DAF Driver Spring 2018 – issue 13

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YOUR EDITOR SAYS... warm up out of the cold with a hot drink and a great read

WIN! WIN! WIN! Look inside to find out details of how to win a super prize

Challenging conditions Full details of the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018

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Magazine Spring 2018 // Issue 12

Green Machine The big build

BORDER CROSSING

Down on the farm

Follow the journey of the new CF FAD 8X4 TIPPER ALL THE WAY FROM CONCEPTION TO QUARRY

In our race against PACCAR Parts, who DELIVERS THE GOODS?

DAF customer Massey Feeds adds to its fleet with an 8x2 tridem Winter 2015/16 // DAF Driver

1

FIVE REASONS

CONTENTS NEWS

FIT FOR PURPOSE Replacement DAF body panels are the same parts as fitted to a new DAF truck in the factory. Made from the same quality materials and to the same specification. This is your guarantee that all genuine replacement parts are fit for purpose and will deliver the same strength and long lasting service you’d expect from original parts.

TO CHOOSE DAF GENUINE BODY PANELS

FITTING Whilst other supplier panels may look the part, you can’t be sure they’ll fit your DAF as easily or perfectly as DAF Genuine.

With Genuine parts, there’s no need to modify or drill panels to fit, resulting in shorter repair times, lower repair costs and less time off the road.

1. Only DAF design and engineer Genuine body parts 2. Perfect fit and finish first time, every time 3. Minimised fitting for shorter repair times at a lower cost

RESIDUAL VALUE All DAF Genuine parts are fully tested and designed to meet the most stringent quality standards. Fitting original factory parts helps protect the residual value of your truck.

4. Durable paint finish for high resistance to stone chips 5. Genuine parts with genuine MAX Card savings

CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR A COMPETITIVE PRICE ON THE BEST PANELS FOR YOUR DAF

Quality parts

Lothian Truck & Trailer Parts Bathgate 01506 813743

Limerick Truck & Trailer Parts Limerick 00 353 61 437 932

Lancashire Truck & Trailer Parts Bolton 01204 201205

Minimum 12 month Warranty on all DAF and TRP parts

The DAF dealer network is the largest in the UK, and to ensure that we’re never far away many dealers have

Bennettsbridge Truck & Trailer Parts Bennettsbridge 00 056 7700743

North West Truck & Trailer Parts Ellesmere Port 0151 370 0153

opened TRP shops in strategic locations across the UK.

moving parts for trailers and all makes trucks, and with sure of a prompt, efficient and accurate service.

Castleford Truck & Trailer Parts Castleford 01924 227722 Imperial Truck & Trailer Parts Buxton 01298 767534

Brian Currie Truck & Trailer Parts Irthlingborough 01604 858810

Each TRP shop carries impressive stock levels of fast daily deliveries and great parts knowledge you can be

Norscot Truck & Trailer Parts Aberdeen 01224 875757

Donegal Truck & Trailer Parts Donegal 00 353 74 972 1482

Daily deliveries

Wessex Barnstaple Wessex 01626 833737

We delve into the 85-year history of W. Baybutt and find out what the haulier has planned for the future

31 Happy Snappers

14-19 From the ground up

The introduction of the #MyDaf initiative has seen a fantastic response. We bring you a selection of entries

HTC Hemel Hemel 01442 509327

VISIT TRPPARTS.COM TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AND PARTS SHOP!

Editorial Publisher: Matt Eisenegger Managing Editor: John Challen Editorial Address: Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQ Telephone: 01257 231521 email: matthew@cvdriver.com

6-9 Lean and green

All the latest from DAF Trucks and the road transport industry

Advertising Advertising Sales: David Johns Telephone: 01388 517906 Mobile: 07590 547343 Email: sales@cvdriver.com

We follow the process from order to operation as the first NEW CF FAD 8x4 tipper takes to the road

Welcome to

Augmented

32 Driver Challenge

By downloading a free app on to your smartphone or tablet you can bring pho 20-23 Massey to lifeFeeds using the power of a new technology Design called Augmented Reality (AR).

33 Meet Mandy

1 24-29 The race

The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge is back for 2018. We have all the details

Our resident road testing hero talks Driver Challenge – what to expect and why you should be a part of it

As easy as FAQ as the farm products Artsimply Editor: Leo Gehlcken To access bonus content on this page follow the easy 1-2-3 steps: distributor adds to its impressive fleet Telephone: 01257 231521 Email: design@cvdriver.com Crossing borders in the New LF City as we pit our wits against the skills of the PACCAR Parts team

Download the ooh-AR app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

which caused more grief for truck drivers – roads closed, accidents galore and delivery schedules all up the Download our free app to spout. The good old British your smartphone or tablet weather, eh? The only thing and bring this publication to life using the power of a you can rely on is the fact new technology called that you can’t rely on it.

Augmented Reality (AR).

Closer to home, there was To access bonus content better news for DAF Trucks, in this issue follow these It’s been a busy start to 2018 which recorded strong instructions: for DAF Trucks, with the performance figures in 2017 company looking to build on and picked up more awards, to a very successful 2017 – in add to the International Truck terms of sales and awards. of the Year prize. In the UK, The importance of the DAF Trucks retained top spot truck industry has firmly for trucks above six tonnes – • Download the ooh-AR app been brought home to finishing with a 29.5% market from the App Store (Apple) or people already this year share for the 12 months.

Google Play (Android). thanks to a certain fried It goes without saying • Open the app and point your chicken fast food outlet. device at the photos where that the company is striving you see the AR content icon It turns out a switch of for more of the same in pictured above – and wait for delivery company wasn’t the coming year – and is the surprise. change for the good when • Double tap for a full-screen. committed to listening the entire Kentucky Fried to drivers and finding Augmented Reality services by Chicken network of nearly out exactly what they 800 retaurants was deprived want from a truck. With of any stock. Whether this in mind, DAF Trucks it was a breakdown in will be in attendance at communication or a system numerous shows and products and talk to DAF error, customers – and the events throughout the year, staffers about what the client – were not happy. company can offer. so there will be plenty of Then came the snow, opportunity to see the latest Matt

Welcome

OFFERING TRAILER AND ALL MAKES PARTS Off-the-shelf parts availability

4-5 News round-up

Features

Welcome to ooh-AR

CHECK OUT OUR NEW TRP SHOPS

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Regulars

Information

3

2

Contributors Paul O’Malley Richard Simpson Mandy Wannerton Martin Pidsley Secret Trucker

Open the app with a simple tap.

Publisher Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire.

PR7 3QQ Telephone: 01257 231521

Point you the AR co surprise.

Printing MRC Print Consultancy Ltd 33 Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 1NY Tel: 07764 951927 Note The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in DAF Driver Magazine is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The Editors and publisher of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.

DAF Driver Magazine is published under a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd. All rights in the licensed material belong to Matthew Eisenegger or Commercial Vehicle Media and Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent.

DAF Driver Magazine is a registered trademark.

If you are not going to keep this magazine for future reference please pass it on or recycle it.

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

3

FIVE REASONS

CONTENTS NEWS

FIT FOR PURPOSE Replacement DAF body panels are the same parts as fitted to a new DAF truck in the factory. Made from the same quality materials and to the same specification. This is your guarantee that all genuine replacement parts are fit for purpose and will deliver the same strength and long lasting service you’d expect from original parts.

TO CHOOSE DAF GENUINE BODY PANELS

FITTING Whilst other supplier panels may look the part, you can’t be sure they’ll fit your DAF as easily or perfectly as DAF Genuine.

With Genuine parts, there’s no need to modify or drill panels to fit, resulting in shorter repair times, lower repair costs and less time off the road.

1. Only DAF design and engineer Genuine body parts 2. Perfect fit and finish first time, every time 3. Minimised fitting for shorter repair times at a lower cost

RESIDUAL VALUE All DAF Genuine parts are fully tested and designed to meet the most stringent quality standards. Fitting original factory parts helps protect the residual value of your truck.

4. Durable paint finish for high resistance to stone chips 5. Genuine parts with genuine MAX Card savings

CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR A COMPETITIVE PRICE ON THE BEST PANELS FOR YOUR DAF

Quality parts

Lothian Truck & Trailer Parts Bathgate 01506 813743

Limerick Truck & Trailer Parts Limerick 00 353 61 437 932

Lancashire Truck & Trailer Parts Bolton 01204 201205

Minimum 12 month Warranty on all DAF and TRP parts

The DAF dealer network is the largest in the UK, and to ensure that we’re never far away many dealers have

Bennettsbridge Truck & Trailer Parts Bennettsbridge 00 056 7700743

North West Truck & Trailer Parts Ellesmere Port 0151 370 0153

opened TRP shops in strategic locations across the UK.

moving parts for trailers and all makes trucks, and with sure of a prompt, efficient and accurate service.

Castleford Truck & Trailer Parts Castleford 01924 227722 Imperial Truck & Trailer Parts Buxton 01298 767534

Brian Currie Truck & Trailer Parts Irthlingborough 01604 858810

Each TRP shop carries impressive stock levels of fast daily deliveries and great parts knowledge you can be

Norscot Truck & Trailer Parts Aberdeen 01224 875757

Donegal Truck & Trailer Parts Donegal 00 353 74 972 1482

Daily deliveries

Wessex Barnstaple Wessex 01626 833737

We delve into the 85-year history of W. Baybutt and find out what the haulier has planned for the future

31 Happy Snappers

14-19 From the ground up

The introduction of the #MyDaf initiative has seen a fantastic response. We bring you a selection of entries

HTC Hemel Hemel 01442 509327

VISIT TRPPARTS.COM TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AND PARTS SHOP!

Editorial Publisher: Matt Eisenegger Managing Editor: John Challen Editorial Address: Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQ Telephone: 01257 231521 email: matthew@cvdriver.com

6-9 Lean and green

All the latest from DAF Trucks and the road transport industry

Advertising Advertising Sales: David Johns Telephone: 01388 517906 Mobile: 07590 547343 Email: sales@cvdriver.com

We follow the process from order to operation as the first NEW CF FAD 8x4 tipper takes to the road

Welcome to

Augmented

32 Driver Challenge

By downloading a free app on to your smartphone or tablet you can bring pho 20-23 Massey to lifeFeeds using the power of a new technology Design called Augmented Reality (AR).

33 Meet Mandy

1 24-29 The race

The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge is back for 2018. We have all the details

Our resident road testing hero talks Driver Challenge – what to expect and why you should be a part of it

As easy as FAQ as the farm products Artsimply Editor: Leo Gehlcken To access bonus content on this page follow the easy 1-2-3 steps: distributor adds to its impressive fleet Telephone: 01257 231521 Email: design@cvdriver.com Crossing borders in the New LF City as we pit our wits against the skills of the PACCAR Parts team

Download the ooh-AR app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

which caused more grief for truck drivers – roads closed, accidents galore and delivery schedules all up the Download our free app to spout. The good old British your smartphone or tablet weather, eh? The only thing and bring this publication to life using the power of a you can rely on is the fact new technology called that you can’t rely on it.

Augmented Reality (AR).

Closer to home, there was To access bonus content better news for DAF Trucks, in this issue follow these It’s been a busy start to 2018 which recorded strong instructions: for DAF Trucks, with the performance figures in 2017 company looking to build on and picked up more awards, to a very successful 2017 – in add to the International Truck terms of sales and awards. of the Year prize. In the UK, The importance of the DAF Trucks retained top spot truck industry has firmly for trucks above six tonnes – • Download the ooh-AR app been brought home to finishing with a 29.5% market from the App Store (Apple) or people already this year share for the 12 months.

Google Play (Android). thanks to a certain fried It goes without saying • Open the app and point your chicken fast food outlet. device at the photos where that the company is striving you see the AR content icon It turns out a switch of for more of the same in pictured above – and wait for delivery company wasn’t the coming year – and is the surprise. change for the good when • Double tap for a full-screen. committed to listening the entire Kentucky Fried to drivers and finding Augmented Reality services by Chicken network of nearly out exactly what they 800 retaurants was deprived want from a truck. With of any stock. Whether this in mind, DAF Trucks it was a breakdown in will be in attendance at communication or a system numerous shows and products and talk to DAF error, customers – and the events throughout the year, staffers about what the client – were not happy. company can offer. so there will be plenty of Then came the snow, opportunity to see the latest Matt

Welcome

OFFERING TRAILER AND ALL MAKES PARTS Off-the-shelf parts availability

4-5 News round-up

Features

Welcome to ooh-AR

CHECK OUT OUR NEW TRP SHOPS

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Regulars

Information

3

2

Contributors Paul O’Malley Richard Simpson Mandy Wannerton Martin Pidsley Secret Trucker

Open the app with a simple tap.

Publisher Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire.

PR7 3QQ Telephone: 01257 231521

Point you the AR co surprise.

Printing MRC Print Consultancy Ltd 33 Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 1NY Tel: 07764 951927 Note The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in DAF Driver Magazine is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The Editors and publisher of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.

DAF Driver Magazine is published under a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd. All rights in the licensed material belong to Matthew Eisenegger or Commercial Vehicle Media and Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent.

DAF Driver Magazine is a registered trademark.

If you are not going to keep this magazine for future reference please pass it on or recycle it.

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

3

NEWS

NEWS

DAF picks up more awards 18

ARY 20

FEBRU

ILERS

A KS, TR

TRUC

TS

PONEN

& COM

£2.80

WIN A MODEL TRUCK Exclusive Competition

E

USIV

EXCL

NORTHERN TRUCK DEALER DIRECTORY MAPS EU LOGISTICS WORKERS GOING HOME VOLVO JOINS GAS FUELLED TRUCK LEAGUE ON TEST: MAN'S TGE PANEL VAN

TIES MARKET OPPORTUNI SCANIA OPENS UP NEW ICS MAT 2018 BIG FUTURE FOR TELE DAF BIGGER CV TRAINING FLEETS NEW XF & CF

TOP TRUCK

02>

102077 9 770969

H

aving already won the International Truck of the Year title for the New CF and New XF series in November last year, DAF Trucks has received more recognition with further industry honours.

The same truck ranges have scooped Transport News magazine’s Top Truck Award for 2018. The traditional New Year announcement from the leading truck and transport publication for Scotland and the North of England, included comments from Editor, Alistair Vallance, who said, “A well designed cab shell’s steel structure can hold its head up on the production line for even a couple of decades. What matters is the way that the interiors are developed and the drivelines updated…it soon became apparent that the contents had been revisited from almost every angle.”

The New CF and New XF beat off stiff competition from its rivals, including the LNGpowered Stralis from Iveco and, in joint third position, the Renault T380 26-tonne rigid and Volvo’s FH500 tractor.

Meanwhile, DAF Trucks picked up two honours at the Commercial Fleet Awards in December. The market-leading DAF LF won the top ‘Commercial Fleet Truck of the Year’ prize, and was quickly followed by Truck Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’.

DAF Trucks’ LF lightweight rigid range

emerged victorious following a vote by readers of Commercial Fleet magazine. “The LF has a short turning circle, excellent visibility and low emissions making it ideal for urban environments,” commented judges. “Recently updated, the LF continues to lead the sector with a competitive cost of ownership backed by a comprehensive manufacturer support package. It is a drivers’ favourite with its spacious, comfortable cab and ergonomic layout, and offers an effortless driving experience.”

The manufacturer award came about after a stringent judging process including fleet operators and fleet industry professionals. The judging panel concluded, “DAF has updated or renewed all its trucks this year, focusing on improved safety and environmental features and ensuring they combine an excellent driving experience with competitive cost of running.

The company has the personal touch when it comes to customer relationships helped by an outstanding support and service network.

“It continues to innovate with new product offerings, such as its Silent Mode for urban operations.” ●

DAF UK Technician of the Year crowned Adam Baker from DAF dealer, Chassis Cab in Bury St Edmonds, landed DAF Trucks’ highly coveted 2018 UK Technician of the Year award at the company’s prize giving ceremony on 12th February at the Oxfordshire Golf & Country Club.

Earlier in the day, eight finalists were challenged to a series of tough practical and theoretical assessments – the culmination of the competition – at DAF Trucks’ training facility in Thame.

For Baker, 33, it was another high-profile win following his impressive victory in 2016’s DAF European Technician of the Year competition when he won through against hundreds of Europe’s top DAF Technicians. His latest accolade saw him net the £1,500 first prize and the much-coveted DAF UK Technician of Year trophy. Baker also progresses once again to April’s DAF European Technician of the Year competition in Eindhoven. Prizes were also awarded for second and third, with recognition too, for five runners-up.

Recognised as an increasingly significant part of its Customer Support portfolio, the 2018 DAF UK Technician of the Year contest is one of the highlights of the DAF Trucks events calendar. The competition was open to DAF’s Master and Advanced Technicians, with submissions scrutinised from across the Network before a shortlist of eight finalists 4

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

was drawn-up.

“Our DAF Technicians form the backbone of our service offering that is recognised throughout the industry as the best in the business,” said DAF Trucks Aftersales Director, Nigel Beckett. “To win through as the DAF Technician of the Year is a truly impressive feat and Adam, once again, has proved that he is an extremely talented technician, problem-solver and communicator.”

“He remains on course for perhaps another

win at DAF’s European Technician of the Year, but, moreover, he is assured a highly successful career in the service and aftersales business.” Beckett continued, “Our training courses offer an interesting, practical curriculum that empowers our DAF Technicians, inspiring them to selfimprove under the DAF umbrella – and this is true of the wider DAF service and aftersales specialists throughout the DAF Dealer network.” ●

Adam Baker (left) receives the DAF UK Technician of the Year Award from Neil Hayes, Engineering Manager DAF Trucks

Strong performance in 2017 by DAF DAF Trucks saw strong performance around the world in 2017. The manufacturer’s European market share in the heavy segment (16 tons+) stood at 15.3% and, in the light segment, it increased to 10.5%. In addition, a record number of over 9,000 DAF vehicles were registered outside Europe, while PACCAR engine sales to leading coach and bus manufacturers also reached a new record.

