Travis Perkins invests in new loader cranes

Travis Perkins plc, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, has announced a multi-million pound investment in 400 new truck loader cranes.

These new HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are the first of their kind and will replace the existing cranes on the Group’s heavy side delivery vehicles in the Travis Perkins merchanting and Keyline Civils Specialist businesses over a three-year period.

This version of the HIAB iX.162 crane is around 150kg lighter in weight than the previous model, HIAB X-HIDUO 162. This allows the truck to increase its payload and lower its fuel consumption. To further reduce carbon emissions, the new cranes have been developed so the engine can be stopped and restarted from the crane remote control. This results in a significant reduction in idle time emissions and noise.

Despite being lighter, the new crane model is stronger than the previous model. This gives operators more flexibility and enables them to deliver heavy loads in even the most challenging customer environments safely and with greater accuracy. They also come with Hiab’s all-new CombiDrive 4 remote control, which has confirmed view sensors and automatically detects operator positioning to minimise accident risk and promote better safety for operators, customers and the public.

“These new cranes represent a significant investment. They support our plans to innovate and grow, and they cement our place as a leading partner to construction by serving our customers with improved safety and efficiency. All new cranes will come with a maintenance contract, which means they will be maintained to the highest standards by Hiab. They also support our own commitment to net zero and the decarbonisation of our customers’ supply chain; a commitment we share with Hiab, whose values very much align with our own,” explained Richard Byrne, Travis Perkins Group HSE & Fleet Director.

Gage Roberts, Hiab Key Account Manager – UK & Ireland, said: “We are all very excited to introduce the first HIAB iX.162 HIPRO  BSS-2 to Travis Perkins and get this unit out working in the field. It became very apparent that when specifying a crane for our customers, the safety features alongside the environmental factors are much more prominent considerations than they ever have been previously. The new crane has an abundance of innovations that will all work towards this crane being the safest, most efficient and most productive crane in the industry. It is also great to work alongside a strategic partner such as Travis Perkins plc; a company that always demands the very best – something that benefits both businesses enormously.”

“There has never been a product on the market before like the HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 in its category. Our innovation teams have been working on this round-the-clock for several years and no stone has been left unturned, from hose routing and weight savings, to enhanced safety features and technology that will help companies achieve sustainability  targets. When the new HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are rolled out, we expect the crane operators to see immediate benefits. We look forward to working with Travis Perkins and bringing about real change to the wider UK industry,” Vice President for Sales & Product Management, Loader Cranes Light & Medium, at Hiab, Alexander Gelis, added.

The new 400 HIAB cranes will be rolled out from January 2024, and will be supplied to Travis Perkins and Keyline with HiConnect telematics in order to monitor the performance and safe operation of the crane.

They will also be supplied with the comprehensive service contract solution ProCare, available for Hiab equipment. It provides proactive maintenance and expert assistance to maximise equipment performance, reliability and lifespan.

 

Half of Large CV Fleets Could be Hybrid or Electric by 2025

Samsara Inc. (NYSE: IOT), a pioneer of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, today announced new research, revealing that over half (55%) of physical operations leaders surveyed in the UK and Ireland could have a hybrid or electric fleet by 2025, rising from 42% currently.

Samsara’s 2023 State of Connected Operations Report, which surveyed 300 physical operations leaders in the UK and Ireland who are running fleets of 150+ vehicles, reveals sustainability of operations is a critical priority for more than half (53%) of these leaders.

Half of those surveyed are in the process of purchasing or leasing electric vehicles (EVs) for their fleets, while 45% are training their drivers to reduce fuel usage and idling as a way to combat the emissions they produce. In addition, two in five (41%) fleets are already using clean or sustainable fuels, and of those, 45% are using hydrogen fuel cells and 68% battery electric vehicles.

Growing social and investor demands for more sustainable operations are also influencing leaders in their day-to-day decisions to reduce carbon emissions, with the primary drivers being to meet customer and partner expectations (45%) and investor expectations (38%).

