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Tag: road transport

Evri adds Tiger trailers to fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Delivery company, Evri, the biggest dedicated parcel carrier in the UK and the new name for Hermes, has started the introduction of 168 new articulated box vans from Tiger Trailers to its fast-growing fleet, in time to support the opening of its largest delivery hub in Europe.

Tiger’s sales, design and engineering teams worked closely with Evri to ensure that its new 4.6m-high box van trailers are manufactured to bespoke specifications and a high quality, as the delivery company gears up to sort up to 3 million parcels every day going into peak season.

David Landy, Evri’s Head of Fleet, comments: “It has been great to work with the Tiger Team again and see our initial discussions around specification to become realised. This will ensure that our ‘in service’ is simplified in order to maintain the trailers more quickly and efficiently. It was imperative that Specification, Quality and Delivery were all met and the team at Tiger have delivered on all fronts.”

The trailers are of straight-frame design and incorporate various Tiger-specific design components for strength and durability, including the integration of buffers within the rear frame assembly that complement the need for a roller shutter door. To keep business and domestic customers’ parcels secure in transit between Evri distribution centres, a two-row, surface-mounted load securing system is fitted internally, along with a rear net and lashing rings. The rear frame has been designed with an integral gutter for improved run-off of water.

Evri’s striking new trailer liveries can be seen on the operator’s new Tiger-built dry-freight box vans, apportioned into subtly different design variations, with GK Signs working alongside the Cheshire manufacturer’s own fitters in applying each trailer’s full wrap.

Tiger manufactured 200 twin-axle box van trailers for Hermes in 2015, and the two companies share a focus on environmental sustainability by means of solar panels and tree-planting, along with job creation for their local areas. Evri has added 70 compressed natural gas Iveco trucks to its fleet over the last twelve months, with Tiger manufacturing skeletal and other specialist trailers for the parcel firm’s CNG supplier.

Darren Holland, Tiger Trailers’ Sales Director, remarks: “Working alongside David and the Evri team has been great and we are really pleased with the finished product. The fact that we can offer a full package has meant that we have designed, manufactured and also provided the leasing for these trailers via Tiger Finance.”

Evri will have received all 168 of its new Tiger Trailers box vans in time for the UK’s Black Friday retail period before it then continues to serve its customers throughout Christmas and beyond, and Ambassador Motor Company has provided Tiger with logistical support in making deliveries into the operator’s new Barnsley superhub called Colossus.

 

BYD debuts new zero-emission trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BYD, a world-leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles and power batteries, revealed two exciting zero-emission eTrucks to European customers at the recent IAA Transportation 2022 event in Hanover

The two pure-electric trucks – the ETM6 7.5-tonne urban delivery truck and the ETH8 19-tonne truck designed for logistics and waste collection – feature BYD’s very latest technology for safe, reliable and efficient electric transport, and have been designed with European customers in mind.

A focal attraction of the BYD stand was the official European reveal of BYD’s new and highly adaptable eBus Blade Platform, incorporating the ultra-safe, and highly durable Blade Battery that it says is revolutionising battery electric transportation.

Expertise in battery and electronic technologies have been central to this, supported by BYD’s experience in new energy solutions. This knowledge, combined with an exceptional depth of research & development resources, has enabled BYD to master the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as power batteries, electric motors, electronic controls, and power semiconductors.

Such technological expertise and a relentless dedication to zero-emission electric mobility has been the foundation to BYD becoming a world-leading NEV manufacturer. BYD has built up an extensive global footprint in this sector that covers six continents, including more than 70 countries and over 400 cities, saving more than 12 million tonnes in carbon emissions. There are now more than 2.5 million BYD new energy vehicles on the road worldwide today, of which 90,000 are commercial vehicles.

Javier Contijoch, eBus Sales Vice President at BYD Europe Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are pleased to introduce BYD’s latest technological innovations to European customers, spanning eTrucks and eBuses. The launch of our eBus Blade Platform is especially exciting and represents further progression in electrification for this sector. We already enjoy solid relationships with many strategic partners and look forward to establishing more collaborations, to bring localised services and high levels of knowledgeable support and value to customers in Europe.

