Home Delivery Network (HDNL), one of the largest contractors for online goods deliveries in the UK, has now taken delivery of 158 new MAN rigids and 500 Mercedes Sprinters. They're all fleet replacements, which is unremarkable, except that in these tough economic times, they're pretty big numbers. And HDNL says there will be more next year – 750 vans and 200 additional tractors.
Trailers
Drivers and fleet managers are being offered a digital tachograph that claims to set new standards of simplicity, speed and ease of maintenance.
Driver / People Management
"An event designed to help operators run a better and more organised business." That's the message from organiser of the CV Operator Show, which takes place on 13, 14 and 15th April 2009 at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Vehicle Specification
There are mixed messages and frustration at Denby Transport, after the company's chairman, Dick Denby, took his 25.1m-long (82ft) LHV onto public roads on 1 December 2009, only to be served with a prohibition notice by the police.
Longer Heavier Vehicles
As we go to press, the transport industry looks closer to achieving a change in VOSA policy concerning amber ABS warning lamps, following intense lobbying by the FTA (Freight Transport Association).
Road Safety
Trucks hitting low bridges could finally be a thing of the past thanks to a satellite navigation unit designed for HGV drivers, and supported by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Telematics
Fleet managers are being offered the chance to improve workforce efficiency and productivity, through real-time driver and vehicle information over the web.
Telematics
Environmental benefits of the Euro 6 commercial vehicle engine emissions standard, due to come into force at the end of 2013, are disproportionate to their cost.
Emissions Control
Fresnel lenses have now been formally approved by the DfT (Department for Transport) for use on truck windscreens to improve driver vision down to the front bumper.
Road Safety
It's been a while since trailers and even rigids have witnessed significant technical innovations beyond aerodynamics, but Schmitz Cargobull has used the downturn to rethink its offerings.
Rigids
BTAC (the British Transport Advisory Consortium, which came out of the brewery industry) says it expects to run more technical trials on trucks over a weekend in June or July 2010, following last year's break.
Truck Rollovers
An impressive toroidal infinitely variable transmission, claimed to deliver "significant benefits over competing offerings", should cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while also increasing productivity.
Gearboxes