Transport organisations appear broadly pleased with yesterday's (5 December 2013) Autumn Statement, with the widely anticipated fuel duty freeze and the maintained differential for cleaner alternative fuels attracting the most attention.
Fleet Operating Costs
The IRTE's road transport technician licensing scheme irtec is being brought to Wales, with the opening of a new assessment centre at Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC).
Irtec
Iveco launched its long-awaited Eurocargo Euro 6 truck range at the Italian Embassy in London – and simultaneously in Berlin and Madrid –last week (28 November 2013), with the slogan 'perfect in every situation'.
Rigids
Rob Flello, who chairs the all party parliamentary group for freight transport, has written to the Chancellor in advance of the Autumn Statement, calling on him to review the government's approach to bio-methane.
Alternative Fuels
Independent European technical certification centre TÜV is reporting that Iveco's Stralis Hi-Way Euro 6 tractor unit delivers a 2.33% fuel consumption reduction, compared to its Euro 5 counterpart.
Tractor Units
European long-haul operator Cranleigh Freight Services is reporting 2.92% fuel savings – equating to £98,500 per annum – since switching to Shell Rimula R6 LME 5W-30 synthetic engine oil.
Lubricants & Systems
The North Eastern Centre of the IRTE celebrated 60 years of existence earlier this month, with a luncheon held at the Sunderland AFC Stadium of Light.
Continuing Professional Development
Frozen food distribution specialist Nagel Langdons has ordered 139 new vehicles for 2014, with half of those representing business growth requirements.
Rigids
Sustainable logistics and dual-fuel pioneering firm Howard Tenens has bought 42 new trucks this year, including 36 Euro 5 dual-fuel (compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel) tractor units, to update and expand its existing fleet.
Alternative Fuels
Northern Ireland-based abnormal load specialist Mar-Train Heavy Haulage has bought its first five-axle step-frame trailer, with extending outer boxes and beavertail, capable of carrying plant weighing 60 tonnes.
Trailers
For the second year running, Ford has been lauded as the most reliable van manufacturer and Ford Transit the most reliable van, according to a Fleet News survey of the 50 largest UK contract hire and leasing companies.
Panel Vans
Renault Trucks UK and BRS announced yesterday (21 November 2013) that it is starting consultation with employees at Dunstable, following a recommendation to relocate their UK HQ to Volvo in Warwick by August of 2014.
Driver / People Management