However, fleet operations face challenges when it comes to being more sustainable, with around half (49%) of leaders saying a major hurdle for electrifying their fleet is the lack of fast-charging stations. Another obstacle for many (46%) is the cost of electrifying their fleet.

Philip van der Wilt, SVP and General Manager EMEA at Samsara, said: “With sustainability a clear priority for physical operations leaders in the UK and Ireland, investing in ways to transform their fleet has never been more important. Connected technologies can play an important role in enabling operations leaders to create a modern, sustainable fleet, providing data that can improve fuel economy, create more efficient vehicle routing, and promote more eco-friendly driver behaviour.”

InTruck Connect Digital Payment Solution

bp is launching its new digital payments solution for fleets – bp InTruck Connect – in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK.

The bp InTruck Connect app is designed to make fleet managers’ lives easier. The app automatically provides accurate information on fuel purchases, mileage and other data to fleet managers, reducing the risk of discrepancies and removing the need for drivers to enter mileage themselves. It also connects bp fuel cards with truck data, which enhances fuelling security by identifying any fuel volume discrepancies by analysing fuel dispensed via pump vs fuel that went into the truck tank.

Thanks to bp’s pilots with leading OEMs like Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, the app is easy to install in trucks’ existing infotainment systems, and does not require any additional, expensive hardware. It’s also very flexible, with fleet managers able to decide at any time how many vehicles they want to register for the app, and they can reduce or increase that number whenever they need to.

bp InTruck Connect also makes life easier for drivers. When they need to refuel their truck, they simply confirm the fuelling site through the app, unlock the pump and refuel. They don’t need to leave their vehicle unattended at any point, and the app logs the transaction and pays for the fuel itself. bp InTruck Connect brings greater security and transparency to the refuelling process for fleet managers and drivers.

Alexandru Eftimiu, VP Fleet Europe at bp, commented: “We are providing innovative, digital-first ‎solutions to make our customers’ lives easier. bp InTruck Connect simplifies the refuelling process and makes it efficient and easy for both drivers and managers, saving time and giving them greater clarity over their fuel purchases. ”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Sales Director Stuart Jeggo added: “The bp InTruck Connect App will make a genuine contribution to reducing time and hassle for busy drivers and fleet managers – but it’s just one of many ways operators can make use of the systems already installed in their Mercedes-Benz trucks, to streamline many of the day-to-day processes involved in keeping their businesses working efficiently.”

100 More Autonomous Trucks for Felixstowe

Port of Felixstowe, part of the Hutchison Ports’ network, and Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd (Westwell) have signed an agreement for an additional 100 battery-powered autonomous Q-Trucks. The order follows a tender exercise and a thorough testing and evaluation process.

Hutchison Ports first introduced Westwell’s Q-Trucks at Terminal D in Thailand’s Laem Chabang Port in 2020. Fifteen Q-Trucks run in mixed mode operation with no separation from other traffic and have handled over 334,000 TEU (Twenty-feet Equivalent Unit) moves since their introduction.

Commenting on the agreement, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director of Hutchison Ports, said:

“We are really excited to be working in partnership with Westwell to bring their ground-breaking and AI-driven technology to the Port of Felixstowe. Following the positive introduction of autonomous trucks at our terminal in Thailand and after thorough and successful testing in Felixstowe, we are rolling the system out in the U.K. The new trucks will increase the efficiency and operational consistency of our container handling as well as making a significant contribution to decarbonising operations at the port.”

Kenny Tan, Chairman of Westwell said:

“Hutchison Ports is a significant global partner for Westwell. As a world leading company in intelligent mass-logistics, Westwell, with its holistic solution in new energy autonomous driving, can help increase efficiency while reducing costs and delivering sustainable development options. The contract also marks a very important development of Westwell’s Ainergy Strategy to utilise AI applications to reduce energy consumption and facilitate decarbonisation. In this respect we will continue to explore opportunities to commercialise new developments with Hutchison Ports to equip global logistics for sustainable development.”

