Satellite navigation is certainly not a new concept. This system has been in existence for several years and has been a massive benefit for HGV / LGV drivers as it can direct them towards the best routes for them.

However, in the past, there have been problems whereby lorries have got stuck down narrow paths or have taken routes that were not suitable for heavy vehicles, because they have followed their satellite navigation systems.

Such problems have since been eliminated via the use a new satellite navigation device. This system has been especially developed for HGV driving professionals. TomTom GO 7000 is the name of the innovative device. The navigation system has been provided by the Freight Transport Association and enables the drivers to avoid unfavourable paths.

The unit aims to end incidents related to stranded HGV drivers.

The FTA had previously challenged the satellite navigation industry to come up with new devices especially meant for HGV drivers. The evident result is a device which is most suitable for HGV drivers.
The unit will also help the drivers who travel regularly along the urban and rural road networks.
The FTA has also advised the drivers to follow the road signs accurately to avoid any untoward incidents.

Today saw the removal of the first ‘bendy-buses’ from London’s streets. Buses on the 38 route from Hackney to Victoria were replaced with traditional double-deckers.

A recent survey put the bendy-buses (introduced by former Mayor Ken Livingstone) at the top of the list for causing ‘traffic chaos’ in the city. The 25m long buses often got stuck turning corners and had huge problem with fare dodgers. Some buses ran ‘completely for free’ - whereby not one passenger would pay or swipe their Oyster card.

Their design has been blamed for numerous accidents and deaths on Londons roads and cyclists are overjoyed at their removal.

Mean while, HGV’s and LGV’s were not seen to be creating traffic problems in the city. Too many buses and empty bus lanes were considered more of a problem on London’s streets.

Fleet companies who take a step towards going green benefit immensely. Wilson Trailer is a Keighley based trailer manufacturer company and it has just been awarded environmental trailer of the year 2009 by ITM (Institute of Transport Management). The award was given for the development of the curved fronted ‘Eco’ double deck trailer.

This is a very prestigious award. This trailer saves users an average of about 15% on their fuel costs. This is when they are compared to the old style ‘flat top’ trailer. Graeme Smith, the managing director of the company said that design of the Eco makes its production cost more effective. He also added that for a small premium, a substantial reduction in the operating costs can be achieved. Mark Ridgeway of P.S.Ridgeway, said that he will save over £3000 pounds per annum and that too from just one trailer. This result is what he calls a very significant step. Wilson also changed the existing flat top trailer to the Eco design from £2,500 plus VAT.

The company has also launched its next generation trailer of the Eco trailer named Curtain-Clear. Graeme said that the Curtain-Clear is a fantastic addition to their product range.

Thermo King has officially launched its patented cryogenic system, called the Green CryoTech, which uses recycled liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as a coolant. First and foremost, two different systems have ultimately been developed: the CO2 Hybrid and the ST-CR. Therefore, the CO2 Hybrid can be fitted to a conventional diesel-powered HGV cooling system, whilst the ST-CR is mainly for single and multi-temperature HGV operations. Thermo King says that the advantages and benefits of this new and improved cooling system are numerous, and yet, in contrast to the conventional HGV cooling system, CryoTech does not produce a lot of noise during HGV operations.

Furthermore, this particular CO2 technology is claimed to be innovative in offering a system to provide airflow in the load space, which is also essential for fresh produce, and therefore exhausts the cryogen outside the load space. Moreover, the CryoTech does not allow CO2 to enter the cargo area, which is in fact a significant health and safety benefit. Apart from all that, Thermo King claims that its concept offers a quiet operation, noting that it has fewer moving parts than a conventional system. Thermo king is extremely proud of its “green” product, particularly since the CryoTech cooling system is both environment-friendly and HGV-friendly, and thus it is perfectly safe and suitable for both the environment and HGVs in need of a better cooling system.

The oil company Shell claims that one of its HGV fuel products is in fact delivering considerable economy gains. In other words, internal heavy-duty engine tests of Shell Diesel, combined with a fuel economy formula, indicate efficiency improvements for HGVs of up to 3%. Apparently, earlier this year, Shell supplied Mercedes-Benz, just when an Actros set a world record at the Nardo test site in Italy for the most economical series production HGV. Thus, the 40-tonne Actros combination of both trailer and tractor consumed 19.44 litres of diesel per 100km over a seven-day, round-the-clock test drive.

Nevertheless, Shell’s collaboration with Daimler, the world’s largest supplier of HGVs, is considered crucial and necessary, and it can also be rather beneficial. In addition to this, Ruth Cairnie, Shell’s vice-president for global commercial fuels, believes that Shell’s collaboration with Daimler can undoubtedly help them to deliver integral HGV-technology solutions to their customers, HGV drivers and companies in particular.

Cairnie says: “Our collaboration with Daimler is very important to Shell, as it provides valuable input into our own product development and helps us to deliver technological solutions to our customers. Of course, there are those who believe that the 3% we got from our tests are of minor significance, but we, as a team, think that these 3% are of vast importance; they show considerable efficiency improvements for HGVs, which is exactly what we were aiming at, and the tests are just one step towards achieving our ultimate goal.”

Delegates at the 5th Motor Transport Fleet Management Conference reportedly voted synthetic diesel as the future fuel alternative. Allegedly, following a presentation on future fuel alternatives by Volvo Trucks Legislation / Environment Manager Ray Cattley, synthetic diesel emerged at the top of the list, ahead of dimethyl ether (DME) and biodiesel. Nevertheless, the seven criteria that Volvo used to judge the fuels are:

•    climate impact
•    energy efficiency
•    land use efficiency
•    fuel potential
•    vehicle adaptation
•    fuel cost
•    fuel infrastructure

Thus, synthetic diesel scores well on climate impact, energy efficiency, vehicle adaptation, and fuel infrastructure, which, all in all, makes synthetic diesel the most easily realisable and therefore appropriate fuel alternative in the medium-term.