“We assist this further with BYD’s unique capability to offer total solutions supporting energy management and charging infrastructure. We see the future as electric, and through partnerships, we want to help European customers have the smoothest of journeys as they electrify their fleets.”

BYD is the first and only provider of 100% emissions-free full-market transport solutions in Europe, including an IFOY award-winning range of electric forklift trucks. For over two decades, BYD has been at the helm of technological innovation in pure-electric solutions for commercial transportation. BYD was the first company in the world to introduce fleet of commercial electric buses and has since evolved to become a world leader in this field.

Fraikin appoints new MD

Posted on by David Priestman

Contract hire, fleet management and rental specialist Fraikin has appointed Peter Backhouse as UK Managing Director in a move which sees him return to the business, having originally led the company between 2010 and 2015.

Prior to his reappointment, Backhouse had spent much of this year working in a consultancy role for Fraikin, sharing a wealth of industry experience which has included 13 years holding senior supply chain and logistics positions at both BT and Jewson, 11 years with Ryder between 1997 and 2008, with seven as Vice President and Managing Director of its European fleet and supply chain business. He was also Managing Director of Bunzl Healthcare for two years before joining Fraikin for the first time, returning to the industry as a consultant in 2019.

Backhouse says: “I’m delighted to be returning to a leading fleet company in Fraikin as Managing Director, especially at such an exciting time for the industry. So much is changing right now with new legislation, new environmentally friendly drivelines and new connected technologies. With such a fast pace of evolution it’s vital for businesses to access the most expert, independent, and up-to-date advice when making decisions about future fleet strategy.

“Fraikin is in a fantastic position to be the fleet partner of choice, and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to re-join the company. We pride ourselves on delivering market-leading fleet solutions, utilising our deep industry knowledge and experience to deliver a complete tailored service package to customers. As a totally independent business, our team can also recommend the best outcome for every individual customer’s unique needs, regardless of vehicle brand.

“Plus, with strong funding fully secured and ready to use, we are also in the enviable position of being able to look at significant fleet investments, with both new and existing customers. Our Board and Shareholders are fully committed to develop and grow our UK business and we are excited and ready for a strong and positive future.”

IAA TRANSPORTATION attracts full halls

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The first IAA TRANSPORTATION exhibition ended extremely successfully on Sunday. Organisers, visitors and exhibitors were very satisfied with the new concept, which this year covered the entire transport and logistics spectrum.

1,402 exhibitors from 42 countries and a total of 230 national and international speakers were represented at IAA TRANSPORTATION and they presented their technical innovations, developments and concepts for tomorrow’s climate-neutral mobility.

“Following on from IAA MOBILITY, we have successfully developed and reinvented IAA TRANSPORTATION. We are now exhibiting the entire logistics spectrum, ranging from trucks to cargo bikes and delivery vans to parcel drones. This courage has paid off as the tremendous response from exhibitors and visitors showed that our new approach was the right way to go,” said VDA president Hildegard Müller at the close of IAA TRANSPORTATION in Hanover.

“Transport and logistics are the lifelines of our society and economy. The new IAA TRANSPORTATION concept has provided answers to the many challenges that the industry is now facing throughout the world. It became clear in Hanover that: our industry is delivering what is needed for a sustainable future.”

IAA TRANSPORTATION shines out through its Internationality

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022 once again consolidated its position as the world’s largest platform for the transport and logistics industry – around two-thirds of the exhibitors were international companies. Visitors came from 72 countries.

The many global innovations that were presented here all focused on the electrification and climate neutrality of the drive train. The vehicle manufacturers presented a huge variety of electric and fuel cell-based drives as well as hydrogen combustion engines. New and also a trend: Replacement kits that enable the diesel drives fitted in buses and trucks to be replaced by a new battery drive system. This concept will enable haulage companies and local transport companies to modernise their existing vehicle fleets during ongoing operations.

