March/April 2018
Road & Rail Equipment
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13
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en Hartogh Logistics has placed an order for 100 Volvo FH 460 tractors.
The Globetrotter ADRs will be delivered throughout Europe in 2018, in a deal won by Volvo Truck Centre
Rotterdam.
The factors cited in Volvo’s favour were the trucks’ low weight, safety features, the co-operation with the dealer and the
extensive Volvo Trucks dealer network in Europe.
Erik Groen, equipment manager at the logistics fi rm was convinced that the higher engine power would also have a
positive impact on fuel consumption. “It also gives the driver more pleasure in driving,” he said.
Den Hartogh has a system of ‘mentor drivers’, who take care of liaising with Volvo Truck Centre for vehicle handover.
“We think that by continuous training, there is a defi nite fuel consumption factor,” added Groen. “Developments such
as the I-Shift with long haul circuit program and ISee help with that. This intelligent cruise control adjusts the speed and
switching strategy according to the topography, resulting fuel savings of up to 5 percent.”
Safety is inextricably linked to Den Hartogh’s culture. Long before it became mandatory the company had already
specifi ed forward collision warning with emergency braking function. “Safety is of the utmost importance in our
profession, which is also the reason why we choose all safety options that can be delivered. We want to send our drivers
safely on their way. Lane change support (LCS), driver alert support (DAS) and lane keeping support (LKS) are all important
tools for them. The truck anticipates accidents,” he continued.
Den Hartogh has also opted for a shorter service span of the trucks, from eight to fi ve years.
“On the one hand this has to do with technology, as developments follow each other quickly; on the other hand we are
also looking at alternative fuels, for example, LNG to help achieve our sustainability goals. Finally, a young fl eet means
that we remain attractive for drivers. As a sector we are dealing with an ageing workforce. We have to attract younger
people into the business, and one of the things that helps is good equipment. The new trucks are equipped, for example,
with I-ParkCool, an important innovation, which ensures pleasant cabin climate,” Groen said.
S
wiss wagon lessor Wascosa has expanded its fl eet with a further 200 Fanps
type hopper wagons with a volume of 60 cbm.
These wagons have shown themselves to be particularly suited to transporting gravel
and ballast with stones bigger than 6mm, the fi rm said.
One of the main features is the unloading system, which Wascosa claims is highly
effi cient, fl exible and robust. This allows cargoes to be discharged from the centre or
side, with calibrated dispensing, and also has three valves that can be operated
independently. The wagons can be fi tted with a telematics system as an option.
Sections of the wagon can be leased in short terms.
Wascosa, which is the fi fth biggest wagon leasing fi rm in Europe, also says that its
fl eet is now the youngest. As the company has expanded by investing in more than
1,700 newly built vehicles from various manufacturers, the average wagon age has
dropped to just 13 years. Thanks to investments in new rolling stock, this average age
will be signifi cantly reduced again by the end of 2018 to around 10 years, it added.
At the same time, Wascosa is pressing on with its programme of systematically fi tting
telematics systems. CEO Peter Balzer commented: “Digitalisation has defi nitely taken
hold in the freight wagon industry and the trend is unstoppable.”
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easing company Ermewa is undertaking the replacement of cast iron brake
blocks on its fl eet in order to reduce noise pollution.
Rail noise is a signifi cant environmental problem, linked to quality of life and public
health, as more housing is built nearer tracks and moves to encourage goods transport
from road to rail.
The EU signed a grant agreement with Ermewa in October 2017 to help fi nance the
brake replacement programme.