Imperial Commercials New Website

We've launched our new website...take a look at our great offers
http://www.imperialcommercials.co.uk

All Makes Van Servicing for £99

Imperial Commercials on Monday 20th July launches it's Summer Service for all makes of van for £99 +VAT. This is offer is available across all locations. It is also our main Summer Aftermarket Campaign. The offer is for any make of van serviced for only £99 +VAT. The offer includes oil and air filter change a 29 point vehicle check and report. Out of hours servicing is available at no extra cost. Please quote offer code JS240609 Offer Ends 30/09/2009.

DAF Trucks CF85 has won the fleet truck of the year award

DAF CF85 has won the ' Fleet Truck of the Year Award ' for a second successive year and its 9th such award in total, we thought you might like to hear one of the judges' comments which probably best summarises the CF85's continued success:
'' The CF85 meets all of an operator's needs for reliability, back-up, cost management and driver satisfaction. By far the best overall vehicle ''
A glowing testament not only to the product itself, but also to all the staff within DAF and its dealer network who support it throughout the UK.
In the next few weeks DAF Trucks will be running appropriate advertisments in key trade journals celebrating the CF85's success and, through the wonders of modern technology, we have already managed to prepare an on-line digital ad on file://www.roadtransport.com/ - the industry's leading on-line source for truck industry news and information. If you would like to see the on-line digital DAF ad, log on to the roadtransport.com website; select ' News '; and then click on any of the stories and the DAF celebratory ad will appear.

LDV Van Sites

Imperial Commercials has 8 LDV Depots where you can buy new and used ldv vans. Take a look at our sites in Glasgow, Cumbernauld, Nottingham, Stoke, Halesowen, Hull, Derby and Bristol.

http://http://www.glasgowldv.com/
http://http://www.cumbernauldldv.com/
http://www.stokeldv.com/
http://www.nottinghamldv.com/
http://www.hullldv.com/
http://www.halesowenldv.com/
http://www.derbyldv.com/
http://www.bristolldv.com/

Imperial Commercials Swindon

IC Swindon have secured the maintenance support of NYK Logistics’ Honda Contract fleet with immediate effect. The tractor units supplied through Drivemaster Solutions are subject to an Imperial Commercials national agreement, whilst the maintenance of 26 trailers owned by NYK has been won based on the service provided and the relationship developed over the last year . A further 25 trailers supplied through Hill Hire will be supported as required under their national agreement terms.

Imperial Commercials Launch 16 new DAF Trucks Dealer Websites

Imperial Commercials launch 16 new DAF Trucks Dealer Websites.

Imperial Commercials York http://www.yorkdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Gloucester http://www.gloucesterdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Grimsby http://www.grimsbydaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Swindon http://www.swindondaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Frome http://www.fromedaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Halesowen http://www.halesowendaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Sutton in Ashfield http://www.suttondaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Scunthorpe http://www.scunthorpedaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Nottingham http://www.nottinghamdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Derby http://www.mackworthdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Bristol http://www.bristoldaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Doncaster http://www.doncasterdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Glasgow http://www.glasgowdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Wrexham http://www.wrexhamdaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Hull http://www.hulldaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Stoke http://www.stokedaftrucks.co.uk/

Imperial Commercials Launch FIAT Van Scrappage Scheme

IMPERIAL COMMERCIALS LAUNCH FIAT VAN SCRAPPAGE SCHEME.

For more information follow the link below.

http://imperialcommercials.me.uk/index.php?pr=FIAT_Recycling

Job Opportunity - Imperial Commercials Service Manager Scunthorpe Region

Imperial Commercials, the largest distributor of DAF Trucks in the UK with 25 branches nationally and 5 branches locally, have a rare opportunity for a:-
Service Manager – Scunthorpe/Doncaster

Competitive Basic + Bonus + DC Pension + Medical Insurance + Company Car

For more information follow the link below. Closing Date is 31st May 2009.
http://imperialcommercials.me.uk/index.php?pr=Job_Opportunity

Imperial Commercials Halesowen Brave The Elements

It would appear we have a team of budding boat builders in our midst.

On the 10th May a team of 8 from all Departments at Halesowen set out on a Big Adventure. This adventure which technically is a non serious raft race, where everyone tries to row, or at least go in the right direction down the River Severn a distance of 10 miles to Stourport finish. The race was all about having fun, getting wet, excitement, unpredictability and carnage which resulted in our team finishing 2nd in their class. I think you will all agree this is an excellent performance on their 1st attempt. A good day was had by all and a big Thank you to all colleagues who pelted them with water bombs, flour and eggs as they passed under the last bridge to get to the finish line.

