six day a week service exRosslare. The “Norman
Voyager’ reverted to LD
Lines in 2011 to operate
on routes in the Western
English Channel, though
it has recently been
chartered to Brittany
Ferries to operate its
‘economie’ ser vice
linking Portsmouth
and Santander. As it
left Rosslare the ‘Celtic
Horizon’ arrived to take
up the sailings.
Stena Line continues to
operate its twice daily
Rosslare/Fishguard
service and Ian Davies,
whose duties as Route
Manager, Irish Sea South
now includes taking care
of the new service, on talking about the takeover
of the Cherbourg service said, “The acquisition
of the Rosslare-Cherbourg route is a key strategic
investment for Stena Line and one that will
help stimulate and strengthen new and exciting
opportunities for trade and tourism between
Ireland, France and beyond. With confidence in
the Irish economy strengthening, we see positive
long term growth in tourist and freight traffic from
the Continent as a real opportunity to strengthen
this economic growth further.”
Stena Line has confirmed its operation of the HSS
‘Stena Explorer’ on the Dun Laoghaire/Holyhead
route for the summer period running from 9 April
through to 9 September, on a one round trip daily
basis.
Stena Line, when taking over the Sealink Ferry
operations acquired ownership of the one time
railway owned Ports of Fishguard and Holyhead.
The Port of Rosslare, like Fishguard, was developed
and is owned by the Fishguard & Rosslare Railways
and Harbour Company but it is operated by Iarnrod
Eireann.
Stena Line has also been reported as embarking
on a major cost reduction exercise seeking to cut
£10 million from maintenance and crewing costs
during 2014 on its Irish Sea Services. All vessel
maintenance will be undertaken at the Stena owned
Northern Marine company based in Clydebank
while salary costs will also be targeted.
Locally, in County Wexford, there is some sadness
at Celtic Link Ferries being taken over as there
has been strong identification with the company
operating in a tough market throughout the
recession.
E [email protected]
T 0044 28 87784949
www.derrybros.com
FREIGHT FERRY SERVICES
FLEETMARITIME | SPRING 2014
28 | MARITIME II
Europeanised Container Tracing
hile large ocean shippers can get
information about where their
containers are on the high seas or
elsewhere in their supply chains through Electronic
Data Interface (EDI) with their ocean carriers, small
shippers who don’t have EDI are often left in the
dark. Particularly in cases where the containers are
travelling from goods manufacturer through to final
customer using a number of transport modes and
where the containers may have to make a number
of connections en-route between ocean and feeder
carriers this can be a serious issue. Irish exporters
tend to be particularly exposed in this area.
W
key events in a shipper’s supply chain should trigger
transmission of data.
That may be changing now that INTTRA, the multicarrier e-portal, has teamed up with the information
standards group GS1 to develop and implement
guidelines and standards for the exchange of data
on the whereabouts of container shipments.
Shippers in the workshop had the opportunity to
tell carriers what they needed to know and when,
depending on where their containers are based,
and carriers gained a better understanding of how
and when to provide that data.
INTTRA, which provides electronics booking
services for 52 ocean carriers and non-vesseloperating common carriers, has been working
on the guidelines for nine months in a workshop
with GS1 in the U.S., whose data standards are
already in use by more than 300,000 businesses
in 25 industries.
Sandra Moran, INTTRA’s Chief Marketing
Officer, said in an interview, “A lot of people are
talking about improving supply chain visibility,
but we have a blueprint for the underlying data to
make improvements possible, and everyone will
benefit from the foundation work done by this
organization.”
Last summer INTTRA and some of its carriers
and large freight forwarders joined with shippers
in the GS1 U.S. Logistics Workgroup to develop
data guidelines and standards. “We got all the
people who want the data together in the same
room with the people they were asking to provide
the data,” Sandra added. “That created a very clear
picture of the people who were requesting the
information and the people who were providing
the information.”
The problem facing the working group that
developed the guidelines was that the data provided
by Ocean Shipping Lines and Charterers of
Shipping Space on the whereabouts of shippers’
containers comes in a wide variety of formats.
Shippers may need the data in formats different
to what carriers provide or may not be able to
read that data.
The container industry already had somewhat vague
guidelines for data, but because they were not clear
and there were no standards for the way data should
be exchanged, this creates barriers for the way the
container industry can deliver and exchange data.
In addition, there were no clear standards for when
The workshop produced standards for electronic
data exchange in the container industry. They
will be published in the next three months and
incorporated in the North American standards
published by the American National Standards
Institute.
The new standards are likely to prove very popular
with shippers. A survey of 149 companies with
global supply chains found that 63 percent of
respondents rate supply chain visibility as a high
priority for improvement. Another 45 percent said
the key driver for improving visibility is addressing
the operational pressures of growing their global
operations and their complexity.
Irish Continental Group’s positive outlook
I
n the course of reporting
its 2013 figures the Irish
Continental Group (ICG)
takes a very positive view of 2014
and all aspects of the company’s
trading during the year. It sees
positive economic growth in the
Irish and UK economies while fuel
costs are likely to remain stable
through the period. The SECA
implementation at 1 January 2015
will have a significant adverse
effect on the company’s Lo-Lo
business but, as most of the Ferry
activity is in the Irish Sea, will not
affect that area.
Ro-Ro freight is now growing rapidly for the
company with 205,300 units carried in 2013,
which was an increase of 11.8% on the previous
year, but carryings for the fi rst two months of
2014 were up by a further 18% on the same
period in 2013. These figures could not have
been achieved without the addition of the
“Epsilon” to the fleet.
On the Lo-Lo container business
the company operated five
chartered vessels in 2013, serving
six ports and carrying a mix of door
to door freight and feeder traffic.
The latter business, accounting
for 46% of this activity, carries
containers on behalf of deep-sea
lines to and from their hub ports.
Overall, 2013 volumes were up by
10.4% over 2012 at 279,200 TEU
and the line expects a further
increase of over 3% for 2014. ICG
also operates container terminals
in Dublin and Belfast ports. The
Dublin Ferryport Terminal (DFT) has a design
capacity of 260,000 lift s annually and a 2013
throughput of just over half that amount. It
is the largest container terminal in Ireland.
The Belfast Container Terminal with a design
E [email protected]
T 0044 28 87784949
www.derrybros.com
IRISH SEA ROUTES
MARITIME III | 29
SECA Area
A
ll ships transiting the North Sea and
English Channel SECA (Sulphur
Emission Control Area) area will be
required to use fuel with a sulphur content
of 0.1% Marine Gas Oil (MGO) which is
significantly more expensive than fuel with
sulphur content of 1%. Based on the current
demand and supply patterns of MGO the price
differential is approx US $300 per tonne or
50% more expensive than heavy fuel oil with
1% sulphur content.
There are issues surrounding the availability of
sufficient quantities of MGO from 1 January 2015
and the availability of refining capacity to meet the
demand. As in all supply and demand situations
this may lead to an increase in the price spread
over the current level, so it is difficult to estimate
the exact degree of increased costs.
When this change is implemented it will lead to
significant increases in the fuel costs for shipping
lines, who will have to recover these increased
costs from importers and exporters via surcharges
on freight rates for the cargo, no matter whether
shipped in containers, trailers or in bulk. Similar
“low emission” policies currently operate in Baltic
waters and it is instructive to look at the Stena Line
Freight website to see the surcharging already in
operation: htt p://www.stenalinefreight.com/
ferry/bunker-surcharge/. The increased costs are
a direct consequence of EU Policy to deliver on
Environmental Objectives. While, up to recently,
there was optimism in some quarters that the
full implementation of the new rules would be
deferred to allow carriers take remedial action to
either “clean” their emissions from existing fuels
and power plants by installing “scrubbers”, or by
re-engining vessels to use LNG or alternative
fuels, it is now clear that there will be no delay.
The US has already put similar controls into
force off its coastlines and those in the Mexican
Gulf while other countries are in the process of
doing likewise.
By 2020 a similar emissions control regime will be
in operation in all EU waters but, in the meantime
vessels operating in the Irish Sea can continue as
before. However, there is a practical difficulty for
ship operators where a voyage takes place partly
within the SECA area and partly outside. As most
vessels only have one main fuel tank, then MGO
will have to be used throughout the voyage.
As a part of the ‘Weastflows’ project work the
Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has taken
part in a number of discussions of SECA and its
implications for freight flows in NW Europe. A
lot of work is being done by Shipyards and Lines
to enable vessels to operate with new fuels such
as LNG or hydrogen or to install “Scrubbers”
to clean Heavy Fuel Oil to enable its continued
use. Brittany Ferries is not only fitting its recently
ordered Super Ferry with LNG powered engines,
but is also starting on a programme of re-engining
some of its newer ferries with similar power
plants. DFDS Ferries, has, so far, chosen to go
the “Scrubber” route. It is installing the new
equipment in the funnels of its larger ferries
operating on North Sea routes at a cost estimated
to be about €10 million per vessel.
with the mainland and elsewhere has put its fi rst
hybrid, MDO/battery power vessel into service.
Early experience with the vessel shows that the
batteries can be charged overnight while berthed
at the offshore island using locally generated wind
power, and that the vessel can operate for much
of the day without recourse to the diesel engine.
Newer battery technology just introduced in
Norway gives lighter, smaller batteries, which
can be significantly charged in ten minutes,
less than the time that it would take a vessel to
discharge and load.
While companies such as those mentioned report
good progress in meeting the SECA targets, the
fleets that they own are only a small fraction of
the vessels carrying cargo in European waters.
More than half of the ferries operated by European
Lines and almost all feeder and short-sea container
vessels are chartered, some for very short periods.
It has become clear that the owners of such vessels
will not install any new technology but will accept
that their vessels will have to run on Marine diesel.
The same could be said for bulk carriers.