Bodywork and trailer exhibitors also presented a wide range of innovations that included electrified trailer axles and more especially, lightweight trailers that will reduce a tractor’s energy requirements. The bus manufacturers focused on the electrification of intercity buses and coaches.

“Our industry is resolutely driving forward the biggest transformation in its history and this is also making an important contribution towards solving the challenges that society is facing,” said Müller. “The message from Hanover is this: We have the competence and the will to combine better logistics with more climate protection. The transport and logistics industry is now putting their innovations on the road – the climate neutrality mission is now in full swing.”

IAA TRANSPORTATION welcomed a total of more than 1,400 journalists from 57 countries. The exhibitors organised 89 press conferences. International media from 97 countries accounted for 77 percent of the coverage. Posts on social media channels were viewed more than 2 million times. Apart from Germany, there was very intensive exhibition reporting about the exhibition in the USA, Canada, India, Japan, China and South Korea.

Our exhibitors in detail: A total of 1,402 exhibitors presented themselves at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022 and nearly two-thirds of them were international companies. 260 of them were exhibiting bodies, trailers and semi-trailers and there were nearly 600 suppliers as well. 68 international start-ups were also present in Hanover for the first time. Six cargo bike manufacturers also presented their new products, making an important contribution to low-emissions and city-friendly logistics.

The majority of the visitors rated IAA TRANSPORTATION’S new concept very positively. In particular, the range of innovations, the new models and the internationality of the exhibitors were rated as extremely good. Above all, the opportunity to try out new products for yourself proved to be very popular: IAA Test Drives, which was one of the experience formats, was given top marks by three-quarters of the visitors.

Around 7,500 test rides took place as part of IAA Test Drives and IAA Cargobike Parcours. A total of 61 commercial vehicles could be tried out as part of IAA Test Drives and the entire test operation was carried out in a climate-neutral way. Visitors could test the latest models under real conditions on the IAA Cargobike Parcours. The rush for the test drives was great and many test drives were fully booked out.

The next IAA TRANSPORTATION will take place in Hanover from the 17th to 22nd September 2024 (press day on September 16th 2024).

Hydrogen fuel cell “more efficient than diesel engines”

Posted on by David Priestman

Loop Energy, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, unveiled its landmark 120kW fuel cell system at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hannover, Germany.

The announcement marks a milestone for Loop Energy as it believes this new product is a significant achievement in advancing the global hydrogen industry and the transition of commercial transport industries by achieving fuel cost parity with diesel by up to eight years earlier than previously possible.

The 120kW fuel cell system, the S1200, builds on Loop Energy’s existing technology, to provide an additional efficiency gain of 20% when it generates electricity. The S1200 is designed to deliver up to 60% in net system efficiency. This efficiency enables an electric vehicle powered by a Loop Energy fuel cell to deliver up to 54% fuel-to-wheel efficiency compared to the typical fuel-to-wheel efficiency delivered by a diesel engine powered vehicle of 20% to 25%.

Loop Energy believes the S1200 and its next-generation technology will significantly benefit commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and associated industries, as well as the global clean energy transition as governments seek to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Loop Energy says it has achieved this efficiency gain because of its patented eFlow fuel cell architecture. Specifically, Loop Energy uses a signature trapezoid plate with narrowing channels for its bipolar plates, which increases gas velocity down the plate to deliver superior performance for fuel efficiency, and power output.

For fleet managers, operators of commercial vehicles and the wider hydrogen infrastructure market, that means less hydrogen fuel used per kilometre, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) of hydrogen-electric commercial vehicles.

Fuel costs make up roughly half of the TCO for heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles, which makes advancement in fuel efficiency a significant factor in creating a tipping point for commercial transition from diesel to clean fuels.

Loop Energy’s presence at IAA Transportation 2022 also signifies its commitment to the European continent, where it plans to expand its presence and customer base. Loop Energy already has offices in Italy and the UK, and is actively engaged with OEMs across the region. Loop Energy is also active in Asia, with its new manufacturing facility in Shanghai.

