RHA Associate Members Update September 2011
Latest News and Developments
ATS Euromaster
Heavy tyre explosions - equivalent to being hit by a truck
ATS Euromaster has released dramatic video footage showing the catastrophic effects of inflating a truck tyre which has previously suffered run-flat damage:
Heavy tyre explosion video
The recording forms part of a comprehensive training DVD being shown to ATS Euromaster’s 2,300-strong operations team to reinforce the safe methods of operation which must be followed when servicing truck tyres. The footage also serves as a timely reminder of why tyres should always be serviced by professional tyre technicians.
Richard Byrne, Group Head of Health, Safety & Technical Services at ATS Euromaster, says: “If a tyre contains insufficient air to carry its load, run-flat damage can be caused to its internal structure, rendering the tyre no longer serviceable. It must never be repaired or inflated, as the structure could fail and cause an explosion.
“When this happens the compressed air – as much as 130psi in a standard 295/80 R 22.5 – surges into the surrounding area at violent speed and with a force equivalent to 12 tonnes. If you are standing in the way it’s like being hit by a truck.”
Chris Hufflett, Group Operations Director, explains: “We recognise the importance of fleets choosing service providers with whom they have complete confidence. It’s why we pride ourselves on being experts in all aspects of what we do – including safe working.”
2011 has seen ATS Euromaster re-accredited by both SAFE contractor and the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS).
Rothera Dowson
Moving Forwards
The road transport law team at Nottingham lawplan solicitors firm Rothera Dowson is continuing to go from strength-to-strength, with two solicitors celebrating major professional achievements.
Partner Anton Balkitis has been identified as a ‘leader in his field’ of expertise for 2012 by the Chambers and Partners UK Guide. It is the fourth year in a row that Anton has received the recommendation from Chambers, whose guides have been published for over 20 years and are seen as the most used set of directories to identify law firms.
In addition, it has been announced that Lucy Wood has been promoted to the position of associate solicitor with Rothera Dowson. Having been at the firm for over 5 years, Lucy’s ambition, professionalism and outstanding specialist knowledge have made a big impression on both her clients and colleagues.
For more information on Rothera Dowson’s transport team visit www.keepmeontheroad.co.uk. Further information on the firm can be found at www.rotheradowson.co.uk.
Marshall Fleet Solutions National Resources
The National Resource
Marshall Fleet Solutions has one of the UK’s largest fleet of mobile engineers working within the Commercial vehicle market and continues to provide support using their National Resource on all types of project work including Telematic installations, support and upgrade programs either in the UK or further afield.
The MFS engineering team has the capability to manage and respond to large project role outs and have the skill and mind set to carry out almost all challenges to an agreed time frame 24/7.
These qualities make Marshall Fleet Solutions a unique company offering everything from cooling and heating to lifting and lowering to complete project role outs to Full Fleet managed packages.
Who else would you turn to where you have “One Call, One Network, Working for you 24/7 “all via the companies free phone number 0800 7311685.
Peace of mind, night and day.
Stena Line
New port, new route and new ships for Stena Line between Scotland and Northern Ireland
Stena Line is currently putting the finishing touches to its new state-of-the-art port and terminal facility at Cairnryan in Loch Ryan which is scheduled to open in November following years of planning and investment by the leading ferry company. The new port heralds the launch of a new route for Stena Line which will also accommodate two new ships for its Scotland to Northern Ireland service as part of a £200m investment programme.
The two new identical ‘sister’ ships Superfast VII and Superfast VIII, the biggest ferries ever to operate on the route, will cater for both freight and passenger traffic. They each have a gross tonnage of 30,285 and with deck-heights being raised to above 5 meters are capable of carrying all types of freight vehicles. The service starts in November and there will be up to 12 daily departures between Cairnryan and Belfast.
Chatfields
Chatfields is pleased to announce that after successful negotiations, Hino Truck franchise is to operate from our Leicester site adding to the groups existing quality truck portfolio. Chatfields will be responsible for an area of influence ranging from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire into South Yorkshire.
Hino is the truck brand of Toyota one of the largest automatic groups in the World. Hino was formed in 1910 and offer a full weight range of commercial vehicles worldwide they also produce buses, coaches, industrial diesel engines and most recently Hybrid products.
In the UK Hino has been closely linked to the heavy construction market selling both 8x4 and 6x4 tippers. In the last 3 years Hino has increased its product offering to include highway 18 Tonne & 7.5 urban distribution trucks.
The new partnership offers Chatfields a fantastic opportunity to grow truck reputation, expertise and commitment to quality customer service at Leicester with the new franchise.
Chatfields Leicester
0844 556 1036
chatfieldsleicester@chatfields.co.uk
For further information visit our website at www.chatfields.co.uk
Mammoet Ferry Transport
Mammoet Ferry Transport has recently expanded it’s trailer fleet , taking delivery of 25 new euro-liner trailers and bringing the total fleet size to over 400 trailers.
The latest additions to carry the distinctive Mammoet logo arrive in response to a significant increase in the company’s part-load business activity and the new trailers will operate from Mammoets two UK terminals at Runcorn in Cheshire and Hamilton in Scotland.
Whilst over their 30 year history Mammoet have established themselves as a market leading full load trailer operator, the company has developed a number of services aimed at adding value for their clients. These include daily part load and groupage services between UK and mainland Europe, as well as a full portfolio of “in country” warehousing, order picking and distribution services through their depot locations in UK, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria.
