The Logistics of Managing a Large Fleet

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A large fleet of cars doesn’t need to be difficult to run. You just need to make sure you approach the task in the right way. Make sure you have a dedicated fleet manager on board and this will instantly begin to save you a lot of time and effort.

Your fleet manager can be a member of staff or alternatively, they can be an external company who you choose to outsource work to. You will be able to save a lot of money if you do this, as you won’t need to pay a full-time wage.

Make sure all your vehicles are properly tracked and accounted for. If new vehicles are purchased, your fleet manager should be the first person to know so they can get them registered and set up all the appropriate processes.

Talk to staff members who have company vehicles and make sure they fully understand their obligations.

Why Diesel Powered Engines Need To Change

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Diesel engines have been a topic for debate for many years. The government has been constantly putting pressure on manufacturers to update the technology and reduce toxic emissions. Most utility vehicles in the UK are powered by diesel engines, it’s a widely used technology despite its past criticisms, however, this is beginning to change.

One of the main reasons diesel engines have been widely adopted for utility use has been the low cost of diesel, and the high power of diesel engines. But the days where gasoline is significantly more expensive than diesel are diminishing, in fact, it now costs roughly the same if not more to fill the tank of a diesel vehicle.

Along with this, hybrid engines are becoming more and more popular. While this technology is still relatively expensive to use, it is being developed at a significant rate. It would not be a huge shock to see most utility vehicles powered engines like this in the next decade.

When Should Fog Lights Be Used?

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The simple answer to this is that fog lights should be used when visibility is reduced to around 100 meters or less. However there are some other important factors that should be considered when using fog lights on the road.

Firstly,  all cars are required by law to have fog lights installed. However, there is no legal obligation for drivers to use them. It might also be the case that a driver simply forgets to put them on, so always be aware.

Some vehicles only have rear fog lights installed, which will help other motorists see that vehicle but the drivers visibility will not be improved.

When fog lights are switched on in a car a fog light indicator will be illuminated on the dashboard of the vehicle. This can be useful for the driver to check if the fog lights are functioning correctly without having to leave the vehicle.

 

Using A Railroad Crane In Freight Transportation

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A railroad crane is sometimes a necessary tool required for very heavy freight transport. It allows for extreme loads to be moved in an area around a train, and remains with the train for loading and offloading.

Railroad cranes are constructed in a similar way to fixed-location cranes, except that the platform on which the crane mechanism is situated sits on a reinforced flat-car. They have 360° movement on a swivel point on this carriage. This allows the crane to reach any area within range of where it’s carriage is fixed.

When using a railroad crane for freight operations, a jib carrier is often required. This is a carriage designed to hold the jib or ‘boom’ of a crane and sits adjacent to it. Because of this the crane carriage may need to move into a different position independently, in order to reach the loading and offloading areas.

UK Laws and Regulations For Goods Vehicle Operators

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In the UK all goods vehicle operators require a goods vehicle operators licence, if the vehicles used are above a certain weight.

Specifically the gross plated weight limits, which is the maximum weight a vehicle can have at once, are 3,500 kg, or an unladen weight of 1,525 kg. Past these weights and the driver of the vehicle will require the licence.

  • Any drivers that are employed by a business must have the correct licences and training.
  • Goods vehicles must be correctly taxed and kept in good condition at all times.
  • The rules are different for businesses in Northern Ireland.

Drivers of goods vehicles that use a motor vehicle and trailer combination will also need a goods vehicle operators licence.

The weight limits for this are 3,500 kg, with a unladen weight of 1,525 kg. This is the weight limit for both the motor vehicle and trailer combination.

An operators licence is not required if the trailers unladen weight is less than 1,020 kg and the driver is carrying only their own goods.