“The European economies continue to perform well, leading to strong transport activity and truck demand”, said Preston Feight, DAF Trucks President. “DAF trucks deliver premium quality, low operating costs and superior driver comfort for our customers.”

In the UK, for a 23rd year in succession, DAF topped the UK commercial vehicle market for trucks above 6 tonnes GVW. Figures from the SMMT showed there were 13,301 registrations for the built-in-Britain marque, helping DAF to a 29.5% share of the market – almost twice that of its nearest competitor.

“Another year, and another record-breaking performance from DAF Trucks and our DAF dealer network,” said DAF Trucks Managing Director, Robin Easton. “Our dominant position

in the UK market is the result of two key factors – a fantastic product range, which was completely updated last year, and which is already delivering productivity benefits for customers, and industry-leading services and support from our dealer network.

“With a strong order book for our updated product range, which is delivering significant fuel savings for our customers, I expect us to consolidate, if not further strengthen, our position in 2018,” added Easton. “The up-to 7% fuel economy improvement of the New CF and New XF can mean over £3000 per truck, per year off operators’ fuel bills.”

Elsewhere, DAF strengthened its market position outside the European Union, where a record number of over 9,000 trucks were sold (2016: 5,171). Market leadership continued in Taiwan (non-Asian brands), and DAF grew market share in Russia, Australia, Belarus, Israel and Turkey. DAF sold a record 4,500 PACCAR engines to leading bus, coach and vocational vehicle manufacturers around the world. ●

The shows must go on This year, DAF Trucks will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and throughout 2018 at numerous national and regional shows the company and its dealers will be exhibiting the latest range of vehicles alongside classic DAF vehicles from across decades. If you have a restored DAF why not contact the DAF marketing team to see if it can be included in the exhibition line up? Email marketing@DAFTRUCKS.com or call 01844 261111 Event

Date

Truckfest

6 & 7 May

APSE

16 , 17 & 18

TipEx & TankEx

31 May & 1 & 2 June

Harrogate

Royal Cornwall Show

7 8 & 9 June

Wadebridge

Leyland Festival

16 June

Leyland

Royal Norfolk Show

27 & 28 June

Norfolk Showground, Norwich

Truckfest West Midlands & Wales

30 June & 1 July

Three Counties Showground, Malvern

All Wales Truck & Transport Show

7 & 8 July

Carmarthen

Convoy in the Park

21 & 22 July

Donnington Park

Black Isle Show

1 & 2 August

Ross-Shire

Truckfest Scotland

4th & 5th August

Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh

Vale of Glamorgan Show

8th August

Cardiff

Wessex Truck Show

11th & 12th August

Yeovil

Truckfest South East

18th & 19th August

Hop Farm, Kent

Truckfest South West

1st & 2nd September

Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet

Retro Show

8 & 9 September

Gaydon

Truckfest North West

15 & 16 September

Cheshire Showground, Knutsford

th

Venue East of England Showground, Peterborough

th

th

th

st

th

th

May

st

th

nd

th

th

th

th

th

th

st

th

st

st

nd

nd

th

th

th

th

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

5

NEWS

NEWS

DAF picks up more awards 18

ARY 20

FEBRU

ILERS

A KS, TR

TRUC

TS

PONEN

& COM

£2.80

WIN A MODEL TRUCK Exclusive Competition

E

USIV

EXCL

NORTHERN TRUCK DEALER DIRECTORY MAPS EU LOGISTICS WORKERS GOING HOME VOLVO JOINS GAS FUELLED TRUCK LEAGUE ON TEST: MAN'S TGE PANEL VAN

TIES MARKET OPPORTUNI SCANIA OPENS UP NEW ICS MAT 2018 BIG FUTURE FOR TELE DAF BIGGER CV TRAINING FLEETS NEW XF & CF

TOP TRUCK

02>

102077 9 770969

H

aving already won the International Truck of the Year title for the New CF and New XF series in November last year, DAF Trucks has received more recognition with further industry honours.

The same truck ranges have scooped Transport News magazine’s Top Truck Award for 2018. The traditional New Year announcement from the leading truck and transport publication for Scotland and the North of England, included comments from Editor, Alistair Vallance, who said, “A well designed cab shell’s steel structure can hold its head up on the production line for even a couple of decades. What matters is the way that the interiors are developed and the drivelines updated…it soon became apparent that the contents had been revisited from almost every angle.”

The New CF and New XF beat off stiff competition from its rivals, including the LNGpowered Stralis from Iveco and, in joint third position, the Renault T380 26-tonne rigid and Volvo’s FH500 tractor.

Meanwhile, DAF Trucks picked up two honours at the Commercial Fleet Awards in December. The market-leading DAF LF won the top ‘Commercial Fleet Truck of the Year’ prize, and was quickly followed by Truck Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’.

DAF Trucks’ LF lightweight rigid range

emerged victorious following a vote by readers of Commercial Fleet magazine. “The LF has a short turning circle, excellent visibility and low emissions making it ideal for urban environments,” commented judges. “Recently updated, the LF continues to lead the sector with a competitive cost of ownership backed by a comprehensive manufacturer support package. It is a drivers’ favourite with its spacious, comfortable cab and ergonomic layout, and offers an effortless driving experience.”

The manufacturer award came about after a stringent judging process including fleet operators and fleet industry professionals. The judging panel concluded, “DAF has updated or renewed all its trucks this year, focusing on improved safety and environmental features and ensuring they combine an excellent driving experience with competitive cost of running.

The company has the personal touch when it comes to customer relationships helped by an outstanding support and service network.

“It continues to innovate with new product offerings, such as its Silent Mode for urban operations.” ●

DAF UK Technician of the Year crowned Adam Baker from DAF dealer, Chassis Cab in Bury St Edmonds, landed DAF Trucks’ highly coveted 2018 UK Technician of the Year award at the company’s prize giving ceremony on 12th February at the Oxfordshire Golf & Country Club.

Earlier in the day, eight finalists were challenged to a series of tough practical and theoretical assessments – the culmination of the competition – at DAF Trucks’ training facility in Thame.

For Baker, 33, it was another high-profile win following his impressive victory in 2016’s DAF European Technician of the Year competition when he won through against hundreds of Europe’s top DAF Technicians. His latest accolade saw him net the £1,500 first prize and the much-coveted DAF UK Technician of Year trophy. Baker also progresses once again to April’s DAF European Technician of the Year competition in Eindhoven. Prizes were also awarded for second and third, with recognition too, for five runners-up.

Recognised as an increasingly significant part of its Customer Support portfolio, the 2018 DAF UK Technician of the Year contest is one of the highlights of the DAF Trucks events calendar. The competition was open to DAF’s Master and Advanced Technicians, with submissions scrutinised from across the Network before a shortlist of eight finalists 4

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

was drawn-up.

“Our DAF Technicians form the backbone of our service offering that is recognised throughout the industry as the best in the business,” said DAF Trucks Aftersales Director, Nigel Beckett. “To win through as the DAF Technician of the Year is a truly impressive feat and Adam, once again, has proved that he is an extremely talented technician, problem-solver and communicator.”

“He remains on course for perhaps another

win at DAF’s European Technician of the Year, but, moreover, he is assured a highly successful career in the service and aftersales business.” Beckett continued, “Our training courses offer an interesting, practical curriculum that empowers our DAF Technicians, inspiring them to selfimprove under the DAF umbrella – and this is true of the wider DAF service and aftersales specialists throughout the DAF Dealer network.” ●

Adam Baker (left) receives the DAF UK Technician of the Year Award from Neil Hayes, Engineering Manager DAF Trucks

Strong performance in 2017 by DAF DAF Trucks saw strong performance around the world in 2017. The manufacturer’s European market share in the heavy segment (16 tons+) stood at 15.3% and, in the light segment, it increased to 10.5%. In addition, a record number of over 9,000 DAF vehicles were registered outside Europe, while PACCAR engine sales to leading coach and bus manufacturers also reached a new record.

“The European economies continue to perform well, leading to strong transport activity and truck demand”, said Preston Feight, DAF Trucks President. “DAF trucks deliver premium quality, low operating costs and superior driver comfort for our customers.”

In the UK, for a 23rd year in succession, DAF topped the UK commercial vehicle market for trucks above 6 tonnes GVW. Figures from the SMMT showed there were 13,301 registrations for the built-in-Britain marque, helping DAF to a 29.5% share of the market – almost twice that of its nearest competitor.

“Another year, and another record-breaking performance from DAF Trucks and our DAF dealer network,” said DAF Trucks Managing Director, Robin Easton. “Our dominant position

in the UK market is the result of two key factors – a fantastic product range, which was completely updated last year, and which is already delivering productivity benefits for customers, and industry-leading services and support from our dealer network.

“With a strong order book for our updated product range, which is delivering significant fuel savings for our customers, I expect us to consolidate, if not further strengthen, our position in 2018,” added Easton. “The up-to 7% fuel economy improvement of the New CF and New XF can mean over £3000 per truck, per year off operators’ fuel bills.”

Elsewhere, DAF strengthened its market position outside the European Union, where a record number of over 9,000 trucks were sold (2016: 5,171). Market leadership continued in Taiwan (non-Asian brands), and DAF grew market share in Russia, Australia, Belarus, Israel and Turkey. DAF sold a record 4,500 PACCAR engines to leading bus, coach and vocational vehicle manufacturers around the world. ●

The shows must go on This year, DAF Trucks will celebrate its 90th Anniversary and throughout 2018 at numerous national and regional shows the company and its dealers will be exhibiting the latest range of vehicles alongside classic DAF vehicles from across decades. If you have a restored DAF why not contact the DAF marketing team to see if it can be included in the exhibition line up? Email marketing@DAFTRUCKS.com or call 01844 261111 Event

Date

Truckfest

6 & 7 May

APSE

16 , 17 & 18

TipEx & TankEx

31 May & 1 & 2 June

Harrogate

Royal Cornwall Show

7 8 & 9 June

Wadebridge

Leyland Festival

16 June

Leyland

Royal Norfolk Show

27 & 28 June

Norfolk Showground, Norwich

Truckfest West Midlands & Wales

30 June & 1 July

Three Counties Showground, Malvern

All Wales Truck & Transport Show

7 & 8 July

Carmarthen

Convoy in the Park

21 & 22 July

Donnington Park

Black Isle Show

1 & 2 August

Ross-Shire

Truckfest Scotland

4th & 5th August

Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh

Vale of Glamorgan Show

8th August

Cardiff

Wessex Truck Show

11th & 12th August

Yeovil

Truckfest South East

18th & 19th August

Hop Farm, Kent

Truckfest South West

1st & 2nd September

Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet

Retro Show

8 & 9 September

Gaydon

Truckfest North West

15 & 16 September

Cheshire Showground, Knutsford

th

Venue East of England Showground, Peterborough

th

th

th

st

th

th

May

st

th

nd

th

th

th

th

th

th

st

th

st

st

nd

nd

th

th

th

th

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

5

W.Baybutt Ltd.

W.Baybutt Ltd.

Lean and green Despite its size, W. Baybutt in Burscough has always had an influence on other local hauliers. Hardly surprising given the company’s 85-year history in the area and a reputation it’s retained today for winning highly prized contracts with high-profile customers.

Reprinted with kind permission of Commercial Motor

W

e’ve always gone about our business the right way,” says Barry Evans, General Manager at Lancashire’s W. Baybutt. “Good, honest hard work and dedication to customers’ needs. Because we’ve been around for so long, local hauliers keep an eye on our fleet, and if we invest in new equipment, they want to know why.”

So Baybutt’s new 480bhp DAF XF six-wheel tractor won’t have escaped local hauliers’ attention. The latest 2017-model specification, supplied by Lancashire DAF, is an ‘FTG’ 6x2 mid-lift axle arrangement with Super Space Cab. The unit joins three other similar spec, maximum weight DAF XFs and one 4x2 XF running at 40-tonnes. “I’m not saying it’s solely down to our influence,” says Barry, “but, DAF is a popular brand among hauliers in this part of the world.”

Following the launch of its revamped 4x2 CF and XF tractors at the 2017 CV Show, DAF has since introduced

6

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

7

W.Baybutt Ltd.

W.Baybutt Ltd.

Lean and green Despite its size, W. Baybutt in Burscough has always had an influence on other local hauliers. Hardly surprising given the company’s 85-year history in the area and a reputation it’s retained today for winning highly prized contracts with high-profile customers.

Reprinted with kind permission of Commercial Motor

W

e’ve always gone about our business the right way,” says Barry Evans, General Manager at Lancashire’s W. Baybutt. “Good, honest hard work and dedication to customers’ needs. Because we’ve been around for so long, local hauliers keep an eye on our fleet, and if we invest in new equipment, they want to know why.”

So Baybutt’s new 480bhp DAF XF six-wheel tractor won’t have escaped local hauliers’ attention. The latest 2017-model specification, supplied by Lancashire DAF, is an ‘FTG’ 6x2 mid-lift axle arrangement with Super Space Cab. The unit joins three other similar spec, maximum weight DAF XFs and one 4x2 XF running at 40-tonnes. “I’m not saying it’s solely down to our influence,” says Barry, “but, DAF is a popular brand among hauliers in this part of the world.”

Following the launch of its revamped 4x2 CF and XF tractors at the 2017 CV Show, DAF has since introduced

6

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

7

W.Baybutt Ltd.

double drive and rear-steer models to complete the heavy end of the range; now also joined by new updated lightweight LF offerings.

DAF Driver Magazine went to Barcelona in September to try out the latest range additions (see previous issue).

Ticking boxes Barry’s decision to stick with the market leader was largely based on tried-and-tested product experience with DAF vehicles, but it’s the DAF dealer support that’s an equally important part of the equation. DAF just does the lot,” he says. “Quality, reliability, cost effectiveness and customer care.”

Although W. Baybutt has operated a larger fleet in the past, its current fleet of five units punches well above its weight, and the

W.Baybutt Ltd.

relatively modest operation appears particularly adept at winning and retaining business. Barry told us the mainstay of the work is in the safety sector, supplemented by regular movements of bottles, cosmetics and white-goods. It’s mainly volume based and it keeps Baybutt very busy indeed.

Back in the day Bill Baybutt set-up shop in 1932 after borrowing cash from his father to acquire a two-axle Bedford. The story goes that he didn’t know how to drive properly, having to stop the vehicle to select bottom gear before tackling an incline!

After toiling as a one-man-band for several years, Albert, Bill’s son took over the running of the company, and when land became available at nearby Plantation Road in Burscough, Albert

moved his five AEC Mandators onto the new site in 1972. Albert, now semi-retired, was a gear cutter at Leyland Motors prior to his first foray into transport. Barry joined as a driver in 1973. Regular work back then came in the shape of contracts with confectioners Arthur Holland and auto-parts maker, AC Delco.

“I remember us lining-up the five AECs in the yard for a photograph,” recalls Barry. “They were arranged in age order from left-to-right and you actually could see how the build quality had deteriorated over time. High-spec chrome bumpers and wheel trims on the earlier models, basic cab and cheap interior fittings at the other end of the line-up – Leyland seemed to be churning-out poor quality, unreliable models in the 70s. In fact, I think British truck manufacturing in general suffered at the time.”

Barry recognised the many technological advances being made by overseas truck manufacturing, finding greater reliability and more dedicated aftersales on offer from Germany and Scandinavia. Thus, Scania and Mercedes were the brand of choice for the next couple of decades, with varying degrees of success.

“Most of them performed very well, while some, quite frankly, were rubbish,” adds Barry.

That said, he also remembers being a dyedin-the wool Scania man. “I was always on at Albert to get me a Scania and, at last, he gave in to my pleas. Great trucks. The last one was a Scania 142 on a contract with Popper Print & Packaging out of Welwyn Garden City. Before that, I remember driving an old P-registered Foden with a Gardner 240 engine – both not good – partly because of the dated design.

“We’d had our third daughter by 1987 [third of four!], and I needed to spend more time at home,” he adds.

“That was 30-years ago and I’ve worked for the company ever since. I still work 12-hours a day during the week though, and Saturday mornings too.”

Plain sailing – not quite DAF made its first appearance on the fleet in 1999 when Baybutt’s took on a couple of ‘V’reg DAF 95s supplied by North West Trucks.

“I’d noticed that the 95 was proving popular with other operators and I’d heard good things about quality and reliability,” says Barry.

“Those first two 95s were good, but it was DAF’s Area Service Manager back then, Andy Roberts, who really impressed. He was the best salesman DAF could wish for. Without question the service support I received then – and I still get today from Lancashire DAF – is the primary reason we’re a DAF customer.”

It hasn’t been all plain sailing with the DAF marque, however. Early production fleetspecification CFs around the turn of the

millennium suffered with what Barry describes as ‘some design issues’.

Barry goes on to describe the huge experience he’s had with truck dealerships, “I’ve dealt with them all – different manufacturers, good and bad, and a good dealer is worth its weight in gold. In all my 45 years in the business, I have to say Lancashire DAF has nailed it – we’ve never had a problem with them. When there’s an issue, they’re all over it – it’s as though they’re part of our business.”

The chosen few The New XF 480 is the responsibility of driver, Robert Aston. The 51-yearold has been a Baybutt driver for seven years – a loyalty that can be found throughout the company. Barry, like many experienced haulage bosses, recognises the benefits of equipping their drivers with decent kit, “a top-ofthe-range truck would make any driver feel special,” he says, “and they’ll respond by looking after the cab and getting the best out of the engine.”

Most of the four regular drivers, one long-standing part-time driver and three office staff, have been Baybutt employees for over 25-years.