Cattley says:

“It looks like the industry can actually get synthetic diesel very close to the price of natural diesel, and still, it could be made to the same quality, if not better.”

Nevertheless, Cattley notes that DME could use the existing LPG infrastructure, while synthetic fuel could use the existing diesel infrastructure. Cattley also adds that the key to the development of future fuels will in fact be the engagement of all stakeholders.  He says:

“We need to engage the governments, as well as the environmental experts. Above all, we need harmonised legislation.”

First and foremost, if you are thinking of becoming a professional HGV driver, then you will definitely want to find the best HGV training programme possible, in order for you to learn properly.

Thus, the best HGV training would be through a qualified professional school with a licensed and experienced instructor.  The professional training that you would receive ought to prepare you for the test itself, i.e. so as to get your HGV licence. Furthermore, in order to drive an HGV, you will ultimately need to apply for either a Category C licence or a Category C+E licence. The Category C licence will allow you to drive a one-unit HGV (Rigid Vehicle) and these types are known to be far easier to handle.

A Category C+E licence (a.k.a. Class II) allows you to drive a HGV with a removable trailer, also known as the Artic HGV. These particular HGVs are a little bit more of a challenge to manoeuvre, and thus they may take a little more skill. However, there are many HGV drivers who actually start out by obtaining the Category C licence, and then later, they earn their Category C+E licence.

Therefore, if you are a good driver, and you are looking for a new career, then you should consider becoming an HGV driver.

MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Iveco and Volvo claim that they all remain entirely committed to next year’s CV Show, following the decision by Daf and Scania to pull out. Moreover, Scania MD Hans-Christer Holgersson says:

“Instead of exhibiting, we have decided to redirect our resources for 2009 towards local marketing campaigns and exciting new customer initiatives.”

Furthermore, Holgersson also expects Scania will probably return to the show in 2010. The news comes as the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures reveal that both HGV and van sales fell by 9.4% and 36.3% (respectively) last month. In comparison with the previous year-to-date figure, Scania actually took a noticeable dip, moving down to sixth place from fourth. Nonetheless, Daf, Mercedes-Benz and Iveco retained their first to third positions, respectively.

Apart from all that, Tony Pain, Daf Marketing Director, believes that Daf

“needs to reduce all the operating costs”

However, a Mercedes-Benz spokesman says:

“We will be at the CV Show as usual – with all sides of the business (HGVs and vans) represented.”

In addition to this, an Iveco spokesman says:

“We plan to be there with a full range of vehicles, but it is a rather challenging environment at the moment.”

Ultimately, a total of 360 exhibitors are officially confirmed for the show.

As an HGV driver, it is important that you know the length, width, and height of your HGV when attempting a parking or reversing manoeuvre. You should be aware of your surroundings, and identify any potential hazards.

You should be aware of where you can park according to the Highway Code and local signposting. The laws are in place for your own safety and that of other road users. All HGVs must have their lights on when parked on the road at night and when parked in a lay-by as they are close to the road. When connecting or disconnecting a trailer, make sure that the parking brakes are engaged on both your HGV and the trailer. This will prevent your vehicle rolling away when connecting the air pipes or disconnecting the coupling. For your own safety and the safety of your load, make sure your vehicle is secure at all times.

Reversing your vehicle can potentially create a dangerous situation. You need to be aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles in the area and make sure they are aware you are reversing. There are audible devices that signal your vehicle is reversing – however, you always need to observe your surroundings before and during a reversing manoeuvre.

A good tip is to use the assistance or banksman if available.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling for operators’ views on the possible introduction of 18.75m-long artics.  The FTA is starting a series of meetings to explore the topic with the Department for Transport.

“It would be helpful if people would consider the options and let us know so that the evidence the FTA presents to the government is as strong as possible” says Andy Mair, the association’s head of engineering policy.

Ruth Kelly, predecessor of transport minister Geoff Hoon, rejected the idea of a 25.25m Eurocombi trailers earlier this year, although left the door open for a possible “modest” increase in weight and length. A TRL and Herriot Watt University study accompanying the report put forward two suggestions: an increase in artic combination length to equal that of drawbar units, but within the existing maximum legal GVW.

The extra length would thus incur a payload penalty although the increased deck length of 3.25m would provide additional volume - enough for two pallets (four on a double-deck trailer). The other idea was a payload neutral option, allowing the same increase in length and volume, but raising the GVW to 46 tonnes. Early indications are that operators with loads “cubing out” are among those most enthusiastic about the suggestion. However, the discussion process is at a hypothetical stage, likely to be lengthy, possibly unpopular with rail freight operators and not a high political priority.

A device has been designed that enables HGV and LGV drivers to check their brake lights before using the vehicle on the road.

The Brakeaware electrical safety system allows the driver to activate the brake lights using a fob, standing behind the vehicle while making routine checks. The device is fitted in the cab, connects to the brake-light feed and has a range of up to 70m.

John Arundel, an LGV driver from Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, who works for A&L Trucking, designed and developed the technology over a 15-month period.

He says: “The cab can be 60 feet away from the rear of the vehicle, so you cannot always see the reflection of the brake lights to check if they are working.” To that he added: “This could prove to be a very serious and expensive problem.”

Arundel says the device has already been adopted by several South Wales companies, and his firm is in talks with a major haulage organisation in the area. He is also prepared to work in partnership with the big truck manufacturers to develop the technology.

The product, which costs £29.99 and is apparently easy to install, was on display at the British Invention Show at Alexandra Palace until 18 October. The project received a £5,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Wales Innovators Network (WIN), and Arundel has ploughed £15,000 of his own money into the project.

“We’ve only had the devices in stock for the past five weeks, but feedback from customers has been good” he adds.

