Kings of cheese

Long Clawson Dairy

THE VOLVO MAGAZINE FOR OPERATORS, DRIVERS AND ENTHUSIASTS #43 2011

inside lane

FH16 fish tankTransporTing live

fish in france

Healthy drivinggeT fiT for life

For 3 months in February, Steve Sugden, Fleet Engineer for Malcolm Logistics ran a controlled

fuel test on a Volvo FM 11-450 against several other trucks in his fleet. “The tests were

conclusive and Volvo beat the competition by nearly 6%.” Steve describes the Volvo FM with

I-Shift as “the ideal distribution truck.” And when every last drop of fuel counts, especially on

the bottom line, it’s no wonder he was delighted with the outcome of the test.

If every drop of fuel counts in your business, consult your local

Volvo Trucks Dealer to start saving straight away.

Use your smart phone to scan this QR code to visit our website.

case study 01680WH MalcolM

“EvEry Drop counts”

Volvo Total Solutions Category: Fuel Management Service (FMS)

Company: WH Malcolm Ltd Dealer: Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland

Location: Merseyside Total Fleet: 300

Business: Haulage

volvo trucks. driving progresswww.volvotrucks.co.uk

VTUK_WH_Malcolm_Ad_Inside Lane.indd 1 09/08/2011 13:39

33

Editor: Reg Crawford Phone: 01270 886333 E-mail: rc@tribalpr.com All correspondence to: The Editor, Inside Lane, Tribal PR & Marketing Limited, Building One, Radway Green Business Park, Crewe, CW2 5PR. Advertising: All enquiries to the above address. Inside Lane is a magazine for Volvo operators, drivers and enthusiasts. Opinions expressed in articles may not necessarily be those of Volvo Trucks. Neither the publication nor the company can be held responsible for factual errors within the magazine. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. If you no longer wish to receive Inside Lane, please contact the Editor at the address above. Inside Lane is printed on paper which is FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council). FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests, www.fsc.org.

A MAGAzINE FROM VOLVO TRuCkSinside lane

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 4 START 6 I-SHIFT 22 VOLVO TRUCK NATION24 R&D 30 IN BRIEF

Reduce your fuel bills with Volvo’s Driver Development programme.

28 Driver Development delivers results

Long Clawson Dairy’s FM tankers collect the milk that goes into Stilton cheese.

18 Tanks for the cheese

Oliver Splingart transports 180,000 live trout fry across Europe using his FH16-700.

08 Fishmungous FH16

inside lane 43/2011 CONTENTS & EDITORIAL

“Development is the word!”

göran nybErg Managing Director

Welcome to the summer issue of your magazine, Inside Lane! We have some great, inspirational stories for you in this edition.

For example, we kick off with an article about Volvo’s class leading automated gearbox I-Shift. It is 10 years since we first offered this revolutionary transmission to operators in Ireland and the UK. In that time, it has become the benchmark for fuel efficient, driver-friendly transmissions across Europe. I-Shift helps create a completely task focused environment for the driver where they can let the gearbox’s powerful software take the strain. That is not to say that Volvo have deskilled the driver’s job at all. We are working hard to help the professional image and skill set of truck drivers across the globe.

Our Driver Development programme is reaching out and engaging with drivers in a way few operators would have believed possible in the past. That’s because Volvo does not preach at the driver. Our approach is based on helping drivers understand what behaviours and driving styles help make their day to day job more efficient and less stressed.

Our Dynafleet telematics system plays a big part in this of course. But, we know that a telematics system on its own never improved efficiency or even helped drivers to stay on top of their game. Helping drivers understand and change behaviours is what gets the best results – and improved fuel economy is just one of the many benefits that then accrue to operators’ businesses and bottom line.

Improving drivers’ health through motivation, training and increased responsibility.

14 Healthy lifestyle for drivers

You can follow us on Twitter at: @VolvoTrucksuk We’re also on Facebook as Volvo Trucks uk You can watch our videos on the Volvo Truck uk channel on YouTube.

4

start BUSINESS

Phil Moore, an experienced truck driver who works for manufacturer EBC Brakes in Northampton, has just driven 1 million kilometres on the same clutch. Phil’s seven-year old Volvo FM tag-axle six-wheeler achieved the magic number while he was returning from making a delivery to Holland recently. With a regular schedule that takes in deliveries as far afield as Leiden in Holland, Bristol, Leeds and Hawick, Phil does in the region of 2,700 kms a week.

The FM, which is Phil’s second Volvo, is equipped with the 9-litre engine rated at 300hp. The truck, which was purchased from new in 2003, is maintained by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia’s Kettering Dealerpoint. Phil puts the long life of the clutch down to his careful driving style.

In a video, which is available to see on Volvo Trucks UK YouTube

Phil drives one million kilometres on the same clutch

site, Phil says: “When I’m driving, I never ride the clutch. When I stop at traffic lights, I always put

the handbrake on,” adding, “It’s a great achievement because, according to the Volvo Dealer,

a truck like this could have had three or more clutches in the same period.”

Graduating Volvo Technician Apprentice Ian Ward, who works for Volvo Dealer Hartshorne at Alfreton, Derbyshire has won the prestigious Jim Keyden Apprentice of the Year Award 2011.

The award, which is presented each year to the top Technician on the Volvo Trucks Apprentice programme, is in memory of Jim Keyden who was one of the founders of Volvo Truck and Bus in the UK. Criteria for winning the top award include consistently high academic achievement, self motivation, significant personal effort in their studies and working effectively with others. The trophy was presented by Volvo Group UK Aftermarket Director Neil Grantham to Ian Ward at a ceremony held at the Millbrook Proving Ground conference facilities, near Bedford.

In addition to the Jim Keyden Award, two other special awards were presented by Steve Turner. Mr Turner is Head of Motor Vehicle Training at Stephenson College, Coalville, who have run the Volvo Technician Apprentice scheme since its inception 14 years ago.

The award for Highest Academic Achiever was presented to Christopher Humm of MC Truck and Bus, Maidstone and the award for Most Improved Student was presented to Zach Bentley, who also works for MC Truck and Bus at their Thurrock depot.

This was the fourteenth group of Technician Apprentices to graduate from the Volvo scheme.

Technician awards 2011: Jim Keyden award won by Ian Ward of Hartshorne, alfreton

Graduating Apprentice Ian Ward (left) receives the Jim Keyden Award for the Apprentice of the Year 2011 from Volvo Group UK Aftermarket Director Neil Grantham.

Professional driver Phil Moore (pictured) has nursed over 1 million kilometres out of the same clutch on his seven-year old Volvo FM 6-wheeler.

5

new ‘ready to roll’ water tender is industry firstIn a move which will reduce delivery lead times and streamline customer order processing, Volvo Trucks has launched a new concept water tender based on the tried, tested and universally trusted FL-L 15 / 16 tonnes GVW chassis for fire applications. Designated the ‘Ready to Roll’ FL-L, the new water tender represents a radical, but customer friendly departure

from the traditional method by which brigades order vehicles. This industry first has been made possible thanks to a unique partnership between Volvo Trucks, vehicle optimisation specialists Estepe, Angloco and Strongs Plastic Products. It means that brigades can now place a single order for a fully road-ready, FL-L water tender. In fact, the Ready to

Roll FL-L is just that – ready to go into service with the minimum of delay. To further maintain the efficiency of the process, the cab is factory painted in Agra red.

