Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from Schmitz Cargobull, Webfleet, Queclink, Roadchef, Carrier Transicold, WNV Systems, FleetCheck, Whistl, Speedy Freight and Leyland Trucks

Schmitz Cargobull targets growth in UK and Ireland

Schmitz Cargobull is set to enhance its presence in the UK and Ireland, focusing on meeting the evolving needs of local customers.

The manufacturer offers three specialised models for its UK and Ireland customers – the SCS Fixed Roof curtainsider semi-trailer, the SCS Freepost ‘pillarless’ curtainsider semi-trailer, and the SBO Pace dry freight box semi-trailer – which are all produced at its assembly facility in Manchester.

The plant will now be brought more closely into Schmitz Cargobull’s wider European production strategy to boost efficiency and sustainability, ensuring the company can swiftly respond to the demands of its customers.

As part of the strategy, Frank Reppenhagen has been appointed managing director for the UK and Ireland from April 1, extending his role as regional director for western Europe. 

Ralph Kleideiter, chief sales officer at Schmitz Cargobull, said: “Since it opened in 2021, our Manchester plant has enabled us to cater specifically to the needs of operators in the UK and Ireland, offering tailored products that have been very well received. 

“We are now aligning the site more closely with our European production strategies to better support our growth and the needs of our customers in these vital markets.”

Reppenhagen, who began his career at Schmitz Cargobull in 2001, has extensive experience in the region, having previously led the UK & Ireland team from 2012 to 2017.

His appointment follows the departure of Paul Avery, managing director operations, and Colin Maher, managing director sales and aftersales, who have left the business by mutual agreement.

Webfleet launches Secure Truck Parking in collaboration with Bosch 

Webfleet has launched Secure Truck Parking, a new feature that enables transport companies to locate and reserve secure parking spaces. 

Developed in collaboration with technology company Bosch, the feature connects fleets to a network of secure parking locations, helping reduce search times while enhancing driver safety and convenience. 

“With Secure Truck Parking, we are addressing a major challenge for transport companies – finding safe and secure parking for trucks, cargo and drivers,” said Jan-Maarten de Vries, president fleet management solutions at Bridgestone. 

“With Bosch operating the largest network of secure truck parking spots, Webfleet provides the most comprehensive integration available.”

The new Secure Truck Parking feature offers a fully integrated booking process, allowing fleet customers to search for parking spots based on location, facilities, duration and remaining driving time. 

It also integrates with route and order planning, helping operators align parking choices with logistics, workflows and legal driving limits.

Secure Truck Parking will be available to Webfleet customers across European regions where Bosch operates secured truck parking locations. The service is free to use for Nav/Live tariff customers and above, with parking fees payable to Bosch. 

Queclink launches 5G router for commercial fleet market

Queclink Wireless Solutions has launched a 5G router for the commercial fleet market that supports advanced vehicle technology and monitoring systems. 

It has been designed to meet the growing need for real-time fleet data processing and communication capabilities.

“Modern commercial fleet vehicles possess numerous IoT systems and devices that rely on a fast and robust transfer and analysis of data,” said Vernon Bonser, UK sales director at Queclink Wireless Solutions. 

“We have developed a 5G router solution that offers premium quality and unique features at an affordable price to cope with the complex communication needs of the driver, vehicle and fleet.”

Benefitting from 5G’s low latency and enhanced bandwidth, the company says that the router can transmit data simultaneously from multiple systems, sensors and devices, so fleets can understand driver and vehicle performance with greater insight, accuracy and immediacy. 

In addition, it uses the Qualcomm CPU chip – previously only available in premium router solutions elsewhere in the marketplace – for advanced processing performance and stability.

Roadchef expands Tibshelf Northbound HGV Services with grant from National Highways

Roadchef has announced a major expansion of its HGV parking facilities at Tibshelf Northbound services, situated on the M1. 

