Apologies for blogging absence, been up to my whassnames with the new job at the Road Transport Group.
Anyway, had an interesting session downloading some of my thoughts on the current state of the road transport industry with a representative of the investment community this morning. General gist from me was that clearly the underlying issue is the lack of economic activity which has devastated the need to move goods throughout Europe and the knock on effects of that have been a collapse in everything we know as an industry.
We've still a long way to go before there's any signs of a recovery in my opinion - Ford reckons 2013 before the new van market gets back to 2007 levels - but I sense we're all getting a bit browned off with the recession. When the 'collective will' decides times up on the downturn then that has to be the first sign confidence may be on the way back.
At the European truck parking conference I chaired a couple of weeks back, the Eurocrats were still talking of a doubling of road freight volumes over the next 20 years - can't come soon enough...
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Mahindra shows interest in LDV
Indian commercial vehicle producer Mahindra & Mahindra is one of the three interested parties looking to rescue LDV from the jaws of administration. Mahindra had been interested in the company in the past, before Gaz took ownership. While this could be good news for the 850 employees, LDV has a mountain to climb if its going to get back to its previous number three position in the UK van market.
Ford van prices on the rise
Ford has announced a price rise on all its products from the beginning of next month. It blames weak pound for this shift, which sees prices go up an average 3.75% across the range. Clearly the forex imbalance is what's driving inflation rises.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Truck & Driver turns tables on truck bosses
Next month's Truck & Driver, understood to be a real belter of an issue to celebrate the magazine's 25th Birthday has a cracking feature in it where editor Will Shiers has got all the bosses of the UK truck importers to spend a night in their truck. Will's just posted a blog on it. Apparently all took it in good spirit, apart from one of the bosses who complained their cab was too small... Try sleeping across the seats of an Atki Borderer for real discomfort!
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
LDV rescue looking less likely
Hopes of a successful rescue for LDV, seem to be diminishing as the Government turns its back on the Birmingham van builder. Looks like the Govt may be proving a point by letting a weak player fall by the wayside...
SeaFrance up for sale?
Blimey, it's all kicking off in the channel as the bids and counter-bids are coming in for SeaFrance. It looks like Brittany Ferries is the latest suitor. Although from the tone of this release from LD Lines, agreeing a price is only the first step in securing the deal. I'll keep you posted on any further developments...
LD LINES WITHDRAWS SEAFRANCE BID
After several months of discussion, at the request of SNCF, concerning the acquisition of a majority stake in SeaFrance by LD Lines, the uncertainty as to the real intentions of the seller has prompted LD Lines to withdraw its offer : the short time frame necessary to complete such an operation is no longer achievable.
The indication transmitted to the shareholder of SeaFrance on 15th December 2008, later confirmed by a binding offer on 23rd February 2009, proposed the creation of a "Large SeaFrance", combining the existing ferry services of SeaFrance with LD Lines, the head-office of which would have been installed in Calais.
This newly-formed group would have operated under the SeaFrance name, creating an undeniable leader of the Channel market, able to face the current economic difficulties, to ensure its development and to safeguard several hundreds of jobs threatened by the social plan under consideration by the Management of the company. This true industrial project, in LD Lines' view, was a guarantee for the future of the company and for the employment in the Nord / Pas de Calais region.
The success of this project required obviously the support and agreement of all stakeholders concerned. However, the opposition of the Unions, who expressed fierce objections without even knowing or asking to know the content of LD Lines' offer, has contributed to give the project an unrealistic impression.
Consequently, LD Lines has informed the management of SNCF of this decision to terminate negotiations.
LD Lines deeply regrets that its industrial project could not be implemented within the required time frame. However, the company sincerely hopes that SNCF will find a suitable solution to ensure the future of SeaFrance, a leading French shipping company, as well as to safeguard the largest possible number of jobs.
LD LINES WITHDRAWS SEAFRANCE BID
After several months of discussion, at the request of SNCF, concerning the acquisition of a majority stake in SeaFrance by LD Lines, the uncertainty as to the real intentions of the seller has prompted LD Lines to withdraw its offer : the short time frame necessary to complete such an operation is no longer achievable.