Delivery of the first autonomous trucks will commence in September 2023.

The new equipment is an essential element of the port’s decarbonisation strategy. Hutchison Ports has announced that its UK ports will achieve Scope 1 and Scope 2 net-zero by 2035 as part of the group’s global target established in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) net-zero standard. In addition to the autonomous trucks, the port is investing in battery-powered conventional tractor units, replacing and re-engineering its yard cranes and purchasing electricity only from certified renewable sources.

The Port of Felixstowe is part of Freeport East, one of twelve Freeports being established in the UK. A key element of the Freeport East strategy is to boost innovation and investment. Following the signing ceremony for the autonomous trucks, Clemence Cheng and Kenny Tan held further discussions about bringing Westwell’s technology and expertise to the UK through the establishment of a new facility for Westwell within Freeport East.

Volvo Receives Order for 1,000 Electric Trucks

Volvo Trucks has signed a letter of intent to sell 1,000 electric trucks between now and 2030 to Holcim, one of the world’s largest building solution providers. The deal is the largest commercial order to date for Volvo electric trucks, and the first 130 trucks will be delivered in 2023 and 2024.

Holcim is a global manufacturer of building solutions, with headquarters in Switzerland. Now the company and its contractors have, with Volvo Trucks, agreed to plan for the deployment of 1,000 electric trucks across Holcim’s operations in Europe over the course of the next seven years.

The first 130 electric Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks will be delivered to markets including France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK during the fourth quarter of 2023 and throughout 2024. The agreement is a result of a wider partnership between Holcim and Volvo Group.

“Long-term collaboration and a strong commitment to really make a difference are essential for making big CO2 reductions a reality. I’m very proud of the partnership we have developed with Holcim, and the results we are achieving together,” says Martin Lundstedt, President & CEO, Volvo Group.

“The net-zero transition requires deep collaboration across value chains. We are excited to be partnering with Volvo to decarbonise our European operations’ logistics with electric fleets, advancing our goal to reach 30% of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2030,” says Jan Jenisch, Chairman and CEO of Holcim.

By replacing 1,000 existing Volvo FH diesel trucks with Volvo FH Electric trucks using green electricity on a typical route, up to 50,000 tonnes of CO2 could be saved every year. Both companies are committed to the Science-based targets initiative (SBTi), which drives ambitious climate action in the private sector, and both are also founding members of First Movers Coalition (FMC) – a coalition of companies that use their purchasing power to create early markets for innovative clean technologies across eight hard-to-abate sectors. SBTi targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Holcim is a global company in sustainable building solutions, headquartered in Switzerland. It has a presence in more than 60 countries and around 60,000 employees.

 

Fleet Managers Reveal Priorities

UK fleet managers have modernisation clearly in their sights for 2023, against a backdrop of fluctuating fuel prices and driver shortages. That’s according to a survey of 150 fleet managers, commissioned by Samsara, which reveals key priorities include upgrading vehicles (98%), increasing the sustainability of the fleet (82%), and moving to electric or hybrid vehicles (82%).

The research, presented in a new Samsara report — 2023: The Road Ahead — highlights a long list of operational challenges that fleet managers need to overcome, which includes improving road safety, increasing efficiency, and recruiting more drivers.

In response, 94% of fleet managers are investing in new technology in 2023 to boost operational modernisation and improve the driver experience. The majority see clear benefits to introducing connected technologies such as sensors and dashcams, including reduced paperwork (82%), improved supply chain efficiency (75%) and the ability to more easily transition to EVs or hybrid vehicles (68%).

The move will be welcomed by drivers too, with a Samsara-commissioned survey of 1,000 commercial drivers of small and large vans, HGVs, and other vehicles revealing large numbers believe a variety of connected technologies would have a positive impact on their job, including dashcams (78%), GPS routing (77%), and mobile-based workflow tools (68%).

“Fleet managers recognise that technology can play a big role in creating a modern fleet and — critically — so do their drivers,” said Philip van der Wilt, SVP and General Manager EMEA, Samsara. “More importantly, fleet managers understand the importance of data to power their operations to make them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.”

