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www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 3 HARD WORK, SUCCESS AND RECOGNITION by Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck and Track We’ve now reached that time of the year when companies recognise their staff for all the loyalty and effort that have ensured continuing success for the business. In this issue, we report on the CILT Awards for Excellence, the Logistics Awards and the UPN Awards 2023. These annual events are aimed at recognising not only individual employees but also companies that have worked hard to achieve distinction within their respective fields. It was encouraging to note that Logistics UK presented a total of 17 awards across a broad range of disciplines and technologies. Alongside the awards events, we also take a detailed look at the unremitting rise of alternatives to fossil fuels. We have reported on the success of companies including VEV, Tevva, SSAB and the VBG Group. As a step towards eliminating traditional fossil fuels, Merridale explains that many local councils and governments are increasingly considering and adopting the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as an alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Continuing this theme, by highlighting sustainability as a core strategic priority, UPN’s aims are now under the leadership of Group Sustainability Chief, Joanna Davila. Also, to achieve future sustainability goals, Joanna has implemented a metrics-based “Environmental Management System”. This Winter issue also includes details of TruTac’s leadership in tachograph analysis, compliance control and digitised fleet management. On a similar vein, Descartes looks at the difference between ‘plan’ and ‘actual’ fleet delivery performance plus news of its recent Innovation Forum for Routing, Mobile and Telematics. As usual, we have latest news from the Association of Pallet Networks plus workshop equipment specialists Totalkare and Stertil-Koni. We have also included contributions from our Dangerous Goods columnist, Ali Karim and Labeline’s Compliance Manager, Richard Shreeve who reports on his day spent at a police commercial vehicle checkpoint on the M6. Once again, I hope you enjoy reading this issue. Barbara Ryan CONTENTS Page 4 BUSINESS NEWS 17 TACHOGRAPH ANALYSIS 21 CILT(UK) 22 LOGISTICS UK NEWS 24 INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SOFTWARE 28 DESCARTES 33 FUEL MANAGEMENT 38 WINTER DRIVING ADVICE 39 PALLET NETWORKS 50 TRAILERS 56 WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT 61 DANGEROUS GOODS 71 SAFETY & SECURITY 74 RAILFREIGHT 77 PORTS Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine To advertise, contact Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck & Track Multi Media Limited, via email barbara.ryan@truckandtrack.com Editor: Peter Ager editor@truckandtrack.com 07774 169981 Designed and published by Truck & Track Multi Media Limited Creative Director: Marc Pittaway DISCLAIMER Every care has been taken during the production of this magazine with compiling advertisements, editorial and advertorial. However, Truck & Track Multi Media Limited cannot accept responsibility for material supplied by third parties and excludes all liability either relating to any products and services promoted in this publication or arising from any error, omission or inaccuracy. Nor is Truck & Track Multi Media Limited responsible for the content of external websites. Finally, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of its Publishers. Copyright © Truck & Track Multi Media Limited. All rights reserved. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 4 BUSINESS NEWS Suffolk-based Scania Dealer group, TruckEast seals its commitment to managing its environmental impact with ISO14001:2015 certification. A globally recognised standard for environmental management systems, ISO14001 provides a structured approach to managing a business’ environmental impact; ultimately improving environmental performance. TruckEast began a journey in 2019 to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. Steps have included a focus on energy reduction and efficiency initiatives, waste reduction and recycling and generally reviewing processes. Last year the business committed to achieving ISO14001 standard across the entire operation. Led by Compliance and HR General Manager, Helen Grainger, the business undertook a comprehensive review of its operation and formally put in place its environmental management system. The assessment was carried out by BSI Management Systems UK, who audited the implementation of the EMS within the business. Areas such as environmental performance, waste management and reporting processes were put under the microscope to ensure that policies and procedures were in place and that employees were aware. Managing Director, Harley Coulson comments, “Through the combined efforts of the team, I’m proud to announce that TruckEast is officially ISO14001:2015 certified. By developing and implementing a formal EMS to the high standards of ISO14001, our customers can be assured that we take environmental matters seriously. It demonstrates that we adhere to best practices that manage and minimise our impact on the environment and is a significant milestone as we continue to strive towards providing the best for our customers and employees.” www.truckeast.co.uk TruckEast proudly passes ISO14001 certification for environmental management Kinaxia invests over £2m in CNG trucks towards net zero goal Macclesfield- based Kinaxia Logistics has taken delivery of its first batch of tractor units powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) as the company moves towards achieving a net zero fleet across its national linehaul service. The company has invested over £2m in IVECO S-Way tractor units for its Primary division, replacing diesel vehicles in the fleet. Richard Smith, managing director of the division, said the new vehicles make up 10% of the Primary fleet, with more on order for delivery in the new year. He said: “These CNG trucks produce 90% fewer emissions than diesel ones, leading to a reduction in