As a professional HGV driver, you should set a good example of driving to others. You should always have an idea of how other road users see you. Remember that they are not HGV or LGV drivers and may wonder why you are making certain manoeuvres. Losing your temper with other road users will not make your working life easier. Keeping your emotions under control will lead to a safer and more pleasant working environment for you.

Being involved in a collision with another vehicle can have serious and far-reaching consequences for you and other persons involved. Remember – you are the person with the responsibility for driving your vehicle safely at all times.

As an HGV or LGV driver, you must be aware of the effect your vehicle has on other road users. For example, your vehicle creates turbulence and will have an effect on other road users when you pass them. It will affect:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• Horse riders
• Caravans
• Other lorries and buses

Always be aware of other road users.

There is limited vision around your vehicle due to its size. Use your mirrors and always check any blind spots when you are maneuvering.

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

Research has shown that lights are one of the most common failure items when an HGV or LGV is put in for its annual test, and headlights are the most common source of problems. A significant number of failures are due to headlights being unsynchronised, such as one side being aimed high and the other low.

As well as headlights, it is important to check that all other lights are functional and clean before a journey. It is unsafe to drive with faulty or dirty lights, including indicators, brake lights, fog lights and headlights.

In fact, it is important to know as much about the traffic and obstacles around you as possible. Before starting your journey, you should always check your mirrors to make sure they are in the correct position for you to be able to see around the vehicle. You should always make full use of your mirrors before making a manoeuvre.

You ought to be aware of blind spots, both for yourself and others. There are many HGVs or LGVs that are fitted with “close proximity” and “wide angle” mirrors to survey the driver’s blind spot on the passenger side of the vehicle. It is particularly important that these mirrors are properly adjusted so that you can see, for example, cyclists close to the nearside of the vehicle. Keep a defensive space around your vehicle to enable you to react. It is advisable that you use your mirrors frequently so that you are constantly aware of what is happening around you.

These points and many more are covered comprehensively during HGV training

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

Each and every HGV driver should always remember after their HGV training: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar hand-held device (such as navigation equipment) while driving. An HGV driver must maintain proper control of their vehicle at all times and using a hands-free kit will still distract your attention from the road. HGV / LGV drivers who use a mobile phone:

• Are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them
• Fail to see road signs
• Fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed
• Are more likely to “tailgate” the vehicle in front
• React more slowly and take longer to brake
• Are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic
• Feel more stressed and frustrated

On the other hand, the radio in your cab can be a useful driving tool as it can keep you up to date with information on:

• Traffic conditions
• Accidents
• Weather conditions

This will help you plan the safest and most efficient route, minimising the potential of risk on your journey. However, you should not let it distract you and do consider others:

• Keep the volume to a reasonable level when travelling or waiting in traffic
• Turn it off when loading or unloading the vehicle

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

It is advisable that every HGV or LGV driver does occasional walk-rounds every now and then. The daily walk-round, which should take place before you begin a journey, should cover:

• brakes / lights / tyres
• windscreen wipers / washers
• horn / mirrors / speedometer
• tachograph / number plates
• reflectors / reflective plates
• exhaust system / speed limiter
• current test certificate
• proper licencing with appropriate valid disc displayed
• correct plating / seat belts / insurance
• construction and use
• any coupling gear / any load being carried

When in the cab, you should check:

• the driving seat is correctly adjusted for you
• all interior and exterior mirrors are clean and adjusted appropriately for you
• lenses and screens of rear-view video equipment are clean and clear
• gauges and warning systems are working
• the parking brake is applied
• the gear selector is in neutral
• you have sufficient fuel for your journey
• your mobile phone is switched off or diverted to voicemail
• the doors are working and are closed

Before starting your journey be sure that you understand:

• the controls of the vehicle
• the vehicle size – weight / height / width
• handling
• brakes (in accordance with the brand of brakes fitted)

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

As an HGV driver, it is advisable that you check your brakes before each journey.  Safety checks will often be covered in your HGV training but it is important not to forget them once you begin work. If your vehicle has air brakes, you should listen for the hiss of air leaks or low pressures indicated on the dashboard gauges. With hydraulic braking systems, you should inspect the fluid level at the reservoir.

For instance, if your HGV or LGV is equipped with ABS brakes and has a trailer, you need to check that the system is connected and working correctly. You should establish whether your vehicle’s braking system has a manual or automatic draining system. If it has a manual system, you should know whose responsibility it is for draining the braking system, and ensure that it is done regularly. This is especially important during cold weather as it may prevent ice forming in the system.

Planning journeys and anticipating road hazards will help remove the need for harsh braking that can lead to the loss of control of the vehicle. Therefore, if your vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes and you find yourself in an emergency situation, apply maximum force to the brake pedal and maintain the force. All in all, the brake pedal should not be pumped as this will reduce the effectiveness of the braking system.

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

Certain rules and regulations concerning the road safety should indeed be taken very seriously – especially if you are an HGV / LGV driver. Drivers’ hours of work are controlled in the interests of road safety, working conditions and fair competition. Currently, there are maximum limits on driving time and minimum requirements for breaks and rest periods. There are various exemptions from these rules, some of which apply to activities and vehicles on UK journeys only.

If you operate under the European Union (EU) drivers’ hours and tachograph rules, you will in fact be subject to working time provisions within the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations. Self-employed drivers will be exempt from these regulations until 2009. Drivers of vehicles which are exempt from the EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules normally fall within the scope of separate UK domestic legislation on drivers’ hours. If you are a driver of such a vehicle, then you will be subject to certain aspects of the main working time regulations.

You need to establish what rules and regulations apply to the HGV work you are undertaking and ensure that you maintain proper tachograph records and return these to the appropriate person as required.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

It may sound like a plot of an episode of Doctor Who, or some children’s TV programme, but a HGV driver on the A328 in Devon was forced to flee his HGV as his load of custard started to explode. His deadly cargo, 60,000 tins of rice pudding and custard, exploded, starting a fire that consumed his rig.

