Road safety pioneer Brigade Electronics says the UK Government’s green light for the use of longer lorries on British roads means hauliers should consider increasing their fleets’ safety technology.

The announcement follows an 11-year road trial of longer semi-trailers of up to 18.55 metres – over two meters above the standard size – which will be allowed on Britain’s roads from 31st May.

The transport industry welcomed the move, saying it would mean more goods could be transported by fewer vehicles, cutting emissions and increasing efficiency.
However, the Campaign for Better Transport has issued a warning over the larger tail swing, where their rear end covers a bigger area when turning, which it claims could put vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager UK, Brigade Electronics Ltd, said: “To Brigade, the continuing number of deaths involving HGVs and vulnerable road users is simply shocking.

“As we see larger lorries hitting the UK’s streets, fleet operators must take a fresh look at their camera and sensor technology.

“Older iterations of sensors were less intelligent and could create false alerts arising from the articulation of the trailer, so it was not practical to have the technology fitted to them.

“But state-of-the-art systems, like Brigade’s new Radar Predict, use artificial intelligence to detect whether the vehicle has a trailer and only alerts the driver of the risk of a collision; reducing false alerts.

“The system is also ideal for preventing sideswipes on motorways.”

The Government’s announcement comes as Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is proposing that vehicles should have sensors to cover trailers.
Brigade’s Radar Predict is one of the most technically sophisticated products in Brigade’s portfolio.

It was developed as a highly accurate collision detection system using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine potential collisions and warn the driver with sufficient time for an intervention. As a predictive system that minimises false alerts, Radar Predict can detect vulnerable road users up to five metres from the side of the vehicle, seven metres in front of the vehicle and up to 30 metres to the rear of the vehicle’s cabin.

Radar Predict constantly gathers object detection data such as the speed, direction, acceleration, and turning rate of a vehicle using radar technology.
It also collects information from the cyclist or other vulnerable road user, for example, their speed and distance from the lorry.

This data is then put through a processor created by Brigade technology partners to calculate the point of collision with road users alongside the vehicle, giving warnings to the driver of any risks through a visual display teamed with audible warnings.

Trailer Dynamics and DB Schenker in France are testing eTrailers from Trailer Dynamics in live operation • diesel consumption 24 to 55 percent lower • precise forecast of energy requirements

The use of eTrailers in land transport enables fuel consumption savings of between 24 and 55 percent. This is shown by a joint field test by DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading logistics service providers,
Trailer Dynamics and the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group in real transport operations. eTrailers can thus make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of land transport. eTrailers are semi-trailers that have an electric drive train and thus support the semi-trailer tractor with energy, for example when starting off or climbing hills.

With the field test, which was carried out in France in the spring of 2023, concrete savings in diesel consumption in real operation at DB Schenker could be verified for the first time. In a professional field test environment, the diesel consumption of the semitrailer system with a conventional trailer was compared with the diesel consumption of the semitrailer system in combination with an eTrailer. The eTrailer M300 from Trailer Dynamics dynamically supported the diesel semi-trailer truck over the entire test route and controlled the electrified axle in real time. The savings varied depending on the topography or the type of route in the area of operation.

Another result of the test showed that the total consumption of electrical and fossil energy and thus the savings in diesel requirements can be precisely predicted. For this purpose, Trailer Dynamics has developed a performance analysis software that is used in advising customers. The actually measured energy consumption in the test deviated from the forecasts by only 0.7% and 0.9%. The tests in the DB Schenker network will continue over the course of the year.

Wolfgang Janda, Head of System Operations at DB Schenker Europe: “Our goal is to make DB Schenker the leading provider of clean transport solutions. In order to achieve this, we are no longer just focusing on the last mile, but now also on linehaul traffic. The test with Trailer Dynamics shows that eTrailers can be an important component here. We are impressed by how easy the eTrailer system is to use on a day-to-day basis.”

Abdullah Jaber, CEO Trailer Dynamics: “The impressive results and the successful verification of the digital simulation models from Trailer Dynamics with regard to the diesel reduction potential of the tractor unit and the energy consumption of our eTrailer in a real field test together with DB Schenker once again confirm the importance of eTrailer technology for decarbonization of heavy goods traffic”.

Contargo receives 15 e-trucks from Volvo

In a symbolic handover at the transport logistic in Munich, Contargo and Rhenus Trucking received a Volvo FH Electric truck from Volvo Trucks. This e-truck stands for a total of 15 vehicles of the same model that have already been delivered. As of now, they will enable Contargo to offer its customers throughout Germany a CO2e-reduced transport chain, formed by container transport by e-truck and rail, with trains driven by green electricity.

The Volvo FH Electric has a permissible total weight of 44 tonnes. The 490-kilowatt synchronous motor (666 hp) is powered by six 90 kWh battery packs. With a total capacity of 540 kilowatt hours, the Volvo FH Electric is an efficient performer and has a range of up to 300 kilometres depending on the weight. “The logistics sector plays a decisive role in reducing the carbon footprint. So we are glad that many of our customers are reacting quickly, as Contargo and Rhenus Trucking have done, and are switching to an e-truck fleet together with us”, says Peter Prijak, Key Account Manager, Volvo Trucks Deutschland.
15 vehicles for 11 locations
Volvo delivered the semitrailer machines to Rhenus Trucking, who are acting as service provider for their customer Contargo: “The integration of the 15 e-Volvos into our product range means that today we have battery-driven semitrailer tractors in operation from almost all available manufacturers”, Michael Starke, Managing Director of Rhenus Trucking GmbH & Co. KG, states with pleasure.
The vehicles will operate at eleven Contargo locations: one each in Duisburg, Emmerich, Frankfurt-Ost, Gustavsburg, Karlsruhe, Koblenz and Neuss, and two apiece in Hamburg, Weil am Rhein, Mannheim and Ludwigshafen. The e-trucks will be used there locally for the ‘last mile’ transport of containers.
New design for the new product
Contargo is giving the vehicles a brand-new design. So it will be apparent at first sight that the e-trucks are part of a supply chain that really avoids generating emissions. The new product, which uses e-trucks for local delivery and collection, and trains powered by green electricity for the main run, is called “econtargo”.

“We are in a position to make this offer because we are expanding our e-fleet from seven to 32 vehicles”, says Kristin Kahl, Sustainable Solutions at Contargo. in June 2022 Contargo and Rhenus Trucking received notification of KsNI funding for 27 battery-powered 44-tonners and the corresponding infrastructure.

New in the portfolio: e-trucks in Hamburg
In Hamburg, Contargo Road Logistics is entering a new business area with e-trucks. The e-trucks will underway for selected customers in Hamburg and the surrounding region – and beyond. “Building up our fleet by incorporating trucks with alternative drives enables us to offer our customers here in the north an excellent complementary service. It is advantageous to be offering low-noise, low-emission trucking, especially in the port and city area”, says Christian Schäfers, Branch Manager, Contargo Road Logistics Hamburg.
Just as flexible as diesel trucks
Thanks to charging systems with an output of 250 kW, the e-trucks can be fully charged in two hours if required. This makes it possible for Contargo to deploy the e-trucks as flexibly as diesel trucks, and even enables 24-hour operation.
Contargo plans to drive 1.5 million kilometres a year with these fully electric trucks, thus saving almost 1,500 tonnes of CO2e annually. In order to be able to meet increased customer demand for this emission-free product (tank-to-wheel), Contargo has also participated together with Rhenus Trucking in a second call for funding, this time applying for an additional 50 e-trucks and the relevant infrastructure.
The purchase of the 15 Volvo FH Electric trucks was subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) with a total of 3,817,500 Euro, under the funding guideline for the purchase of commercial vehicles with alternative climate-friendly drivetrains and the deployment of refuelling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). Support has been given altogether for 27 e-trucks and the corresponding charging infrastructure. The funding guideline is coordinated by the NOW GmbH, and applications are approved by the Federal Logistics and Mobility Office (BALM).

This International Women’s Day, a leading shipping and road transport firm is calling for more women to enter the UK’s logistics workforce in a bid to close the gender employment gap across the industry.

With women making up only 20% of the transport sector and only three percent of HGV drivers in the UK, Streamline Shipping Group is encouraging more women to enter the industry.

Gillian MacDonald, the general manager at Streamline Shipping Group’s Shetland depot, said: “It seems strange that in 2023 the logistics industry is still a heavily male-dominated sector with only 10% of managerial roles taken on by women.

“To this day, I still experience confusion from customers who expect to be assisted by a male manager. I believe this sort of misunderstanding is down to a failure to promote the logistics sector as an inclusive career choice for women.”

As an inclusive business, Streamline Shipping Group is eager to see more women join the UK’s logistics workforce, taking on a variety of roles across a range of departments. Currently, 33% of the company’s managerial staff is female, with representation across various departments, including the board of directors.

In June 2008, Rosanne Goudie joined Streamline Shipping Group, starting out on an eight wheeler HIAB before progressing to an artic – she is thought to be one of only two female artic drivers in the north of Scotland.

Rosanne shared: “I’ve seen the looks from customers who expect to find a man behind the wheel – and in an industry where there are 315,000 registered drivers and only 2,200 of those are female, I understand their surprise.

“Despite this, I never really questioned whether or not women should be lorry drivers – why shouldn’t we? After all, the HGV pass rate for men is currently 56.9% but 64.8% for women. Throughout my time at Streamline Shipping Group, I think I’ve proven myself to be just as capable, if not better, than any other driver – regardless of their gender.

“My advice for anyone starting out in this industry is to just go for it. Always listen and learn from others, grabbing any chance you get to improve your skills and be a better driver.”

Elsewhere in the business, Claire Irvine is one of three women in her family to be singing the praises of working in the transport and logistics industry. Having worked her way up in Streamline Shipping Group from a six month position as cleaner to the company’s office manager in Aberdeen and the overall HR manager for the company, Claire has seen it all.

“Streamline Shipping Group has been a real family affair for me,” she said. “I have my sister working in the shipping office and my mum just a few doors down in payroll.

“It’s great to see more women taking on management roles at Streamline Shipping Group, but there is still a long way to go. My mum has dedicated 37 years to this company – the longest serving employee after one of our directors – so maybe it’s all about finding the right team to support you and give you that chance to shine, no matter your gender.”

Streamline Shipping Group is Scotland’s foremost freight and logistics firm, delivering pallets, part loads and full-load haulage throughout the UK. From its depots in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Orkney, Shetland and Inverness, the firm has provided world-class shipping, freight and transport solutions to clients of all sizes for over 40 years.

Specialists in international freight forwarding and import/export customs, Streamline operates a fully integrated service for customers of all sizes – ensuring freight and packages are delivered door to door without a hitch. The firm offers an extensive range of services through its haulage, transport, shipping and logistics network with decades of experience in lifting, distribution, storage, import/export, stevedoring, agency and chartering services. For more information, visit www.streamlinegroup.co.uk.

SOURCE: PLANIT SCOTLAND

XPO, a leading provider of freight transportation services, and Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital energy management and automation, have deployed a new multimodal freight solution between France and the United Kingdom (UK). The sustainable road-rail combination is the latest innovation in the companies’ longstanding European partnership.

Schneider Electric, as an impact company, is committed to bridging progress and sustainability. Its target is to become carbon-neutral in its operations by 2025. XPO has been a strategic partner to Schneider for 10 years, providing Schneider with full truckload, less-than-truckload and multimodal services in France and Spain.

Klaids Lafon de Ribeyrolles, vice president – indirect procurement for Schneider Electric, said, “As a market leader in Europe, our growth strategy prioritises innovation and continuous improvement. XPO excels at developing alternative transport solutions that align with our goals. Their new France-to-UK solution has been delivering more efficiency with less environmental impact from day one of the implementation.”

XPO’s bespoke solution for Schneider is managed by proprietary XPO technology and moves parts and components on round-trip runs between Schneider’s warehouse in Mions, France, and its production plant in Telford, UK. XPO’s road fleet transports containers of freight from Mions to the rail terminal in Vénissieux; from there, the containers travel by train through the Eurotunnel or terminate at Dourges, where they cross the Channel by ferry. Once in the UK, XPO’s road fleet completes the deliveries to Telford.

By utilising rail and ferry to cover more than 650 km of the trip, XPO has created additional capacity for Schneider and will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 46% per year (172 tonnes of CO2), compared with all-road transport of 200 full truckloads.

Luis Gomez, president – Europe for XPO, said, “Our multimodal corridors are connecting key trade areas in Europe by road, rail and sea in response to customer requests. These solutions deliver cost efficiencies and contribute to the decarbonisation of supply chains. We are strongly committed to alternative transport solutions and will ensure that our valued partnership with Schneider Electric receives the full benefit of our innovation.”

XPO’s multinational footprint, extensive access to capacity and investment in digital freight management have established the company as a leading transport innovator in Western Europe. Additionally, XPO is known for taking a collaborative approach to customer partnerships and its commitment to sustainable development.

SOURCE: XPO LOGISTICS