Driver Training Pays off!

The training by Haydock Commercials driver trainer Simon Robbins took place in conjunction with the complete replacement of the Nijman Zeetank fleet with 69 new 44-tonne Scania R 480 LA6x2/4MNA twinsteer tractor units with Scania Highline cabs from Haydock over an 18-month period.

"Fuel is a major consideration for us as the 'floatliner' type of glass trailers we mostly haul are rearward weight biased and have a large cab-to-trailer gap – two factors which are sure to impact upon fuel consumption," comments Nijman Zeetank Operations Manager, Bill Owen.  "We are therefore delighted to be achieving the same level of performance at 480hp and Euro 4 as we previously did at 420hp and Euro 3.  Our fuel consumption figures have been proven over an extended period and I believe this success is due in part to Scania's engineering expertise and partly to the quality of the training provided by Haydock Commercials Limited."

As the specialist sheet glass transport arm of NSG Group, Nijman Zeetank is involved the movement of Pilkington branded products.  The recent introduction of a European service led the company to specify Scania Highline cabs for its new fleet.  "The Highline is very much our drivers' cab of choice," says Bill Owen.  "Our runs into Europe can see drivers away for up to eight or nine days at a time and it is therefore important that they have a high standard of living accommodation. 

"As a consequence we have an extremely low staff turnover rate, which is a major benefit to our operation and supports our investment in Scania's product and driver training over the longer term."