An eye witness said the exploding custard was like fireworks going off inside his rig.

The HGV driver was transporting the Ambrosia custard and rice pudding to a supermarket, when a fire on his truck caused motorists to attempt to flag him down. When he stopped and departed his HGV, the custard exploded like a series of gunshots. By the time that the fire crews reached the blaze, there was nothing they could do to save either the cargo or the HGV.

Jill Pendleton, an eyewitness, caught the whole incident on camera:

‘The first we knew about it was a whiff of smoke and burning sugar and then suddenly it just erupted. It was incredible how quickly the fire caught hold - the whole thing was over in less than 20 minutes. When the heat reached the tins they started to explode and we could hear what sounded like thousands of gunshots. It was quite a fireworks display. There were two huge explosions which we think were either the airbags or the diesel tanks.The fire crews got here very quickly but there wasn’t much they could do as the contents had burned out. The driver seemed very shaken.’

Following the blaze, the road was closed for 6 hours while rescue crews cleared the debris.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

After the recent blaze in the Channel Tunnel, which was the third of its kind to hit the tunnel since its opening in 1994, it has finally re-opened for travel to and from France.

On Thursday September 11th, a fire broke out in the tunnel which caused it to close completely for 2 days. Since then the tunnel has been offering just two freight shuttle services, which have ran between the hours of 7am and 10pm, every two hours.

Now the tunnel has completely re-opened, so that haulage firms can begin transporting their goods to and from mainland Europe via the tunnel again.

The fire itself destroyed 27 HGVs, though no HGV drivers were harmed in the blaze as they all escaped to safety via the service tunnel.

John Keefe, who works for Eurotunnel, stated about the safety procedures that were followed:

‘What they were driving that was in that shuttle is toast but they walked out without a singe.’

Kent Police’ Allyn Thomas stated about the plans to setup a temporary lorry park:

‘It is abundantly clear that an alternative permanent solution must be found eventually. There is general agreement that a lorry park, wherever that may be adopted, remains one of the best options to help alleviate what is a recurring problem.’

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / News & Information

Running costs for HGV’s are constantly on the rise, with many smaller haulage firms going out of business or having to make cutbacks because of spiralling costs. However, a new piece of software for managing fleet vehicles could help to reduce fuel costs, and also insurance costs.

The software is aimed at haulage firms and fleet managers who are responsible for fifty or more HGV’s . The software, developed by L&A Consultants, has so far managed to save Leicestershire police a total of £125,000 per year in its fuel expenditures. The software was developed as a test for Leicestershire Constabulary in 2006 and has been used successfully by the police for the last two years.

The software, known as IR3, has so far managed to save the police £4 for every single £1 that they have invested into it.
An added bonus of the software is that it also cuts insurance premiums because of the detail it gives for any accidents. Leicestershire Constabulary have found their insurance premiums cut by £30,000.

Adrian McMullan, of L&A Consultants, stated:

‘We’ve developed it to such a high level of sophistication for the police that it should be fairly straightforward for us to set up for a haulage operator. There are six areas iR3 can be used for: response management job management resource management fleet management duty-of-care management and vehicle tracking.
We will tailor the application to an individual operator’s requirements. They might only be interested in monitoring whether their fleets are being fully utilised, whereas another operator might want to add collision reporting and service forecasting. The main advantage of iR3 is that it has been developed using open-source software, which means it can be integrated into operators’ existing IT systems.
Our software uses proven automated vehicle location system technology that integrates data from virtually any other application, such as scheduling, call handling, CRM, logistics, and sales and fleet management software, among others. L&A charges customers a monthly fee for the software, which includes detailed reports of all data.
If operators want to initially trial iR3 that’s fine with us, or they can start using it across their whole fleet straight away. It is really only cost-effective when run on a fleet of at least 50 vehicles.’ 

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

With fuel prices eating heavily into the profits of haulage firms, research into creating a new biofuel would be of great interest.

Therefore a series of different companies have teamed up to test a new fuel, that if proven successful, will mean a big change for HGV drivers in the years to come.
The new fuel, biofuel Dimethyl Ether (DME), is being tested in Sweden this month as part of a four-year project from the European Union. The companies, Volvo, ETC, Haldor Topsoe, Chemrec, Delphi, Preem and Total are all heavily involved in the research.

Volvo have provided 14 HGVs for the experiment, all of them have been converted to accept the new biofuel. ETC will be monitoring and evaluating the performance of the fuel. Delphi are to create specially manufactured fuel-injection equipment for the HGV engines.

Total are to develop the new biofuel technology. If the project proves a success it will not only reduce costs for the haulage industry, but also offer significant benefits to the environment. The project has also received significant investment totalling £22.4 million, which has come from the EU, the Swedish Energy Agency and the companies involved themselves.

Leif Johansson, chief executive of Volvo, stated:

‘The BioDME project is an example of what the next step could look like and illustrates the possibilities of producing renewable fuel on a major scale.’

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

A new government report has shown that changes to the central reservation on motorways can make the roads safer from cross over incidents involving HGVs. According to the report, the barriers in place are responsible for incidents, and they could be avoided if the barriers were replaced with concrete ones. The Transport Research Laboratory discovered that fatalities can be reduced by implementing a very high containment safety fence or barrier

The report looked at 39 incidents that involved HGV’s in the UK and found that the barriers on the central reservation were responsible in nine of them. They concluded that if the barrier had been replaced with a concrete one, the accident would have been avoided altogether.

These incidents are rare in the UK, as an average of 56 incidents per year have occurred between 1985 and 1998. Lorries breaking through the central reservation were only involved in 120 accidents, out of 166,070 road casualties in that period, making the involvement of lorries in the casualties very rare.

The Highways Agency is however looking at the findings of the report and is considering taking action to make the roads safer:

‘What we are saying is the steel barriers are still up to standard but we will replace them eventually. We couldn’t replace them along the whole length of the network it would be too costly. The installation of concrete barriers in the central reservation reduces significantly the likelihood of crossover incidents, is essentially maintenance-free, and is unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact. Therefore the accident risk to road users and road workers on our busy motorways is reduced.’