In Scotland, Calmac, who operates most of the
domestic ferry network linking the Western Isles
New vessel
emissions rules
will hike costs for
Irish exporters
F
rom 1 January 2015 all vessels operating in the main NW
European waters will be required to burn low sulphur
fuel with sulphur content of 0.1%. Th is will have a major
impact on the cost of importing and exporting between Ireland
and Continental Europe as well as between Ireland and most
other countries.
capacity of 50,000 units operated 34,000 lift s in 2013. It is the intention of
Belfast harbour Commissioners to consolidate the two existing container
terminals in Belfast into one location at Victoria Terminal 3. ICG has
submitted an outline proposal to operate the consolidated terminal and
expects the fi nal decision on the tender process there to be made before
the end of 2014.
In October 2008, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
adopted a set of amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL
Convention, which strengthened the requirements on the permitted
sulphur levels in ship fuels. As a result of these amendments in ‘Sulphur
Emission Control Areas’ (SECAs) the maximum sulphur limit will
be reduced from 1% to 0.1% from 1 January 2015.
E [email protected]
T 0044 28 87784949
www.derrybros.com
EUROPEAN ROUTES
30 | MARITIME IV
SEA SHORTS
The LD Lines ferry service operating from Gijon
and St. Nazaire to Rosslare became a victim of
the almost eleven weeks of storms that swept
through the Bay of Biscay which had commenced
in mid-December. All services operating through
Biscay suffered huge delays and vessels had no
opportunity to make up time even by cutt ing
port calls. The company will re-start the Rosslare
service on 16 June.
Transport & Tourism Minister, Leo Varadkar,
T.D., (pictured) speaking at a local tourism
seminar, expects the heads of the Parliamentary
Bill that will facilitate the transfer of the Dun
Laoghaire Harbour Company from its current
status as an independent State Company to being
a part of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County
Council setup, to be in the Dail by Easter. The
planned schedule for the transfer would see the
harbour coming fully under local Authority
control by the end of 2015, or, latest, early 2016.
He went on to say that one of the advantages of
the new status would be that the harbour could
then be in a position to seek State funding for
certain development projects.
Iarnród Éireann has reported an increase in
rail freight volumes across the Irish network
by 4% during 2013. Some 600,000 tonnes of
freight were carried and total tonne-kilometres
exceeded 100 million. The Semi-State company
anticipates further strong growth through 2014.
Current freight transport projects underway
include a full study of the Foynes Port to Limerick
line linking the County Limerick Port into the
national TEN-T network.
Volvo Cars Ireland has taken on sponsorship of
Cork Week. Cork Week is the major yacht racing
event on the South Coast att racting entries from
far and wide. It is run every second July and
alternates with the more recently established
Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatt a. Volvo use a
wide range of sailing related sponsorships as
part of the marketing mix for both the Truck
and Bus and the car brand, the latter of course,
now Chinese owned.
In the course of an announcement of a reduction
of light dues, the charge that vessels must pay
to fund the provision of Navigational Aids in
British and Irish waters, UK Shipping Minister,
Stephen Hammond, M.P. said that the on-going
dispute about funding the Commissioners of
Irish Lights was close to being resolved. InterGovernment discussions have taken place with
a view to placing the activities of the Irish Body
on a self-funding basis. Fees being charged in
these waters are reduced by 2.5%, remaining
unchanged since 2010.
afternoon sailing from Belfast instead of an early
Tuesday morning sailing ex-Birkenhead. This will
give better connectivity for Irish exporters to the
British Midlands. On the Dublin – Holyhead
service the evening, 21.15hrs sailing from Dublin
will now leave 45 minutes earlier, at 20.30hrs.
Explaining the change, Richard Horswill, Stena
Line’s Head of Freight UK & Ireland said, “the
key benefit for our freight customers will be the
arrival of the Stena Adventurer at Holyhead,
45 minutes earlier at 00.01hrs which will be a
great advantage and benefit for our customers
with early morning time sensitive deliveries. It
will also improve the journey times for those
customers making landbridge connections”.
The Transport and Tourism (TRA N) Committee
of the European Parliament has stipulated
that longer vehicles, regardless of whether they
transport 45ft containers used in deep-sea or
short-sea operations, should be prohibited from
travelling further than 150km from the Port
of unloading. The European Commission had
previously proposed that 15m trailers carrying
45ft containers used in short-sea shipping should
travel freely within the Community. The new
restrictions, if confirmed by the European
Parliament in April, will cause significant
difficulties even in Ireland where distances
from Shippers/receivers to ports are relatively
short.
Following extensive discussions with freight
customers, in particular, on its Irish Sea routes,
Stena Line has made some schedule changes.
On the Belfast to Birkenhead route the weekly
rotation of four round trip sailings with the ‘Stena
Hibernia’ will now commence with a Monday
Foynes
Irish Lights
E [email protected]
T 0044 28 87784949
www.derrybros.com
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32 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 13) / SAFETY MATTERS
Country
Currency
95 Lead Free
98 Lead Free
Diesel
Country
Currency
95 Lead Free
98 Lead Free
Diesel
Albania
ALL
188.00
-
186.00
Lithuania
LTL
4.63
4.74
4.53
Andorra
EUR
1.249
1.307
1.137
Luxemburg
EUR
1.273
1.314
1.166
Austria
EUR
1.344
1.485
1.320
Macedonia
MKD
78.50
80.00
68.00
Belarus
EUR
0.701
-
0.708
Moldova
MDL
18.47
18.87
17.67
Belgium
EUR
1.578
1.619
1.413
Montenegro
EUR
1.350
1.380
1.270
Bosnia-Herzegovina
BAM
2.35
2.50
2.40
Netherlands
EUR
1.751
1.819
1.471
Bulgaria
BGN
2.51
2.69
2.55
Norway
NOK
15.34
16.09
14.15
Croatia
HRK
10.44
10.70
9.84
Poland
PLN
5.32
5.59
5.34
Czech Republic
CZK
35.33
-
35.32
Portugal
EUR
1.584
1.700
1.373
Denmark
DKK
11.97
12.37
10.59
Romania
RON
5.77
6.47
5.81
Estonia
EUR
1.284
1.324
1.274
Russia
RUB
33.68
-
33.71
Finland
EUR
1.584
1.639
1.490
Serbia
RSD
151.40
-
153.90
France
EUR
1.526
1.564
1.318
Slovakia
EUR
1.432
-
1.353
Georgia
GEL
2.15
2.22
2.17
Slovenia
EUR
1.451
1.475
1.351
Germany
EUR
1.482
1.565
1.356
Spain
EUR
1.382
1.501
1.317
Greece
EUR
1.633
1.797
1.328
Sweden
SEK
14.38
14.88
14.22
Hungary
HUF
407.00
-
426.00
Switzerland
CHF
1.715
1.752
1.812
Ireland
EUR
1.529
-
1.469
Turkey
TRY
5.04
5.17
4.41
Italy
EUR
1.762
1.899
1.666
Ukraine
UAH
12.10
14.20
11.50
Kosovo
EUR
1.20
-
1.19
UK
GBP
1.294
1.384
1.364
Latvia
EUR
1.308
1.350
1.285
USA
USD
-
-
1.058
Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . .
FREE advice on how to manage
vehicle risks at work!
T
he Health & Safety Authority has published
its 2014 programme of work, which gives
details of its priorities, initiatives and
inspection numbers for the year.
One of the Authority’s main priorities is to reduce
the high level of deaths involving vehicles in the
workplace. Almost half of fatal accidents at work
involve a vehicle.
HAULAGE
INSURANCE
• Comprehensive Motor Fleet
• Carriers Liability
• Trailer Cover - Attached | Detached
• Employers Liability & Public Liability
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EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
Talk
to Us
053 9155 600
www.wrightcover.ie
Wright Group Brokers t/a Wright Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
“It is important to recognise the difficulties facing
all businesses. The collaborative approach adopted
by the Authority, using targeted inspections and
compliance tools, is designed to encourage buy-in
from all stakeholders as part of good sustainable
business practices,” stated Richard Bruton, T.D.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.
Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the Health & Safety
Authority said a sustained reduction in workplace
accidents cannot be achieved by enforcement activity
alone. “We believe that behavioural change is the
key to achieving year-on-year low accident rates in all
sectors. It’s not about restrictive work practices and
increased costs, good health and safety performance
is actually the opposite.”
Copies of the Programme of Work - 2014 can be
downloaded from www.hsa.ie.
Employers need to familiarise themselves with the
risks that their employees face and create when using
vehicles for work or when working in the vicinity
of moving vehicles. Th is applies equally to the
workplace and to the public road. Employers have a
legal duty to effectively manage the risks and prevent
avoidable harm at work. Vehicle manoeuvres and
reversing continue to be the main activities involved
in vehicle deaths in the workplace.
To help Employers and Duty Holders get to grips
with Work Related Vehicle Risk Management, a suite
of five (5) instructional Videos will go live on the
HSA website in April 2014, at http://vehiclesatwork.
ie/dealing with:
Download the new FREE factsheets on forklift s,
pedestrians and deliveries at: htt p://www.hsa.
ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/
Information_Sheets/
• Falls from Vehicles
• Forklift Pre-Checks
• Forklift Safety
• Pedestrian Safety
• Reversing Safety
HARRIS TRUCK CENTRE
Quality Used Commercial Vehicles
2012 MAN 440 XXL 6x2
2009 Hino SH 700 Series
2011 Mercedes-Benz Axor 2543 6x2
2008 Volvo FM Globetrotters 440 6x2
2013 Iveco Stralis 4x2 (Unused)
07/08 Scania R480 Highline 6x2
Naas Road, Dublin 12. Tel: 01-4564747 Fax: 01-4194515
Visit our website: www.harrisusedvehicles.ie
REVIEW I | 35
GREEN is good at
SEAI Energy Show
T
he 2014 edition of The Energy Show 2014 organised by the
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) once again
att racted a healthy stream of visitors to the two day event
at the RDS in Dublin. The annual event for businesses in the Irish
energy sector showcased the latest developments in sustainable
energy products and services. Among the exhibitors were a number of
representatives from the passenger and commercial vehicle markets.