The S1200 opens up a new market for Loop Energy as the product is specifically designed for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which is a step up in power range and scope compared to its other fuel cell products.

The S1200 is delivered as a complete fuel cell system which simplifies and quickens integration for vehicle OEMs, and makes it a ready-to adopt solution for heavy-duty transportation and power system applications.

Loop Energy President & CEO, Ben Nyland, said: “With the launch of our new fuel cell system, we are proud to be leading the way in making transport electrification economically viable. The S1200 brings world-leading fuel efficiency levels for medium- to heavy-duty vehicles, crucially making the total cost of ownership lower and bringing fuel cost parity forward by four to eight years.”

“We are keen to work with OEMs, governments and the wider hydrogen industry to help meet zero-emission targets. We strongly believe that energy transition must happen now, and hydrogen fuel cell technology is in prime place as an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles.”

Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change, The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, said: “Very happy to see Canadian companies such as Loop Energy leading in the global clean energy sector. They are creating sustainable jobs for workers, while contributing to our global climate objectives and a better future for everyone.”

TVS Group rebrands to TVS Interfleet

Posted on by David Priestman

Total Vehicle Solutions (TVS) Group has rebranded as TVS Interfleet, as the commercial vehicle bodybuilder adjusts its proposition for a rapidly changing market. TVS Interfleet aims to consolidate the functions of TVS Group and better enable the brand to future-proof the industry, working alongside the big players for fleet electrification, intelligent controls and lightweighting.

TVS Interfleet is also launching Purpose Bodies – a new bespoke bodywork specialist division. Furthering the company’s commitment to uniting the commercial bodybuilding supply chain, Purpose Bodies’ team of highly skilled engineers will build lightweight Whole Vehicle Type Approved products that deliver more efficiently, allowing fleets to operate at peak performance.

The rebrand comes alongside a full brand refresh, with a new logo and imagery for TVS Group. One thing that will not change is the company’s existing brands – Priden, Mcphee, SB Components and Wilcox – who will all remain part of TVS Interfleet’s exclusive stable, now joined by Purpose Bodies.

Founded in 2019, TVS Group was created to enable growth of specialist manufacturing firms that deliver solutions for the commercial and industrial vehicle industry. Three years on, the company generates annual revenues of £70m and employs 400 people over four sites across the UK. Going from strength to strength, the group acquired four brands within five years.

Leading the charge on fleet electrification, TVS Group has collaborated with OEMs to develop lightweight e-tippers and e-mixers, such as the UK’s first electric mixer created in collaboration with Renault. As TVS Interfleet, the group will be better positioned to continue this market-leading work and prepare the commercial vehicle industry for the future. Through ​​fleet electrification, intelligent controls and lightweighting, TVS Interfleet will work to deliver greener, safer products.

Craig Harris, CEO and Chairman of TVS Interfleet, says: “We’re incredibly proud of how far we have come as TVS Group, but as the business continued to grow, it became clear that we needed to articulate our proposition in a different way. This new consolidated brand identity better represents the great work we do across all stages of the bodybuilding industry, and reflects the leading position we are taking in modernisation.

“When it comes to commercial vehicles, the chassis drives the body, but the body drives the business. Our focus has always been enabling our clients to serve their customers best. With this rebrand, as well as the launch of Purpose Bodies, we’re looking forward to continuing to do just that.”

Thermo King launches three breakthrough refrigeration systems

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions, has unveiled three new breakthrough models of the Advancer trailer refrigeration solutions: the multi-temperature Advancer Spectrum (pictured), the Advancer AxlePower energy recovery system and the electric, engineless Advancer-e.

“From the outset, Thermo King’s ambition behind Advancer has been to move beyond incremental enhancements and to create trailer refrigeration systems that feature innovation never before seen on the market,” said Colm O’Grady, trailer product leader at Thermo King. “Our goal has been to develop even more sustainable refrigeration technologies, enable our products to fit alternative power sources, reduce energy consumption to the lowest possible levels, and to use this innovation to reduce the total cost of ownership of our products for our customers. The technology behind the expanded Advancer portfolio makes these goals a reality.”