Because the Ready to Roll FL-L and its associated bodywork and equipment are built in parallel and by taking advantage of the increased efficiencies which come from the partnership, it has been possible to reduce the total time in build. The result is that delivery lead times have been shortened to between 4 and 5 weeks from the date the chassis is received in the UK from Estepe in Holland. The new Ready to Roll FL-L comes complete with Volvo Safety Crew Cab (to ECE R29 standard), fire pump, co-polymer plastic bodywork and even final fitting by Angloco from a menu of pre-defined equipment and storage layouts.

At 15 or 16 tonnes GVW, the Volvo Ready to Roll FL-L provides a light, compact solution for brigades whether they are working in towns and cities or rural areas. With its user friendly,

6 speed Allison automatic transmission and a choice of either 260 or 290 hp engine outputs, the FLL can tuck into tight spaces and areas with limited access for manoeuvring. The automatic transmission, with Allison integrally mounted retarder, means that the driver can remain fully focused on the job in hand.

The Volvo chassis is built at the world’s first CO2 neutral manufacturing facility and the choice of co-polymer plastic bodywork manufactured by Strongs Plastic Products of Tamworth provides a beneficial unladen weight saving.

All in all, the new Volvo Ready to Roll FL-L water tender represents not just an industry first, but also an example of how the supply chain for the manufacture of fire application vehicles can be improved for the benefit of customers by the use of innovative thinking and a carefully thought out partnering arrangement between four of the industry’s leading companies

Fire Brigades can now place a single order for a fully road-ready, FL-L water tender which has shortened vehicle delivery lead times and streamlined customer order processing.

The new Ready to Roll FL-L comes complete with fire pump, co-polymer plastic bodywork and final fitting by Angloco from a menu of pre-defined equipment and storage layouts.

start products

Ten years with the lever you rarely needWhen I-Shift was launched, few people believed in the future of automated mechanical gearboxes. There were already a number of AMT (Automated Mechanical Transmission) systems on the market. All

were based on manual gearboxes with modifications to permit automatic gear changing. They were often not entirely reliable and customers complained. However, Volvo Trucks believed in the idea

of a transmission system that was designed from the outset for manual gear changing. This year, I-Shift turns ten. And in Europe today, no less than 80 percent of Volvo FH trucks sold are equipped with I-Shift.

2001 THE FIRST GENERATIONI-Shift was an entirely new non-synchromesh base gearbox with a built-in regulator that offered full control over the engine and the transmission’s twelve ratios. At that time

I-Shift was only tailored for Volvo’s 9- and 12-litre engines, 2400 Nm of torque and

gross combination weights of up to 44 tonnes. The software was configured

for long-haul operations. In 2002, just one year after its launch, 14

percent of all Volvo trucks sold were being fitted with I-Shift.

2005 THE SECOND GENERATIONI-Shift underwent several hardware and software updates and was now configured for gross combination weights of up to 60 tonnes. The transmission could also be fitted to trucks powered by a 16-litre engine. In addition, construction and forestry trucks could be equipped with I-Shift. Many customers had by now discovered the benefits of the automated transmission, not least the fact that it always selects the most economical ratio.

2009 THE THIRD GENERATIONI-Shift was updated primarily with regard to its software. Now it could be

fitted in virtually all Volvo models and was compatible with all axle configurations apart from all-wheel drive. It was even available

in the Volvo FMX, tailored to suit the most demanding operating conditions in rough terrain. The transmission

was also supplemented with a rock-free feature. By the time 2010 drew to a close, 65 percent

of all Volvo FMs and no less than 80 percent of all Volvo FHs sold on the

European market were fitted with I-Shift.

THE FUTUREEuro 6 will soon make

its entry and with it, transmission systems will

be tailored to suit the very latest engines. They are even

more economical and have even more application areas.

6

7

TRUCKING start

Impressed by promising fuel returns and the ‘total offer’ presented by Volvo dealer Truck and Bus Wales and West, national independent logistics provider, Rhys Davies Freight Logistics has recently taken delivery of eight new Volvo FH tractor units. This will be followed later in the year by the delivery of eight new Volvo

Volvo’s whole life costs impress rhys DaviesFM rigid vehicles.

It is several years since the high-profile Welsh headquartered company acquired new Volvo vehicles and Operations Director Paul Hodgkiss attributes the atest purchasing decision to ‘well presented whole life cost argumentation’ and ‘demonstrable fuel efficiency’. The new Volvo

6x2 tractor units feature the Volvo 13-litre 460-hp engine, two-pedal I-Shift gearbox and a spacious Globetrotter cab. The vehicles were delivered in the striking Rhys Davies silver livery.

“Our priorities were fuel economy, reliability and a safe and comfortable work place for the drivers,” commented Paul Hodgkiss.

The Rhys Davies Operations Director also confirmed that Truck and Bus Wales and West Sales Manager John Perry had been tenacious in his desire to secure a sale and that the involvement of the Volvo head office staff at Warwick had proven a major benefit. “There is no doubt that talking to senior staff and engineers can be very helpful,” said Paul Hodgkiss.

Supplied complete with a full seven-year repair and maintenance package the new 44-tonne Volvo tractors will be operated nationwide across the company’s eight transport and warehousing depots. The company will use them to service clients in an area spanning from Andover in the south to Whitburn in Scotland; catering to national blue chip companies as well as smaller local accounts. The offer of the Volvo telematics system Dynafleet Online was also taken up by Rhys Davies after a demonstration of the system promised ‘significant management opportunities’.

Operators of all makes of truck, bus and coach from across the UK, looking to single source from the most comprehensive range of commercial vehicle repair, modification and refurbishment services can now benefit from the newly re-launched facilities and skills offered by Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions. Formerly known as Thomas Hardie Engineering, the new look company has relocated to new premises on Common Bank Industrial Estate in Chorley, Lancs for easy access to the M6 and M61 motorways.

Services now offered include total vehicle, trailer and body repairs and refurbishments, chassis and body modifications and bespoke CAD-designed cargo and tanker solutions, walking floor and tipping hydraulics, additional fuel and oil tanks, tail-lifts, cab and chassis ancillaries (such as beacons, air horns, light bars), skip and hook loader body supply and fitment, shot-blasting and ICI Fleetwatch approved paintwork. “We’ve moved to new facilities close to our previous workshops so customers will have no trouble in finding

Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions checks in for customer service

us,” says Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions Depot Manager Ian Farnworth. Adds Ian: “We have rebranded the company with a new name and image which more accurately reflects the host of services we have available for operators of all makes of commercial vehicle.”

Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions is now open at a new depot in Chorley.

Impressed by fuel returns: Rhys Davies Freight Logistics has taken delivery of

eight new Volvo FH tractor units.

700 horses – 180,000 fishFor more than twenty years now, olivier splingart has been transporting live fish between fish farms and fishmongers throughout Europe. the long distances necessitate a sophisticated oxygenated tank system that keeps the fish fresh and alert. the system is nowadays built on a brand new Volvo FH16 with 700 horsepower.Words Mikael karlsson

pHotos Jean-Michel leligny

8

700 horses – 180,000 fish

9

Fish cultivator regis shows the facility’s finest examples to fish transporter olivier splingart.

