Logistics UK is bringing back its Virtual Transport Manager conference following previous success with the event.

The trade body understands that transport manager is a busy role, but an important one within any transport operation. 

Therefore, it has taken out the time and effort of travelling to an in-person event with the virtual alternative.

Specifically, it is an opportunity to maintain compliance and legislation knowledge to ensure transport operations run smoothly. 

The events will take place on 11 November.

The Virtual Transport Manager events were first held during the height of the pandemic in 2020. 

After that, they were run alongside in-person events last year.

The one-day conference will cater to those who are unable to attend in person. 

Meanwhile, in-person events are currently being held around the country. 

Logistics UK confirmed that both the events will follow a similar format, therefore providing essential information and guidance on legislation.

Kate Jennings, Logistics UK’s director of policy underlined the importance of attending. 

“It is vital that transport managers stay up to date with the latest compliance and regulatory information. 

“Therefore,are well established in the industry as a great place to obtain all the necessary briefings. 

“We appreciate that it is not always possible to travel to an in-person event,” added Jennings. 

“However, it is still important to ensure that transport managers keep their knowledge and expertise up to date.”

Meanwhile, Logistics UK has secured involvement of Traffic Commissioners for virtual and live events. 

In addition, the events will include the Transport Manager calendar and a compliance update. 

Other items on the agenda include vehicle in-service standards, managing safety technology and managing fleet insurance costs.

Bridgend-based haulier, John Raymond Transport, is a business that knows how to move with the times. 

For example, it has often reinvented its service since its establishment in 1945. 

More recently, it has relied on FORS as a benchmark to ensure its operation remains safe, legal and compliant.

John Raymond Transport started out as a regional haulier serving the agricultural industry in South Wales. 

As local industry evolved, so too did the business, moving into steel and insulation transportation during the 1960s and 1970s. 

Since the turn of the century, the company has expanded and become a leading UK operator and FMCG logistics provider.  

An early adopter of FORS, John Raymond Transport became accredited in 2010. 

In addition, the business lays claim to being the first operator in Wales to achieve FORS Silver. 

FORS Gold came in 2015 – a year before John Raymond Transport became a part of the Nolan Group. 

Since then, the company has retained its FORS Gold status. 

Furthermore, it looks to FORS as a benchmark for best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.

Geraint Davies, COO, said FORS’ training package had been of particular benefit.

“FORS has been the bedrock of driver training for us”, he explained. 

“The SUD training, for example, translates into fewer collisions because drivers are more aware of the risks.”

 However, improved driver safety is just one of the benefits of the FORS training package. 

For example, the LoCITY course helps to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills to drive in a more efficient manner. 

According to Davies, who has been with the business for 21 years, efficiency is an area of focus for John Raymond Transport.

Concluding, Davies said aligning the business with FORS gives the company “the peace of mind that we are doing things the right way”.

Owner operator David Boylan has taken delivery of a flagship Volvo FH 540 Globetrotter 6×4 tractor unit. 

The vehicle has been specified to combine the highest levels of driver safety and comfort, while also improving operational efficiency. 

A Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle tipping trailer will be used with the truck, which is tasked with delivering sand, pebbles and crushed stone.

Boylan explained his decision to go with Volvo.

“Getting the best bang for your buck is vital in today’s climate,” he said. 

“Therefore, when it came to ordering a new truck, Volvo was the number one choice.” 

“The FH is already putting in strong performances day-to-day.

“The fuel economy gains we’ve seen versus the older truck it replaced have certainly helped.

Boylan left no stone unturned in refining his new truck’s specification. 

For example, he selected numerous Volvo option packages to create the best working environment. 

As a result, the flagship Volvo has a Globetrotter cab with Drive++ package, which includes desirable extras. 

There’s an electrically operated interior sun visor, as well as extended leather upholstery and electronic air-conditioning. 

Meanwhile, twin armrests and a media package with navigation ensures a premium onboard experience. 

The FH is powered by Volvo’s D13K 540hp Euro 6 Step E engine, which offers a maximum 2,600Nm of torque. 

Other features are included, for instance, include the Volvo Engine Brake, which boosts safety and reduces brake wear.

Another important addition is the Visibility+ pack, thereby adding in distinctive LED headlights that adapt to the conditions.

“The environments the truck is expected to perform in can be very difficult to navigate safely,” said Boylan. 

“Therefore, ensuring maximum visibility was a top priority when it came to settling on a final specification.” 

Concluding, Boylan said the flagship Volvo FH would cover 120,000km a year, working six days a week.

A collaboration between Siemens and Volta Trucks related to commercial fleet electrification has been announced. 

The two companies will partner to provide a number of initiatives and options for truck fleets.

For example, they will investigate ways of improving energy, charging infrastructure and facilities.