The three new trailer refrigeration systems expand the market-leading Thermo King Advancer A-Series portfolio, renowned for its performance, temperature control, unrivalled system efficiency and fleet connectivity.

Advancer Spectrum

Advancer Spectrum: new level of performance in multi-zone temperature configurations, with precise temperature management and reduced fuel and operational costs.

The new Advancer Spectrum features a 48V DC mild-hybrid technology now available for temperature configurations of two distinct zones during the same journey, with precise temperature management and set point control.

Advancer Spectrum introduces a new level of performance to the multi-temperature trailer Advancer A-Series, fastest temperature recovery and pulldown, and highest refrigeration capacity on the market. Advancer Spectrum delivers up to 30% savings on fuel costs compared to the market average. The units’ architecture also lowers service interval rate of up to 30% and reduces unscheduled maintenance by up to 60%.

The new, custom-designed remote evaporators bring additional capacity to the remote zone, maximising the flexibility and efficiency of customers’ operations. Combined with the all-new Advancer multi-temp controller, customers are able to precisely manage the temperature while gaining real-time insight into how the unit is running, how the temperature zones are performing and how much fuel the unit is using.

Advancer Spectrum is the first multi-temperature trailer unit on the market offering complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption. Customers can access the fuel consumption and other data both on the unit and remotely via telematics, enabling them to optimise their fleet more innovatively.  Fleet intelligence is standard, as Advancer Spectrum comes included with 2 years of full, two-way telematics connectivity service.

The Advancer Spectrum’s unrivalled system efficiency significantly lowers customers’ CO2 footprint with engine emissions substantially lower than the maximum allowed by latest NRMM Stage V emission standards. The Whisper Pro version offers sound levels meeting the PIEK enforced standards, thus complying with the most stringent noise-regulations for quiet, inner-city deliveries at any time of day and night. Advancer Spectrum units are also compatible with alternative power source solutions like the AxlePower or Envirodrive.

Advancer AxlePower

Advancer AxlePower: capturing lost energy from the axle into a low or zero-emission, autonomous power source for the refrigeration unit.

Advancer AxlePower’s smart energy generating system delivers the power needed to run the trailer refrigeration unit by converting energy recovered by the trailer’s axle during the vehicle’s routine operation. Developed in partnership with BPW, a leader in running gears and mobility services for transport, the Advancer AxlePower is a fully integrated, tractor independent system that combines BPW’s ePower axle with Thermo King refrigeration unit and battery storage technology.

The system stores the energy generated while the vehicle is rolling or braking in a high voltage battery and reuses it to power the refrigeration unit – enabling fully electric, low or zero-emission and autonomous trailer refrigeration. The battery pack, depending on the configuration, provides an average of five hours of refrigeration unit autonomy to cover stationary operations. Featuring smart power management that controls the engagement and disengagement of the generators, Advancer AxlePower also minimises the resistance on the tractor and provides the driver and fleet manager with real-time performance visibility to avoid ‘charge anxiety’.

The possibility to capture and reuse energy makes the Advancer AxlePower system an ideal solution to future-proof and increase the sustainability of all types of trailer journeys. With silent running and no CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when operating from the battery-pack, this technology allows customers to sustainably run long-haul and inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and low noise urban areas.

Advancer-e

Advancer-e: the all-electric, engineless, emission-free trailer refrigeration unit.

Designed to accelerate the realization of carbon neutral trailer fleets, the Thermo King Advancer-e incorporates an engineless and electric architecture with all the features that make the Advancer A-Series the most efficient trailer refrigeration systems in the market. Advancer-e is power-agnostic and compatible with all major engine-alternative power sources including the Advancer AxlePower, Frigoblock’s Envirodrive alternator and inverter technology, Thermo King’s battery EnergyPack, and shore-power when stationed at the depot.

