Subscribe

Day: 4 February 2021

Ford Trucks Announces new Products and Technologies

Posted on by David Priestman

Building on more than half-century of experience and dynamic product development in the field of heavy trucks, Ford Trucks is kicking off 2021 with two new product variants, plus updated services and technologies throughout its current product range, launched in 44 countries.

The F-MAX family, which now includes two new variants, F-MAX Blackline and F-MAX L, including new specifications and features, is bringing connected mobility technologies to Ford Trucks customers. The company is introducing remote-control features with its ConnecTruck technology, offering more convenience and greater efficiency.

‘As an innovative brand that listens to our customers’ needs, we focus our R&D efforts on bringing next-generation technologies to the market. We believe we can add the most value for our customers by lowering their total cost of ownership. With each new product we develop, our goal is to help our customers manage their business more profitably’, says Serhan Turfan, Vice President at Ford Trucks. ‘We are proud to introduce a new range of products and technologies to our customers all over the world. We will continue to deliver more efficiency, even better performance and cutting-edge technologies for our customers.’

F-MAX Blackline (pictured) will be produced in a limited edition of only 250 units with special serial numbers

The F-MAX Blackline, an exclusive variant of the international award-winning F-MAX, will be produced as a limited edition. Each vehicle will feature a special serial number and the Blackline Series emblem on its door. Only 250 units will be produced for this limited edition, which will be available in a special ‘moondust’ silver exterior colour, with blue and black stripes that accentuate the vehicle’s style, as well as black LED headlamps, black wheels, and black mirror caps. The F-MAX Blackline features a high-end interior design, with seats trimmed in black with blue stripes and stitch details, in addition to blue highlights and stitch details on the leather steering wheel and spacious overhead storage areas. The F-MAX Blackline’s front console as well as bed and under-bed storage areas also feature distinctive black design details.

ConnecTruck offers new features that make life easier for drivers and fleet managers

Ford Trucks is transforming its vehicles into data-driven, connected mobility products, equipped with next-generation technologies that benefit customers. The new technologies include features such as GPS-based cruise control and multimedia system that make life easier for drivers and fleet managers. The new remote-control features also enable users of the My Ford Trucks app to control their vehicles remotely, giving drivers an even higher level of comfort.

Meanwhile, the online portal ConnecTruckGlobal.com has been expanded to include new features, especially for fleets. Now, it allows fleet managers to track their vehicles on a desktop computer or tablet, with bonus features in addition to the mobile app. The new features give drivers and fleet managers access to historical vehicle data and route information, all within a few clicks.

New F-MAX L, featuring a longer wheelbase and up to 5,000 km range on a single tank

Ford Trucks aims to exceed its customers’ expectations with the new F-MAX L, featuring a longer wheelbase and a range of up to 5,000 kilometres on a single tank. The F-MAX L’s 1350-litre fuel tank is 300 litres larger than the standard F-MAX tank, offering significant transportation advantages in combination with the truck’s expanded 3750 mm wheelbase. Customers can also choose a 1050-litre tank option by simply selecting a longer wheelbase.

”Eco+ Mode” is now standard in all F-MAX variants, reducing fuel consumption by up to 5%

As fuel consumption and total cost of ownership are the most important criteria in the heavy commercial vehicle sector, Ford Trucks introduced “Eco+ Mode”, allowing drivers to increase fuel efficiency by up to 5%. Starting in 2021, Eco+ Mode will be a standard feature in all F-MAX variants.

When Eco+ Mode is activated, the system takes actions to automatically reduce fuel consumption. The Max Cruise feature sets the most efficient vehicle speed based on road conditions and topography identified using GPS data. Eco Roll is also activated, allowing for optimal acceleration when driving downhill, so that the truck covers the maximum distance with minimum fuel consumption. When Eco+ Mode is switched on, engine power is limited to 450 PS and vehicle speed to 85 kilometres per hour. If the vehicle idles for longer than five minutes, the engine automatically shuts off to save fuel. This is especially beneficial if the vehicle is left running while waiting at customs or loading. Finally, the high-performance kickdown feature is deactivated in Eco+ Mode to conserve fuel. Fleet owners can control and monitor all these features remotely using the My Ford Trucks mobile app.
Road Trucks series are now even more comfortable with ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission

The ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission, developed by Ford Trucks engineers, caters to customer expectations and preferences, offering significant driving comfort, especially during heavy-traffic urban driving. It also reduces fuel consumption and total cost of ownership. The F-MAX with ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission offers better driving comfort in 330PS light tipper and light road trucks. And, by eliminating gear shifting, it helps utility vehicles such as fire trucks to perform even faster during situations where every second counts.