The indication transmitted to the shareholder of SeaFrance on 15th December 2008, later confirmed by a binding offer on 23rd February 2009, proposed the creation of a "Large SeaFrance", combining the existing ferry services of SeaFrance with LD Lines, the head-office of which would have been installed in Calais.
This newly-formed group would have operated under the SeaFrance name, creating an undeniable leader of the Channel market, able to face the current economic difficulties, to ensure its development and to safeguard several hundreds of jobs threatened by the social plan under consideration by the Management of the company. This true industrial project, in LD Lines' view, was a guarantee for the future of the company and for the employment in the Nord / Pas de Calais region.
The success of this project required obviously the support and agreement of all stakeholders concerned. However, the opposition of the Unions, who expressed fierce objections without even knowing or asking to know the content of LD Lines' offer, has contributed to give the project an unrealistic impression.
Consequently, LD Lines has informed the management of SNCF of this decision to terminate negotiations.
LD Lines deeply regrets that its industrial project could not be implemented within the required time frame. However, the company sincerely hopes that SNCF will find a suitable solution to ensure the future of SeaFrance, a leading French shipping company, as well as to safeguard the largest possible number of jobs.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Wrekin Construction in administration
I know this isn't strictly transport related, but as a Shropshire Lad growing up in Shifnal (the home of Wrekin Construction) I thought it was worthy of mention. Wrekin Construction has gone into administration - good detail on it here at Shropshire Star. Big group, big loss...
$14M investment on Irish Sea for Stena
Good to see Stena is continuing to invest in its freight services on the Irish Sea. Announced yesterday it had splashed out $14M refitting and tarting up the ships serving the Irish Sea routes. It has carried out a $1.1M refit of the HSS on the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route - I'm off to Ireland and Easter and will report on the improvements (or otherwise)...
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Fuelcard ploy to drum up business
The Fuelcard People are doing their best to drum up business by putting the frighteners on finance directors operating in the road transport sector. Their recent press release claims FDs could be saving up to 10p per litre by shopping around for better prices. Might be worth giving them a shout...
Here's the press release sent to me by BigLorryBlog yesterday:
FDs warned: You spend too much on fuel
Financial directors have been warned that they may be over-spending on diesel and petrol for company vehicles, through inappropriate fuel card agreements. Steve Clarke, general manager of The Fuelcard People, said: “Any FD who thinks that fuel cards are all the same is wrong and almost certainly over-pays as a consequence. Every day, thousands of company vehicles are refuelled at pump prices, although discounts of 10p per litre and more are available. It is financial madness for any company to pay for fuel without enjoying discount pricing.”
Steve Clarke pointed out why over-spending happens: “When fuel cards were first introduced, discounts were rare. Now, savings of 2p to 3p per litre on national average pump prices, and up to 10p on motorway costs, are typical. Depending upon which card a company uses, discounts will apply across a national network of 1,500 or more locations. Too many companies continue to use the non-discount fuel cards they have held for years, rather than reviewing their options and saving money.”
He criticised those who fail to shop around. “Fuel cards vary,” he said, “and one type can not suit every need. Hauliers’ trucks, contractors’ vans and company car fleets have different requirements. Significant per-litre discounts should be just the start of the service, savings and security benefits sought by FDs.”
He issued a challenge to financial directors: “Call us, on 0871 598 0230, and I bet that we can find you a better package of benefits than you already have. Apart from savings, free credit and ease of VAT recovery, there is so much on offer from dedicated account management and 24/7 account access to detailed, customised reports and state-of-the-art security measures.
The Fuelcard People is one of the few fuel card companies able to offer truly impartial, independent advice, offering a broad choice of cards from leading brands including BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco, Diesel Direct (Keyfuels) and ReD.
Here's the press release sent to me by BigLorryBlog yesterday:
FDs warned: You spend too much on fuel
Financial directors have been warned that they may be over-spending on diesel and petrol for company vehicles, through inappropriate fuel card agreements. Steve Clarke, general manager of The Fuelcard People, said: “Any FD who thinks that fuel cards are all the same is wrong and almost certainly over-pays as a consequence. Every day, thousands of company vehicles are refuelled at pump prices, although discounts of 10p per litre and more are available. It is financial madness for any company to pay for fuel without enjoying discount pricing.”
