William Henry Bowker (Bill) MBE JP, the former owner of Lancashire transport operator WH Bowker, has died aged 81 after a short illness.
People
North-East haulier M Dungait & Sons has taken delivery of its third Mercedes-Benz Actros this year, citing the model’s performance and dealer service as key factors in the decision.
Tractor Units
Trad Midlands Scaffolding Contractor, part of the Altrad Group, has replaced seven vehicles in its fleet with Isuzu Urban 7.5-tonne rigids.
Rigids
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has agreed to acquire tyre inspection technology firm Ventech Systems from Grenzebach Maschinenbau.
Tyres & Retreads
Road planing business Jet Plant Hire has extended its fleet with six Volvo rigids – one FE and five FMX vehicles.
Rigids
The Freight Transport Association has announced its three category winners for driver of the year, one of whom will be crowned overall driver of the year at the Transport Manager conference in November (29 November; Ricoh Arena, Coventry).
Driver / People Management
Trailer maker and bodybuilder Cartwright has launched Cartwright Finance, a dedicated finance division described as the latest “piece of the jigsaw” in the group’s development.
Finance & Leasing
Coal and animal feed distributor G Owen & Sons has taken delivery of a new DAF FAQ Tridem 8x2 bulk-blower – the eighth DAF vehicle in its fleet but the first with a 1+3 axle arrangement.
Rigids
UK fleet operators are lagging behind their US counterparts when it comes to realising the potential of big data strategies to deliver business improvement.
Telematics
A charitable programme to improve workforce mental health in the UK construction industry is being rolled out this month, after a successful pilot earlier this year.
Driver / People Management
Kent-based firm Tree Craft has taken delivery of its second 3.5-tonne Fuso Canter this year, citing the vehicle’s agility and durability as key factors in its decision.
Light Commercial Vehicles
Examiners from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are being given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences committed in the last 28 days.