CO2 of at least 100 tonnes per truck, per year. “The addition of these vehicles is a significant step as we look to create a carbon net zero linehaul and trunking fleet for our customers. We trialled the trucks earlier in the year and the feedback was extremely positive. Drivers reported a good driving experience, and a quieter cab. The units have a superior specification, and the CNG fuelling network is expanding as more sites continue to come on line.” Other recent greener additions to the Kinaxia fleet include two IVECO CNG units at the company’s haulage operation in Telford and a 7.5 tonne Tevva electric truck in use for urban deliveries around Greater Manchester. The company is also using units powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) exclusively on a number of dedicated customer contracts. The IVECO S-Way tractor units have been supplied by South West Truck & Van - an IVECO franchise dealer and service agent. Jack Sims, director at South West Truck & Van, said: “We are delighted to partner with Kinaxia Logistics as it gets going with its plan to decarbonise transport operations in its Primary division. Having extensively trialled the IVECO S-Way CNG, Richard and the Kinaxia team have embraced the technology and can see the benefits that biomethane offers from an emissions reduction and total cost of ownership perspective. “CNG-powered trucks have been around for some time. It’s proven technology but we are now starting to see more companies with heavy truck fleets take note and look to make the switch. Infrastructure is improving, with public access and back-at- base solutions now available, which makes it the most practical alternative fuel option to move goods at 38 or 44 tonnes.”
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 5 BUSINESS NEWS Seasoned marketing and human resource leaders from IONOS and GfK join PTV Logistics PTV Logistics has announced two new executive appointments to further strengthen the company’s leadership team: Elisabeth Kurek as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Nico Brinkmann as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Both will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Steven de Schrijver. Elisabeth and Nico each have relevant experience leading at scale in world-class companies and will play an important role in the growth of the company. “PTV Logistics is at an exciting inflexion point as we continue to scale new capabilities while maintaining our commitment to excellence. Today, we’re thrilled to add two proven leaders and innovators in Elisabeth and Nico to help us drive growth, deliver value to our customers around the world and support our team as we continue to hire top talent,” said Steven de Schrijver, Chief Executive Officer, PTV Logistics. Marketing Organization Under Elisabeth Kurek Elisabeth Kurek assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for all CMO functions including product marketing, field marketing, demand generation and lead qualification, communications and public relations, digital marketing, social media, events, creative, and brand strategy. Elisabeth brings 20 years of global marketing experience, most recently serving as the VP of Cloud Marketing at IONOS, where she demonstrated an exceptional track record increasing year-over-year revenue in the strategic growth division of the company. Prior to IONOS, Elisabeth held leadership roles at Amazon (AWS) and NTT and further participated in two successful global acquisitions within the United States. “Strong teams are forged with diversity and inclusion of talent. I’m excited to join PTV Logistics to lead a dynamic team of global marketers. Together with our management team, investors, and our dedicated team members, we are committed to relentless excellence and unwavering focus on delivering consistent value to our customers, while we continue to build PTV Logistics as the global leader in the transport route optimisation and visibility industry of tomorrow,” said Elisabeth Kurek, Chief Marketing Officer, PTV Logistics. Human Resources Organisation under Nico Brinkmann Nico Brinkmann assumes the role of Chief Human Resources Officer and is responsible for developing and executing the human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organisation, specifically in the areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, organisational and performance management, training and development, and compensation. Nico is an experienced Human Resources leader who most recently was the Global Vice President of Human Resources, People Development and Culture at GfK. Known for his dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace, Nico brings a unique and agile approach to his role. Nico is experienced in Start/Ramp-up, Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, Transformation and Private Equity scenarios. “The heart of any organisation lies in its people. I believe in attracting, developing, and nurturing great people, which results in a motivated, engaged, and empowered workforce, ultimately unlocking a company’s true growth potential. Moreover, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that values, promotes, and encourages diversity in backgrounds, thoughts, and opinions, enabling our associates to be their authentic selves and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the success of the company,” said Nico Brinkmann, Chief Human Resources Officer, PTV Logistics. Corporate Expansion Strategy “The strategic addition of Nico and Elisabeth directly aligns with our corporate expansion strategy. Nico’s exceptional proficiency in shaping and innovating the realm of People, Processes and Products, combined with his extensive international experience makes him an important addition to our team. Elisabeth’s remarkable track record in cloud marketing, as well as her deep commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, mirrors our company objectives and core values. Both Nico and Elisabeth build on our strong foundation and share our vision for the future. I have the utmost confidence that their leadership will help us position the company for accelerated growth in