Rear Steerable Axle, improved manoeuvrability and turning radius

The engineers at Ford Trucks understand the importance of manoeuvrability and a small turning radius during urban use and they developed a new rear steerable axle to increase manoeuvrability in 9LT 6X2 vehicles. The new system increases the turning radius by 9%, offering a more comfortable driving experience, especially in confined urban settings.

Ford Trucks Announces new Products and Technologies

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Building on more than half-century of experience and dynamic product development in the field of heavy trucks, Ford Trucks is kicking off 2021 with two new product variants, plus updated services and technologies throughout its current product range, launched in 44 countries.

The F-MAX family, which now includes two new variants, F-MAX Blackline and F-MAX L, including new specifications and features, is bringing connected mobility technologies to Ford Trucks customers. The company is introducing remote-control features with its ConnecTruck technology, offering more convenience and greater efficiency.

‘As an innovative brand that listens to our customers’ needs, we focus our R&D efforts on bringing next-generation technologies to the market. We believe we can add the most value for our customers by lowering their total cost of ownership. With each new product we develop, our goal is to help our customers manage their business more profitably’, says Serhan Turfan, Vice President at Ford Trucks. ‘We are proud to introduce a new range of products and technologies to our customers all over the world. We will continue to deliver more efficiency, even better performance and cutting-edge technologies for our customers.’

F-MAX Blackline (pictured) will be produced in a limited edition of only 250 units with special serial numbers

The F-MAX Blackline, an exclusive variant of the international award-winning F-MAX, will be produced as a limited edition. Each vehicle will feature a special serial number and the Blackline Series emblem on its door. Only 250 units will be produced for this limited edition, which will be available in a special ‘moondust’ silver exterior colour, with blue and black stripes that accentuate the vehicle’s style, as well as black LED headlamps, black wheels, and black mirror caps. The F-MAX Blackline features a high-end interior design, with seats trimmed in black with blue stripes and stitch details, in addition to blue highlights and stitch details on the leather steering wheel and spacious overhead storage areas. The F-MAX Blackline’s front console as well as bed and under-bed storage areas also feature distinctive black design details.

ConnecTruck offers new features that make life easier for drivers and fleet managers

Ford Trucks is transforming its vehicles into data-driven, connected mobility products, equipped with next-generation technologies that benefit customers. The new technologies include features such as GPS-based cruise control and multimedia system that make life easier for drivers and fleet managers. The new remote-control features also enable users of the My Ford Trucks app to control their vehicles remotely, giving drivers an even higher level of comfort.

Meanwhile, the online portal ConnecTruckGlobal.com has been expanded to include new features, especially for fleets. Now, it allows fleet managers to track their vehicles on a desktop computer or tablet, with bonus features in addition to the mobile app. The new features give drivers and fleet managers access to historical vehicle data and route information, all within a few clicks.

New F-MAX L, featuring a longer wheelbase and up to 5,000 km range on a single tank

Ford Trucks aims to exceed its customers’ expectations with the new F-MAX L, featuring a longer wheelbase and a range of up to 5,000 kilometres on a single tank. The F-MAX L’s 1350-litre fuel tank is 300 litres larger than the standard F-MAX tank, offering significant transportation advantages in combination with the truck’s expanded 3750 mm wheelbase. Customers can also choose a 1050-litre tank option by simply selecting a longer wheelbase.

”Eco+ Mode” is now standard in all F-MAX variants, reducing fuel consumption by up to 5%

As fuel consumption and total cost of ownership are the most important criteria in the heavy commercial vehicle sector, Ford Trucks introduced “Eco+ Mode”, allowing drivers to increase fuel efficiency by up to 5%. Starting in 2021, Eco+ Mode will be a standard feature in all F-MAX variants.

