OK, so where's this line-up of Scanias? For a pie. And click through here to find out what the story is all about...
Thanks to Scania's driveline advances and a comprehensive programme of driver training conducted by dealer Haydock Commercials St Helens, Lancashire-based Nijman Zeetank has been able to match the performance of its new 480hp Euro-4 Scanias with that of its previous 420hp Euro-3 tractors. Biglorryblog learns that the training took place in conjunction with the complete replacement of the Nijman Zeetank fleet with 69 new 44-tonne Scania R 480 LA6x2/4MNA twinsteer tractor units with Scania Highline cabs from Haydock Commercials Limited over an 18-month period.
"Fuel is a major consideration for us as the 'floatliner' type of glass trailers we mostly haul are rearward weight biased and have a large cab-to-trailer gap - two factors which are sure to impact upon fuel consumption," comments Nijman Zeetank operations manager, Bill Owen to Biglorryblog. "We are therefore delighted to be achieving the same level of performance at 480hp and Euro 4 as we previously did at 420hp and Euro 3. Our fuel consumption figures have been proven over an extended period and I believe this success is due in part to Scania's engineering expertise and partly to the quality of the training provided by Haydock Commercials."
As the specialist sheet glass transport arm of NSG Group, Nijman Zeetank is involved the movement of Pilkington branded products. The recent introduction of a European service led the company to specify Scania Highline cabs for its new fleet. "The Highline is very much our drivers' cab of choice," says Bill. "Our runs into Europe can see drivers away for up to eight or nine days at a time and it is therefore important that they have a high standard of living accommodation.
As a consequence we have an extremely low staff turnover rate, which is a major benefit to our operation and supports our investment in Scania's product and driver training over the longer term."
Mont Blanc Tunnel by any chance? I have never driven to the tunnel mouth but I used to climb in that area. The mountains in the background have that "Chamonix Aiguilles" look about them.
George
Having read the above I was very surprised to see that a "Highline" and not a "Topline" was the cab of choice for your drivers. I'm fairly
sure the Dutch drivers have "Topline" cabs, I wonder wether their fuel figures are any worse? If as you claim your drivers are away up to eight or nine days at a time do you fit roof coolers, microwaves and fridges as they would be of great use and comfort to your drivers as they are away for so long. Or as I suspect are British drivers given lesser specced vehicles. Another example of this is the German company H Freund whose British based drivers have Daf 85 units and their German counterparts have Space/Super space cabs.