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs – 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

SOMI Trailers, based in Scunthorpe, have developed two new trailers which could reduce the number of HGV trucks on the road by almost a third.

Each one can carry around 31 per cent additional load, without being either longer or higher, hence the name SOMI, which stands for Same Outside More Inside.  The trailers fit inside traditional trucks and loading bays so there is no need to modify existing plants or vehicles, which is great news for HGV companies.

In addition, it is claimed they also have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and congestion as well as raising profitability per journey.  Increased profitability is good news for HGV drivers as many companies have been struggling in the current economic climate.

Pauline Dawes, founder and managing director of SOMI Trailers, said:

“Our trailers use the four-metre long space normally left empty beneath the trailer between the king pin and rear axles.  The trailers enable four standard HGV journeys to be replaced with just three which saves £120,000 a truck/year with a corresponding reduction in CO2 of 400 tonnes and a return on investment in under 18 months.”

The Stage Loading Trailer makes use of load bars to add an extra layer of pallets over those lowered into the space below, and a second design, the SOMI Auto Lifting Trailer, can be loaded without the use of a fork-lift. The core technology behind the new trailer uses an air bag which can raise 8 tonnes per deck.

A self-levelling system that can evenly raise up to 8 tonnes in spite of unequal weight distribution, as well as the air bag, was developed and patented.  In total, seventeen patents were granted so far for the entire project.

The trailer has been designed using the same principles applied to F1 cars, including aerodynamic efficiency and the ability to transfer forces from one part to another.

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

 Hauliers that put correct tyre management programmes in place can save a significant amount on fuel according to recent claims by leading tyre companies. These claims were in response to the latest CM/Michelin business monitor. During the business monitor, HGV and LGV operators were surveyed to find out how frequently they check the vehicles tyre pressures. 19 percent of HGV drivers said they checked them every day, whereas 40 percent stated they performed weekly checks. 7 percent of drivers stated it was done on a fortnightly basis, 14 percent confirmed months and a surprising 20 percent said they checked their tyre pressures less often.

Managing Director of Product Management for Trucks at Michelin, Paul Kendrick, said: “Under-inflated truck tyres cost hauliers thousands of pounds in extra fuel and are dangerous as well as uneconomical.” 75 percent of respondents stated they regrooved their tyres whilst 76 percent of hauliers questioned said that fuel consumption did not affect their choice of tyre.

Kendrick added: “On average, it is possible to get an extra 25% life out of a tyre through regrooving.” Rival tyre company Bridgestone confirmed that a combination of the correct choice of tyre and the right tyre management programme would make a ‘big difference’ to an LGV fleet performance and costs.

A spokesperson for Bridgestone said: “Fuel costs comprise around 21% of a long distance fleet’s total costs. Running a tyre at incorrect pressure such as 6 BAR instead of 9 BAR will increase fuel consumption by 14%. Tyres under-inflated by 20% will also lose around 25% of their tyre service life.”

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

The UK supermarket giant Sainsburys has announced that it will be conducting a trial using bio-methane to powers its HGVs.

The trial will be used on the HGVs that run the Sainsburys Bristol to Dartmouth distribution route.

This move follows a recent trial of the US company Clean Air Power’s‘Genesis’ Dual-Fuel.  This combination fuel is a mix of methane gas and standard diesel.  The methane gas is sourced from a Surrey based landfill site.

This ‘Running on Rubbish’ initiative by Sainsburys will run over a 500 kilometre round trip.  The HGVs begin their journey at the Sainsbury’s distribution centre in Bristol at Emerald Park and running to the Dartmouth Sainsbury’s store.  The Dartmouth store is the supermarket’s new environmentally friendly store.

The Dual-Fuel requires the new patented Dual-Fuel system.  This allows industrial diesel engines to operate mainly on natural gas.  The diesel fuel acts as a ‘liquid spark plug’.  The diesel engine is pretty much unchanged, retaining its usual high performance and efficient 4-stroke diesel cycle.  The engine burns up to ninety percent natural gas.  This means that customers can benefit not only from a lower carbon footprint, but also from lower fuel costs, which is a substantial benefit for HGV driving companies.  By operating on bio-methane and bio-diesel, Dual-Fuel has the potential to be carbon-neutral.

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new directive aimed at improving lorry safety through improving the drivers’ mirrors.

According to the regulations certain vehicles over 3.5 tones must be retrofitted with the proper devices by the 31st March 2009 to improve the driver’s field of vision.  The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has published a Compliance Guide called ‘Retrofitting of Mirrors to HGVs’.  This guide outlines the new regulations and how LGV and HGV drivers or operators can meet them.  It also includes the requirements for retrofitting mirrors and a set of questions and answers.

This directive is designed to improve road user safety, in particular the safety of cyclists, pedestrian and motorcyclists.  LGV’s have a blind spot on the passengers side and so this group of vulnerable road users have a great risk of being involved in incidents with LGV’s.

There is already some legislation in place, which makes an improved set of mirrors compulsory from 2007 onwards for new vehicles.  However, this new directive will improve the field of vision for existing large goods vehicles already in circulation.

Geoff Dossetter, FTA Director of External Affairs, said:

“The new generation of mirrors considerably improves the lorry driver’s field of vision and reduces blind spots, to the benefit of himself and other road users. Over many years there have been tragic accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists moving along the inside of a heavy vehicle but totally unseen by the driver. The consequences of the lorry driver turning left, or simply adjusting his line on the road and into the path of the unseen pedestrian or rider, are obvious.

“Despite the benefits of the new mirror technology, the advice to all road users remains to take the utmost care when in the vicinity of heavy lorries. Whether slow moving in an urban situation or on a motorway or trunk road, give the lorry plenty of room and expect the unexpected.”