Specifically, Siemens and Volta will ‘delivery and scale eMobility charging infrastructure to simplify the transition to fleet electrification’.

Siemens’ experience in software control systems, energy management and building equipment will be maximised.

By doing so, Volta customers will be supported and supplied with an infrastructure that will meet their needs.

In preparation for the tie-up, Siemens launched Xcelerator in June this year.  

This business platform, with IoT-ready hardware and software, will help deliver improved digital solutions for fleets.

Thomas Kiessling, CTO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, set out the targets for the joint project.

 “We intend to co-create Transportation as a Service solutions and deliver Volta Trucks’ customers higher uptime. 

Continuing, he confirmed “a commitment to reliability through performance-based contracts and reduced energy expenditure”.

Siemes and Volta also said they were committed to increasing vehicle uptime through minimum expenditure.

Advanced analytical and simulation models will be used, for example, considering factors such as duty cycles, charging times and battery life.

 Essa Al-Saleh, CEO, Volta Trucks, said he was delighted that Siemens and Volta Trucks would be working together.

“To deliver the electrification of urban logistics at pace and scale, we need operationally efficient electrification infrastructure,” he commented.

“In Siemens, we have a world-class partner with the innovative technical solutions our customers will expect. 

“Together, we are confident that our partnership with accelerate the migration to electrification.”

The deal will also see fresh approaches to ownership, financing and servicing of trucks from Volta.

Therefore, drivers can expect to have their lives easier when moving to electric vehicles.

Three Volvo FM 500 6×2 tag axle tractor units have been ordered by food reprocessing business SugaRich. 

The trio will join a fleet that, until recently, traditionally ran with a rival manufacturer.

However, SugaRich chose Volvo because of the FM’s improved visibility and performance.

The trio of tag axle tractor units will deliver surplus food products to SugaRich’s seven reprocessing mills.

The trucks use Volvo’s D13K engine, which puts out 500hp and offers up to 2,500Nm of torque. 

The 44-tonne FMs are expected to clock-up roughly 200,000km a year for SugaRich.

Ryan Clay, national transport manager, SugaRich, admitted that aftersales support issues also played a part.

“We were keen to get a new marque on board to ensure we always had the back-up we needed,” he explained. 

“Therefore, Volvo was the obvious choice as it is a quality product. 

“We’ve also been impressed with the competitive price it was able to offer us.”

Continuing, Clay also singled out Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East for support.

“These new FMs are very impressive,” he said. 

“The updates to the interior and the cab have taken it up a level for sure. 

“We are confident that they will be more than a match for anything we have run before.” 

The three new trucks all feature a fully digital dashboard, which makes things safer for drivers. 

In other words, the 12in instrument display and a smaller side display provide easy access to the right information. 

Drivers also benefit from the display in other situation, for example, when loading or trying to plan the best route.

“As a business, what we do is really good for the environment so we want to run a sustainable fleet as well,” adds Clay. 

“Therefore, the FM’s fuel efficiency will form an important part of that.”

The DAF drivelines in the truck manufacturer’s range of LF distribution trucks have been given a makeover. 

As a result, they offer an increase in fuel efficiency of up to 7% compared with the current model.

The 7% saving in fuel efficiency is dependant on application.

Main changes relate to the PACCAR PX-5 and PX-7 engines and also the introduction of the company’s 8-Speed PowerLine gearboxes. 

Therefore, both of the DAF drivelines have been completely redesigned.

The engine duo use a new lightweight but strong, compacted graphite iron (CGI) block. 

In addition, a cast-iron cylinder head is used, along with new low-friction pistons.

Completing the spec are new efficient compressors and a new waste-gate turbo.

In total, the new PACCAR PX engines for the DAF LF series are available in seven output ratings.

This spread allows the distribution truck range to meet all customer requirements.

PACCAR’s 4.5-litre PX-5 engine is available with outputs from 170hp to 210hp.

Meanwhile, the larger, 6.7-litre PX-7 has options from 230hp to 310hp. 

The engines develop peak torque at even lower engine speeds, therefore supporting down-speeding and the improved fuel efficiency.

Continuing, the new DAF driveline in the LF has a new 8-speed, fully automatic PowerLine transmission, which features optimal gear spread and steps. 

Powershifting without any torque interruption, for example, enables smooth shifts and quick throttle response.

The result is improved comfort and driveability. 

In addition, the new transmissions provide outstanding low speed manoeuverability. These characteristics are enabled by an ‘urge-to-move’ feature upon releasing the brake pedal. 

Alongside the 8-speed transmission, 6- and 9-speed gearboxes remain available for the DAF LF series. 

Furthermore, fully automatic Allison gearboxes will also be an option for special applications, such as refuse collection and firefighting.

