Ever wondered who, what where when and why about the history of tanker trailers?? No? Me either, but even so have a read through the info graphic below and learn a thing or two about the tank trailers history. Then when you’ve had a look click HERE to learn more.
Straight from Volvo’s Press release department, some revolutionary tech news;
Volvo Trucks is now launching a new function – Tandem Axle Lift – which makes it possible to disengage and raise the second drive axle. This gives better road grip and up to 4 per cent lower fuel consumption when the truck is driven unladen. The solution is ideal for heavy-duty operations with loads being carried one way and returning empty, such as hauling timber, bulk cargo or operating in the construction industry.
“With Tandem Axle Lift the second drive axle can be disengaged and its wheels raised off the road when the truck is driven empty. This offers many advantages, of which the most significant is the fuel saving since driving with the second drive axle raised saves up to 4 per cent in fuel compared with having all the axles lowered,” says Jonas Odermalm, segment manager Construction at Volvo Trucks.
By replacing the differential in the first drive axle with a dog clutch, the second drive axle can be disengaged and raised. The driver thus has access to both the power and capacity of two drive axles (6×4) and also the better manoeuvrability of a single drive axle (4×2). What is more, driving with the second drive axle raised also cuts the turning circle by a metre and imposes less wear on tyres and suspension systems.
“Tandem Axle Lift is perfect for operations where ground conditions or gross vehicle weights demand a tandem-drive truck, but where the vehicle returns empty or lightly-loaded in the opposite direction,” explains Jonas Odermalm.
Tandem Axle Lift also offers the driver better comfort when the truck is driven empty, which can correspond to 50 per cent of the operating time. The in-cab noise level is lower and vibrations are reduced when only the tyres of one drive axle are in contact with the road.
The Tandem Axle Lift option is now available for all models in the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 ranges.
EU Drivers hours laws have been temporarily relaxed for drivers heading to Eurotunnel or Dover for a crossing to Calais. For the full release please click HERE. Please read the following from The Department of Transport;
The industrial action at the Port of Calais and incidents at the Euro Tunnel terminal and Channel Tunnel has caused major disruption to cross-Channel commercial vehicle traffic through the Tunnel and to some ferry routes to and from Kent. This has resulted in Operation Stack being invoked on the M20.
The Department for Transport has, pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, agreed to a temporary and limited, exceptional relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules. The temporary relaxation applies only to drivers whose journeys are delayed due to the industrial action or disruption at Calais and who:
– have used a cross channel ferry or Eurotunnel to reach or leave Kent
– are waiting within Kent for departure to mainland Europe
– are driving a commercial vehicle operated from an operating centre in Kent and whose journey has been disrupted
This relaxation is not available for other commercial vehicle drivers in Kent and is not available for international journeys that do not pass through Kent.
This temporary relaxation applies from 00:01 on Thursday 30 July 2015 and will run for a period of 30 days at the times when Operation Stack is in place. Up to date information on the status of Operation Stack is available from Kent Police and Highways England.
The department reserves the right to withdraw or suspend the relaxation earlier if circumstances change. This relaxation is under constant review and may be withdrawn or suspended with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Hopefully most of you will know that I used to be an owner driver myself a good few years back now. Quite often on social media I end up meeting and talking too other owner drivers. I think if you’ve done it you can easily relate to the hardships and pleasures of running your own motor. Mark “Choppy” Steward is one such Owner Driver that I have a few messages with now and again, I can’t tell you how it started but we keep in contact now and again. So I couldn’t help but notice the ordering and arrival of a stunning DAF XF106 Super Space Cab. An owner drivers truck really is the be all and end all, it’s got to be everything a fleet truck is and more, usually a lot smarter as its a representation of yourself and also how people you may be working for see you as a company. If you like the truck is the ambassador to your name if that makes sense. As you will see Marks choice of new truck is a fine one, we all know the big DAF is a great truck to live in and work with and the new Euro VI front end with metallic paint just looks awesome. Over to Mark for full details………
Its a Euro VI, XF Super Space Cab, FTP (baby midlift axle), complete with full SB Components side skirts & chassis infill. It has the 510 engine with auto gear box & intarder. It’s also one of the first DAF’s in the UK with the new leather interior.