Lorries and vans are involved in less accidents than other categories of vehicles on a mile for mile basis.

AdvantageHGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News & Information

The new HGV & commercial driver’s jobsite from AdvantageHGV now has over 25,000 live HGV jobs online.

Sourced from haulage operators, agencies, small businesses and government departments - the jobs board at www.advantagehgv.co.uk/hgv_jobs.php  now contains more direct HGV employment opportunities than any other website.

The simple, easy to use interface has proved a hit with HGV drivers. Simply select your licence and than chose where you want to work - it’s as easy as that. AdvantageHGV director Gary Benardout said:

‘Advantage’s new HGV jobs board has taken our HGV Training offering to another level. We now train and find our drivers jobs when they’ve got their licence - this is a first for the industry. And best of all - it’s free! Free for drivers to search for jobs, free for employers to advertise their jobs and free to receive updates on jobs in your area, as and when they occur’.

Keep checking for more from the AdvantageHGV website - as developments in the pipeline include: An HGV video guide to training; full 100 question theory test modules; jobs ‘wanted’ section and much, much more.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News and Information

Volvo have launched the new FE series truck - which runs on a combination of diesel and electric power, a first for the HGV world.

Volvo has begun field trials of a new parallel hybrid truck. The Swedish manufacturer appears to have made a major leap in battery technology and plans volume production of this dual-fuel chassis in around two years’ time. The culmination of 20 years of research and development, the 26-tonne FE-series rigid is fitted with diesel and electric power sources and carries a waste-collection body. Volvo claims this development to be an “environmental and carbon-neutral transport”, which aside from emissions reduction, also cuts noise pollution. Intended primarily for urban collection and distribution duties, the FE hybrid also has the potential to run on biofuel.

The truck scores over previous prototypes in eliminating the payload penalty incurred by onboard batteries by using a lighter, lithium-ion type. The driveline comprises a 320hp, Euro 5 diesel engine, automated clutch, I-Shift gearshift, integrated starter alternator motor (I-SAM), energy converter, lithium-ion batteries and a powertrain management unit (PMU). Volvo says this technology is more reliable than natural gas/diesel dual-fuel vehicles and cites potential fuel savings of 15% to 20% for distribution work and 15% to 30% for refuse collection. Electric power is used for starting the vehicle, accelerating to 20km/h, start/stop work, short periods of idling and loading. During electrical operation, the diesel unit stops completely.

Electric power has extremely good torque characteristics, enabling a smaller and lighter diesel engine than customary at this GVW to be specified. Diesel propulsion better suits higher speeds - for example, main road running. All refuse bodies have too many moving parts to be very light, but the Norba ‘plug-in’ system’s 1.2-tonne weight combined with an unladen body weight of five tonnes permits a respectable 11.5-tonne payload on a 26-tonne GVW hybrid vehicle. The system is designed for stand-alone operation and operated by an electric engine powered by batteries charged from cheap off-peak power supplies. Norba - part of the Oshkosh group - claims the stand-alone system gives zero CO2 emissions and a 20% fuel saving when used with a conventional chassis, and potentially more with a parallel hybrid. The operation is also very quiet, ideal for residential areas.

Renova, a large Swedish recycling and waste collection company owned by 11 municipalities, operates Volvo’s field trial truck. Because refuse trucks are stationary 60% to 70% of the time, parallel hybrid technology is ideal, as bins can be hoisted and rubbish compacted using just electric power. Renova charges the body batteries with ‘green’ electricity, and says dual diesel/electric operation reduces overall emissions by up to 30%. “Hybrid technology will play a major role in the future as the climate and fuel dependency come into ever-sharper focus,” says Mats Franzen, engine manager at Volvo Truck. “No matter which fuels dominate in the future, their supply will be limited… In long-haul operations, the percentage (fuel) reduction will not be as great, but the total fuel saving will be considerable.”

A representative of Coca-Cola UK’s transport operation was at the recent hybrid launch in Gothenburg. Darren O’Donnell, logistics asset manager, says: “At Coca-Cola Enterprises, corporate responsibility and sustainability is a key priority. In the US, we are already on track to have the largest hybrid truck fleet with 120 hybrid vehicles operational by the end of the year. We remain interested in new opportunities in this field across our business.” Volvo reckons it is “too early to say” on pricing.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV / LGV News & Information

British Airways (BA) has invested £40m in new vehicles for Heathrow’s Terminal 5 (T5), the majority of which will go into service today (27 March) for the first time. Steve Cobbold, head of engineering at VT Airside Solutions, the company responsible for specifying, managing and maintaining BA’s 4,000-strong Heathrow fleet, explains that when the airport opens for business, each stand will have approximately £1m-worth of vehicles on it. And for this to happen, he, and a team of 80 people, will have to move 650 pieces of equipment the night before. “It’s going to be a long night,” he says.

But Cobbold is looking forward to the switch, after all, he’s been preparing for it for several years. VT’s workshop is up and running and the new vehicles are in place. In total, there will be 1,500 vehicles (including trailers) in operation at T5. VT will manage and maintain them for the duration of their working lives, which in the case of most vehicles will be 10 years, on environmental grounds. “But there are exceptions,” says Cobbold, who explains that airport operator BAA permits some specialist kit (vehicles with bodies that are worth at least 50% of the total cost of the vehicle) to be run for 15 years. And if they comply with specific emissions requirements, their lifespan can be extended to 20 years.

But these rules only apply to trucks that stay airside. Heathrow’s perimeter roads are within London’s Low Emission Zone at the request of BAA. “This has been a real problem for older specialist kit, some of which might only cross the perimeter road,” says Cobbold. Although the fleet covers very low mileage and never exceeds 30mph, the hours of operation are long and the working environment hostile. Vehicles compete for limited space under aeroplanes, with obvious results. Last year BA put three Piaggio pickups into operation on a Monday morning, and all were damaged by the Thursday. “It’s almost a case of survival of the fittest out there,” says Cobbold.

