News 83
MiX Rovi improves effective exchange of information between drivers and the office.
In changing times, Telematics solutions are available to make fleets work more effectively. Fuel Oil News looks at the systems on offer to assist your business.
Updates for a changing industry
This year IMS updated its Tankerbase head office software suite and ePOD on-truck system with new features, including details of on-map tanker movements, location, loads, completed deliveries and on-board stock.
The systems work alongside each other to provide a complete fuel distribution management system. Found in 120 depots across the UK and Ireland, including Staffordshire-based Stoddards (see pages 12/13), the systems enable distributors to optimise delivery resources and monitor valuable stock.
An optional in-cab GPS/GPRS transceiver enables ePOD to transmit delivery coordinates to Tankerbase for use in a web-based vehicle tracking system. Functions such as vehicle location, routing, excess speed alerts, ‘off route’ (geo-fencing) and power take off (PTO) running are all available, as is the ability to control on board equipment.
Drivers can use it to send SMS messages to customers, choosing either a pre-defined template, or to type a customised message.
In response to changing industry requirements and the opportunities provided by new technology, IMS’ specialist fuel distribution systems have evolved continuously over the last 30 years. The company is currently looking at the use of tablets, such as iPads, as business tools and how they can be utilised for order taking and credit control.www.ims-integer.comNew Navman app
Navman Wireless has recently launched a new smartphone and tablet application designed to complement the new product ranges Essential, Fleet+ and Complete.
Steve Blackburn, European vice president of Navman Wireless, said: “With the introduction of OnlineAVL for the smartphone and tablet, we are ensuring that we continue to stay in touch with our customers, in order for them to connect with their fleet in the most effective way possible.
“We are staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the rapidly evolving technological needs of our customers. We continue to be innovative with our software and technology, delivering not only highly efficient and user friendly products but also choice in the way our customers can access information.” www.navmanwireless.co.ukImprove driver safety
Ecotrak, the telematics system solution from CMS Supatrak, can help improve health & safety by alerting the driver to behaviour that could endanger themselves or other road users.Clugston Distribution Services has fitted the product to over 70 of its vehicles.
CMS Supatrak managing director, Jason Airey, said: “The system ensures that if a driver was involved in an accident the manager responsible for them would be able to locate them quickly using live GPS information.
“By using the technology, it becomes very easy to monitor how vehicles are being driven; establishing driver behaviour that is wasting fuel, and by addressing this, savings can be made.” www.supatrak.comCustom MiX of inputs
MiX Telematics launched its latest version of MiX Rovi, a cost-effective and easy-to-use in-cab display, at IAA Hanover 2012.
The device enables optimised communication between drivers and the office, including feedback on effective driving style, a messaging service and accurate routing.
Fleet managers can create their own custom data inputs based on the exact need of their operation.
Charles Tasker, head of fleet telematics for MiX, said: “Fleet managers are often only able to collate information at the end of each day when drivers return to base, which can be a source of great frustration and inefficiency. MiX Rovi now provides the information they need instantly; thereby helping to improve turnaround times and enhance customer service.” www.mixtelematics.comAccurate fuel data
Blue Tree Systems R:COM aims to address the main challenge freight operators face – the lack of trust in the fuel data being collected from the engine control unit.
The figures need to be entirely accurate to assess driver or fuel performance, and inaccuracies can make it difficult for fleet operators to make smart purchasing decisions.
The R:COM technology is the only solution that includes advanced algorithms capable of calibrating the ECM fuel data quickly and easily to provide accurate fuel usage data. The fuel auditor programme compares the amount of fuel burned by each truck in the fleet to the amount purchased. Any differences are immediately highlighted, including drill-down capability to determine the time and location of the discrepancy. www.bluetreesystems.com
Pictured at last year’s FPS Expo in Harrogate, James Smith with wife Anne and Kevin Kennerley, NWF Fuels
Well-known to many in the fuel oil distribution industry, James Smith started Fuel Oil News back in 1977. A journalist with family roots in the energy industry, having started Knutsford Oil, he spotted a gap in the industry’s communication channel giving rise to a trade magazine which, in November this year, will have been published every month for 36 years.
The funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Thursday 7th February at St Mary’s Church in Rostherne, Cheshire. Anyone wishing to attend and/or wanting further information should contact Fuel Oil News editor Jane Hughes on 01565 653283 or by email at jane@fueloilnews.co.uk.
An article exploring James Smith’s contribution to the fuel oil distribution industry will be published in the April issue of Fuel Oil News.
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Last year’s winner – Ian Coles of Butler Fuels
The search is now on for the best tanker driver with entries for the 2013 Driver of the Year award invited by the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.
If your company has a tanker driver who stands out amongst his/her peers then make sure you nominate them for the award before the closing date on Friday 22nd February. First prize is £1000 whilst two runners-up will each receive a cheque for £250.
Sponsored by OAMPS Petrochemical for the last 14 years, this award celebrates those drivers who have set an excellent example, made great efforts or who have a great safety or customer service record.
“We want to make 2013 the best yet in terms of entries,” said marketing and events manager, Vanessa Cook. “We’re calling on all our members to recognise the hard work undertaken by their delivery drivers.”
The winner will be announced at the FPS 2013 awards dinner on Thursday 18th April at the Harrogate International Centre.
Nomination forms and further information can be found at www.fpsshow.co.uk.
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“The DODF training standard will build on the good practice that already exists in many parts of the industry,” says Colin Rutherford, general manager, Turners
Establishing a common training standard for the training and assessment of petroleum tanker drivers has been the first priority of the UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum which has introduced a driver safety passport.
Re-established last July, the UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF) provides an on-going forum for the discussion and resolution of issues relating to health & safety in the downstream oil industry.
The newly constituted group, which represents trade bodies, haulage companies, Unite, the HSE and government departments has agreed a training standard for all petroleum drivers. This will be additional to ADR and specific to the industry sector and five industry sub sectors – home heat, commercial, aviation, retail and marine.
Forum members include Turners, Norbert Dentressangle, Wincanton, Greenergy, BP, GB Oils and Suckling Transport.
Colin Rutherford, general manager, Turners commented: “The DODF training standard will build on the good practice that already exists in many parts of the industry. The combination of an industry-wide training standard with written/practical assessment will guarantee that all drivers in the industry have been trained to a consistently high standard. We envisage the proposed annual refresher day will also count as driver CPC training and are working to ensure that is the case.”
Content will be delivered by a combination of accredited inhouse or third party training providers. On completion of a written and practical assessment, drivers will be issued with a safety passport. The passport will be valid for five years, but will be subject to an annual refresher assessment.
The DODF is now looking to appoint a scheme manager and is working with terminal operators and owners of petroleum products to ensure the scheme has maximum take up across the industry.
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The deadline for entries to the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme awards has been extended to Friday 22nd February.
Developed to celebrate the efforts of green leaders in the freight industry in reducing their carbon emissions, the inaugural Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme(LCRS) awards consist of the following categories:
– Carbon reduction through fuel efficiency – sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres
– Carbon reduction through use of alternative low carbon fuels and technologies – sponsored by Iveco
– Carbon reduction through innovative fleet management
– Carbon reduction through use of low carbon transport modes
The awards will be judged by a panel of industry experts including FTA president, Stewart Oades. Launched in September 2012, the awards will be presented at the FTA’s Cutting Carbon, Cutting Costs conference in May. www.fta.co.uk/lcrs
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JN Bentley needs “a reliable supplier that will deliver on time, every time
Working with construction firm, JN Bentley since 2010, Bayford Oil ensures site operations are kept running with a dependable fuel supply.
At any given time, JN Bentley has teams working on a number of sites. The company requires a flexible service and fuel deliveries of anywhere between 1000 to 10,000 litres each time.
Bayford Oil was selected for its national infrastructure which enables the company to deliver any quantity of diesel within 48 hours, whenever required. More urgent requests for additional fuel can also be accommodated, even at very short notice.
