Commercial Motor articles from September 2008

Commercial Motor archives from September 2008

Lib Dems call for rail freight switch to cut road accidents.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... The Liberal Democrats have called for more freight to be shifted from road to rail to cut motorway accidents. Party transport spokesman Norman Baker says the road network is not capable of dealing with the volume of freight it carries. ...

Using fixed fuel cards on motorways could cut bills.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... By Joanna Bourke Operators should use fixed fuel cards and stick to motorways if journeys are to be shortened and annual fuel bills cut by up to [pounds sterling]1,000, says research by The Fuelcard People. Commissioned by parent...

Operations.
September 11, 2008... Increasingly, modern tenders ask for green credentials. So as not to compromise their hard-earned sustainability record, most corporates take into account the social and environmental responsibility of potential suppliers. Consumers too expect...

Operations.
September 11, 2008... A first glance at the 06 plate and you could be confused into thinking that this is a used truck test. But such are the machinations of press test-fleet management, often obscured behind personal plates, this is still very much a current TGL...

The expansion of the UK's container port facilities will create opportunities for hauliers, but concerns are being voiced over capacity and infrastructure.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... Words: Christopher Walton About 95% of goods consumed or produced in the UK come and go by sea, according to the Department for Transport (DfT). For that reason alone, expansion of the UK's container port facilities is welcome, and...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... Letters I read with interest the South Wales police statements following the recent fuel protests in the region. They say "Our main aim [is] to ensure the continued flow of traffic." This flies in the face of police action on road...

Legal.(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... CM-11SEPT08-CASE3-MJ (HEAD) Link to Dutch coach firm could affect licence Durham-based Anglo Dutch Logistics could face action against its licence following illegal operation by an associated coach company whose licence had been...

Legal.(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... CM-11sept08-case4-mj (head) Second chance and out The three-vehicle licence held by Leeds-based McHugh Earthworks was revoked by North Eastern Deputy Traffic Commissioner Mark Hinchliffe after the company failed to appear at a Leeds...

Legal.
September 11, 2008... 26 Case of the week Ignored undertakings: An operator that breached undertakings given by a TC has lost its licence. 27 Case studies Bloody overload: A messy abattoir truck turned out to be severely overloaded. Customer is not...

Legal.
September 11, 2008... Shut it! Employees no longer have to put up with noisy workplaces. Here's why Words: Patric Cunnane We live in a noisy world, and for much of the time there is little we can do to control the volume - the rumble of traffic on a...

Legal.
September 11, 2008... CM-11SEPT08-PANEL QUOTES-PC NOWHERE MAN - Two failures to show resulted in a lost licence. see page ??? DRIVING TESTS - Testing times at the DSA as impostors sit tests. see page ??? PENNY WISE - How to save money when the...

Legal.
September 11, 2008... Every little helps Faced with a rent increase, what can an operator do to negotiate a better deal? Most commercial leases contain a mechanism for the rent to be reviewed at regular intervals, usually every three or five years....

Legal.
September 11, 2008... Photo opportunity THE LAW AND DRIVING TESTS l Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is an offence for a person to drive a motor vehicle if he or she is not the holder of an appropriate licence. l Operators should ensure employees...

Bloody overload leads to licence cut.(Legal)
September 11, 2008... A truck collecting from an abattoir was so overloaded that animal waste was dripping on the road when Vosa stopped it. As a result of this and poor maintenance arrangements, the operator's licence authority has been cut by a third. ...

Appeal fails despite customer support.(Legal)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... An operator that lost its licence for ignoring Vosa and the Traffic Area Office (TAO) has failed to win its appeal before the Transport Tribunal despite its main customer providing evidence in its support. The TAO twice wrote to Darlington,...

Dreadful' prohibitions result in revocation.(Legal)
September 11, 2008... An undertaking given at public inquiry that vehicles would be inspected every four weeks had been breached. An operator that ignored undertakings given at a public inquiry has lost its O-licence - and it is likely that further action will...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... The numbers game The DfT's latest road freight statistics provide a valuable insight into the ins and outs of the haulage industry, but treat the findings with caution. For the UK road haulage industry, the road freight statistics from...