10

olivier Splingart skilfully steers his Volvo FH16 700 along the twisting road through the village of Brasparts in Brittany. The fish farm towards which he is headed is located in a forested valley along a riverbank. Once there he reverses up to the ponds and stops just a centimetre or so in front of them, having negotiated his way past walls, fences, trailers, electric

pylons and much more besides – and without a scrape or a bump anywhere along his obstacle course.

“It’s so smooth and easy to manoeuvre. I have excellent visibility in every direction from here behind the wheel so I always position the truck correctly as long as I take things nice and easy, driving gently and methodically,” says Olivier Splingart.

It is Thursday just after lunchtime and he is here to fill his tanks with trout fry for transportation to another farm, where they will grow to maturity before ending up in fish markets and restaurants all across Europe.

Once Olivier has parked his truck, second-generation fish farmer Rudy Thomas sprays disinfectant over the entire rig. Even though Olivier disinfected the fish tanks the day before, after a delivery of fish to another location, the procedure is repeated today. In addition, thousands of litres of water are flushed through the entire system to ensure that there is not even the slightest

trace of any infection or disinfectant before the fish from the ponds are loaded.

“It’s vital to disinfect and flush clean the entire truck and tank system after each small or large shipment of fish,” relates Olivier while the water bubbles through the tanks. “The tiniest trace of virus or disinfectant anywhere in the system can cause immense damage to the entire cargo. That’s my responsibility, and I take no risks since I want to keep my good reputation in this business,” says Olivier.

ClEANING TAkES A COUplE OF HOURS. Then the time-consuming job of filling the tanks with trout fry begins. This task is performed by four strong men equipped with landing nets to avoid injuring the small fish. When they are done, the truck has a load of 1.8 tonnes of fish, that is to say about 180,000 trout fry each weighing about 12 grams. As well as about 25,000 litres of water.

As Olivier picks his way along the small roads through Brasparts with his truck loaded will full tanks, it is already

11

›

n olivier’s father was a fish farmer but olivier wanted to be a truck driver. Backed by his extensive knowledge of fish, olivier eventually started to help out in the transport of live fish for the family business, and later did the same for other fish farmers who also needed transport services.

n he transports a wide variety of fish, including live trout, salmon, pike, tench and carp throughout France and central europe.n olivier drives about 100,000 kilometres a year and has an annual turnover of about 350,000 euros. he drives full-time in the spring,

summer and autumn, and less during the winter months, and never when it snows.n olivier’s first Volvo was a Volvo Fh16 520, followed by a Volvo Fh16 550. he ran them for about six years apiece, during which they each covered about 600,000 kilometres.

splingart transport

dark. Just outside the village he finds a secluded parking spot by the roadside where he stops for the night.Olivier relates that the fish feel much better if things are quiet and peaceful around them once night settles in. He avoids large truck-stops where there is lots of movement and noise.

“And above all I never drive into a filling station and refuel after dark. The fish have their natural daily rhythm and are really disturbed by the bright flashing lights.” Olivier is often on the road for several weeks, sometimes up to 15 consecutive days when the demand for fish transport services is at its most intensive. On his long trips he often takes his wife along with him.

“Otherwise I’m all on my own out on the road and miss my family – my wife and two teenage sons who also run their own small but very efficient fish farm,” he says.

At about six the next morning Olivier is up and ready following a quick breakfast in his cab. He rolls out onto the highway with his live cargo, and the road soon turns into a series of broad, smooth motorways for the 500 or so

kilometres up to northern France and the Pisciculture de Bichecourt fish farm in Hangest sur Somme near Abbeville, where he is to deliver his precious load.With live fish in the tanks, a smooth and sensible driving style is essential. If the rig starts swaying and the water starts splashing about too much, the fish may be injured.

“It’s a great help that the truck and container chassis are six centimetres lower than the standard configuration. And air suspension on both the truck

tHE tiniEst tracE oF Virus or disinFEctant anyWHErE in tHE systEm can causE immEnsE damagE to tHE EntirE cargo. tHat’s my

rEsponsibility, and i takE no risks sincE i Want to kEEp my good rEputation in tHis businEss.oliVier splingart, splingart transport

the tanks carry about 180,000 trout fry each weighing about 12 grams.

12

i trEat mysElF to tHat littlE bit Extra – an attractiVE and poWErFul VolVo tHat makEs my Work-day botH

morE EnjoyablE and morE comFortablE.oliVier splingart, splingart transport

13

›

13

and the trailer means the entire rig is very stable out on the road. What is more, the I-Shift transmission makes for great driving comfort,” says Olivier.

Olivier’s first Volvo was a Volvo FH16 520 hp, followed later by a Volvo FH16 550 hp. He ran them for about six years apiece, during which they each covered about 600,000 kilometres. He now has a Volvo FH16 700 hp.Olivier admits however that he would easily be able to manage these fish transport operations with a cheaper truck and a 500 hp engine.

“But I spend a lot of time in my truck. And personally I feel it’s immensely important to enjoy being at work. I treat myself to that little bit extra – an attractive and powerful Volvo that makes my work-day both more enjoyable and more comfortable. I have to say I’m rather proud of my new truck.

“And with 700 horsepower under the hood I never need to floor the accelerator on uphill gradients, not even when I make my way up the steep alpine slopes of southern France, Switzerland or Austria, where I cover a lot of mileage.”

Today’s payload is just 1.8 tonnes, the rest is water.“When I’m transporting larger fish, however, I can carry a heavier load.

About five or six tonnes of fish and 20 tonnes of water.”

AFTER HE DElIvERS HIS lOAD OF FISH HE OFTEN DRIvES EmpTy for many kilometres to get to his next customer. There are no cargoes other than live fish that suit this rig.

“With these weight proportions and so many empty runs, the costs per tonne-kilometre are high. That’s why it is vital to have a truck that is economical and that never gives me any surprises in the form of repairs and maintenance costs,” explains Olivier.

After today’s delivery of trout fry, Oliver will first thoroughly disinfect the entire truck and trailer and then load fully matured trout at the same fish farm and transport them to a fish retailer just outside Ghent in Belgium.

FISH TRANSpORTATION IS SOmETHING of a non-stop operation. During the spring, summer and autumn Olivier is seldom home. His journeys take him all over Europe, a couple of times a year all the way over to Belarus.

“In October I lift the fish tanks off the truck and trailer, install stainless steel tanks in their place and transport champagne over a period of three intensive weeks.” n

Rig: Volvo Fh16 700, 6x2 with single rear wheels and a two-axle trailer with single wheels, both equipped with modified extra-low container chassis.Equipment: Both the truck and the trailer feature all-round air suspension. the truck and trailer each carry six fish tanks made of fibreglass, each with a

capacity of 2400 litres and able to carry a maximum of 500 kg of live fish. the tanks can be opened on either side to reduce the need to manoeuvre the truck in the often congested space available at fish farms.n the truck and trailer are each equipped with two 210-litre oxygen cylinders to oxygenate the water.

oliVier’s VolVo Fh16 700 hk

Father régis and son rudy thomas run the “pisciculture de la Douffine” fish farm, which is located just outside Brasparts in Brittany. the family firm has five fish ponds and a total of ten employees, cultivating about 1400 tonnes of rainbow trout a year.

it takes several hours to fill the tanks with trout fry.