the years to come, while underscoring our customer commitments,” said Steven de Schrijver, Chief Executive Officer, PTV Logistics. www.ptvlogistics.com PTV Logistics Expands Leadership Team with Two Executive Appointments to Drive Growth and Deliver Value to Customers Worldwide Elisabeth Kurek assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer Nico Brinkmann assumes the role of Chief Human Resources Officer Plugging skills gaps through apprenticeships – RHA launches guide The RHA has launched an initiative to help operators run apprenticeships. It sets out the benefits of taking on apprentices and examines the various options and good practice to help operators make the right choices to support their businesses. ‘A Guide to Running an Apprenticeship in England’ advises operators about an employer’s responsibilities, choosing courses and training providers, recruiting apprentices, monitoring progress and understanding the End Point Assessment. The guide has been written to support commercial vehicle operators and logistics businesses in England. Sally Gilson, RHA Lead for Skills, said: “With labour shortages a reality for many firms, taking on apprentices can be a good way to invest in their workforces. “Our guide will help operators better understand the options available to them and give them confidence in planning future recruitment.”
Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 6 BUSINESS NEWS VBG Group’s 2024 Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 2nd May. A Nomination Committee for VBG Group has now been formed. In accordance with the principles for the appointment of and instructions to the nomination committee adopted by the 2022 Annual General Meeting and based on the Swedish Code of Corporate Governance, VBG Group’s Nomination Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Board and three members appointed by the three shareholders with the largest number of votes at the end of the third quarter, yearly. In accordance with the above decision, a Nomination Committee has been formed for the 2024 Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Committee members are: ■ Göran Bengtsson, Herman Krefting Foundation for Allergy and Asthma Research ■ Johnny Alvarsson, chairman of the board VBG Group AB ■ Johan Lannebo, Lannebo Funds ■ Richard Torgerson, Nordea Funds Ltd The Nomination Committee’s main task is to, on behalf of the shareholders, prepare proposals to the Annual General Meeting 2024 regarding the election of the Chairman of the General Meeting, Chairman of the Board and members of the Board, as well as proposals for fees and other compensation for board assignments and fees for the auditors. Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee can do so, no later than 1st January 2024, to the following address: VBG Group AB The selection committee Kungsgatan 57 461 34 Trollhättan Nomination Committee for the VBG Group Annual General Meeting 2024 Zero emissions automotive developer, First Hydrogen hosted representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry specialists at the HORIBA MIRA proving ground near Coventry to test drive its first-of-their-kind hydrogen fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles (LCV). Attendees included fleet managers from the grocery sector with participants from Asda and Sainsbury’s, parcel delivery company DPD, NHS England, VINCI Group, mining organisation Anglo American, and Network Rail. Several utilities providers including Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and National Gas were also present. The track day also drew interest from vehicle leasing and rental companies, with ARVAL (BNP Paribas Group), Novuna, and Redde Northgate attending, along with British motor trades residual value experts, Glass’s Guide. Also joining the event were representatives from Brit European Transport, National Windscreens plus the Canal & River Trust. Participating fleets operate more than 500,000 vehicles (est). The event gave operators a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5 tonne van (FCEV). 29 drivers took the opportunity to drive on the MIRA track, simulating different duty-cycles and reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Operators experienced the vehicles’ smooth handling and appreciated the quiet drive. Drivers were also treated to a vehicle walk-round and under-thehood viewing of First Hydrogen’s technology. The Company’s partner, Ballard Power Systems, was present alongside First Hydrogen engineers to help attendees understand how the vehicles’ fuel cells work. Participants asked searching questions about the viability of hydrogen mobility, the maturity of hydrogen infrastructure and were presented with a review of Total Costs of Operation (TCO) based on First Hydrogen data collected from vehicles used during recent demo trials with UK fleets. Participants were quick to understand the TCO outlook, the benefits of FCEVs and how they compare alongside other zero emission vehicle technology. First Hydrogen’s road trials with fleet specialists Rivus and energy company SSE plc have demonstrated the impressive range the vehicles offer, with a peak range of more than 400 miles (630km) on a single fuelling achieved during journeys from Aberdeen. The real-world operational trials also showed the minimal effect carrying heavy loads or driving at higher speeds had on vehicle range – crucial attributes for this vehicle class. Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, says: “We’re delighted with the high level of interest we have received from UK fleet operators about our FCEVs and this enthusiasm was clearly present at our first driving experience day. By engaging fleets in similar events, we are demonstrating our FCEV’s capabilities to an audience who are on the road to zero emissions and can see a role for First Hydrogen technology in achieving their targets. Their feedback will help us achieve buy-in from fleets, some of whom are likely to become our Development Partners, helping us shape our future business and ultimately becoming customers for our vehicles.” Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities, comments: “It was fantastic to see a hydrogen vehicle of this weight class in action. We already know that hydrogen power will be essential to meet the critical range, payload and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery electric vans. This experience shows that adoption could soon become a reality and will help operators to transition their whole fleets to zero emission technology.” 21 major fleet operators and industry specialists drive First Hydrogen’s Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) at inaugural track day