“Our findings confirm what we have known for some time — that if fleets want to future-proof their operations, they need to modernise and embrace technology. All of the challenges detailed in this report — from high fuel costs and driver shortages to regulatory changes, road safety, and the transition to EVs — can be mitigated by using smart, connected technology. As this report shows, fleet managers are moving to embrace technology to modernise their fleets. Those who don’t will be in danger of getting increasingly left behind and losing competitive advantage,” added van der Wilt.

Tony Draper, head of SHEQ, M Group Services, a long-standing Samsara customer, added: “For too long, commercial fleets have been underserved by the types of technology that have transformed other sectors and industries. Thanks to affordable, connected, smart tech, fleets have the opportunity to make their operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.”

Samsara commissioned Vitreous World to carry out online interviews with 150 fleet or logistics managers in the UK with direct responsibility for vehicles, drivers, logistics, supply chain and/or field service operations, from 15 to 24 February 2023. A further survey of 1,000 UK commercial drivers was also carried out between 14-21 February 2023 by Good Broadcast. All research conducted adhered to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019).

Smartphone App to Empower Driver Safety

CameraMatics, a leading global driver safety provider, has announced the launch of MySafeDrive – a first-of-its-kind app complete with a fleet management dashboard which enables companies to track and report their ESG transport emissions, monitor driver behaviour and improve safety through employees’ smartphones, with no need for additional hardware.

Based on eco-safe driving principles – a combination of safe, defensive and anticipatory driving – the ground-breaking app from CameraMatics combines advanced data science and AI with vehicle manufacturer standards to calculate corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide drivers with the most effective actions they can currently take to care for our planet and communities.

Organisations, as well as their supply chains, can use the app to track both direct and indirect emissions and implement carbon reduction policies. The app can be used as a tool to educate drivers to use their vehicles in the most environmentally efficient, safe, and economical way, and the data can also be used to consider alternative transport methods, supply chain providers, and to optimise routing.

This ties in perfectly with CamaraMatics’ desire to Innovate2Zero, revolutionising fleet management and using cutting-edge technologies to help companies to work towards net zero ambitions. MySafeDrive is another tool from CameraMatics that can help to support businesses in discovering inefficiencies, setting and monitoring targets, and using actionable data insights to pinpoint practical steps to proactively manage their carbon footprint.

There are huge benefits for organisations using MySafeDrive when it comes to emissions, with the ability to track grey fleet and scope 1 and 3 transport emissions. Scope 3 emissions from suppliers and other parts of the value chain have previously proved particularly difficult to measure accurately yet can account for up to 90% of a large corporation’s total transport emissions.

The new app uses AI technology to analyse the information and model a driver’s typical driving style. It can then demonstrate how small changes to specific driving habits can contribute to big reductions in emissions – both for drivers and businesses and their supply chains as a whole – with the app playing a significant role in CameraMatics’ goal to help businesses and industry move towards a more sustainable future of mobility.

Mervyn O’ Callaghan, CEO and Founder at CameraMatics, explains: “We’re very excited to introduce MySafeDrive – our new solution to easily help fleet managers improve efficiency and driver safety throughout their fleets. Poorly maintained and badly driven vehicles have a disproportionate carbon footprint and with MySafeDrive, fleet managers will be able to extend the life of a vehicle and lower insurance costs, all while increasing road safety.

“This new all-in-one sustainable driving app requires no hardware other than a mobile phone to gather comprehensive data about driving styles, habits and driving incidents, which in turn provides valuable data to fleet managers. Our ultimate aim with the app is to change poor driver habits and reduce carbon emissions through education.”

Using AI, the app splits driving styles into five key classifications, from conservative to aggressive, awarding scores for journeys based on multiple categories. Additionally, summary scores out of 100 are used to indicate more granular information about driver performance that can be used for driver coaching.