When Eco+ Mode is activated, the system takes actions to automatically reduce fuel consumption. The Max Cruise feature sets the most efficient vehicle speed based on road conditions and topography identified using GPS data. Eco Roll is also activated, allowing for optimal acceleration when driving downhill, so that the truck covers the maximum distance with minimum fuel consumption. When Eco+ Mode is switched on, engine power is limited to 450 PS and vehicle speed to 85 kilometres per hour. If the vehicle idles for longer than five minutes, the engine automatically shuts off to save fuel. This is especially beneficial if the vehicle is left running while waiting at customs or loading. Finally, the high-performance kickdown feature is deactivated in Eco+ Mode to conserve fuel. Fleet owners can control and monitor all these features remotely using the My Ford Trucks mobile app.
Road Trucks series are now even more comfortable with ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission

The ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission, developed by Ford Trucks engineers, caters to customer expectations and preferences, offering significant driving comfort, especially during heavy-traffic urban driving. It also reduces fuel consumption and total cost of ownership. The F-MAX with ZF EcoTronic 9-speed automated transmission offers better driving comfort in 330PS light tipper and light road trucks. And, by eliminating gear shifting, it helps utility vehicles such as fire trucks to perform even faster during situations where every second counts.

Rear Steerable Axle, improved manoeuvrability and turning radius

The engineers at Ford Trucks understand the importance of manoeuvrability and a small turning radius during urban use and they developed a new rear steerable axle to increase manoeuvrability in 9LT 6X2 vehicles. The new system increases the turning radius by 9%, offering a more comfortable driving experience, especially in confined urban settings.

New Year, New Customs Provider?

Posted on by David Priestman

3PL specialists Gefco explain why it could be vital to review your customs partners for 2021. 2020 was a year like no other for many manufacturers and their supply chains. It posed challenges that will continue to test even the most resilient of manufacturing businesses as we steadily move towards a global recovery. Of course, all this also comes at a time when we’re witnessing some of the biggest shifts in international trade for over two decades.

Making the transition from free and open trade between the EU and UK to the current regulations has been especially difficult in this climate and indeed, many have struggled to cope or adequately prepare in time. Now that we’re into the New Year and beyond the initial adjustment period it is vital that your business is working with an overland logistics partner that is going to deliver for your business.

At Gefco, we’re helping numerous businesses navigate this tricky period. With 17 Authorised Economic Operator certifications to our name, customs operations in 118 countries and over 50 years of experience in the trade and customs sector, our specialists facilitate the customs services that manufacturers need to ensure operations run smoothly.

Even during simpler times, efficient and cost-effective logistics planning can be a challenge. The new wave of rules and regulations which have come into force now that the UK-EU border is reinstated will aggravate that challenge, creating original and complex demands on UK manufacturers, who will often need to re-engineer their processes and reallocate their already overstretched
time, teams and budgets.

The process of ensuring products are customs-compliant can often be complicated by fragmented information, confused communications and poor visibility. When it comes to ensuring better control of crossborder operations, Gefco focuses on three pillars, which it calls the three Cs: Consolidation, Connectivity and Collaboration. The ideal 2021 logistics partner will help you achieve these through a full audit of processes and flows, and through the use of technology to connect remote operations, enable your teams to store and access all important documentation in one place, and give you complete visibility of your cross-border operations.

In manufacturing businesses, adaptability is crucial; whether it’s responding to changing circumstances or customer demands, the ability to adapt has a direct impact on profitability and business success. To ensure this, manufacturers need experts who are approachable, responsive and well-equipped. The ideal customer partner will have every post-Brexit eventuality covered. In Gefco’s case, we can lean on an integrated network of national and international hubs, and services that cover the full range of over-land freight options, including full load (FTL), less than load (LTL) and groupage.

Similarly vital to the success of manufacturers in 2021 will be the steady and reliable flow of raw materials into the UK. Assessing how Brexit might have affected the flow of the materials businesses need to manufacture their goods is a business imperative. Amongst the options to consider, are the utilisation of new Smart Borders in France – an IT solution based on anticipated customs formalities which can help deliver compliance, as well as time and cost efficiencies. Gefco’s experts can help manufacturers navigate this new frontier to help ensure manufacturers are maintaining that all-important steady flow of raw materials.

