Posted on 19th Jun 2019 10:19:01
It’s nearly time for some of the Truckcraft team to briefly relocate to Peterborough to attend the 5th Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition. At this prestigious event, we’ll be displaying our range of market-leading truck bodies and technology designed for the frozen and chilled food and pharmaceutical sectors.
The exhibition is hosted at the East of England Arena in Peterborough and runs from 25th – 26th of June. The great and good of the temperature-controlled logistics sector will be in attendance as well as potential clients, industry commentators and related suppliers. It promises to be a memorable and enjoyable affair.
And the big news is that Truckcraft has been shortlisted for honours at the TCS&D Awards on 25th June. Even making the final cut is a significant achievement but, of course, we hope to bag the big prizes.
Posted on 12th Jun 2019 10:29:54
We’ve had a lot to say about the clean air agenda in our blogs over recent months. It’s because we’re concerned about how these developments will impact the booming delivery sector. The two things are closely linked, of course.
The greater the need for increased numbers of delivery trucks to service the online delivery sector, the higher the impact on air quality. In turn, this prompts an increasing drive to develop clean air zone (CAZ) legislation. It’s a classic ‘deadly embrace’ unfortunately.
We recently reported on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan. GM is the latest city region to develop CAZ proposals. If implemented it will see polluting buses and lorries pay a £100 per day clean air levy. Charges for taxis and vans will be £7.50 per day.
The Manchester CAZ will be one of the biggest schemes of its type in the UK, covering nearly 500 square miles. Indeed, it will be second only to London’s ULEZ in scope.
Posted on 7th Jun 2019 16:42:00
It’s always great to hear good news. Amidst the doom and gloom that’s dominating the media, there are nuggets of information from the UK delivery market to lift our mood. The sector continues to boom, and that means the demand for delivery trucks and delivery vans is as healthy as ever.
Research from Mintel shows that the UK courier and express delivery market experienced double-digit growth in 2018. Increased volumes from online shopping are powering this increase and fueling optimism in the sector.
Posted on 28th May 2019 10:39:50
This is the 5th Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition. It’s a high-profile show and conference that showcases market-leading products and technology in the frozen and chilled foods and pharmaceutical sectors. It’s being held at the East of England Arena in Peterborough from 25th – 26th of June.
It’s the perfect event for the Truckcraft team to exhibit our new generation of delivery vehicles. We’re looking forward to meeting with existing and new clients and highlighting the specialised truck bodies we have developed for the frozen and chilled sector. Specifically, our new low-entry fridge that we have also entered into the TCS&D innovation awards.
Posted on 22nd May 2019 09:38:22
A classic dinner party fact is that a shark must keep moving forward to stay alive. It needs the constant flow of oxygen-rich water over its gills to ensure its survival. It’s an analogy often used to illustrate that businesses need to maintain steady forward momentum in order to stay relevant in fast-moving markets.
From that point of view, it’s a great example. Companies that fail to innovate or don’t strive to meet changing customer needs will soon find they start to fall foul of the shark-like attacks of competitors. From there, it’s all over.
At Truckcraft Bodies research and development is in our blood. We understand the need to develop new products that meet client needs and the importance of a flexible approach in how we build our trucks to satisfy some specific requests. Just look at just some of the ways we have gone the extra mile to develop bespoke products for our clients.
Posted on 15th May 2019 09:34:27
It’s often said one of the few products you can tell what it is just by the shape is the classic Coca Cola bottle. The distinctive form has become so ingrained into our consumer culture that it’s now instantly and universally recognisable. It’s an idea built on many years of marketing and product promotion.
In the commercial vehicle industry, there’s probably only one truck that everyone recognises as a ubiquitous van used for all kinds of deliveries. The only issue is that some may not know it’s called a Luton van. It’s an enormously versatile truck that powers the delivery of millions of tons of goods every year in the UK.
Posted on 8th May 2019 08:41:36
How many times have you heard someone say ‘you get what you pay for’? It’s usually when you’re amongst the wreckage of the poor quality product you’ve recently bought that’s let you down badly. Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds.
You thought you could save a few quid by buying something a little cheaper and it comes back and bites you on the proverbial. Not only is it deeply annoying it also ends up costing you more because you eventually have to go and buy the better product to get the job done.
That’s why you should make it your policy to buy the best; you’ll find it much better in the long run.
Posted on 24th Apr 2019 09:55:22
You may have read our recent summary of the successes in the UK transport sector in 2018. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the logistics industry had a landmark year in 2018 with burgeoning sales both in the UK and worldwide. There was plenty to celebrate.
But resting on our laurels would be unwise. There are changes afoot in the sector that need to be understood and careful preparations made. A research report compiled by PWC gives some useful guidance on what the five main logistics trends will be in 2019 and beyond, and how we can approach them. Here’s a summary of their findings.
Posted on 17th Apr 2019 09:41:16
Regular readers will note we’ve been writing extensively about the rapidly developing clean air agenda in the UK. Most will know London has been at the forefront of these initiatives and will be the first to implement rigorous emissions legislation called the ULEZ in April 2019.
Add to this the advanced clean air plans for Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester and the writing is on the proverbial wall. Our towns and cities are going to change as CAZ schemes spread like seasonal flu. And they could be just as debilitating.
Posted on 10th Apr 2019 10:11:31
The UK clean air debate is accelerating at a dizzying pace. Now it’s Greater Manchester’s turn to weigh in. This city region is one of a growing list of conurbations planning to implement a so-called clean air zone (CAZ). These schemes aim to limit the harm that noxious emissions have on urban populations.
In making these plans, Manchester is following suit with London’s advanced rollout of its vast ultra-low emissions zone (or ULEZ) of which the first phase starts in April 2019.
Posted on 3rd Apr 2019 09:45:06
It’s a sad fact that as we age, we feel increasingly less able. It may begin with a few aches and pains and progress through to when we finally decide to take things a lot easier.
It’s just part of life. We instinctively know when it’s time to slow down a bit, take on less and accept our limitations. Happily, in the modern age, this time comes a long way down the road, and most live full and active lives. The same idea applies to things in our lives. Our possessions ultimately wear out, and when their useful life is over, we dispose and replace.
Posted on 27th Mar 2019 09:44:44
There’s an apt quote from the American inventor Charles Kettering that we can use to kick off this blog. ‘My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there’.
It’s an idea that’s true for every one of us in every area of our lives. That’s why, where possible, it’s helpful to know what the future holds so preparations can be made to accommodate change and embrace opportunities.
Posted on 20th Mar 2019 09:51:46
As responsible suppliers to the UK transport industry, the Truckcraft Bodies team are becoming concerned about the impact that the ever-growing number of clean air zones (CAZ) will have on the sector.
That’s not to say we’re ignorant of the justified concerns that government and local authorities have about the impacts of poor air quality. It’s obvious we have to find a middle way. One that protects people’s health and keeps the cost base of the commercial transport sector under control.
It’s alarming to find that recent research by telematics firm Masternaut estimates that over 50% of vehicles entering clean air zones like London’s up and coming ULEZ don’t comply with the stringent requirements. And with other CAZ in Birmingham and Sheffield rapidly developing, the situation is deteriorating by the day.
The situation is getting urgent given that phase one of the ULEZ will commence in April 2019 with schemes in other cities slated to start from 2020. Transport firms who ignore this information are sleepwalking over a very costly cliff.
Posted on 12th Mar 2019 09:26:19
It’s getting busy out there. It seems like the UK is shrinking. Our roads are becoming increasingly clogged. Vehicles abound. Cars, buses, vans, trams, lorries and bikes are all squeezing into our towns and cities taking up the diminishing room on our finite urban highways. That’s until the inevitable crunch happens and everything stops.
Soon we’ll all be subject to a perma-jam, choking on fumes and going nowhere. Traffic congestion will become the norm. In the absence of extensive road building, there’s only one place this is going, and that’s more congestion legislation.
We can take the example of London and the development of the ultra-low emissions zone due for implementation in April 2019. It’s inevitable this will spread like a money-spinning contagion to many other UK conurbations. Within five or so years, we’ll all be paying to drive into the city. And that is terrible news for the UK transport industry.
Posted on 6th Mar 2019 10:47:05
Any decent builder will tell you if you build on weak foundations, you’re going to get an unstable structure. Clearly, that’s not a good situation. And it’s a notion that applies in many areas of our lives including the truck bodies sector.
We believe that a great vehicle conversion needs to start with solid engineering. Build-quality that’s able to support the truck body and offer unwavering service. A truck foundation that’s match-ready for when the vehicle goes to work and for many years after.
Posted on 25th Feb 2019 10:58:17
It seems apt to quote a venerable Mancunian when starting this article. Norman Foster, the award-winning architect and philanthropist, summed up the subject succinctly when he said ‘Anything that reduces fuel consumption and cuts down on greenhouse gases is good news.’
Foster is of course correct. Any measures that improve fleet fuel consumption are not only good for the planet but can have a significant impact on business finances. And with a few fuel-saving tips, a business fleet can make real reductions in the fuel consumed and gain all the benefits that can bring.
So, to get you started, here are 6 simple fuel-saving tips that any commercial driving company can use to take a big bite out of their fuel costs.
Posted on 20th Feb 2019 11:38:43
How often have you bought a product that as soon as it is out of its 12-month warranty, it goes pop? It seems to be happening more and more. Misleading sales tactics make us buy poorly built products that last only as long as the manufacturer’s guarantee then stop working leaving you without a legal leg to stand on.
It’s becoming such a problem that the government are looking at ways for consumers to get some much-needed recourse.
Happily, Truckcraft Bodies are one of only a few commercial body builders that know how important the reliability and longevity of our products is to our clients. That’s why our truck body warranty policies are something you can rely on.
Posted on 14th Feb 2019 09:47:12
You’ll have noted; there’s a lot of doom and gloom around at the moment. With concerns over the economy, political strife and our relationship with Europe, you’d think there’s no positive news to fuel our optimism.
Bucking this trend, news from the commercial vehicle manufacturing sector shows that 2018 was a very successful year for the sector. And while there may be rocky times ahead the past year has been a high water mark for the commercial vehicle body builders industry.
Here are the headlines.
Posted on 7th Feb 2019 10:18:59
There are loads of significant advantages to being a commercial driver. The flexible hours, the overtime pay, or visiting new and exciting places both in the UK and abroad. Indeed, many drivers list these parts of the job as the ones they enjoy the most.
Looked at from the outside, these things do look good. There’s no boss continually looking over your shoulder – great! You can listen to your favourite shows on the radio – brilliant. What’s not to like?
And with the continuing advances in commercial vehicles from innovative truck body builders, the job’s becoming increasingly easier and more comfortable.
Posted on 23rd Jan 2019 09:59:13
Commercial driving is a tough business. It takes a certain kind of person to travel the thousands of annual miles the job entails. Even in good conditions, it’s an exacting trade and the onset of severe winter weather brings additional challenges to the role.
That’s why the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) winter driving and fuel efficiency guides are so useful. These publications offer a comprehensive digest on how fleet drivers can mitigate the worst of the winter weather on both themselves and their vehicle. The accompanying fuel management guide covers the essential knowledge and skills required to drive in a way that promotes fuel efficiency.
Posted on 15th Jan 2019 15:51:45
In life, it’s so important to have loyal and trusted friends. People you can rely on to give you the help you need to meet your goals and solve problems. That’s why at Truckcraft Bodies were pleased to have partnered with TRAILAR in the development of our new generation of delivery vehicles.
And with TRAILAR’s recent success in the Freight Transport Association (FTA) awards for the ‘most innovative product’ category, it’s great to know we’re using the very best solar technology a truck body builder company can source.
Posted on 10th Dec 2018 23:01:47
There was a time when the only refrigerated vehicle you would see on a regular basis would be an ice cream van. Hordes of excited kids would flock towards the van’s chimes begging their parents to buy them an icy treat.
Nowadays, temperature-controlled vehicles are a common sight on our roads. Home grocery deliveries happen in neighbourhoods every day bringing frozen and ambient foods to our doors in perfect condition. Most people probably don’t know, or think, about the refrigeration technology that supports this modern way to shop.
Posted on 4th Dec 2018 11:15:40
Things are changing in the Capital. From April 2019 new emissions legislation will add to the costs of busy transport companies who make regular trips to central London. These increases will be especially acute for those whose truck fleet is especially old.
The current ‘T-Charge’ that operates in central London is to be expanded to cover all areas within the North and South Circular roads by October 2021. It will be known as the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone or ULEZ.
Posted on 28th Nov 2018 10:16:08
We can’t ignore the growing evidence. Climate change is affecting every one of us in some small way. And the effects on our planet are becoming alarmingly apparent. The news regularly tells us of the ongoing impacts of global warming on the oceans, on our wildlife, our rainforests and the Arctic.
It’s becoming worrying, and it’s clear we all have to do something to make a difference. To try to change the path we’re on.
This is why Truckcraft Bodies are taking a leading stance in the commercial vehicle industry. As an innovative company, we are continually looking for ways to help the transport sector to become a good global neighbour and save money for your business.
Posted on 15th Nov 2018 11:06:49
Greater Manchester’s Truckcraft Bodies are delighted to have collaborated with TRAILAR to develop a new generation of delivery vehicles. As commercial body builders committed to innovation and ongoing product development, the collaboration with TRAILAR will result in a unique, low-entry, 3.5-ton refrigerated vehicle.
Posted on 9th Aug 2018 16:37:53
Curtain Sided body with Moffett Mountin Kit & Sliding Roof
Posted on 24th Jul 2018 14:11:41
The Low platform fridge body
Posted on 5th Jul 2018 12:10:03
We have officially become an Approved DHL supplier.
Posted on 22nd Aug 2017 14:56:57