Fleet Transport caught up with some of those present.
ESB ecars
Showcasing two of the latest generation of electric cars, the ESB ecars stand
had examples of BMW’s i3 which launched in Ireland at the end of last year,
and the Renault Zoe which we can expect to see by early summer.
Bord Gais Networks
The gas company had a Volkswagen Caddy Ecofuel on stand. The Natural
Gas (CNG) powered van has a range of approximately 440km on gas power,
with a reserve petrol tank extending the range to about 570km. CNG fi lling
stations remain a problem, with currently only one in Dublin and one in
Cork operational. Bord Gais Networks is applying to the Commission for
Energy Regulation (CER) for funding to establish more stations, and is
also in talks with fi lling stations to that end. David Hanahoe from Bord
Gais Networks and John Kearney from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Ireland were on hand to meet and greet.
Mitsubishi
The Outlander PHEV, a Plug-in Hybrid SUV combines a pair of lithiumion powered electric motors each developing 80bhp with a 2.0 litre petrol
engine to produce a vehicle with CO2 emissions as low as 44g/km explained
Eimear Dillon. In pure EV mode it can cruise for 52km, and has a total
range of 824km. Fuel consumption can be as low as 1.9l/100km (148mpg).
It’s expected to cost under €45,000 when it goes on sale here in May.
Nissan
Fuso
The Japanese truck manufacturer showed the Canter EcoHybrid, which
combines a 3-litre diesel engine with an electric motor with a power
output of 40kW/200Nm powered by a 2kWh lithium-ion battery. The
hybrid drive saves energy under braking and in conjunctions with stop/
start technology can enable fuel savings of up to 23%.
Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - [email protected]
One of the highlights of the show was the presence of the all-new eNV200
passenger and panel van, making its fi rst public appearance on Irish soil.
The all-electric van which will go on sale here in the summer uses the
battery technology from the Leaf passenger car and comes with a range
of approximately 170km. Prices have yet to be fi nalised, but expect it to
cost in the region of €23,000. Also on display was the Leaf which has seen
a surge in registrations so far in 2014, with 65 units sold in the fi rst two
months of the year.
www.fleet.ie
36 | REVIEW II
84th Geneva Motor Show 2014 –
Palexpo – Geneva, Switzerland
Nissan eNV200
RA M
Cited by the Japanese brand as a ‘game changer’, the all-electric eNV200
combines the best of the Nissan Leaf and the standard NV200 van in one
package. In developing the zero-emission as a practical and sustainable city
delivery vehicle, the new distinctive styling uses 30% new components over
the existing NV200. Produced in Barcelona for global markets (with the
battery pack supplied from the Nissan plant in Sunderland) the eNV200
offers a driving range of up to 170 km and a 120 kp/h maximum speed.
Now here’s a Pick-up truck of note! And it’s economical too! The 2014
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is now fitted with a smaller combustion 3.0 litre
EcoDiesel V6 that produces 240 hp and delivers up to 28 mpg. Sourced
by Chrysler from new owners the Fiat VM Motori, the new entry level
engine version is said to att ract up to one-third of its customers in this
field. Surprisingly, the new power plant will cost an estimated $2,880
more than the 5.7 litre Hemi V8 petrol fitted in the range.
Unlike the Kangoo EV from Alliance partner Renault, the eNV200 has
quick charge capability (0-80% in 30 minutes). eNV200 will be sold as a
panel van, 5-seater Combi and Evalia luxury people carrier.
Currently a number of blue chip companies are undertaking real-world
tests such as FedEx, Coca-Cola, DHL and British Gas. High demand is
also expected from the Taxi industry as a specific version also has been
developed for cities around the world.
Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack & Caddy BlueMotion
Two commercial vehicles from Volkswagen caught the eye on the German
conglomerate’s large stand. Multivan Alltrack, that ‘does what it says on
the tin,’ is a multi-purpose vehicle concept for all terrains. Featuring
4MOTION all-wheel-drive technology and a mobile kitchen unit, this
Multivan prototype can be taken anywhere, anytime. Th is portable unit
can be located either on the left side of the vehicle and behind the seats.
SsangYong Korando
Renowned automotive styling specialist Giugiaro has given the award
winning Korando a facelift for model year 2014. The Italian design house’s
creativity sees the prominent grille transformed to being much slimmer
and now in black mesh. The headlamps that incorporate LED daytime
running lights are now wider, with low level air intakes.
Inside, a serious makeover has gone on here too with comfort levels
improved and better quality fi nish all round. For example, the dashboard
has been redesigned, with natural matt wood grain inserts on the dash.
Storage space has been increased and a tray added to secure the mobile
phone and hold sunglasses.
Along with a cooling box, the unit also contains a gas cooker and sink
with a fresh water tank. Its drivetrain consists of a 2.0 litre 180 PS TDI
diesel, with the transfer of power to its axles through Haldex multi-plate
coupling. Multivan Alltrack will probably make it into production in due
course, such was the positive reaction received in Geneva. Alongside it, the
Caddy BlueMotion TDI boasts a meagre 119g CO2/km, and is claimed
to deliver 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Callaghan Forklifts Ltd
Sales - Service – Hire
COLM BURNS
Commercials Ltd.
Callaghan Forklifts Ltd., provide the full range
of Toyota Material Handling Products, also
hydraulic attachments, fork extensions etc.
We also stock used trucks, which are available
for Short and Long term Hire. Our service
technicians are fully trained by Toyota and
Operate a Same Day Service for Breakdown
Repairs with fully equipped service vans.
Callaghan forklifts Ltd., operate a
Comprehensively Stocked Parts Department with
overnight deliveries from Toyota Ireland.
Drum¿n, Co. Sligo
Phone: 07191 27207
Mobile: 087 2799772
Website: www.callaghanforklifts.com
“Experience the 2014 Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Vehicle Range at
Colm Burns Commercials,
call now to arrange a Test Drive.”
Colm Burns Commercials Ltd.
Dublin Road, Ballisadare, Co. Sligo.
Tel: 071 916 0986
Fax: 071 916 1889
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cbc.ie
Pearse Road Tyre Services
Cleveragh Business Park, Sligo.
MIDLAND TRUCK & TRAILER SPARES
AND GENERAL MOTORFACTORS
Unit A8/9 Greenogue Sq., Greenogue Ind. Est., Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.
Phone: 01 4588266, After Hours: 087 6286849
Our policy is, if we have’nt got it ..... We’ll get it!!
Mullen & McLoughlin
Auto Repairs
Your one stop shop for all your
tyre service needs in the region
Tel: 071 - 9174042 Mobile: 087 - 2541824
Ballinode, Sligo.
Phone: 071 91 50808 Fax: 071 91 69427
email: [email protected]
www.mullenandmcloughlinautorepairs.town.ie
38 | PROFILE
Sligo Haulage & Distribution Ltd
Ireland’s top Regional Transport Operator
D
uring our booming economic
period, transport companies were
so busy that few took the time to
continually work on their business
while working hard in their business day-today. One particular operator based in the
North West remained conscious of this fact
and consequently was able to come out of the
recession stronger than ever. Sligo Haulage
& Distribution headed up by Stephen Mullen
kept abreast on all aspects of the multi-faceted
elements that make up a road haulage and
distribution, making improvements as deemed
necessary.
The collective efforts of Stephen and his staff have
not gone unnoticed as in recent years numerous
awards have made their way to Tubbercurry,
County Sligo, not least a Civic Reception hosted
by Sligo County Council, a fi rst for a company
in the industry to be recognised in this manner.
Stephen and his family can be justifiably proud
of this honour along with the other accolades,
such as three time prize-winner of the Fleet
Transport Awards in the Best Regional Haulier
category. The Health & Safety Authority (HSA)
has taken notice of the way Stephen runs his
business, from daily work safety procedures to
vehicle maintenance and adherence to various
acts of legislation. Currently, a case study on
Sligo Haulage & Distribution undertaken by
the HSA is near completion, which will be used
as a bromide for other companies to follow. Not
afraid to implement change, Stephen said he looks
forward to hearing from the HSA audit and will
follow any recommendations.
Sligo Haulage & Distribution was established
in 1998 by Stephen Mullen, having served his
Apprenticeship with another renowned West of
Ireland haulier, John McGarry based in Sligo.
Today over 30 staff are employed in various
roles which primarily ensures that the 16 strong
commercial vehicle fleet (+28 trailers) are kept
on the road and running. The company operates
out of a 24,000 sq. ft. warehouse at the Industrial
Estate in Tubbercurry from where haulage and
distribution services are provided in counties
Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford.
Included in that portfolio is container haulage and
groupage distribution. Th is facility also houses
the North West depot for TNT Express. A special
overnight service for local customers with overseas
branches is also provided. Being local or regional
has been the key to continuous success for Sligo
Haulage and the numerous awards have helped
too, according to Stephen. “Many companies have
approached us to cater for their specific needs
having been recognised as a high quality service
provider in our area.”
Keith, Gareth and Stephen Mullen
PROFILE | 39
In describing his company as the best national
transport operator in the North West, Stephen
smiled and remarked that he does indeed market
his company nationwide and finds that networking
within the industry remains to be one of the most
profitable ways to advertise in the haulage business.
As a hands-on operator, Stephen continually works
on the business relationship with customers, while
also looking to broaden his customer base.
Recent investment in upgrading the warehousing
facility is reaping rewards following enquiries from
blue-chip companies seeking storage solutions
in the area. Dovetailing that development is
achieving new business from existing customers.