These few, plus Barry’s 65-hour week, are all that maintain this thriving little operation. “It’s the loyalty and trust built-up over the years that are key,” he says. “It’s what this business is based on, and it’s something that also exists between us and Lancashire DAF.” Barry is keen to point out that his operation thrives on a very basic business model; ‘pay for everything in cash and employ only the very best drivers’. “Never use finance,” he frowns. “We’ve always paid outright for new equipment. More importantly, excellent drivers are essential if you’re going to make a success of a small haulage business – and they’re very difficult to find. When you get one, hold onto them!” Barry said farming was widespread in the local area, and skilled young farm-workers saw driving as a natural progression as they grew older. “Farming slowly disappeared from the region and the pool of readily available drivers went with it.”

Below: The New XF 480 is the responsibility of 51-year-old Robert Aston, who has been a Baybutt driver for seven years

Diversify Today, the Plantation Road location benefits from 80,000sq.ft. of warehousing, and shares its industrial park with a pleasingly reassuring number of light engineering businesses and a surprising number of other hauliers; many also with deep-rooted connections with the area. W.Baybutt Ltd. has also carved out a profitable property rental business including additional warehousing elsewhere in Burscough.

“We’re not the first haulage firm to diversify into property,” says Barry.

“Gone are the days when hauliers concentrated solely on moving goods. In the main, small hauliers such as us struggle to make ends meet without diversifying.”

“The extra revenue streams allow us to compete on rates and to keep our trucks and equipment up-to-date.” ●

Bill Baybutt set-up shop in 1932 after borrowing cash from his father to acquire a two-axle Bedford. The story goes that he didn’t know how to drive properly, having to stop the vehicle to select bottom gear before tackling an incline!

Barry is keen to point out that his operation thrives on a very basic business model; ‘pay for everything in cash and employ only the very best drivers’.

8

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

9

W.Baybutt Ltd.

double drive and rear-steer models to complete the heavy end of the range; now also joined by new updated lightweight LF offerings.

DAF Driver Magazine went to Barcelona in September to try out the latest range additions (see previous issue).

Ticking boxes Barry’s decision to stick with the market leader was largely based on tried-and-tested product experience with DAF vehicles, but it’s the DAF dealer support that’s an equally important part of the equation. DAF just does the lot,” he says. “Quality, reliability, cost effectiveness and customer care.”

Although W. Baybutt has operated a larger fleet in the past, its current fleet of five units punches well above its weight, and the

W.Baybutt Ltd.

relatively modest operation appears particularly adept at winning and retaining business. Barry told us the mainstay of the work is in the safety sector, supplemented by regular movements of bottles, cosmetics and white-goods. It’s mainly volume based and it keeps Baybutt very busy indeed.

Back in the day Bill Baybutt set-up shop in 1932 after borrowing cash from his father to acquire a two-axle Bedford. The story goes that he didn’t know how to drive properly, having to stop the vehicle to select bottom gear before tackling an incline!

After toiling as a one-man-band for several years, Albert, Bill’s son took over the running of the company, and when land became available at nearby Plantation Road in Burscough, Albert

moved his five AEC Mandators onto the new site in 1972. Albert, now semi-retired, was a gear cutter at Leyland Motors prior to his first foray into transport. Barry joined as a driver in 1973. Regular work back then came in the shape of contracts with confectioners Arthur Holland and auto-parts maker, AC Delco.

“I remember us lining-up the five AECs in the yard for a photograph,” recalls Barry. “They were arranged in age order from left-to-right and you actually could see how the build quality had deteriorated over time. High-spec chrome bumpers and wheel trims on the earlier models, basic cab and cheap interior fittings at the other end of the line-up – Leyland seemed to be churning-out poor quality, unreliable models in the 70s. In fact, I think British truck manufacturing in general suffered at the time.”

Barry recognised the many technological advances being made by overseas truck manufacturing, finding greater reliability and more dedicated aftersales on offer from Germany and Scandinavia. Thus, Scania and Mercedes were the brand of choice for the next couple of decades, with varying degrees of success.

“Most of them performed very well, while some, quite frankly, were rubbish,” adds Barry.

That said, he also remembers being a dyedin-the wool Scania man. “I was always on at Albert to get me a Scania and, at last, he gave in to my pleas. Great trucks. The last one was a Scania 142 on a contract with Popper Print & Packaging out of Welwyn Garden City. Before that, I remember driving an old P-registered Foden with a Gardner 240 engine – both not good – partly because of the dated design.

“We’d had our third daughter by 1987 [third of four!], and I needed to spend more time at home,” he adds.

“That was 30-years ago and I’ve worked for the company ever since. I still work 12-hours a day during the week though, and Saturday mornings too.”

Plain sailing – not quite DAF made its first appearance on the fleet in 1999 when Baybutt’s took on a couple of ‘V’reg DAF 95s supplied by North West Trucks.

“I’d noticed that the 95 was proving popular with other operators and I’d heard good things about quality and reliability,” says Barry.

“Those first two 95s were good, but it was DAF’s Area Service Manager back then, Andy Roberts, who really impressed. He was the best salesman DAF could wish for. Without question the service support I received then – and I still get today from Lancashire DAF – is the primary reason we’re a DAF customer.”

It hasn’t been all plain sailing with the DAF marque, however. Early production fleetspecification CFs around the turn of the

millennium suffered with what Barry describes as ‘some design issues’.

Barry goes on to describe the huge experience he’s had with truck dealerships, “I’ve dealt with them all – different manufacturers, good and bad, and a good dealer is worth its weight in gold. In all my 45 years in the business, I have to say Lancashire DAF has nailed it – we’ve never had a problem with them. When there’s an issue, they’re all over it – it’s as though they’re part of our business.”

The chosen few The New XF 480 is the responsibility of driver, Robert Aston. The 51-yearold has been a Baybutt driver for seven years – a loyalty that can be found throughout the company. Barry, like many experienced haulage bosses, recognises the benefits of equipping their drivers with decent kit, “a top-ofthe-range truck would make any driver feel special,” he says, “and they’ll respond by looking after the cab and getting the best out of the engine.”

Most of the four regular drivers, one long-standing part-time driver and three office staff, have been Baybutt employees for over 25-years.

These few, plus Barry’s 65-hour week, are all that maintain this thriving little operation. “It’s the loyalty and trust built-up over the years that are key,” he says. “It’s what this business is based on, and it’s something that also exists between us and Lancashire DAF.” Barry is keen to point out that his operation thrives on a very basic business model; ‘pay for everything in cash and employ only the very best drivers’. “Never use finance,” he frowns. “We’ve always paid outright for new equipment. More importantly, excellent drivers are essential if you’re going to make a success of a small haulage business – and they’re very difficult to find. When you get one, hold onto them!” Barry said farming was widespread in the local area, and skilled young farm-workers saw driving as a natural progression as they grew older. “Farming slowly disappeared from the region and the pool of readily available drivers went with it.”

Below: The New XF 480 is the responsibility of 51-year-old Robert Aston, who has been a Baybutt driver for seven years

Diversify Today, the Plantation Road location benefits from 80,000sq.ft. of warehousing, and shares its industrial park with a pleasingly reassuring number of light engineering businesses and a surprising number of other hauliers; many also with deep-rooted connections with the area. W.Baybutt Ltd. has also carved out a profitable property rental business including additional warehousing elsewhere in Burscough.

“We’re not the first haulage firm to diversify into property,” says Barry.

“Gone are the days when hauliers concentrated solely on moving goods. In the main, small hauliers such as us struggle to make ends meet without diversifying.”

“The extra revenue streams allow us to compete on rates and to keep our trucks and equipment up-to-date.” ●

Bill Baybutt set-up shop in 1932 after borrowing cash from his father to acquire a two-axle Bedford. The story goes that he didn’t know how to drive properly, having to stop the vehicle to select bottom gear before tackling an incline!

Barry is keen to point out that his operation thrives on a very basic business model; ‘pay for everything in cash and employ only the very best drivers’.

8

DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

9

Network story

Network story

DAF Dealers – the net works

DAF Trucks’ dealer network is lauded as the most customer-focused commercial vehicle dealer network in the UK and Ireland

D

AF Trucks’ network in the UK & Ireland is certainly the largest with 136 locations – almost twice as many as its nearest rival – and part of a wider European network of over 1,000 DAF locations. And, with DAFaid widely recognised as the benchmark vehicle recovery service, it’s a small wonder the brand is so popular in the UK market with 29.5% share over 6-tonnes.

Matthew Lawrenson is Managing Director at one of DAF Trucks’ most successful dealer groups, Imperial Commercials, with responsibility for 25 DAF-franchised locations.

DAF Driver Magazine asked Matthew why the DAF dealer network is held up as the standard by which all truck dealer networks should be measured? He puts it down to a strong bond between all network members, “Although we boast the

10 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

biggest network in the business, we remain a very tight-knit family,” he says. “Every network member, whether it’s part of a large dealer group like Imperial Commercials, or a singlelocation independent franchise, delivers exactly the same levels of service for their customers wherever their vehicles might be. That comes from teamwork.”

“And there’s a willingness to invest throughout the network,” says Matthew. “All of our locations have ploughed investment back into training, tooling and equipment and that investment also includes incentives from DAF Trucks. The focus, though, comes from each dealer and their unique position among operators locally.”

DAF’s UK network comprises some expansive and highprofile dealer groups, notably, Imperial Commercials, Ford & Slater, Adams Morey and HTC, but there are dozens more smaller groups and independents all with an entrepreneurial flair that provides a distinct and competitive edge against manufacturer-owned networks.

“We rely on a fantastic product range, and we’ve developed a support portfolio to back it up. In turn, DAF Trucks, and our customers, rely on us to keep their trucks on the road and earning money,” furthers Matthew.

Often cited as the jewel-in-the-crown of the DAF Trucks aftersales portfolio, DAFaid is DAF Trucks’ roadside response and vehicle recovery service. Its industry leading average time of 87 minutes from initial call to ‘wheels moving’, with full focus on first-time-fix are just two measurable parameters that set apart DAF Trucks from its competitors.

Parts availability and supply are critical to any effective

Above: In the eyes of some customers, a manufacturer is only as good as its dealer network

dealer support offering, and here DAF excels. Supplementing DAF Trucks’ genuine parts stock-holding, TRP is DAF Trucks’ all-makes truck, trailer, van and consumables parts brand, available across the DAF dealer network and now at a rapidly growing number of dedicated TRP shop locations – totalling 11 across the UK and Ireland stretching from as far north as Aberdeen and to Cornwall in the south.

“Our burgeoning TRP Shop network sees us responding quickly to an increasing demand from our customers, and the wider operating community, for fast access to a broad range of parts, competitively priced, right on their doorstep,” says Matthew. “Like DAFaid, our TRP-brand is the market leading all-makes offering characterised by a high level of availability and ultra-rapid delivery – often same-day.”

Operators, regardless of their fleet make-up, can rest assured their vehicles will suffer minimum downtime knowing the DAF dealer network’s 96% MoT First Time Pass Rate (based on the DVSA’s own ‘Preparer ID’ figures) is a consistently high, industry-leading figure year-on-year.

Of course, these impressively high pass-rates are only achievable by skilled workshop staff and, again, the DAF network benefits from the best in the business. The DAF

network now has over 1,500 technicians independently accredited and certified under the IRTEC scheme. Undertaking this assessment process has been a huge commitment and investment by the DAF dealer network. Further, DAF’s is the first complete franchised network to accredit their technicians ensuring they are certified to carry out vehicle safety and maintenance inspections.

A DAF Trucks technician is a highly prized asset in the workshop, and represents a significant investment by their respective dealers. DAF Technicians from across Europe are recognised in a regular competition and awards programme. 2016 saw Adam Baker from Ipswich-based DAF dealer, Chassis Cab, emerge to pickup the coveted title of ‘DAF European Technician of the Year’.

Where does the DAF network recruit such a large number of elite technicians? “The network owes a debt of gratitude to the DAF apprenticeship programme,” says Matthew. “The company has produced over 1,800 DAF apprentices and the majority have gone onto successful careers throughout the DAF network. 20% of all DAF Technicians at dealer level were trained on DAF Apprenticeships.” And a DAF apprenticeship isn’t limited to technical and workshop disciplines, adds Lawrenson, “Today’s modern DAF apprenticeship provides learning pathways for careers in sales, parts and administration We even have a Dealer Principal who started his career as a DAF apprentice.

“It’s a cliché, I know, but if there’s ever been a one-stopshop, it’s at a DAF dealer. The three core disciplines of sales, service and parts are brought together seamlessly under the DAF umbrella. It’s a team game and every single DAF network member is a key player.” ●

Left: Imperial Commercials is one of DAF’s most successful dealer groups

Left: Parts for

all. Imperial Truck

& Trailer is Imperial Commercials’ dedicated TRP Shop in Buxton

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 11

Network story

Network story

DAF Dealers – the net works

DAF Trucks’ dealer network is lauded as the most customer-focused commercial vehicle dealer network in the UK and Ireland

D

AF Trucks’ network in the UK & Ireland is certainly the largest with 136 locations – almost twice as many as its nearest rival – and part of a wider European network of over 1,000 DAF locations. And, with DAFaid widely recognised as the benchmark vehicle recovery service, it’s a small wonder the brand is so popular in the UK market with 29.5% share over 6-tonnes.

Matthew Lawrenson is Managing Director at one of DAF Trucks’ most successful dealer groups, Imperial Commercials, with responsibility for 25 DAF-franchised locations.

DAF Driver Magazine asked Matthew why the DAF dealer network is held up as the standard by which all truck dealer networks should be measured? He puts it down to a strong bond between all network members, “Although we boast the

10 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

biggest network in the business, we remain a very tight-knit family,” he says. “Every network member, whether it’s part of a large dealer group like Imperial Commercials, or a singlelocation independent franchise, delivers exactly the same levels of service for their customers wherever their vehicles might be. That comes from teamwork.”

“And there’s a willingness to invest throughout the network,” says Matthew. “All of our locations have ploughed investment back into training, tooling and equipment and that investment also includes incentives from DAF Trucks. The focus, though, comes from each dealer and their unique position among operators locally.”

DAF’s UK network comprises some expansive and highprofile dealer groups, notably, Imperial Commercials, Ford & Slater, Adams Morey and HTC, but there are dozens more smaller groups and independents all with an entrepreneurial flair that provides a distinct and competitive edge against manufacturer-owned networks.

“We rely on a fantastic product range, and we’ve developed a support portfolio to back it up. In turn, DAF Trucks, and our customers, rely on us to keep their trucks on the road and earning money,” furthers Matthew.

Often cited as the jewel-in-the-crown of the DAF Trucks aftersales portfolio, DAFaid is DAF Trucks’ roadside response and vehicle recovery service. Its industry leading average time of 87 minutes from initial call to ‘wheels moving’, with full focus on first-time-fix are just two measurable parameters that set apart DAF Trucks from its competitors.

Parts availability and supply are critical to any effective

Above: In the eyes of some customers, a manufacturer is only as good as its dealer network

dealer support offering, and here DAF excels. Supplementing DAF Trucks’ genuine parts stock-holding, TRP is DAF Trucks’ all-makes truck, trailer, van and consumables parts brand, available across the DAF dealer network and now at a rapidly growing number of dedicated TRP shop locations – totalling 11 across the UK and Ireland stretching from as far north as Aberdeen and to Cornwall in the south.

“Our burgeoning TRP Shop network sees us responding quickly to an increasing demand from our customers, and the wider operating community, for fast access to a broad range of parts, competitively priced, right on their doorstep,” says Matthew. “Like DAFaid, our TRP-brand is the market leading all-makes offering characterised by a high level of availability and ultra-rapid delivery – often same-day.”

Operators, regardless of their fleet make-up, can rest assured their vehicles will suffer minimum downtime knowing the DAF dealer network’s 96% MoT First Time Pass Rate (based on the DVSA’s own ‘Preparer ID’ figures) is a consistently high, industry-leading figure year-on-year.

Of course, these impressively high pass-rates are only achievable by skilled workshop staff and, again, the DAF network benefits from the best in the business. The DAF

network now has over 1,500 technicians independently accredited and certified under the IRTEC scheme. Undertaking this assessment process has been a huge commitment and investment by the DAF dealer network. Further, DAF’s is the first complete franchised network to accredit their technicians ensuring they are certified to carry out vehicle safety and maintenance inspections.

A DAF Trucks technician is a highly prized asset in the workshop, and represents a significant investment by their respective dealers. DAF Technicians from across Europe are recognised in a regular competition and awards programme. 2016 saw Adam Baker from Ipswich-based DAF dealer, Chassis Cab, emerge to pickup the coveted title of ‘DAF European Technician of the Year’.

Where does the DAF network recruit such a large number of elite technicians? “The network owes a debt of gratitude to the DAF apprenticeship programme,” says Matthew. “The company has produced over 1,800 DAF apprentices and the majority have gone onto successful careers throughout the DAF network. 20% of all DAF Technicians at dealer level were trained on DAF Apprenticeships.” And a DAF apprenticeship isn’t limited to technical and workshop disciplines, adds Lawrenson, “Today’s modern DAF apprenticeship provides learning pathways for careers in sales, parts and administration We even have a Dealer Principal who started his career as a DAF apprentice.

“It’s a cliché, I know, but if there’s ever been a one-stopshop, it’s at a DAF dealer. The three core disciplines of sales, service and parts are brought together seamlessly under the DAF umbrella. It’s a team game and every single DAF network member is a key player.” ●

Left: Imperial Commercials is one of DAF’s most successful dealer groups

Left: Parts for

all. Imperial Truck

& Trailer is Imperial Commercials’ dedicated TRP Shop in Buxton

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 11

HB Clark modernises with DAF New LF

Main image: The HB Clark fleet wears a number of different liveries. New DAFs are key to the modernisation of the company’s truck line-up

L

eading UK drinks wholesaler, HB Clark Ltd., has begun a fleet modernisation programme with the introduction of eight DAF New LF 16-tonne rigid curtainsiders. The first six have already been bodied and delivered, and will be joined soon by two further New LF models.

The rigid curtain-side trucks are fitted with a variety of liveries reflecting products that include well-known brands such as Coors, Carling, Carlsberg Export, Corona, Whitley Neill and its own ‘Infamous Soft Drinks’ range.