With its fully electric architecture, one Advancer-e unit can reduce a trailer fleet’s carbon footprint by up to 10 tonnes of CO2 per year. Advancer-e is compatible with any tractor for inner-city deliveries or for long-haul assignments when combined with the right power technology solution available from Thermo King. The flexibility of the Advancer-e enables transport companies to be more than a step ahead of changing low-emission legislation. Combined with the same A-Series controller and intuitive telematics, the Advancer-e delivers sustainability advantages and temperature control efficiency – top strategic priorities for many transport companies making the move toward full electrification.

All Thermo King Advancer units are manufactured in the Thermo King’s state-of-the-art and carbon-neutral (ISO 14064-1) production line in Galway, Ireland.

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack, a leading AI video telematics and connected fleet data specialist, has entered into a membership agreement with global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR). As part of the collaboration, the company will provide its leading vehicle camera technology to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

“Our vision is to create a world where all road-users are kept safe from harm, whether HGV drivers, motorists, cyclists or pedestrians,” says Richard Kent, VP of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “We share a commitment with Together for Safer Roads to eliminate traffic fatalities, and by bringing our leading AI video telematic solutions to the Truck of the Future program, we believe we can further this collective goal.”

TSR acts as a bridge providing a path for local governments and public organisations to work with innovative technology providers from the private sector to make all modes of transport safer. The VisionTrack partnership is already underway with the implementation of advanced video-enabled solutions – underpinned by device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai – across fleets who have joined TSR’s Truck of the Future.

The Truck of the Future program identifies and tests innovative and cost-effective solutions to eliminate collisions between large vehicle operators and other road users, especially the most vulnerable, with driver visibility a high priority. Utilising connected cameras and video telematics from VisionTrack, drivers can gain a 360° view around the vehicle, which will help save lives.

“In the US alone, there was more than 40,000 deaths in 2020 from traffic crashes on roadways, with truck incidents representing 12% of the total fatalities, while only making up 4% of the vehicles operating on the road,” says Noah Budnick, Executive Director, Together for Safer Roads. “The incorporation of new technologies, data and innovative approaches to road safety is imperative to eliminating fatalities and making roads safe for all. Partnering with VisionTrack enhances our ability to make Vision Zero a global reality.”

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

Thermo King introduces powerful refrigeration unit

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions, announced – and will feature at the IAA Transportation 2022 show in Hannover, Germany – the T-1200R Whisper Pro, its latest, ultra-quiet addition to the T-Series truck refrigeration systems portfolio.

The new single and multi-temperature T-1200R Whisper Pro models meet the most stringent noise regulations including upcoming PIEK[1] requirements. This allows transporters to operate inner-city deliveries at any time of day and night and with less impact on communities.

Thermo King T-Series units are available as diesel-powered or hybrid models. In the hybrid version available as an option, the unit can seamlessly switch between diesel and electric mode to enter cities’ low emission zones. The new T-1200R Whisper Pro offers the same reliability and performance as the T-Series with sound levels below the latest PIEK standard requirements.

“Improving inner-city living conditions and eliminating the levels of noise emissions are among European cities’ top priorities. Transporters operating in urban areas must ensure their refrigeration units meet the strictest noise regulations set by municipalities and regulators,” said Davide Previsdomini, product manager Truck at Thermo King. “Noise attenuation across all our products to lower the impact on communities and drivers has always been a priority for Thermo King. By introducing the Whisper Pro model of our highest cooling capacity truck unit, we give our customers a solution to keep effectively operating in the cities.”

The T-1200R Whisper Pro features telematics mounted as standard and is using geo-fencing to automatically switch into quiet mode when entering a pre-defined low noise-emission zone. This allows the transporters to operate unrestricted day and night schedules with the peace of mind that the unit complies with the noise regulations in the given area. In case of the Hybrid model, when the power from the truck is available, the unit switches to electric drive to further reduce emissions.

The PIEK certified T-1200R Whisper Pro units deliver class leading performance in accordance with ATP (Accord Transport Perrisable) standards, offering customers the quickest pull-down during pre-trip preparations with low-noise and no compromise on capacity in high-speed mode.

