A new organisation has been launched today (18 May) which aims to plug the transport sector’s reported 45,000 driver shortfall by retraining service veterans and reformed offenders.
Apprenticeships
A Leicestershire council has switched to a Michelin tyre policy, after it tested X Works tyres on an RCV with the highest rate of tyre damage – and found the Michelin products lasted far longer than the previous brand.
Tyres & Retreads
Beamish Transport has increased the number of Volvo trucks in its 50-strong fleet since the introduction of Euro 6 standards, thanks to the manufacturer’s ability to offer medium-height chassis.
Rigids
Container haulage firm AJ Dean Transport has taken delivery of its first new vehicles, two DAF FTP XF 510 tractors with Super Space cabs.
Tractor Units
Commercial vehicle recovery business Karen Yuill Recovery has taken delivery of two new vehicles from Renault Trucks – a 40-tonne Range T tractor and a Master van – following a tour of the Renault manufacturing facility in Lyon, France.
Light Commercial Vehicles
The Manchester College has announced that it is now taking advance bookings for irtec licensing for bus and coach technicians, delivered either at its premises or on site.
Irtec
The London mayor’s new proposals on air quality could put some small companies out of business. That’s the warning from the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which says the plans could add huge costs to all business in the capital and instead is urging him to look at “carrots as well as sticks”.
Emissions Control
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the publication of the Department for Transport’s Motoring Service Strategy, highlighting the reforms to allow qualified experts in the private sector to conduct large goods vehicle (LGV) testing.
Road Safety
TruTac will be exhibiting its latest range of tachograph hardware, download tools and remote capture devices at next week’s Microlise Transport Conference (18 May; Ricoh Arena, Coventry).
Fleet Management Systems
Volvo Bus has sold its 1,000th hybrid Volvo B5LH in the UK to RATP Dev London. The vehicle is currently the only double-decker of its type in service to use the parallel hybrid drive system.
Bus & Coach
Leaders from seven of the top truck manufacturers will come together to debate the future of road transport next week, at the Microlise Transport Conference (18 May; Ricoh Arena, Coventry).
Road Safety
Petro-Canada has launched a campaign website to explain the implications behind this December’s introduction of PC-11 heavy-duty diesel engine oils – the “biggest step change that the North American heavy-duty market will experience”, according to the company.
Lubricants & Systems