It’s difficult to overstate the value of having an expert logistics partner to lean on during challenging times. And with trade negotiations having gone right down to the wire and creating so much uncertainty and confusion, it’s more important than ever that manufacturers have a dependable and capable supply chain partner: one that will help facilitate getting goods to where they need to be, safely and securely, regardless of the new levels of complexity that Brexit has brought.

New Year, New Customs Provider?

Posted on by David Priestman

3PL specialists Gefco explain why it could be vital to review your customs partners for 2021. 2020 was a year like no other for many manufacturers and their supply chains. It posed challenges that will continue to test even the most resilient of manufacturing businesses as we steadily move towards a global recovery. Of course, all this also comes at a time when we’re witnessing some of the biggest shifts in international trade for over two decades.

Making the transition from free and open trade between the EU and UK to the current regulations has been especially difficult in this climate and indeed, many have struggled to cope or adequately prepare in time. Now that we’re into the New Year and beyond the initial adjustment period it is vital that your business is working with an overland logistics partner that is going to deliver for your business.

At Gefco, we’re helping numerous businesses navigate this tricky period. With 17 Authorised Economic Operator certifications to our name, customs operations in 118 countries and over 50 years of experience in the trade and customs sector, our specialists facilitate the customs services that manufacturers need to ensure operations run smoothly.

Even during simpler times, efficient and cost-effective logistics planning can be a challenge. The new wave of rules and regulations which have come into force now that the UK-EU border is reinstated will aggravate that challenge, creating original and complex demands on UK manufacturers, who will often need to re-engineer their processes and reallocate their already overstretched
time, teams and budgets.

The process of ensuring products are customs-compliant can often be complicated by fragmented information, confused communications and poor visibility. When it comes to ensuring better control of crossborder operations, Gefco focuses on three pillars, which it calls the three Cs: Consolidation, Connectivity and Collaboration. The ideal 2021 logistics partner will help you achieve these through a full audit of processes and flows, and through the use of technology to connect remote operations, enable your teams to store and access all important documentation in one place, and give you complete visibility of your cross-border operations.

In manufacturing businesses, adaptability is crucial; whether it’s responding to changing circumstances or customer demands, the ability to adapt has a direct impact on profitability and business success. To ensure this, manufacturers need experts who are approachable, responsive and well-equipped. The ideal customer partner will have every post-Brexit eventuality covered. In Gefco’s case, we can lean on an integrated network of national and international hubs, and services that cover the full range of over-land freight options, including full load (FTL), less than load (LTL) and groupage.

Similarly vital to the success of manufacturers in 2021 will be the steady and reliable flow of raw materials into the UK. Assessing how Brexit might have affected the flow of the materials businesses need to manufacture their goods is a business imperative. Amongst the options to consider, are the utilisation of new Smart Borders in France – an IT solution based on anticipated customs formalities which can help deliver compliance, as well as time and cost efficiencies. Gefco’s experts can help manufacturers navigate this new frontier to help ensure manufacturers are maintaining that all-important steady flow of raw materials.

It’s difficult to overstate the value of having an expert logistics partner to lean on during challenging times. And with trade negotiations having gone right down to the wire and creating so much uncertainty and confusion, it’s more important than ever that manufacturers have a dependable and capable supply chain partner: one that will help facilitate getting goods to where they need to be, safely and securely, regardless of the new levels of complexity that Brexit has brought.

Logistics Tech Business sees Record-breaking Year

Posted on by David Priestman

fulfilmentcrowd, a logistics provider to Bear Grylls’ ecommerce shop, is forecasting revenues of £12m this financial year, driven by the explosion of online retail over the last 12 months. This represents a 58 per cent rise on the £7.6m achieved in 2019 – marking the best year to date for the Chorley-based business.

Founded in 1984, fulfilmentcrowd provides tailored order fulfilment services and technology to more than 400 UK and international online retailers. With 102 staff across 11 UK and global centres, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the US, the firm manages more than 120,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, processing more than 50,000 items per week.

Over the last 12 months, the firm has opened three new sites in Marton Fold, UK, Bocholt, Germany and Sandston, Virginia, USA, strengthening its international network and increasing its worldwide delivery capabilities. This includes the launch of a chilled logistics centre in Marton Fold, making cold chain fulfilment a viable and cost-effective option for UK-based ecommerce start-ups and SMEs in the food, drink, health and beauty sectors – all industries where the shelf life and quality of perishable products is greatly enhanced when stored in a temperature-controlled environment.

