London and South East traffic commissioner Nick Denton has warned all restricted operators – including construction, scaffolding and recycling businesses – to “take ownership of compliance” and take commercial vehicle operations seriously.
Road Legal
Scottish haulage firm MSL has taken delivery of three Mercedes-Benz Actros 2454 tractors and, with their arrival, has completed its three-year transition to an all-Mercedes fleet.
Tractor UnitsOn retrofit Low Entry Cab the steering limiter valve does not offload the system pressure correctly. This may cause high stress/forces on the link rod, adjusting sleeve and ball joint, which could lead to damaged or broken parts, which may lead to loss of steering. On affected vehicles the pressure limiting valves are to be replaced and adjusted (mandatory). The steering link rod should be checked and replaced if there is any sign of stress. Vehicle ID: B549550 to B657985
Recalls
Vital Energi has become one of the first organisations in the country to be awarded the ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status, thanks to its adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Alternative Fuels
Reading Buses has renewed its Effitires tyre management contract with Michelin Solutions for another three years, describing it as “an easy decision”.
Tyres & Retreads
Renault Trucks is extending its Optifleet onboard telematics solution with new functionality which, it says, will enable fleet managers to more accurately assess the performance of drivers on long-haul operations.
Telematics
Sainsbury’s has been unveiled as the first in the world to trial a refrigerated delivery truck cooled by a liquid nitrogen-powered engine.
Refrigeration
Following two years of trials on Euro 4 and Euro 5 Metroline diesel buses, the operator is to upgrade 55 of its fleet with technology claimed to cut NOx emissions by a staggering 75%.
Bus & Coach
The FTA (Freight Transport Association) and RHA (Road haulage Association) are crying foul over yesterday’s (21 June 2016) claim by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers that up to 30% of road haulage vehicles on UK roads run empty.
Truck Efficiency
Swedish transport refrigeration specialist Hultsteins reckons its eco-friendly hydraulic systems – now established in Scandinavia – can cut fuel costs by up to 62% and reduce CO2 emissions “by at least 98%”, compared to diesel-driven units.
Temperature Controlled Vehicles
Kent-based Mark Luck Transport has taken delivery of four more Thompsons-bodied eight-wheelers, bringing its total number of rigid tippers to 45.
Bodies & Bodywork
Leicester-based JCB franchise Watling JCB has taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Vito vans, with another due for delivery in September, to join its expanding 88-strong fleet of mostly Mercedes Sprinters.
Light Commercial Vehicles