14

one plus one equals two. And it is equally obvious that regular exercise combined with good eating habits will lead to a healthier life. Despite this apparently simple formula, Europe’s population is becoming increasingly overweight, with the number of Europeans suffering from obesity having doubled over the past twenty years. One group in particular that stands

out when it comes to unhealthy eating habits and poor physical condition is truck drivers. The average European long-haul driver is 1.80 metres tall and weighs 91 kg. This gives a BMI* of 28, which indicates overweight and a result just two small points away from the official classification for obesity, which is BMI 30. This was revealed in a survey of 2300 drivers throughout Europe that Volvo 3P conducted.

But if good health is so easy to achieve in theory, why then is it so difficult in practice? A lack of will-power and attitude problems may naturally be one answer to that question. But in the case of long-haul drivers, perhaps it could be something as simple as making it easier for drivers to apply these theoretical conditions in order for them to improve their health.

In 2009, the Institute of Sports and Health at Utrecht University identified people working in the transport sector as constituting a particularly high-risk group as regards personal health. At the request of the Institute, Inge Van Bogerijen therefore investigated the subject and reported her findings in a special study*. She came to the conclusion that truck drivers find themselves in a very specific and unique environment, both physically and socially. No surprise then that these drivers’ waist measurements are often rather ‘generous’.

“The working environment out on the roads is an obstacle to a healthier lifestyle among drivers. In my study I saw that many are willing to live a better lifestyle but that they feel they have limited practical opportunities to do so,” she says.

The foremost reason for poor driver health seems to be the high-fat food served at truck stops, combined with the sedentary nature of the work itself

long-haul drivers are often overweight and suffer from poor health. they have the will to improve their lifestyles but many feel it is the working environment out on the roads that is the obstacle. However, it is possible to solve this problem. through motivation, training and increased responsibility on the part of employers and drivers alike, the health situation can be improved.

Several causes of poor health among drivers

›

Words lina skaFVensteDt

illustrations anna ågrahn

inge Van Bogerijen has been tasked by the institute of sports and health at Utrecht University to investigate the health of commercial vehicle drivers.

›

15

the aVerage DriVern the average european driver is 1.80 m tall, weighs 91 kg and has a BMi of 28. this was revealed by a study that Volvo 3p carried out involving 2300 drivers.

hoW to calcUlate yoUr BMin BMi stands for Body Mass index.

tHE FigurEs in tHE piE cHart arE From a HEaltH surVEy tHat VolVo 3p in FrancE carriEd out among 223 driVErs in EuropE.

66 % of all truck drivers DO NOT ENGAGE IN ANy SpORTS ACTIvITIES at all. on the other hand, 56 % would like to have access to gyms at truck-stops.

56 % of all truck drivers SmOkE, which is an increase since the 2007 study. the corresponding figure for europe’s general population is 30 %. 91 % of drivers who smoke DO SO IN THE TRUCk.

Does not engage in any sports at all

Smokes

Smokes in the cab

77 % ARE OvERWEIGHT (BMi 25–30, 46 %) OR OBESE (BMi exceeding 30, 31 %). this should be compared with 22 % of europe’s general population being obese or overweight. however, 40 % are not satisfied with their eating habits.

BMI 25–30

BMI >30

BMI <25

HErE’s HoW poor HEaltH aFFEcts truck driVErs

n lACk OF TImE AND IRREGUlAR WORk-HOURS

liMits For BMi (Who)Underweight less than 18.5normal weight 18.5–24.9overweight 25.0–29.9obesity grade 1 30.0-34.9obesity grade 2 35.0-39.9obesity grade 3 More than 40

= BmIBODy WEIGHT (kg)

HEIGHT2 (m)

n SEDENTARy JOB

n pOOR FACIlITIES FOR TRAINING

n pOOR DIET

1616

Dutch haulage firm Nijhof-Wassink has realised the importance of working preventively on health issues. The company allows its employees to take part in a health programme that puts the focus on a healthier lifestyle and, in return, it gets healthier drivers.

“This is a win-win situation where the driver is healthier and more active, at the same time as we reduce costs,” explains Jogé Nijhof, part owner of Nijhof-Wassink.

The preventive health-care programme is conducted in cooperation with Oude Vrielink Health Management, a consultant firm specialising in this field. Its experts help design a programme to suit the individual needs of each employee and every participant has a personal coach. Ultimately it’s all about helping the driver alter his or her lifestyle by presenting an alternative view of diet and exercise.

“Many people think it’s difficult to make lifestyle changes. However, if you just tell the drivers how easy it can be to eat better and exercise a little more, that’s a major source of inspiration for them. It’s largely about offering very simple suggestions, such as to eat a proper breakfast. Many people don’t, but we generally say it’s exactly like putting diesel into your truck. In exactly the same way you have to give your body energy so it can continue moving you forward,” relates Jogé Nijhof.

She is convinced that investment in the health programme will benefit the company in the long run.

“We gain since our employees take less time off sick. One day off for ill-health costs a lot of money, and you can get a whole lot of coaching for that money. If you have satisfied employees, everything works so much more smoothly. It’s as simple as that.”

haUlier With a FirM FocUs on DriVer health:

“it’s a Win-Win situation”

niJhoF-Wassink n Founded in 1967.n provides transport and storage facilities for dry and liquid bulk cargoes.n 800 employees, of whom just over 360 are truck drivers.n 300 Volvo trucksn haulage company and Volvo dealer with branches in the netherlands, germany, po-land and hungary.

Jogé nijhof, part owner of nijhof-Wassink.

not all overweight people become ill. But excess weight, in particular abdominal obesity, is the foremost cause of high blood sugar levels, high levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure. this

in turn increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and, in the worst-case scenario, stroke and heart attack. in addition, excess weight also often causes sleeping disorders.

Being oVerWeight – nothing to Joke aBoUt

17

› and the chronic lack of time that is a consequence of the long working days.“There is healthier food available at roadside eateries, but the problem

is that this is often much more expensive. Drivers are either not willing or in many cases simply not able to pay so much,” says Inge Van Bogerijen. “What’s more, truck-stops don’t exactly invite training and exercise. There is often no gym on site and inside the cab there is obviously very little scope for physical exercise owing to the limited space.”

What the survey did reveal, interestingly, was that all the drivers interviewed said they felt the issue was important and they were keen to talk about their health.

“However, it was also noticeable that many of them really were not aware of their lifestyles. Many didn’t even think actively about their health but only started thinking about the issue during the conversation. One of my conclusions therefore was that it is important to work in a more focused way on the subject of health.”

Volvo Trucks has also noted this need and integrated it into the company’s driver training programme. One of the programme’s five courses focuses on health, emphasising that it impacts both personal quality of life and the driver’s professional level of competence.

“We give them tips and suggestions on how to live a healthier lifestyle. It isn’t exactly rocket science; rather, it’s all about making drivers aware of how they can eat and live more healthily. Eat breakfast, cycle to work instead of driving, and try to eat more vegetables. We also offer suggestions on what type of training can be done inside the truck cab. The solution lies in the small details,” says driver trainer Lucien van Zullen.