Steve Clarke pointed out why over-spending happens: “When fuel cards were first introduced, discounts were rare. Now, savings of 2p to 3p per litre on national average pump prices, and up to 10p on motorway costs, are typical. Depending upon which card a company uses, discounts will apply across a national network of 1,500 or more locations. Too many companies continue to use the non-discount fuel cards they have held for years, rather than reviewing their options and saving money.”
He criticised those who fail to shop around. “Fuel cards vary,” he said, “and one type can not suit every need. Hauliers’ trucks, contractors’ vans and company car fleets have different requirements. Significant per-litre discounts should be just the start of the service, savings and security benefits sought by FDs.”
He issued a challenge to financial directors: “Call us, on 0871 598 0230, and I bet that we can find you a better package of benefits than you already have. Apart from savings, free credit and ease of VAT recovery, there is so much on offer from dedicated account management and 24/7 account access to detailed, customised reports and state-of-the-art security measures.
The Fuelcard People is one of the few fuel card companies able to offer truly impartial, independent advice, offering a broad choice of cards from leading brands including BP, Esso, Shell, Texaco, Diesel Direct (Keyfuels) and ReD.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Rise in speed limit for trucks unlikely
News from yesterday's Sunday Times indicating the government is planning a drop in the national speed limit is probably bad news for those seeking a rise in the national speed limit for trucks on single carriageway roads. Much had been made of the safety issues caused by trucks trundling along at a 4omph maximum while the national speed limit was 60mph - the differential in speed being cited as a reason for rash overtaking manoeuvres. With the need for speed now going in the opposite direction, it's unlikely the legislators will consider a rise in truck speeds.
Friday, 6 March 2009
MAN Trucks technical boss Schalle moves on
Karl-Viktor Schalle, engineering and purchasing director at MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, has left the company for pastures new. An excellent communicator, and good friend of the press, Schalle could always be guaranteed to give assembled journalists a decent story on MAN's product developments.
Residual values on used trucks and vans taking hit
Recent news from Lloyds TSB Autolease and Northgate illustrates the plumetting of used vehicle prices at present. These two big van rental companies have written off millions in residual value write-downs and the anecdotal word on the street is of a collapse in values in the truck sector. One medium-sized rental company confirms trucks which had previously been scooping £25-30k from the market this time last year, are now lucky to be making £10k. Good news for buyers - if only there some active...
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Interesting piece from Christopher Booker
Christopher Booker was very animated about Birmingham van maker LDV's troubles in the Telegraph at the weekend, worth a read and a compelling argument.
Van-maker LDV struggling to survive
Workers at LDV have agreed to a 10% wage cut in a bid to save the company, but it's hard to see how the company can make it back from the brink.
It's product line-up, the Maxus, though only launched a couple of years ago was out-of-date, compared to the competition, within months of it being launched. Since then the company has lost its way among the heartland of its traditional customer base - the local authorities, utilities et al - with a more expensive, less durable product than what went before.
It's product line-up, the Maxus, though only launched a couple of years ago was out-of-date, compared to the competition, within months of it being launched. Since then the company has lost its way among the heartland of its traditional customer base - the local authorities, utilities et al - with a more expensive, less durable product than what went before.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Multimodal 2009 - the only show left...
While the CV Show has long bitten the dust for 2009, the Multimodal 2009 Exhibition is still all systems go and looks like being one of the few shows in town for the freight sector this year. The 2008 event attracted nearly 2000 visitors and 140 exhibitors and while not on the grand scale of the foll blown CV Show shindig, will nevertheless be must-visit exhibition for those in the freight business.
Dates are 28-30 April at the NEC, Birmingham.
Dates are 28-30 April at the NEC, Birmingham.
Scania launches insurance!