Mercedes-Benz’ vision of future long-distance haulage has been revealed in an electric concept truck.

The eActros LongHaul hints at the technology, design and powertrain of next-generation trucks from the Germans.

For example, an LED light strip runs along the front of the vehicle.

The first eActros LongHaul prototypes have already started testing and will hit public roads later this year. 

Following that, near-series prototypes will be sent to various Mercedes-Benz customers for evaluation.

Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, explained what role the new truck will play. 

“We are continuously expanding our portfolio of battery-electric trucks. 

“Our focus is on offering clear advantages to our customers. 

“Therefore, our electric trucks are specifically designed for eMobility, giving them better drivability, energy efficiency and durability.”

The forthcoming truck will have a total battery capacity of 600kWh, comprising three battery packs.

In addition, two electric motors will be used, generating a continuous output of 536hp (805hp peak).

Away from the tractor unit, the company will offer rigid versions of the eActros LongHaul from launch.

As a result, it will open up more opportunities for the maximum number of Mercedes-Benz customers and drivers.

The batteries used in the eActros LongHaul use lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP). 

Therefore, they offer a long service life and more usable energy. 

In the electric concept, they can be charged from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes. 

However, this performance requires charging stations to have an output of around one megawatt.

Mercedes-Benz says it is aiming to offer ‘a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services’. 

In other words, the eActros LongHaul is designed to help with profitability, sustainability and reliability.

The production version of the aActros LongHaul electric concept is planned to be released in 2024.

Electric and fuel cell versions of the Nikola Tre have been unveiled at IAA Transportation 2022 show in Hannover.

The Tre BEV is produced by the Nikola Iveco joint venture and, therefore, based on the Italians’ S-Way truck.

A modular approach to the design has been taken, allowing different powertrains to be used on the platform.

For example, both battery and fuel cell propulsion systems more of the customer based to be catered for.

In total, nine batteries are used in the Tre BEV, with a total energy capacity of 738kWh.

As a result, a theoretical driving range of 500km is possible, says the company. 

Recharging the batteries from 10-90% takes 162 minutes, when using a 175kW charger.

However, when revealing the electric and fuel cell Tre models, it was revealed that 350kW charging will follow.

Specifically, company figure said that faster charging options would be available later this year. 

Michael Lohscheller, president, Nikola Corporation, hailed the new arrivals as “game changers” in the transport industry. 

“They deliver the performance and driving experience able to compete with their diesel-powered peers,” he stated. 

Continuing, he added that they offer “operationally and financially viable zero-emissions solutions for regional applications”.

As a result, he said, customer will gain a “true competitive advantage” over running other trucks.

Meanwhile, the fuel cell vehicle of the Tre was shown in ‘beta’ form.

It featured a steering tag axle and new cab with improved aerodynamics.

The fuel cell truck can accommodate 70kg of stored hydrogen, thanks to its nearly 4m-long wheelbase.

This capacity, combined with a refuelling rate of under 20 minutes, will make it an attractive proposition for hauliers.

Plus, it offers a potential driving range range of 800km on a single tank.

The Tre FCEV is expected to enter the market in 2024.

Willmotts has demonstrated its commitment to safety through it’s latest investment in trucks through City West Commercials.

The West Country haulier has taken delivery of five Mercedes-Benz trucks with the latest MirrorCam technology.

In fact, the company is one of the first UK operators to have vehicles boasting the latest tech.

Specifically, Willmotts chose five Actros L BigSpace tractor units.

The business currently runs more than 100 trucks, therefore needs to ensure safety throughout the fleet.

Each of the vehicles is powered by a 12.8 litre engine with 476hp.

Not all of the trucks on the company’s fleet are from Mercedes-Benz.

However, with MirrorCam being such a prominent addition, it was a chance for Willmotts to show that commitment to safety.

The second-generation version of the technology was announced in May by Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Therefore, it is now starting to appear on UK-registered vehicles.

In the latest version, the camera arms are 10cm shorter on both sides.

As a result they are less vulnerable to damage.

In addition, the housing design reduces the possibility of debris sticking to the lenses.

Technical developments, meanwhile, have further improved image quality and clarity.

Andy Tuck, Willmotts’ transport and compliance director, was clear about the company’s approach.

“We’ll never put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to vehicle suppliers,” he said.

“However, City West Commercials was persistent in extolling the virtues of the Actros.”

Tuck added that drivers who drove Mercedes-Benz trucks were asking when they’d see the new Actros.

“The latest Actros is so very different,” observed Tuck.

“And that’s not only down to MirrorCam; the Multimedia Cockpit is also a radical departure.”

Concluding, Tuck revealed there was apprehension, but that didn’t last long.

“They were soon enthusing about how much more they can see with MirrorCam,” he said.