During the training course, the participants also learn how different types of food affect not only their physique but also their mood and ability to concentrate.

“Previously drivers were generally regarded as the “cowboys of the road”, but today it’s more socially accepted to think about safety and about one’s weight and health.”

Volvo Trucks’ training focuses primarily on how the drivers take responsibility for their own health but, as Inge Van Bogerijen noted in her study, the unique working environment in which commercial vehicle drivers find themselves often obstructs their ability to live a

healthier lifestyle. And it is here that employers can make a major contribution.

“They can encourage training and better eating habits for drivers who are motivated to do something about their lifestyles. One way would be to provide a financial incentive by offering a small bonus to those who choose a healthy meal or by sponsoring those who go to the gym. Some also say that personal coaching would be a good way to stimulate motivation.”

What is more, haulage companies have a lot to gain from healthier employees.

“The biggest benefit, as has been amply demonstrated, is that healthy employees are less tired, more keen to work and more concentrated. Investing in one’s employees is thus a long-term and profitable move, because just as one might invest in a safe truck, it’s important to also invest in a safe driver.” n

* inge Van Bogerijen’s study is entitled “What moves truck drivers? – a qualitative study on the meanings that truck drivers give to health promotion in the work place and to the environmental factors that influence their health”.

prEViously driVErs WErE gEnErally rEgardEd as tHE ‘coWboys oF tHE road’, but today it’s morE socially accEptEd

to tHink about saFEty and about onE’s WEigHt and HEaltH.lUcien Van ZUllen, DriVer trainer, VolVo trUcks

lucien van Zullen, driver trainer at Volvo trucks.

increased physical activity and a balanced diet at regular intervals deliver results fairly quickly. a survey carried out by the Danish transport sector shows that in just 12 days, it is possible to reduce blood

pressure and cholesterol to such a low level that these conditions no longer need to be treated with medication. the survey also revealed that the stopping distance of a truck driver with an unhealthy diet is 30

metres longer at 70 km/h than that of a driver who eats healthily.sourcE: “sikkErHEd og sundHEd bak rattEn” (saFEty and HEaltH bEHind tHE WHEEl), surVEy oF tHE links bEtWEEn diEt and traFFic saFEty.

health is a saFety issUe

18

Long Clawson Dairy was founded 100 years ago in

1911 when 12 farmers from the Vale of Belvoir,

Leicestershire, formed a co-operative to produce

Stilton cheese in the village of Long Clawson. Today,

the company is the world’s largest producer of Stilton

and operates a fleet of Volvo tankers and delivery

vehicles. The tankers are used to collect fresh milk

every day from over 40 farms in Leicestershire,

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. As Stilton, like

Cumberland Sausage and Whitstable Oysters, is a

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) food, it can

only be made with milk from these counties. The

‘King of Cheese’ produced by Long Clawson Dairy in

the time honoured way, is delivered to wholesalers

the length and breadth of Britain. From there, it finds

its way to the shelves of the poshest delicatessens

and restaurants as well as major supermarkets and

independent retailers. Collecting the milk involves a

round the clock logistics schedule which happens

day in day out, whatever the weather. So Inside Lane

spent the day with Long Clawson Dairy’s Chris

Dewey to find out how the company’s Volvo fleet

helps him meet the unique challenges faced in this

intensive transport operation.

Milking it

WORDS ReG CRAWFoRD

PHOTOGRAPHY CRAIG eCCLeSToN

18

1919

20

C hris Dewey has been with Long Clawson Dairy since the late seventies. During that time, he has witnessed many changes in the transport industry in general. Not least in the tanker trucks he specifies and operates

on milk collection duties. Compared to the trucks of generations past, the latest Volvos operated by Long Clawson Dairy are high tech, fuel efficient, quiet, low emission, and highly manoeuvrable vehicles. Chris bought the first Volvo truck for the Long Clawson fleet in 1984. It was an F6 4x2 rigid plated at 16,260 kgs. Next up was a B registered FL7 that ran for 500,000 miles before Chris had it rebuilt and refurbished, after which it ran successfully for another half a million miles. Nowadays, five tanker trucks are used to collect milk from the farms which make up the shareholders’ co-operative supplying the raw material for the production of Stilton cheese.

One vehicle is held in reserve as a spare. Although this would be considered unusual in most general haulage operations today, it is necessary says Chris, as whatever happens, the milk must be collected on time from the farms. Cheese production, he says, can’t be held up just because of a broken down truck. Chris, who has worked his way up in the business from being a workshop technician and then foreman, sometimes even gets behind the wheel of one of the tankers himself for a shift if a rostered driver is unable to make it into work. Due to the 365 days a year requirement for farm milk collection, it is this dedication to customer service that Chris and his team need to see from their vehicle suppliers and dealers.

In fact, it was their good reputation for in-service back up that originally attracted Chris to the Volvo marque. He is still impressed with the support the company receives today from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, particularly the Kettering Dealerpoint. “The service we receive is second to none,” he says, adding, “We can get pretty much any part delivered from Kettering in 24 hours. We can even ring them up before 9.30 am and the parts are there the same day. We don’t like to have vehicles standing.”

The latest Volvos to join the busy twelve strong fleet are two FM11-370, 8x2 rearsteer rigid tankers. Compared to the vehicles used in the past, the FMs have much higher specifications, including I-Shift gearboxes (ideal for the frequent stop starts and low speed manouvering on farms) and hydraulically steered, lifting rearmost axles. It is this which has brought about a significant improvement in vehicle productivity and efficiency, says Chris. “We collect a total of around 150,000 litres of milk a

Cday. The three FM 6 wheeler tankers we operate have a capacity of 14,500 litres each. By comparison, the new FM 8x2 rearsteers have a payload of 19,500 litres. That’s almost a 35% increase in carrying capacity. Furthermore, they can manoeuvre in and out of anywhere a six wheeler can go.”

First farm call for the Long Clawson Dairy drivers is at around 7 am. Last call is at about 3 pm. At 20 to 30,000 kms a year, vehicle mileage is relatively low. In order to maintain quality and food safety, the collection of milk is highly procedurised. Once the driver has reversed onto the collection point in the farmyard, the tank is agitated to stir in the cream which has naturally separated. A sample of the milk is taken for analysis by Long Clawson Dairy’s on-site laboratory as a quality check. In fact, every tank is sampled at every farm. The temperature of the milk is then checked before beginning pumping it into the stainless steel tanker. Temperature is critical and should be between 1 and 4 degrees centigrade. If it is over 7 degrees, the driver has to call base and check if it is OK to proceed. The farmers own the milk tanks on their premises and are responsible for cleaning them. There is an automatic wash cycle and this means that the farmer need not be in attendance when the tanker makes the collection. A large herd can produce 8,000 litres of milk for the tanker to upload on a single collection. Over the years, this has grown significantly as farmers improve breeding stock, feeding and animal health to optimise milk production.

Although the drivers have set runs, the amount of milk collected can vary from farm to farm, day to day. “All herds give more on a particular day,” says Chris, adding, “Our drivers are all experienced and know when milk yields at a particular farm are going up or down. This means they can make a substitution in the collection schedule. They have real knowledge that can only be gained by experience and talking to the farmers to understand how their herds are performing. Their job involves a lot of juggling of schedules and delivery times – even if just because farmers get up at different times in the morning!” n

21

Stilton: The King of english Cheese

only premium quality milk is used.

