Haulier Newsletter March 2024

Our People

ICH Driver passing cyclist

One of our Hauliers LTS from Anglia received thanks from Tarmac employee while riding bike to office

Gavin Francis was riding to our Colchester office when a contract haulier vehicle passed him, and this is what Gavin passed onto the transport manager Wayne Woodcock:

“Morning Wayne, just a note to say that this truck went past me as I was cycling to the Colchester office this morning and gave me loads of room when overtaking which can’t be said for everything which went past on the route in. Good to see drivers taking some care!”

This was sent onto the Haulier, and this is what they had to say:

“Thank you so much for taking the time to feed the great news back to us. Keith recently completed a SUD course and it’s great to see the driver CPC looks to be working. When we told Keith he was genuinely chuffed, Wayne I’m sure you’ll agree that Keith is a great guy so it was great to give him the positive feedback.”

It seems at the moment I am passing my drivers more negative news than positive. So, it was great to be able to broadcast this to the fleet as well as it showing everybody that people are always watching how we interact on the road which for some may be an eye opener. Have a nice weekend.

Further details can be found here

One of our Transport Managers had a lovely email from a member of public who rides horses and wanted to pass thanks on to J A Daives Haulage truck driver Wynford Morris.

Good afternoon, Gareth, I hope you are ok.

Giving credit where credit is due, I’d like to sincerely thank the driver of Vehicle Y2DND, on Gors Ddu Road at 9.23 today for showing us (on our two horses) the absolute best courtesy and kindness.

He had a smile and a wave while he waited for us to move over and passed us as slow as he could! Can you please pass on my sincere thanks for helping keep us safe.

SAFETY NEWS ON

Wheely Safe

Wheely-Safe’s intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has already proved a wise investment at Frank Redman & Sons – saving the firm from two costly and potentially dangerous tyre blow outs.

The Bedfordshire-based aggregates business – a contract haulier for Tarmac Group – is in the process of rolling out the technology across its fleet of eight-wheel tippers and 6×2 tractor units to improve the health & safety of its operation, reduce downtime and help cut fuel costs.

Martin Redman, Owner of Frank Redman & Sons says:

“We have the system installed on three of our tippers so far and five tractor units, which are pulling bulk trailers. It has already given us great results.”

“On two separate occasions it has saved us from a potential blow out. As soon as the pressure dropped in the tyres, the alert started flashing in the cab and allowed the driver to pull over safely to inspect the issue. If he had carried on running as usual, it could have easily ruined the sidewall and we’d be looking at buying a new tyre. The financial savings soon tot up.”

Checkers for their daily inspections.

“The whole system is so easy to use and really simple to fit,” adds Redman. “It’s been a great addition to our operation.”

HIGHLIGHTS Safety

The TrafficAngel Progressive Safe System

With the October 2024 TfL deadline for the new DVS regulations approaching TrafficAngel Progressive Safe System (TAPSS) is one system which could ensure your trucks remain compliant for London deliveries. TAPSS comprises three Ai cameras that distinguish between street furniture and vulnerable road users (VRUs) thus eliminating the annoying false alarming. A mini-display is also fitted to each A-pillar giving simple visual and audio instruction when required. The Ai aspect to the system comprises MOIS to the front (Moving Off Information System) and BSIS to the side (Blind Spot Information System).

All drivers will recognize this everyday city scenario (right) and will have sat through endless unnecessary bleeping at the lights. With TAPSS however, when the vehicle is stationary and presenting no danger, MOIS and BSIS stay silent no matter the VRU activity around the vehicle, giving a visual signal only to the driver. But as soon as the vehicle moves off up to 5kph, any VRU still inside the 2 metre front zone triggers an immediate voice announcement ‘PEDESTRIAN FRONT!’

The BSIS side system works in a similar fashion but with a distinct advantage over other systems out there. When the VRU and vehicle are travelling parallel to one another up to 30kph (right), TAPSS again stays silent, exactly as the TfL spec requests, and gives a visual notification only. However, when the TAPSS in-built gyroscope senses the vehicle turning inwards and leftwards towards any VRU in the blind zone, the system immediately announces ‘PEDESTRIAN LEFT!’

The TAPSS voice warning as opposed to a beeping warning also won hands down with drivers who all agreed that another beeping safety alarm would only get lost amongst all the other beeping sounds in the cab.

TAPSS meets all the TfL criteria, is driver-friendly, requires only an ignition and earth to connect, takes approximately 3 hours to install and is £1,295 plus VAT including installation. Drivers already using TAPSS are delighted.

Tarmac haulier Sarah Carr operating out of Harper Lane tells us, “Cost-wise compared to other systems plus the short fitting time made it a no-brainer. And working nights, I like the added safety around the vehicle now.”

Colin Thomas from Silvertown, right, says, “Since the system was installed, I haven’t had a single false alarm. It’s unobtrusive, easy to understand, and it’s great to be able to drive safely around town now without all the noisy bleeping.”

Steve Goswell, another London Tarmac mixer driver tells us, “Where my previous system was audibly toning for no good reason, TAPSS is a lot more sensible and so much easier to live with!”

Importance of good training

Good HGV training allows large goods vehicle drivers to become more confident and competent in their job role. They will learn how to manoeuvre their vehicles in difficult situations, how best to navigate all types of roads.

