fastFORWARD will launch at 11.30am on 24 April 16 April 2007

Despite the fact that today's road transport industry is one of UK plc's great success stories, it is an industry that faces massive training challenges and suffers from tremendous skills shortage in all areas operation. Roadway Publishing is therefore delighted to announce the launch of fastFORWARD; the transport industry's first magazine dedicated to training and careers in logistics. Supported by trade associations, truck manufacturers and industry suppliers, fastFORWARD really IS just what this industry has been waiting for. The launch will take place on Tuesday 24th April at 11.30am in the Skills Zone at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC. Ross Green, winner of the DAF Young Apprentice of the Year will be 'doing the honours'. Ross's career in this industry is a success story in itself and he will be on hand to answer questions and give interviews. Please come and and join Ross, together with the fastFORWARD team, at 11.30. Your support on the day will be most welcome. Your support for future issues of fastFORWARD will be invaluable. Many thanks Peter Shakespeare Publishing Director fastFORWARD

KIER PLANT GOES VOLVO WITH FM-380 RIGIDS 12 April 2007

Kier Plant – an arm of leading construction, development and service group, Kier – has taken delivery of two Volvo FM-380 6x2 Euro 4 rigid trucks, basing the decision on Volvo’s reputation in the industry. Operating from depots at Liverpool and Sharpness and running at 26 tonnes GVW, the trucks will be used for transporting temporary site accommodation, telehandlers and general plant. “We had heard good reports of Volvo from other operators,” says Kier’s Transport Manager, Paul Smalley, “and these particular vehicles represented good value for money.” To handle the notifiable 34ft by 10ft site cabins that are their largest load, the Volvo’s are equipped with Fassi F450 AXP.23 cranes and cheesewedge hydraulic beavertail bodies by Central Crane Technicians. Although they have sleeper cabs, according to Paul, “They only work the occasional night away from the regional depots – about one night a week on average.” The cabs are finished in Comfort trim with air-conditioning and a radio/CD package. Security is enhanced by a Thatcham H2-approved immobiliser and a Trakbak Sentinel vehicle location and security system. These are the first Volvos in Kier Plant’s eight-strong fleet and, so far, the drivers’ reactions have been positive. The trucks were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia and the local Volvo Dealers tasked with repair and maintenance have also impressed, says Paul; “Both Liverpool and Sharpness depots report good, attentive service.”

VOLVO SAYS YUAN IN SAFE HANDS 11 April 2007

Volvo Truck Corporation has received an order for 76 distribution trucks from the People’s Bank of China, contributing to a total fleet of 425 Volvo trucks already owned by the Bank – the largest single Volvo fleet in China. In an order worth over SEK 59.5m (£ 4.4m), the vehicles are all Volvo FM’s, which will be used to transport cash between different banks all over China. The 300hp rigid trucks will all be supplied with special security superstructures in China, but the chassis and cabs are also especially equipped with features such as bullet-proof windscreens and reinforced cabs. Earlier this year, the People’s Bank of China placed an order for 87 Volvo FM trucks.