2
TRUCKSTOP NEWS
ISSUE 324 JUNE 2014
COSGRAVE’S NEW RUBBER CUTS COSTS
IN-CAB CAM FIRM NAMES ITS DRIVER OF THE YEAR
D
Company MD Brian Cosgrave reckons Michelin tyres are proving cost-effective
L
imerick-based family-run container transport specialist Cosgrave Transport has adopted a Michelin tyre policy across its fleet of 27 trucks and 75 trailers after the performance of Michelin’s steer axle tyres impressed managing director Brian Cosgrave. Prior to switching to Michelin tyres, Limerick-based Cosgrave Transport fitted a range of well-known tyre brands, but found steer tyre wear so aggressive that tyres had to be turned on the rim every six weeks. In some cases, steer tyres supplied as original equipment suffered major shoulder wear after just six weeks in service. The firm said that when the first 315/80R22.5 Michelin XZE2+ test sets were fitted, tyre life rose significantly. Cosgrave turned the Michelin steer tyres on the rim just once during their first life in service, and they clocked up an impressive 220,000 km before being regrooved. “Our fleet undertakes a lot of regional work and the deteriorating condition of some of the older roads in Ireland really take their toll,” Brian Cosgrave said. “Pronounced cambers and ruts caused by years of trailers operating on super singles were causing
terrible premature tyre wear. It was pushing up our running costs and eating into valuable workshop hours. “The difference in performance since we started fitting Michelin replacement tyres has been incredible. We’re getting a very respectful mileage performance from the tyres and roadside downtime is a rare occurrence. As a result, we now fit Michelin products on all axles.” Cosgrave also specifies Michelin tyres as original equipment on new trucks and trailers joining the fleet. “It cost us €750 to have 385/65R22.5 XTE3 tyres fitted on each of our new Dennison trailers, but it’s worth it,” he said. “When you consider the total value of ownership we’ll unlock from each of these Michelin casings, it more than covers the additional cost.” Cosgrave Transport operates its own on-site workshop, where staff inflate tyres to bespoke pressures defined by Michelin for each vehicle type. The workshop team also ensure tyres follow the tyre-maker’s multiple lives policy, with the new X MultiWay 3D XZEs fitted on the steer axle, X MultiWay 3D XDE Remix tyres on the drive axle and Encore remoulds on trailers.
Find us on page 27
river safety and compliance solutions provider Lytx Europe Ltd has announced Ian Peters of DS Smith as the winner of its International Driver of the Year Award. Peters was selected as a result of his excellent driving behaviour, demonstrated while following Lytx’s DriveCam programme, which the firm said has helped him to become a safer driver. The DriveCam programme, which combines sophisticated data analytics with video review, allows commercial drivers and fleet managers to identify the root causes of risky driving among their fleets. The International Driver of the Year Award recognises drivers who have shown they are able to consistently operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, demonstrating the fewest number of risky driving incidents that would indicate a requirement for coaching. DS Smith driver Peters, who has been a professional driver for 16 years, said the DriveCam programme helped him to become a safer driver and also demonstrate his professionalism to his employer. “DriveCam has given me a much greater awareness to situations that may arise or develop,” Peters said. “I’m now much more proactive, rather than reactive, in my driving style. I have been able to evolve and demonstrate my professionalism to my employer and my colleagues and feel safer as I do so.” Peters has worked for DS Smith for nine years, using the Lytx’ DriveCam programme for the last five. Lytx VP and general manager for Europe, Paul Jones, who presented the award to Peters, said: “Lytx congratulates Ian on this fantastic achievement. Our
BRITAIN’S BEST It’s Official – Thank you From all the Team at the A1 TRUCK STOP COLSTERWORTH Call in when you are next passing NG33 5JN
Read the paper online at www.truckingmag.co.uk
DS Smith driver Ian Peters reckons the DriveCam system has made him safer behind the wheel goal is to make sure drivers always get home safely to their families and the level of safety Ian has achieved is a real testament to the DriveCam programme.” Peters added: “For drivers just about to embark on the DriveCam programme, I would say to treat the camera as your friend – it is there as much for you as it is for anybody else. You can learn from it and improve your professional techniques; I certainly have in the last five years. “I feel less stressed and fatigued through the way I now drive. A good example of how my style of driving has changed would be my approach to traffic lights. When I approach a light that is green, I will slow down to a speed that I can stop safely and without activating the camera if the light was to change to red. Ultimately, my approach is therefore safer.”
Truck S of the top Year 2014