Increasing operating and running costs are
the biggest obstacles and challenges to their
profitability and Stephen, as a member of the
Irish Road Haulage Association, was one of the
campaigners in the successful lobbying of the
Government to introduce an Essential Fuel User
Rebate in 2011. While the maximum amount
repayable does not reach the 7.5 cent per litre
agreed, and although some of Stephen’s vehicles
which are below the 7.5 tonne threshold do not
qualify for the reimbursement, every litre of fuel
consumed throughout the fleet, therefore, is
closely monitored.
Stephen is particularly pleased with the returns
from the three new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
3.5 tonne vans purchased recently from Burns
Commercials (Sligo). Likewise, a close eye
will be kept on the two new Euro 6 DAF XF
tractor-units to extract the maximum efficiency
from his mixed line-up of vehicles from Volvo,
Scania, DAF & Mercedes-Benz. Stephen realises
that investing in a telematics system will pay
dividends and assist with maintenance schedules.
Two new Montracon Skeletal trailers are on
their way too, fitted with BPW axles and drum
brakes, components that Stephen insists on for
their reliability and durability. On that subject of
repairs and maintenance, Stephen outsources this
element and it is working well, with preventative
maintenance one of Stephen’s philosophies; this
will no doubt feature in the HSA’s Case Study
Report. Stephen supports the Road Safety
Authority’s clamp down on rogue operators
through its Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness
Roadside Checks. On the Driver CPC, Stephen
feels that it has brought change in how the
transport industry is perceived and helps drivers
better understand new legislation. “Overall,
the Driver CPC has been a progressive step,”
he stated.
When purchasing new vehicles, Stephen not only
looks at the fuel economy figures but also the driver
comforts and safety items fitted. “These items are
essential as they cut down on driver fatigue and
support our safe driving policy,” he said. Price too
is an important aspect, as Stephen considers the
vehicles as investments in his business and this
takes in the residual value of the brand after their
fi rst life is done. How the vehicle looks and is
presented on the road is the X-factor for Stephen.
The vibrant yellow coloured livery expresses
a presence, an energy and the professionalism
that the company portrays. Truck enthusiasts
will admire the way the trucks and vans (which
don white colour scheme) are immaculately kept
day in, day out. Therefore it is no surprise that
the industry recognises and acknowledges good
practice in this way.
Conscious of the fact that he won’t be running
the business forever, Stephen has laid down the
foundations for one of his two sons to take over
the mantle. Currently Gareth (21) is studying
a Business Degree at Sligo IT and works in the
fi rm whenever he can. Keith (18) can also be
seen busy around the yard. Both Gareth and
Keith turn their hands to many tasks within the
business be it from washing down the vehicles, to
carrying out a special delivery in one of the vans
over in the UK. Th is augurs well for the future of
the business and ensures that the hard work and
commitment that Stephen Mullen has put into
the business will continue.
TESTIMONIALS
“Abbott Nutrition Supply Chain has been
using Sligo Haulage for a number of years
now and we have found them to be a very
reliable company to deal with. Management,
staff and all drivers are always helpful and
cooperative even during out of office hours
and weekends. A ‘CAN DO’ company,
with nothing too much trouble and always
able to provide. Sligo Haulage is a reliable
and above satisfactory service in all areas.
The business process here at Ballytivnan
sometimes requires a next day delivery of
pallets to overseas customers and again Sligo
Haulage pulls out the stops to ensure our
deadlines are met. Any recommendation
cannot be too high for Stephen and his
dedicated team.”
Tommy Kennedy – Team Manager, Abbott ,
Ballytivnan
“Sligo Haulage has provided a top-class
service to Dulux Paints Ireland for the past
10 years. As a manufacturing company and
a market leader in our industry, one of our
competitive advantages is our ability to attain
next day delivery on our orders throughout
the island of Ireland. Without the assistance
of our third party logistics providers and in
particular Sligo Haulage, we would not be in
a position to meet this level.”
Ernest Dover – Planning & Logistics Director
– Dulux Paints Ireland
“I would recommend Sligo Haulage to other
businesses and indeed have done so in the
past as Sligo Haulage are our standard bearers
for our business and have excelled always in
delivering 100% service to all our customers
past and present.”
Niall McKenna – Boyne Valley
“The professionalism of the office staff and
management was at all times evident, I
witnessed customer relations in practice and
was impressed by the effort made to meet all
customer needs. At training courses, the
drivers asked intelligent questions and made
every effort to learn, courteous office staff
also gave me every assistance. Mr. Mullen’s
business philosophy and high standards are
apparent in all aspects of this road transport
business. I would recommend this company
without reservation.”
Robert Whoriskey – Owner, Scitrans
www.fleet.ie
40 | FINANCE
Internal Audit
M
ost transport firms associate the
work audit with the annual check
that their accountant performs.
Actually, a non audit preparation
of accounts for most transport firms is now not
necessary. The second reference to an audit
relates to the dreaded Revenue Audit where
normally the company has the opportunity
of disclosure (to review actions done and
explain these actions to Revenue pre a full
audit). If a full audit is deemed appropriate, or
if Revenue requires same, please remember that
the Revenue Commissioners come with two very
important elements in their armament. One is
usually information on the business from other
sources and the second is a detailed analysis
of the business sector based on information
compiled from other audits.
While preparing the annual accounts, the
Accountant will send out a junior to review
ad-hoc invoices, perhaps check road tax details
against the fi xed asset register and quickly return
to his/her office. Reviews of diesel records, drivers
wages and expenses, or general maintenance costs
are seldom reviewed in any detail. A brief stroll
around the yard at lunchtime or being observant
to spot check the fleet on the road are exercises
rarely carried out by juniors who are usually under
work and exam pressure.
An internal audit is where one asks an unbiased
third party (usually an accountant) to review
the business and internal processes. They will
look at compliance issues, the cost structures of
the business, internal controls in place and give
a comprehensive analysis of fi ndings.
It is vitally important to get an individual that has
knowledge and expertise in the specific sector
you deal in. As approximately 50% of controls
are the same in all businesses, it's the remaining
50% of controls that need an individual with
the know-how to review and benchmark these
against the norm.
A genuine question raised is why a company needs
an internal audit, as no doubt it adds cost to the
business. The simple answer is that internal audits,
reap rewards even in the best managed businesses,
and while the owner's view of the business may
be accurate, sometimes the nearer one is to the
business the more difficult to see the
‘wood from the trees’.
An internal audit may disclose practices
that may be incorrect, it possibly will
highlight work practices and cost centres
that management was never made aware
of. The auditor will check internal
control mechanisms so that proper
control systems are in place to verify
and monitor key revenue streams from
accurate, timely and comprehensive
sales invoicing to proper debt control
and also the monitoring and costing
of business purchases.
Also an internal audit may highlight
inadequate control over purchasing
systems and payment to suppliers. How
are all receipts of purchases checked? A
prime example is who actually monitors
price and volumes received for bulk
diesel purchased? The two biggest cost
headings in transport are diesel and
wages. What system monitors drivers
and staff hours, expenses drawn and also
holidays and sick days drawn? How is overtime
monitored, controlled and signed off ?
Many in-house vehicle maintenance workshops
have little or no internal controls compared to third
party workshops. Not only is the allocation of parts
to specific jobs and individual asset items but also
a comprehensive review of labour and overhead
expenses to specific jobs is required. A poorly
managed unproductive internal workshop is far
more costly than external maintenance that is fully
controlled and monitored. A big issue in routine
service costs is the time and expense to take
vehicle units to main dealers, and the inflexibility
of main dealers to work during vehicle downtime.
Because of the technical complexity of modern
plant and warranty requirements it may be feasible
from a control and cost perspective for main
dealer personnel to operate from the workshop
on prescheduled service and on warranty items.
In relation to workshop costs what portion is
routine maintenance? What element is repair?
What element and cost relates to driver damage
and abuse?
In relation to overheads, the following questions
arise:- What controls are in place? How are costs
managed and how are these costs benchmarked?
Unless there is a clear understanding of what
contribution overheads bring to the bottom line
it’s very difficult to tackle the issue properly.
Cutt ing overheads may only contribute in the
short term to an improvement in the bottom
line. While reducing administration expense can
quickly become an expensive knee jerk reaction,
so a review to benchmark costs and productivity
of overheads in line with the business is required.
A prime example of overhead cost cutting is where
the owner of the business takes on more of the
daily routine work, tackling administration,
transport management, maintenance and driving.
Depending on the scale of the business, some time
on these functions may be necessary but if the
business does not have proper overall management
because of unproductive use of the boss’ time, the
company will ultimately lose ground.
Internal audit is a process in the business to
guarantee best practises and compliance and a
further tool to aid the business to develop and
increase profitability.
PADRAIG EGAN
COMMERCIALS
Behy, Ballina, County Mayo.
Tel: 096 70337 Fax: 096 79924
Text: Donal Dempsey - [email protected]
42 | LEGAL
The need to be heard in Court
A
s we move well into the New Year,
it is inevitable that the number
of court cases involving the road
transport companies will increase as
the predictable result of the inevitable increase
in enforcement.
Although the operation of a commercial vehicle
on a public road presents the same potential for
the commission of an offence as does the use of
a private car, the fact that an offence has been
committed in a commercial vehicle tends to make
the offence appear to be more serious in both the
eyes of the public and the courts.
Additionally, whilst more drivers of private
cars are reported for speeding offences, clearly
reflecting the greater number of cars using the public roads, very few car
drivers are stopped to enable their vehicle to be subjected to a thorough
mechanical check.
The major difference between the driver and operator of a commercial
vehicle and a private motorist lies in the fact that any conviction arising
out of the use of a commercial vehicle will be reported to the Licensing
Authority and there may be further sanctions, including the loss of the
operating licence. The action taken by the Licensing Authority will depend
upon the nature of the offence, and, of course, the size of the penalty will
be seen as a clear indicator of the perceived gravity of the incident.