Bodying and liveries have been handled by Scottish bodybuilder, Tekbo.

“We are embarking on a major investment to modernise the fleet.

We have a mixed fleet of about 90 vehicles from 7.2- to 32-tonnes. It is

12 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Dray work isn’t about long distances – it’s hard, local work, with lots of stopping, starting and difficult manoeuvring on high streets and other urban areas

beginning to age in certain areas, so we want to introduce new vehicles that will enhance our performance, please our drivers and deliver a good fuel return,” says Darren Williams, Operations Manager for HB Clark.

“I was aware of DAF trucks from some of my previous roles, but having talked to current operators about their experiences with the marque today, I am confident we have made the right choice,” he continues. “Dray work isn’t about long distances – it’s hard, local

work, with lots of stopping, starting and difficult manoeuvring on high streets and other urban areas. I know from my discussions with other operators that the current range of LFs perform well, so we anticipate even better results on fuel with these six New LFs and the two that will join us later.”

The New LF DAFs, which join the HB Clark fleet after a rigorous tender process, are being taken with six-year DAF MultiSupport R&M packages and, at the end of that first life, the company will handle its own disposals.

With a large fleet to modernise in due course, Darren is also looking to move out of 7.5-tonne trucks up to the more flexible load potential of 15- to 16-tonne vehicles. “We have nine depots right now, and that means a lot of different

Above: The Operations Director at HB Clark, Darren Williams, says he is confident he has made the right choice with New LF curtainsiders

operating demands. What has been important is finding a truck which genuinely suits this type of work,” he says. “The New LF is a light chassis cab, very simple for bodying, and with the right body we can maximise the load they carry more effectively. The turning circle is very good for the dray work they do, which makes our drivers’ jobs just that little bit easier.”

The New LFs have been supplied by North West Trucks at Huyton on Merseyside.

Darren knows the dealership well, having left school to start an apprenticeship at Heatons Tranport which owned the Woodwards DAF dealership. “I not only started there and got to know Robert Heaton, whose long-established family group now owns the Woodwards and North West dealerships, but also went to school and college with Craig Gornall, who still works at North West Trucks and will be managing our servicing needs.

It helps to know your local dealer for sure, but my previous experience of DAF, means I know they have quality dealers near all our branches. And for those moments when we might need it, I think DAFaid is probably the best roadside emergency service in the UK industry.” ●

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 13

HB Clark modernises with DAF New LF

Main image: The HB Clark fleet wears a number of different liveries. New DAFs are key to the modernisation of the company’s truck line-up

L

eading UK drinks wholesaler, HB Clark Ltd., has begun a fleet modernisation programme with the introduction of eight DAF New LF 16-tonne rigid curtainsiders. The first six have already been bodied and delivered, and will be joined soon by two further New LF models.

The rigid curtain-side trucks are fitted with a variety of liveries reflecting products that include well-known brands such as Coors, Carling, Carlsberg Export, Corona, Whitley Neill and its own ‘Infamous Soft Drinks’ range.

Bodying and liveries have been handled by Scottish bodybuilder, Tekbo.

“We are embarking on a major investment to modernise the fleet.

We have a mixed fleet of about 90 vehicles from 7.2- to 32-tonnes. It is

12 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Dray work isn’t about long distances – it’s hard, local work, with lots of stopping, starting and difficult manoeuvring on high streets and other urban areas

beginning to age in certain areas, so we want to introduce new vehicles that will enhance our performance, please our drivers and deliver a good fuel return,” says Darren Williams, Operations Manager for HB Clark.

“I was aware of DAF trucks from some of my previous roles, but having talked to current operators about their experiences with the marque today, I am confident we have made the right choice,” he continues. “Dray work isn’t about long distances – it’s hard, local

work, with lots of stopping, starting and difficult manoeuvring on high streets and other urban areas. I know from my discussions with other operators that the current range of LFs perform well, so we anticipate even better results on fuel with these six New LFs and the two that will join us later.”

The New LF DAFs, which join the HB Clark fleet after a rigorous tender process, are being taken with six-year DAF MultiSupport R&M packages and, at the end of that first life, the company will handle its own disposals.

With a large fleet to modernise in due course, Darren is also looking to move out of 7.5-tonne trucks up to the more flexible load potential of 15- to 16-tonne vehicles. “We have nine depots right now, and that means a lot of different

Above: The Operations Director at HB Clark, Darren Williams, says he is confident he has made the right choice with New LF curtainsiders

operating demands. What has been important is finding a truck which genuinely suits this type of work,” he says. “The New LF is a light chassis cab, very simple for bodying, and with the right body we can maximise the load they carry more effectively. The turning circle is very good for the dray work they do, which makes our drivers’ jobs just that little bit easier.”

The New LFs have been supplied by North West Trucks at Huyton on Merseyside.

Darren knows the dealership well, having left school to start an apprenticeship at Heatons Tranport which owned the Woodwards DAF dealership. “I not only started there and got to know Robert Heaton, whose long-established family group now owns the Woodwards and North West dealerships, but also went to school and college with Craig Gornall, who still works at North West Trucks and will be managing our servicing needs.

It helps to know your local dealer for sure, but my previous experience of DAF, means I know they have quality dealers near all our branches. And for those moments when we might need it, I think DAFaid is probably the best roadside emergency service in the UK industry.” ●

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 13

Building Your Dream… Tipper

ENHANCED TRAXON OFF-ROAD SOFTWARE

Building Your Dream… Tipper

MX-11 10.8-LITRE ENGINE 367BHP, 1,900Nm 408BHP, 2,100Nm 449BHP, 2,300Nm

From the ground up What does it take to build the ideal 8x4 tipper?

DAF Driver Magazine follows the process from order to operation as the first New CF FAD 8x4 tipper demo takes to the road (and the off-road).

TRAXON GEARBOX STANDARD WIDE RATIO SPREAD QUICK SHIFTING

16-SPEED MANUAL OPTION WIDE RATIO SPREAD CLOSE GEAR STEPS

REAR DISC BRAKE OPTION 100KG SAVING

T COMPACT EXHAUST UNIT RHS WITH DIFFUSER OR LHS WITH VERTICAL TAILPIPE 150KG SAVING

14 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

he updates to the New CF launched last year included some key enhancements to the 8x4 FAD model and so, as soon as the double-drive variants of the New CF Range were announced at the beginning of September, DAF UK’s Product Marketing Manager James Turner set about updating the tipper demonstration fleet with some of the new kit.

James manages the UK’s central demonstration fleet of around 20 DAFs, from the 7.5t City LF to XF530 Super Space Cab tractors, a fleet that normally includes at least four 8x4 CF tippers. James also likes to include a couple of specialist vehicles in the line-up: readers will recall the FTM XF 150t 8x4 heavy haulage tractor and the FAQ CF 8x2 tridem bulk tipper recently evaluated by DAF Driver Magazine. The current fleet includes an XF tractor equipped for tipper-blowing and a Safe Loading Pass compliant CF for ADR hazardous goods transport.

l Turn the page to see the six steps it takes to create the fab FAD...

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 15

Building Your Dream… Tipper

ENHANCED TRAXON OFF-ROAD SOFTWARE

Building Your Dream… Tipper

MX-11 10.8-LITRE ENGINE 367BHP, 1,900Nm 408BHP, 2,100Nm 449BHP, 2,300Nm

From the ground up What does it take to build the ideal 8x4 tipper?

DAF Driver Magazine follows the process from order to operation as the first New CF FAD 8x4 tipper demo takes to the road (and the off-road).

TRAXON GEARBOX STANDARD WIDE RATIO SPREAD QUICK SHIFTING

16-SPEED MANUAL OPTION WIDE RATIO SPREAD CLOSE GEAR STEPS

REAR DISC BRAKE OPTION 100KG SAVING

T COMPACT EXHAUST UNIT RHS WITH DIFFUSER OR LHS WITH VERTICAL TAILPIPE 150KG SAVING

14 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

he updates to the New CF launched last year included some key enhancements to the 8x4 FAD model and so, as soon as the double-drive variants of the New CF Range were announced at the beginning of September, DAF UK’s Product Marketing Manager James Turner set about updating the tipper demonstration fleet with some of the new kit.

James manages the UK’s central demonstration fleet of around 20 DAFs, from the 7.5t City LF to XF530 Super Space Cab tractors, a fleet that normally includes at least four 8x4 CF tippers. James also likes to include a couple of specialist vehicles in the line-up: readers will recall the FTM XF 150t 8x4 heavy haulage tractor and the FAQ CF 8x2 tridem bulk tipper recently evaluated by DAF Driver Magazine. The current fleet includes an XF tractor equipped for tipper-blowing and a Safe Loading Pass compliant CF for ADR hazardous goods transport.

l Turn the page to see the six steps it takes to create the fab FAD...

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 15

Building Your Dream … Tipper 1

2

Building Your Dream… Tipper 3

On-line visualisation The latest on-line ordering system used by all DAF sales people includes a 3D visualisation of the truck as the precise specification is selected. Each aspect of the vehicle can be shared with the customer for quick and easy verification before the order is placed. (The same 3D configurator is also available on DAF’s website, so you can build your ideal truck and send it to the dealer.

Check it out at http://www.daf.co.uk/en-gb/trucks/3d-daf-truckconfigurator)

Factory build Once the order is submitted and accepted a build date is confirmed.

So nine weeks later our demo began final assembly at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire. Almost all DAFs for the UK market are built here and it takes less than a day from the chassis rails being laid down until the finished truck drives off the production line.

The New CF FAD 8x4 chassis is 250kg lighter thanks to a more compact exhaust and optional disc brakes on the rear bogie. The addition of Alcoa Durabrite wheels help to maximise payload and make the truck look fantastic.

Speccing it right The latest MX-11 engine delivers its maximum torque at lower revs and, with a choice of the new TraXon automated or the 16-speed manual gearbox, driveline and route simulation software used by the DAF sales team helps pick the right rear axle ratio for the job.

This is a Construction CF and with a Boweld steel body is aimed at the muck-away market. The same software package can be used to check body size and installation for the ideal weight distribution.

16 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

17

Building Your Dream … Tipper 1

2

Building Your Dream… Tipper 3

On-line visualisation The latest on-line ordering system used by all DAF sales people includes a 3D visualisation of the truck as the precise specification is selected. Each aspect of the vehicle can be shared with the customer for quick and easy verification before the order is placed. (The same 3D configurator is also available on DAF’s website, so you can build your ideal truck and send it to the dealer.

Check it out at http://www.daf.co.uk/en-gb/trucks/3d-daf-truckconfigurator)

Factory build Once the order is submitted and accepted a build date is confirmed.

So nine weeks later our demo began final assembly at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire. Almost all DAFs for the UK market are built here and it takes less than a day from the chassis rails being laid down until the finished truck drives off the production line.

The New CF FAD 8x4 chassis is 250kg lighter thanks to a more compact exhaust and optional disc brakes on the rear bogie. The addition of Alcoa Durabrite wheels help to maximise payload and make the truck look fantastic.

Speccing it right The latest MX-11 engine delivers its maximum torque at lower revs and, with a choice of the new TraXon automated or the 16-speed manual gearbox, driveline and route simulation software used by the DAF sales team helps pick the right rear axle ratio for the job.

This is a Construction CF and with a Boweld steel body is aimed at the muck-away market. The same software package can be used to check body size and installation for the ideal weight distribution.

16 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver

17

Building Your Dream… Tipper 4

Body shop In the interests of a quick turnaround, Boweld pre-built the Taperlite body and painted it in metallic Jamaica Blue. Once the chassis is delivered to their factory at Holywell, in North Wales it’s a matter a days before installation of the tip gear and body is complete.

Building Your Dream… Tipper 6

Putting it through its paces It doesn’t take long before the shiny new demonstrator catches the eye of DAF Press Test and Driver Trainer Mandy Wannerton. It doesn’t stay shiny for long as she puts it to the test at a local quarry.

Loaded with almost 20 tonnes of stone the steel-bodied 450hp CF makes light work of the tough conditions. ●

5

Finishing touches Pre-delivery checks and inspection takes place at DAF dealer HTC Oxford, just down the road from DAF’s Oxfordshire headquarters in Thame. PURE EXCELLENCE striping completes the demonstrator’s stunning livery.

Box of tricks

Watch the New Construction CF FAD video

The New CF is available with the new TraXon gearbox

E

nhanced clutch control makes for smooth manoeuvring and responsive take-off whilst quicker shifting delivers impressive performance and means seamless adaption to changes in terrain. In 6x4 and 8x4 models the default gearbox is specifically adapted to suit tough conditions and includes on/off road software to enhance performance when operating off road. Selected by a switch on the dash, the offroad shift strategy provides almost uninterrupted power to the driven wheels, to keep you moving. It does this by changing the shift strategy, providing even quicker shifting and by keeping the engine revs higher for better off road performance.

New CF FAT & FAD models are now also available with a 16 speed manual gearbox in combination with a single reduction double-drive bogie. This move away from the previous eight speed offering will be welcomed by manual-loving traditionalists as the 16 speed’s extra cogs and wider ratio spread, means the 10.8 litre MX-11 engine can easily be kept in its sweet spot, for both performance and economy.

18 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 19

Building Your Dream… Tipper 4

Body shop In the interests of a quick turnaround, Boweld pre-built the Taperlite body and painted it in metallic Jamaica Blue. Once the chassis is delivered to their factory at Holywell, in North Wales it’s a matter a days before installation of the tip gear and body is complete.

Building Your Dream… Tipper 6

Putting it through its paces It doesn’t take long before the shiny new demonstrator catches the eye of DAF Press Test and Driver Trainer Mandy Wannerton. It doesn’t stay shiny for long as she puts it to the test at a local quarry.

Loaded with almost 20 tonnes of stone the steel-bodied 450hp CF makes light work of the tough conditions. ●

5

Finishing touches Pre-delivery checks and inspection takes place at DAF dealer HTC Oxford, just down the road from DAF’s Oxfordshire headquarters in Thame. PURE EXCELLENCE striping completes the demonstrator’s stunning livery.

Box of tricks

Watch the New Construction CF FAD video

The New CF is available with the new TraXon gearbox

E

nhanced clutch control makes for smooth manoeuvring and responsive take-off whilst quicker shifting delivers impressive performance and means seamless adaption to changes in terrain. In 6x4 and 8x4 models the default gearbox is specifically adapted to suit tough conditions and includes on/off road software to enhance performance when operating off road. Selected by a switch on the dash, the offroad shift strategy provides almost uninterrupted power to the driven wheels, to keep you moving. It does this by changing the shift strategy, providing even quicker shifting and by keeping the engine revs higher for better off road performance.

New CF FAT & FAD models are now also available with a 16 speed manual gearbox in combination with a single reduction double-drive bogie. This move away from the previous eight speed offering will be welcomed by manual-loving traditionalists as the 16 speed’s extra cogs and wider ratio spread, means the 10.8 litre MX-11 engine can easily be kept in its sweet spot, for both performance and economy.

18 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 19

Massey Feeds replete with new DAF ‘FAQ’ tridem

Left: The DAF CF 440 FAQ at Prestonbased Massey Feeds’ has settled in very well and is now an integral part of the fleet

Left-to-right – Sean Amos (Transport Supervisor), Angela Shorrock (Transport Manager) and Paul Robinson (driver)

S

pecialist farm feeds producer and distributor, Massey Feeds, has added a DAF CF 440 FAQ chassis – an 8x2 ‘tridem’ axle configuration with lift-and-steer capability on both the second and fourth axles – to its growing Preston based fleet.

The vehicle, which is a fleet addition, takes over feed delivery runs into farms across the region from a 6x2 vehicle. Angela Shorrock, Site Manager at Massey Feeds in Preston, says, “We had been waiting for a tridem truck to be available from DAF, and are really pleased with the additional accessibility and load capacity it gives us compared to a basic 6x2.

“We deliver into a wide variety of farms and feed merchants, and especially with the smaller farmyards, access can often be a real issue,“ she adds. “We’ve had the DAF FAQ working for some three months now and it is proving its worth. We did a lot of pre-order number-crunching with the help of our local dealer, Lancashire DAF, and that convinced us it was the right way forward for us.”

Massey Feeds specified the rigid with the larger Space Cab, and reports that the driver is ‘over the moon’ with the new truck. “We involved the driver in specifying the truck,” says Angela, “because we wanted it to be right for both him and us. We also like the fact that the DAF plant [Leyland Trucks] is close by, and we feel we are helping to support a facility that is important to local jobs. There are none of the traditional British manufacturers left. We used to run Foden and ERF many years ago, to support those marques, so a British built

20 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

DAF is as close as we can get.”

So successful was the introduction of the current truck, Massey is now expecting delivery of two more FAQs; one curtainsider and another bulk tipper, to work alongside other new 8x4 FAD models which continue to play a role in the fleet.

Input from local dealer, Lancashire DAF, is clearly important for Massey Feeds. The company has a mixed fleet at Preston and its other mills in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire (where another CF FAQ tridem has also recently joined the fleet) and Holsworthy in Devon, but says that, “The DAF vehicles are being leaned towards, because we get a lot less downtime with them.” The family-owned company, in business now for over 125 years, buys most of its vehicles outright.

The DAFs in particular are bought with lengthy manufacturer R&M. As Angela observes, “We can budget far better if we have long-term R&M in place, and with the way we run the fleet, we are happy to look at up to seven-year contracts where we can.

“And with a very responsive dealer nearby, we know we are going to be properly looked after - we truly feel we get second-to-none service from them.”