Hellmann UK appoints 10 new Account Managers
After announcing 11 new sales appointments in December 2010, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK has appointed a further 10 new Hellmann Account Managers (HAMs), as it begins the second phase of its development programme in sales. The Field team will grow to 26 positions in total with a further 10 budgeted for 2012.
Launched in 2009, the Hellmann Account Manager Scheme (HAMS) resulted in a 12% increase in revenue on the European Road Freight product, during its first year, and a further increase of 18% was recorded in 2010. 2011 figures are predicted to see the scheme continue on its upward spiral.
Of the 10 new appointments, three HAMs will be based at the head office in Lichfield, four will be based in Bradford and a further three in Basildon, proving the importance the global logistics operator places on investing in personnel.
To follow Hellmann on Twitter go to www.twitter.com/HellmannUK.
Bridgestone
Safer and Greener Fleets with Bridgestone’s New Technology
Fleets are to benefit further from Bridgestone’s Total Fleet Management, as Bridgestone rolls out its new TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) to commercial vehicles in Europe this year.
Automation Systems Manager at Bridgestone Europe, Neil Purves, says “Pressure maintenance is critical to keeping our roads safe. Running at low pressure for a prolonged period of time can often cause tyres to fail.”
As truck tyre failure can cause the tyre to break up, forcing following traffic to take sudden action to avoid debris in the road, early warning and remedial action through TPMS can help prevent dangerous situations. In addition to the safety aspect, a fleet with correct tyre pressures will run with longer tyre life, optimal fuel economy and reduced CO2 output.
The patented valve system is being rolling out as a tool within Bridgestone’s Total Fleet Management package, which provides full tyre maintenance services within a fleet.
Company Profiles
NA Commercial Solicitors
Specialist transport law firm NA Commercial Solicitors becomes new associate member
We are pleased to announce our membership of the RHA. Members should feel free to speak to us about their legal problems.
Here are some of the things we regularly handle :
• Representing operators at public inquiries and the magistrates court
• Advising on regulatory issues including where vehicles are impounded, investigations by VOSA or the police and penalties relating to illegal entrants etc
• Dealing with business legal problems such as commercial disputes and debt enforcement and advising on contracts and insurance claims.
• Putting in place contracts of employment and essential procedures and policies to ensure compliance with the law.
Our approach to legal services is modern and practical, charging fixed prices and turning work around fast. You can call us 24 hours a day.
To discuss any legal issue, call 01302 882 555, email Contact@NACommercial.co.uk or go to our website at www.RoadTransportSolicitors.co.uk.
Cheap Iveco Parts
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Wrightsure Insurance Group - RHA Gold Associate Members
Established for over 35 years and with branches nationwide Wrightsure Insurance Group understands your business; whether you operate a single vehicle or a large international fleet, Wrightsure will have an insurance solution to cover the challenges that your business faces.
With a service that is second to none, our knowledgeable and proactive in-house claims handling will ensuring that your business is not compromised when the unexpected happens – we are always there when you need us the most.
Wrightsure provide advice on the latest developments, trends and innovations in Risk Management, which will help you to better manage your vehicles.
Wrightsure offer RHA members preferential, competitive and expert assistance. For further information, a ‘free’ review of your insurance portfolio or risk management assessment
Contact: Frank Heinrich-Jones FCII
Telephone: 01329 820 768
Email: frankhj@wrightsure.com
Website: www.wrightsure.com
Legal Updates
Backhouse Jones
Preparing for the changes
The rules governing agency workers are to be changed in October 2011 yet the use of agency workers is reportedly increasing. In a short report, Backhouse Jones takes a look at what the new regulations will mean.
The Agency Worker Regulations will be implemented in October 2011 introducing European regulations to the UK.
They are designed to give temporary agency workers – individuals supplied by an agency to work temporarily for an employer – the same basic pay and employment rights as full time staff. The rights will commence after the agency staff have worked with the same employer for 12 weeks.
According to the European Directive which has introduced the legislation, “the basic working and employment conditions of temporary agency workers shall be, for the duration of their assignment at a user undertaking, at least those that would apply if they have been recruited directly to occupy the same job.”
The areas affected by the regulations will be pay, duration of time working, night work, rest period, rest breaks and annual leave.
For more information on this or any other related enquiries, please contact Steven Meyerhoff at Backhouse Jones 01254 828300 or email steven.meyerhoff@backhouses.co.uk
Moore & Batch
Proposals to declare transport managers "Unfit"
Following news that Traffic Commissioners (TCs) will be able to take direct regulatory action against transport managers under changes proposed by the Department for Transport (DfT), law firm Moore Blatch is warning that these new changes will mean that it will be more important than ever that transport managers attend public inquiries with legal representation.
“The changes, due to come into force on 4th December 2011, means that TCs will be able to make a finding at a public inquiry that a transport manager is "unfit" and specify rehabilitation measures” explains David Thompson, transport solicitor at the southern law firm.
“Any declaration of unfitness must be entered onto a UK register of transport managers and apply across the EU. The ban will only be lifted when the TC determines that fitness has been restored”.
David Thompson is recognised as a leader in the field of transport and regulatory matters by independent legal directory Chambers UK 2012.
Contact: David Thompson
T: 023 8071 8024
E: david.thompson@mooreblatch.com
W: www.mooreblatch.com
RHA is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the articles in this newsletter