2
truckstop news
Issue 323 MAY 2014
Myers makes room for T
S
trong growth and improving market conditions has seen haulier Myers Group Ltd take delivery of two Renault Range T460.26 TML E6 6x2 tractor units on a full repair and maintenance contract with BRS Ltd. The Range Ts are the first Euro 6 vehicles to join the fleet of 50 tractor units, which comprises of 25 DAF and 25 Renault Premium 460s, and operates out of the company’s Maidstone site. Myers’ customers are international forwarders and trailer operators, and the new Range Ts will provide traction services across the UK from South Eastern and Eastern ports. The company operates a dual purchasing policy for its commercial vehicle fleet, with half its vehicles on outright purchase and half on contract hire through BRS. “Fuel efficiency is a key factor, especially for our contract hire fleet,” said Myers Group MD, Tony Myers. “The Renault Premiums are strong on fuel and the Range Ts have been good from the off.
“They’re continuing to do very well, achieving 8.8 mpg – which is around the same as the Premiums. It’s early days as they’ve only been on the road for three weeks, so we expect their fuel efficiency to improve.” Driver acceptance is very important for a company that prides itself on the professionalism and loyalty of its fully employed drivers, and Myers said his drivers are happy with the new Range Ts. The trucks are additions to the fleet and the decision to expand follows an upturn in business over the last year. “We’re very busy, mainly from continental companies and in particular, from Belgium and Holland,” Myers said. “The import/export sector is a good pointer for the economy. We’re the first to feel the pinch and the first to notice when things start to improve. “Once we’ve evaluated the first two Range Ts fully, we’ll be speaking to BRS about adding further trucks to our fleet, and with a view to replacing the Premiums throughout 2014,” he concluded.
Stena bags Celtic Link
E
uropean ferry company Stena Line has acquired the Irish-owned Celtic Link ferry service which operates from Rosslare-Cherbourg. Celtic Link currently provides a three-times-weekly service between Ireland and France with the Mv Celtic Horizon, which can
accommodate 120 freight units, 220 cars and 1000 passengers. “The acquisition of the RosslareCherbourg route is a key strategic investment for Stena Line and one which will help stimulate and strengthen new and existing opportunities for trade between
Operator said new Range Ts are currently achieving 8.8 mpg
Ireland, France and beyond,” said Ian Davies, Stena Line’s route manager (Irish Sea South). “With confidence in the Irish economy strengthening, we see positive long-term growth in freight traffic from the Continent as a real opportunity to help strengthen this economic growth further.” Michael McGrath, Stena Line’s chief operating officer, added: “This investment represents an important milestone for Stena Line, as for the first time in our history
we will be able to offer a direct ferry link between the Republic of Ireland and the Continent.” The all-year-round service currently operates three weekly sailings from Rosslare at 2130 on Tuesday and Thursday, with a Saturday sailing at 1600. From Cherbourg, the schedule is 2100 on Wednesday and Friday, with a Sunday sailing at 1600 with a journey time of approximately 17 hours.
DRIVER CPC TRAINING PDP training on the up
I
n the first six weeks since the UK’s Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) became fully operational in January, 137 drivers undertook written assessments with a pass rate of over 90 per cent, and 53 drivers successfully completed their PDP practical assessment, according to a report from Skills for Logistics. More than 6000 petroleum tanker drivers in the UK will need to obtain a PDP card during 2014, and the report said 18 organisations are now approved to deliver PDP training and assessment, with a further 21 in the approval process. Seventy per cent of the centres approved or in process of approval are ADR centres, which are anticipating that many customers
“Training that makes a difference” At our approved JAUPT training centre in Northamptonshire or nationwide with prices from
£50 +vat per 7 hours
will seek an integrated service of ADR and PDP training and assessment. According to the PDP scheme, companies employing tanker drivers can source PDP and ADR classroom training from an external supplier, but carry out the annual PDP practical assessment in-house using their own driver assessors. “Employers, tanker drivers and training providers across the country are rising to the challenge of ensuring all petroleum tanker drivers obtain a PDP card during 2014,” said Brian Worrall, independent chair of the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF). “We are closely monitoring the progress of the PDP scheme and will do all we can to help all those involved in implementing PDP.”
What are you waiting for contact Emma or Carole on 01604 889121 and get yourself up to speed! email: info@cejtrainingservicesltd.co.uk
www.cejtrainingservicesltd.co.uk Read the paper online at www.truckingmag.co.uk
The PDP qualification came into force for petroleum tanker drivers at the beginning of the year