Interesting, Scania appears to be launching its own insurance product - albeit a white label offering from Towergate, although its further evidence of Scania trying to embrace all areas of the industry and stretch from its core truck making activity. Here's the release from Towergate:
"Help beat the credit crunch with Scania Insurance
At a time when challenging trading conditions and an economy that’s in recession is crippling the haulage industry, it could be tempting for operators to cut costs. With Insurance being one of the largest costs facing hauliers, one option would be to take the cheapest truck insurance you can find. When you purchase insurance you don’t appear to have anything of any value for such a large outlay, until you have to make a claim. It is only when you make a claim that you discover exactly what your cheap truck insurance policy has brought you. While costs are important, it could be viewed as a false economy to buy on price if you find your policy doesn’t give you the service you would expect when things go wrong.
Each day hauliers are faced by a number or risks that have the potential to ruin their business – and even their life. Eight people die each day on the roads and with fatal accidents involving HGVs costing on average close to £1,000,000, and new laws which will imprison careless drivers who kill, it is more important than ever to make sure hauliers have the right insurance and be safe in the knowledge that their insurer will be there for them should the worst happen.
Scania Insurance believes that everyone benefits from investments in safety and security and can help clients during this economic downturn by providing them with crash reduction measures that will give premium savings.
Investing in safety can help you save money on your insurance, fuel, and reduce vehicle wear and tear. The cost of claims on your policy is the most significant factor used to calculate your new insurance premium so cutting the number and cost of accidents means lower insurance premiums as well as a cut in uninsured damage, a particular issue if there’s a high policy excess
Driver training through the Scania Driver Experience can reduce accidents and potentially deliver better fuel economy as well as savings through reduced tyre wear and vehicle maintenance.
Fewer accidents mean less truck and driver down-time and less management time wasted dealing with disrupted delivery schedules. A better delivery record means more satisfied customers which can be a real asset when it comes to winning new haulage contracts."
"Help beat the credit crunch with Scania Insurance
At a time when challenging trading conditions and an economy that’s in recession is crippling the haulage industry, it could be tempting for operators to cut costs. With Insurance being one of the largest costs facing hauliers, one option would be to take the cheapest truck insurance you can find. When you purchase insurance you don’t appear to have anything of any value for such a large outlay, until you have to make a claim. It is only when you make a claim that you discover exactly what your cheap truck insurance policy has brought you. While costs are important, it could be viewed as a false economy to buy on price if you find your policy doesn’t give you the service you would expect when things go wrong.
Each day hauliers are faced by a number or risks that have the potential to ruin their business – and even their life. Eight people die each day on the roads and with fatal accidents involving HGVs costing on average close to £1,000,000, and new laws which will imprison careless drivers who kill, it is more important than ever to make sure hauliers have the right insurance and be safe in the knowledge that their insurer will be there for them should the worst happen.
Scania Insurance believes that everyone benefits from investments in safety and security and can help clients during this economic downturn by providing them with crash reduction measures that will give premium savings.
Investing in safety can help you save money on your insurance, fuel, and reduce vehicle wear and tear. The cost of claims on your policy is the most significant factor used to calculate your new insurance premium so cutting the number and cost of accidents means lower insurance premiums as well as a cut in uninsured damage, a particular issue if there’s a high policy excess
Driver training through the Scania Driver Experience can reduce accidents and potentially deliver better fuel economy as well as savings through reduced tyre wear and vehicle maintenance.
Fewer accidents mean less truck and driver down-time and less management time wasted dealing with disrupted delivery schedules. A better delivery record means more satisfied customers which can be a real asset when it comes to winning new haulage contracts."
Really Useful Stuff About Transport is go, go, go...
Welcome to my new blog - Really Useful Stuff About Transport. Over the coming weeks, months and years I'll be putting stuff up here which I come across and I think might be useful to people involved in the road freight transport sector. Some of it will press releases from firms with good products, others will be news I come across or stuff on other blogs and websites, or even just good ideas which need thinking about.
Most of all it's about sharing stuff we call come across. So if you want to get involved just post a comment or drop me a line and let's get sharing. One of our greatest strength is the knowledge we have, the people we know and the networks we have created. Let's use it to all our benefits.
I've been involved in the road transport sector all my life and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in on this project.
Most of all it's about sharing stuff we call come across. So if you want to get involved just post a comment or drop me a line and let's get sharing. One of our greatest strength is the knowledge we have, the people we know and the networks we have created. Let's use it to all our benefits.
I've been involved in the road transport sector all my life and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in on this project.
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