“We provide a first class, dependable service and fuel at an affordable price,” said Jonathan Best, Bayford Oil regional manager. “We offer JN Bentley a national fuel service but ensure we still have a local focus and the same friendly voice at the end of the phone.”
Kevin Young, a member of JN Bentley’s buying team, explained: “We require a reliable supplier that will deliver on time, every time because keeping operations running on time is crucial to our business. Without diesel, the site stops and that simply isn’t an option because even a small, unforeseen stoppage can put projects off track and over budget.” www.bayfordoil.co.uk
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Oil heating customers receive good customer service from OFTEC registered installers.
“It’s clear that something needs to be done about customer service in the energy industry,” says Charter UK in response to a recent Which? report.
The new survey by Which? reveals the nation’s best and worst energy companies whilst a report by the Customer Engagement Initiative (CEI) says the UK’s biggest energy firms are still struggling when it comes to customer service.
Paul Clark, CEO of Charter UK, the enterprise complaints and feedback specialist, said: “If you look at the top energy companies which account for 98% of the market, none rank above ninth place in the Which? report.
“More damaging still is the CEI survey, which reveals that just 1% of consumers have customer service expectations which are currently being met. This survey also found that 86% of consumers would be willing to pay more for better customer service.
“These energy giants have allowed a laissezfaire approach to their customers to become standard. What these surveys reveal is that the smaller, upwardly mobile newcomers to the energy market understand the importance of quality customer service and of getting that service right every time.” www.which.co.uk
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An Autosock helped this tanker out of a difficult wintry situation
To help keep vehicles on the road in bad weather, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) offers assistance.
Now operating 24/7, FTA’s own traffic service provides amber and red weather alerts. Advice for managers and drivers dealing with poor weather conditions can be found at www.fta.co.uk.
Keep vehicles and drivers on the move with informative driver cards and posters about driving in severe weather conditions. Essential in-cab winter kits containing shovels, torches, high visibility vests, an emergency foil blanket and winter windscreen kit are also available.
Shopfta also stocks a wide range of essential winter items such as Autosocks for trucks, rock salt depot kits and supplies of de-icing salt, to keep depots and distribution centres clear of snow. www.shop.fta.co.uk
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Staffordshire Fuels relying on Alpeco’s technology to keep vehicles on the road
The new 6-wheel, four compartment vehicle built by Tasca Tankers is fully equipped with Alpeco’s bottom loading/electronic metering package, featuring the TE550 and new LC Sound gas separation system.
General manager Steve Davies said: “Whenever possible, we embrace new technology, especially when it improves safety and efficiency. We’ve been buying Alpeco equipment for about 10 years and have stayed loyal; the technology and reliability of the company’s equipment is beyond question. We’ve always been delighted with Alpeco’s speedy response to our service calls which helps keep our vehicles on the road.”
Based near Stone in Staffordshire, Staffordshire Fuels is an authorised Phillips 66 distributor supplying domestic, agricultural, commercial and haulage clients throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on changes to legislation concerning drivers’ hours, highlighted as part of the Red Tape Challenge.
The changes include:
The recently published UK Renewable Energy Roadmap Update states that biofuels for heat, transport and electricity must offer genuine carbon savings and be cost effective in meeting climate change objectives.
Following changes in 2011, incentives only reward biofuels which meet specific criteria, while double incentives are now available for biofuels derived from waste material and advance processes.
The government is also proposing to expand the energy from waste criteria to include commercial and industrial waste, and to implement minimum air quality criteria as a condition of Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) support.
The update, which also includes plans to extend the non-domestic RHI to cover air source heat pumps and biomass, can be found at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/68637/7382-uk-renewable-energy-roadmap-update.pdf
The Northern Ireland Executive’s target of 12% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2012 was exceeded during the year, while in Scotland an update on plans in October included a new interim target to meet the equivalent of 50% of Scottish electricity demand from renewables by 2015.
The government’s domestic RHI scheme is due to open to applicants in the summer.
Brogan’s newly refurbished depot
Having acquired Brogan Fuels in 2007, GB Oils has just completed a major refurbishment of its Oban depot.