The transport operator is, therefore, in a unique situation, facing the
possibility of a double penalty for a single offence with the potential for
the second penalty to have a far greater impact than the fi rst.
Notwithstanding that threat, an operator can see many offences as being
no more than part and parcel of the risks arising from the daily operation
of commercial vehicles and, for that reason, will want to spend as litt le
time and money on the problem as possible, but the fact that a conviction
is likely to be reported should never be forgotten.
Professional Driver Training
Carraroe, Sligo
• Driver CPC • HGV/PSV Lessons • Essential Driver Training • ADI Tuition
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is one of the longest running
driver training companies in
Ireland
Telephone Myles on 087 2989990 Email: [email protected]
Web: http://pdt.ie
Another very real risk arises from the fact that many Judges, understandably,
have no knowledge either of the workings of a commercial vehicle, or of
the administrative requirements of a haulage undertaking. Add to this
the fact that commercial vehicles and their drivers are always portrayed
in the worst possible light and generally are blamed for any problem on
the road. Unhappily many courts appear to welcome the opportunity to
‘strike a blow for the public’ and impose penalties that are disproportionate
to the alleged offence.
It is against this background that an operator needs to decide whether or
not the cost of representation in the court is likely to be justified by the
result. The purpose of representation is to try to make sure that the court
understands the circumstances in which the alleged offence came to be
committed. In a case of overloading, for instance, whether in relation to the
permitted axle weight or to the permitted train weight, the load may have
been put on the vehicle many miles away from the operating centre, and it
is not unknown for a customer to mis-describe the weight of a load.
Equally the responsibility for the repair of, or for the maintenance of, a
vehicle may have been contracted out to a company whose reputation
was excellent even if a subsequent check by the Enforcement Authorities
found faults.
These facts need to be explained to the court in sufficient detail to enable
the court to understand the difficulties faced by the operator. It should
be the job of the representative to persist with the explanation even if the
court is initially hostile. It is arguable that a court appearance should be
seen as an opportunity to educate both the court and the public. The fact
is that the cost of representation is nearly always a justifiable expense.
Text: Jonathan Lawton - [email protected]
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44 | COMMENT
Words that make you think!
“I
t makes you think!”
How often have you
heard that phrase used
in conversations about
almost anything that you care to name?
I had just such a moment while I listened
on-line to a recent speech given by
Fred Smith at a Trans-Pacific Maritime
Conference held in San Diego. Mr.
Smith founded FedEx forty years ago
and remains the company’s President
and CEO.
From where I'm sitting Howard Knott
FedEx, as he pointed out, started up in
1973 in Memphis, Tennessee as a fully
committed air freight carrier with a small
fleet of aircraft . While it is still best
known as an integrated carrier with air
freight as its principal mode, the company
has grown to be a massive freight carrier
and supply chain service provider using
all modes. Surprisingly, it is the largest
customs brokerage in the USA.
Smith’s main focus in his talk was seeking
to stall the rise of trade protectionism and to recruit support for the
completion of the World Trade Organisation talks. There is no doubt
that what he has to say here is totally sensible, particularly when viewed
from an economy as open as ours, but it can be politically very difficult.
However, the real “it makes you think” section in his address was when
he got to talk about ships, trucks and planes.
Reverting fi nally to Smith’s ‘trade barrier’ issue, he mentioned that they
had a request to ship 3,000 pillows to Sochi for the Olympic Village, but
found that Russian import regulations limited shipments of such products
to five units. Not too clever.
First off, because, he was speaking from Long Beach Port in California,
and mentioned that at this Port, all vessels when they come alongside, must
turn off engines and generators and use what is called, ‘Cold Ironing’, a
system in which they plug into electric power from the local grid. He said
that a typical ocean going containership, not one of the absolute monsters,
if plugged in for a day, would reduce the amount of atmospheric pollution
by more than would occur if 42,000 trucks and other vehicles were taken
off the roads. Now, containerships, when docked, are not massive power
users, all of the container handling is done from on-shore, the crew is small
so that the washing and feeding power consumption would be light – and
yet Mr. Smith comes up with this figure. What sort of multiple of 42,000
vehicles would be needed to equal the pollution caused by the ‘Queen
Mary 2’ or other Cruise vessels with over 6,000 people aboard?
I remember having a conversation with Enda Connellan, the then CEO
of Dublin Port, about ‘Cold Ironing’ and he told me that hooking up one
of these Cruise Ships to the grid here would blow the whole ESB network.
That was a number of years ago and you would think that technology
must have advanced to the point that such levels of power usage could
be handled. It strikes me that the installation of ‘Cold Ironing’ facilities
at all ports on the island of Ireland would do a lot more to avert climate
change than gett ing all excited about ‘Euro 6’ as against ‘Euro 5’ truck
and bus engines. I suspect that the whole issue of plugging in at ports, not
only for vessels loading and discharging, but also for the service vessels
in the port, does not hit the headlines because the majority of European
countries are not surrounded by water and, thus, this pollution reduction
option does not exist for them.
Coming back to FedEx and planes, Fred Smith spoke about the huge
efficiency gains being secured by the introduction of A300 and B-777
freighter aircraft and the fact that, as the growth in air passenger travel
draws more and more wide-bodied aircraft into service, these aircraft
become very effective bellyhold cargo carriers. You could argue that
carrying freight in this way is to do so at very litt le cost and minimal
pollution as the plane is flying anyway. I was doing some work last week
on the ‘Shannon Region Gateway’ for the EU backed ‘Weastflows’ project,
and found that this summer there will be about 100 tonnes daily cargo
capacity on passenger services flying out of Shannon.
Text: Howard Knott - [email protected]
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UK Road User Charges
B
y the time you are reading this, Irish trucks will be paying a
£10 weekly Road User Charge to transit the U.K. Not just Irish
operators will be affected by this, all non British registered trucks
using UK roads will be subject to this fee. While both the Irish Road
Haulage Association (IRHA) and the Freight Transport Association
Ireland (FTAI) have been very vocal on how this charge will affect Irish
hauliers, the Government does not seem to be able to get UK Authorities
to recognise that British registered vehicles do not pay any road user
charge in Ireland. Clearly the Irish Government acknowledges the
difficulty with this and it seems there is an appetite to get a solution.
But time is not on our side, the charges are racking up. It is ironic that a
tax by the UK Government gives their hauliers an advantage over Irish
operators in our own country, with Donegal based hauliers among those
worst affected due to their location.
Governments and their Departments will often state that when a new tax
or cost is introduced, the affected sector will “get used” to it and it will be
absorbed.
Sometimes this is the case, but this occasion the issue is different because
the ‘tax’ and that is what it is, will not affect UK hauliers working from
and to Ireland on international journeys. Already, there have been big
consequences, with a large local manufacturer taking dramatic action.
Largo Foods in the Gweedore Gaeltacht, Donegal announced in midMarch that it is closing its manufacturing facility and transferring it to
Ashbourne. Why? Too expensive to do business in Donegal. It is unlikely
that the decision to close the plant was made solely because of transport
costs, but it certainly was a factor.
While a lot of what I have been saying is transport related, there are bigger
issues for the Government to look at and there is a danger that increasing
transport costs will force all industries to gravitate towards Dublin.
Road tolling and annual road taxes are big costs and unfortunately these
charges are becoming a tax instrument. It would not be fair to ignore
the rebate on fuel that has been agreed between the IRHA and the
Government. Although tax neutral from the Department of Finance,
it was an innovative move on the part of the establishment. People
in the private sector know that innovation is part of the business
modal and not a once in a decade event. We pay for tolls and in
general the use of the roads in a fashion that is not competitive.
Electricity and phone costs were in the past not competitive,
then the Government opened up the market by allowing
new companies to use the existing infrastructure. If
the same innovation was applied to the toll roads
of the country, it is likely that competition would
do exactly the same as what happened with the
cost of electricity and telecommunications reduced price and increased use. We also
know following the recent toll free trial
period for trucks, that there is extra
revenue available to the toll operators.
In the case of the Shannon Tunnel
in Limerick, HGV traffic almost
doubled during the trial. So if
the charges were reduced,
there is a potential to
increase the market. It
is unfortunate that the
way these contracts
were set up,
innovation was
not required
on
t he
View from the Operators Desk by
Sean Murtagh - [email protected]
Government or operators side then or now. I know this would
be a brave step for a Government to take but these kinds of
policies and strategies are essential to keep costs down.
Local politicians in Limerick have been hinting that trucks
should be forced to use the Tunnel. This kind of populist
cheerleading in the run up to the Local Elections is
unfortunate from local Councillors; some fresh
innovative thinking would be a welcome change.
It is possible we could be buying ‘bundles’ in the
way we buy phone time now, who knows.
In a few years time I hope we won't be
looking back at the closure of Largo
Foods in Donegal as the start of a
trend. If our politicians do not
plan policies and strategies
120
carefully and quickly for road
user charges, then the future
could be bleak on many
fronts. Using trucks as
tax instruments could
have far reaching
consequences
for the wider
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OPINION | 47
48 | WAREHOUSING
LogiMAT
2014
L
ocated near Stuttgart Airport,
Ger many - Logi M AT, t he
International Trade Fair for
Distribution, Materials Handling
& Information Flow reported a rise of more
than ten percent in visitors, with exhibitor
numbers at around the same high level as
last year. LogiMAT has been running for 12
years and is internationally recognised as a
barometer for the intralogistics sector. While
the majority of the exhibitors and visitors were
from Germany there was representation from
most other European countries, including
the Eastern Block.
The TradeWorld Forum was also included in
the show this year, recognising the fact that the
global flow of goods means trade and logistics
are becoming ever more tightly integrated.
Intralogistics therefore ensures efficiency at the
interface between production and transport.
A total of eight halls were occupied by the
event with two of those primarily dedicated to
materials handling equipment. Many of the major
forklift manufactures were represented as were
the conveyor and racking specialists. Automation
was also very much to the fore together with
soft ware companies and att achment producers
also prominent.