18-tonne rigids:

VT has opted for 15 Mercedes-Benz Axors, equipped with two-pedal Allison transmissions. Cobbold explains that taking away the clutch is an important safety measure, as it gives the driver one less thing to think about. He adds: “You need to be extremely precise when edging up to aeroplanes. The Allison transmission is perfect for this environment.”

Baggage Tractors:

T5’s steep gradients - found on its numerous underground roads - were problematic when it came to specifying baggage tugs. Cobbold explains that not only were the old electric tugs incapable of making the gradients, but it was the same story with new vehicles. VT asked interested parties to develop a T5-specific vehicle, and the winning manufacturer was Linde, with this Basingstoke-built electric tug. It has a 43-mile range, a 17mph top speed, a six-hour recharge and costs £33,000. BA has bought 160 of them.

Breakdown Truck:

This £160,000 Daf CF 460 with Dyson Pioneer bodywork, has the capability of towing vehicles weighing up to 60 tonnes, and will be used to move everything from coaches to elevator loaders. Its low height makes it ideal for manoeuvring through T5’s various tunnels.

Elevator Loaders:

Of the £40m BA has spent on new vehicles, a sizeable chunk (£5m) has gone on 49 new FMC Elevator Loaders. These vehicles are not built for speed, and take a long time to travel to the workshop. For this reason, VT intends to carry out most servicing and repairs airside. Cobbold explains that VT had to prove to BA that measures are in place to prevent fluids or tools being left on the runway.

Terminal Tractors:

Eighty-five of these Terberg tractors are about to go into operation at T5. They were chosen for their ability to ascend and descend the steep gradients while pulling a pair of 9-tonne cargo dollies. The tractors are equipped with towbars, and the fifth-wheels have been replaced with 4.5 tonnes of ballast for improved traction.

Aeroplane starter:

Could this be the world’s most expensive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? It cost £148,000 and is one of eight going into service at T5. Of course the costly bit is the turbine on the back, which is used to start-up aeroplanes.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV Training & Information

Continental is the latest manufacturer to introduce a sat-nav system that guides trucks away from low bridges, narrow roads and weight restrictions. The VDO Dayton Truck SatNav also tells drivers about truckstops, restaurants catering for commercial vehicles and petrol stations with high-pressure pumps.

MAN has bought the Bristol dealership SA Trucks in a multi-million-pound transaction, and will run the operation as part of its southern division. The business will continue to trade as SA Trucks Limited, with all 128 staff staying with the business. SA was run by Henry and Lynne Dilloway for 30 years, before they sold to MAN.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV Training & Information

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is to work with elements of the brewing industry to develop ways of cutting the costs and environmental impact of its specialist transport systems. A particular aim is to explore the opportunities offered by technology transfer, as this generally means that ideas can be put to work quickly, with a minimum of expensive and often theoretical research.

Already one of the most promising lines of enquiry lies in the transfer of technology and established practice from other parts of the beverage industry. “Specifically, we’re looking at the possibility of freeze drying beer, said Robin Dickeson, manager commercial vehicle affairs for the SMMT.

“There seem to be some real opportunities here; beer is around 99.5% water, so if we could freeze dry it, deliver powder by road and the water through the normal water mains, we’d have a winner.”

Freeze drying has successfully delivered excellent coffee for millions of people over nearly half a century. The group believes that small vans could easily deliver the freeze dried equivalent to truck loads of draught beer. This would save huge amounts of increasingly expensive diesel and even more CO2   “Every litre of diesel burnt means over two and a half times its weight in CO2, so the environmental gains of using the existing water transport system, the mains, are very attractive.”

If the tests are successful following their start next year, Dickeson expects the group to turn its attention to other consumer products with a very high water content.   “Wine is a clear candidate too, as one might save the weight of glass bottles as well as the weight of that 99% water content.”

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs – 1^st in the UK for HGV News and Information

A safety device that detects and alerts drivers of fatigue is in the final stages of development. The system, which has been developed by Volvo Trucks, monitors the way in which the driver operates the vehicle, emitting an audible warning if it detects a particular pattern of movement changes.

So far the tHGV maker has only conducted trials on its Gothenburg test track, but this is about to change now that permission has been granted by the Swedish government to take the research to the open road. Lars-Göran Löwenadler, safety director at Volvo Trucks, says:

“The system has reached a stage where all that remains to be done is a final check. The point is to provide a warning at the right moment, but not unnecessarily. In order for the tests to be as credible and as realistic as possible, we would like to drive on actual roads as there are simply no test tracks that are adequate enough.”

But there are plenty of restrictions: the sleep-deprived driver will be behind the wheel of a dual-controlled truck, and the second driver will be poised to take over the driving the HGV will only be permitted to drive on selected dual carriageways, and will be equipped with rotating warning lamps and followed by a car that will alert other motorists that the test is taking place. Driver fatigue is shown to be responsible for more than 20% of traffic accidents.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News and Information

If you’ve ever had to overtake a large lorry on a very wet road you’ll know how badly visibility can be affected by spray. According to recent research by the Transport Research Laboratory, a new product developed by British company Spraydown can improve the situation by 43%.

The Spraydown system relies on vane design technology more familiar in the use of turbines in aircraft engines and power generators, though in this case the vanes are fixed rather than spinning. Their effect is to capture the spray as it’s created, and then channel it so that it leaves the lorry only slightly above the surface of the road.

This is good news for car drivers, and pretty useful for transport companies too. The redirection of the spray - and particularly the road dirt that it carries - means that signwriting on the side of the lorry stays visible for longer. And because the system redirects airflow in an efficient manner even when there’s no spray, it seems likely that fuel bills will be cut by over 2%.

