Issue#12
Features in this issue:
  • AC Marine Aggregates
    Barge operation
  • bmi Trailers
    Hotbed of modernisation
  • Pridmore’s Haulage
    Facing fresh challenges
  • Lawrence David
    Big surprise at Tipex!
  • Massey Feeds
    Supplier of game feed
  • Iveco
    Italian Ride and Drive
  • Scania
    The latest developments
CoverStory
World-class infrastructure
The Murphy Group is providing transport, logistics and multiple equipment for construction and civil engineering projects.

THE BARGE OF SUCCESS

AC AGGREGATES WAS ESTABLISHED MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE AND IS NOW USING A BARGE TO MOVE MATERIAL IN LARGE QUANTITIES AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE CENTRE OF LEEDS. BULK & TIPPER TALKS TO MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDY COLLINS AND BARGE OPERATOR JOHN BRANFORD.

Moving bulk cargoes into city centres via inland waterways is a key part of the transport infrastructure in many parts of Europe, particularly in Holland and Germany. Many large navigable rivers, combined with a modern, well maintained system of canals and inland waterways makes this the obvious choice for moving large quantities of material by barge and other vessels able to navigate the network.

In Britain things are a little different, we still have a network of canals, but they are a far cry from the vast network of interconnected waterways in Europe and are mainly used for pleasure craft, rather than a means of moving bulk cargoes in the most cost effective and environmentally friendly manner. Given the current high level of concern regarding Co2 emissions and climate change, even the most ardent supporters of road haulage would be hard pressed not to agree, that we should be looking at greener alternatives for moving large quantities of bulk cargo. After all, one barge powered by one diesel engine shifting maybe as much as 500 tonnes, is doing the equivalent work of 18 44-tonne artics….

A HELP FOR HEROES

AC AGGREGATES’ NEW WEIGHTLIFTER ALUMINIUM HALF BARREL TIPPING TRAILER HAS A ‘HELP FOR HEROES’ LIVERY INSPIRED BY ITS REGULAR DRIVER MICK BULLEYMENT, A ROYAL ARMY ORDINANCE CORPS VETERAN. BULK & TIPPER TELLS THE STORY.

While the ups and downs of normal life might seem to be pretty stressful, few of us will suffer from real despair – when your entire life disintegrates around you, you lose everything and end up on the streets. This has happened and continues to happen to an increasing number of ex-service personnel, who have seen active service in some of the worst conflicts throughout the world. After suffering physical injuries, often combined with mental scars in the form of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), the latter is often undiagnosed.

It’s a national scandal that this should continue, even after cases have been highlighted in the press numerous times, some of the authorities in charge of the armed forces seem to think that many of the people affected should just sort themselves out and wash their hands of the problem once the individual is quite literally off their books.

Issue Twelve: January 2022

With over 140+ pages of first-class niche transport content, what more could you wish for? Click the appropriate link below to purchase your annual subscription, or individual copy.

ITALIAN OFF-ROAD TESTING

BULK AND TIPPER WAS INVITED TO GO TO ITALY TO TEST DRIVE IVECO’S NEW FOUR-AXLE RANGE AS WELL AS SEVERAL OF ITS SPECIALIST LIGHTER WEIGHT MODELS. BULK & TIPPER TAKES THE WHEELS AT THE OFF-ROAD ITALIAN RIDE AND DRIVE EVENT.

Iveco has replaced, updated and renewed almost its entire product range in the past two years. The delayed introduction of right-hand drive S-Way tractors and rigids was partly due to production issues, but the launch of the X-Way medium duty and T-Way heavy duty ranges, was further hampered by the pandemic. This meant that the new range could only be launched on-line, as restrictions made it impossible for both operators and the press to see the new vehicles. Fortunately, normality seems to have returned and the new models can once again be test driven.

In the UK, many are probably unaware of just how wide a range of models Iveco produces. It claims to have the widest range of on/off road vehicles of any European manufacturer, which covers everything from the Daily 4×4 variants and the medium weight Eurocargo 4×4 models. Then the extensive X-Way rigids and tractor range takes over, with two, three and four-axle models for a wide range of applications. These are now complimented by the new heavyweight TWay models, two, three and four-axle rigids and tractors. In addition, Astra, a sister company in the Iveco group, offers ultraheavy HD and HDD models, including four-axle chassis suitable for operation at up to 70-tonnes GVW off-road…

RECLAIMING THE FUTURE

NORTHERN IRELAND WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING TRAILER MANUFACTURER BMI TRAILERS PRODUCES WALKING FLOOR AND STEEL EJECTOR TRAILERS AND HAS EXPANDED INTO SPECIALIST REPAIR. BULK & TIPPER TELLS THE STORY OF HOW IT BEGAN AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.

Until the supply chain crises and HGV driver shortages of 2021, the general public had hardly considered the delivery solutions involved in the acquisition of their consumer goods. Nor had they reflected on the transportation and processing of the recyclable waste generated by consumer habits. But things are changing, and all eyes are on safer, greener solutions to the problems posed by the consumer’s culture.

In the face of a global pandemic, crippling lockdowns, industry skills shortages, and Brexit uncertainty, bmi trailers has seen a significant increase in demand. Now the business is looking forward to 2022, with plans of plant expansion and increasing its manufacturing output….

Issue Twelve: January 2022

With over 140+ pages of first-class niche transport content, what more could you wish for? Click the appropriate link below to purchase your annual subscription, or individual copy.