Established 86 years ago, Brogan Fuels is the main kerosene heating oil supplier in Scotland. Now under the guidance of area manager, Scott Wilson, the entire Oban depot has been upgraded with a new office block providing a professional working environment for the company’s ten staff and a modern, pleasant place for customers to purchase fuel.
Scott, who has worked for the company for 15 years, commented: “We decided to refurbish the depot in Oban as the location is a hub for our customers on the west coast of Scotland. We’ve been here for a number of years now and I’m proud to see how the business has developed.”
The depot provides a key support function for the Oban community by servicing commercial, agricultural and domestic customers in the region with road diesel, gas oil, heating oil and a full range of Shell and Total lubricants. It also stocks Harlequin oil & water tanks. Although focussed on the Oban area, the depot has the ability to reach Brogan Fuels customers throughout Argyll and the Islands.
The Oban depot can be reached on 01631 570670.
FPS chief executive, Mark Askew
A recent report by the Fuel Poverty Action Group (FPAG) calls on fuel oil distributors to establish a priority register for vulnerable customers.
With the FPAG report making reference to the need for fuel oil distributors to keep a priority register for vulnerable customers, Fuel Oil News spoke to Mark Askew, chief executive, Federation of Petroleum Suppliers who said: “In many cases FPS members already know who their more vulnerable customers are. One of the benefits of being a regular customer of one particular distributor is that, more often than not, your circumstances are known to that distributor.
“When buying heating oil, price isn’t always the main driver. For many customers, it’s more reassuring to know that their supplier knows their circumstances, particularly if they’re elderly, have small children or are struggling to cope with bills. The FPS can relay many tales of drivers who keep an eye on such customers all year round, even between deliveries.
“In the case of those who prefer to shop around for the best price or place orders on price comparison sites, such information is not usually known. It has already been suggested to government that if distributors were able to access the government’s register of vulnerable households, they would be in a better position to help vulnerable customers. With such a register covered by the Data Protection Act, we’re still waiting to be advised.”
The FPS Code of Practice is currently under revision and will be updated to include more about vulnerable customers.
Predictions point to 300,000 households being affected by fuel poverty this winter with two million households eligible for help under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Following the FPAG report, the government is to launch a new fuel poverty strategy in 2013 to ensure those most in need of help are targeted. Commenting on the report, a DECC spokesperson said: “The FPAG has an important part to play in helping us assess our progress in this area and we will now carefully consider the recommendations set out in this report.”
Fuel poverty has been defined as a household spending more than 10% of income on heating. The FPAG’s tenth annual report predicts that this will apply to around nine million people by 2016.www.fuelpovertyaction.org.ukwww.decc.gov.uk
LR Handing over – John Sutton and Andrew Palmer
After eight years at the helm of the Suttons Group, Andrew Palmer, group managing director, has announced his intention to retire at the end of April. John Sutton will take over in May.
Currently managing director of the Group’s International Division, John Sutton takes over the reigns from 1st May and will also join the Thomas Cradley Holdings (TCH) board. John will work with Andrew from now until the end of April to facilitate a smooth and efficient hand-over
“The board and the shareholders would like to express considerable thanks to Andrew for the way in which he has transformed the fortunes of the company, making it a highly profitable and substantial global provider of bulk logistics services with an outstanding reputation for safe, high quality services,” said chairman, Michael Sutton.
“John has managed the International Division through a period of high growth and the board looks forward to him building on the excellent work done by Andrew,” added Michael.
From 1st May, Andrew will be joining the TCH board as a non-executive director, enabling the Group to continue benefitting from his knowledge and experience. www.suttonsgroup.comFind out more about Suttons – read Liz Boardman’s exclusive interview with Andrew Palmer in the February issue of Fuel Oil News.
With widespread snow across the country reported on virtually every news bulletin, some in the industry have been in the limelight.
Whilst this Adler & Allan van was trying to get around the north east of England on Tuesday, it was captured by a BBC News camera crew.
