Search Results - HGV

1. More Tax Breaks for Cleaner HGVs on the Roads
May 24, 2018

The UK government has signalled a tax overhaul for the HGV industry to be implemented by February 2019. This will see environmentally-friendly HGVs rewarded and older models punished. These reforms will be made through the Heavy Goods Levy to ensure that all haulage work uses the cleanest lorries available to the mass market. The government plans to implement a tax rate change to HGVs. The new standard will see lorries that meet the latest Euro VI emissions target given a 10% discount on the HGV Road User Levy. These greener lorries will face a charge of £900 instead of the previous £1000... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

2. Tougher Testing for HGVs on the Horizon
May 24, 2018

The Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency(DVSA) testing service has a big impact on anyone doing delivery work. But last month a spokesperson for the Freight Transport Association claimed that it is no longer fulfilling its purpose. In light of the Freight Transport Association’s recent call for a review of HGV assessments in the UK, this article provides an overview of the changes the association is proposing the DVSA makes to their process. What’s the Problem? So why has the FTA decided to challenge the system that the DVSA has in place? The FTA’s Director of Policy, Elizabet... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

3. Truckers Can Get Free Eye Tests in the Vision Van
May 24, 2018

An exciting collaboration between the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and well-known opticians, Vision Express, has resulted in a fully equipped Vision Van taking to the roads of the UK. This high-tech van transports a mobile eye-testing facility in a specially customised trailer and aims to provide free examinations to HGV drivers across the nation. Why Eye Health is Important Eye health is important for all, butespecially vital for people who make their living doinghaulage jobs. There are very strict rules on driving with sight problems, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re in... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

4. The FTA: Your Fleet's Friend On and Off the Road
May 24, 2018

The UK’s Fleet Transport Association (FTA) is a huge organisation with a significant number of members, all of who are involved in haulage work in some capacity. When you consider the support it affords its members in terms of compliance training, advice and certification, it’s perhaps not surprising that over 50% of the UK’s HGV fleetsand at least a million vans are involved with the association.Part of its valuable work also involvesrepresenting haulage workers’ views by lobbying policy makers. Below is an overview of what the FTA membership offers. Compliance Our industry is... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

5. Why Every Lorry Driver Needs a Sat Nav
March 19, 2018

Recently, GPSs have become invaluable tools for haulage companies. They take your HGV’s specifications into consideration and provide real-time traffic details to help make delivery work an easier and more cost-effective process. What is a Satellite Navigation System? Using three satellites, Sat Navs detect your geographical position and calculate the best routes to get you from your current location to your desired destination. They provide, as you well know, step-by-step directions in real time. While it can be tempting to use smartphones as GPSs, hauliers shouldn’t rely on G... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

6. Tesla HGV: Is This the Future?
March 19, 2018

You probably remember the buzz around Tesla last autumn, which is when the company announced its prototype electric heavy goods vehicle that would make delivery work more environmentally friendly. With production beginning in 2019 and many UK haulage companies pre-ordering these vehicles, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of Tesla’s battery-powered trucks. You might be behind the wheel of one of these lorries sooner than you think! How Well Does It Perform? When carrying out delivery work, one of the biggest concerns is staying on schedule. With that in mi... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

7. It's All in the Eyes: Improving Road Safety
February 20, 2018

Road safety is a subject that’s close to the hearts of anyone involved in haulage work. Any innovations or road projects are watched with close interest, so fleet managers and HGV drivers have welcomed the news of Highways England's implementation of a programme to install "intelligent" cat's eyes in one of the busiest junctions in the country. The LED cat's eyes are already in place in the Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey, but the latest programme (which is part of a £3-million project to improve safety at the junction of three A roads and the M57 and M58 at Switch Island, Merseyside) is the fi... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

8. Your HGV Licence Goes Digital
October 18, 2017

I’ve been looking with interest at the recent announcement that trials of using a digital driving licence are set to begin in the UK. The DVLA have been busy developing an electronic version with the aim of providing an easier, quicker and more secure service. The scheme is still being tested and will roll out in September 2018, so in the meantime, I’ve been considering what this will mean, and what key benefits this development will have for those who drive for a living. Smartphone Access The main way you will be able to access your digital driving licence is via your Smartphone, w... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

9. Government Subsidy to Encourage Low Emission Vehicles in UK
October 02, 2017

I come bearing great news for both hauliers and mother earth this month: the UK government has announced that they will subsidise funding for low emission vehicles. Better yet, this policy now includes HGVs. That’s right, you could finally be driving around in an environmentally friendly lorry and be free from the usual criticism that HGV operatives receive for polluting the planet. Why Has The Package Been Put In Place? This is very exciting news – some might say that it’s about time, too. As I’m sure you know, the road haulage sector is currently somewhat frustrated with the govern... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