Best Products Awards
Mitsubishi
The Best Products Awards for excellence go to
companies whose innovative products contribute
significantly towards rationalisation, cost-savings
and increasing productivity in intralogistics. In
the category ‘Soft ware, Communication, IT’
the winner was Heidler Strichcode GmbH, for
its ‘PalletCube’ which features special infrared
cameras and is used for measuring pallets of any
shape. Because the device can be wall or ceiling
mounted, the PalletCube does not get in the way
of work processes. As soon as an object arrives in
the measurement area, PalletCube automatically
identifies the perimeters and, depending on its
size, calculates the dimensions and the loading
meters in about 500 milliseconds. In logistics,
because of limited loading space and capacity
in aircraft , vehicles and ships, it is ever more
important to calculate forwarding tariffs not only
according to weight, but according to volume.
In developing EDIA EM – the ‘Electric Diamond’
– Mitsubishi designers have aimed to give
the driver a sense of confidence and control.
Driver-friendly features include ‘FeatherTouch’
electric steering, which requires only half the
effort of a conventional system and provides
‘force feedback’ to aid precision. Comfort is
enhanced by the smooth, quiet steer motor
with noise levels less than 66 dB(A) for the
3 wheel and 67 dB(A) for the 4 wheel, which
is about the level of normal conversation.
Still
STILL iGo is designed to help automate the
entire material flow in a warehouse, regardless
of whether it’s a newly designed building or
an existing facility. The range of solutions and
expansion possibilities allows not only for
tailored improvements to existing conditions
such as narrow or wide aisles, but the total
automation of vertical and horizontal transport
as well. Automated STILL vehicles cover the
entire in-house material flow at the warehouse from the receipt of goods to fi nal shipment. The
iGoRemote system is made up of a CX 20 picker
or CX-T tractor, a remote control and receiver as
well as personal safety equipment. Easy operation
and simple installation make it a possible solution
in many areas such as simplification of order
picking and related processes.
Mitsubishi uses the term ‘ErgoCentric’ regarding
the operator station, with a large, flat, uncluttered
floor space and clear all-round visibility, as well
as a deep, wide step and exceptionally large ‘entry
window’. Buyers can also opt for a fi ngertip
hydraulic control unit, based on the company’s
award-winning adjustable armrest concept.
Also when the truck is being driven, a hill hold
feature prevents accidental rolling – even on
steep ramps.
Kalmar
The new Kalmar DCG90-180 is designed
to offer greater total lifetime savings while
improving the driver’s working environment,
thereby increasing productivity, efficiency and
safety. The new EGO cabin is loaded with
ergonomic features and the truck has upgraded
electrics and hydraulics as well as an improved
cooling system. Combined with modern lift ing
equipment this helps drivers boost productivity
levels whilst reducing fuel consumption in the
9-18 tonne capacity range. Fast, simple and
more convenient daily inspections and regular
servicing is prioritised and the fully tilting cab
provides excellent access for maintenance,
reducing downtime and associated costs.
Seegrid
The live Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
demo area on the Seegrid stand, showed how to
utilize vision-guided technology for navigation,
with no changes required to the infrastructure.
The innovative technology allows vehicles
to be trained and deployed in a warehouse,
distribution centre, or manufacturing facility
quickly and efficiently, eliminating non-valueadded repetitive tasks. The vision system
provides operators complete route flexibility,
as the AGV routing can be re-programmed in
a matter of minutes supporting the up-to-date
WAREHOUSING | 49
needs of every facility. Seegrid claim their
automated pallet trucks and tow tractors are
transforming companies and helping them stay
competitive.
Meyer/ Bolzoni Auramo
Customers of MEY ER and BOLZONI
AUR A MO were able to see the latest
developments from both companies on one stand
and the integration has resulted in an extensive
product range. On one hand, the MEYER core
competence products such as attachments
for beverage logistics, high-performance
fork positioners, rotating att achments and a
broad range of parallel clamps. On the other,
products belonging to the innovative BOLZONI
AURA MO range including att achments for
the paper, pulp and recycling logistics. Among
the products on display was a Multiple Pallet
Handler, 360° Rotator, Fork Positioners and
the new Bale Clamp for heavy-duty handling
of waste paper bales, plastic and other recycling
materials.
tyres, automotive parts, glass panes, boxes and
electrical appliances.
Jungheinrich
Jungheinrich had two separate exhibition stands
at LogiMAT. The Hamburg-based company
presented its entire range of industrial trucks
including the DFG/TFG 540s counterbalanced
forklift and the ETV/ETM 216 reach truck.
It also showcased its expertise in software
and IT hardware for warehouse applications
using live demonstrations of integrated,
holistic intralogistics solutions for manual
and fully automated warehouses. Tradeshow
visitors were able to see a series of intelligent
solutions involving the use of industrial trucks to
improve warehouse process efficiency including
wireless data transmission, a truck guidance
system, logistics interface and the Jungheinrich
Warehouse Management System (WMS).
entire European forklift production for the
EMEA. The family run business is in the fourth
generation and has a reputation for developing
robust lift trucks with a long service life. In
the past two years Crown launched nine new
products, including the SC 5300 three-wheel
forklift series, ESR 5200 reach trucks, ES 4000
and ET 4000 stacker series, several of which were
on display at the show. An innovative attachment
fitted to a pallet truck for easy removal of batteries
from electric forklift s was also highlighted.
Max Truck
The unique Maxtruck 2T from Sweden was
att racting a lot of attention in Hall 8. It is not
only a flexible counterbalanced forklift, but also a
multifunction machine. In addition to being an all
direction truck, the operator can quickly change
the front attachment to perform other tasks. The
telescopic boom provides good driver visibility
with a load capacity of 2 tonnes up to 4.2m.
The patented multi-direction fork lift truck can
potentially replace a large number of specialized
trucks and can handle all types of goods including
long loads, taking them directly from a truck to
the warehouse. The Maxtruck 2T with its unique
steering capability and telescopic boom, can
carry out work in 30-70% less workspace than
a conventional counterbalance truck, according
to the company.
Crown
Since 1986 Crown has manufactured its products
in Roding, Bavaria, which originally began as
a production site for hand pallet trucks and
components. The site now consolidates Crown’s
Indeva
German manufacturer I N DEVA was
demonstrating an extensive range of industrial
manipulators, including both traditional
pneumatic control and state of the art electronic
manipulators. Company representatives say their
system enables operators to lift and manoeuvre
naturally, as if it were an extension of their own
arm. Indeva supplies solutions to handle loads
with various dimensions, shape and weights
in different industrial fields, including wheels,
Text & Photos: Joe O'Brien - [email protected]
www.fleet.ie
50 | DISTRIBUTION & ECONNOVATION
Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Driving Experience
Distribution & Collect – Frankfurt
F
rankfurt in the Rhine-Main region
in Germany is not only the financial
centre of the Federal State but is also a
very busy business city and transport
network hub. Be it air freight, rail freight or
road transport, the region is well connected
and networked. Like any vibrant metropolis,
commercial vehicles perform delivery and pickup services - in fact, all goods have to cover the
last mile in a commercial, no matter whether
they are being transported to a supermarket,
delivered to somebody’s front door or sent to
a landfill.
With this topic in mind, Mercedes-Benz Trucks
brought the trade press together to its ‘Distribute
& Collect’ Driving Experience event held at
Germany’s biggest Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Vehicles dealership. Presented here at the CV
Service Centre, Frankfurt/Offenbach branch was
a selection from the Mercedes-Benz Atego, Antos
and Econic distribution ranges and the Canter
EcoHybrid from its sister brand Fuso Trucks. “20%
of the new vehicles registered from Mercedes-Benz
Trucks cater for distribution transport,” stated
Sven Ennerst, Head of Global Development,
Daimler Trucks in his address before the press
drives. “And that makes us the leading supplier
in this segment in Europe,” he added. “As part of
our Euro 6 initiative, we have greatly stepped up
our activities especially in the area of distribution
transportation, where we offer the right vehicle for
every application.”
“Moreover, all of the vehicles from our fleet
of distribution trucks offer great benefits as
their new Euro 6 compliant engines are quiet,
powerful and cost efficient,” he added. Before
the journalists headed out to the roads to test
drive a selection of the 25 vehicles on display, Mr.
Ennerst concluded, “Our trucks set benchmarks
for efficiency, handling, safety and body builder
friendliness. They also set the pace when it comes
to total cost of ownership.”
Europe to lead global CO2
reduction in Commercial Vehicles
“T
he European commercial vehicle
industry is fully committed to
reduce CO2 emissions,” stated
Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler’s Truck
& Bus Chief (pictured below) in outlining
the European Automobile Manufacturers
Association’s (ACEA) proposals on how the
European road transport industry has to
join forces to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030.
As Chairman of the ACEA, Dr. Bernhard
was frank in outlining that the ambitious
targets directed by the European Union
can only be met with the co-operation of
all other stakeholders to unleash the full
potential of CO2 reduction. That includes
trailer manufacturers and specialists involved
in driver training. In taking this direction,
Dr. Bernhard maintains that Europe can once
again set the example for others to follow (e.g.
South America, Russia, Asia and the South
Pacific region).
Dr. Bernhard began his exclusive presentation to
members of the International Truck of the Year
Jury at the Mercedes-Benz Distribute & Collect
Drive 2014 event in Frankfurt by reiterating
that the transport sector is the backbone of
competitive economy. “Transport links all other
economic sectors and within the 27 EU states
over 11.1 million people are employed, with
€540 billion gross value added in 2010. Within
that the commercial vehicle industry in Europe
generates €70 billion annual reserve, with up to
3.3 million indirectly employed.”
Another significant point was made in that
commercial vehicles in Europe account for less
than 1% of global greenhouse gas emission.
Next to the production of energy supply at
30%, transport accounts for 25% of greenhouse
gas emissions in Europe, with industry on
19%. Within that 25%, cars and motorbikes
account for 11%, commercial vehicles 7%, with
navigation and air travel 4% and 3% respectively.
Interestingly, rail emissions are measured
at 0.25% in the 2010 figures highlighted
by Dr. Bernhard. The big concern for the
commercial vehicle industry going forward is
that the European Commission has targeted the
reduction of CO2 emissions from road freight
transport by 30% by 2030, compared to 2005.
That level from 9 years ago was at approximately
360 million-tonne CO2 equivalent, which means
the new requirement will be at 250 milliontonne CO2 .
Wolfgang Bernhard admitted that despite the
best efforts and progress made by the transport
industry, the increased demand for transport
service outweigh emission reductions. “But
the European truck industry has come a long
way,” he explained, “as the developments in
reducing fuel consumption are noteworthy,
minus 60% since 1965, while at the same
time reducing emissions (through meeting 6
emission reduction standards within the past
two decades), increasing payload capacity,
increasing performance and increasing safety,”
he added.
Further into the address, Dr. Bernhard detailed
the various elements within commercial
vehicles drivetrains that can reduce CO2 , but
with differing cost levels and with differing
potential reduction. For example, in long haul
operations hybrid technology can achieve up
to 7% reduction, with an average CO2 cost per
tonne of up to €1,600, while the Exhaust Heat
Recovery development can reach €1,300 per
DISTRIBUTION & ECONNOVATION | 51
Mercedes-Benz Atego
“Customers are impressed by the new Atego’s
value, efficiency and versatility. Thanks to our fourcylinder OM934 engine and six-cylinder OM936,
Sven Ennerst, Head of Global Development, Daimler Trucks
the Atego’s heart is especially quiet running, cost
effective and clean. All Ategos can be ordered
with our fully automated Mercedes PowerShift 3
transmission, and its consistent shifting quality is
easy on the engine and reduces fuel consumption
– by up to 5% more than its predecessor,” explained
Mr. Ennerst. “The Atego’s cab also makes life easier
for drivers. With regard to its layout, convenience
and ergonomics, the Atego’s cab is by no means
inferior to that of its ‘big brothers’ – Actros, Antos,
Arocs, etc. In addition, the doors extend down
for easy exit and entry, and extra comfort is also
provided by the new, four-point cab mounting as
well as by the Atego’s precise chassis.”
Long service intervals of 120,000 kilometres, ESP
as standard and high levels of specification assures
that the Atego maintains its leading market share,
a position held for over 15 years.
Two distinct versions were driven, the 300 hp
6-cylinder 12 tonne Atego 1230 4x2 followed by
the 7.5 tonne 823 4-cylinder rigid with 231 hp. The
former was tried over a hilly route accompanied by
Mr. Ennerst as co-driver. Along the route, Sven was
keen to highlight the smoothness of the drivetrain
as witnessed by yours truly. Torque levels from the
7.7L (with 1200 Nm) were impressive, especially
once the steepness of the incline was realized on
the descent! There the effectiveness of the 300 kW
engine brake came to the fore. This unit is perfect
all round for urban distribution. Again, the run in
the lower weight category 823 model at 7.5 tonnes
with 6-speed manuals was undertaken effortlessly
as the roomy cab and good visibility from the
mirrors and glazed areas proved invaluable around
the urban areas driven through. Similar to the
12 tonner, steering response was good. 900 Nm
of torque is produced from this 5.1 litre block.
Interestingly, 80% of the parts used are new to
this latest Atego.
Mercedes-Benz Antos
Antos is a totally new truck from Mercedes-Benz
directly catering for heavy-duty distribution
transport. Powered by four engines with 16
output ratings, extending from 283 hp to 625 hp,
it has a selection of transmissions available with
8, 12 & 16 gears. With regard to safety, the Antos
contains all of the currently available assistance
systems such as Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake
Assist 3, etc.
“In addition, we offer customised variants for
special applications, the payload-optimised Loader
version, which has record low curb weight and the
Volumer which offers many benefits, including a
very low liftover height,” explained Mr. Ennerst.
For longer cross-country journeys, the Antos
can be fitted with Mercedes-Benz' Predictive
Power Control (PPC) which offers up to 5% in
fuel savings.
We took the 2543 6x2 rigid version for a run on
tonne of CO2 with up to 5% estimated reduction.
Use of lighter materials and components can
deliver up to 2% reduction in emissions but at a
high price – up to €6,000 per tonne of CO2 .
Under the 2030 targets the EU aims to broadly
regulate all segments, which would be inefficient,
according to Wolfgang. “Commercial vehicles
are highly diverse in terms of size and mission,
and including all vehicle segments is neither
effective nor efficient,” he explained. In outlining
the relative subdivisions according to the various
operational applications relating to commercial
vehicles, Dr. Bernhard stated 60% of emissions
could be covered within three main vehicle
segments – 80% if city buses and additional
delivery segments would be included. (See
chart I). He claimed that the EU target can only
be achieved by joining forces that include all
reduction potentials to include vehicles, trailers,
tyres, fuel production, operation, infra-structure
and fleet renewal (See chart II).
A standardized simulation tool termed VECTO
– Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool
has been developed for comparable consumption
data which specifies emissions data for each
individual truck configuration. It takes into
account different vehicle configurations, different
transport missions and purpose and ‘work done.’
Dr. Bernhard in conclusion said, “Transparency
will enable a self-regulating market process, that
forces competition and reduces CO2 .”
one of the chosen rural routes. Thanks to the 428
hp, gears were skipped up through the 12-speed
PowerShift automated box in twos and threes.
Visibility was prett y good due to the high driving
position but maybe a bit too high in the urban
environment, especially if cyclists are around. The
four steps it takes to get to the seat is a prohibitive
factor for achieving efficient multi-drop operations.
Another issue is the position of the hand-brake
which is situated on the wrong side of the drinks/
cup holder slot. Should be nearer to hand.
Mercedes-Benz Econic
The latest generation Econic with the Euro 6
drivetrain has a lot going for it and somehow
has yet to realise its full potential. Throughout
Europe it is used primarily as a refuse truck and
for airport logistics. However, its real vocation
in life could be as a distribution vehicle – be it
rigid or tractor-unit. Its low entry cab, vast glazed
areas and spaciousness make it ideal for a safe
urban operator. Full air-suspension enhances its
handling properties, while the Allison automatic
transmission with its fully hydraulic converter
increases ride comfort and agile driving. Low
fuel consumption and corresponding decrease in
carbon emissions are achieved through the new
7.7 litre Euro 6 (299 hp to 354 hp) blocks (up to
4%), while the Natural Gas 6-cylinder engine in
Euro 6 form is even more efficient.
Fuso Canter EcoHybrid
Further to the test drives in the new Euro 6 Fuso
Canter EcoHybrid at its launch in Portugal,
another pleasant drive around the satellite towns
of Frankfurt was undertaken. Please refer to pages
10/11 of this edition for the review report.
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In order to reiterate the points made by Mr.
Ennerst and refresh ourselves on the Daimler
Trucks Distribution line-up, a number of drives
on various routes were undertaken in the Atego,
Antos, Econic and Fuso Canter.
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www.fleet.ie
52 | FEATURE
In the drive to save weight, increase payload and
save fuel, rear closure tail lifts have increased in
popularity. Ballinlough Refrigeration has supplied
the well regarded DHollandia brand of tail lift
products for almost twenty years. Ballinlough’s
Neil Bannon explained, “The main benefits of rear
closure models is that they eliminate the need for
rear doors or a roller shutter. Because the platform
itself becomes the rear frame and doors, it seals
the cargo bay. Using the tail lift platform as the
rear frame delivers the weight reduction, and is
of particular benefit for the weight sensitive light
commercials.” Neil added, “The units are easy to fit
and simple to operate making them flexible and cost
effective.” Neil also noted the additional benefits for
vehicle security the rear closure model offers.
Tail Lifts and Cranes ‘Just lift it yourself’
T
hecommonpurposeofallcommercial
vehicles is to load, transport and
deliver goods, passengers or services.
While problems can arise at any stage
throughout the journey, problems and delays at
the loading and unloading points are often the
most frequent, and many of these problems are
out of the operator’s control. So the solution
may be to take back control of the loading and
unloading, by using your own vehicle mounted
handling equipment.
Lifting equipment allows a great deal of flexibility
and can increase vehicle utilisation by reducing
waiting times at each end of the journey. This
makes the economic argument quite clear; if a
driver can deliver immediately without having to
wait for equipment to become available hours can
be saved over the working day.
However, as with most aspects of the transport
industry - and lifting equipment is no different there are the ups and downs – so to speak. The
pros of flexibility must be weighed against the
cons of extra weight, additional maintenance and
appropriate driver training to comply with health
and safety requirements. Interestingly, the fitment
and use of lifting equipment is one that touches all
sectors of the industry from light vans to trailer
operators, and includes the passenger transport
sector. With all transport equipment what you
intend to do with it deserves serious consideration,
and with handling equipment there are many issues
to consider – not least lifting capacity.
Lifting capacity is obviously important, though
some transporters are finding that customers are
under-declaring the weight of pallets, and that
pallet sizes are increasing as customers try to save
on transport costs. This has the potential to be
more than just a slight deception on the customer’s
behalf - it can be inherently dangerous.
If the stated weight exceeds the rated ‘Safe Working
Load’ (SWL) of the lift, the consequences could
prove expensive at best, or in the worst case result
in personal injury. One new dimension equipment
providers have to deal with is the fitment of taillifts to double-deck trailers. While not the most
common of applications they are becoming more
frequent. In general the same rules and operational
procedures apply. However, due to the increase in
working height, any potential dangers and hazards
are greatly exaggerated and therefore potentially
more serious.