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Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 8 BUSINESS NEWS Southgate Global, leading operational logistics and fulfilment equipment, consumables and services supplier, reveals how making the switch to a Mobile Powered Workstation (MPW) at a loading bay, can boost dock-to-stock cycle times and give companies a performance edge. Loading bays play a pivotal role in the shipping and logistics process, and they can have a huge impact on organisational business models – Walmart’s pioneering on cross docking being just one example. As the speed of the supply chain continues to ramp up, with consumers expecting orders within two days or less and B2B customers looking for more efficiency in JIT delivery processes, warehouses can no longer afford to have inventory sat at docks waiting to be logged, unpacked, and transferred to storage. Speeding up processes and reducing dock-to-stock time, which is the time it takes to put goods that arrive at the loading bay away on the racks, is rising to the top of the agenda. According to data that the Southgate Global team have seen, leading companies that have mastered the dock-to-stock time keep it to around two hours or better, but the industry average is more like eight hours (at best). As companies look to stay competitive, warehouse and distribution centre managers are turning to innovative tools to help them stay ahead. Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Innovation & New Product Development at Southgate Global, explains how its MPW can ensure exactly that. “We are witnessing an increasing number of customers turning to us for solutions to move receipts and shipments off their loading bays and into stock as quickly as possible. If you’ve got product waiting to be received it has multiple impacts, including inventory turns, customer service and order cycle times. Not to mention the problems it causes with space issues and congestion at the dock and in the warehouse. “By implementing an MPW at the dock door which has its own integrated power system used to power laptops, barcode printers or scanners, you can reduce your processing time for each delivery by dealing with all the stock entry requirements and ERP updates at the point and time of arrival. If you’re saving around four hours a day, when calculated annually this quickly adds up to a huge saving in cost. “You just wheel the MPW into a position, lock the wheels and plug your equipment into the onboard power supply. For those who already have a workstation at their dock but require power, the Mobile Power Supply can be provided separately.” With over 600 customers across the UK and Europe, Southgate already supplies its MPW to major logistics and fulfilment operatives and has calculated it can cut businesses costs by £5,691 per operative per year. O’Driscoll also stressed the benefits of taking paper out of the equation and being able to move the MPW around the warehouse: “Workers are still walking back and forth to a fixed workstation to find purchase orders, enter data and print labels, and this wasted time quickly adds up. For many of our customers, once they made the switch to our MPW, they found that they had freed up time they never knew existed, essentially doubling workforce productivity just by reducing the number of steps that workers take on the warehouse floor. “By making the switch to an MPW, companies can also reduce the risk of inaccurate data entries. Having an MPW at the loading bay means you are majorly reducing the likelihood of mis-keyed data, stock-keeping errors from scribbled notes or misprinting stock labels all whilst eliminating walk time. Everything you need is at your fingertips.” Southgate’s MPW includes a two-battery solution each providing 16 hours of battery life, enough for two shifts per battery. Overlooking the importance of cost saving opportunities at the loading bay is a common mistake which companies can no longer afford to make. As demands for speed and efficiency continue to rise, we expect to see the use of MPW’s as an essential element of any optimised warehouse moving forward.” Boost Dock-to-Stock times with Southgate’s MPW TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 9 BUSINESS NEWS The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has welcome news for the road transport industry on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), business investment and planning reforms. We are delighted that the Chancellor has listened to RHA’s campaigning efforts on several fronts. Hauliers and coach operators keep goods and people moving – and are vital to our economic viability. We are pleased to see VED for HGVs and the HGV levy frozen for 2024-25. This follows our recent campaigning and will support hauliers who are facing significant cost pressures. The cost of operating an HGV has risen by nearly 10% over the past 12 months in the face of thin average margins of just 2%. Our industry is experiencing reduced activity and fewer goods being moved due to cost-of-living challenges. Road freight volumes are down by 10% and we have seen an increase in insolvencies with reduced profitability. We welcome the announcement on full expensing to make the change announced in the Spring Budget permanent. Firms will be able to claim back the tax on buying new plant and machinery, including vans, lorries and warehousing equipment. We are also pleased that the Chancellor acknowledged concerns that planning is often a barrier to investment in major infrastructure. The introduction of a premium planning service with guaranteed accelerated decision dates for major