DAF Trucks gets 150Million Euros

BRUSSELS, May 12 (Reuters) - The European Investment Bank on Tuesday approved 750 million euros ($1.02 billion) of loans to European Union carmakers, mainly units of Ford, to make cleaner cars as part of a bigger package to help the sector.
The money is part of a 7-billion euro lending package to the ailing European automotive industry which the bank, the European Union's lending arm, expects to approve in the first half of this year.
The bank has now announced nearly 5.2 billion euros in aid and more is to come. The bank has put a limit of 400 million euros on loans for individual carmakers.
The EIB said Ford would receive 400 million euros for its operations in Romania and 200 million euros for research and development in Germany.
Dutch DAF Trucks is to receive 150 million euros for research and development.
Automakers across Europe have been feeling the pain as the global economic downturn curbed consumer spending on big-ticket items.
The loans are part of a 30-billion euro increase in EIB lending envisaged for 2009-2010 which was approved last year by EU finance ministers and leaders, with a special emphasis on more credit to the auto industry.
(Writing by Marcin Grajewski, editing by Timothy Heritage)

DAF Line UP

Driver CPC

Driver CPC is short for 'Driver Certificate of Professional Competence'. This is a new EU Directive (2003/59) that applies to all Truck Drivers. It is designed to improve the knowledge, skill and safety of professional drivers throughout their working life.

From 10th September 2009 all Truck drivers must have a Driver CPC.
· Driver CPC is not the same as the CPC needed for an operator's licence. This is an Operator CPC.
· If you hold a Truck licence you will gain 'acquired rights' for 5 years. If you work after that period, you are required to attend 35 hours training over the five year period, 2009/2014.
· Some exemptions exist for certain drivers. However if your job is of a commercial nature and the driving aspect is the principal activity, you will require a Driver CPC.
· It will be an offence to drive without a Driver CPC or to allow someone to drive a vehicle without a Driver CPC. A central database will be available on-line with records of training received by Driver Professionals.

Dependent upon the type of Driving Licence you hold, there are planned changes to the current system as follows:-
Truck Driver
Any person wishing to become a Truck driver after September 2009 must have a Driver CPC. This will involve a new test which has four sections.
Existing drivers have 'acquired rights' for a five year period. In order to be issued with a Driver CPC card in September 2014 they must attend one day of training per year in the intervening period. In order to maintain a valid Driver CPC card throughout their working life they must, by law, attend a one day refresher training course every year.

How will the training affect me?

· All Driver Professionals must attend courses covering 5 modules. Module No. 1 to 4are for all drivers. Module No. 5 is for Bus/Coach drivers only. Module No. 6 is for Truck drivers only.
· Drivers must attend one module per year which will be a one day course (7 hours); Covering all five modules over a five year period.
· Drivers will be issued with a Drivers CPC at the end of the five year period.
· Following your first training session, the training centre will submit details of your licence and confirmation of your attendance to the Road Safety Authority the governing body of the Driver CPC.
· In the future if you are changing jobs your new employer will be able to log onto a website and verify that your training is up-to date.
· CPC Drivers training is as it says, a Training day, no driver is not required to sit an exam after the training day.
· In the future it is hoped to merge all professional details, Driver CPC, Digital Tachograph and Driver Licence onto one card.

I am a Truck Driver with a full C licence, how does Driver CPC affect me?

· Provided you have had a full licence before September 2009, you have ' acquired rights'.
· 'Acquired rights' means you must attend one days training per year at an approved centre over the next five years.
· At the end of five years (September 2014) provided you have attended five days training you will be issued with a Driver CPC card.
· In order to maintain a valid Driver CPC card after 2013, you must attend one days' refresher training per year.
· It is your responsibility to keep your Driver CPC card valid and it is an offence to drive without a valid card, (after the 'acquired rights' period has been passed 2009/2014).

I employ Truck Drivers, what are my obligations with the Driver CPC?

· You must ensure that all drivers keep their CPC training up to date.
· Will commence in September 2009 for Truck drivers.
· When employing new drivers, you must establish if they are driving on 'acquired rights' or if they have a valid Drivers CPC card, and then monitor their on going training.
· It is an offence to allow a non compliant driver to operate a vehicle covered under the regulations (any vehicle under 3500 kg ULW is exempt).

Ford is coming to Imperial Commercials Halesowen

Review of UK truck market over 6 tonnes as at end March 2009:

Review of UK truck market over 6 tonnes as at end March 2009:
1. The truck market was down by 41.6% compared to year to date March 2008.
2. Based on year to date market size, the seasonally adjusted annualised rate from historical data implies a market size for 2009 of 31600 units.
3. The construction related sector of 4 axle rigids has suffered worst, with a drop of 68% versus the same period in 2008.
4. DAF's market share year to date at 31% is up by 3.7% compared to full year 2008.
5. DAF's registration volume of 2310 year to date are 2.5 times that of their nearest competitor, Volvo.
6. DAF's light truck share ( 6 - 15 tonnes ) at 38.8% year to date is some 5 percentage points ahead of full year 2008.
7. DAF's heavy truck share at 27.7% year to date is up by 2.5 percentage points over full year 2008.
8. DAF leads every sector except 4 axle rigids, where Volvo are sector leaders, and DAF are number 2.

