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Truck and Track Winter 2018 10
BUSINESS NEWS
Bruntingthorpe Logistics isnowtransportingnewandusedcars
across the UK in style with their latest arrivals, a duo of Scania
P450s. Such a fan of the Scania product, the Lutterworth based
operator placed theorder for thefirst two rigidnext-generation
Scania car transporters as soon as they were available.
Supplied by dealer, TruckEast, the 6x2 Scanias are a 450 hp P-Series
with a low sleeper cab and fuel efficient 13-litre engine. Making
use of Euro-6 SCR emission technology the vehicles, plated at
44-tonnes GTW, deliver 2,350Nm torque and are finished in a
stunning gunmetal grey including colour-coded bumpers. Its trailer
bodywork, meanwhile, is the new Odyssey model by Essex based,
Transporter Engineering.
Inside, the driver benefits from all the advances in the next
generation model such as increased visibility with the changes
to driver’s position and lower side windows and maximised
comfort thanks to the redesigned cab. Additionally, the Scania
car-transporters are specced with the options of the extended
bed and external storage lockers on both sides, creating a better
environment for a productive day and relaxing night.
“Operationally, we need the low roof option, but in spite of this the
sleeper cab is extremely comfortable and offers a lot more space. It
provides that perfect dual environment that makes life on the road
that much easier for our drivers,” states Transport Manager, Martyn
Rose.
Not only do the new Scanias increase the groups capacity for
vehicle transportationbut they are amongst the first to be equipped
with the new Odyssey model trailer which provides further load
flexibility on the fleet.
“It gives us an alternate configuration where we can maximise the
loading space within the given payload, so if we are transporting
larger vehicles we no longer have to compromise in the same way
on volume,” comments Martyn.
Each of the new additions is expected to average around
100,000kms per year, supporting both the rental market and
manufacturers directly across the UK. Operating on overnight runs,
five-days-a-week the higher specification of the next-generation
Scania has been welcomed onto the fleet.
“As a brand, Scania has always performed for us. But this model
takes it to a new level. It’s a better build, the quality finish is
impeccable and what’s more, they’ve listened to the market.
Options that were previously unavailable in the transporters are
now offered.” Summarising the decision to order the new Scanias,
Martyn continues, “Quite simply, the Scania really works for our
business. It’s a great truck and we always get the backup – why
would we go anywhere else?”
It’s early days for the P-Series, but the Leicestershire based haulier
is pleased with them and has already placed an order for a further
two, this time opting for a bit more power with the 500hp engine.
Aswith their other Scanias they’ll bemaintained by TruckEast Corby
including all routine servicing and inspections.
“The whole team at Corby give us a great level of service and are
always willing to help. It’s clear they want to get you back on the
road as quickly as possible – and that’s important to us,” concludes
Martyn.
Operating at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground and in their third
year of trading, Bruntingthorpe Logistics runs a fleet of 16 car
transporters in which the Swedish marque makes up over 80%.
Transport Manager, Martyn Rose (left) and Director Paul Cox (right)
Bruntingthorpe Logistics loads up with new Scania duo
Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq: DSGX) , the global
leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce,
has announced that Descartes mobile driver vehicle safety
checks are now available as part of its SmartCompliance suite.
Transport operators of all sizes can access the Smartcheck
Mobile Driver Vehicle Safety Check (DVSC) solution within
Smartanalysis to get a complete picture of compliance with
tachograph data, driving licence and driver CPC verification.
By assuring compliance with the Driver and Vehicle Standards
Agency’s (DVSA) required walk-around driver vehicle safety
checks, Smartcheck improves safety of commercial fleets and
helps mitigate roadside prohibitions that occur due to poor
roadworthiness.
The cloud-based solution replaces traditional paper-based record
keepingwithanonlinewalk-around check tool that canbe accessed
throughweb-browsers and handheld devices. Smartcheck provides
drivers with a guide to perform essential safety checks on vehicles
and equipment used on public roads. The solution records the time
the check took place and the duration. With the data captured in
real-time, transport operators will have the added confidence
that checks are conducted effectively. Drivers will be empowered
to carry out vehicle checks more easily, quickly and efficiently.
Transport Managers will have confidence that the checks actually
took place and any reported defects are dealt with.
As an integral part of Descartes’ SmartCompliance portfolio,
Smartcheck comes with the ability to produce powerful reporting
that turns vehicle check data into useful management information
to maintain a compliant transport operation. Transport Managers
can access a real-time holistic view of the status of all vehicles
within the fleet and generate internal reports of defects and repairs
as well as monitoring driver behaviour in conducting essential
vehicle checks.
Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing at Descartes Systems UK, says:
“Conducting effective vehicle checks are essential in maintaining a
roadworthy fleet. Historically, checks have been carried out using
paper records, which can cause delays and leave more room for
error. With real-time data capture and transfer, the need to rekey
data is completely eradicated. Descartes’ driver vehicle safety check
solution creates an important auditable record of checks and any
corrective actions taken to protect drivers and the general public
alike.”
Descartes launches mobile driver vehicle safety checks