Having implored Agent Reg to come up with a new FH16 story, well he's only gone and done it---but not quite with what I had in mind. Ralph Davies International is using six new Volvo FH16-540 STGO Cat 2-rated tractor units to transport a fleet of mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) medical scanners between hospitals around the country. And the FH16’s bring the Ralph Davies Volvo fleet up to 40 in strength.
The MRI scanners are housed in air-conditioned mobile clinics and the long load results in an overall length of 23.5 metres for the impressive looking rigs which have a gross weight of 71.5 tonnes. Tag-axle 6x2’s were specified for optimum manoeuvrability and traction while delivering and collecting the scanners to and from hospital grounds where they are parked during use.
Now click through here to find out more....
The trucks have to be at their destination hospital by 6 am. It then takes 2 hours to set-up the trailer by removing protective covers and extending the sides. The mobile scanners need to be operational by 8 am and usually work a 12 hour day. After an 8 pm finish, the trailer is set up for the move to the next hospital, which is made overnight.
Funnily enough BLB recently had a brain scan in an MRI...and try and avoid the obvious crack i.e. Yes they DID find something. However, if you suffer from claustrophobia you won't like them very much---and boy are they noisy too, like a out-take from a Kraftwerk track.
Although, as the company name suggests, Ralph Davies International is well known for its TIR operations, travelling further than most Con tinental hauliers, it's now building a name in the UK for specialist services such as the scanner transport contract.
MD and company founder Ralph Davies tells Biglorryblog that the company has operated Volvos since 1991 when the Cheltenham-based company bought two Volvo F10 Globetrotter-cabbed tractor units. Since then, they've bought more than 200 of them. And for the past two years, all RD's new trucks have been specified with Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox.
As Ralph says, “In haulage you have to move with the times and be versatile. We looked for new work in the U.K. and only 15% of our work is now overseas. This is what got me into my first contract of this type. We also worked very closely with the supplying dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West, who advised on all aspects of specifying the trucks for such a special operation. We ran with existing Volvo’s at the start of the contract in 2007 and as we only keep trucks for a maximum of 4 years, they’ve now been replaced with the new one’s you see. Image is such an important factor and the Volvo’s really look the part. They’re top class.”
when an iconic uk based international haulier like ralph davies is doing just 15% of their work abroad,i find that speak volumes for the terrible state of the uk haulage industry.
I DROVE FOR ALLIANCE MEDICAL IN ITALY PET/CAT AND MRI SCANNERS. THEY DO NOT NEED STUPID GREAT UNITS UNDER THEM LIKE THESE. THEY CAN BE PULLED BY ANY 38 / 44 TON GTW. AND ANOTHER LITTLE THING DRIVERS ARE EXEMPT HOURS REGs
I seem to remember that he ordered FH16s because of short lead times, but I still think they are ruled with the WTD.
I'd like to drive Mri scanners around the uk and want to know - can this job be done as a tramping job- nights out etc- being close to the scanner would it be safe to do this or not?
I once drove one in jersey for 2 days and got told it was unhealthy to sleep in a cab coupled to a scanner.
What can you tell me and is there a job out there doing this- I'd like to apply
I have been driving mobile scanners for 11yrs, firstly, there is no problem being parked under a scanner as they are fully shielded (when a CT) and MRI scanners only cause problems if you have ferrous metal fragments/stents/shunts etc in your body.Secondly we are exempt from EC drivers hours regs, but have to comply with British Domestic Rules. Thirdly, yes MRI scanners can be pulled with bog standard trucks, but the Nuffield Scanners are 65t, so therefore you need that bit extra and you have to run on STGO.
Just recently, this specialised job has attracted one of the big "logistics " players, who thought that 1 and a half hours training was ample (and they used Agency drivers), during their transition period they caused damage running into the 100 thousands. Another great job, reduced to crap !