Low weight rear steer DAF works well in a tight spot

Low weight rear steer DAF works well in a tight spot

The exceptional manoeuvrability of DAF’s rear-steer CF75 FAN model is making it easier for building materials supplier Simmons of Stafford to deliver to premises with restricted access.
With the DAF making up to 30 drops a day it’s important to achieve a fast turnaround at each drop site. Where access is tight, time can be wasted manoeuvring the vehicle into position to unload and here the rear-steer really comes into its own.
Driver Mark Lockhart is impressed by the DAF’s capabilities. “Reversing into tight spaces is much easier,” he says, “and I can usually position the truck much more quickly and precisely, which allows me to use the rear-mounted crane to place materials exactly where the customer wants them.”
A further benefit is that by lifting the rear-steer axle additional traction can be applied to the drive axle, which can be helpful when surface conditions are slippery. This facility also cuts down on tyre wear as the axle can be lifted when the truck is returning light to its depot. The low weight of the 6x2 DAF, enhanced by Alcoa alloy wheels and an all-alloy body, was also a strong factor in Simmons choice of the CF75, says Transport Manager Anthony Rowley.
“Even with its big Hiab crane the truck weighs in at just 11,300 kg,” he says. “This gives us a payload of 14.7 tonnes and this low weight must also contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption on the return leg of a delivery.”
Simmons have also specified the AS-tronic automatic transmission as a further measure towards achieving good fuel efficiency. “As well as contributing to more consistent fuel returns, the automatic also helps to reduce driver fatigue in a very demanding job, which must improve driving safety.”
Further driver comfort is provided by cruise control and air-conditioning. Mark Lockhart also had a say in the finer detail of the specification of his new truck, resulting in air horns, a full-width tinted sun visor, and a walnut-effect dashboard being included.
The all-alloy, triple-dropside body was manufactured by Stoke-on-Trent bodybuilders Stag. At the back of the truck is a Hiab 111BS-2 crane of 9.3 tonne/metres capacity with a maximum reach of 7.4 metres and powered by a gearbox-mounted PTO. The crane has in-built intelligence to recognise whether it is in hook mode or if an attachment, such as a brick grab, is being used.
The truck was supplied by Imperial Commercials Stoke-on-Trent dealership. Anthony Rowley says that as a long-established family run firm, Simmons is keen to support local businesses, such as Imperial and Stag, and that he is particularly pleased to be putting a high quality British built truck into the firm’s five-strong fleet.

Commercial Vehicle Scrappage Scheme up to 3.5 tonnes

In the Budget on Wednesday 22 April, Chancellor Alistair Darling announced the introduction of a Government Scrappage Scheme, a £2,000 allowance on vehicles 10 years or over. Although the exact details and the implementation of the scheme are still being developed below is a summary of the scheme details so far. We will update this when more information becomes available:
In exchange for scrapping your old vehicle and buying a new one the Government and manufacturers who sign up to the scheme will contribute a total of £2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle
The scheme starts on May 18th 2009
The scheme is open to commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
To be eligible, the vehicle you scrap must have been first registered on or prior to 31 July 1999
To claim the Scrappage Scheme, the owner must be the registered keeper of old vehicle for at least 1 year and the vehicle must have an up to date MOT
The scheme will be available to the first 300,000 eligible claimants or until 31 March 2010, whichever is sooner

Catch up with all the latest news from Imperial Commercials here

Catch up with all the latest news from Imperial Commercials here. We will be posting on a regular basis to let you know all about our successes and keeping you up to date with legislation changes in the Commercial Vehicle Market. Book mark this site and come back soon ;o) In the meantime why not visit our main site to see our range of products and services.
http://www.imperialcommercials.co.uk/