The investment, jointly funded with National Highways, sees the addition of 49 new HGV parking spaces and additional shower and security facilities to better cater to the needs of drivers.

Freda Rashdi, head of customer journeys at National Highway, said: “The HGV parking expansion at Tibshelf that we’ve jointly funded as part of our lorry parking facilities improvement scheme, is a testament to the value both ourselves and Roadchef place on HGV drivers, who are the backbone of our economy. 

“By increasing capacity and improving facilities, we’re committed to playing our part in transforming lorry parking facilities across England, ensuring that HGV drivers have the quality rest areas they need and deserve.”

Tracy Baitup, commercial services director at Roadchef, added: “Listening to our HGV customers and acting on their feedback has always been a priority for us. 

“By providing more parking spaces and improved amenities, we aim to make life on the road a little easier for the people who keep the country moving. 

“The investment at Tibshelf not only provides increased parking but also demonstrates our ongoing dedication to improving the infrastructure and amenities that matter most to drivers.”

Roadchef is one of the UK’s leading motorway and trunk road service area operators, with 31 sites, including 17 hotels within a longstanding partnership with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

New app to improve temperature-controlled fleet management

Carrier Transicold has launched a mobile application version of its Lynx Fleet digital solution, offering fleet managers, operators and drivers on-the-go, real-time visibility of all compatible Carrier Transicold systems. 

Free to all Lynx Fleet users across Europe, the smartphone app is designed to enhance customer operational efficiency, reduce costs and maintain cold chain integrity. 

It gives instant access to key insights, including compartment temperatures, location data, unit conditions and status updates. 

Developed for and with Carrier Transicold customers across more than 40 European test fleets, early adopters have praised the app for its ease of use, the clarity it provides and its role in streamlining operational fleet management.

“The powerful Lynx Fleet Mobile app is the latest offering from Carrier Transicold for real-time cold chain visibility,” said Jérôme Struk, service director for Truck Trailer International at Carrier Transicold. 

“For the first time, drivers can access live data just as easily as their fleet managers, allowing them to proactively monitor temperature conditions, respond to alerts and keep their cargo protected. 

“By putting critical insights directly in the hands of those on the front line, we are reducing delays, preventing loss and making cold chain logistics more efficient than ever.” 

New internal trailer wash system launched by WNV Systems 

WNV Systems has unveiled the internal trailer wash, which its makers say is engineered to be faster, safer, quicker, cheaper, and more effective than traditional cleansing methods. 

Helping operators meet Food Standard Agency (FSA) guidelines, the internal trailer wash (ITW) provides logistics and container companies an automated solution to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. 

It also offers cost-cutting through water recycling, says WNV Systems, and reduces the manpower and time needed to sanitise vehicle and container interiors.

Darren Bright, WNV’s sales director, explained: “WNV is a pioneer in commercial vehicle cleaning tech, and we were approached by Morrisons to see if we could come up with a solution for automatic internal cleansing too. 

“We worked with them to identify the industry’s requirements and designed a machine that reliably meets all their needs. We’re excited to add this to our product range.”

He added: “The FTA states that vehicles and containers used to transport food must be cleaned to a high standard, as food can easily become contaminated. 

“If they’ve have been used for transporting anything else as well, it’s vital that effective cleaning is carried out between loads to avoid the risk of contamination. 

“Our new ITW system can do that quickly and cost-effectively, meaning the trucks can be back on the road again in hardly any time at all.”

Morrison’s vehicle management unit team manager, Matthew Dobbins, added: “The trailer wash worked beyond expectations, taking disinfection to the next level.”

Paulsons achieves 100% FORS compliance using FleetCheck software

Traffic management specialist Paulsons has achieved 100% audit compliance under the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) using software provided by FleetCheck.

Previously, the St Albans-based company employed spreadsheets and paper check sheets to manage its 25 Renault Master and Ford Transit 3.5 tonne tail lift vans, but adopted FleetCheck’s FORS-FMS system after managing director James Hawkes encountered it while undertaking voluntary work as a St John Ambulance paramedic.