Another respected name in the supply of tail lift
equipment is Zepro. TSS Refrigeration & Tail Lifts
are the Irish agents for Zepro, and the brand has
proved popular with operators for reliability and
durability. The Zepro range will adapt to most
regular vehicles on the market, and TSS offers a
wide range of accessories that will adapt the lift to
your specific needs. TSS’s Mark Grange said, “We
always strive to reduce the weight of our products
to keep the fuel consumption to a minimum,
to save both money and to reduce the effect on
the environment.” Mark points out that regular
maintenance is preferable to ensure trouble-free
service, as any downtime of the tail lift can mean
downtime of the whole vehicle.” TSS stock a
comprehensive parts service, and Mark added,
“We have complete archives to assist quickly and
accurately with spare part requirements.” TSS will
be among the Exhibitors at the upcoming CV Show
in Birmingham later this month – Stand 3E 100.
To reduce the risk of accidents, a driver or operative
of truck mounted tail lifts should be correctly
trained and certified on the specific piece of
equipment. However, due to the wide range
of vehicle attachments and the wide variety of
operational environments, some training companies
recommend that operators undergo training from
the original equipment supplier. Their reasoning is
because of variations in delivery points it is almost
impossible to cover all possibilities. If in doubt
industry bodies such as the Freight Transport
Association Ireland (FTAI) can advise on the best
ways to address specific training needs.
Another widely used type of self-lifting equipment
is the truck mounted crane. They have long been
a regular feature in certain segments of transport
in particular on the construction supply side. A
global supplier of cranes across all industry sectors
is Palfinger, with the company this year celebrating
50 years in business. Palfinger Ireland is based in
Tullamore, County Offaly, and the company’s
product range covers small access platforms, tail
lifts, truck mounted and off shore marine cranes.
As Palfinger supplies equipment to all industry
sectors, it also offers a vast range of attachments
for their cranes, which greatly widens the scope
of applications any one crane and therefore truck
can be used for.
Seamus Kane of Palfinger Ireland does note that
“the training situation for truck mounted cranes
is slightly different from some other transport
equipment,” although this can be arranged through
the Tullamore company. In addition Palfinger also
FEATURE | 53
supplies a selection of truck mounted forklifts and
walk with or remote operated lift trucks.
free over the lifetime of two or more of the trucks
is carried on.
The regulations governing vehicle mounted lifting
equipment and their operation in the workplace
are contained in ‘S.I. No. 299 of 2007 (Safety,
Health & Welfare at Work (General Application)
Regulations 2007) and subsequent amendments.’
As you would expect is a large document, though it
is relatively easy to work with and well worth a read.
It covers all aspects of the work, including choosing
the right equipment and detailing the employer’s
obligations regarding training, personal protective
equipment, maintenance and regular inspections.
Companies should be familiar with the contents as
it answers many of the frequently asked questions,
and covers all types of equipment.
Moffett Engineering Ltd, began manufacturing
in Dundalk in the 1940’s and changed the face of
the transport industry when it mounted a small
forklift to a truck in the 1980’s. Moffett is now
part of the Cargotec Corporation and known as
Cargotec Ireland.
An alternative to cranes and tail lifts, is the truck
mounted forklift. Always having the ability to
deliver the load can dramatically improve vehicle
productivity. Although the initial cost can be offputting for some operators, the longevity of the
equipment must be considered. In real terms the
part-time operation cycle is generally not as tough
as that experienced by a full time forklift, in that
a smaller percentage of the time is spent working.
Selecting the right model from a recognised
company like Manitou and its highly versatile
TMT range ensures the unit will remain serviceable
for long duration. As a rule, once operated within
it’s design specification and provided the unit is
properly maintained, it should operate trouble
Text: Paul White - [email protected]
The Moffett truck mounted forklift became a
synonym for this type of equipment and was an
Irish engineering success on a global scale. The
three wheeled units have a lifting capacity from
1.5 to 3.5 t, and can be equipped with a variety of
attachments allowing them to be used in almost
every industry. Within the Cargotec Corporation
the Moffett brand sits alongside other company
names such as Hiab, Kalmar and McGregor.
It is important to note that once a truck mounted
forklift is detached from the carrying vehicle, it
becomes a standard forklift under the general
applications regulations, and the normal rules
governing this type of equipment apply. Employers
have an obligation to ensure that drivers are properly
trained to operate the forklift.
The issue of correct maintenance is an important
factor for all truck mounted forklifts cranes and
tail lifts. Proper maintenance checks includes the
annual testing of equipment for correct operation
of all components and a weight test. One point
brought to our attention is that in addition to
the annual test and certification equipment that
can carry a person (even inadvertently), which
includes tail lifts should be serviced and checked
tested every six months along with the annual test,
and all testing must be carried out by a recognised
competent person.
All the major recognised brands of lifting devices
appear to retain a high residual value, and there
always seems to be a market for well-maintained
used equipment. In most cases lifting units can
be transferred from one vehicle to another. Once
equipment is operated within capacity, remains
undamaged and is maintained correctly it can
significantly add to a vehicle’s value. For some
operators, (depending on the nature of the work)
lifting equipment is an absolute necessity, as there
is often no alternative method of unloading at the
delivery point.
While not everyone has the opportunity to use
self-lifting devices, the benefits can dramatically
outweigh the investment that is gained from
improved vehicle utilisation and the driver
productivity. With a small investment in correct
equipment, operator training and scheduled
maintenance - lifting it yourself can deliver more
than the load.
www.fleet.ie
54 | SOAPBOX
EU Review of Drivers CPC Directive
2003/59/EC Stakeholder Conference
T
he majority of those that I have spoken to in both Ireland
and the UK have expressed universal dissatisfaction with
the Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC)
with one exception, the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I mean
the broadest spectrum of drivers, employers and instructors, members
of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and the Road Haulage
Association (RHA). The mandatory seven hours required for each
module is most virulently opposed and ridiculed by educationalists.
Therefore, when I was asked to represent the IRHA at a Conference
reviewing the DCPC hosted by the European Commission in March,
I was prett y skeptical as to whether or not it would be a complete waste
of time. I had previously been involved in a review of Module Five
with the RSA, and like the majority of us in all of the modules I have
attended to date, it left a lot to be desired. Where I sought real change,
I was told the “Rules were laid down by the EU”.
I had asked the RSA during the review of the necessity of certain
elements included in virtually every module that have nothing to do
with the objectives of improving road safety through increased driver
professionalism. I was told a) that there was a high satisfaction rating
coming back from those who sat the modules and that b) the content was
dictated by the EU and the RSA had no leeway. I did ask the RSA if I could
have sight of their input but I was told it was broadly in line with the revised
Module Five. I was also informed they were not attending the Conference,
and that Ireland was seen as a model of the way forward!
Therefore I was quite skeptical going to Brussels as to whether or not I
was wasting my time and the IRHA’s money. I was among four hundred
attendees representing various organisations, each of which had made a
submission. I was the only Irish representative.
training which needed to be ‘outcomes based’ and the methodologies best
used to achieve these outcomes.
If we work on the assumption that Mrs Bell was outlining a potential
direction in delivering the DCPC then it appears the EU has been listening,
as the outstanding complaint of all those I know regarding the DCPC is
the mandatory seven-hour modules and the current DCPC does not fit
in with any methodology she described.
“Mutual Recognition” was also well aired, and informed the current
situation whereby modules sat in the UK by an Irish drivers licence holder
would not be recognized by the RSA, yet the UK Authorities will recognize
the modules attended by a UK licence holder in the Irish Republic.
The discussions on learning and minimum age outlined that the earlier one
started, the easier and better one could learn. Th is in turn was contradicted
by accident statistics, but not completely. If this is the direction the EU
is going, it would follow that the Apprenticeship Scheme proposed by
the IRHA is the way to go. Unemployment among Europe’s young was
mentioned a number of times. On this point the IRHA has got to keep
emphasizing that many of the outstanding success stories of the industry
are early school leavers. Not everyone wants to stay in school until eighteen,
think of the names Richard Branson and Eddie Stobart.
So, was it a waste of time and money? It felt like I had a very positive
experience, but that’s what these people are paid for! So, the ‘Proof of
the Pudding will be in the Eating’. The fi nal outcome will be published
early 2015, I think it will be a good outcome and will ‘Improve Driver
Professionalism and Increase Road Safety’.
The fi rst of five presentations at the Conference was a review of the
submissions (via a questionnaire) on the DCPC from the stakeholders
attending. The result came out resoundingly negative and could be
summarized as follows - broad support for the principle, but with a
resounding thumbs down on its failure to achieve. So it seems the RSA’s
report of Irish satisfaction ratings are not to be found elsewhere in the EU
nor would the IRHA’s view concur with the RSA.
The themes of the remaining four presentations were 1) Relevance and
Scope of the Directive, 2) Minimum age, 3) Structure of Training and
4) Quality Assurance and Mutual Recognition. I concluded from the
papers that if the EU was inviting us there to hear these speakers, then
logically it seems it had picked these themes as an indication of the way
they were thinking of going in the future? Whilst all the papers were
extraordinarily interesting, the Chair initiated outstanding discussions
between each paper and then summarized the views of the stakeholders.
In particular the “Structure of Training” Paper presented by Mrs Claudia
Bell of DEKRA Akadaemie GmbH spoke quite clearly of fit for purpose
We provide the following road transport services and supplies;
• Raod Transport Consultancy
• Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Analysis
• Compliance Audits
• Driver daily check books and vehicle inspection forms
• New BrakeSafe mobile brake testing instrument
• EasyTac Downloader Software and Hardware
Everything you need for efficiency, compliance and safety
Contact: 074 91 51164, 085 1340022
www.scitrans.ie
Text: Jerry Kiersey - [email protected]
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FPS Limited
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Ecofficiency from FUSO Canter - Fleet Transport Magazine Fleet

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