The firm’s operations are underpinned by the latest technology, with fulfilmentcrowd investing £1.5m a year into the research and development of its proprietary cloud-based software platform. Powered by artificial intelligence, the platform provides clients with instant marketplace integration, automated order processing and live order tracking.

Over the next 12 months, fulfilmentcrowd plans to expand its international network further by breaking into new ecommerce territories, with sites in the Middle East and Australasia already in negotiation. Due to the impact of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the subsequent restrictions on certain goods being exported from the UK into the EU, the organisation also expects a sharp increase in the number of new and existing UK based clients outsourcing storage and fulfilment via its European centres in Germany and the Netherlands.

Vanessa Ashworth, Chief Marketing Officer at fulfilmentcrowd said: “We have seen extraordinary levels of demand for our solution over the last 12 months, as businesses look to adapt their core models towards eCommerce offerings. Our technology platform has been crucial in enabling us to satisfy this demand, with continual investment made in research and development to ensure we provide the highest level of fulfilment to our customers.

“As businesses continue to digitise operations, we expect this growth to accelerate over the coming months, especially with our growing international network of warehouses and the launch of specialist services like chilled fulfilment.”

fulfilmentcrowd has also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. In 2019, the firm launched the ‘Lorax Project’, a multi-faceted initiative to become the UK’s first fully sustainable fulfilment provider by 2022. It offers clients environmentally responsible shipping, biodegradable packaging and a zero-waste policy, saving 12 tonnes of plastic waste per year and 176 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Logistics Tech Business sees Record-breaking Year

Posted on by Keith McKinley

fulfilmentcrowd, a logistics provider to Bear Grylls’ ecommerce shop, is forecasting revenues of £12m this financial year, driven by the explosion of online retail over the last 12 months. This represents a 58 per cent rise on the £7.6m achieved in 2019 – marking the best year to date for the Chorley-based business.

Founded in 1984, fulfilmentcrowd provides tailored order fulfilment services and technology to more than 400 UK and international online retailers. With 102 staff across 11 UK and global centres, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the US, the firm manages more than 120,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, processing more than 50,000 items per week.

Over the last 12 months, the firm has opened three new sites in Marton Fold, UK, Bocholt, Germany and Sandston, Virginia, USA, strengthening its international network and increasing its worldwide delivery capabilities. This includes the launch of a chilled logistics centre in Marton Fold, making cold chain fulfilment a viable and cost-effective option for UK-based ecommerce start-ups and SMEs in the food, drink, health and beauty sectors – all industries where the shelf life and quality of perishable products is greatly enhanced when stored in a temperature-controlled environment.

The firm’s operations are underpinned by the latest technology, with fulfilmentcrowd investing £1.5m a year into the research and development of its proprietary cloud-based software platform. Powered by artificial intelligence, the platform provides clients with instant marketplace integration, automated order processing and live order tracking.

Over the next 12 months, fulfilmentcrowd plans to expand its international network further by breaking into new ecommerce territories, with sites in the Middle East and Australasia already in negotiation. Due to the impact of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the subsequent restrictions on certain goods being exported from the UK into the EU, the organisation also expects a sharp increase in the number of new and existing UK based clients outsourcing storage and fulfilment via its European centres in Germany and the Netherlands.

Vanessa Ashworth, Chief Marketing Officer at fulfilmentcrowd said: “We have seen extraordinary levels of demand for our solution over the last 12 months, as businesses look to adapt their core models towards eCommerce offerings. Our technology platform has been crucial in enabling us to satisfy this demand, with continual investment made in research and development to ensure we provide the highest level of fulfilment to our customers.

“As businesses continue to digitise operations, we expect this growth to accelerate over the coming months, especially with our growing international network of warehouses and the launch of specialist services like chilled fulfilment.”

fulfilmentcrowd has also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. In 2019, the firm launched the ‘Lorax Project’, a multi-faceted initiative to become the UK’s first fully sustainable fulfilment provider by 2022. It offers clients environmentally responsible shipping, biodegradable packaging and a zero-waste policy, saving 12 tonnes of plastic waste per year and 176 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.