the nodding donkey:
Just noticed something else. What’s with the Arla branding on that trailer?
They have the Arla milk contract out of Lockerbie…
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It’s part of an aerodynamic pack that’s been devised after Stobart got their hands on an F1 wind tunnel recently (probably due to their Pirelli f1 contract) the thus equipped tractor combined with the new style trailer produces a slight fuel saving, Scania apparently were so impressed by this that they are copying the design for future units.
It brings a small saving that ultimately becomes significant when you run a fleet the size of Stobarts!
Think what you will of the green gestapo but, they are innovating and I’m sure it won’t be long before other operators follow.
Let’s put it another way, it’s certainly not been done for looks…
Tossitoff:
It’s part of an aerodynamic pack that’s been devised after Stobart got their hands on an F1 wind tunnel recently (probably due to their Pirelli f1 contract) the thus equipped tractor combined with the new style trailer produces a slight fuel saving, Scania apparently were so impressed by this that they are copying the design for future units.It brings a small saving that ultimately becomes significant when you run a fleet the size of Stobarts!
Think what you will of the green gestapo but, they are innovating and I’m sure it won’t be long before other operators follow.
Let’s put it another way, it’s certainly not been done for looks…
[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
damoq:
I kept meaning to ask if anyone knew this too. Looks stupid, and as you say, its as if an amateur has fabricated and fitted the flaps.
Found a photo on flickr of one with the offending flaps
That’s a hideous wind kit too
Following on about fuel saving gizmos ,here`s a few random thoughts, not a well thought out list, just a few bits that may be of interest.
- Any fuel saving difference is likely to be comparable, or even less than random fluctuation in fuel use. (Even using the same vehicle, load, & driver on the same run will result in different figures every time.) It is possible to measure these differences but it does take a lot of data to filter out a true result.
- A saving in wind drag due to fitting extra kit will (almost always) be at cost of a weight penalty. So saving fuel when running at “high” speeds, but using more fuel when dragging extra weight uphill, or accelerating from rest. Maybe good on m-ways but bad in town.
- Driver behaviour. Not just the difference between good/bad drivers, but the “Hawthorn Effect” and “Experimenter Effect”. For more info google them, but if you give a truck to someone (Who you gonna choose? Bet it ain
t a member of the awkward squad) and say "This truck is fitted with fuel saving technology", two things will happen: the driver will be more aware of his/her driving style and will drive better. Knowing youre being watched alters your behaviour. He/she will be aware of expectations of the person giving them this trust, and make even more effort to assist in a good outcome. Just telling someone a truck is fuel efficient will make it so! This effect decreases over time, so any trials should take account of this. Short trials mean zip. - Independent assessment of results. “Peer Review”. If the engineer who is fitting devices to a truck is also assessing their effect then don`t expect an unbiased analysis of results. However honest experimenters are, they (indeed we ALL) are victims of our own prejudices and preconceptions.
- Confusing “indicators” with “results”. Don
t equate a saving of 10% of wind drag in a wind tunnel with a 5% or so fuel saving. It aint so.
None of the above say there aren`t fuel savings to be made; just that a lot of claims are made and many are based on bad analysis of the figures.
Lies, ■■■■ lies, and statistics?? Not that, but bad USE or poor understanding of statistics.
Has anyone ever say down and worked out how much fuel could be saved if planners, customer service, production and sales departments actually worked together instead of confusing the hell out of each other and sending drivers on wild goose chases all over the country?
I’m willing to bet that it’d be far more than all these technological gizmos and widgets put together.
Sidevalve:
Has anyone ever say down and worked out how much fuel could be saved if planners, customer service, production and sales departments actually worked together instead of confusing the hell out of each other and sending drivers on wild goose chases all over the country?I’m willing to bet that it’d be far more than all these technological gizmos and widgets put together.
I wouldn`t bet against that at all.
There is also summat called group-think when like minded people get together on committees etc and talk around subjects, without any real data or new input, reinforce each others prejudices and choose new members from their mutual friends. A bit like company boards, and management meetings. People not criticising each other to avoid being criticised.
Nothing like this forum then…
Sidevalve:
Has anyone ever say down and worked out how much fuel could be saved if planners, customer service, production and sales departments actually worked together instead of confusing the hell out of each other and sending drivers on wild goose chases all over the country?I’m willing to bet that it’d be far more than all these technological gizmos and widgets put together.
Better still cut these ‘logistic planner’ wonker’s numbers by half 
, …job and efficiency sorted.
Too many Chiefs and not enough…‘Native Americans’ 