The company, which produced some 350,000 tonnes of feed in the last 12 months, is experiencing strong growth in sales of all its cattle, poultry and game feeds – it is thought to be the largest in the last category. Alongside the fleet extension provided by the DAF FAQ, it is now also looking at extending its O Licences as the fleet looks set to continue growing. ●

Left: The new truck is regularly put to the test with a rigorous feed loading and unloading cycle

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 21

Massey Feeds replete with new DAF ‘FAQ’ tridem

Left: The DAF CF 440 FAQ at Prestonbased Massey Feeds’ has settled in very well and is now an integral part of the fleet

Left-to-right – Sean Amos (Transport Supervisor), Angela Shorrock (Transport Manager) and Paul Robinson (driver)

S

pecialist farm feeds producer and distributor, Massey Feeds, has added a DAF CF 440 FAQ chassis – an 8x2 ‘tridem’ axle configuration with lift-and-steer capability on both the second and fourth axles – to its growing Preston based fleet.

The vehicle, which is a fleet addition, takes over feed delivery runs into farms across the region from a 6x2 vehicle. Angela Shorrock, Site Manager at Massey Feeds in Preston, says, “We had been waiting for a tridem truck to be available from DAF, and are really pleased with the additional accessibility and load capacity it gives us compared to a basic 6x2.

“We deliver into a wide variety of farms and feed merchants, and especially with the smaller farmyards, access can often be a real issue,“ she adds. “We’ve had the DAF FAQ working for some three months now and it is proving its worth. We did a lot of pre-order number-crunching with the help of our local dealer, Lancashire DAF, and that convinced us it was the right way forward for us.”

Massey Feeds specified the rigid with the larger Space Cab, and reports that the driver is ‘over the moon’ with the new truck. “We involved the driver in specifying the truck,” says Angela, “because we wanted it to be right for both him and us. We also like the fact that the DAF plant [Leyland Trucks] is close by, and we feel we are helping to support a facility that is important to local jobs. There are none of the traditional British manufacturers left. We used to run Foden and ERF many years ago, to support those marques, so a British built

20 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

DAF is as close as we can get.”

So successful was the introduction of the current truck, Massey is now expecting delivery of two more FAQs; one curtainsider and another bulk tipper, to work alongside other new 8x4 FAD models which continue to play a role in the fleet.

Input from local dealer, Lancashire DAF, is clearly important for Massey Feeds. The company has a mixed fleet at Preston and its other mills in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire (where another CF FAQ tridem has also recently joined the fleet) and Holsworthy in Devon, but says that, “The DAF vehicles are being leaned towards, because we get a lot less downtime with them.” The family-owned company, in business now for over 125 years, buys most of its vehicles outright.

The DAFs in particular are bought with lengthy manufacturer R&M. As Angela observes, “We can budget far better if we have long-term R&M in place, and with the way we run the fleet, we are happy to look at up to seven-year contracts where we can.

“And with a very responsive dealer nearby, we know we are going to be properly looked after - we truly feel we get second-to-none service from them.”

The company, which produced some 350,000 tonnes of feed in the last 12 months, is experiencing strong growth in sales of all its cattle, poultry and game feeds – it is thought to be the largest in the last category. Alongside the fleet extension provided by the DAF FAQ, it is now also looking at extending its O Licences as the fleet looks set to continue growing. ●

Left: The new truck is regularly put to the test with a rigorous feed loading and unloading cycle

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 21

We had been waiting for a tridem truck to be available from DAF, and are really pleased with the additional accessibility and load capacity it gives us compared to a basic 6x2

22 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 23

We had been waiting for a tridem truck to be available from DAF, and are really pleased with the additional accessibility and load capacity it gives us compared to a basic 6x2

22 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 23

PACCAR Parts Leyland to Cairnryan: Cairnryan to Belfast Port (sea): Belfast Port to TBF Thompson Mallusk: TBF Thompson Mallusk to DDI (Dublin): DDI (Dublin) to Port of Dublin: Port of Dublin to Holyhead (sea): Holyhead to PACCAR Parts Leyland: Total: Total road mileage:

204 miles 52 miles 8 miles 129 miles 22 miles 70 miles 135 miles 620 498

THE RACE

Five nations, two ferry crossings and 620 miles. DAF Driver Magazine takes it all on in an exclusive drive in the all-new DAF LF City, with a very special load on board

By Matthew Eisenegger

S

24 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

put the feisty little truck through its delivery paces by trying to beat PACCAR Parts’ slick logistics process? To make it more interesting, we decided we needed to look at a number of more tricky locations to get to and throw in a wild card – a ferry crossing.

On paper it all sounds relatively straightforward but planning to cover England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and finally back to England needed some accurate planning – and although running with

two drivers would need an overnight break of nine hours. The initial destination was TBF Thompson DAF in Mallusk on the outskirts of Belfast by way of Cairnryan, before heading south to reach DAF’s Dublin dealer before noon. Then we would head to Dublin Port for the crossing back to Holyhead and eventually where we started: PACCAR Parts in Leyland.

And they’re off

Day 1: 12.30 The PACCAR Parts team loaded

the LF City swiftly with a selection of pallets and with the paperwork checked it was time to head up the road. We headed up the M6. The regular PACCAR Parts truck which is operated by Maxi Haulage, would be heading south some five and a half hours later to the distribution hub in Warrington, where the load was split, the Northern Ireland-bound load going onto another trailer before heading north and on to Cairnryan for the crossing to Larne.

The LF City soon was into its stride and,

although the truck is designed to be put to work in an urban distribution role, it was more than happy sitting at its cruising speed of 52mph – the rev counter needle firmly in the green zone. Admittedly we were a bit too keen to get away from the PACCAR Parts Distribution Centre in Leyland and forgot the basics such as nipping to the loo! So the signs on the motorway counting down the miles to Lancaster services were a very welcome sight.

We made the pit stop and departed with a bag

of crisps and a bottle of pop in hand. The next planned stop was the Stena Line ferry terminal at the port of Cairnryan. The LF ate up the miles along the M6, passing the picturesque scenery of Cumbria, and it wasn’t too long before we were passing Gretna Green and indicating to leave the motorway. We then picked up the A75 for the 100-mile, 40mph limit schlep to Stranraer before heading up the side of the loch to Cairnryan.

Cruising through the countryside of s

o here’s the deal: PACCAR Parts delivers spare components to every dealer in the UK and Ireland and, as part of its VOR (Vehicle Off Road) scheme, parts ordered before 6pm will be in the dealership before 8am the following morning. This service is offered to all dealers, regardless of location, which got us thinking. As DAF Driver Magazine had been offered the first drive in the all-new LF City (DAF’s interpretation of the ultimate urban distribution vehicle), what better way to

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 25

PACCAR Parts Leyland to Cairnryan: Cairnryan to Belfast Port (sea): Belfast Port to TBF Thompson Mallusk: TBF Thompson Mallusk to DDI (Dublin): DDI (Dublin) to Port of Dublin: Port of Dublin to Holyhead (sea): Holyhead to PACCAR Parts Leyland: Total: Total road mileage:

204 miles 52 miles 8 miles 129 miles 22 miles 70 miles 135 miles 620 498

THE RACE

Five nations, two ferry crossings and 620 miles. DAF Driver Magazine takes it all on in an exclusive drive in the all-new DAF LF City, with a very special load on board

By Matthew Eisenegger

S

24 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

put the feisty little truck through its delivery paces by trying to beat PACCAR Parts’ slick logistics process? To make it more interesting, we decided we needed to look at a number of more tricky locations to get to and throw in a wild card – a ferry crossing.

On paper it all sounds relatively straightforward but planning to cover England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and finally back to England needed some accurate planning – and although running with

two drivers would need an overnight break of nine hours. The initial destination was TBF Thompson DAF in Mallusk on the outskirts of Belfast by way of Cairnryan, before heading south to reach DAF’s Dublin dealer before noon. Then we would head to Dublin Port for the crossing back to Holyhead and eventually where we started: PACCAR Parts in Leyland.

And they’re off

Day 1: 12.30 The PACCAR Parts team loaded

the LF City swiftly with a selection of pallets and with the paperwork checked it was time to head up the road. We headed up the M6. The regular PACCAR Parts truck which is operated by Maxi Haulage, would be heading south some five and a half hours later to the distribution hub in Warrington, where the load was split, the Northern Ireland-bound load going onto another trailer before heading north and on to Cairnryan for the crossing to Larne.

The LF City soon was into its stride and,

although the truck is designed to be put to work in an urban distribution role, it was more than happy sitting at its cruising speed of 52mph – the rev counter needle firmly in the green zone. Admittedly we were a bit too keen to get away from the PACCAR Parts Distribution Centre in Leyland and forgot the basics such as nipping to the loo! So the signs on the motorway counting down the miles to Lancaster services were a very welcome sight.

We made the pit stop and departed with a bag

of crisps and a bottle of pop in hand. The next planned stop was the Stena Line ferry terminal at the port of Cairnryan. The LF ate up the miles along the M6, passing the picturesque scenery of Cumbria, and it wasn’t too long before we were passing Gretna Green and indicating to leave the motorway. We then picked up the A75 for the 100-mile, 40mph limit schlep to Stranraer before heading up the side of the loch to Cairnryan.

Cruising through the countryside of s

o here’s the deal: PACCAR Parts delivers spare components to every dealer in the UK and Ireland and, as part of its VOR (Vehicle Off Road) scheme, parts ordered before 6pm will be in the dealership before 8am the following morning. This service is offered to all dealers, regardless of location, which got us thinking. As DAF Driver Magazine had been offered the first drive in the all-new LF City (DAF’s interpretation of the ultimate urban distribution vehicle), what better way to

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 25

Leyland Distribution Center

PACCAR Parts operates from two state-of-the-art facilities on the Leyland site employing 150 staff dedicated to Distribution, Logistics, Customer and Technical Support of DAF and TRP products.

The Leyland parts distribution centre offers a 24-hour service and is available seven days a week. Dealer Vehicle Off Road (VOR) orders are delivered by 8.00 am the next day, through the night, by dedicated transport.

First past the post

Dumfrieshire and making good time, we decided to brim the 110-litre fuel tank at the next available services – if all went to plan this should see us all the way through both Northern Ireland the Republic, as well as back through North Wales on the return route the following day. Tank filled – and more crisps consumed – it was back on the A75 for the tedious drag to the port.

Pulling up to the port

Day 1: 17.33 Arriving at Cairnryan port some five hours after leaving PACCAR Parts, the Stena Superfast was just docking as we pulled to a stop in lane nine. Waved forward to board 26 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

– and once clear of the link-span, the LF was consumed into the belly of the Stena Superfast VIII, with the added bonus of parking right at the front of the lane, which meant upon our arrival in Belfast, the LF would be one of the first trucks off the ferry.

With the LF locked and checked, we headed straight upstairs to the dedicated drivers’ lounge for some ‘proper fodder’: freshly cooked – and very popular – fish and chips.

Day 1: 19.30 The Stena Superfast VIII slipped her mooring on time and with a crossing time of just over two hours, by the time you’ve had

Parking up for the night stop, and to add even more pressure, we needed to take a ninehour break even with two drivers. The way the route had been planned and with the timings of the crossing we had no choice but to stop.

As the LF City is a true distribution vehicle, it doesn’t have a sleeper cab so overnight accommodation had to be booked. On paper we were nine hours ahead of the truck heading from Warrington with the before 8am delivery.

Taking the full nine hours meant the LF City couldn’t be moved before 7.40am the following day. What should have been a reasonably straightforward head-to-head challenge was now becoming very competitive – a real life

logistics case of the hare and the tortoise. All that could be done was to check in, enjoy a cold beer and go to bed on the understanding that the LF City had to roll at exactly 7.40am for the short run to TBF Thompson. A quick breakfast and straight out to the vehicle, after the walk round it was tacho cards in and ready to move exactly nine hours after the vehicle was brought to a halt.

Day 2: 07.40 As the time was just 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled 8am VOR delivery commitment, it was going to be tight. We headed onto the industrial estate and into the DAF dealership. We followed a number of trucks, one of which we jokingly commented:

“Wouldn’t it be funny if that’s the parts truck?”

As we approached TBF Thompson, the truck indicated to turn through its gates at exactly 7.50am. We followed and it turns out the joke was on us – the parts that had left Leyland some 13 and a half hours previously and had beaten us with 10 minutes to spare!

N7 towards Naas and the new showcase DDI dealership. With mist clinging to the mountains and bright sunshine, the conditions really did make for great scenery as we got closer to Dublin. It also gave us time to reflect on the LF City experience in more detail.

With the truck designed predominantly for

s

a meal and a wander around, it’s not too long before the call comes for all drivers to return to their vehicles.

Docking exactly on time and being one of the first vehicles off must have given us an advantage over the dedicated parts delivery truck. But all we knew was that it had left PACCAR Parts bang on schedule and had, in turn, arrived at the distribution centre on time for the Belfast load to be trans-shipped.

We knew the truck would be using the P&O service, which docks in Larne, but couldn’t find out if the service was running to schedule. A quick phone call gave us a glimmer of hope – when the vehicle leaves the ship it heads straight to Mallusk where the load is split and the PACCAR Parts loaded onto an 18-tonner for the final stage of the journey. All we had to do was drive to TBF Thompson and arrive before 8am.

Day 2: 08.35 The pallets were taken off, a few pictures were snapped for posterity and there was one challenge still left to achieve – to arrive at DAF Distributors Ireland (DDI) before lunch.

The morning was cold, crisp and clear and the LF powered around the city of Belfast then headed south and picked up the M1 to Dublin before joining the M50 by the airport and finally

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 27

Leyland Distribution Center

PACCAR Parts operates from two state-of-the-art facilities on the Leyland site employing 150 staff dedicated to Distribution, Logistics, Customer and Technical Support of DAF and TRP products.

The Leyland parts distribution centre offers a 24-hour service and is available seven days a week. Dealer Vehicle Off Road (VOR) orders are delivered by 8.00 am the next day, through the night, by dedicated transport.

First past the post

Dumfrieshire and making good time, we decided to brim the 110-litre fuel tank at the next available services – if all went to plan this should see us all the way through both Northern Ireland the Republic, as well as back through North Wales on the return route the following day. Tank filled – and more crisps consumed – it was back on the A75 for the tedious drag to the port.

Pulling up to the port

Day 1: 17.33 Arriving at Cairnryan port some five hours after leaving PACCAR Parts, the Stena Superfast was just docking as we pulled to a stop in lane nine. Waved forward to board 26 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

– and once clear of the link-span, the LF was consumed into the belly of the Stena Superfast VIII, with the added bonus of parking right at the front of the lane, which meant upon our arrival in Belfast, the LF would be one of the first trucks off the ferry.

With the LF locked and checked, we headed straight upstairs to the dedicated drivers’ lounge for some ‘proper fodder’: freshly cooked – and very popular – fish and chips.

Day 1: 19.30 The Stena Superfast VIII slipped her mooring on time and with a crossing time of just over two hours, by the time you’ve had

Parking up for the night stop, and to add even more pressure, we needed to take a ninehour break even with two drivers. The way the route had been planned and with the timings of the crossing we had no choice but to stop.

As the LF City is a true distribution vehicle, it doesn’t have a sleeper cab so overnight accommodation had to be booked. On paper we were nine hours ahead of the truck heading from Warrington with the before 8am delivery.

Taking the full nine hours meant the LF City couldn’t be moved before 7.40am the following day. What should have been a reasonably straightforward head-to-head challenge was now becoming very competitive – a real life

logistics case of the hare and the tortoise. All that could be done was to check in, enjoy a cold beer and go to bed on the understanding that the LF City had to roll at exactly 7.40am for the short run to TBF Thompson. A quick breakfast and straight out to the vehicle, after the walk round it was tacho cards in and ready to move exactly nine hours after the vehicle was brought to a halt.

Day 2: 07.40 As the time was just 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled 8am VOR delivery commitment, it was going to be tight. We headed onto the industrial estate and into the DAF dealership. We followed a number of trucks, one of which we jokingly commented:

“Wouldn’t it be funny if that’s the parts truck?”

As we approached TBF Thompson, the truck indicated to turn through its gates at exactly 7.50am. We followed and it turns out the joke was on us – the parts that had left Leyland some 13 and a half hours previously and had beaten us with 10 minutes to spare!

N7 towards Naas and the new showcase DDI dealership. With mist clinging to the mountains and bright sunshine, the conditions really did make for great scenery as we got closer to Dublin. It also gave us time to reflect on the LF City experience in more detail.

With the truck designed predominantly for

s

a meal and a wander around, it’s not too long before the call comes for all drivers to return to their vehicles.

Docking exactly on time and being one of the first vehicles off must have given us an advantage over the dedicated parts delivery truck. But all we knew was that it had left PACCAR Parts bang on schedule and had, in turn, arrived at the distribution centre on time for the Belfast load to be trans-shipped.

We knew the truck would be using the P&O service, which docks in Larne, but couldn’t find out if the service was running to schedule. A quick phone call gave us a glimmer of hope – when the vehicle leaves the ship it heads straight to Mallusk where the load is split and the PACCAR Parts loaded onto an 18-tonner for the final stage of the journey. All we had to do was drive to TBF Thompson and arrive before 8am.

Day 2: 08.35 The pallets were taken off, a few pictures were snapped for posterity and there was one challenge still left to achieve – to arrive at DAF Distributors Ireland (DDI) before lunch.

The morning was cold, crisp and clear and the LF powered around the city of Belfast then headed south and picked up the M1 to Dublin before joining the M50 by the airport and finally

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 27

urban distribution, both access and visibility are excellent. The interior finish is practical and well-thought-out and even though the designers are working within the confines of a small space by comparison to the LF’s larger brethren, they have done a really good job.

The charcoal grey seat coverings look as though they will take the punishment of multidrop delivery and a handy feature is the additional storage space under the passenger seat, accessed by lifting the seat base. The void easily consumed by outdoor coats and a couple of small bags.

What did become apparent – in particular on some of the more built-up and traffic heavy parts of the journey – was that there wasn’t any need to shift up and down the gears in the mid range either third down to second or third up to fourth where the bulk of gear shifts will take place on urban work.