Less vehicle maintenance

Driver training will teach delegates the best practices to follow and adhere to when operating an HGV on the road. This will improve the level of your driving, reducing the strain and wear and tear on your vehicle, reducing the amount you will have to spend fixing issues such as:

• Tyres

• Brakes

• Clutches

As well as damages that come from poor HGV driving, such as damages from potholes and bridge strikes.

Improved confidence

Confidence is a major aspect of any part of life, and being confident in your driving ability will allow you to feel more comfortable and calmer when operating an HGV.

To expect someone else or yourself to be able to jump into the cab on any HGV and drive it would be a similar experience to driving a spaceship, with a variety of factors needing to be considered, such as vehicle dimensions, weights, and stopping distances.

New truck or different truck identify the instruments to the driver before first use.

Truck driving is a demanding profession that requires a high level of skill and responsibility. The safety of other road users and the cargo being transported depend on the driver’s knowledge and ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Increased safety and reduced risk

The first and arguably the most important benefit of driver training is the increased safety and reduced risk for drivers and other road users.

Completing HGV training will teach candidates the correct skills and procedures needed to drive an HGV on the road, as well as educate them on safe driving, all of which are factors that go a long way to preventing serious accidents and injuries from occurring while operating an HGV.

Therefore, training, and continuing education are critical for truck drivers to perform their job safely and efficiently.

Ongoing education is necessary to keep up with changes in regulations, technology, and best practices in the industry. For example, truck drivers need to stay up to date with advances in navigation systems, electronic logging devices, and other technology that affects their work.

Moreover, continuing education can help truck drivers improve their driving skills, leading to better fuel efficiency, safer driving practices, and reduced wear and tear on the vehicle.

In addition to the benefits for drivers, ongoing training and education can also have a positive impact on the industry as a whole. Bettertrained drivers can help reduce the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles, which in turn can lower insurance costs, and, and improve the public’s perception of the industry.

Useful Tools/Apps

INTRUCK APP - Find truck parking and washing

Sick and tired of looking for parking and washing spots? Don’t worry, intruck is your truck stop bible.

Whether you’re hauling across Europe or halfway home, we’ve got the scoop on the best truck stops. Say goodbye to the dirt, say hello to the shine - let’s get you parked, washed and on your merry way.

Filter to find your perfect stop

Are you staying at truck stops that don’t cut it?

Intruck’s filter feature helps you find the perfect pitstop.

Our filter feature lets you customise your search to find a truck stop that fits your needs like a glove. Download intruck and start filtering today.

Create your profile for quick booking

Want to make truck park booking a breeze?

It’s time to create an intruck profile and save your preferences to book like a pro.

No more entering your details time after time - just log in and bish-bash-bosh, you’re booked.

So what are you waiting for? Start your profile, and let’s book you into your favourite truck stops.

Next-level navigation for professional drivers

HGV Satellite Navigation System

Some roads aren’t built for trucks. That’s why TomTom GO Expert Plus tailors each route to your vehicle’s dimensions, weight, max speed and cargo type. Plus, receive alerts on upcoming bridge heights, ADR tunnels, UN class restrictions and more. You’ll also find everything you need on each trip with useful points of interests (POIs) for professional drivers.

Real-time TomTom Traffic

Stay out of jams and on schedule with live traffic updates. Real-time traffic information keeps you clear of congestion, included at no extra cost.

Dedicated Large Vehicle POIs

Explore 50,000+ fuel stations, parking spots, service centers and more – all tailored to large vehicles.

HIGH SPEED NETWORKS

We continue to have too many serious and high potential incidents on high speed network sites.

Each of these incidents on another day, could have turned into a FATALITY.

Before you set off:

• ENSURE you are aware of the site address and direction of approach.

• ENSURE you are aware of the site access points.

• ENSURE If provided with Map, it gives clear instructions – If there is a problem with the map or instructions clarify with shipping team/plant (raise near hit, if necessary, through ePOD) before you leave the loading site

• ENSURE the ticket address and maps match – if not raise with weighbridge or out of hours contact

• ENSURE you only use approved routes

• ALWAYS - use STOP GO assessment

• ALWAYS - make sure safety signage is clean.

If you are unable to safely enter the site access or your vehicle passes the entrance, switch of the beacon, turn off indicator and abort manoeuvre, continue to the next road exit and either return and re-try – or find a SAFE place to stop and phone the shipping team or plant. NEVER cut through cones or stop in a live lane.

Training news and courses available

Safe Urban Driver Training (SUD)

More training companies are starting to set up Safe Urban Driving courses. Speak to your local training companies to see what they have in place.

Telesales: 0808 178 9977 or email: cpcadmin@driverhire.co.uk

Tarmac Materials MPQC Cards / Certificate

Please make sure your drivers attend a course as soon as possible and supply onecard@tarmac.com a copy of card with expiry date or proof of pass for your OneCard to be updated.

Course/Training Safe Urban Driving

Dates TBA

Contact number 0345 600 4045

Email training@fleetsource.co.uk

website fleetsource.co.uk/training/fors-tfl-funded/

www.fleetsource.co.uk/training/fors-tfl-funded/

FORS Training

The below link lists approved providers, and some provide details of what regions they cover, so you can contact direct.

There are regional providers and those Nationwide: https://www.fors-online.org.uk/cms/fors-professional-fors-approved-courses1/