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
John Hackling (Transport) has reduced its use of agency drivers by 80%, thanks to a young driver scheme.
Driver / People ManagementThe power supply lines for the cab electrical system may not be fastened correctly at the electrical connecting point mounted on the cab firewall. A loose cable can cause implausible displays and fault messages, while a detachment from the connecting point can lead to complete failure of the vehicle electronics including the lights. Recall vehicles likely to be affected to check the fastening and, if necessary, correct the fastening and connections.
Recalls
Almost 21,000 transport and fleet managers attended the Commercial Vehicle Show this year – an increase of 6% on the previous year, according to figures just released by the event organisers.
CV Show
Senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell, who is now patron of the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), will present the first IRTE Fleet Engineer of the Year 2016 Awards.
Continuing Professional Development
Ricardo, Shell, DAF, Iveco, Scania, Volvo, LowCVP, TfL, CLOCS, FORS and DVSA, are among organisations presenting at this year’s IRTE Conference (28 September; Eastwood Hall, Notts).
Continuing Professional Development
A standard Land Rover Discovery Sport was put through its paces last week, towing a 100-tonne train for 10km along a track through Switzerland.
Light Commercial Vehicles