The reason behind this is the longer third gear that will allow the PX-4 to work as low down as 800rpm in the sub 20mph region. Keeping with the dedicated urban distribution specification, the 6.1m GRP box complete with Del column tail lift, are all fitted at the Leyland plant as part of the vehicle manufacturing process. Obviously, operators can work with their supplying dealer on a local level for more bespoke bodywork solutions.

As we approached Dublin, the amount of traffic increased and it was bumper-tobumper as we neared the N7.

The LF City

DAF has played a crafty card with the LF City, engineered as a dedicated solution to urban delivery. Powered by a the 3.8-litre four pot PX-4 with a choice of 156 or 172bhp, the New LF City has the first engine in the line-up to forego exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and rely solely on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet Euro 6 emission levels. Out goes the automated gearbox and in comes the Eaton five-speed manual – a box that is well suited to stop-start traffic. Another welcome addition is the vision door on the passenger side, which is designed to give a better view of pedestrians and cyclists.

Superfast X docked in Holyhead!

In order to set this challenge up, it required two drivers available with enough duty time to cover the route. We needed to arrange a load and then the subsequent loading of the LF before the route could be properly planned and arrival time calculated. Stena Line was consulted and offered us the best crossings they could to help match our timings – and we STILL couldn’t be first through the gates of TBF Thompson or DDI. So, in conclusion, what DAF Driver Magazine saw as a real challenge and pushing the delivery and logistics envelope, PACCAR Parts do nightly without fuss! l

Day 2: 11.27 A few minutes before 11.30am and definitely before lunch, we rolled to a stop at the gates of DDI, only to find that the VOR overnight delivery had arrived on schedule, unloaded and had left three hours before.

After taking a few more pictures, we thought the challenge was over – the booked ferry crossing would have got us into Holyhead from Dublin at midnight. A quick online check revealed there was an afternoon crossing that would get us back to Holyhead early evening, arriving at PACCAR Parts for 10pm.

Needless to say, we made haste to the port and those kind people at Stena Line found room for the LF City and its crew of two.

The luck of the Irish must have been with us because when we drove aboard the ferry, we were waved right to the front of the deck. We went one better than the previous journey, as ours was the first vehicle off when the Stena 28 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 29

urban distribution, both access and visibility are excellent. The interior finish is practical and well-thought-out and even though the designers are working within the confines of a small space by comparison to the LF’s larger brethren, they have done a really good job.

The charcoal grey seat coverings look as though they will take the punishment of multidrop delivery and a handy feature is the additional storage space under the passenger seat, accessed by lifting the seat base. The void easily consumed by outdoor coats and a couple of small bags.

What did become apparent – in particular on some of the more built-up and traffic heavy parts of the journey – was that there wasn’t any need to shift up and down the gears in the mid range either third down to second or third up to fourth where the bulk of gear shifts will take place on urban work.

The reason behind this is the longer third gear that will allow the PX-4 to work as low down as 800rpm in the sub 20mph region. Keeping with the dedicated urban distribution specification, the 6.1m GRP box complete with Del column tail lift, are all fitted at the Leyland plant as part of the vehicle manufacturing process. Obviously, operators can work with their supplying dealer on a local level for more bespoke bodywork solutions.

As we approached Dublin, the amount of traffic increased and it was bumper-tobumper as we neared the N7.

The LF City

DAF has played a crafty card with the LF City, engineered as a dedicated solution to urban delivery. Powered by a the 3.8-litre four pot PX-4 with a choice of 156 or 172bhp, the New LF City has the first engine in the line-up to forego exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and rely solely on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet Euro 6 emission levels. Out goes the automated gearbox and in comes the Eaton five-speed manual – a box that is well suited to stop-start traffic. Another welcome addition is the vision door on the passenger side, which is designed to give a better view of pedestrians and cyclists.

Superfast X docked in Holyhead!

In order to set this challenge up, it required two drivers available with enough duty time to cover the route. We needed to arrange a load and then the subsequent loading of the LF before the route could be properly planned and arrival time calculated. Stena Line was consulted and offered us the best crossings they could to help match our timings – and we STILL couldn’t be first through the gates of TBF Thompson or DDI. So, in conclusion, what DAF Driver Magazine saw as a real challenge and pushing the delivery and logistics envelope, PACCAR Parts do nightly without fuss! l

Day 2: 11.27 A few minutes before 11.30am and definitely before lunch, we rolled to a stop at the gates of DDI, only to find that the VOR overnight delivery had arrived on schedule, unloaded and had left three hours before.

After taking a few more pictures, we thought the challenge was over – the booked ferry crossing would have got us into Holyhead from Dublin at midnight. A quick online check revealed there was an afternoon crossing that would get us back to Holyhead early evening, arriving at PACCAR Parts for 10pm.

Needless to say, we made haste to the port and those kind people at Stena Line found room for the LF City and its crew of two.

The luck of the Irish must have been with us because when we drove aboard the ferry, we were waved right to the front of the deck. We went one better than the previous journey, as ours was the first vehicle off when the Stena 28 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 29

NEWS

Not the driver shortage, again!

A

nother new year, and another set of whining stories based on press handouts about the UK’s so-called ‘driver shortage’ have already appeared in both the national tabloids and the specialist transport press.

But, what’s the reality? If there really was a shortage of truck drivers (and the whiners reckon that the UK haulage industry is about 35,000 bodies short) then we’d be seeing a number of things happening.

The first of these would be a slowing-down of the new truck market: there’s no point in investing £100,000 in a vehicle if there’s no one to drive it. The second would be an increase in drivers’ wages, as companies poached staff off oneanother. This is certainly happening in commercial vehicle dealerships, where wages for decent technicians went up by as much as 10 per cent last year.

Study the performance But registrations of new trucks last year were pretty much level-pegging with those of the year before with well over 44,000 new vehicles going on the road, and across the industry drivers’ wages went up by somewhere between two and a half and three per cent: less than price inflation.

Indeed, it appears that some transport companies think the way to address the driver shortage is to sack their staff and then re-engage them on a substantially lower wage.

Tanks a lot That’s the case at global liquid chemical transport specialist Suttons Tankers, where drivers in Ellesmere Port have reportedly been told that if they want to keep working they must take a wage cut of one-third and see other benefits reduced as well.

Suttons may well argue that it has been put in this position because of

pressure to reduce transport costs from its client. This may be the case, but if there is really as big a driver shortage as is made out (and probably less than one in a hundred C+E drivers is trained and qualified to operate a chemical tanker) then Suttons’ client may well find that sourcing an alternative, cheaper, transport provider is not as easy as they might think.

Happy Snappers In February, DAF Trucks announced on Facebook and Twitter a new monthly competition, getting drivers to post their best DAF truck pictures on social media with the hashtag #MyDAF. Each month a lucky snapper will be selected to win a 1:87 scale model New DAF XF and at the end of the year one winner will be chosen to

NEWS

have a professional photoshoot with their winning DAF truck.

Hundreds of drivers posted pictures of their truck along with the hashtag #MyDAF, but only one can be selected each month, it’s all about quality.

Here are just a few of our favourite pictures that have been sent in so far, but will one of these be this month’s winner?

Taking action As it happens, the Suttons drivers have withdrawn their labour, and have picket lines in place, 1970s style. Again, this hardly indicates that the driver shortage is as bad as it is made out to be: if there were as many unfilled vacancies as have been made out then the Suttons drivers would simply have found better jobs elsewhere.

But, the sad fact is there are few better jobs elsewhere for truck drivers.

I can think of a very well-known High Street retailer where new starters on the shop floor are paid £9 an hour, and experienced qualified Cat C drivers delivering bulky items to people’s homes get under £8 an hour.

And that’s the reason for the driver shortage: there’s no shortage of people who can drive trucks, but there is a shortage of companies prepared to pay a realistic wage to those who do. ●

FleetCheck urges more mental health checks

M

ental health is the next key area where fleets should look to make improvements in the health and safety of drivers, says FleetCheck.

With around one in four people likely to be affected by a problem of this type during their lives, it is something that employers should include in their risk management assessments, said Peter Golding, Managing Director.

“It is already a legal obligation to inform the DVLA about a mental health problem that affects your ability to drive,” he explained. “However, as a risk management subject, mental health is potentially much more complex than this.

If you are suffering from stress

30 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

or depression, for example, it is likely that your employer would only feel the need to become involved if you are taking medication.

“There is research to show that depression can have a direct impact in areas such as concentration and reaction times, both of which have a direct effect on your suitability to be driving. Fleets should arguably be considering these issues and including them in their risk management strategies.”

Peter said that FleetCheck was currently developing a risk management app for a client who had specified a catch-all wellbeing question for fleet drivers, designed to form part of their regular walkaround vehicle checks.

“The app simply asks, ‘Do you feel fit to drive?’ This simple, but fundamental question is one that fleets, in our experience, almost never consider.

“This is certainly a question that could potentially help to highlight any underlying or emerging mental health problems from which a driver may be suffering that could compromise their abilities behind the wheel.

“As we become better at talking openly about mental health, employers should be doing more to develop policies within their risk management

strategy. Across our industry, it would be good to see a greater dialogue develop about this area.” ●

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 31

NEWS

Not the driver shortage, again!

A

nother new year, and another set of whining stories based on press handouts about the UK’s so-called ‘driver shortage’ have already appeared in both the national tabloids and the specialist transport press.

But, what’s the reality? If there really was a shortage of truck drivers (and the whiners reckon that the UK haulage industry is about 35,000 bodies short) then we’d be seeing a number of things happening.

The first of these would be a slowing-down of the new truck market: there’s no point in investing £100,000 in a vehicle if there’s no one to drive it. The second would be an increase in drivers’ wages, as companies poached staff off oneanother. This is certainly happening in commercial vehicle dealerships, where wages for decent technicians went up by as much as 10 per cent last year.

Study the performance But registrations of new trucks last year were pretty much level-pegging with those of the year before with well over 44,000 new vehicles going on the road, and across the industry drivers’ wages went up by somewhere between two and a half and three per cent: less than price inflation.

Indeed, it appears that some transport companies think the way to address the driver shortage is to sack their staff and then re-engage them on a substantially lower wage.

Tanks a lot That’s the case at global liquid chemical transport specialist Suttons Tankers, where drivers in Ellesmere Port have reportedly been told that if they want to keep working they must take a wage cut of one-third and see other benefits reduced as well.

Suttons may well argue that it has been put in this position because of

pressure to reduce transport costs from its client. This may be the case, but if there is really as big a driver shortage as is made out (and probably less than one in a hundred C+E drivers is trained and qualified to operate a chemical tanker) then Suttons’ client may well find that sourcing an alternative, cheaper, transport provider is not as easy as they might think.

Happy Snappers In February, DAF Trucks announced on Facebook and Twitter a new monthly competition, getting drivers to post their best DAF truck pictures on social media with the hashtag #MyDAF. Each month a lucky snapper will be selected to win a 1:87 scale model New DAF XF and at the end of the year one winner will be chosen to

NEWS

have a professional photoshoot with their winning DAF truck.

Hundreds of drivers posted pictures of their truck along with the hashtag #MyDAF, but only one can be selected each month, it’s all about quality.

Here are just a few of our favourite pictures that have been sent in so far, but will one of these be this month’s winner?

Taking action As it happens, the Suttons drivers have withdrawn their labour, and have picket lines in place, 1970s style. Again, this hardly indicates that the driver shortage is as bad as it is made out to be: if there were as many unfilled vacancies as have been made out then the Suttons drivers would simply have found better jobs elsewhere.

But, the sad fact is there are few better jobs elsewhere for truck drivers.

I can think of a very well-known High Street retailer where new starters on the shop floor are paid £9 an hour, and experienced qualified Cat C drivers delivering bulky items to people’s homes get under £8 an hour.

And that’s the reason for the driver shortage: there’s no shortage of people who can drive trucks, but there is a shortage of companies prepared to pay a realistic wage to those who do. ●

FleetCheck urges more mental health checks

M

ental health is the next key area where fleets should look to make improvements in the health and safety of drivers, says FleetCheck.

With around one in four people likely to be affected by a problem of this type during their lives, it is something that employers should include in their risk management assessments, said Peter Golding, Managing Director.

“It is already a legal obligation to inform the DVLA about a mental health problem that affects your ability to drive,” he explained. “However, as a risk management subject, mental health is potentially much more complex than this.

If you are suffering from stress

30 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

or depression, for example, it is likely that your employer would only feel the need to become involved if you are taking medication.

“There is research to show that depression can have a direct impact in areas such as concentration and reaction times, both of which have a direct effect on your suitability to be driving. Fleets should arguably be considering these issues and including them in their risk management strategies.”

Peter said that FleetCheck was currently developing a risk management app for a client who had specified a catch-all wellbeing question for fleet drivers, designed to form part of their regular walkaround vehicle checks.

“The app simply asks, ‘Do you feel fit to drive?’ This simple, but fundamental question is one that fleets, in our experience, almost never consider.

“This is certainly a question that could potentially help to highlight any underlying or emerging mental health problems from which a driver may be suffering that could compromise their abilities behind the wheel.

“As we become better at talking openly about mental health, employers should be doing more to develop policies within their risk management

strategy. Across our industry, it would be good to see a greater dialogue develop about this area.” ●

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 31

NEWS

Meet Mandy …at the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018

D Challenge yourself!

All the details about the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 The 2106 DAF Driver Champion Paul Barlow

32 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

I

n response to the success of its first DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge in 2016, DAF Trucks has launched its second UK-wide search to find Britain’s best commercial vehicle driver.

Following a robust selection process – including an invitation to non-DAF drivers –

20 of the country’s best truck drivers will be set a series of rigorous challenges at a twoday finale at the Millbrook Proving Ground on 19th and 20th May. The winning driver will emerge as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Champion 2018.

How to enter Drivers may be nominated or enter themselves, though all are required to undertake a demanding on-line questionnaire before a final shortlist of 20 selected drivers is drawn-up. Online entry is available now by going to: www.daf. co.uk/thechallenge. Prompted by the daring question ‘Have you got what it takes?’, DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 is already preparing to evaluate hundreds of candidates.

The process Those shortlisted will participate in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based assessments centred around a two-day, live event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in May. The winning driver will be crowned as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge Champion 2018, and will follow in the footsteps of 2016’s victor, Paul Barlow of Severn Trent Water. Speaking after his win, he said, “I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be quite so comprehensive – every aspect of the job came under scrutiny. DAF Trucks’ organisers weren’t joking when they said they wanted to find someone with the whole package.”

To compete in the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018,

drivers are expected to exhibit impeccable levels of: ■ Driving style, performance and efficiency across different sizes of truck and driving conditions; ■ Road knowledge, legislation and the Highway Code; ■ Vehicle knowledge, defect reporting and pre-use checks.

The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 is being rolled out across the UK and is open to any driver with a clean C+E Licence, a Driver Card and a Driver CPC. To truly maximise the potential of identifying the nation’s elite drivers, the Challenge is also open to non-DAF drivers.

Candidates must enter by visiting www.daf.co.uk/thechallenge.

Entrants will then be required to complete an on-line questionnaire covering truckand transport-related topics. ●

AF’s Trucks’ Driver Trainer and Press Test supremo Mandy Wannerton will play a key role overseeing the varied practical tests at the UK final of the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge, which is set to take place at the Millbrook Proving Ground on the 19th & 20th May. We ask her how she and her team of judges will pick a winner from the 20 finalists…

The preparation and final planning for this year’s Challenge has been taking place for some time and to keep it fresh there are different tests from two years ago. So, for those who do make it through to this year’s final at Millbrook, it will be a weekend like no other.

Millbrook truly is the best place to push yourself and the vehicle to the limits. Not only do you get to drive on one of the world’s best proving grounds, you also get to pit your knowledge and skill against your peers both on and off the road.

To keep things on track, our team of judges have been chosen from a pool of highly skilled and recognised

trainers from both within the DAF Team and from the wider UK industry. Among them are DAF dealer driver trainers, DAF Ecodrive specialists and an RHA instructor and ADR specialist. All have one thing in common – they take no prisoners.

We all understand that being a driver is so much more than simply getting the goods from A to B. It’s about knowledge and skill; it’s about keeping up to date with the constant changes that our industry and legislation brings, and it’s about being able to keep your cool when fellow road users don’t behave as they ought to and having a sense of humour when things go wrong! All of these things I believe go a long way to making a good driver and The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge certainly recognises and celebrates all that is good about transport and those that keep the wheels turning.

As I write there is still time to enter or to nominate a colleague. But time is running out so go to www.daf.co.uk/ thechallenge

Mandy x

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 33

NEWS

Meet Mandy …at the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018

D Challenge yourself!

All the details about the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 The 2106 DAF Driver Champion Paul Barlow

32 DAF Driver // Spring 2018

I

n response to the success of its first DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge in 2016, DAF Trucks has launched its second UK-wide search to find Britain’s best commercial vehicle driver.

Following a robust selection process – including an invitation to non-DAF drivers –

20 of the country’s best truck drivers will be set a series of rigorous challenges at a twoday finale at the Millbrook Proving Ground on 19th and 20th May. The winning driver will emerge as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Champion 2018.

How to enter Drivers may be nominated or enter themselves, though all are required to undertake a demanding on-line questionnaire before a final shortlist of 20 selected drivers is drawn-up. Online entry is available now by going to: www.daf. co.uk/thechallenge. Prompted by the daring question ‘Have you got what it takes?’, DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 is already preparing to evaluate hundreds of candidates.

The process Those shortlisted will participate in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based assessments centred around a two-day, live event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in May. The winning driver will be crowned as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge Champion 2018, and will follow in the footsteps of 2016’s victor, Paul Barlow of Severn Trent Water. Speaking after his win, he said, “I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be quite so comprehensive – every aspect of the job came under scrutiny. DAF Trucks’ organisers weren’t joking when they said they wanted to find someone with the whole package.”

To compete in the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018,

drivers are expected to exhibit impeccable levels of: ■ Driving style, performance and efficiency across different sizes of truck and driving conditions; ■ Road knowledge, legislation and the Highway Code; ■ Vehicle knowledge, defect reporting and pre-use checks.