10. Celebrating Lorry Drivers: The Norfolk Hero
September 27, 2017

The HGV drivers that make up the transport industry's massive workforce are known to be a staunch and solid group. These hardworking men and women are an integral cog in the UK's economical wheel, keeping the country moving in more ways than one. In fact, a recent story of heroism on the busy A47 motorway involves a lorry driver who not only showed great presence of mind, but also had the courage and heart to follow through – saving not just one life, but potentially many. Quick Thinking On The A47 Russell Dagless, an experienced lorry driver, was heading along the A47 in his truck w... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

11. UK Road Network Upgrades: What to Expect
September 27, 2017

This summer, the Government published a programme of planned upgrades to the UK road network which will cost £6.1 billion. As the Road Haulage Association has said, “the UK’s roads and motorways are a haulier’s workplace”. Projected improvements to the transport infrastructure that is a haulier’s office space are of utmost importance to us. Today, I’m going to take a closer look at the details of this new scheme and what it means for HGV drivers. The mentioned sum of money is going to be used to help create a new MRN, or major road network. In good news for hauliers, one aim of the schem... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

12. Aligned with Truckers: Haweka Axis500
September 01, 2017

Even the most experienced of HGV drivers find that achieving proper wheel alignments is often a challenge. However, it’s an essential task and has to be done regularly, either before you set off on an assignment or upon your return. Loads of problems will arise from failing to do so: tyres wear out more quickly and fuel efficiency is reduced, resulting in higher operating costs all around. A wheel imbalance also reduces comfort for you while driving. So if you’re going to be putting in the long miles on the road while making deliveries and securing return loads, it’s vital to correctly align y... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

13. The Bowers Sisters: The Youngest Female Lorry Drivers
August 22, 2017

some of the UK's talented female lorry drivers. For any ladies and young people out there with aspirations to make it big in the world of lorry driving, it doesn't get much more inspirational than the story of Holly and Kate Bowers. The two sisters have become the third generation of their family to gain their HGV driving credentials and, at just 20 and 22 respectively, the girls are also the youngest women to do so. A Family Affair Being female was no obstacle to the Bowers girls' career choice, and their decision to follow their grandfather and father into the family business was a ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

14. Summer Seminars with the RHA
August 22, 2017

If you hold a role in the management sector of the transport industry, ensuring your drivers are well trained and compliant with legislation and industry standards is vitally important. With the need for HGV drivers to undergo regular training sessions every few years to maintain their license, knowing what courses are available will help to ensure every driver's credentials are up-to-date. Courses with the RHA The RHA (Road Haulage Association) runs an intensive programme of courses throughout the year, suitable for drivers who take on regular haulage jobs. During the summer, two of... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

15. Safety Tips for Novice HGV Drivers
August 15, 2017

Manoeuvring a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) is very different to commuting in your family car. I don’t doubt that you’re a competent driver, but if you’ve recently joined the haulage industry or are considering becoming a forwarder, you might benefit from these HGV driving tips. Safety is key when you get behind the wheel and there’s always room for improvement. Getting into the Truck To avoid falling while exiting your vehicle, remember to maintain a 3-point contact. You should have either two feet and one hand or both hands and one foot touching the vehicle. Warning Lights Wa... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

16. Newbie Knowledge: Understanding Lorry Types and Weights
August 15, 2017

Considering a career in the transport industry? As a driver, you’ll be expected to get behind the wheel of different vehicles, so it’s essential to understand the various lorry weights and types. Get your head around it all with this short and sweet guide. Different Lorry Types Lorries are divided into two main categories: Light Good Vehicles (LGVs) and Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs). They’re then subcategorized by weight and number of axles. • LGVs Weighing 3.5 tonnes, these lorries have 2 axles and no rear side windows. • HGV: Smaller 2-axle lorries Identified by their tw... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

17. 3 Must-Have Apps for UK Truck Drivers
July 20, 2017

Driving from A to B might sound simple but, as HGV operators know, there can be a whole host of complications. From unsuitable roads, to lack of overnight parking, to time-wasting dead mileage, there are many possible frustrations. Thanks to modern technology, there are lots of applications out there that claim to make life easier for those driving HGVs. Here to sort the best from the rest, I’m breaking down the three must-have apps for truck drivers in the UK. Truck Parking Europe Truck Parking Europe advertises itself as ‘your buddy on the road’ and, put very simply, it’s for truck... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

