A sign of the times perhaps? I get confused these days telling the difference between James Stobart...or is it Eddie Irlam? This picture comes to Biglorryblog courtesy of Road Rat who opines: "Here's a prime example of good business practice. Eddie is still building and growing. All the enclosed are awaiting a driver or 'cab wrapping'." Yes interesting idea cab wrapping says BLB, cost-effective and smart too. I met the outfit that did it at Truckfest and for the life of me I forgot who they are...mmmmm.
Anyway old RR adds: "I accept that there is a credit crisis, I can see this every week when I go shopping or put fuel in my car ! So what is Eddie doing that others are not ???" Ahhh that's the question. Shrewed business management and cost control I'd say...wouldn't you?
Now click through here for a rather special Eddie MAN...
Goes by the name of Lynda Dawn.....first TGX in the fleet too.
Comments (10)
Oi, less of the old !!! I look good for my age ???
Posted by Road Rat | June 5, 2008 7:01 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 19:01
They also do ones with O'Connor on the headboard if you want a complete set.
Posted by alan drake | June 5, 2008 7:26 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 19:26
What is Eddie doing that others are not, you ask.
Would it be churlish to suggest that he is letting the train take just a bit of the strain? According to the Stobart website the current rail operation saves the equivalent of three weeks worth of fuel per annum for the entire Stobart fleet. They are in the process of doubling the number of trains they run with even more before the year end.
A lesson for other hauliers perhaps?
Posted by George | June 5, 2008 7:36 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 19:36
what is 'cab wrapping'???
Posted by the badger | June 5, 2008 9:30 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 21:30
It's wrapping the cab in vinyl graphics to give it a livery rather than actually painting it. When the motors are defleeted they can be simply unwrapped.
Posted by Graham | June 5, 2008 10:57 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 22:57
George, that's something of an over-simplification to suggest that this is a lesson for other hauliers.
If you have consistent, guaranteed traffic flows that allow you to operate and fill a train between two fixed points economically, and are in a position to commit contractually to those arrangements, then the train can indeed "take the strain".
Otherwise, it is less straightforward, unless you are working exclusively with ISO containers on journeys to and from ports.
Posted by Chris Gardner | June 6, 2008 8:19 AM
Posted on June 6, 2008 08:19
Chris, I fully agree with you. My point is that there ARE other hauliers in the position you describe who should be looking at the Stobart operation given the price of diesel, road congestion, working time directives etc.
As it happens, I do have inside information that at least two other large companies are doing just that.
George
Posted by George | June 6, 2008 10:20 AM
Posted on June 6, 2008 10:20
I deliver rail ballast to network rail because it is cheaper than they can do it by train !!
Posted by Barney | June 6, 2008 8:49 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 20:49
Thanks George - if it's any consolation, I spent about £3m on rail last year!
Posted by Chris Gardner | June 6, 2008 10:53 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 22:53
Barney,
It is excellent news that Network Rail are using the best option in, probably, very limited circumstances. If others would take off their blinkers when the option is in the other direction we would all be better off.
Posted by George | June 9, 2008 10:55 AM
Posted on June 9, 2008 10:55