applications and new powers to hold councils to account is welcome. A strong network of safe, secure roadside truck parking facilities is a key priority for us. The new Investment Zone deals are much needed and we urge that they’re supported with high-quality road infrastructure. We also support Government action in creating more certainty for investors in low-carbon infrastructure. This is through extending the critical national priority designation for nationally significant low-carbon energy projects. We continue to call on the Government to introduce an emissions-linked rebate to encourage hauliers and coach operators to switch to low-carbon fuels such as HVO. Finally, the £2 billion funding being made available to support the manufacturing and development of zero-emission vehicles is welcome, however we need to see more concrete plans on how this funding will be targeted towards commercial vehicles. We will be examining the detail of the Autumn Statement and will continue working closely with the Government and the Opposition ahead of next year’s General Election. Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – RHA reaction Fargo Systems, the logistics industry’s digital TMS provider of choice, has welcomed former employee Adam Cunnew back to the business as a systems analyst. During the previous 12 months, Adam took the opportunity to upskill and complete the PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) accreditation in project management. His extensive knowledge and additional expertise will undoubtedly contribute to Fargo Systems’ continued success in delivering cutting-edge transport management systems to its clients. Adam’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his decision to invest his time in external qualifications. Achieving PRINCE2, the globally recognised de facto standard in project management, demonstrates his keenness to enhance his skills and contribute even more effectively to Fargo Systems’ projects. Adam joined Fargo Systems as an apprentice in 2016 as a firstline support and QA Tester. After completing his apprenticeship, Adam took up the role of product consultant, building a solid foundation in analysis and development over the following six years. “We are thrilled to welcome Adam back to the Fargo Systems team,” said Managing Director Steve Collins. “His dedication to personal and professional growth is truly commendable. With his newly acquired PRINCE2 certification, we anticipate Adam will bring a fresh perspective and enhanced project management skills to our business. As we continue to strive for excellence in delivering logistics software solutions, Adam’s return comes as an asset that aligns perfectly with our goals.” Adam’s return to Fargo Systems signals the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of ongoing development and innovation. His comprehensive skill set and the company’s robust resources and collaborative environment position Fargo Systems as a reliable partner for clients seeking innovative transport planning and resource scheduling solutions. For more information about Fargo Systems and its range of TopsTMS® logistics software solutions, please visit www.fargosystems.com Systems Analyst Adam Cunnew rejoins Fargo Systems after successful upskilling and project management certification Fargo Systems’ Adam Cunnew - image credit Jim Slade Fargo Systems TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 10 BUSINESS NEWS ■ VEV says that fleets embarking on electrification are discovering the fundamental operational shift involved in running a resilient EV fleet ■ Using a fleet management platform that monitors energy, chargers and vehicles in real-time is a new necessity ■ Hiring experts to navigate the significant operational changes reduces risk and cost and makes the transition less overwhelming for internal teams ■ To help fleet owners looking to electrify, VEV has outlined its top five factors to achieve the best transition, and has published a free eBook to download VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol – a world leader in energy – says the change from traditional fuel cards to data-powered fleet dashboards is as significant for the fleet sector as the shift from cash to contactless was for the payments industry. The company is highlighting that having real-time fleet and energy data management technology is the critical component to run a successful EV fleet. They are encouraging fleets to embrace this operational shift to reap the rewards of fleet decarbonisation. Moving from the tried-and-trusted fuel card to an integrated software solution encompassing energy, vehicles, chargers and operations, and potentially micro-grid solutions, is significant. It’s a radical change in the role of a fleet manager who will still be managing vehicles, drivers and journeys, but now doing so within the parameters of energy supply and charging schedules. VEV CEO Mike Nakrani said, “Fleet emissions make up 10% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, so electrifying your fleet is non-negotiable. As a brand new and complex undertaking, bringing in expertise to anticipate and resolve the inevitable challenges will prove to be a good investment. Done right, electrification can reduce costs while bolstering sustainability credentials and providing access to low-carbon contracts. Fleet owners need to start planning now, upskilling teams, and approaching this as a major business transformation. The fleets that act early will gain a competitive edge.” To help fleet managers planning to electrify, VEV has outlined its top five factors to plan a smooth transition. 1. ADOPT A NEW DATA-DRIVEN MINDSET – Real-time energy monitoring, charging schedules, and new efficiency metrics require a new data-centred approach. Data insights are needed at the very start of the planning stage to assess current telematics and energy consumption and design the EV fleet. Every EV fleet is bespoke in its configuration and there isn’t a one-size fits all solution. 