The recruitment drive is focusing primarily on those applicants with small and large vans, as well as zero emission vehicles in larger areas.

CitySprint is also looking to employ drivers for their electric vehicles, as company continues to expand its electric vehicle fleet to over 200 by the end of 2023.

Courier roles with CitySprint are available throughout the UK, with extra demand in Oxford, Cardiff, Bristol, Reading, Norwich, Warwick, Guildford and Glasgow, the company said this week.

The new recruits will provide support across all areas of the business, with a focus on supporting growth in retail sectors.

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• CitySprint extends delivery contract with Wickes
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The call for new couriers comes as the business reports significant uplifts in key logistics sectors, with "substantial" growth in key sectors and a welter of new clients.

Mark Footman, CitySprint chief operating officer, said: "It’s been another fruitful year for CitySprint, as the business has seen substantial growth in several key sectors. From winning an array of new clients, to the group acquiring London-based same day courier company, Absolutely.

“Despite a commendable 3.4 million deliveries in the past year, we want to strengthen our fleet further to ensure we can continue providing the best possible service over the busy summer months.

"We’re excited to welcome new suppliers on board, to help us deliver on these promises and stay ahead of our competitors, as the business grows.”

Ercan Bennett (pictured), a CitySprint courier who joined the company seven years ago,said: “I love the freedom of being a self-employed courier as well as the flexibility and pay schedule, which allows me to balance my work with my personal responsibilities."

The post CitySprint is on the hunt for 300 couriers appeared first on Motor Transport.

Ferytrans provides temperature-controlled transport and owns BigFoot Logistics. Based in Southampton, the two companies operate 40 modern Scania tractor units and 65 high-specification dual temperature trailers.

The two companies work for major retailers and brands including Amazon, Tesco, and Pork Farms. The new CNG Scanias will be put to work for their customer, Lidl.

Ferytrans managing director, Feri Lazar, said: “Sustainability and carbon reduction are key drivers for our customers. These gas-powered tractors will reduce our carbon emissions by around 80%.

"Plus, by fitting Ecogen to run the trailer fridges on electric, we will further reduce carbon emissions by around 17 tonnes per vehicle combination per year.”

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Ecogen is an electric-hydraulic drive system that transforms diesel fridge units into electric operation when coupled to the tractor.

It uses an engine PTO from the tractor engine to generate a constant 400V of electric to run the built-in electric motor in the fridge during transit.

Hultsteins also provide a bespoke battery pack to keep the trailer fridge running when parked. Graham Usher, Hultsteins UK and Ireland MD, said: "Ecogen Cost Saver is a sustainable and retrofittable refrigeration solution.

“It allows operators to run their trailer fridge units on electric, thereby cutting carbon emissions by around 80%, DPM by 98% and NOx by 400%. It also reduces R&M on the fridge diesel engine and cuts running costs.”

Lazar added: "By running the fridge on electric Ecogen also helps minimise noise during deliveries, which is particularly beneficial in residential areas. The combination of Scania CNG tractors and Hultsteins Ecogen provide the optimum sustainable solution for refrigerated transport.”

Ferytrans have purchased the Ecogen systems and calculate ROI to be around 18 months per system. Hultsteins UK also offers Ecogen Cost Saver on an operating lease from £10 a day.

The post Ferytrans returns to Hultsteins to cut even more CO2 emissions appeared first on Motor Transport.

The delivery fleet is made up of 12 vans with both the vehicle and fridge units powered by electricity, with zero emissions of carbon, dust, dirt, soot or smoke.

The new vans also operate much more quietly, helping to reduce noise pollution in local communities.

The supermarket said its Nine Elms store in south London makes over 2,000 deliveries on average each week, covering approximately 1760 miles, so the electric vans will save 57 tonnes of carbon annually.

Sainsbury’s intends to become net zero and operate a fully electric fleet at all its stores by 2035.

Patrick Dunne, director of property and procurement at Sainsbury’s said: “We’re thrilled to have launched a fully electric fleet in our Nine Elms superstore and we hope our customers will be delighted to learn that their groceries are being delivered with zero emissions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of their online shopping.”

Last year, Sainsbury’s introduced LED lighting across its entire estate, reducing lighting energy consumption by an average of 70%.

It currently operates with 100% renewable electricity and by the end of 2023 the retailer projects that up to 40% of its electricity will come from new-to-the-planet wind and solar power.

The post Sainsbury’s first fully electric fleet charges out of Nine Elms appeared first on Motor Transport.

This new addition to the Maxus eDELIVER range lands at mid-point, bridging the gap between the smaller eDELIVER 3 and the larger eDELIVER 9.

The eDELIVER 7 offers a range of up to 226 miles on a single charge from its 88kWh battery and comes in three size configurations, with a payload of up to 1200kg.

It also features a 150kW /330Nm high power, low energy motor with an acceleration time of 0-100km in 11 seconds. The eDELIVER 7 also offers three driving modes, Eco, Normal and Power and a one-touch start.

Safety features include blind spot detection, lane change assist, autonomous emergency braking system (EABS), fatigue driving monitoring, plus front and rear parking sensors and 360 degree cameras.

Read more

• CitySprint calls on Maxus for 40 new EVs
• Maxus offers major savings on electric vans under newly launched scrappage scheme
• Raise your targets on adoption of electric vans or face supply issues, experts warn government

A 12.3inch touch screen infotainment system is also included as standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto available.

Speaking at the launch of the eDELIVER 7, Mark Barrett, Harris Maxus director said the Maxus eDELIVER 7 is the company’s sixth vehicle launch in just seven years.

He added: “In that time, we have positioned ourselves as a market leader when it comes to electric vehicles and the eDELIVER 7 builds on our EV range, securing our position in this regard.

“Our electric vans have proven popular with businesses in the delivery, pharma and grocery/retail sectors, as well as being the number one choice for many local councils that are looking to switch to electric.

“Our latest addition is pitched at those who need more payload capacity than the eDeliver 3, but who may not need the full-size capabilities of our eDeliver 9.”

The post Maxus unveils its latest electric van as it continues drive into UK market appeared first on Motor Transport.

Westminster City Council, in partnership with Cross River Partnership (CRP), is setting up the micro-logistics hub where online purchases will be delivered by electric cargo bikes. The trial will also involve Westminster City Council, Infinium Logistics and Delivery Mates.

Based in the Q-Park car park in Cambridge Street, the 750 sq ft hub, which has been built and equipped by Infinium Logistics.

Delivery Mates, which has been appointed to run the hub, will receive goods on electric vehicles at the micro logistics hub and then deliver them on electric cargo bikes to the local area.

The council estimates that cargo e-bikes will deliver about 2,000 parcels a day from the hub to residents and businesses, reducing congestion, pollution, and fatalities.

Delivery Mates, which already operates five existing hubs in London, will share data and insights from the trial, such as CO2 emissions savings and the number of parcel collections and deliveries.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Westminster City Council cabinet member for city management and air quality, said: “Improving air quality in Westminster and reducing pollution and emissions is a key priority for us.

"We’re taking steps to reduce petrol and diesel car travel wherever we can, and this new micro-logistics hub operating in Pimlico, in the heart of Westminster, has an important part to play in this by promoting healthy, greener and more efficient deliveries in our city so we can build a fairer environment in Westminster for everyone.”

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• Bristol City Council awards £100,000 to Zedify for zero-emission micro consolidation service
• Whistl launches low-volume parcel delivery service for e-tailers
• Grocer Co-op launches online delivery service using electric cargo bikes

Susannah Wilks, Cross River Partnership director, said: “CRP is delighted to deliver this six-month micro logistics hub trial with Westminster City Council, Infinium Logistics and Delivery Mates.

"This forms part of the Defra-funded Clean Air Logistics for London programme and aims to better air quality across the City of Westminster.”

Kevin Savage, Delivery Mates chief operating officer, added: “We are hugely proud to be working with all the partners on this exciting project.

"Opening a Micro Logistics Hub in Pimlico will further strengthen Delivery Mates capability to deliver sustainable logistics to customers, residents and local retailers.

"We look forward to playing a part in reducing congestion, removing emissions and creating a safer delivery environment for all stakeholders within Westminster.”

The post Micro-logistics hub launches in Pimlico to provide zero-emission deliveries appeared first on Motor Transport.

The report looked at small and medium sized business running fleets of cars and vans. It found that van fleets were lagging behind car fleets in making the transition.

Two thirds (66%) of van fleet mangers reported that less than 20% of their van fleets have been electrified. In comparison, 58% of car fleet managers said that less than 20% of cars in their fleet were currently electrified.

The research revealed that that 79% of fleet decision-makers agreed that there are more EVs on the market to suit their needs now. However, despite this, most businesses with smaller fleets are still in the early stages of making the switch.

Small and medium fleets are struggling to seize the opportunity to transition their fleets to electric-powered vehicles, according to the report’s findings, with 45% of fleet managers citing a lack of time or expertise needed to take the necessary first steps.

However pressure is building to make the move with 79% of small and medium fleet managers acknowledging that their company’s net zero targets play a key strategic role.

Employee perception and motivation is also becoming more of a driving factor, with three out of four respondents (76%) noticing an increase in the number of staff wanting to reduce emissions and drive EVs over the last two years.

Read more

• Maxus offers major savings on electric vans under newly launched scrappage scheme
• More than 90% trialling electric vans opt to keep them, Arval UK reveals
• Raise your targets on adoption of electric vans or face supply issues, experts warn government

According to Alphabet’s research, the biggest barrier to EV adoption for smaller fleets is not reluctance, but time and knowledge.

Of those businesses that are yet to introduce EVs into their fleet, 28% said that whilst it is something they’re looking to do, they haven’t had the time. While 17% revealed it is a lack of expertise that is holding them back.

The report advises that managers who lack the necessary expertise or resource seek support and lean on the knowledge of leasing providers to help understand the latest developments.

Mark Sturgess, SME sales manager at Alphabet GB said: “Businesses with smaller fleets rarely have the benefit of a full-time fleet manager and instead, fleet management is typically part of a much bigger HR, finance or general management role.

“As a result, the time available to dedicate to reviewing and addressing evolving external factors and fleet requirements is often limited and can be a stretch on existing roles within the business.

“With the acceleration towards electric, it’s not surprising those responsible for these fleets are struggling to find the time and resources to manage their fleet responsibilities on top of their busy day jobs; particularly with ongoing EV developments and changes in legislation shaping the face of mobility.

“Electrification does not have to be a big, instantaneous change. In fact, taking smaller, more manageable steps towards this will make the progression easier.

“A great place to start with targeting those yet to embrace EVs can be grouping employees into levels of difficulty to transition, by identifying those who can charge at home and those who can’t, and working from there.

“Additional fleet management assistance can come from fleet providers to ease the burden that managing these responsibilities adds to their day-to-day operations.

“Support from suppliers, as well as industry bodies, will be vital in helping these managers seize the EV opportunity and ensuring their fleet continues to evolve to meet future requirements.”

The post SME van fleets slow to transition to EVs, research reveals appeared first on Motor Transport.

Both the Generation I and Generation II LCVs will be available with either hydrogen fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains. The vehicles will have a range of over 500km.

Steve Gill, chief executive of automotive for First Hydrogen, said: “These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of our company’s future and give a clear indication of our brand direction within the LCV space.

“A spacious and easy to access cabin gives drivers comfort as well as good visibility of the road ahead and enables them to move in and out of the vehicle quickly, which is vital for express delivery and time-sensitive operations that require drivers to make multiple stops.

“The clean and modern design is flexible to suit use in a range of industries; it secures First Hydrogen’s position as a developer of functional vehicles that will take operators into the zero emissions future.” 

Bernat Costa, design director at EDAG Spain, added: “The Generation II vehicles show how clean energy can be applied within everyday operations.

“We have also incorporated First Hydrogen’s signature style, which gives the vehicles a recognisable identity.

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He added: “They look modern and will boast high performance zero emissions technology but have a clean, minimalist design to ensure they work well in a range of commercial settings.

“The design accommodates a number of customisable elements, providing customers with a choice of sizes and bespoke elements to ensure the vehicle best fits their operations.”

The Generation II vehicle is in development while First Hydrogen road tests its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) with members of the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC).

The trials involve major UK fleet operators including vehicle management provider Rivus. The vehicles will be tested across a range of industry sectors including parcel delivery, grocery, utilities, healthcare and roadside assistance, enabling First Hydrogen to trial the vehicles in a variety of real-world operational settings.

First Hydrogen is designing and building its hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered light commercial demonstrator vehicles under two agreements with AVL Powertrain and Ballard Power Systems Inc. 

It is also developing refueling capability working with FEV Consulting GmbH, the automotive consultancy of FEV Group of Aachen Germany. The company is also pursuing opportunities in green hydrogen production and distribution in the UK, Canada, North America and Europe.

The post Sneak peek at First Hydrogen Gen II zero emission vehicle appeared first on Motor Transport.

The latest sketches show the design process that the company is undertaking with global mobility experts EDAG Group. 

The images show the vehicle’s overall form in greater detail and indicate some of the van’s technical assets.

The new illustrations exhibit an aerodynamic fuselage, as well as the vertical tail lights and branded daytime running lights, which were revealed earlier this year.

They also reveal the fenders and a large front grill with First Hydrogen branding - the grill also provides ventilation for the vehicle’s front located fuel cell. 

The Generation II concepts are being developed while First Hydrogen trials its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

Launched last year, the Generation I vehicles are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trials with major fleet operators in the UK.

The road trials for Generation I are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC).

Members cover a variety of sectors including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction and express delivery and trial participants will use First Hydrogen’s demonstrator vehicles alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies.

Data and feedback gained during these trials will influence the design and engineering of the company’s future vehicles to ensure designs meet customer needs.

Read more

• First Hydrogen launches light vehicle trials to highlight cost savings
• First Hydrogen releases more teasers for its Gen II zero emission LCV
• First Hydrogen reveals glimpses of next-gen zero emission vans

Steve Gill, CEO of automotive for First Hydrogen, said: “We are delighted to present a first look at the new concept vehicle and are proud of its clean, functional, and modern design.

“The aerodynamic design and overall proportions have been shaped to consider operations on highways and in urban environments.

“We have taken a particular focus on the lighting the lighting, ensuring high visibility for drivers and other road users – this is especially important for use by delivery, utilities, and roadside assistance companies – but also make the vehicles instantly recognisable as First Hydrogen.” 

Bernat Costa, design director at EDAG Spain, said: “We have taken great care to reflect the modern and clean energy values First Hydrogen represents in the vehicle design.

“The pure and minimalist design meets functional needs and accommodates the technical requirements of hydrogen propulsion.

“We have also created a design suited to modular builds, providing operational flexibility through a range of sizes and potential bespoke elements.”

The post First Hydrogen reveals sketches of its Gen II zero emission van appeared first on Motor Transport.

The company, which is a global supply chain provider for restaurant chains worldwide, will operate the new trailers out of the company’s Hemel Hempstead distribution centre.

The 13.6-metre Gray & Adams trailers are supplied on contract hire by Centurion Truck Rental and will be used on a contract with a major fast-food brand.They will be on the road seven days per week, clocking up around 87,500 miles per year.

The Vector eCool units are paired with the engineless version of the Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19, which will help the business reduce fuel costs and begin the move towards a diesel-free future for its temperature-controlled trailer fleet.

Kevin Svenkeson, managing director, UK & Ireland at Martin Brower said: "Our goal is to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions that help restaurants and our business create a more globally sustainable, ethical, and responsible future.

“Partnering with Carrier Transicold to integrate its all-electric Vector eCool units into our fleet is an essential step towards further reducing our carbon emissions and limiting our environmental impact.”

The Vector eCool unit combines Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with a new energy recovery and storage system. This converts kinetic energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electric power, which is stored in a battery pack that powers the refrigeration unit – a loop that the manufacturer claims creates the industry’s first fully autonomous system, producing no direct carbon dioxide (CO₂) or particulate emissions.

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The Vector eCool is PIEK-compliant, which combined with its emissions performance makes it ideal for urban deliveries.

The trailers can also be plugged into the electrical grid when parked and fully charged in two hours using a standard five pin, three-phase standby plug.

Martin Brower’s new units are all backed by Carrier Transicold’s comprehensive BluEdge fixed cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks and access to the company’s oneCALL 24/7 incident management service.

Scott Dargan, MD UK & Northern Europe at Carrier Transicold said: "Since its UK launch in 2020, the Vector eCool system has proven an attractive offering for fleets eager to futureproof their operations against tightening legislation, and we are excited that Martin Brower has added its name to that list.

“The Vector eCool is also the perfect match for Martin Brower’s urban delivery requirements right now, providing instant sustainability benefits for its London-based operations.”

The post Martin Brower boosts fleet with 24 Carrier Transicold Vector eCool trailers appeared first on Motor Transport.

The Volvo electric 16 tonners will hit the road in London from January 2023, with the 30 LNG tractors going into operation later in the year.

Both deployments are part of a £64m UK investment in green heavy fleet in line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability strategy.

The group said this latest investment marks another important step forward in DHL Parcel UK’s decarbonization plans and Deutsche Post DHL Group’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

As part of this strategy DHL will invest over £6bn in sustainable fuel and clean technologies by 2030 alone.

The group said that converting the DHL fleet for pick-up, delivery and linehauls to either electric drives or sustainable fuel solutions is an important lever in this.

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Peter Fuller CEO, DHL Parcel UK said: “Our aim is to be at the forefront of change in UK road transport.
Having zero emissions electric vehicles in our final mile heavy fleet is a major step forward in our vision
of net zero logistics related emissions.”

The 16-tonne Volvo FL Electric Rigids are powered by four 200 kWh batteries which can run for 120
miles, carrying a maximum of 12 pallets weighing up to 6 tonnes.

They will recharge overnight at strategic DHL Parcel locations in London for daily operations into the city centre. The vehicles are also three star compliant to the London Direct Vision Standard.

The 30 new Volvo FM LNG Tractors will be based at the DHL Parcel UK hub in Coventry, once commissioning of the Bio-LNG gas tank is complete and drivers have been trained in how to safely re-fuel the vehicles.

The LNG trucks have a maximum reach of up to 400 miles per tank and will be used on routes throughout the UK.

When running on Bio-LNG, DHL UK said the LNG tractor units emit 85% less CO2 emissions compared to a traditional diesel engine with the same power output (460bhp).

The post DHL Parcel UK ramps up net zero journey with delivery of Volvo electric trucks and LNG tractors appeared first on Motor Transport.