Leading Lincolnshire plant hire and transport company Brianplant (Humberside) Limited has marked 25 years in business by having the cab of its latest DAF painted in a stunning silver.
The 32 tonne FAD CF85 eight-wheeler joins a fleet of 15 tippers operating in a 40 mile radius from the company’s Grimsby base. It’s engaged on delivering aggregrates, both new from the firm’s own limestone quarry and recycled from its transfer station, as well as ‘muckaway’ services, large earthworks projects, and other site clearance work.
Director Simon Beveridge says that the DAF is ideally suited to this demanding work. “We get high productivity out of our DAFs, along with good fuel economy,” he says. “Parts support is good too, which is especially important as we maintain our own trucks. And if there’s any warranty or more technical work required, then our local DAF service dealer, who is on our doorstep, provides a first-rate service including doing work out of hours so that we lose no downtime.”
Terry Hunter, Brianplant’s longest-serving driver, is at the wheel of the new DAF. He’s said to be delighted with its performance and particularly the generous amount of power delivered by the MX265 engine, which is rated at 410 bhp to give an ample 12.8 bhp per tonne. “It drives well and pulls superbly whatever the load or road conditions,” he says.
For off-road work the truck has plenty of torque at 2000 Nm which, along with cross axle and inter-axle differential locks, ensure that it can cope with the most arduous conditions. The FAD’s good ground clearance and features such as a radiator protection grille, wrap-around steel bumper, and impact resistant ‘Lexan’ headlamps also help to reduce the risk of damage to the truck when on construction sites.
Amongst features designed to ensure driver comfort is air conditioning and a Bluetooth enabled radio/cd player. The chassis was supplied factory-finished in silver and air horns and hazard beacons on the cab roof were also fitted during build along with a full width smoked sun visor to complete the truck’s head-turning appearance.
Local bodybuilder G Broughton and Sons fitted the 25 cubic metre all-steel tipper body, which has Binotto front-end tipping gear. A manual sheeting system that can be operated from ground level is fitted along with a reversing camera and Woodland two-cell weighing system fitted by local specialist Barry Napper.
The vehicle was supplied through Imperial Commercials of Scunthorpe.



Low weight DAF meets tanker firm criteria

A company criteria that sets the gross weight of new tractor units to between 7.5 and 8.00 tonnes has led Yorkshire-based Lewis Tankers Limited to put ten of DAF’s CF85 FTP model into its 54-vehicle fleet.
Using 17.5 inch wheels on the mid-lift axle of the FTP has reduced the weight of the tractor by around half a tonne compared to a mid-lift on 22.5 inch wheels. As a result the FTP has a tare weight of around 7.8 tonnes fully kitted, with the weight saving directly translating into increased payload.
Four of the new trucks are being used on deliveries of liquid natural gas on behalf of Scotland Gas Networks plc (SGN), a business worth in excess of £1.5m awarded to Lewis Tankers in June 2008 on a minimum three year contract. Deliveries are to SGN’s storage facilities in the west of Scotland and as far north as Thurso and Wick.
The other six are operating in Lewis Tankers’ multi-user fleet on work that can see them carrying a range of materials from aviation fuel to Methyl Chloride. The fact that all of the company’s drivers are ADR and SAFED trained and its vehicles meet both Petroleum Regulations and the Safe Loading Pass scheme standards - with the latter being met during their assembly at Leyland – gives the company considerable flexibility to meet a wide variety of customer needs.
The new trucks operate with Hobur and M1 tri-axle trailers designed for bottom-loading and which have full vapour recovery. Those on aviation fuel deliveries also have overfill protection as an additional safety measure. Gardner Denver discharge equipment and the Safe Track Telematics system are fitted to all of the tractors,
Stewart MacDonald, General Manager at Lewis Tankers, said: “as well as meeting our strict unladen weight criteria, the CF85 was chosen for its reliability and expected fuel efficiency. We have experience of the CF85 with the Euro 4 engine and found it to be very fuel efficient, even allowing for the amount of static running that occurs when discharging the load, and we expect these new models to deliver similar fuel results.
“These trucks will average around 120,000 kilometres a year, although that can range anywhere between 80,000 and 200,000, especially if they’re double-shifted. At these mileages we’ll be looking for good fuel figures to help keep our costs down during the five years that we plan to run them.
“Our drivers are happy with the CF85 too,” he adds. “They’ve got a comfortable sleeper cab with plenty of space and we’ve specified the AS-tronic automatic transmission both to reduce driving effort and stress, leading to improved safety, and to support more fuel efficient driving.”
Power for the CF85s is from the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine, which is Euro 5 compliant, meaning that the tractors are eligible for Reduced Pollution Certification. The engine’s rating of 460 bhp (340 kW) provides a comfortable 10.45 bhp/tonne of power to weight ratio which it is hoped will enable the trucks to cope easily with hilly Highland terrain. At 1775 Nm, there’s also plenty of torque across a flexible range between 1000 and 1410 rpm.
The DAFs based at Lewis Tankers site at Hensall near Goole will be serviced in the company’s own well-equipped workshop. Any warranty work along with ongoing parts support will be provided by the supplying DAF dealer, Imperial Commercials, who have three nearby dealerships in Doncaster, Scunthorpe and Hull.
Lewis Tankers is a subsidiary of Simon Storage Limited, the leading independent provider of bulk and liquid gas storage in the British Isles.