He said: “We tried a 30-day trial with FleetCheck using the FORS-FMS system and were able to very quickly automate processes and centralise data to the extent that we were saving around two hours daily and 10 hours weekly. 

“The software not only boosted operational efficiency but we have also been able to achieve a perfect score on our FORS audit for the first time, showing how it is having a direct influence on our fleet and its compliance levels.”

FORS is an accreditation scheme that aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, demonstrating high levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Peter Golding (pictured), managing director at FleetCheck, said: “A large proportion of fleets operating under FORS now use the FORS-FMS system and achieve very high levels of compliance, similar to the results being seen at Paulsons. 

“We’re pleased to see that the software is proving a success for them and having such a positive impact on their vehicle operations.”

Paulsons Traffic Management is a provider of temporary traffic systems across the South and Midlands of England, primarily serving clients in the construction and utilities sectors. 

Whistl Fuel Carbon Calculator to be used by HMRC

HMRC has signed-up to use Whistl’s Fuel Carbon Calculator to reduce its carbon impact by opting to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) rather than diesel for the collection and trunking of its bulk mail.

By using the Fuel Carbon Calculator, HMRC will establish the number of litres of fuel used to transport its mail and then calculate how it could reduce CO2 emissions by using HVO rather than diesel.  

Nick Wells, executive chairman at Whistl, said: “Through using our innovative tool, large volume mailers such as HMRC can reduce the CO2 emissions in their supply chain.  

“We are delighted that they have joined us on this important journey of reducing our impact on the environment and helping us both make progress on reaching our individual net zero goals.”

Net Promoter Score of 85 for Speedy Freight

Logistics solutions specialist Speedy Freight has received a Net Promoter Score of 85.

A widely recognised metric to gauge customer satisfaction and loyalty, Net Promoter Score (NPS) is used by businesses of all sizes and in all sectors around the world to benchmark performance against competitors.

It is a simple single-question survey that takes place once a year asking customers how likely they are to recommend a company, product, or service. 

The results are then analysed and turned into a number, with the higher the number the better the score.

Speedy Freight’s NPS of 85 is more than double the logistics industry average of 38.

Speedy Freight marketing director, Aimee Spilsbury, said: “Operating in such a fast paced ever changing industry brings its unique set of daily challenges, but we are delighted that the majority our customers are very happy with our service and would happily recommend us. 

“It’s a great score, far exceeding those received by some of the UK’s best known high street brands and household names, testament to the passion for quality and service delivered by the whole team.”

Leyland Trucks donates DAF XD to support armed forces training 

Leyland Trucks has gifted a DAF XD to Cornwall College’s motor vehicle training programme, reinforcing its commitment to supporting military personnel through its Armed Forces Covenant pledge. 

Previously used as a test vehicle, including undertaking climate testing in Spain, the box-bodied vehicle will now serve as a hands-on HGV training tool for both military recruits and civilian students, equipping them with real-world industry experience.

The initiative was led by several Leyland Trucks colleagues, including Mark Scott, a quality engineer at Leyland Trucks and reservist Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) with the 127 Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Manchester.

He plays a key role as a supervising NCO on Cornwall College’s Motor Vehicle Industries course, supporting the development of future talent. 

The handover event at Leyland Trucks was attended by fellow 127 Company reservists, including Regimental Sergeant Major Laurence Nelson, Warrant Officer Michael Leonard, and Lance Corporal Laura Butcher, further strengthening the company’s long-standing relationship with the armed forces community. 

Phil Jones, managing director at Leyland Trucks, said: “We’re giving this DAF XD a second life – one that directly supports military training. 

“This reflects our commitment to building real pathways for armed forces personnel into civilian careers in truck design, manufacturing, engineering, and service. 

“Supporting and recruiting ex-military and reservist talent is a key part of our culture, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships as we progress through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme."