Register Now and join us for what promises to be an unmissable event!

STELLAR SPEAKERS - On the stage hosted by Technology presenter Spencer Kelly we will welcome HRH The Princess Royal and a fantastic line up including, DVSA, National Highways, Network Rail, RHA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Microsoft.

4 WORKSHOP AREAS AND A LARGE EXHIBITION
Our workshops will cover programmes on skills, innovation, compliance and an update on Microlise technology. Whilst our exhibition area hosts 50+ exhibitors including 4 vehicle manufacturers and a host of industry suppliers.

UNBEATABLE NETWORKING
With the great and the good of the British logistics industry all in one place, make valuable connections and build your network.

With so much content on offer, the conference is a great place to capture new knowledge and information to take back to your business.

The post Register now for the Microlise Transport Conference 2022 appeared first on Motor Transport.

The conference takes place on May 18 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Microlise has been a corporate supporter of Transaid since 2015 with its team participating in a range of activities in support of the organisation’s projects in the developing world.

Hosted this year by Spencer Kelly, the respected technology journalist and broadcaster, and lead presenter of the BBC technology programme Click, the agenda will feature Loveday Ryder, chief executive of the DVSA, and Richard Turfitt, senior Traffic Commissioner, to cover compliance topics.

Focusing on technology, Graham Ratcliffe, CTO – travel and transport, at tech giant Microsoft, will offer a vision of the future.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK will also be represented, with Richard Skidmore, head of customer service and delivery, outlining how technology is being used to bring OEM and solution providers together to support fleet operators.

In addition, Freda Rashdi of National Highways, Sir Peter Hendy of Network Rail and Rod McKenzie of the RHA, will discuss other industry issues impacting operators today and into the future.

The Microlise Transport Conference has established itself as the industry’s premier conference, offering a thought-provoking and engaging programme of speakers, complemented by four workshop areas, an exhibition featuring innovative industry suppliers and the opportunity to network with over 1,000 delegates.

Attracting attendees from both managerial and operational areas across fleet transportation, regardless of fleet size, industry sector or technology usage, the one-day Microlise Transport Conference is free to attend.

The post Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to attend Microlise Transport Conference 2022 appeared first on Motor Transport.

Safe Fleet owns a portfolio of market-leading brands that provide safety solutions to fleet vehicle manufacturers and operators around the world.

Their reputable smart solutions form an integrated safety platform for fleets of every type: Public Service Vehicles, Emergency services, Truck & Trailer, Construction, Agriculture, Waste & Recycling. With over 1,700 employees and 15 manufacturing locations, Safe Fleet continues to innovate and deliver the smart safety solutions fleets need to thrive in a changing world, and ensure that drivers, passengers, and everyone around them arrives home safely.

Durite provides an extremely good fit for Safe Fleet’s targeted growth strategy to acquire market-leading brands offering innovative safety products.

With Durite, Safe Fleet will broaden its commercial vehicle product offering and global reach.

“Durite is a great strategic and cultural fit within our fleet safety brand portfolio and establishes a new footprint for Safe Fleet outside of North America,” said Mike Schulte, president of Safe Fleet.

“This is an exciting addition to our leading commercial vehicle brands and aftermarket product portfolio.”

Durite is the leading “one-stop brand” for electrical, lighting, and vehicle safety aftermarket products for commercial vehicles in the UK and Ireland. As the supplier of choice to the UK’s backbone transport infrastructure, Durite’s products are used by most fleets and commercial vehicle end-users.

5000+ commercial vehicle products are available through Durite’s website and flagship catalogue – regarded as the industry ‘bible’ for electrical parts. With over 80 years in business, Durite has seen significant growth over the past few years, especially in all-round safety equipment for vehicles. Becoming part of the Safe Fleet family will enable Durite to access strong research & development capability, allowing them to broaden their range of technologically advanced safety products.

“Fleet and road safety is a primary concern for the UK, Ireland and European Transport Industry.

This strategic move is a very positive change for Durite Ltd. It will allow us to continue to innovate to offer best- in-class safety solutions to our markets. We are excited to join Safe Fleet and look forward to a successful future together” said Pierre Nadeau, Durite MD.

The existing Durite leadership team will continue to manage the business moving forward. The strong Durite brand, business and website will continue to be managed as a stand-alone entity.

The post SPONSORED: Durite Ltd joins Safe Fleet appeared first on Motor Transport.

Al Richardson, Head of Membership & Affinities, Logistics UK comments: “Avail is modernising the driver hire experience by connecting HGV and van drivers with operators directly through its platform. By erasing the need for an intermediary, operators save on agency fees while drivers benefit from pay more befitting to the skills and importance of their work – this is vital to attracting more workers to the role and overcoming the deteriorating driver shortage. Logistics UK is thrilled to announce this affiliate partnership and offer its members a new way to recruit temporary drivers.”

Ex-military logistics expert, founder & CEO of Avail, Erin Short (pictured), comments: “We have been working with Logistics UK for over a year to bring us to this point and I am delighted to see it finally launch. I believe our affiliation will be a game changer for the industry. When I left the army six years ago, I become a temporary HGV driver for a period, and I saw how frustrating it was for all involved. I came up with the idea of Avail, a solution to the issues I saw, and began work on the platform on my days off. Now my idea has become the largest HGV driver app in the industry, is bringing real change, and it is amazing for me to see.”

Avail’s web and app-based contact free solution comes at a time when many operators are looking for a COVID secure way to hire and manage their drivers. Avail’s network currently boasts more than 5,500 drivers nationwide and a plethora of operators across the UK in the transportation sector. Avail supplies only fully PAYE drivers, and therefore boasts complete IR35 compliance, protecting operators from potential fines from incoming legislation changes. Members of Logistics UK can access the new platform by www.logistics.org.uk/driverrecruitmentapp

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk

Avail is an online booking app that puts operators directly in contact with temp drivers with all the security of a traditional agency without the hassle. The UK wide booking platform which already has 5000+ driver downloads nationwide is available online, or as a mobile application, and connects operators with fully PAYE drivers available for temporary work. Because of its industry-changing online model, Avail is a flat £7.50 fee allowing the operator to save thousands and select how much they want to the driver to receive. Avail aims to improve driver conditions within the industry by improving driver pay within the industry, increasing driver job satisfaction, and improving driver retention and reliability.

Avails fully IR35 legislation compliant PAYE driver model means that its operators won't be affected by incoming legislation, minimising business disruption, and helping to avoid any potential fines or penalties. All licenses are checked, tachograph numbers provided, and every driver is insured for £10,000 drivers negligence, providing the operators with complete peace of mind.

If you want to find out more information about Avail, or if you wish to book a video call demonstration of the platform, please visit www.availhub.com

The post Logistics UK partners with Avail to modernise driver hire experience appeared first on Motor Transport.

• Bandvulc transforms tyre service standards for major commercial vehicle rental firm
• Fleet of more than 2,500 vehicles wholly monitored and managed by Conti360 Fleet Solutions through national service network
• Communication key to success for MC Rental, via key account contact, online platform and holistic management of processes
• Combination of Bandvulc, Continental and Uniroyal tyres fitted to a wide-ranging mix of vehicles

For commercial vehicle rental firm, MC Rental, Bandvulc has proven to be the perfect fit. Their decision to switch to Conti360 Fleet Solutions has not only delivered real-world benefits to the on-road performance of their extensive fleet but has allowed them the chance to improve their principal value – customer service.

MC Rental, based near the historic town of Maidstone in Kent, has established itself as one of the UK’s leading commercial vehicle solutions providers. The independently owned company offers businesses and operators the option to rent anything from 4x4’s and pick-up trucks, right through to 44-tonne tractor units and trailers. With a fleet comprising of more than 2,500 vehicles serving a multitude of industries, including construction, agriculture, haulage, municipal services and couriers, the company’s customers expect a holistic rental experience that they can depend on and trust. Rentals vary from a short-term hire to a full long-term contract hire solution with customer-specific liveries, dependent on each client’s individual needs.

“For us, it’s as much about the service offered by our tyre partner as it is about the product itself,” explains Nick, MC Rental’s Fleet Maintenance Manager. “The nature of the business means that we needed a supplier that could serve as an extension of our customer service. Clients depend on our fleet day in, day out, so fixing or replacing a tyre quickly, simply and efficiently is critical to us building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships. Since we took the step to transition to using Bandvulc, we’ve really been impressed with the results.”

Since choosing Bandvulc Nick and the MC Rental team are reliably delivering their renowned customer service and flexibility  “We’re in near-daily contact with the team at Conti360 to co-ordinate repairs, replacements and checks on our vehicles  to ensure roadworthiness. There’s a lot of co-ordination required to satisfy both our internal processes and those of our varying clients, but it’s handled brilliantly by their nationwide team.”

The MC Rental contract is overseen by Bandvulc and utilises the Conti360° Fleet Solutions programme. Offering a complete, all-round service that covers all aspects of tyre management, customers benefit from a Europe-wide network of rapid-response partners and service associates. Each are comprehensively trained to provide expert fitment, maintenance, inspection and breakdown support.

Ian Harris, National Fleet Key Account Sales Manager for Bandvulc with responsibility for the MC Rental contract said: “The Conti360° support network is vital for delivering the outstanding service upon which our relationship with MC Rental is built. Nick has the confidence that, upon reporting an issue, we can swiftly handle the whole solution management and delivery process from start to finish, whilst also supplying real-time cost and status updates through the online management platform. MC Rental operates on a pay-as-you-go contract, which offers great flexibility.

Harris explains, “With such a diverse range of vehicles operating across numerous sectors, environments and terrain, we utilise a broad range of Bandvulc, Continental and Uniroyal tyres to maximise efficiency and longevity. For the tractor units and rigids, we fit Continental Hybrid HS3+ to all steer axles, and Bandvulc BD08 to drive axles. Dependent on the size and load rating requirement of the lift or tag axle, we use Continental tyres for the 215/75R17.5 and the 315/60R22.5 and Bandvulc BVA2 on the 315/70R22.5. The rigid tippers policy is Uniroyal FM40 onsteer axle, while the drive axles utilise Bandvulc’s BDY3s. MC Rental’s van fleet is fitted with Uniroyal AllSeason Max.”

The winning formula of exceptional, customer-centric service, clear accountability, frequent communication and a market-leading range of tyres has seen Bandvulc secure its position as a critical supplier for MC Rental. “Working with Bandvulc has proven that, despite the challenges we face daily, it really is possible to deliver an excellent standard of tyre maintenance and service that meets the needs of all parties involved”, concludes Nick. “We have reassurance that Bandvulc and the Conti360° network will get the job done. Our customers are happy with the service they receive, as are we, and that’s the most important thing.”

The post Sponsored: Bandvulc delivers sterling service for MC Rental appeared first on Motor Transport.

• 17 billion kilometres covered by trucks and vans from customers returning goods
• One in four trucks is carrying returns from distance selling businesses
• Choosing the right tyre helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

With no need to travel long distances and no annoying searches for a parking space when you get there, e-commerce is becoming increasingly popular with consumers. The revenues posted by Amazon and the like have been rising for many years. And with a large number of businesses being forced to close as a result of restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the sector has enjoyed another significant boost. According to figures from the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (BEVH), consumers spent a total of €20.2 billion in online shopping between April and June 2020 in Germany alone. That is almost three billion euros more than during the same period last year.

However, the boom in orders also has a downside: transport service providers cover around 60 billion kilometres on deliveries in Europe and the USA each year – and close to 17 billion kilometres carrying returns. The latter figure equates to 73 journeys between Earth and Mars. The fact is that one in four trucks is being used for returning items, emitting around 1.5 billion kilograms of CO2 in the process.

Against this background, it is clear why the EU is imposing obligations on truck manufacturers to reduce CO2. By 2025 all truck makers must cut the CO2 emissions of their heavy-duty commercial vehicles by 15 percent compared to the 2019 average. By 2030 the reduction needs to be 30 percent. Tyres can play a significant role in achieving these ambitious targets. A key factor here is rolling resistance. This has a major impact on fuel consumption – which, in turn, directly relates to a vehicle’s CO2 emissions. So choosing the right tyres has equal benefits for the environment and fleet operators. And those benefits are substantial.

However, it is not only fleet operators who can contribute in a big way to reducing CO2 emissions – and thus protecting the environment and fighting climate change; anyone buying a product on the Internet can help, too. All it needs is for consumers to act with more thought when shopping online and so avoid having to send back a large proportion of what arrives on their doorstep.

The post Sponsored: Traveling from Earth to Mars 73 Times a Year appeared first on Motor Transport.