The truck also has Alcoa Durabright wheels, 850 litre fuel tanks, built in sat nav, roof top air conditioning unit, fitted flat screen tv and a microwave. The paint work was done by Kirk Coachworks from Wisbech & PD Stevens of Market Drayton. All the electrical work was done by Martin Moore from Kings Lynn. The truck itself was supplied by Greenhous Commercials of Shrewsbury.
I (Mark!) was lucky enough to watch the vehicle being made at the DAF factory in Leyland, Lancashire, where it started as just two chassis beams. It took just over two hours to complete the build and the cab was fitted in just 11 minutes! I purchased the vehicle as a 10th Anniversary vehicle although originally I had a 750hp Volvo FH4 but it had to go as it was too thirsty!
The truck will be pulling a fridge trailer running in both the UK and Europe, averaging 140,000km a year. In the past I have run a DAF 95, 95XF and XF105 Super Space Cabs.
Awesome. I think you’ll agree that Mark should be pleased with the result. It once again seems that less is more, the subtle approach is the best way in my opinion. Also I’m glad to see that so far there are no light bars, Mark has opted for four spots mounted in the sun visor. As an owner driver you’ve got to have the truck that makes you happy as much as anything else. We all know what it’s like when your driving something you don’t enjoy, you end up frustrated and constantly fighting against it. So all I can hope is that it’s a reliable truck and it keeps Mark on the road. Without Owner drivers (and small hauliers) we could end up with nothing but white fleet trucks on the road then what we all be secretly spotting?? If anyone gets the work and the chance, I’d strongly reccomend giving being an Owner Driver ago, just be prepared not to have many holidays and days off! Thanks for the photos and info Mark.
This blog isn’t written by Truckblog but I thought it was worth publishing;
The Number Of Foreign Lorry Accidents Increases On UK Motorways.
A new report from the accident exchange has revealed that the number of foreign lorries involved in accidents on UK motorways has increased 14% when compared to figures from 2012. It also highlighted how Polish, German and Spanish HGVs are the most common nationalities caught in accidents, and that 1 out of every 3 foreign lorry collisions happen on motorways.
Polish lorries were found to be involved in the highest number of accidents, representing almost 16% of accidents, with German vehicles coming in second place with 13.1%. Spanish HGVs came third, being involved in nearly 8.5% of collisions.
It also revealed, although it may not come as a surprise to some, that the M25 saw the most foreign lorry accidents, followed by the M6 and M1. Accidents in city and town locations accounted for a third of incidents.
The figures state that there was almost 1,100 crashes taking place that involved foreign lorries on the motorway network of the UK during 2014, marking an increase of 14.3% when compared to 2012. Looking at all road types in the country, estimates suggest foreign lorry incidents stood at 3,100 over the course of the year, which equates to nearly 9 per day.
Although motorways are normally deemed to be one of the safest types of roads to travel on in the country by car, the stats show that a third of foreign lorry collisions in 2014 occurred here. Normally, there are just 4.3% of accidents that happen on motorways in the United Kingdom.
Accident Exchange was responsible for handling 110,000 accidents and incidents between 2012 and 2014. From this experience, they were able to record the statistics that the number of lorries involved in accidents on motorway was growing.
The Director of Sales Development at Accident Exchange, Liz Fisher, said: “This worrying statistic shows that a collision with a foreign lorry is an increasingly real possibility. A heavy goods vehicle in unfamiliar territory can be a danger. Common types of accidents that might involve trucks are cars getting caught in the blind spot of a lorry that is changing lanes or cars being rear-ended by a much bigger, heavier vehicle.”
There are a variety of reasons for foreign lorries being involved in a higher number of accidents on UK motorways, with the most obvious being that the rules of the road are different to other EU countries. There are also some differences in the visual requirements for HGV drivers in other countries when compared to the standards required in the UK.