The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge 2018 is being rolled out across the UK and is open to any driver with a clean C+E Licence, a Driver Card and a Driver CPC. To truly maximise the potential of identifying the nation’s elite drivers, the Challenge is also open to non-DAF drivers.

Candidates must enter by visiting www.daf.co.uk/thechallenge.

Entrants will then be required to complete an on-line questionnaire covering truckand transport-related topics. ●

AF’s Trucks’ Driver Trainer and Press Test supremo Mandy Wannerton will play a key role overseeing the varied practical tests at the UK final of the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge, which is set to take place at the Millbrook Proving Ground on the 19th & 20th May. We ask her how she and her team of judges will pick a winner from the 20 finalists…

The preparation and final planning for this year’s Challenge has been taking place for some time and to keep it fresh there are different tests from two years ago. So, for those who do make it through to this year’s final at Millbrook, it will be a weekend like no other.

Millbrook truly is the best place to push yourself and the vehicle to the limits. Not only do you get to drive on one of the world’s best proving grounds, you also get to pit your knowledge and skill against your peers both on and off the road.

To keep things on track, our team of judges have been chosen from a pool of highly skilled and recognised

trainers from both within the DAF Team and from the wider UK industry. Among them are DAF dealer driver trainers, DAF Ecodrive specialists and an RHA instructor and ADR specialist. All have one thing in common – they take no prisoners.

We all understand that being a driver is so much more than simply getting the goods from A to B. It’s about knowledge and skill; it’s about keeping up to date with the constant changes that our industry and legislation brings, and it’s about being able to keep your cool when fellow road users don’t behave as they ought to and having a sense of humour when things go wrong! All of these things I believe go a long way to making a good driver and The DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge certainly recognises and celebrates all that is good about transport and those that keep the wheels turning.

As I write there is still time to enter or to nominate a colleague. But time is running out so go to www.daf.co.uk/ thechallenge

Mandy x

Spring 2018 // DAF Driver 33

DAF Trucks UK Dealer Locator & Contact Details The quality of a truck depends on the quality of the organisation behind it, which is why the DAF dealer network offers a unique advantage with the best geographical coverage of the UK, the most heavy truck experience and the longest opening hours of any truck franchise.

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Dealer name Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ★▲ Channel Commercials PLC ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲◆ Watts Truck & Van Cardiff ★ Solway DAF ★ HTC Croydon ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Lothian DAF ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd Harris DAF ★▲◆ Rabeys Garage Ltd Barnes DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd ★▲ HTC Heathrow ▲ F&G Commercials Ltd ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Chassis-Cab Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Leeds ▲◆ Ford & Slater DAF ★ North West Trucks ▲ F&G Commercials Ltd ▲ Brian Currie ▲ Wessex DAF TBF Thompson DAF ★ Ford & Slater DAF ★▲◆ Lancashire DAF ★▲ HTC Reading ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Sheffield ▲ Greenhous DAF ▲ Adams Morey Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Stockton ★▲◆ Imperial Commercials Ltd Greenhous DAF ★▲

Postcode AB23 8JZ TN23 1EH BS2 OQP CF11 8AT CA3 0HD CR0 4TD DE22 4NB EH20 9QH G51 4TH GL1 2SQ RM20 4AU GY1 6DP GU1 1RT B63 2RL SL3 0ED HD2 1UR HU9 5PJ IP6 0RL LS28 6SD LE3 2JG L36 6AJ M17 1HG MK6 1LH TQ12 6UE BT36 4PT NR5 0JS PR5 8BW RG7 4AG S13 9NR SY1 3JE SO15 0DR TS18 2RS ST6 2DE WV13 3SF

Telephone 01224 824444 01233 629272 01173 042800 02920 308595 01228 539394 0208 683 6200 01332 824371 0131 440 4100 0141 425 1530 01452 508700 01708 864426 01481 244551 01483 594900 01384 424500 01753 681818 01484 300500 01482 795111 01473 833003 01132 571701 01162 632900 0151 480 0098 0161 746 1919 01908 663991 01626 833737 02890 342001 01603 731600 01772 338111 01189 300900 01142 939200 01743 467904 02380 663000 01642 637660 01782 276600 01902 305090

Postcode OX14 3NG BB5 5YT KA8 9RT OX16 4SP S71 3HS SS14 3JB RG24 8NS MK41 9TG ML4 3LU DA17 6BT B6 5TG B33 0SL DH3 2AF DE55 5JY BH8 0BL MK18 1DR IP32 6NL TR14 0PY CB5 8SQ CT3 3DW LA5 9DW WF10 5UB S40 2RG LL28 5RA NN17 4BA CV3 4FL RH10 9NS G67 3EH CH5 2QJ DN6 7BA DN8 4JD DG2 0JE DD2 4UH TD11 3HS BN23 6PW IV30 6UH BA11 2FD BT51 5JZ DN31 2TG HP2 7YU HR4 8DS HP12 4HS LL65 4RJ IV1 1SG IM9 2AQ

Telephone 01235 531004 01282 773377 01292 269002 01295 270072 01226 731870 01268 290680 01256 811414 01234 211241 01698 573800 02083 197800 0121 326 6985 0121 784 4023 0191 492 1155 01773 813313 01202 524422 01280 814741 01284 768570 01209 721989 0333 323 4040 01304 841111 01524 734544 01924 227722 01246 234213 01492 580303 01536 207980 02476 302856 01293 537520 0123 672 7771 01244 521643 01302 727040 01405 740086 01387 720820 01382 611166 01361 883411 01323 745700 01343 547121 01373 464524 02829 558353 01472 362929 01442 835670 01432 763900 01494 465464 01407 721197 01463 712000 01624 825559

● Parts and Service Dealers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

A PACCAR COMPANY DRIVEN BY QUALITY

Area ABINGDON ACCRINGTON AYR BANBURY BARNSLEY BASILDON BASINGSTOKE BEDFORD BELLSHILL BELVEDERE BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRTLEY BLACKWELL BOURNEMOUTH BUCKINGHAM BURY ST EDMUNDS CAMBORNE CAMBRIDGE CANTERBURY CARNFORTH CASTLEFORD CHESTERFIELD CONWY CORBY COVENTRY CRAWLEY CUMBERNAULD DEESIDE DONCASTER DONCASTER DUMFRIES DUNDEE DUNS EASTBOURNE ELGIN FROME GARVAGH GRIMSBY HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HEREFORD HIGH WYCOMBE HOLYHEAD INVERNESS ISLE OF MAN

Dealer name R P Cherry & Son Ltd Lynch Truck Services Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ GB DAF Banbury F & G Commercials Ltd ▲ Harris DAF ▲ Adams Morey Ltd Brian Currie Imperial Commercials Ltd HTC Belvedere ★ Greenhous DAF ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Birtley ★▲◆ H W Martin Adams Morey Ltd ★ Ring Road Garage ▲ Chassis-Cab Ltd Wessex DAF Chassis-Cab Ltd ▲ Channel Commercials PLC Lakeland Trucks Ltd Pelican DAF ▲◆ A Herring Ltd ▲ Parrys Commercials Ltd Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ GB DAF Gatwick Imperial Commercials Ltd ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Fishlake Commercials Ltd ▲◆ Solway DAF Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ▲ J E Douglas and Sons ▲ Brewers DAF Sheriffmill Motor Co Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ TBF Thompson DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ HTC Hemel ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd Euroway DAF ★▲ Holyhead Truck Services ▲ Norscot Truck & Van Ltd Wade’s Truck Services ★

Area 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Dealer name ISLEHAM JERSEY KETTERING KINGS LANGLEY KING’S LYNN KIRKCALDY LINCOLN LIVERPOOL LUTON MACCLESFIELD MELBOURN NARBERTH NEWARK NEWPORT NEWPORT IOW NORTHAMPTON NORTHWICH NOTTINGHAM OLDHAM OXFORD PARK ROYAL PENRITH PERTH PETERBOROUGH PLYMOUTH PORTADOWN PORTSMOUTH RIPON RUGBY SALISBURY SCUNTHORPE SEVENOAKS SHOREHAM SPALDING STROOD SUTTON IN ASHFIELD SWANSEA SWINDON TAMWORTH TAUNTON TELFORD TORKSEY WALTHAM CROSS WARWICK WIGAN WISBECH WITHAM WORCESTER WORKINGTON WREXHAM YORK

Postcode Universal Garage DAF ★▲ Rabeys F W Abbott Ltd ▲ CCS Ford & Slater DAF Drummond Motor Co Ltd Ford & Slater DAF MTC Northwest Ltd ▲ HTC Luton A M Bell (Garage) Ltd ▲ Foulger’s (CVS) Ltd ▲ G D Harries ▲◆ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Watts Truck & Van Newport ▲ Adams Morey Ltd Brian Currie North West Trucks ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ F & G Commercials Ltd HTC Oxford ★▲ HTC Park Royal Solway DAF Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ★ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Wessex DAF TBF Thompson DAF Adams Morey Ltd ▲ Kettlewell Commercials Ltd Noden Truck Centre Adams Morey Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd Channel Commercials PLC ▲ Barnes DAF ★ Ford & Slater DAF ▲◆ Channel Commercials PLC ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd Watts Truck & Van Swansea ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲◆ DW Commercials Taunton DAF Halesfield Truck & Van Ltd ▲ Eastments Garage Ltd Harris DAF ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ Woodwards Truck and Van Centre Ford & Slater Ltd ▲ Harris Truck & Van Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Solway DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd

Telephone CB7 5PW JE2 7GR NN15 6NL WD4 8JA PE34 3AH KY1 2YX LN4 2NQ L33 7XS LU3 3AN SK11 0JB SG8 6DF SA67 8RG NG24 2NZ NP10 9HZ PO30 5UZ NN7 3AB CW9 7NU NG9 2JR OL9 9XA OX5 1FQ NW10 6DF CA11 9BN PH2 8BH PE1 5YD PL12 6NZ BT63 5WE PO3 5NN HG4 5EX CV21 3UY SP2 7NP DN16 1UW TN13 2TL BN43 6PB PE11 3ZN ME2 4EW NG17 2JZ SA5 8LG SN3 5JY B77 1LF TA2 8DW TF7 4QW LN1 2EJ EN8 7PG CV35 9JY WN3 6PQ PE13 2TQ CM8 3UJ WR5 3HR CA14 4JH LL14 4DP YO30 4XA

01638 780642 01534 862304 01536 517704 01923 262199 01553 764466 01592 653485 01522 518170 0151 545 4750 01582 505464 01260 253232 01763 262826 01834 862436 01636 701673 01633 891991 01983 522552 01604 858810 01606 818088 01159 677077 0161 947 1400 01865 844100 0208 961 5863 01768 892938 01738 626688 01733 295000 01752 848359 02838 393300 02392 691122 01765 640913 01788 579535 01722 412171 01724 282444 01732 469469 01273 454887 01775 715680 01634 296686 01623 516735 01792 582255 01793 554130 01827 59221 01823 331275 01952 586454 01427 718638 01992 651155 01789 473200 01942 230026 01945 461316 01376 533680 01905 829800 01900 66927 01978 346100 01904 692909

● Truck Sales, Parts and Service Dealers Republic of Ireland Area 35 DUBLIN

Dealer name DAF Distributors Ireland Ltd ★

Road No. Dublin 22

Telephone 00 353 1403 4141

● Parts and Service Dealers Republic of Ireland 97 98 99 100 101

Area CAVAN CORK CO TIPPERARY DUBLIN GALWAY

Dealer name Interparts Drumalee Ltd DAF Truck Services Cork Ltd Guilfoyle Truck Sales Ltd North Dublin Commercials Ltd Galway Truck & Van Centre Ltd

Road No. N3 N20 R445 M1 N84

Telephone 00 353 49 433 1777 00 353 21 430 1202 00 353 505 23333 00 353 1802 0139 00 353 91 751 984

The extensive DAF national network delivers the best Back-Up in the business. Our flexible range of MultiSupport servicing, repair and maintenance options will help you control costs, minimise downtime and maximise vehicle availability. Out on the road, our legendary DAFaid roadside assistance service provides the leading average roadside assistance time in the industry. ● ● ★ ◆ ▲

Sales, Parts & Service Dealers Parts & Service Dealers Additional Service – Coach & Bus Additional Service – Petroleum Regulations Additional Service – Authorised Testing Facility

DAF Trucks UK Dealer Locator & Contact Details The quality of a truck depends on the quality of the organisation behind it, which is why the DAF dealer network offers a unique advantage with the best geographical coverage of the UK, the most heavy truck experience and the longest opening hours of any truck franchise.

● Truck Sales, Parts and Service Dealers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Area ABERDEEN ASHFORD BRISTOL CARDIFF CARLISLE CROYDON DERBY EDINBURGH GLASGOW GLOUCESTER GRAYS GUERNSEY GUILDFORD HALESOWEN HEATHROW HUDDERSFIELD HULL IPSWICH LEEDS LEICESTER LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER MILTON KEYNES NEWTON ABBOT NEWTOWNABBEY NORWICH PRESTON READING SHEFFIELD SHREWSBURY SOUTHAMPTON STOCKTON STOKE ON TRENT WOLVERHAMPTON

Dealer name Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ★▲ Channel Commercials PLC ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲◆ Watts Truck & Van Cardiff ★ Solway DAF ★ HTC Croydon ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Lothian DAF ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd Harris DAF ★▲◆ Rabeys Garage Ltd Barnes DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd ★▲ HTC Heathrow ▲ F&G Commercials Ltd ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Chassis-Cab Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Leeds ▲◆ Ford & Slater DAF ★ North West Trucks ▲ F&G Commercials Ltd ▲ Brian Currie ▲ Wessex DAF TBF Thompson DAF ★ Ford & Slater DAF ★▲◆ Lancashire DAF ★▲ HTC Reading ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Sheffield ▲ Greenhous DAF ▲ Adams Morey Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Stockton ★▲◆ Imperial Commercials Ltd Greenhous DAF ★▲

Postcode AB23 8JZ TN23 1EH BS2 OQP CF11 8AT CA3 0HD CR0 4TD DE22 4NB EH20 9QH G51 4TH GL1 2SQ RM20 4AU GY1 6DP GU1 1RT B63 2RL SL3 0ED HD2 1UR HU9 5PJ IP6 0RL LS28 6SD LE3 2JG L36 6AJ M17 1HG MK6 1LH TQ12 6UE BT36 4PT NR5 0JS PR5 8BW RG7 4AG S13 9NR SY1 3JE SO15 0DR TS18 2RS ST6 2DE WV13 3SF

Telephone 01224 824444 01233 629272 01173 042800 02920 308595 01228 539394 0208 683 6200 01332 824371 0131 440 4100 0141 425 1530 01452 508700 01708 864426 01481 244551 01483 594900 01384 424500 01753 681818 01484 300500 01482 795111 01473 833003 01132 571701 01162 632900 0151 480 0098 0161 746 1919 01908 663991 01626 833737 02890 342001 01603 731600 01772 338111 01189 300900 01142 939200 01743 467904 02380 663000 01642 637660 01782 276600 01902 305090

Postcode OX14 3NG BB5 5YT KA8 9RT OX16 4SP S71 3HS SS14 3JB RG24 8NS MK41 9TG ML4 3LU DA17 6BT B6 5TG B33 0SL DH3 2AF DE55 5JY BH8 0BL MK18 1DR IP32 6NL TR14 0PY CB5 8SQ CT3 3DW LA5 9DW WF10 5UB S40 2RG LL28 5RA NN17 4BA CV3 4FL RH10 9NS G67 3EH CH5 2QJ DN6 7BA DN8 4JD DG2 0JE DD2 4UH TD11 3HS BN23 6PW IV30 6UH BA11 2FD BT51 5JZ DN31 2TG HP2 7YU HR4 8DS HP12 4HS LL65 4RJ IV1 1SG IM9 2AQ

Telephone 01235 531004 01282 773377 01292 269002 01295 270072 01226 731870 01268 290680 01256 811414 01234 211241 01698 573800 02083 197800 0121 326 6985 0121 784 4023 0191 492 1155 01773 813313 01202 524422 01280 814741 01284 768570 01209 721989 0333 323 4040 01304 841111 01524 734544 01924 227722 01246 234213 01492 580303 01536 207980 02476 302856 01293 537520 0123 672 7771 01244 521643 01302 727040 01405 740086 01387 720820 01382 611166 01361 883411 01323 745700 01343 547121 01373 464524 02829 558353 01472 362929 01442 835670 01432 763900 01494 465464 01407 721197 01463 712000 01624 825559

● Parts and Service Dealers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

A PACCAR COMPANY DRIVEN BY QUALITY

Area ABINGDON ACCRINGTON AYR BANBURY BARNSLEY BASILDON BASINGSTOKE BEDFORD BELLSHILL BELVEDERE BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRTLEY BLACKWELL BOURNEMOUTH BUCKINGHAM BURY ST EDMUNDS CAMBORNE CAMBRIDGE CANTERBURY CARNFORTH CASTLEFORD CHESTERFIELD CONWY CORBY COVENTRY CRAWLEY CUMBERNAULD DEESIDE DONCASTER DONCASTER DUMFRIES DUNDEE DUNS EASTBOURNE ELGIN FROME GARVAGH GRIMSBY HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HEREFORD HIGH WYCOMBE HOLYHEAD INVERNESS ISLE OF MAN

Dealer name R P Cherry & Son Ltd Lynch Truck Services Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ GB DAF Banbury F & G Commercials Ltd ▲ Harris DAF ▲ Adams Morey Ltd Brian Currie Imperial Commercials Ltd HTC Belvedere ★ Greenhous DAF ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ★ Evans Halshaw DAF Birtley ★▲◆ H W Martin Adams Morey Ltd ★ Ring Road Garage ▲ Chassis-Cab Ltd Wessex DAF Chassis-Cab Ltd ▲ Channel Commercials PLC Lakeland Trucks Ltd Pelican DAF ▲◆ A Herring Ltd ▲ Parrys Commercials Ltd Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ GB DAF Gatwick Imperial Commercials Ltd ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Fishlake Commercials Ltd ▲◆ Solway DAF Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ▲ J E Douglas and Sons ▲ Brewers DAF Sheriffmill Motor Co Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ TBF Thompson DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ HTC Hemel ▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd Euroway DAF ★▲ Holyhead Truck Services ▲ Norscot Truck & Van Ltd Wade’s Truck Services ★