This means safety must remain at the front of mind, as increased demand puts more trucks in circulation both in the UK and into Europe, as driving conditions worsen.

 The Traffic Commission’s revised guidance on HGV maintenance permitted some operators to temporarily increase or amend agreed service intervals during the pandemic, with permission granted  to change servicing methods where workshops were unavailable. However, for trucks which have not been on the road, it remains incumbent on fleet managers to ensure roadworthiness inspections are conducted prior to use, following a proactive, evidence-based approach.  Vehicles granted MOT extensions from March 2020 to August 2020 will need to ensure the test is completed by the required date, the latest being November 2020.

Steve Howat, General Manager Technical Services,  from Continental Tyres, says, “Full and detailed assessment of truck tyres is imperative, as ensuring good tyre condition can greatly reduce the risk of costly breakdowns and improve safety.  Tyre checks should include understanding the state of the wheel rims, tyre inflation accuracy and tyre wear status, with drivers  continuing this maintenance every day, in walkaround checks.”

“For vehicles which have been stationary, workshops conducting maintenance checks should pay close attention to tyre quality. Tread depth should be fully measured, and side walls assessed for wear pattern or any degradation. While cuts and superficial damage which tyres are subjected to during their service life should not affect durability, deep cuts to either the tread or sidewall that clearly show ply exposure should be reported and replaced immediately.”

Time for winter tyres?

If trucks are expected to complete European travel, trucks may need to switch to winter tyres. Continental’s policy has always been to recommend the right tyres at the right time for the right application, so on winter roads, tyres must guarantee reliable traction and slippage must be prevented.

To help fleets understand if winter tyres are required, Continental publishes an overview of European regulations for winter equipment on trucks and buses. The document contains winter tyre guidance and regulation requirements for individual European countries, and information on whether snow chains are required.

Howat says, “Any commercial vehicle which ventures abroad must be wary of the regulatory requirements placed on vehicles driving in winter conditions. In Germany, for example, a change in the winter regulations came into force on 1^st June 2017 and stipulates new minimum requirements for tyres in winter conditions. Tyres on permanently driven axles must now display the 3PSFM alpine symbol, with a transition period which permits mud and snow (M+S) tyres produced before 31^st December 2017 until Sept 2024.”

A three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol branded on a tyre's sidewall indicates that the tyre meets required performance criteria in snow testing to be considered Severe Snow Service-Rated. These tyres provide improved snow traction beyond a standard M+S (Mud + Snow) tyre.

For UK operations, fitting winter tyres to the all axles of vehicles which have to operate in more difficult road conditions should also be considered. Once the severe weather is over, they should return to conventional tyres.

Howat added, “Freight operators will no doubt continue to face a myriad of disparate challenges in the wake of the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic. Making sure trucks which have been out of action are safe and able to work and are fitted with the correct tyres for the task in hand is the first step in getting road transport moving again.”

The post Sponsored: Getting trucks back on the road and ready for the season ahead appeared first on Motor Transport.

With the advent of the DVS/HGV Safety Permits and the desire for operators to utilise equipment that “Should not activate in relation to roadside furniture”, many are now questioning whether ultra-sonic/’side-scan’ systems should still be employed, especially when new ‘smart’ technology can be as cost effective and significantly more effective.

It’s widely accepted that the high False Alarm rates of ultra-sonic/’side-scan’ sensors mean that many drivers ignore alarms, or even disable systems/speakers.

Clearly this is not acceptable behaviour and compromises road safety potentially resulting in accidents and incidents (many of which are fatal / life changing).

Historically, ‘smart’ alternatives to ultra-sonic sensors have been prohibitively expensive. However, this is no longer the case and optical detection is now both cost effective and reliable.

Cycle-Safe is an example of this new technology, which differentiates between static and moving objects. The system only ‘alarms’ if a Vulnerable Road User (all types) becomes a hazard to the driver, significantly reducing driver workload.

Another benefit of combined detection and vision, is much quicker and neater installation, without the need for multiple holes/sensors down the side of the vehicle.

With the advent of affordable ‘smart’ detection systems, like Cycle-Safe, UK roads are set to become safer for all.

The post Sponsored: Trailer Vision asks ‘are ultra-sonic sensor systems’ days numbered?’ appeared first on Motor Transport.