MySafeDrive gathers data and calculates the energy and CO2 emissions for the driver’s journeys. This information is influenced by the driver’s performance and behaviour. Emissions are compared with vehicle manufacturer’s expected values, which can be used to set appropriate targets and check interventions to achieve net zero.

Companies can also expect to save on fuel or increase EV battery range, increase the life of the engine and reduce the need to change tyres and brake components as frequently. This makes MySafeDrive a particularly useful tool when it comes to meeting and reporting ESG goal compliance, with the ability to calculate and compare average emissions and CO2 usage against targets, making it easier for companies to identify areas for improvement.

DHL Introduces Volvo Electric Tractor Units

DHL Supply Chain today announces the introduction of the UK’s first fully electric Volvo heavy duty tractor units. The four Volvo FM electric trucks are designed for high-capacity deliveries operating at 40 tonnes and directly replace diesel vehicles on a range of activities.

Featuring Volvo’s largest 540kWh battery which provides 666hp, the zero-emissions trucks have a range of up to 300km/180 miles, allowing them to complete full round-trips servicing DHL’s retail and automotive customers across the UK.

Saul Resnick, CEO DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain said: “Today marks an important milestone in our journey towards alternative fuel vehicles. The size and capability of these trucks make them a truly viable alternative to diesel as they fully meet our needs and those of our customers. Following our introduction of the UK’s first 16-tonne rigid electric truck in late 2020, we’re proud to continue to lead the way in electric commercial transport.”

The new trucks share the same controls and very latest safety features seen on conventional diesel Volvo FM vehicles, making the transition for drivers as safe and easy as possible. Early feedback from drivers has been extremely positive, especially with regard to acceleration and hill performance. The investment in industry leading vehicles reflects DHL’s commitment to ensuring its fleet is best in class and offers the highest levels of service to its supply chain customers, as well as reflecting DHL’s own ambitious Go Green agenda.

DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Ocado Using Solar-powered Refrigerated Units

In a recent development to its long-standing relationship with Marshall Fleet Solutions, Ocado Logistics has now added the Titan system to its refrigerated trailer fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint within its business operations.

In a double first and already on the roads providing the logistics solution for the world’s largest online supermarket, the Titan system from Marshall Fleet Solutions is fitted to a 4.98m high double deck trailer, combined with an Advancer A400 refrigeration unit. Titan uses power produced from lightweight, high powered solar panels and stores the electrical energy in long life lightweight lithium batteries to provide powered to the refrigeration unit.

“As part of our Ocado’s commitment to sustainability we have a goal to bring our operations to net zero by 2035” says Graham Thomas, Fleet Operations Manager – Truck. “With a fleet including 300 trailers of which 245 are temperature controlled, for some time we have been looking towards alternative solutions to power trailer fridges, at one point looking at developing our own solution. On learning of Titan and the success of other customer trials, it seemed like a viable add on solution, supplied and supported by a known partner.”

Online retailer adds Titan system from Marshall Fleet Solutions to double deck trailers

The relationship between Ocado and Marshall Fleet Solutions dates back to the early 2000s when Ocado were a fledgling start up, initially primarily as a refrigeration equipment supplier. However, in 2017 Ocado switched the repair and maintenance of its entire Thermo King refrigeration fleet to Marshall Fleet Solutions. This latest addition of Titan systems to the fleet, cements the strong and growing relationship between the two companies.

Available exclusively from Marshall Fleet Solutions, the Titan system’s independent and autonomous design is capable of providing 100% free power to all makes of on-board refrigeration unit, tail lifts and other vehicle mounted electrically powered applications on all vehicles sizes from LCVs, small trucks, to HCVs, both single temp and multi-temp. Available for both new vehicles as well as for retrofitting to existing vehicles, Titan has the ability to convert fleets to reach zero carbon goals overnight.

Graham continues, “Because of the nature of our trunking operation and the temperature regimes we use, there is in theory no reason why diesel can’t be eliminated completely and Titan has the potential to be a key contributor to this goal. In preparation we’re building all our future trailers to be capable of taking Titan as a retrofit.”