There is still a huge interest in the golden years of trucking. The 70’s and 80’s for me conjure up endless images of trucks crossing the deserts to far flung destinations, such as Riyadh, Baghdad, Islamabad and even Destination Doha. It’s not often that people like myself (yes truck geeks!) get to meet our heroes as there really aren’t many to meet. I have strong connections to these golden days and recollect one day last year at the Retro Truck Show at Gaydon when during a Middle East day I got the chance to meet the men who pioneered the routes to the East. Everyone of them a hero and everyone with more than a few stories and knowledge they could share to a thousand modern day drivers. I could have stood their and listened to these drivers for hours probably even days. One of the men I met was more of a name I had heard of rather than a face I recognised but even so meeting Robert Hackford was a very enjoyable experience. Here was a man that to most would probably look like just another retired man enjoying his well deserved rest after a busy working life. Well dressed, well spoken, well educated and I’m sure most would never think him to be a lorry driver. For me quite the contrary, one of the old school knights of the road, travelling across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. No hassle, no fuss, no ego, just get loaded, get on with it and help who ever needs it on the way. I spoke with Robert for a while as he shared a few stories and as you could probably predict, he was full of knowledge and clearly had lived every minute of his time on the dusty open road.
Now when I think of the Middle East run, I think I’ve been misinformed a little as I thought it was dominated by the new Swedes on the block, one from Gothenburg and one from Södertälje. But perhaps it was very British to learn that there was another marque that made a no fuss no hassle big impression and conquered the run to the East, the very British ERF.
ERF NGC – Lorries of Arabia by Robert Hackford. My first thoughts on being sent this book to review was that it has every possibility to become way to geeky even for me, with to many chassis and reg numbers. There are other books about specific fleets or marque of truck that are just dull and over the top with to much info no one really wants to read about. I can safely say this is not one of those books. Yes it’s about a mere 70 odd trucks from one particular series, manufactured by one particular manufacturer but I can assure you, you won’t glaze over and you won’t find it heavy going. Mr Hackford has a very easy to read style of writing that makes the information that is included relatively easy to digest. At some points there is a touch of repetitiveness but not without reason as its all relavant to each chapter. The book runs through how the ERF NGC came about and how and why the range became such a hit, bearing in mind, until the point the NGC was unveiled, ERF hadn’t been considered an Intercontinental Cruiser perhaps more intercounty cruiser. You will also find out that it wasn’t just a hit with UK operators but our European cousins were also won over by the NGC’s charm and driver appeal. The book contains plenty of anecdotes from Roberts time on the road and his passion and enjoyment of his time driving trucks is clearly reflected by the way he describes the life of a long distance lorry driver. The romance of the open road is clearly apparent from Mr Hackfords excellent descriptive writing. Having finally driven an NGC while researching this book, Robert had a moment sitting behind the wheel of possibly the only restored NGC in the UK. I quote;
“I closed my eyes to rekindle that wonderful, ‘heading south’ feeling that explodes in the pit of the stomach when you fire up a lorry bound for the orient”
That dear of readers is the definition of the romance of the road! All the way through the book I found myself wanting to read the next page, despite the fact that there is some technical talk, which as I said earlier had the potential to get a little to geeky for want of a better word, it really doesn’t and I just wanted to keep reading. I was fascinated that the ERF was such a hit and such a great truck and that I had no idea of its success. If you are a fan of the Middle East days, a fan of ERF or just a fan of trucks in general I do highly reccomend you read this book. I’m sure it’s not a proper book reviewers term and Robert won’t particularly thank me for it, but in its purest form, the phrase “thoroughly enjoyable” seems highly appropriate!
If you want to order the book, please do so from the only publisher that supports our industry, Old Pond Publishing. CLICK HERE to go straight to the Old Pond website and order your copy.
I’ll leave you with one final passage from pages 64 and 65. I need a time machine and I need to go back to the 70’s, if your a true Long Haul Pioneer you’ll feel the same as I do…..it’s all about the romance of the road!!;
“The evening is hot and fragmentary fragrances of roadside herbs drift through his open window to mingle with the faint smell of warm diesel. In perfect harmony with his ERF, the driver powers into the evening and onward into the cool, gathering mists of night until the moon rises above the trees to burnish the road ahead with silver. The ceaseless rumble of the powerful engine beneath him will reassure him till dawn. He trusts this machine implicitly to bear him safely to the Arabian Gulf where, having unloaded, he will park under dusty palms and recline on his bunk in the soporific heat of noon, half listening to the sound of bleating goats, midday call to prayer and the lazy slap of loose tilt sheets against the sideboards drifting through his open cab doors.”
