Samworth Brothers Supply Chain driver Matthew Pickering (pictured) has been crowned Freight Transport Association Truck Driver of the Year 2016 i the 44 tonne category, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Driver / People Management
Warehousing and logistics specialist Hawkins Logistics’ new flagship tractor unit is a Volvo FH16-750 with a head-turning Globetrotter XL cab.
Tractor Units
A novel hybrid KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) from French developer Adgero is to be trialled by the British division of an unnamed international logistics company.
Alternative Fuels
John Sutch Cranes has added another MAN TGX truck plated at 150 tonnes gcw to its eight-strong fleet of specialist support vehicles.
Heavy Goods Vehicles
The Low Emission Van Guide and associated online Van Cost and Carbon Calculator (VC3) tool have been updated by CENEX and LowCVP to provide van fleet managers with latest data on how to make operational cost and CO2 emissions savings.
Green VehiclesExhaust tailpipe variants K7D, K7C and K7N can become loose. K7D can fall away from the vehicle leading to a heightened risk of incident for other road users. Where an exhaust gas leak occurs this can also constitute a risk of fire. Recall vehicles likely to be affected and replace the seal of the exhaust tail pipe flange with a metal bead gasket. Vehicle ID: WDB9634031L903915 to WDB96342020044436; WDB9630032L751055 to WDB96302520005964; WDB9640001L872470 to WDB96442620003763
Recalls
Volvo Trucks says a combination of small improvements to engines, transmissions and truck aerodynamics are delivering better fuel efficiency with enhanced driveability.
Engine/Transmission Management
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2016 Low Carbon Champions awards.
Alternative Fuels
Aberdeenshire-based utilities contractor Nicol of Skene has taken delivery of its fourth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4, stating that it is the only vehicle capable of getting tools and equipment to sites miles off-road, in all weathers.
Off Roaders
BYD and Alexander Dennis (ADL) are to launch 10.8-metre versions of their existing all-electric 12-metre single-decker buses specifically for the British provincial and London markets.
Electric Vehicles
Civil engineering giant Amey has taken delivery of a 16-strong fleet of 3.5-tonne tippers, bodied by Bevan Specialist Products, for highway maintenance in Gloucestershire.
Tippers
A formal consultation on driverless vehicles in the UK, launched on 11 July by DfT (Department for Transport) and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, is being seen as positive by transport industry leaders.
Driver Assistance Systems