Fuel Oil News contacted marketing manager Alan Scrafton to see if any of the team had taken a photograph of their moment in the spotlight to which he replied: “I guess they were too busy digging themselves out!”
If one of your drivers has managed to take a good snowy shot whilst out and about over the past few days, please send it to jane@fueloilnews.co.uk.
Look out for the Stevenage Oils tanker delivering in a snowy Hertfordshire in the February issue of Fuel Oil News.
VOSA has made changes to ADR first testing for new trailers, subject to European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).
An ADR Test and a first trailer HGV Annual Test prior to entering service is no longer necessary if new trailers subject to ECWVTA or IVA are supplied by the manufacturer with proof that they are designed and constructed in a roadworthy condition. A cursory visual inspection will be carried out to ensure there are no obvious roadworthiness defects.
It is still legally possible for trailers built in multiple stages not to need ECWVTA or IVA, provided they are supplied to be placed in service prior to 29th October 2013. These trailers will still need a first test application for a trailer (VTG2) and satisfactory HGV Annual Test pass as a condition of being issued with a first ADR certificate.
www.dft.gov.uk/vosa
To maintain compliance with O Licence regulations, Volvo Trucks has a user-friendly suite of solutions that can be used by vehicle operators.
Commercial aftermarket director, Tony Davis said: “Having trucks off the road because of non-compliance issues has a direct effect on uptime and therefore your business’ bottom-line.
“We’re working hard to get the message across to transport operators that Volvo Trucks is much, much more than a truck manufacturer.”
The Science of Compliance campaign focuses on a range of solutions to help keep operators compliant and maintain vehicle uptime.
VOSA and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) have taken part in a joint workshop to develop a new Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) report.
As a result of recent changes to OCRS, VOSA found that some of the calculations were too complicated to be usefully indicated on the Encounter Report and Test History Report, and removed the scores from the report altogether. Following representations by FTA, VOSA recognised that it had removed a useful compliance too and agreed to develop a bespoke report.
At the workshop operators gave feedback on the latest draft. VOSA is expected to produce a further draft in February, although timescales have not yet been confirmed.
www.fta.co.uk
www.dft.gov.uk/vosa
A restructure at the Total Lindsey oil refinery (LOR) is set to take effect from spring 2013.
Total LOR, which has seen more than £600m of investment in the last few years, is to become a separate operating company, and will take responsibility for the daily running of the group’s refining, logistics and storage terminals interests throughout the UK.
Total has already tried to find a buyer for its Lindsey oil refinery on previous occasions, Fuel Oil News quizzed an industry insider as to whether being a separate entity would make the refinery a more attractive proposition?
“Not really, as I don’t think this is much more than a formalisation and integration of operational and reporting arrangements following the 2011 sale of the marketing business.
“The original sale structure was unusual, splitting away primary logistics and the associated terminals along with the commercial/industrial fuels sales to distributors, direct commercial customers, bitumen and aviation from those parts of the marketing organisation sold under Project Mary – principally to Rontec.
“Any prospective buyer is taking on not only a refinery, but also some downstream elements, which they may not want…”
Jacques Beuckelaers, who has taken over as general manager from Nigel Tranter, said: “The new organisation will streamline our services so that there’s a direct link from refinery to storage and then on to our customers. The ambition of Total LOR is to be a truly customer-focused organisation providing the best quality products with a first-class service.”
Total energy production, Q3 2012
Production of oil fell by 12.1% in the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the previous year. Oil consumption fell by 1.1%.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has published the figures in Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices, publications which give statistics on energy production and consumption.
The overall demand for primary oils at refineries fell by 9.2% when compared to the previous year. The closure of the Coryton refinery was a contributory factor, having previously accounted for around 10% of the UK’s refinery production, but other refineries around the country also shut down for planned maintenance work during the quarter. Consequently, petroleum imports increased by 23%.
Domestic heating oil prices rose by just 0.1% from the previous year. Domestic gas prices rose by 6.4% in real terms from the same period in 2011.