 

Livestock company adds IVECO S-WAYs to fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

Livestock nutrition company Harbro has put a 6×2 rigid drawbar unit with close-coupled three-axle trailer and two new IVECO S-WAY 6×2 mid-lift tractor units into service.

The IVECO S-WAY 6×2 6.7m chassis (AS260S42Y/PS) is fitted with a 7.9m curtain-sided body and is powered by the CURSOR 11 420hp diesel and tows a three-axle curtain sided trailer. The unit is fitted with a VBG coupling which enables the driver to detach the trailer to access the most difficult to reach farms when delivering animal feed across Scotland.

The S-Way drawbar unit will cover around 120,000km annually and despite the size of the combined unit provides an impressive 28t of payload, while a rear-steer third axle further adds to the rigid’s manoeuvrability.

The drawbar unit replaces an IVECO Stralis six-wheel rigid and came about after a meeting between Harbro’s head of logistics Billy McTavish and IVECO dealer AM Phillips’ sales director Tim Hally. The dealer had a three-axle drawbar trailer for sale and after closer analysis of the weights and measures in the IVECO S-WAY brochure a drawbar plan was conceived.

Harbro runs 50 trucks out of its Aberdeenshire headquarters which includes a mixed fleet of tractor units, rigids and 7.2t curtain-siders that deliver animal feed to over 8,000 farms and smallholdings from the north of England to the Scottish islands.

It also owns a network of 21 retail country stores stretching from the Borders to the Shetlands. The trucks make palleted deliveries to the stores and then backload raw materials to feed Harbro’s manufacturing facilities which produce 270,000t of livestock feed each year.

Supplied on a three-year Repair and Maintenance contract, the IVECO S-WAY rigid is fitted with the 2.1m (internally) tall AS sleeper cab which contains every conceivable comfort such as fridge/freezer, leather seats and steering wheel.

“The new S-WAY represents a major step-change for the brand, and drivers love the cabin which is spacious and very comfortable. They are spending five days and four nights in their truck each week so it’s important that they have all the home comforts as well as providing them with a good driving experience,” said McTavish.

“The drawbar unit brings another dimension to the fleet and is very flexible for drivers whilst providing us with an impressive payload,” he added.

Harbro has also specified both 6×2 IVECO S-WAY mid-lift tractor units with the range-topping Cursor 13 570hp diesel which generates maximum power at between 1605 –1900rpm. Fitted with the option of air suspension, they provide drivers with the ultimate companion as they traverse Scotland and northern England.

One truck tows a three axle-bulk blower trailer with electric rear-wheel steer while the other tractor unit, fresh out of the paint shop, will tow a three-axle tipper or curtain-sided trailer. As with all new trucks joining the Harbro fleet, each IVECO S-WAY is specified with leather upholstery, alloy wheels, air horns and LED light bars.

Both IVECO S-WAYs have been supplied on a three-year full Repair and Maintenance contract by AM Phillip Trucktech in Forfar, with each truck covering around 350,000km during that time.

“The tractor units travel the length and breadth of Scotland and the drivers have been impressed at the power and flexibility of the 570hp engine which is returning a very reasonable 7.6mpg. Having that amount of power on tap certainly helps tackle all terrains and with air suspension and the comfort of the IVECO S-WAY cabin drivers are well set for their week-long shift behind the wheel,” said McTavish.

The IVECO fleet doesn’t stop there, with Harbro also running an IVECO Daily 7.2t curtain-sider which makes deliveries to the retail store network, while an IVECO Stralis 18-tonner is based permanently on the Isle of Skye to deliver feed and consumables to farmers across the island.

“The IVECO S-WAY provides the optimal chassis on which operators can design and build bespoke vehicles to carry out very specific missions. The Harbro drawbar unit is one of the first to go into operation in the UK while the 570hp IVECO S-WAYs are perfect to soak up the arduous terrain of Scotland and northern England,” commented Gareth Lumsdaine, IVECO’s Medium & Heavy Business Line Director.

 

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