The keynote speaker will be former senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell CBE, now director of Beverley Bell Consulting, who will be offering her expert insight on governance and the importance of creating a level playing field in the commercial vehicle industry when it comes to driver and vehicle safety and compliance. Using examples from her six years as a TC, she will explain why it’s important for operators to have all the necessary checks and balances in place so as not to give the authorities an ‘excuse’ to investigate further.

Operators wishing to join the DVSA’s flagship Earned Recognition scheme also need IT systems that can report every four weeks on a number of key performance indicators. As a result, Aquarius IT has seen a surge in enquiries for its new Asset Maintenance portal, which was recently accredited by the DVSA alongside its Daily Driver Defect app.

Asset Maintenance is the latest product to be added to ClockWatcher Elite’s suite of digital fleet management solutions, and has been designed to provide a full audit trail and complete paperless storage solution for all company assets requiring periodic maintenance or inspection; from company vehicles to workshop equipment.

Uniquely, it also integrates with the software’s tacho analysis system and defect app, to provide operators with an all-encompassing automated digital solution for managing both vehicle maintenance and inspection and driver activity.

Aquarius IT’s customer service director Mark Johnston has led the development of Asset Maintenance over the last 18 months in consultation with transport operators. He said; “Roadworthiness and compliance are fundamental to the Earned Recognition scheme (and indeed any reputable road transport operation), and with ClockWatcher Elite, we have developed a suite of programmes that all integrate to provide operators with an all-encompassing solution for managing and reporting on the driver and vehicle measures required by the DVSA.

“Our Daily Driver Defect app, for example, not only reports vehicle data in real time, it also allows information from the driver’s daily checks to be fed into the Asset Maintenance element of the software. Through this integration, defects and PMIs can be assigned to mechanics with a simple click of a button. Similarly, the accessibility of any tachograph data which is uploaded to our analysis portal allows for a fuller picture when it comes to vehicles being listed as 'Vehicle Off Road'.

“This ability to interpret and report on 360 degree, real-time digital data, enables operators to react more quickly, forward plan and monitor costs – moreover, it gives operators the facility to clearly demonstrate best practise to the authorities if needed and enables those signed up to the Earned Recognition scheme to accurately report on the driver and vehicle performance measures required.”

Register now for this free webinar which will take place at 2pm on 22 July for around one hour.

The post Free webinar – check your assets, protect your O-licence appeared first on Motor Transport.

The LowCVP's annual conference has been a leading event in the environmental transport calendar for over 15 years, regularly attracting government ministers, key civil servants and senior representatives from industry, academia, government and non-government organisations and others.

‘RESET 2020: Driving the green recovery’ takes place on Wednesday 15 July and will aim to answer the question: ‘How can we seize the opportunity for an investment-led green recovery in road transport?’

It will showcase positive, actionable proposals to inform the development of the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

Speakers will cover the implications for low emissions road transport of the pandemic and the opportunities and challenges the dramatic recent changes have created. There will be votable proposals to be endorsed or challenged by the ‘community of experts’ attending the event.

Conference themes will include:
• What does the experience of the spring/summer 2020 lockdown mean for the green transport agenda and what positive learning can we take from it?
• What are the implications for the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) and UK progress on the 'Road to Zero'?
• How can the UK set the standard for road transport decarbonisation to the world as we approach CoP26 in Glasgow 2021

The LowCVP annual conference will also feature interactive debates, polls and surveys. A pre-event survey of LowCVP stakeholder opinions on the conference themes will be presented on the day and help to inform the discussions.

There will be opportunities for facilitated digital networking during the conference within an exhibition format with themed ‘stalls’ and one-to-one discussion capability.

Afternoon, parallel, facilitated break-out sessions will provide the opportunity for a deeper dive into the conference themes as they impact on specific sectors of road transport such as freight and how each can contribute to positive impacts as we emerge from lockdown and to the TDP and progress on the 'Road to Zero'.

The LowCVP's head of communications Neil Wallis said: "We intend to make the most of the latest digital technology to enable this event to stand out: there will be short, punchy talks, debates, voting on policy propositions and a variety of opportunities for interacting with speakers and other delegates...we may even try to sort out a digital drink or two for the networking!"

The conference is free to all delegates so book now.

The post LowCVP Conference to focus on ‘seizing the moment’ for greener road transport – BOOK NOW! appeared first on Motor Transport.