:ROWING PAINS
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'if's growth in the UK has been ipid, but not without regard to wironmental problems. Group fleet -igineer Alan Parker explains
I Since Thomas Nationwide Transport NT) started operations in the UK on ay 9, 1978, when it purchased Inter luntry Express, it has gown dynamilly. After taking over a company emwing just six hundred staff, TNT (UK) d has grown to employ over six thourid people in over a hundred purposellt, company-owned terminals spread roughout Europe. Turnover in the UK s grown from 26 million in 1978 to the rrent level of £100 million per annum. ere are now 15 TNT specialist rapidlivery divisional companies operating in itain.
Since the amendments to the Transit Act 1968, TNT has made all efforts comply with the regulations and satisfy authorities of its ability to operate im depots without conflicting with ople and the environment. TNT erates from 84 locations within the xip of companies, operating 3,000 hides travelling more than 1.6 million (one million miles) a week. It has rays been concerned of the environmtal aspects of heavy goods vehicles, I all the related facilities.
When the group identified, and de
cided to act upon, a market need for a revolutionary overnight express parcels delivery service following in-depth market study during 1978/79, it realised that to offer this service it had to restructure totally its UK operation if it was to comply with the recommendations of the Armitage Report and EEC directives on drivers' hours/distances. This entailed a review of TNT's trunking matrix and depot locations. As a result, the Hub concept was born, together with the introduction of a development programme for satellite depots. The foundations for the Parcel Distribution Centre were laid in 1981, and a two-year programme of erecting and commissioning building, plant and equipment began. Its 19-acre site incorporates an sorting hall and a 6,600m2 (50,000ft2) vehicle maintenance facility together with office accommodation and all amenities.
The site is specifically located away from residential areas while being within easy reach of main trunk routes and motorway networks. Owing to the high volume of vehicle movements within the complex, purpose-designed shunt units were purchased providing noise levels Less than or equal to those of road-going vehicles, together with a maximum speed of operation.
All plant and equipment housed within the sorting hall is supported at high level on metalastic mountings. Pallet trucks are fitted with soft compound tyres, reducing noise levels while still maintaining performance and wear characteristics similar to those of materials such as polypropylene.
Since the operational start-up of the Hub, trunking systems have been modified to reduce the number of powered trunk vehicles by 125 and trailers by 100. Maximum utilisation per vehicle, and increased operational flexibility and capacity has resulted from a more streamlined and efficient national network.
Before the introduction of the Hub each location operated an inter-depot trunking system, and in theory operated a trunk to every other depot, which at times was a waste of time, fuel and energy. Crossdecking (transhipping) is an area where energy and financial savings are being made. By reducing the trunk vehicle fleet and ensuring full utilisation of all vehicles, empty running is also a thing of the past, although the C and D operation has had to be expanded to cater for the increased volumes.
Like the Hub, most of TNT's satellite depots are located away from residential areas, mostly on industrial sites which are not only environmentally acceptable, but bring the group into closer contact with local business. The locations also allow access and egress for vehicles with a minimum inconvenience to the local residents, while placing the depot close to major arterial routes. To satisfy local authorities and residents' associations landscaping has been provided around some of the depots. Noise levels, where there are houses nearby, have been particularly attended to, and in one instance, structural alterations made to homes at TNT's expense. To enhance further TNT's local image, several disciplines have been introduced at depot level to reduce noise, such as speed restrictions, eliminating excessive engine noises, intensive vehicle maintenance training programmes to reduce diagnostic times on powered vehicles, introduction of dock levellers, rubber buffers on all steel closures and electrically operated wide lath doors fitted with silent running motors. Each location has installed automatic vehicle washing so that vehicles always have a good appearance.
To return to vehicles, TNT constantly evaluates and assesses specifications with the manufacturers. Over recent years, a central bank of information has been collated allowing a specification to be produced to suit both operator and environmentalist. TNT Engineering policy in general is to specify equipment which more than complies to all aspects of the operation, legal and environmental requirements. Examples are: aerodynamic devices; reduced accessories loadings by fitting thermostatically-controlled fan drives; GRP coverings on side guards to reduce noise levels and road spray.
Thirty locations are fully equipped to carry out all levels of repairs from minor defects to major and complex repairs. Where needed, steps have been taken to minimise noise levels by, for example, compressor screening, and replacing conventional reciprocating compressors replaced with a quieter rotary machines.
Workshop staff are aware that they are working while others are sleeping and make every effort to keep noise to a minimum. Maintenance schedules are rigidly followed to ensure clean running at all times with construction and use regulations as part of a programme of selfawareness which has resulted in benefits not only to TNT, but also to the environment.