COVER STORY: GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION

MURPHY PLANT PROVIDES MANY ASPECTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS. BULK & TIPPER TALKS TO THE COMPANY'S LOGISTICS MANAGER MARK OLDEN AND FINDS OUT HOW IT COPES WITH THE OPERATIONAL, FINANCIAL AND REGULATORY PRESSURES OF MODERN BUSINESS.

Operating commercial vehicles of any type in urban areas has always been a demanding and responsible task, regardless of the nature of the operation – factor in the added complications of serving the construction and utilities sector and there is a lot more to consider. In recent years endless congestion caused by ever growing traffic volumes, combined with increased regulation and compliance requirements from enforcement agencies, local and regional authorities, combined with clients demanding greater accountability and transparency from their service providers, mean that it’s not a job for the faint hearted or feckless.

The Murphy Group has more experience in this sector than most. Its dedicated plant and transport operation – under the banner of Murphy Plant – provides almost all of the transport, logistics and equipment for every division of the group. Established in 1951 by the late John Murphy senior, working on post-war regeneration in London, soon moved on to help establish the electrical infrastructure and telephone network throughout the country. As the economy developed, the company moved into new sectors, providing water services, water and gas pipelines, tunnelling, national rail projects, piling, bridges, fabrication and many other aspects of construction and civil engineering.

DIESEL ENGINES CONTINUE

SCANIA’S NEW 13-LITRE SIX-CYLINDER ENGINE IS DESIGNED TO GIVE A HIGHER THERMAL EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL CONSUMPTION ALONG WITH A LONGER SERVICE LIFE. BULK & TIPPER GIVES THE DETAILS AND DRIVES THE NEW MODELS.

While developments in electric power, hydrogen fuel cell power and hydrogen powered internal combustion engines are dominating the mainstream media, the modern diesel-powered internal combustion engine still has a massive part to play for many years to come. The sheer operational efficiency and flexibility afforded to truck operators and their customers, has yet to be equalled by any alternative.

As a result, diesel engine development must continue. The Euro 7 emission regulations are yet to be finalised, but look set to be introduced from 2027 onwards. Apart from reducing emissions even further, there will be great emphasis upon maintaining these standards for the lifetime of each power unit. Because of this, all manufacturers are working hard to meet the new standards and reduce fuel use even further. Obviously, reducing the amount of carbon emitted to the atmosphere is the most important factor in the fight against global warming. Reducing emissions is key but extracting every bit of energy from every litre of diesel also has a huge overall impact.

Issue Twelve: January 2022

With over 140+ pages of first-class niche transport content, what more could you wish for? Click the appropriate link below to purchase your annual subscription, or individual copy.

FEEDS BY SWEDES

ANIMAL FEEDS PRODUCER MASSEY FEEDS’ HOLMES CHAPEL SITE HAS A SIMPLE STRATEGY IT APPLIES TO ALMOST ALL OF ITS BULK DELIVERY VEHICLES – BUY A VOLVO AND MATE IT WITH A MULDOON BODY OR TRAILER. BULK & TIPPER FINDS OUT WHY THE SWEDISH BRAND IS SO POPULAR IN THE OPERATION.

It started with just one driver suggesting it try a Volvo. And now, Massey Feeds’ Holmes Chapel site in Cheshire has 17 of them and find it a challenge to buy anything else.

“We bought our first Volvo back in 2003,” says the site’s transport manager Tim Kennerley. “Before that, we used to buy Fodens, ERFs and Seddon Atkinsons. But when Foden and ERF went to the wall, we had to look for something different, and the Thomas Hardie Commercials dealership was just down the road from us in Middlewich. We’ve always gone with what the drivers like, because we tend to assign each vehicle to a particular driver, and back then, the driver who was in line for the new vehicle was someone who had run his own business and had always had Volvos himself. So, he asked the transport manager at the time to look at Volvo. We did – and to be honest, we’ve never looked back.”

TIPPING AT TIPEX

ONE OF THE BIG SURPRISES AT TIPEX HARROGATE, WAS THE LAWRENCE DAVID STAND WITH TWO TIPPING TRAILERS IN PRIDE OF PLACE. IT SOON BECAME OBVIOUS THAT THEY WERE PRODUCTS FROM ITS PARENT COMPANY, WIELTON, THE POLISH-BASED MANUFACTURER WHICH BOUGHT AN 80 PER CENT SHARE IN THE COMPANY BACK IN 2018. BULK & TIPPER TALKS TO BEN MCEVOY, LAWRENCE DAVID’S COMMERCIAL MANAGER.

Most people identify the name Lawrence David with curtainsider and box bodies on both trailers and rigids. The Peterborough-based manufacturer started operations in 1973, in a converted Nissen hut, soon establishing a reputation for producing high quality bodywork, particularly curtainsiders. Hauliers were quickly realising that the benefits, which included load security, weather protection and time saving compared with traditional flat trailers using ropes and sheets. Lawrence David was at the forefront of this revolution and became one of the biggest in this sector. The business grew as did the product range. It was a very good fit for Wielton, because the UK company has always built bodies on other manufacturer’s chassis and they quickly became a major customer for Wielton trailers.

The Wielton Group started operations in the Polish city of Wielun, in 1996, a process of careful expansion and continued investment in facilities, product development and personnel, saw the operation grow substantially. It transitioned into a joint stock company in 2006 and was quoted on the Warsaw Stock Exchange from 2007 onwards, forming a new division Wielton Agro to produce trailers and equipment for the agricultural sector.

Issue 12: January 2022

With over 140+ pages of first-class niche transport content, what more could you wish for? Click the appropriate link below to purchase your annual subscription, or individual copy.

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