18. Getting More Girls on the Road in HGVs
July 13, 2017

To all the women out there, this one’s for you! While I know the haulage industry is a heavily male dominated field and you might not have considered becoming an HGV driver before, don’t overlook haulage work as a career. In fact, you could be part of a brand-new generation of drivers where male and females are in equal numbers. The Her-GV Campaign In collaboration with Pertemps and the Road Haulage Association, professional racing driver Rebecca Jackson launched the Her-GV campaign in Cannock last month. She is hoping that the competition will encourage more girls in the UK to get ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

19. Becoming a new driver of larger vehicles is as easy as 123
June 09, 2017

It's that season of year again to think on all the colossal things the trucking business accomplishes for America and to value those diligent employees included! National Truck Driver Acknowledge Week is from September 11-17 this year. Our nation is extremely reliant on the immense work these men and ladies in the trucking business do. "Over 80% of U.S. groups depend solely on truck drivers to convey their products and wares," and without their assistance, our economy would be in a truly extreme spot! If you have an interest in going in a different direction for a career you may nee... (read more)

Author: Daniel Brooks

20. Safety First: Avoiding Falls from a Lorry
May 30, 2017

Operating an HGV can be risky business and one should exercise caution at all times – not just on the road itself, but also while entering and exiting the vehicle – in order to avoid potentially harmful accidents. A 2008 survey of drivers found that the most common factors contributing to falls from trucks were wide in range, including bad weather, improper footwear, fuel on steps, slippery or uneven loads, haste and inattention. Fortunately, taking into account certain simple steps and procedures can go a long way to help mitigate against these hazards and the injuries that they may cau... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

21. New CNG Fuel Delivers Cost Savings & Environmental Benefits
May 26, 2017

Many HGV operators will be welcoming the recent introduction of a new renewable biomethane fuel from Solihull-based CNG Fuels, the UK market leader in compressed natural gas. In much the same way as taking part in a freight exchange can offer great efficiencies, drivers who utilise this new fuel are set to benefit from savings in time, energy and cost. A Sustainable Background Announced by CNG Fuels last December, this fuel has already gained significant traction in the market with big name retailers such as John Lewis, Waitrose and Argos having made the decision to sign up their lo... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

22. Looking to Be an HGV Driver? This Is What You Can Expect
May 19, 2017

In haulage, jobs are not exactly thin on the ground; in the UK, it’s estimated that there is a current shortage of around 60,000 HGV drivers, and this could be as high as 150,000 by 2020. Those are some staggering figures that will have a heavy impact on the industry’s ability to deliver top-quality services, but most staggering of all is why there are so few people keen to take up jobs in this sector. Being an HGV driver carries a hefty load of perks and benefits, and the government is doing more to promote this… Considering making a move to a different wheel? If not, maybe you should! ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

23. A Woman's Place is Behind the Wheel
May 18, 2017

It is with delight that over the years I have been writing more and more about women in haulage. Shamefully, it was not that long ago that a female was a rare sight in the transport industry. Things are changing fast – women now play vital roles as managing directors, logistics coordinators and HGV drivers in companies up and down the country. Now in its 10th year, the Freight Transport Association’s annual Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Award is approaching and the nominations have come in fast and furiously! The event, held in June, is a gala evening focusing on recognising the ... (read more)

Author: Laura Jeeves

24. Towing Rules and Regs on the Road
May 17, 2017

One thing that appears to startle individuals new to towing is being surpassed. The inclination that the tow vehicle and convoy are moving around apparently uncontrolled when an expansive vehicle surpasses. Comprehending what is really happening when this happens will offer assistance. In the event that you can recall to your science lessons I'm certain sooner or later somebody said a Dutch chap called Daniel Bernoulli who lived in Switzerland and had somewhat of a thing for maths and liquids, and I don't mean lager… in spite of the fact that he may have done, I simply don't have the fog... (read more)

Author: Daniel Brooks

25. Driving for large trucks and factors
April 27, 2017

Headrests of present day autos are tallness flexible and are done with same materials as seat. Headrests are particularly intended to work with safety belts. They are intended to keep the head from snapping in reverse and bringing on whiplash, so diminishing the odds of lethal neck wounds amid mishaps. In most front/back accidents, the head moves and bends on the neck. In all wellbeing considers, insights have demonstrated again and again that because of inadequately outlined headrests and shamefully balanced headrests, neck wounds are high, even in the most minor mischances. How t... (read more)

Author: Daniel Brooks