In the context of the biggest replacement investment in the company’s history, the HOYER Group has taken delivery of more than 500 new trucks throughout Europe, for which it has invested around 42.7 million Euro, to transport mineral oil, chemical products and gases. The trucks have innovative technologies that more than fulfill the legal requirements relating to safety, and offer added value with regard to economic efficiency and environmental protection.
The HOYER Group ordered the majority of the trucks to supply mineral oil in Great Britain. The trucks are from the truck manufacturers MAN, Scania and, for the first time, from DAF. The logistics specialist is commissioning the latest generation of trucks from Volvo for supplies to service stations in Germany. New Volvo models are also being brought into use for long-distance traffic. They are stationed at HOYER locations in Germany and Poland, and travel throughout Europe to transport chemical products. The first units have already been delivered, and the entire fleet will be gradually replaced by the end of 2020.
The HOYER Group gives central importance to the topic of safety for people and the environment. This is why all units are equipped with the most modern safety technologies, including forward-facing cameras that record the driver’s 140-degree view through the windscreen. They are activated if there are abrupt vehicle movements, and record short sequences of the hazardous situation. These recordings help when investigating accidents and near-misses, and are used to develop preventive safety precautions and driver training courses.
“The safety of our drivers and of other road users has top priority. We transport highly sensitive goods every day, and consider it our duty to reduce risks and dangers to the absolute minimum.” According to Rudolf Schumacher, Fleet Manager of the HOYER Group in Dormagen, Germany. “Thanks to our fleet’s innovative safety equipment, we more than satisfy the legal requirements and set standards in the sector. Moreover, we emphasise the continuous instruction and further education of our personnel. We regularly and intensively train our drivers on the topic of safety in the framework of classroom training sessions and online training courses.”
Another part of the comprehensive safety equipment is an active turning assistant to assist drivers when making turns. A camera with a wide-angle lens mounted on the passenger’s side transmits the blind spot to a monitor in the driver’s cab during turning manoeuvres. In addition, an alert sound gives a warning of the presence of other road users such as cyclists or pedestrians during turning movements. Furthermore, the trucks are fitted with an Alcohol Lock connected to the ignition switch, which allows the truck to be started only after carrying out a breath test. For the first time, a Panic Button has been installed in all trucks. The driver can manually operate this in an emergency. An alarm is then triggered in the Order Planning office.
In addition to greater safety, the new truck models also mean increased driver comfort. Rudolf Schumacher says “The fact that our drivers have a sense of wellbeing during journeys that often last for many days, and can relax after spending many hours on the road and travelling hundreds of kilometres, is important to us.” For example, long-distance drivers can order the mattress thickness for the bed to suit their individual preferences. Other onboard innovations include a built-in TV and a swivelling passenger seat that doubles as a TV chair during breaks, together with lockable cupboards.
The trucks are fitted with new-generation engines that offer added value regarding economic efficiency and sustainability. All the units have Euro-6 engines. Altogether, after the modernization is complete, 98 per cent of the HOYER Group fleet of more than 2,200 trucks will be equipped with these low-pollution engines. Four of the new truck models will even be operated using an alternative LNG engine. This means the HOYER Group has increased to nine the number of trucks running on liquid natural gas. The LNG trucks are intended for use to transport gases and mineral oil. The first unit was acquired in 2018. The fact that the service station network for alternative energies has not yet been expanded to cover all areas is currently preventing further procurements.
The built-in Tempomat topographic speed control has a positive effect on fuel consumption. The system recognizes changed conditions in the surroundings, and minimizes the engine revolution speed when necessary. This saves up to three litres of diesel for every 100 kilometres.