2. OUTSOURCE EXPERTISE – By working with an e-fleet expert, fleets will access a team that has managed this process multiple times before. This means anticipating challenges and avoiding mistakes, which will reap the benefits of the energy transition faster and more cost-effectively. VEV has put together a free eBook with advice for fleet managers looking to electrify their fleets. 3. IT’S A TRANSITION, NOT A QUICK FIX – It’s important to look at the transition to electrification as exactly that – a transition – it’s not an on or off switch. It’s crucial to analyse your data to assess your electrification readiness at the outset and then design the implementation plan around the right mix of vehicles and chargers for each fleet operation. 4. MANAGE YOUR ENERGY SUPPLY – Determining the likely impact on your grid connection upgrade is arguably the critical success factor in every transition. Upfront energy analysis and developing alternative energy sources such as solar and battery, can help avoid or reduce grid upgrades which is one of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of the electrification transition. 5. NAVIGATE MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS – Due to the complexity of transition, many more stakeholders need to become part of the process, from finance through to facilities and the drivers themselves. The transition is seen as the fleet manager’s obligation when it is not solely their responsibility, but it is usually their problem. VEV’s sister company VGMobility, designed, built and financed the electrification of 400+ buses for Transmilenio, a network of 10,000 public buses in Bogotá, Colombia. Mike Nakrani said, “This included building a state-of-the-art depot facility, supplying over 400 electric buses and 21 super chargers of 360kW. By fully financing the project over 15 years, VGM enabled Transmilenio to electrify without a heavy upfront capital burden. At VEV, we’re currently getting a lot of interest in our managed service offering which transfers the financial commitment from capex to opex.” Moving from ICE to electric fleets is as significant as moving from cash to contactless payments says VEV TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 12 BUSINESS NEWS At COP 28, we were honoured to participate in one of the first speaker briefings, ‘Accelerating the Transition Through Road Transport’. It was a privilege for a startup from Tilbury to be invited to share the stage with several heads of state and CEOs of the world’s largest companies to discuss how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. It shows that we’re doing important work and how seriously many political and business leaders are taking transport decarbonisation. Yet, it’s no secret that Tevva has had its challenges this year - similar to many startups in the electric vehicle (EV) space who have faced and continue to face several obstacles to mass production. Volta Trucks filed for bankruptcy due to supply chain issues, although there is hope for them on the horizon. North American startups are burning through cash reserves as they struggle to ramp up production in the face of dwindling funding options. Tevva continues along its road, producing battery-electric trucks at our London facility and delivering them to eagerly awaiting customers. But we need help to scale up and carve a pathway towards greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Simply put, we believe that further government action is required to ensure that the UK achieves its net zero goals in the best and fastest possible way for the good of the environment, economy and British people. We certainly do appreciate the British government’s support to date, but for this country to accelerate EV adoption and meet its net zero goals, more is needed. Brexit put us in a position where we were theoretically free from the ‘shackles’ of the European Union (EU) and free to pass our own legislation and create our own targets. Take the European Parliament’s recent vote to adopt new CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (-45% by 2030, -65% by 2035 and -90% by 2040). In the UK we have more ambitious goals of 100% zero-emission by 2035 for commercial vehicles below 26 tonnes (where Tevva is currently operating), and 2040 for 26 tonnes and over. This looks good on paper, but the adoption of clean trucks won’t play out on paper - rather in company boardrooms and at the desks of procurement and fleet decision-makers. What good are ambitious targets if you don’t have the policies or appropriate measures in place to see them achieved. As the UK has the most ambitious targets for battery-electric truck adoption, you’d think that the most attractive incentives would also be in place to stimulate demand, especially as we’re no longer bound by EU state aid rules limiting the amount of support governments can give specific industries. Yet the financial incentives on offer for truck adoption in the UK are paltry compared to those found on the continent. As a vehicle manufacturer, Tevva can offer customers a maximum discount of £16,000 for one of our 7.5 tonne battery electric trucks. Yet, if you compare this support to what’s on offer in other European countries, you’re left feeling that the UK could do more. In Germany, for example, the government provides 80% of the price differential between diesel and battery-electric trucks; in the Netherlands, it’s 45%. That’s potentially between £50,000-£90,000 per truck more than the UK offers. A second area in which we severely lag behind mainland Europe is the available charging infrastructure. In Germany right now they’re building Europe’s first public charging corridor for electric trucks along major logistics routes. In the UK you’d struggle to find a single dedicated electric truck charging facility en route to any delivery. At the recent Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit in the UK, infrastructure was highlighted as the industry’s number one concern. To say a lot rests on the success of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme and other schemes is putting it mildly. No one said the electrification of trucks was going to be easy, but it is inevitable, and the technology has developed to a point where an electric truck is a viable proposition for many fleet operators. Yet our ambitious targets in the UK are not backed up by the right actions to enable, incentivise and de-risk the shift. It’s imperative that these actions and policies are put in place to facilitate the journey to net zero, by this government or the next. Stuart Cottrell Forget ambitious targets, we need meaningful actions on zero emission trucks By Stuart Cottrell, Head of Energy Services and Government Partnerships at Tevva Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead, Environment and Vehicles, said: “We’re pleased that Transport for Greater Manchester will invest in cleaner air technologies rather than charge drivers to enter a clean air zone to tackle pollution in the city. “We’re committed to working with government, local authorities and others on workable solutions to improve air quality which avoid causing financial problems for communities and businesses. “We’re calling for greater investment in zero-emission infrastructure and an emissions-linked rebate to encourage the uptake of cleaner fuels such as HVO to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels.” RHA line on Manchester CAZ announcement TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 13 BUSINESS NEWS The Dover-based haulier has introduced five new vehicles to its fleet as it looks to drive long-term growth. The latest additions will replace some older vehicles as well as adding additional vehicles to the fleet, giving the company increased capacity to handle higher freight volumes. The new vehicles will all proudly display the distinctive Bywater Transport logo to maintain the professional look of the existing fleet. Three new Volvo FL rigids will be used for collections and deliveries in the local area as part of the company’s pallet network operation. The haulier covers the CT and TN postcodes on behalf of the Pall-Ex and Fortec networks, providing a quality distribution service in the Dover area to the network members. The new Volvos come fully equipped with full closure cantilever tail lifts to make deliveries as safe as possible for drivers, customers and the general public. Kevin Letham, Managing Director at Bywater Transport, commented: “The safety of our drivers and customers is paramount and we are committed to continually upgrading our fleet to maintain the safest working conditions for our employees. “With more volume coming through the network, we needed new vehicles to handle the increased demand. Newer vehicles allow us to deliver a more reliable service as there is less downtime for repairs, which means we can keep our fleet on the road and continue to meet customer expectations.” In addition to the Volvos, Bywater Transport has also taken delivery of two Mercedes Actros tractor units, which will primarily be used to complete nightly runs from the Dover depot to the Pall-Ex hub in Leicestershire. Kevin added: “The new tractor units will be used for the Pall-Ex night trunk as well as local deliveries and collections during the day, meaning they will be in operation nearly 24 hours a day. After a few weeks of use, these vehicles are showing promising fuel returns which will help to bring great cost-efficiencies for the business in the long run.” Now, with a fleet of 30 LGV’s and four vans, Bywater Transport is in a premier position to continue delivering service excellence on a national and international level. Bywater Transport takes delivery of new vehicles after substantial fleet investment SSAB and VBG Group recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding fossil-free steel. VBG Group has been a loyal customer of SSAB for many years and this LOI now further strengthens that relationship. “SSAB’s initiative is perfectly aligned with VBG Group and our ambitions to create sustainable and profitable growth for our brands. Our products are characterized by safety, reliability, and innovation, which is further strengthened by our commitment to sustainability,” says Anders Erkén, President and CEO of VBG Group. SSAB has supplied high-quality premium steel for many years to VBG Group’s Truck & Trailer Equipment division and now further steps are being taken to strengthen the relationship. In addition to ongoing projects and joint training, the agreement ensures future deliveries of fossil-free steel, something that benefits VBG Group’s brands and their customers. “We welcome VBG Group to the family of fossil-free partners in our Nordic home market. VBG will be an important partner to us in our ambition to connect with serious actors and strong companies. This marks the beginning of the joint journey towards fossil-free deliveries,” says Matts Nilsson, Sales Manager SSAB Europe in Sweden and Norway. VBG Group’s Truck & Trailer Equipment division develops, produces, and markets complete system solutions for drawbar couplings between trucks and trailers with a focus on the Nordic market under the VBG brand. The division also develops and sells automatic snow chains under the Onspot brand. “Our goal is to be the market leader in our segments, and we always want to be at the forefront with our system solutions and be able to deliver added value to our customers,” says Anders Erkén. Together with partners, SSAB is developing a unique solution for fossil-free iron and steel production. By replacing the traditional iron ore and coke/coal-based steelmaking, and using fossil-free electricity and hydrogen, SSAB has ambitions to fundamentally change the steel production process. The goal is to deliver fossil-free steel to the market at a commercial scale in 2026. “Now that VBG Group is part of our fossil-free value chain, it feels like we have another good platform for future collaborations in the important Nordic home market. VBG Group is a natural step, as we like to prioritize stable manufacturers for the initial deliveries of fossil-free steel,” says Matts Nilsson. SSAB and VBG Group connect their ambitions for a fossil-free world
Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 14 BUSINESS NEWS Mercedes-Benz Trucks has welcomed the latest member of its Authorised Repairer Network, providing allimportant support to heavy vehicle operators in the Central Belt of Scotland and beyond. Alltruck Group was appointed to its new status in July and has now opened to the public, following an intensive programme of staff training and recruitment. Meanwhile the finishing touches are being put to an extension and upgrade project at the company’s strategically located workshop, sandwiched between Falkirk and Grangemouth and just yards from the M9 motorway. Established since 2012, Alltruck has already built a solid reputation as an independent, all-makes service agent. As well as its workshop, the company runs a thriving truck rental business, with a fleet of more than 300 vehicles, and is a main agent for Fassi cranes in Scotland. “But joining the Mercedes-Benz network as an official Authorised Repairer has taken us to the next level,” said Managing Director Martin Shaw. The workshop sits on a secure 15-acre site and now boasts eight full-length bays, two of which have inspection pits. The staff of 22 technicians, which includes three apprentices, work across round-the-clock shifts from Monday morning to Friday evening, and all day on Saturdays. Plans are already in place to add a dedicated ATF lane early next year. Extra staff have also been taken on to look after the depot’s stock of MercedesBenz GenuineParts. “We’ve effectively created an entire parts department from scratch,” said Mr Shaw. “Previously, most of our parts were delivered as needed, now we hold an extensive stock with a team of seven specialists to manage it. “We’ve also taken on extra administration, reception and warranty staff, as well as increasing our roster of technicians,” he continued. “The result of all this is that while we were previously looking after around 200 operators, that number has now risen to close to 500. “Crucially, though, our commitment to those original customers remains unwavering. We understand the needs of those in the road transport industry and are fully committed to providing the very highest standards of service – so it’s very gratifying to report that the feedback we’ve received from long-standing customers, and those who are new to us, has been very positive.” Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK’s newly-appointed Head of Network Development, Leonhard Niemann, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Alltruck to bring even better service coverage to our customers in Scotland, and to expand our representation across the UK. “The appointment of this trusted partner helps us to provide a full parts and service offering to operators in this important part of the country, and we look forward to growing together.” Alltruck Group’s three-pointed star rises in the North Partners in progress: Alltruck Group Director Peter Hoggan, left, and Managing Director Martin Shaw at their newly extended and improved workshop ■ UK new light commercial vehicle market rises for 11th month in a row, up 12.7% to 27,433 units in November. ■ Demand for medium sized vans more than doubles, up 161.1%, but large vans still most popular as operators opt for payload efficiencies. ■ Second monthly decline in battery electric van uptake fails to derail YTD gains, but urgent solutions to Rules of Origin tariff threat and van-suitable charging infrastructure crucial to long-term growth. Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by 12.7% in November as 27,433 vans, pickups and 4x4s joined Britain’s fleets, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance is 4.6% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels and represents 11 consecutive months of rising demand, totalling 311,754 units – the largest volume for two years as product availability continues to improve. The greatest volume growth was delivered via medium-sized vans, more than doubling by 161.1% to 4,554 units, while rising registrations of 4x4s and pickups continued, up 6.5% and 14.9% respectively to 589 units and 3,783 units. New LCV buyers continue to show preference for payload and fuel efficiencies, however, with the largest van models – those weighing greater than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes – representing 18,070 units and 65.9% of the market, albeit -1.6% units fewer than in November last year. Small van registrations, meanwhile, grew 10.4% to 437 units. Battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for the second month, as 1,631 units were registered – some 343 fewer than in November last year – however, the broader trend is positive with BEV registrations up 15.0% since January. 17,289 BEVs have joined UK roads in 2023, accounting for almost one in 18 new vans registered across the year. The recent stall in demand, therefore, underscores the importance of measures that encourage van operators to invest in the benefits that zero emission technology offers, from lower CO2 emissions to increased performance, and potentially lower running costs. The most pressing priority is swift action to delay tough Rules of Origin requirements that will place tariffs on BEVs traded across the Channel from 1 January – potentially reducing choice and affordability. With four in five (83.6%) BEVs registered this year originating in the EU, and the UK increasing its BEV exports, the new rules pose a clear threat to the transition, just as new regulation mandating the sale of these vehicles comes into effect. Operator confidence must also be safeguarded by accelerating public chargepoint rollout with a national delivery plan that considers the specific needs of larger vans. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “An eleventh month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation. It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero emission van uptake, driving down CO2 emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets. These are severely threatened by Rules of Origin requirements due in less than four weeks’ time, so it is essential that a pragmatic solution is found, and fast.” New van demand grows for 11th month but EV uptake needs 2024 boost Van registrations 3 5T year-to-date registrations and split November 23 TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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