The qualification round consisted of Defensive Eco driving, Drugs and Drowsiness, Cargo Securing, Checks before driving and First Aid, leaving the last qualifying round for Saturday morning, with everybody doing the “Combo” exercise in front of the main stage at the Scania factory. The event is run like clockwork, with briefings, technical meeting, jury members, Scania crew members ensuring fair play and that you are on time for each event. Whilst I was confined to a green room between events, Ryan and Dave (the runners up) and the other Scania UK guests were flying round the demo track in an assortment of Scania trucks and and Scania powered machinery, an experience that is not available to the general public and is a once in a lifetime experience in itself.
Here in the UK we had the Scania Golden Griffin, but over in the Benelux countries they have just launched today, their own special edition……Silver Griffin. In my opinion it looks better and appears to have more thought put into it than it’s British cousin. Only 100 trucks available so if you want one you better get your passport out!
Show season is upon us once again! Whether you are thinking of one of the many Truckfest events, or one of the independent shows such as the Peak Truck Show, the Barnard Castle show, Full of the Pipe in Ireland or one of the smaller up and coming shows such as the Cornwall Truck Show, the Evesham Truck show or even the only single marque show in the UK, The Gathering of the Griffin held for Scania owners, drivers and enthusiasts alike, what ever your show the season has begun. If you run your own show then please email, tweet or some how send me show details so I can put it on the blog for you.
There are shows up and down the country and it is high time that all dates and locations were in one simple easy location for everyone to find, but as yet, even on the blog, we have all failed to compile a singular list of all shows. The list in Trucking International magazine is about as comprehensive as it gets. Speaking from my simple show experience, it doesn’t seem to matter if you are entering a truck or just a day visitor there is a show for you some where. My days of entering trucks in shows are some what over unless some one is kind enough to loan me one. Even as a day visitor I still don’t get round to as many shows as I’d like, we specially the independents where there seems to be an increased sense of atmosphere and a smaller number of trucks. The Retro truck show at Gaydon in September is the best example of this and incidently according to a Poll I did here on the blog, the Retro Show was also your favourite truck show of 2014.
The effort that drivers, owners and their families are putting in to keeping the trucks in top condition gets better and better every year. Just look at the well known Fallen Heros Scania above. I saw this truck up close for the first time at the Gathering of the Griffin last year. It’s a stunning truck, a rolling tribute to all the fallen soldiers in Afganistan, so it deserves to be well looked after. Therefore it isn’t possible to question the amount of effort Kian Humphreys and his family put in to keeping it clean. This does allow me to publish one of my favourite photos from last year. The following photo sums up the effort required to maintain a top custom truck………
I do have a hand in the Gathering of The Griffin, held in Ipswich every September. I am known as a Scania fan amoung other things, so I take great pleasure in judging the Best 3 Series Scania every year. There is no other one marque truck show in the UK, never mind the fact that last year there were over 115 Scania trucks all in one place. Including for the first time ever, at least one truck from very series sold in the UK. I can email you an entry form if required. All I ask is that if you enter please turn up as the parking for the weekend is all arranged in series order and does give the organiser the odd head ache when trying to make the final plan, so drop outs or should I say those who can’t be arsed to turn up, certainly aren’t flavour of the weekend!
This year myself I will be trying to attend a few events, most of the time I’ll be wearing a Truckblog Polo shirt, so feel free to come and say hello. I am currently planning on going to the following shows for the day or the weekend;
Yes Interlaken! I can’t wait for that one. I am a lucky man as Mrs Blog allows me a weekend away every year on the continent to endulge myself in plenty of continental trucking! Sorry I meant in a manly way, I tell Mrs Blog I’m going!! I’ve wanted to go to Interlaken for a number of years now, but Truckstar Festival in the Netherlands has always been first choice mainly for logistical reasons and my weird wanting to be Dutch! As for the rest, they are my annual mainstay of shows, but I’m always keen on trying some thing new if I can or if time and family commitments allow.
As it’s physically not possible for me to get to all shows this year, although it would be some challenge for a single person, I’ll happily accept any show reports written by you lot to publish on the blog, so you can tell us all what we missed out on. All I’d need are some photos and a good write up. Email me at ben@truckblog.co.uk and I WILL publish all reports I receive, you’ll also get a free TB sticker for your efforts! So where ever you’ll be showing or visiting please share your show with us all. Keep on trucking! – These are all my own photos.
Première of the MAN TGX D38- “100 Years Edition” – Stainless steel bars, flaming lion and fully equipped for comfort
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