Long Clawson Dairy Transport Manager Chris Dewey.

21

22

Your task, as they say on a certain popular motoring programme, is to seek out all 10 of the cleverly hidden changes that our fiendishly clever graphic designer Nicky has cunningly hidden from you.

As the competition features the fabulous Fast and Furious movie themed artwork of Henshaw Waste and Metal Recycling’s mighty FH16, you might like to challenge yourself to spot the (well hidden) differences at breakneck speed. Nicky took 8 minutes and, as he made the changes in the first place, it proves that even our mustard keen young graphic designer can sometimes be just a bit too smart for his own good!

For the technically minded, in addition to its high profile cab paint job, Henshaws’ top spec FH16-540 also features metallic blue rear mudwings, polished Durabrite wheels, stainless steel vertical exhaust stack, together with polished stainless steel side skirts and catwalk / chassis infill. The rear of the chassis even sports polished chrome ‘bumper’. Cab upholstery is leather. All this and portraits of Vin Diesel and Ludacris too!

Ten changes have been made to this issue’s Spot the Difference picture. One lucky person will win a collector’s edition, high quality 1:50 scale, diecast model of an FMX 8x4 tipper.

To enter the competition, mark up a copy of this page and send it, together with your name, address, postcode and a daytime telephone number to: Spot the Difference Competition, c/o Tribal PR & Marketing Limited, Radway Green Business Centre, Radway Green, Cheshire, CW2 5PR. Entries must be received by 28th October 2011. n

New members and those renewing their membership can enjoy a free gift and can take advantage of a 25% saving by purchasing a two year membership for the reduced price of just £14.99!

Call Volvo Truck Nation today! UK 0800 715 716 overseas 0044 116 240 5714

Remember, the Volvo Truck Nation online Shop is the easy to use online place to buy your official Volvo merchandise direct from the manufacturer.

www.volvotrucknation.co.uk

Join Volvo Truck nation today!

DISCLaIMEr: Judge’s decision final. There is no cash option. This competition is only open to Volvo Truck Nation members and readers of Inside Lane. No employees of Volvo, Volvo Dealers or anyone else professionally connected with Inside Lane may enter. No purchase necessary.

SPoT THE DIFFErEnCECoMPETITIon

The Fast and the Furious

23

The Volvo Trucks UK official merchandise site has been given a full makeover and relaunched with a fab new look that puts a host of the latest must have goodies just a few clicks away.

Here’s a few facts about the new Volvo Trucks merchandise website:

Will I be able to access the new site?The new Volvo Trucks merchandise site is open to everyone.

What if I’m a new visitor to the merchandise site? If you are a new visitor, you will need to create an account where you enter your email address, billing, payment and delivery details.

How do I buy merchandise from the new site?It’s as simple as ABC! Just add items to the basket by clicking on the ‘buy item’ button. Check what quantity you would like and, once you have finished shopping online, you will be able to view the contents of your basket before you go to the secure checkout. Once you have placed your order, you will receive an order confirmation email from Volvo Merchandise UK containing an order reference number. Please quote this in your correspondence if you have any queries.

Do I have to be a Volvo Truck nation member to shop at the site?No, but, if you join Volvo Truck Nation, as a member you will be able to access special discounts on the merchandise site.

What is the standard delivery period?Standard 48 hour delivery.

Fab new look for Volvo Trucks UK merchandise site

New look merchandise site means a host of new goodies are just a few clicks away.

The famous Steel Boys truckers visited Warwick this year as part of their fundraising charity road run for Help the Heroes. This was the 10th Anniversary Road Run for the Steel Boys, whose members operate a range of superbly turned out classic Volvos – from F86s to F12s and F16s.

Over 50 trucks attended the rallying point at Volvo Trucks HQ where they were treated to a warm welcome which included lunch. It was truly amazing to see such a line up of classic Volvos. All were lovingly maintained with some superb full restorations among them.

Keen eyed spotters were able to see Graham, Bellman’s immaculate 1983 F10 4x2 and Trevor Pye’s 6x2 F12 tractor units. It was a fantastic event which was captured on a video which can be seen by searching for Steel Boys on the Volvo Trucks UK channel on You Tube. n

Steel boys 10th anniversary road run

How do I pay for the goods I’ve purchased on the Volvo merchandise site?The Volvo merchandise site accepts all major credit and debit cards

What range of merchandise is available from the site?Clothing, including kids’ sizes, model trucks, accessories, Collection items and special offers such as Truckfest tickets.

Happy shopping! n

The Steel Boys made a stopover at Volvo Trucks HQ, Warwick en route to the CVRTC rally at Gaydon.

Go to www.volvomerchandise .co.uk to browse the latest goodies and place your orders.

You can also follow Volvo Trucks on the websites below.

You can follow us on Twitter at: @VolvoTrucksUK

We’re also on Facebook as Volvo Trucks UK

You can also watch our videos on the Volvo Truck UK channel on YouTube.

WeB

24

one is silent, the second represents a major step forward for gas power, and the third will make landmark achievements if it is allowed to develop for a few years. this is how best to sum up Volvo trucks’ most promising and most environmentally optimised engine technologies.

STEpS TOWARDS A ClEANER FUTURE3

hyBriD Methane-Diesel Bio-DMe

Words Marianne oVesen

pHotos VolVo trUcks anD christer ehrling

25

›

tHE FuElconventional diesel combined with electricity from a lithium-ion battery pack. the battery is charged with recovered energy generated every time the truck brakes or slows down.

tHE tEcHnologythe parallel hybrid, whereby energy from the diesel engine and the electric motor can be utilised together or independently of one another. the system automatically switches between the two power sources. at low speeds up to the first gear change, the hybrid truck is driven solely by its electric motor, which is powered by the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries.

opErating arEaFor distribution and refuse trucks operating in stop-start traffic conditions.

WHat arE tHE bEnEFits?Between 15 and 20 percent lower diesel consumption. if an electric compactor is fitted to the refuse truck, diesel consumption can be cut by up to 30 percent. lower fuel costs. reduced co2 emissions, up to 30 percent lower. When the truck is powered by electricity it is almost totally silent.

WHicH VEHiclEs? Volvo’s hybrid truck is based on the Volvo Fe and is called quite simply the Volvo Fe hybrid.

statusseries production, which got under way in June, will be limited – the advanced hybrid technology requires specially tailored production solutions and battery technology is undergoing constant development. By 2013 about 100 Volvo Fe hybrids will have been delivered to 13 european countries. the model may eventually be made available on more markets.

cHallEngEs For tHE FuturE?to further improve battery capacity. ability to combine the diesel engine with a biofuel. to increase energy efficiency.

WHat tHE customEr tHinks“electric power delivers high torque right from the start, a low noise level and emission-free loading and compacting. When it comes to fuel consumption and climate impact, we’ve achieved reductions of no less than 35 percent. in one year we save 5,250 litres of fuel compared with a conventional diesel engine,” says lars thulin, fleet manager at renova.

