With huge pressures on margins, finance managers can be forgiven for going for what looks like lowest whole-life cost tractors. But there are other considerations, writes Peter Shakespeare
Tractor Units
Diagnostic systems may not have replaced technicians’ spanners, but there’s no doubting the fact that they have become an essential part of their toolkits. Toby Clark reviews developments
Diagnostic Equipment
Robust health and safety measures are required of commercial vehicle workshops – as they are of all workplace environments. Steve Banner explains
Irtec
A holistic approach to improving fuel efficiency suggests that adopting a range of innovative solutions makes most sense, writes Peter Shakespeare
Driver / People Management
As OEMs and operators come to terms with Euro 6c and the certainty of Euro 6d just around the corner, Brian Tinham examines the likely impacts of Euro 7 in the early 2020s
Emissions
Well, the CV Show (25–27 April 2017, NEC, Birmingham) is upon us again. And, as we go to press, it’s set to be even better than last year’s, with everything from big trucks, rigids and trailers, to minibuses, vans, pick-ups and specialist vehicles promised, as well as workshop equipment, service providers and the regulatory and enforcement agencies.
Alternative FuelsBridget Rosewell OBE has been appointed chair of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), its first non-executive chair position.
People
Fruit distributor Transpak Direct has taken delivery of seven refrigerated trailers from Schmitz Cargobull, designed to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption.
Trailers
Krone will be unveiling a new flatbed semi-trailer this week at Multimodal 2017 (4-6 April; NEC, Birmingham).
Semi-Trailers
Bibby Distribution has taken delivery of five new powder tankers, custom-designed by Feldbinder.
Tankers
A Caerphilly-based haulage firm has been disqualified from running vehicles for 12 months after putting commercial considerations over road safety.
Transport CPC
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has published a five-year strategy for 2017-2022, in which it sets out “ambitious plans” to improve road safety.
Road Safety