THE DEFINITIVE TRUCKING SITE

August 2009

SERCO INDUSTRIES, the long established trailer builders well known for their commitment to fuel-efficient and environment friendly trailers, recently launched an interesting tyre pressure monitor for fitment to truck and trailer tyres. Known as the P-eye tyre pressure sensor, the device provides opportunities to extend casing life, save fuel, reduce maintenance costs and improve safety. Manufactured in the Netherlands after two years of intensive research, the P-eye replaces the tyre valve cap and monitors a preset minimum tyre pressure. If the pressure drops more than 5% of the preset level an LED lamp starts to blink. A simple pre- and post-trip visual inspection allows the operator to determine whether any tyre is under-inflated. According to leading tyre companies, around 25% of all commercial vehicle tyres on the road are under-inflated. 

The device can prove to be most helpful in avoiding tyre failures on the road as well as all the other well known benefits of inadequately inflated tyres. The P-eye can be retrofitted and comes standard with an anti-theft sleeve. How much does it cost? Depending on the size of the truck and/or trailer(s), between R2000 and R4000. If you want to know more, talk to Clinton Holcroft at Serco. 

Fuel Book

SAPIA’s comprehensive booklet which was included in the June issue of FleetWatch is packed with useful and not so easy to source information. This is especially so when it comes to how the oil industry operates, the relative market shares of the oil majors, fuel specs and a glossary of acronyms and definitions. Transporters and fleet managers should keep a copy in a handy corner of the desk. Fuel and all its ramifications will be a top mind topic for a long time to come 

Driver appreciation

Transport America, a large transport and logistics operator in the US, holds its driver appreciation week in July every year. The purpose is to say thank you to its drivers for their loyal and ongoing service to the company. The activities include braais, outings, and a visit by top management to all company locations to meet with the drivers. Imagine the positive impact on driver morale and motivation. 

Many Transporters in the US negotiate a fuel surcharge with their major clients. It is a system that seeks to neutralise the impact of fuel price hikes for shippers and transporters. The system is based on a daily fuel price update; agreed fuel consumption for various vehicle configurations and specific routes, travel time (including stops) and a trigger price terminates the surcharge. There are several websites where detailed information as to how surcharges are determined and how they are implemented. fuelsurchargeindex.org is a good example if you are interested to learn more.

The P-eye pressure monitor available as retro fits to truck and trailer tyres and equipped with anti-theft device as standard.