Over the past three years, Traffic Commissioners have started using more preliminary hearings and senior team leader interviews to deal with cases involving passenger and freight operators, as an alternative to a public inquiry. Kevin Swallow investigates what they are and how they work
Health & Safety Legislation
With little truck news this year, the focus shifted to LCVs and supporting technologies. Will Dalrymple was there
Alternative Fuels
New internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, which could be in production by 2023, might potentially secure the long-term future of the diesel-powered heavy truck. Peter Shakespeare reports
Engine/Transmission Management
Some of the most pampered trucks in the world carry the cars, equipment and hospitality facilities of the McLaren F1 race team across Europe (the first European race of the 2018 season, in Barcelona, is contested on the 13th).
Driver / People Management
Bear Scotland, the maintenance contractor for the North East and North West Scotland trunk road networks, has introduced a range of new vehicles at 12, 18 and 26 tonnes gvw fitted with three-way tipping cylinders from Harsh.
Tippers
The latest six vehicles supplied by Ryder to GR & MM Blackledge for its Bodycare toiletries retail chain feature the brand’s new livery.
Rigids
High street retailer Marks & Spencer is leasing a dual compartment Dearman Hubbard TRU, on a refrigerated semi-trailer, to be operated out of its Hemel Hempstead depot.
Refrigeration
Bus manufacturer Mellor has announced that its Strata Low Floor bus has been awarded a Low Emission Bus (LEB) certificate following successful emissions testing at Millbrook.
Restore Document Management has awarded a three-year contract extension to Ctrack for telematics for its 185-strong van and HGV fleet.
Driver / People Management
Packaging supplier DS Smith has ordered nearly 240 specialist vehicles from Ryder, including 218 Lawrence David trailers with demanding safety specifications and 21 Mercedes-Benz tractor units.
Lifting & Handling
Bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has launched a cloud-based online fleet management and preemptive vehicle diagnostics system.
Telematics
A Scottish livestock haulier was suspended from operating HGVs at the end of April after Scotland’s Traffic Commissioner said the business hadn’t paid enough attention to safety and licensing standards.
Wheel Security