Spraydown has already been tested by major fleet operators across the UK, and it will make its first formal appearance at the Commercial Vehicle Show, which is being held on April 15-17 at the NEC near Birmingham. It will then be sold nationwide through Sheffield-based Universal Components.

Advantage HGV Training and Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News and Information

A windscreen-mounted digital camera with the potential to slash operators’ insurance premiums by preventing fraudulent claims against them, has been launched by Vision-Techniques. The X-Driven, which is plugged into a HGV’s cigarette lighter, records a view of the road ahead and instantly downloads the footage onto its integral SD memory card.

It remains in the memory for between eight and 33 hours (depending on the recording quality setting chosen) before being overridden. The £250 device has G-shock sensors, which detect any sudden or sharp movements - such as heavy braking, swerving or a collision. Such manoeuvres automatically trigger the ’save’ function, which permanently stores the footage from 30 seconds prior to, and 30 seconds following the event.

This allows you to see both the build-up and the aftermath, both of which could be invaluable in the case of an insurance claim. Similarly, the driver can manually save footage if he chooses.

X-Driven has a GPS facility, and interfaces with either Google Maps or Google Earth. This allows the viewer to see the vehicle’s speed and location at the time of the incident. Vision-Techniques sales manager Andy Kendal says the device is already attracting a great deal of attention. Both Tarmac and Greggs are about to commence trials, and one police force is using it in its driver training vehicles.

“There’s no reason why it couldn’t be used to train HGV drivers either,” he says. But according to Kendal, one of the main benefits to fitting X-Driven is to improve your chances of winning insurance claims, and preventing fraudulent claims against you. He gives the all-too familiar example of an HGV that hits the rear of a car. “Although there is clearly only one person in the car, five people claim whiplash injuries,” he says. “Now you’ve got the physical evidence.”

Advantage HGV Training and Jobs - 1st in the UK for HGV News and Information

BAD weather spelt disaster for a foreign lorry driver whose 40-tonne vehicle became stuck in a country lane.

The giant Transmec Group lorry became wedged in a field off Symonds Lane, Yalding, after its Hungarian driver was forced to try to turn round to avoid a fallen tree.

It is understood the driver’s satellite navigation system told him that the tiny one-track road would be the quickest way to get to his destination - even though the lorry was as wide as the lane.

Cllr Geraldine Brown, chairman of Yalding Parish Council, said: “We’ve been moaning about sat nav for a long time and with good reason. Anyone can see that lane is not suitable for a 40ft articulated lorry to go down.

“He turned into Symonds Lane as directed by his sat nav and realised that it was too narrow.

“He then saw an open farm gate and reversed in, trying to turn round, but, in the dark, he completely embedded the lorry in the ground and then couldn’t move it again.”

The driver, who seemed unsure of his destination, eventually raised the alarm at dusk on Monday and police and highways officers attended.

He and his lorry had to stay put all night and the HGV only managed to get out on Tuesday morning when the fallen tree was moved and a recovery vehicle dragged the lorry out of the mud.

Cllr Brown added: “He was a nice guy and spoke English, but he did say that if there had been signs pointing him in the correct direction he would not have followed his TomTom.”

The situation is a vindication for Yalding villagers, who have been complaining about huge articulated vehicles using village roads for more than 10 years.

They want to see a ban on all lorries over 17 tonnes in Lees Road and the village’s main town bridge - preventing drivers from rat-running to industrial estates in Maidstone and Marden.

The issue of foreign drivers using inappropriate satellite navigation systems has also been raised during the campaign.

A Kent Highway Services spokesman said: “We are taking up the issue of satellite navigation with the manufacturers in to get them to introduce systems that direct lorries away from villages and country lanes.

THE Freight Transport Association is offering to carry out an independent survey on HGVs in Yalding.

Spokesman Geoff Dossetter said the problem is that Yalding sits on the most available route between Tonbridge and Marden and, as a result, suffers “unwelcome” HGV traffic.

“I believe that it is not clear as to which of the vehicles in Yalding are there because they have local business and thus no choice, as opposed to those which are using the route as the quickest from where they have been to where they are going,” he said.

“In order to investigate this further, we are offering to conduct a survey to ascertain the facts - how many vehicles, where they are going, where they have been, what they are carrying, is any other route viable, and any other relevant information.”

An FTA spokeswoman was filmed yesterday in Yalding for Sunday’s BBC TV South East’s The Politics Show which will discuss use of sat nav equipment by lorries.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st for UK HGV News and Information

Richmond upon Thames Council is set to become the first local authority in the country to run its entire fleet on recycled cooking oil. Previously the council had decided not to go down this route as recycled bio-diesel was deemed too expensive. It had expressed its concerns to the Chancellor, but says its pleas for a reduction in the duty for the fuel had fallen on deaf ears.

However, recent increases in oil prices have given recycled bio-fuel a competitive edge and made it an economically viable proposition. The council plans to run its 200-strong mixed van and truck fleet on the fuel by the summer, but says it has no plans to discuss the matter with vehicle manufacturers.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st for HGV News and Information

Citroën claims businesses are showing “a lot of interest” in the new Nemo ahead of its official UK launch at the CV Show in Birmingham next month. Robert Handyside, Citroën’s CV operations manager for the UK, says the manufacturer has received enquiries about the availability of the Turkish-built van, which is expected to go on sale in Britain in the middle of the year.

He adds: “Last year was the start of the journey to re-package our whole vehicle range following the introduction of the new Relay and Dispatch models. “The new Nemo is a groundbreaking van and there has already been a lot of interest in it, especially from businesses who operate in urban environments. We expect it to attract new customers to Citroën”.

The model will face competition in the new sub-compact sector from its Sevel siblings the Peugeot Bipper and Fiat Fiorino, as well as the new Renault Kangoo Compact. The van will be powered by a 70hp 1.4-litre HDi diesel engine, generating 160Nm of torque and producing 119g/km of CO2.

Advantage HGV Training & Jobs - 1st for News and Information