Oxford plans LEZ and weight limits to restrict lorry traffic.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... Councillors in Oxfordshire plan to introduce a low-emission zone (LEZ) and restrict lorry movements by introducing weight limits in an effort to tackle mounting congestion. Following complaints from the residents of Chipping Norton...

This Week.(Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions )(Financial report)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Commercial vehicle rental firm Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions has reported its revenues are up 14% on this time last year. It partly attributes this rise to firms that are reluctant to buy, and have opted to rent instead. Burnt Tree has...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Hydra Wing exported to Egypt C&C Hydraulics, a west Yorkshire-based firm is to export four Hydra Wing netting systems to Veolia in Eygpt, along with the promise of 16 more. The Hydra Wing system, launched at Tip-Ex 2008 (CM 12 May),...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... TDG shareholders have accepted the [pounds sterling]222m takeover offer made by Laxey Partners. The company's board had already agreed to support Laxey's bid. Laxey Partners has created an incorporated company called Bidco based in the Isle of...

This Week.(Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) criticising Government's decision of not introducing a trailer registration scheme)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... SMMT attacks lack ofUK registration scheme By Roanna Avison The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has criticised the Government's decision not to introduce a trailer registration scheme. With the introduction of...

Goldhofer lighter to save money.(This Week)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... With heavy haulage, it's all about axle weight. So, after more than 18 tonnes were removed from its drawbar module, the Goldhofer STZ-H10 10-axle trailer can now haul a payload of 100 tonnes. The special types trailer, which has a 30-tonne...

Truckstop funding and QMB extension is answer in Kent.(This Week)(Quick Moveable Barrier)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... By Roanna Avison An extension of the Quick Moveable Barrier (QMB) and more funding for an existing truckstop are a better solution to Kent's lorry parking problems, rather than Kent County Council's (KCC) proposal for a 70-acre truck park,...

New tanker show debuts.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... A new trade show for the tanker, bulk-powder and liquid transport industry starts next month at Derbyshire's Donnington Park. Tank-Ex starts on 8 October and will run to 10 October. The event's organiser, G&T Events, which runs Tip-Ex for...

Truck driver awarded more than [pounds sterling]8,000 compensation.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... By Peter Swingler A truck delivery driver who believed his company vehicle was targeted to stop him giving evidence in Crown Court has been awarded more than [pounds sterling]8,000 for unfair dismissal. Birmingham Employment Tribunal...

This Week.(Bevan Group designs commercial vehicle)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Bevan claims fuel saving from rigid body A streamlined rigid body designed and built by Bevan Group claims to make fuel savings of 21%. The patent-pending Bevan21 body has a sloping front end with moulded cab collars to help improve...

Mercedes Atego gives Kent skip company more room around town.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... Extra manoeuvrability around tight town-centre street furniture was the reason behind Any Waste Solution's decision to switch from Mercedes-Benz Axor skip-loaders to the lighter Atego. Kent-based Any Waste has five 18-tonne Axors in its...

Newgistics completes management buyout.(This Week)
September 11, 2008... By Roanna Avison Llanelli-based freight forwarder Newgistics Freight Solutions has completed a management buyout from Sandrair International. Details of the deal have not been released, but director Jon Newington and his wife received...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... by Roanna Avison Vosa's plan to simplify the way headlamp aim is tested - by switching to using an electronic measurement system - has been met with a mixed response from the industry. The changes, which would result in a wider...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... Scots firm fined after dumper accident Scottish Coal Company has been fined [pounds sterling]400,000 for breaches of health and safety laws at Ayr Sheriff Court after two men were killed in a dumper truck accident in Scotland. The...

This Week.(Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Tribunal changes could jeopardise firms by Christopher Walton Reforms to the Transport Tribunal could leave operators out of business while awaiting appeal, one senior lawyer has warned. As the industry awaits the introduction of...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... Campaigners have urged operators to step up drugs and alcohol policies at work in order to battle the rising number of disqualified and shamed drivers. Drug and alcohol abuse consultancy Grendonstar believes anti-drugs and alcohol policies...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Costin Logistics has implemented a pence per kilometre (PPK) tyre contract with ATS Euromaster and Michelin as part of the West Midlands firm's plan to turn the business around. The PPK deal ensures Costin pays only for the kilometres used on...

This Week.
September 11, 2008... Industry split over EU plans to put absent drivers on trial by Roanna Avison British truck drivers who fall foul of the laws across the European Union could be tried in their absence in other EU countries and extradited if they are...

This Week.(Toyota Motor Corp.)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Toyota takes the wraps off new Hilux Toyota has revealed details of its 2009 Hilux with a host of revisions, both inside and out. The exterior gets a revised front grille, while the H3 and Invincible get redesigned alloy wheels, 15in...

This Week.(Industry overview)
September 11, 2008... Despite all the gloom and doom that is surrounding the industry at the moment, there are still plenty of drivers doing the glamour jobs. And there are plenty more who want to know the details of, for example, Formula One and rock and roll...

This Week.(operator who breached undertakings issued by the TC losing his licence )(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... n An operator who breached a series of undertakings that were issued by the TC has lost its licence and could even face further action. North-Eastern Traffic Commissioner Tom Macartney revealed that EVT Contractors had committed some "pretty...

This Week.(Bodybuilder Trumac in loss)(Brief article)
September 11, 2008... Administrators step in and take over Trumac By David Harris Bodybuilder Trumac went into administration last week, with the loss of 30 jobs. The administrator confirms that the Wiltshire-based company's bank was on the brink of...

Operations.
September 11, 2008... As useful as your average pickup is, numerous aftermarket companies offer practical and innovative products to further its commercial ability and make your life that bit easier. Truck tops, bash-proof load linings, secure roller-top...

A change of management.(Used Trucks)
September 11, 2008... Wales and West Truck dealership, which was previously owned by Volvo Trucks, has been bought out by its current management team. s The team (from left) finance director Jeff Clarke, sales director Andrew Long, managing director Billy Nairn...

Green is the colour for the IAA show at Hannover.(This Week)
September 18, 2008... By Colin Barnett Next Thursday (25 September) is the first public day of Europe's premier CV show, IAA at Hannover, which runs until 2 October. For many observers, the highlight will be the results of the Truck and Van of the Year contests...

Planned relocation of Welsh test site prompts operator criticism.(This Week)
September 18, 2008... Concerns have been raised over the potential relocation of a Vosa test site in Llandrindod Wells, Wales, which could leave local operators with hefty fuel bills just to see whether their vehicles are roadworthy. Vosa confirmed to CM that it...

Cardiff Council plans lorry bridge into historic park.(This Week)(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... by Chris Tindall Cardiff Council has announced ambitious plans to build a dedicated lorry bridge that will allow hauliers unrestricted access into a park in the heart of the city centre. The local authority estimates that between 50...

This Week.(Jury finding truck driver guilty of death by dangerous driving )(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Jury finds A14 truck driver guilty of death by dangerous driving HGV driver Michael Coombes, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, was last week convicted of causing death by dangerous driving after smashing into a stationary queue of traffic at 55mph....

Mermaid reveals that two thirds of lorries have faults.(This Week)(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Almost TWO-THIRDS of lorries were discovered to have faults in roadside checks carried out across the country as part of Operation Mermaid. The roads of Scotland and Northamptonshire were targeted in the crackdown, with Vosa undertaking...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Working time case is 'about Gibralter, not UK' By David Harris The Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed that a court case taken by the European Commission against the UK for not enforcing European law on truck drivers' hours...

This Week.(P&O Ferrymasters's control division awarded)(NYK Logistics (Europe) Ltd. in contract with Virgin Media Group Ltd.)(Freightex opens a new office)(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... The temperature control division of P&O Ferrymasters has been awarded certification to the Dutch food safety standard HACCP RvA (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). The fleet of 70 reefer trailers was inspected for two days in August...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... CM Comment/ Sept 18/BW/Chunnelfire SECOND TIME AROUND Given the current paucity of hard facts, there seems little point in speculating as to what started the latest Channel Tunnel fire. What is beyond doubt, however, is that this was a...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... Only fuels rush in... Just last year biofuels were seen as a magic bullet to dwindling oil supplies. Now, there are concerns over their effect on the climate, food prices and, worst of all, vehicle engines. A Government-commissioned...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... Model: Actros 4148K 8x8/4 Engine: Mercedes-Benz OM5 1LA V6 Power ratings: 480hp Torque output: 2,300Nm Gearbox: Mercedes-Benz Powershift G230-16 Brakes: Drums, all round, plus KD engine brake Suspension: Steel, front...

Operations.
September 18, 2008... Shape-shifting In the current economic climate, the double-deck trailer is an essential part of any logistics fleet, and keeping the running costs of a 4.8m-high trailer down means a sloping front. B Taylor & Sons is based in...

Operations.
September 18, 2008... MAKING THE CLAIM l Continue to communicate with your insurer. Even if you do not intend to make a claim, it is still your responsibilty to do so as a condition of your policy. l A claim form can usually be completed over the phone with...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... //HEADLINE// Space savers //Standfirst// Using your warehouse space wisely is the key to surviving an economic downturn, delegates at the first Warehousing Futures conference in Coventry were told. By Joanna Bourke With...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... Letter 1 //Headline// If in doubt, weigh it out Your article on vehicle overloading (CM Aug 7) highlights an important issue often overlooked by drivers and vehicle operators. It can be easy for drivers to assume that overloading...

Legal.
September 18, 2008... Contact Beatingup the wrong guys Illegal haulage is still the number one concern for the Irish haulage industry, despite the introduction of a special Traffic Corps that was supposed to target the worst offenders. Words: Patric...

Legal.
September 18, 2008... CM-18SEPT08-LAWPLUS-ST Law Plus - changes Future Legislation Please delete the item on Vehicle recovery. Please add a new second item after the item on Mirror retrofit, as follows: Self employed drivers in scope of RTD...

Legal.
September 18, 2008... For an essential emergency service, the recovery sector is hampered by some unhelpful regulations, including restrictions on weight and distances that can be travelled. Anyone who listens to traffic reports on the radio will be familiar...

Legal.
September 18, 2008... CM-18SEPT08-PANEL QUOTES-PC HISTORY REPEATS - A Brighton firm has had its licence suspended for 2 weeks for the second time see page?? NEW LAWS - an essential checklist of law coming into force and regs that are on their way ...

This Week.(Wincanton Logistics Ltd.)
September 18, 2008... ANGER, DESPERATION and crisis are the words we've recently come to associate with the haulage industry, but like a breath of fresh air in the smoke surrounding mounting fuel prices, Wincanton's managing director, retail, Martin Taylor opens the...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Chunnel ready to resume normal service after blaze By Christopher Walton The Channel Tunnel was set to reopen fully today, barring any last minute mishaps, bringing to an end a week of chaos sparked by the third fire to hit the tunnel...

This Week.(Ford Motor Co.'s production plans)(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... [HEAD] Ford to slash Transit production at Southampton Ford's manufacturing plant in Southampton, home of the Transit van, is to halve its production by 2011. Currently the site produces 75,000 Transit vans a year but Ford plans...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... n Fines of [pounds sterling]1,800 for drivers' hours offences have led to Rainham, Kent-based Beeline Sameday having its licence revoked. The firm's sole director, Havinder Parischa, has been disqualified indefinitely from holding or obtaining...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Customers demand to see hauliers' Vosa scores By Roanna Avison Hauliers are being forced to hand over their Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) to potential customers. According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Vosa...

This Week.
September 18, 2008... Renault unveils van specs and prices for new Kangoo Renault has revealed pricing and specs for its new Kangoo van, with the smaller of the two wheelbases taking on CitroA'n's recently launched Nemo in a battle of the minivans. The...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Report says concrete walls could cut 'crossover' deaths By Chris Tindall Fatal accidents that occur when a lorry crosses the central reservation could be avoided if steel barriers were replaced with concrete walls, claims a report...

This Week.(Willi Betzhas )(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Betz optz for Schmitz German Haulier Willi Betzhas taken delivery of 50 Schmitz Cargobull freepost curtainsider trailers. The trailers will operate out of the firm's Derbyshire facility, and be used to transport automotive components....

This Week.(John Toulson has ceased trading )(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Haulier wound up after vehicles are recalled Haulage firm John Toulson (Teesdale) has ceased trading as a consequence of contract-hire firms recalling its vehicles when administrators were called in. Tait Walker was appointed as...