Total energy production for this period was measured at 27.1 million tonnes, a fall of 7.3%, of which oil accounted for 10.7 million tonnes. Production of gas also fell by 10.3%.www.decc.gov.uk
FPS chief executive, Mark Askew
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has responded to claims of profiteering on heating oil, explaining that community buying groups should be realistic about the savings that can be gained in these times of low margins.
Chris Pomfret, founder of Community Buying unLimited, has sent letters to the FPS and prime minister, David Cameron, arguing “there is something very wrong with the price of heating oil”, and that domestic heating oil suppliers have “allowed themselves to be influenced by very short term greed”.
The statement from the FPS read: “Consumers get a pretty good deal and, with low margins, there is very little leeway to give them price reductions and still remain viable! Many claims of huge savings are actually comparing the highest quotes – possibly artificially high from a distributor who doesn’t want the business – with the lowest quote, because some of these high prices are just not feasible.
“The FPS always recommend that if buying group customers wish to receive an indication of the true saving for the fuel they should contact the distribution company who delivered their fuel and ask for a spot price for the volume which they have had delivered. The difference between this price and the price they have paid represents the true saving obtained.”
The organisation has continually urged distributors to be honest if they cannot, or do not wish to supply a community buying group with fuel, in response to news of artificially high prices being quoted to deter potential customers.
The response also highlights the benefits for consumers of buying oil individually, and building a relationship with a regular supplier, to ensure priority treatment during times of short supply.www.fpsonline.co.uk
Pictured at the certificate presentation with Hugh Nicholl and the successful advisors are NEA NI’s Pat Austin, John Dallet MLA, professor Christine Lidell, University of Ulster and Mary McKeown, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Six Nicholl Fuel Oils advisors have recently been given energy in the home training by National Energy Assessors Northern Ireland, (NEA NI).
“For some considerable time, Nicholl Fuel Oils has firmly believed that energy efficiency is the only way that people can afford energies such as oil, gas and electricity,” said director Hugh Nicholl.
“In these hard economic times, energy efficiency is extremely important. As a company, we felt we had a part to play; training our advisors is just one commitment to helping customers become more aware about energy efficiency.
“The training received equips our advisors to provide energy advice to customers by highlighting energy efficiency grants and schemes which will enable them to get the most from the energy they use.”
Commenting on the training Paul Wallace, NEA NI development manager said: “The advisors successfully achieved the NEA/City and Guilds Energy Awareness qualification and are now competent in the provision of quality energy advice to a specific standard.”www.nicholloils.com
‘Meeting today’s challenges, investing in tomorrow’s opportunities’ is the theme for this year’s International Petroleum Week in London on 18-20 February 2013.
The global outlook for the oil and gas industries is set to be tackled at the event, with the opening conference focusing on the challenges for the sector, technological advances, and the requirements to move forward for a more sustainable future.
A seminar on the global future of the downstream oil industry, including making a profit and changing demand, is being held on 20 February. The speakers include Chris Hunt, director general of the UK Petroleum Industry Association.
Dr Fatih Birol HonFEI, executive director, International Energy Agency, will present the outlook for the oil market, examining the uncertainties and certainties for the sector. Other speakers include John Hayes MP, minister of state, Department of Energy and Climate Change, and senior industry leaders from AMEC, BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil.
IP Week 2013 is sponsored by Ernst & Young, Standard Chartered Bank and Platts. It will feature conferences, seminars, a high profile luncheon, an evening reception, exhibition and will conclude with the prestigious IP Week Dinner.
www.energyinst.org/ip-week
The Oilsave website has been updated to carry new campaign material to promote oil heating to consumers.
Members of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) are due to receive an A5 postcard promoting the campaign shortly, and electronic copies can be obtained by emailing mfarrow@oftec.org
A leaflet which highlights the benefits of oil for homeowners, as well as providing information about improving energy efficiency of an oil heating system, is available now free of charge to registered OFTEC technicians.
The postcard promoting the campaign was sent out to registered OFTEC technicians in December, together with the latest news from OFTEC and a Green Deal registration flyer. The postcard gives details of how to get involved in the marketing campaign, and get free marketing material.
www.oilsave.org.uk