“It’s so pleasing to see how the partnership between our two companies is continuing to grow and to see Ocado take a leading position by incorporating Titan into its double deck fleet this year,” said Mark Howell, Managing Director, Marshall Fleet Solutions. “The successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Ocado operation will have a significantly positive impact towards delivering their sustainability goals and we are delighted to be part of their journey to Net Zero.”

Marshall is an independent UK company with a diverse portfolio of businesses and a shared commitment to keeping our customers moving forward. Whether that’s supporting global armed forces to deliver mission-critical activities, keeping the UK distribution industry on the road, creating new, sustainable communities where people can live and thrive, or developing the next generations of industry talent – we are incredibly proud to have been building extraordinary futures since 1909. Headquartered in Cambridge, we currently employ around 2000 people across locations in the UK, Northern Europe, North America and the UAE.

Continental Adds Tiger Trailers to Fleet

Continental, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, has further bolstered its UK articulated fleet through the addition of seven more box vans from Tiger Trailers, with this particular order divided into two different products to suit its operational requirements.

The tyre firm’s first Tiger order for 2023 is comprised of five 4.2m high box van trailers for their next day regional truck tyre delivery and casing collection business, and a pair of 4.8m tall ‘high cube’ variants, equipping Continental with increased load capacity for inter-depot trunking and waste recycling activities.

Continental’s new standard-height 4200mm trailers are fitted with an LED strip-light facing down at the rear to light up the working area for operator safety, and with cycle warning sideguards, which align with Tiger’s own aims as demonstrated through the Tiger Safety Team’s school road safety programme.

The trailers’ specification also includes a GRP translucent roof with wooden rub rails, a bespoke load securing setup including nets, an Anteo 1,500kg tuckaway tail-lift with safety gates, and solar panels from Trailar. The 4800mm high-cube iterations are equipped with full aerodynamic sideguards to reduce CO2 and increase fuel efficiency, and the trailers and their cargos are protected from damage through the incorporation of full-coverage overlay floor tread plates and full-length wooden rub rails fitted below and above each load lock row. Both heights are finished with the international company’s ultra-distinctive livery and are fitted with its in-house tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) interfaced into the ContiConnect 2.0 web-based platform for safety and efficiency purposes.

Simon Sumner, Continental’s Transport Operations Manager, comments: “Tiger Trailers have taken time to fully understand our business and its challenges, identify our requirements, then design and build trailers that suit our unique operation. Features for functionality, longevity and safety in operation have been engineered in by Tiger without compromise. The trailers perform exceptionally well and have a very impressive presence on the road. Tiger Trailers deliver a premium product in line with Continental’s position as a premium brand. It is a pleasure to work with Tom and the rest of the team at Tiger and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

Continental acquired re-tread tyre manufacturer Bandvulc in 2016 and Tiger’s first trailers wore Bandvulc’s distinctive black livery with yellow logo. The latest Tiger-built trailers were collected by a pair of the group’s new MAN TGX 26.510 tractors from Bandvulc’s Ivybridge Plant in Devon, and the fleet serves the UK via a number of strategic sites including Continental’s regional distribution centre (RDC) in Rugby, which stocks passenger car, truck and specialty tyres. Continental placed its first order with Tiger Trailers in 2020, followed by further orders in 2022, before taking delivery of this latest batch of box trailers in early 2023.

Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailer’s Technical Sales Manager, says: “We are proud to continue supporting Continental with what is now the third year of articulated trailer supply. Simon and the team are great to work with in tailoring the specification and ensuring that the end product meets their requirements. It’s brilliant to see such an iconic livery and eye-catching colour out on the road complete with Tiger badges and we look forward to continuing to support the customer in subsequent years.”

Tiger Trailers is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of articulated semi-trailers and rigid bodywork. Based in Cheshire and soon celebrating its 10th year in business, the firm builds the complete range, from curtain-siders, fixed and moving double decks and flatbeds, to temperature-controlled trailers, specialist vehicles and demounts.

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