HyBRID

City truck that goes about its work in silence

15–20 % lower consumption

lars thulin

at speeds below 20 km/h the Volvo Fe hybrid is powered by its electric motor, whispering silently through the city’s streets.

26

tHE FuElliquefied methane gas (lng/lBg) and diesel, in a ratio of 75 percent methane gas to 25 percent diesel. Methane gas becomes a liquid when it is cooled to minus 160 degrees celsius.

tHE tEcHnologygas and air are injected into the inlet manifold via twelve injectors, two per cylinder, just above the valve opening. the regular injector introduces a small amount of diesel fuel into the cylinder. this diesel serves as a kind of liquid “spark plug”, igniting the gas-air mixture.

opErating arEatailored for regional distribution. a truck on long-distance transport operations or intercity duties powered by liquefied methane and diesel in a ratio of 75-25 can today cover 500 kilometres before refuelling. the vehicle’s range is expected to double in the future.

WHat arE tHE bEnEFits?energy efficiency increases by 30–40 percent compared with an otto cycle engine running on compressed gas (cng/cBg). Doubles the range per tank of fuel compared with a truck running on non-liquefied gas (cng/cBg). if biogas is used, emissions of co2 can be cut by up to 70 percent compared with a conventional diesel engine. Fuel consumption is reduced by 25 percent compared with cng/cBg.

WHicH VEHiclEs?the FM and FMX 6x2 models with the 13-litre 460 horsepower engine delivering 2300 nm of torque are currently available with the new technology.

statusthe preliminary plan is for about 100 methane-diesel hybrids on three european markets this year, expanding to about 400 trucks and more markets in 2012.

cHallEngEs For tHE FuturE?increased production of biogas, expanded distribution and more filling stations for liquefied methane gas.

WHat tHE customEr tHinks“Methane-diesel is definitely a viable concept for the future. if the price of gas is right i expect that up to 80 percent of our truck fleet would consist of Volvo’s methane-diesel trucks within five years,” says Ulf Johansson, president of götene kyltransport.

mETHANE-DIESEl

Efficient long-distance companion

New possibilities for gas power

Ulf Johansson.

tanks for liquefied gas.

27

tHE FuElDMe (dimethyl ether) is a synthetic gas that is transformed into a liquid at a pressure of just 5 bar. Bio-DMe is currently produced from black liquor, which is a high-energy by-product of pulp manufacture for the paper industry. From production of the fuel to its use in the engine, DMe is the most efficient fuel available today. DMe can also be made from natural gas and biogas.

tHE tEcHnologyModified diesel engines. among other things, the fuel system in the engine is sealed to function efficiently with DMe.

opErating arEaprimarily for operations that consume a lot of fuel, such as vehicles in two-shift long-haul and intercity operations. trucks carrying heavy loads and those

that are seldom at a standstill or running at idling speeds. such conditions maximise the climate benefits of DMe.

WHat arE tHE bEnEFits?95 % lower carbon dioxide emissions compared with diesel, no emissions of soot particles. generally low emission levels. gives five times greater operating range per unit of cultivated land compared with biodiesel, for instance. high energy-efficiency in relation to other biofuels. good availability of raw materials via the forestry industry.

WHicH VEHiclEs?the trucks used in the field trials are Volvo Fh models.

statusthis is still a development project. series production is 10 to 15 years in the future. at present field trials are under way in sweden.

cHallEngEs For tHE FuturE?creation of industrial-scale mass production of biofuel and establishment of a distribution network and fuel stations.

WHat tHE customEr tHinks“it is important for the swedish postal service to work proactively to move away from fossil fuels, and we believe bio-DMe is a good long-term solution in that regard,” says henrik Boding, environmental affairs Director at the logistics department of the swedish postal service’s nordic division.

BIO-DmE

The future hope

95 % lower CO2

ExHAUST FIlTERS, CATAlyTIC converters, more fuel-efficient engines and new fuels.

Volvo Trucks has always been at the forefront of development when it comes to eco-optimised technologies. The driving force has been a combination of keen insight into the significance of environmental issues, competitiveness and oil prices. It all got under way in earnest in the early 1970s when tougher legislation was adopted for emissions from both cars and trucks.

According to Volvo Trucks’ Director of Environmental Affairs, Lars Mårtensson, environmental concerns back then related solely to local ecological problems.

“Since then, the environment has become a global issue. For the sake of our planet’s climate, we must find renewable and sustainable fuels,” he says.

Volvo Trucks started developing hybrid technology in the 1980s, and in the following decade its first gas-powered truck was launched. However, the market was not ready for this development and gas trucks did not stay around long.

About ten or fifteen years ago, there was a lot of talk about fuel cells but here, too, the market was not ready for this development.

“It is very important not to focus blindly on specific technologies but rather to have an open mind during the development process. On the way other solutions often materialise,” comments Lars Mårtensson.

In 2007 Volvo Trucks unveiled seven trucks each running on a different fuel.

After that, the choice was narrowed to the three now being reviewed: bio-DME, methane-diesel and hybrid power. All

three can be powered by both renewable as well as fossil fuels – a very important consideration in the initial phase.

The challenge now is to secure the production and distribution of biofuels so that the trucks’ eco-technologies can be harnessed to the maximum.

“This is immensely important for generating confidence in the technology. Not least, customers need to know that the fuels are being both produced and distributed as part of a long-term strategy if they are to be persuaded to invest in them,” says Lars Mårtensson.

The challenge facing hybrid technology is battery development. Now the batteries are functioning well in trucks, but they can be better and, above all, cheaper.

“The vision we are working towards is entirely climate-neutral transports. Today hybrid technology is the best solution. In the longer term, however, renewable fuels will become more important,” he says. n

“The vision is entirely climate- neutral transports”

henrik Boding.

lars Mårtensson

Black liquor

28

Fuel is one of the main costs for Europe’s hauliers, accounting for about one-third of total operating expenses. Having said that, it is also one of the easiest costs to influence. With proper driver training, a driver can reduce fuel consumption by up to seven percent and stay at that level.

 1FUEl-EFFICIENT DRIvING – AN ImpORTANT pART OF

THE TRAINING COURSE The driver’s driving style is the parameter that has the biggest impact on fuel consumption. That is why the course on fuel-efficient driving is an important cornerstone in Volvo Trucks’ driver training programme, where the participants learn to drive economically and to correctly utilise the truck’s properties and various supplementary features. The course can be configured to focus on long-haul operations, construction duties or city traffic to suit the participants’ needs and wishes.

2  THE RESUlTS ARE NOT lONG IN COmING

In Europe 15,000 drivers in 25 countries have already taken part in Volvo Trucks’ driver training programme. The course in fuel-efficient driving takes one day. For some drivers this is enough to cut fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent, although such big gains are rather unusual. A perfectly reasonable target is to cut consumption by seven percent.

 3 IF IT CAN BE mEASURED, IT CAN BE CHANGED

It’s easy to fall back into old habits. After a while many drivers return to the same consumption figures they had before their training. For this reason, continuous follow-up is necessary. Ongoing driver training together with Volvo’s Dynafleet traffic information system has been proven to be a good combination.

With Dynafleet, haulage firms can get regular reports on their vehicles’ fuel consumption. Many haulage firms choose to provide in-house driver training.

Words eric lUnDekrans

pHotos Martin aVery

Driver training delivers results on the bottom line

Quick tips For driVing Economically:n the basic requirement is an optimised truck – the right tyre pressure, the right gap between tractor and trailer, and the right axle alignment.

n keep the rig rolling with as few stops as possible. read the road ahead and plan your driving.

n a fully loaded rig possesses considerable kinetic energy. lift off the accelerator and harness this energy together with i-roll (the freewheeling function).

n never drive faster than 82 km/h; at higher speeds, a cushion of air forms in front of the truck, thus increasing air resistance.

n let i-shift do the job – it always chooses the right gear.

€  Here’s how much money a haulage firm with ten trucks can save:

Volvo trucks tV brought together experienced truck journalist and blogger Brian Weatherley with driver trainer andy colett. see how Brian succeeded in changing his driving style and cutting his fuel consumption by more than 7 percent after just one day’s training.

WeB-tV one Day at the DriVer training coUrse reDUceD FUel consUMption By 7 %

n if we consider that......diesel costs 1.4 euros a litre....each truck covers 160,000 km a year....fuel consumption is 40 litres/100 km....the drivers are able to cut their fuel consumption by seven percent.

n in such a scenario, a haulage firm with ten trucks can save 63,000 euros a year.

Fuel consumption is directly

correlated to carbon dioxide emissions.

For each litre of diesel you save, you also

save the environment.

CO2

Banks Group began a programme of driver development in February 2010. The aim of the programme was to improve the fleet’s overall average fuel economy from 6.79 mpg (41.6 litres/100km) to 8 mpg (35.3 litres/100km). Banks Group Transport Manager Steven Hanlon described how this was achieved.

What was happening before the introduction of a fuel-efficient driving style?

“We started monitoring driving for fuel efficiency after installing Dynafleet. After three months monitoring, our fleet of Volvo FM-440 artic tippers was found to be achieving 6.79 mpg (41.6 litres/100km). We looked at paying the drivers a fuel bonus but needed a way of monitoring fuel usage accurately. Dynafleet did that for us. With the Driver Development programme, the Volvo Truck dealer provided a solution that promoted a more fuel-efficient driving style. That of course then meant we could implement a meaningful fuel incentive.”

How did you work with your drivers to improve their driving?

“The fuel bonus shares with the drivers the savings generated by more fuel-efficient driving. It pays out every week against a package of driver KPIs. These include not just fuel usage but also zero tachograph errors and no speeding

infringements. Our Volvo Trucks dealer was very pro-active. They provided the services of a Driver Development Manager who worked with us to map out a programme. Each driver received a full day with a Volvo Driver Development Manager in the cab offering advice on achieving the most fuel-efficient driving style. We pay up to 11 percent of a driver’s weekly salary if they achieve over 8 mpg (35.3 litres/100km) and I have to really compliment the drivers on the way they have focused on this scheme. Thanks to their efforts, we achieved around 8.5 mpg (33.2 litres/100 km) last summer. That’s about a 25% improvement over our starting point of 6.79 mpg (41.6 litres/ 100km).”

How do you rate the success of the driver development programme?

“It’s been a complete success and we’re continuing to invest in it for new drivers. Volvo’s programme also delivers tips on how best to use cruise control and I-Shift’s Eco-Roll function. We also benchmark our top performers. Fuel and performance reports are reviewed on Monday and for those who have earned them, payments are in the drivers’ bank accounts on Thursday.”

Base: north-east EnglandBusiness: Banks Group develops land for a variety of uses including residential and commercial property, surface

mining, renewable energy and energy from waste. Their transport fleet delivers coal from their surface mines to customers.

Fleet: 12 Volvo FM artic tippersTotal fleet kilometres per year: 1,020,000

Facts Banks groUp 29

it’s bEEn a complEtE succEss and WE’rE continuing to inVEst

in it For nEW driVErs. steVen hanlon, Banks groUp

30

in brief

narrow-Track tipper fits the bill: automatically A new Volvo narrow-track

16-tonne rigid built specifically to operate within some of London’s most congested streets has joined the expanding Viridor fleet. Working in conjunction with both Volvo Truck dealer M C Truck and Bus and Wilcox Commercial Vehicles Ltd, Viridor Regional Vehicle and Plant Engineer for the south east Paul Riley was able to design a bespoke vehicle ideally suited to the conditions encountered in the Capital’s narrow streets and back alleys.

The FL 260 was specified with a six-speed Allison fully automatic gearbox enabling the driver to cope more easily with the stop-start traffic, while the overall 2.3-metre width allows access to otherwise inaccessible locations. Single tyres are fitted to the drive axle in order to reduce the width of the tipping vehicle.

“This vehicle will operate within a radius of five to ten miles from our depot in Canning Town, East London collecting waste food materials from both shops and hotels. This is then taken to an anaerobic digester for treatment,”

explained Viridor’s Paul Riley.The transportation of food waste

is subject to strict environmental conditions so the Wilcox tipping body is fitted with a water-tight rear tailgate to eliminate leakage

while in transit. Similarly a spill-proof Terberg side-loading bin lift ensures that the loading process is both clean and efficient. The Volvo FL narrow-track tipper is one of nine vehicles taken by

Viridor all of which will be operated from their site in East London. Other models include FL and FE rigids fitted with an Allison automatic gearbox but equipped with mobile compactor bodywork.

Alec McManus of Glasgow-based M8 Recovery has added another spectacular Volvo wrecker to his fleet. Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, Cardonald, the new wrecker is equipped with Boniface Engineering Trident bodywork and is pulling home trucks and coaches that have fallen by the wayside on Scotland’s busy east-west motorway. Alec runs a mixed fleet of nearly 40 specialised recovery vehicles and this latest £400,000 monster packs a 50 tonne crane-lift and a 150-tonne train weight under the bright red

bodywork. It has a cuddly side to it too. Alec says, “We like to give each of our trucks a cartoon identity with a bespoke livery.” This latest FH13-460 6x4 has been liveried as ‘Yogi Bear’ and he no doubt keeps his eyes peeled for the Rangers on the motorway.

Alec, or Junior as he is better known to his many friends, commented that it was the solid product reputation and excellent dealer support for his previous Volvos that meant he did not hesitate to take another FH. “The Volvo is bulletproof” he said.

M8 recovery’s FH is smarter than the average bear

Alec McManus of Glasgow-based M8 Recovery has added another spectacular Volvo wrecker to his fleet.

A new Volvo narrow-track 16-tonne rigid built specifically to operate within some of London’s most congested streets has joined the expanding Viridor fleet.

3131

New media

Every drop countsthe Every drop counts website presents a number of examples of how haulage firms can reduce their fuel consumption through relatively simple measures. Here Volvo trucks implements a holistic view that focuses on optimal energy usage and reduced environmental footprint. among other things, visitors can use an efficiency calculator to find out just how much fuel they can save.

Visit the site at www.volvotrucks.com/everydropcounts

Every drop counts. Save up to 7%* fuel with I-Shift, our thinking transmission. Learn more at volvotrucks.com/everydropcounts* The claimed fuel savings are compared to the same vehicle with a manual gearbox. Actual savings will depend upon the driver and driving conditions.

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

VTUK_I-Shift_IL_9.8.11.indd 1 09/08/2011 10:03