This Week.(Daimler Trucks North America L.L.C. and English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Ltd. into cases)(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Freightliner claims damages against EWS By Chris Tindall Rail freight company Freightliner has submitted a claim for damages against Deutsche Bahn-owned EWS following a decision made by the rail regulator that the latter had "acted...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... For some, it's the motors and not the money, as Rikki Chequer, TruckNet's UK community manager, finds out. Driving for love or money? That's the theme of an interesting discussion currently taking place on the TruckNet UK forums. In these...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 18, 2008... Van sales slide by 25% Van sales are down 24.7% in August, compared with a year ago, as operators continue to be hindered by the current economic downturn. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reveals that truck...

Operations.
September 18, 2008... The Dutch are usually happy driving in the UK. They like British motorways, as they are wider and less clogged - apart from in the London area - than Dutch ones. And as Britain has lots of hills, Dutch drivers feel like they are on holiday....

Used Trucks.
September 18, 2008... CM.18SP.CON.MAR.KS Opening page: Spread: 59 That little bit extra To make a buck, you need horses, and lots of them, plus options, and lots of them. Otherwise 60 Special Guest A changing business environment in the...

Used Trucks.
September 18, 2008... CM.18SP.MAR.GG.KS That little bit more [STANDFIRST] If you are selling stock with higher horsepower, you're likely to be successful, but Glass's Guide's George Alexander, says, on the whole, trade is struggling to move mediocre...

Used Trucks.
September 18, 2008... Special Guest Retail and logistics have replaced the once strong auto industry in the Midlands, and Iveco dealer Guest Trucks has had to adapt to this shifting environment. Words: Kevin Swallow / Images: Tom Cunningham You only...

This Week.(Brief article)
September 25, 2008... By Rhodri Clark The Rail Freight Group (RFG) wants the use of open wagons to carry lorries in the Channel Tunnel to be re-examined following the recent fire. RFG, representing users and suppliers of freight trains, believes the risks...

This Week.(Kent County Council allows The Channel Tunnel Group Ltd. to construct tunnels)(Brief article)
September 25, 2008... KCC renews push for M20 truck park The Channel Tunnel fire has pushed Kent County Council (KCC) to renew its call for a permanent truck park to replace Operation Stack. KCC says that Operation Stack is not good for hauliers or other...

'Teardrop' trailers thrown into doubt by MIRA study.(This Week)(Brief article)
September 25, 2008... The fuel-efficiency gains of a so-called 'teardrop' trailer are no better than those of a 4.1m-high trailer, says one trailer manufacturer. The research, by automotive institute MIRA on behalf of Lawrence David, tested a variety of trailer...

This Week.
September 25, 2008... Humber councils unite to fight bridge toll rises By David Harris HGVs using the Humber Bridge now face an increased toll of nearly [pounds sterling]40 for a round trip, which has been slammed by a Hull haulier and the local council....

This Week.(TruckNet UK's old memories)(Brief article)
September 25, 2008... One topic on TruckNet UK that shows no signs of slowing down is 'Trucking in the 80s'. The discussion thread has achieved an amazing 111,000 page views, and now boasts more than 37 pages of old photos and tales of running long-distance 20 to 30...

This Week.
September 25, 2008... CM-18SEPT08-BORDER-PC EU road safety proposals to slash road deaths by half By Patric Cunnane Drivers who endanger road safety in another member state will be fined on their return home under EU proposals aimed at cutting road...

This Week.
September 25, 2008... Oliver appeal successful after 'fatally flawed' inquiry By Chris Tindall Katherine Oliver, partner in Hexham, Northumberland-based JW Swan & Partners, has succeeded in having an appeal against a disqualification allowed after the...

This Week.(Conference notes)
September 25, 2008... Keep compliant with CM's legal roadshow Once again, CM is linking up with ATS Euromaster to bring you a roadshow of legal seminars up and down the country, which will keep you informed about all the latest legal developments affecting your...

Operations.
September 25, 2008... While the price of fuel may have dropped slightly in recent weeks, there's still no sign of diesel returning to sub-[pounds sterling]1-a-litre pump prices any time soon. As a result, all operators are taking a long, hard look at their...