Area 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Dealer name ISLEHAM JERSEY KETTERING KINGS LANGLEY KING’S LYNN KIRKCALDY LINCOLN LIVERPOOL LUTON MACCLESFIELD MELBOURN NARBERTH NEWARK NEWPORT NEWPORT IOW NORTHAMPTON NORTHWICH NOTTINGHAM OLDHAM OXFORD PARK ROYAL PENRITH PERTH PETERBOROUGH PLYMOUTH PORTADOWN PORTSMOUTH RIPON RUGBY SALISBURY SCUNTHORPE SEVENOAKS SHOREHAM SPALDING STROOD SUTTON IN ASHFIELD SWANSEA SWINDON TAMWORTH TAUNTON TELFORD TORKSEY WALTHAM CROSS WARWICK WIGAN WISBECH WITHAM WORCESTER WORKINGTON WREXHAM YORK

Postcode Universal Garage DAF ★▲ Rabeys F W Abbott Ltd ▲ CCS Ford & Slater DAF Drummond Motor Co Ltd Ford & Slater DAF MTC Northwest Ltd ▲ HTC Luton A M Bell (Garage) Ltd ▲ Foulger’s (CVS) Ltd ▲ G D Harries ▲◆ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Watts Truck & Van Newport ▲ Adams Morey Ltd Brian Currie North West Trucks ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ F & G Commercials Ltd HTC Oxford ★▲ HTC Park Royal Solway DAF Norscot Truck & Van Ltd ★ Ford & Slater DAF ▲ Wessex DAF TBF Thompson DAF Adams Morey Ltd ▲ Kettlewell Commercials Ltd Noden Truck Centre Adams Morey Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd Channel Commercials PLC ▲ Barnes DAF ★ Ford & Slater DAF ▲◆ Channel Commercials PLC ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd Watts Truck & Van Swansea ★ Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲◆ DW Commercials Taunton DAF Halesfield Truck & Van Ltd ▲ Eastments Garage Ltd Harris DAF ★▲ Imperial Commercials Ltd ◆ Woodwards Truck and Van Centre Ford & Slater Ltd ▲ Harris Truck & Van Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd ▲ Solway DAF Imperial Commercials Ltd Imperial Commercials Ltd

Telephone CB7 5PW JE2 7GR NN15 6NL WD4 8JA PE34 3AH KY1 2YX LN4 2NQ L33 7XS LU3 3AN SK11 0JB SG8 6DF SA67 8RG NG24 2NZ NP10 9HZ PO30 5UZ NN7 3AB CW9 7NU NG9 2JR OL9 9XA OX5 1FQ NW10 6DF CA11 9BN PH2 8BH PE1 5YD PL12 6NZ BT63 5WE PO3 5NN HG4 5EX CV21 3UY SP2 7NP DN16 1UW TN13 2TL BN43 6PB PE11 3ZN ME2 4EW NG17 2JZ SA5 8LG SN3 5JY B77 1LF TA2 8DW TF7 4QW LN1 2EJ EN8 7PG CV35 9JY WN3 6PQ PE13 2TQ CM8 3UJ WR5 3HR CA14 4JH LL14 4DP YO30 4XA

01638 780642 01534 862304 01536 517704 01923 262199 01553 764466 01592 653485 01522 518170 0151 545 4750 01582 505464 01260 253232 01763 262826 01834 862436 01636 701673 01633 891991 01983 522552 01604 858810 01606 818088 01159 677077 0161 947 1400 01865 844100 0208 961 5863 01768 892938 01738 626688 01733 295000 01752 848359 02838 393300 02392 691122 01765 640913 01788 579535 01722 412171 01724 282444 01732 469469 01273 454887 01775 715680 01634 296686 01623 516735 01792 582255 01793 554130 01827 59221 01823 331275 01952 586454 01427 718638 01992 651155 01789 473200 01942 230026 01945 461316 01376 533680 01905 829800 01900 66927 01978 346100 01904 692909

● Truck Sales, Parts and Service Dealers Republic of Ireland Area 35 DUBLIN

Dealer name DAF Distributors Ireland Ltd ★

Road No. Dublin 22

Telephone 00 353 1403 4141

● Parts and Service Dealers Republic of Ireland 97 98 99 100 101

Area CAVAN CORK CO TIPPERARY DUBLIN GALWAY

Dealer name Interparts Drumalee Ltd DAF Truck Services Cork Ltd Guilfoyle Truck Sales Ltd North Dublin Commercials Ltd Galway Truck & Van Centre Ltd

Road No. N3 N20 R445 M1 N84

Telephone 00 353 49 433 1777 00 353 21 430 1202 00 353 505 23333 00 353 1802 0139 00 353 91 751 984

The extensive DAF national network delivers the best Back-Up in the business. Our flexible range of MultiSupport servicing, repair and maintenance options will help you control costs, minimise downtime and maximise vehicle availability. Out on the road, our legendary DAFaid roadside assistance service provides the leading average roadside assistance time in the industry. ● ● ★ ◆ ▲

Sales, Parts & Service Dealers Parts & Service Dealers Additional Service – Coach & Bus Additional Service – Petroleum Regulations Additional Service – Authorised Testing Facility

In association with

Spot the difference

YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT

CONTAMINATED

DIESEL WITH XM6 YOU’LL NEVER NEED TO!

Protects high-performance fuel systems from any contaminants Prevents premature damage and unnecessary maintenance costs

FITTING SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE

DAF has supplied a model DAF CF as a prize. Simply spot and mark clearly all four differences on the images above. Once completed either cut out or photocopy and post to: DAF Driver Magazine, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3QQ

In cab alert indicates when the filter requires changing

Closing date: 20 April 2018

Name.................................................................................................................................................................................

Address......................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................

Post Code.......................................................

Telephone...................................................................................................................................................................

Email.................................................................................................................................................................................

Terms & Conditions: Not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The winner will be notified within 30 days of the closing date either by letter, telephone or email. All entrants will be placed in a hat and selected at random by a third party. No money alternative will be offered. The winner’s name and county will be displayed in the next issue of DAF Driver Magazine.

Winner from last issue: Mr Bryan Robinson, West Yorkshire Winners details will be displayed in the Truckfest Special issue of DAF Driver Magazine

All fuel in the UK is produced to strict legal standards (EN590), some suppliers apply their own additive package to base fuels.

So although you shouldn’t have to worry about the fuel you use in your truck, DAF have developed XM6, a filtration system to remove any impurities and contaminants that could adversely affect the advanced fuel injection system in Euro 6 vehicles, keeping your truck operating at maximum efficiency.

XM6 also features a driver alert to replace the filter, so you’ll never need to worry about the potential risks of using contaminated fuel.

£40 OFF FOR MAX CARD HOLDERS ASK YOUR DEALER FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS

XM6 AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER NOW

FIND US ON WWW.DAFDEALERNETWORK.CO.UK

In association with

Spot the difference

YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT

CONTAMINATED

DIESEL WITH XM6 YOU’LL NEVER NEED TO!

Protects high-performance fuel systems from any contaminants Prevents premature damage and unnecessary maintenance costs

FITTING SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE

DAF has supplied a model DAF CF as a prize. Simply spot and mark clearly all four differences on the images above. Once completed either cut out or photocopy and post to: DAF Driver Magazine, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3QQ

In cab alert indicates when the filter requires changing

Closing date: 20 April 2018

Name.................................................................................................................................................................................

Address......................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................

Post Code.......................................................

Telephone...................................................................................................................................................................

Email.................................................................................................................................................................................

Terms & Conditions: Not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The winner will be notified within 30 days of the closing date either by letter, telephone or email. All entrants will be placed in a hat and selected at random by a third party. No money alternative will be offered. The winner’s name and county will be displayed in the next issue of DAF Driver Magazine.

Winner from last issue: Mr Bryan Robinson, West Yorkshire Winners details will be displayed in the Truckfest Special issue of DAF Driver Magazine

All fuel in the UK is produced to strict legal standards (EN590), some suppliers apply their own additive package to base fuels.

So although you shouldn’t have to worry about the fuel you use in your truck, DAF have developed XM6, a filtration system to remove any impurities and contaminants that could adversely affect the advanced fuel injection system in Euro 6 vehicles, keeping your truck operating at maximum efficiency.

XM6 also features a driver alert to replace the filter, so you’ll never need to worry about the potential risks of using contaminated fuel.

£40 OFF FOR MAX CARD HOLDERS ASK YOUR DEALER FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS

XM6 AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER NOW

FIND US ON WWW.DAFDEALERNETWORK.CO.UK

The Secret Trucker

Driven the breadth of Europe for profit and for others, the Secret Trucker lifts the lid on life in the slow lane

You don’t want to do it like that...

Every fleet has them, truck drivers who know best.

D

erek (not his real name, which is Eric) bounded through the warehouse making for the exit.

He’d loaded his truck, parked it up, hung the keys under ‘E.Smith’ and was planning an afternoon doing whatever it was he usually did on a Tuesday afternoon.

As one of the longer-serving drivers he’d secured the sweeter, closer-to-home routes. Starting at 6am on a job-andknock he usually left the premises at 2pm barring disaster. The rest of us finished later, much later. His specialist subject was moaning about anything that upset his finely-balanced universe. Our specialist subject was nodding in agreement.

“Derek,” came the shout. Recently appointed Transport Co-ordinator Dan (not his real name, which is Stan) followed up his hail of the company’s foremost driver with: “You delivering around Swindon tomorrow?” Derek and Dan both knew this was a statement of fact rather than a question. Rhetorical, if you like.

“Can you put this pallet on the back and swing by Wootton Bassett (not yet Royal)...”

Other drivers would be coming back past Wootton Bassett later on, so why couldn’t they do it, argued Derek.

Dan stood his ground and finished with a statement of the obvious. “You are a delivery driver, are you not? Well go out and drive and deliver.”

Derek reclaimed his keys, opened up the truck, loaded the pallet, then hung up his keys again and trudged out to his

car and drove home. It was timed at exactly 2.13pm. We hadn’t heard the last of it.

For weeks Derek recalled the bitter experience until we knew it verbatim. I was one of the drivers Derek referred to that would pass Wootton Bassett on the way home. Yet it would’ve been another four hours before I could make the drop – and that was only if the pallet was stacked on top of another.

When I next saw him, he made it clear to me that as I was passing I should have done it. I bit my tongue. Then he told the driver next to me that I should have done it. He bit his tongue.

Dan also got it in the neck with constant barbs about being unable to organise drinks in a public house. Derek moaned to Dan’s supervisor, which led to an impromptu meeting by the coffee machine. The only thing the company was worried about was getting the orders on to the trucks and out of the building. Who took it was not something worth debating.

Dispirited Dan delegated accordingly. I got the pallet next time around stacked on top of another. I duly arrived at the store four hours later, much to the chagrin of the shop owner.

Derek’s chuntering made life difficult for Dan and the other drivers who had to pick up the slack, while he continued to finish as normal.

Delivery routes became lopsided. Often the further away the destination was, the more drops were added, going to and coming back from that region. Local routes didn’t have that option. After I left I got word that

one driver who travelled to Cornwall every day was stopped by VOSA (not their real name, which is DVSA) outside Plymouth for repeatedly going over his 15-hour spread and not filling in tachograph charts.

The incident led to an inquiry by the local Traffic Commissioner, who gave the company six months to get its house in order. Leniency was proffered because it was an own-account business, not one for hire or reward. Dan then fell on his sword or was pushed out the window by his employers – depending on who you spoke to.

I suppose the truth was that there was a lot wrong with the transport department of the company as a whole. Dan was undermined by management and couldn’t stand up to Derek. Other drivers worked more hours for the same salaried pay and didn’t stand up to Derek either.

Dan had to consider Derek first – the rest didn’t matter. As the company grew with more orders, the drivers simply delivered more freight.

This was the 1980s but it still rings true today. Staff turnover was high. Disgruntled drivers simply left to be replaced by more fresh meat. I lasted 10 months.

Rather than address the issues between management and drivers, the company simply recruited more teamsters until VOSA intervened.

Derek outlasted Dan and was rewarded with an office job, eight-to-four, as the transport co-ordinator. He was quite good at it actually! ●

RUN A MIXED

FLEET? TRP CLUTCHES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM YOUR DAF DEALER FOR OTHER MARQUES INCLUDING: •

Mercedes

•

Scania

•

Volvo

•

MAN

•

Renault

•

Iveco

CONTACT

YOUR DAF DEALER

All TRP clutches are manufactured to a high-quality standard and match the best aftermarket clutches available - and all feature

FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

an unlimited mileage two year warranty.

FIND US ON TRPPARTS.COM

direct FEB 18 – MAY 18

HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAX PARTS DIRECT?

If not contact your dealer to request one. It’s packed with parts for DAF trucks, other marques and trailers, many featuring discounts for MAX card holders.

PLUS 500 DISCOUNTS

AVAILABLE ON SELECTED PRODUCTS

£5 GIFT

CARDS TO BE WON

PICK UP YOUR COPY AT YOUR LOCAL DAF DEALER

The Secret Trucker

Driven the breadth of Europe for profit and for others, the Secret Trucker lifts the lid on life in the slow lane

You don’t want to do it like that...

Every fleet has them, truck drivers who know best.

D

erek (not his real name, which is Eric) bounded through the warehouse making for the exit.

He’d loaded his truck, parked it up, hung the keys under ‘E.Smith’ and was planning an afternoon doing whatever it was he usually did on a Tuesday afternoon.

As one of the longer-serving drivers he’d secured the sweeter, closer-to-home routes. Starting at 6am on a job-andknock he usually left the premises at 2pm barring disaster. The rest of us finished later, much later. His specialist subject was moaning about anything that upset his finely-balanced universe. Our specialist subject was nodding in agreement.

“Derek,” came the shout. Recently appointed Transport Co-ordinator Dan (not his real name, which is Stan) followed up his hail of the company’s foremost driver with: “You delivering around Swindon tomorrow?” Derek and Dan both knew this was a statement of fact rather than a question. Rhetorical, if you like.

“Can you put this pallet on the back and swing by Wootton Bassett (not yet Royal)...”

Other drivers would be coming back past Wootton Bassett later on, so why couldn’t they do it, argued Derek.

Dan stood his ground and finished with a statement of the obvious. “You are a delivery driver, are you not? Well go out and drive and deliver.”

Derek reclaimed his keys, opened up the truck, loaded the pallet, then hung up his keys again and trudged out to his

car and drove home. It was timed at exactly 2.13pm. We hadn’t heard the last of it.

For weeks Derek recalled the bitter experience until we knew it verbatim. I was one of the drivers Derek referred to that would pass Wootton Bassett on the way home. Yet it would’ve been another four hours before I could make the drop – and that was only if the pallet was stacked on top of another.

When I next saw him, he made it clear to me that as I was passing I should have done it. I bit my tongue. Then he told the driver next to me that I should have done it. He bit his tongue.

Dan also got it in the neck with constant barbs about being unable to organise drinks in a public house. Derek moaned to Dan’s supervisor, which led to an impromptu meeting by the coffee machine. The only thing the company was worried about was getting the orders on to the trucks and out of the building. Who took it was not something worth debating.

Dispirited Dan delegated accordingly. I got the pallet next time around stacked on top of another. I duly arrived at the store four hours later, much to the chagrin of the shop owner.

Derek’s chuntering made life difficult for Dan and the other drivers who had to pick up the slack, while he continued to finish as normal.

Delivery routes became lopsided. Often the further away the destination was, the more drops were added, going to and coming back from that region. Local routes didn’t have that option. After I left I got word that

one driver who travelled to Cornwall every day was stopped by VOSA (not their real name, which is DVSA) outside Plymouth for repeatedly going over his 15-hour spread and not filling in tachograph charts.

The incident led to an inquiry by the local Traffic Commissioner, who gave the company six months to get its house in order. Leniency was proffered because it was an own-account business, not one for hire or reward. Dan then fell on his sword or was pushed out the window by his employers – depending on who you spoke to.

I suppose the truth was that there was a lot wrong with the transport department of the company as a whole. Dan was undermined by management and couldn’t stand up to Derek. Other drivers worked more hours for the same salaried pay and didn’t stand up to Derek either.

Dan had to consider Derek first – the rest didn’t matter. As the company grew with more orders, the drivers simply delivered more freight.

This was the 1980s but it still rings true today. Staff turnover was high. Disgruntled drivers simply left to be replaced by more fresh meat. I lasted 10 months.

Rather than address the issues between management and drivers, the company simply recruited more teamsters until VOSA intervened.

Derek outlasted Dan and was rewarded with an office job, eight-to-four, as the transport co-ordinator. He was quite good at it actually! ●

RUN A MIXED

FLEET? TRP CLUTCHES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM YOUR DAF DEALER FOR OTHER MARQUES INCLUDING: •

Mercedes

•

Scania

•

Volvo

•

MAN

•

Renault

•

Iveco

CONTACT

YOUR DAF DEALER

All TRP clutches are manufactured to a high-quality standard and match the best aftermarket clutches available - and all feature

FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

an unlimited mileage two year warranty.

FIND US ON TRPPARTS.COM

direct FEB 18 – MAY 18

HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAX PARTS DIRECT?

If not contact your dealer to request one. It’s packed with parts for DAF trucks, other marques and trailers, many featuring discounts for MAX card holders.

PLUS 500 DISCOUNTS

AVAILABLE ON SELECTED PRODUCTS

£5 GIFT

CARDS TO BE WON

PICK UP YOUR COPY AT YOUR LOCAL DAF DEALER