Page 37 - CTB N18 - 2017-02

NEWS EXTRA
ECM Delivering Thanks to Specialist Goodyear Tyres
Goodyear high mileage KMAX T trailer tyres in size 385/65R22.5 and 10 tractor units, Estron Transport BV operates a daily 24/7 service between BeNeLux, the UK and Germany. This involves, primarily, the just-in-time deliver y of parts for ships. Estron is at the forefront of the use of technology, using a real-time planning process, supported by a track and trace system.
Much of Estron’s tyre-related maintenance takes place at one location with other work being taken care of via ServiceLine24h, Goodyear’s Pan-European roadside assistance service. Using FleetOnlineSolutions means that ever y party involved in tyre- related work has access to the relevant information, ensuring that each job is carried out to the agreed requirements and pricing. In addition, Estron can follow the progress of jobs in real-time so that vehicle scheduling is accurately monitored.
“Goodyear and FleetOnlineSolutions have been vital to us in ensuring our fleet has the best possible tyre management. We are a strong believer that relationships are
built by people and an important aspect for us is our Goodyear FleetFirst consultant - the technology of FleetOnlineSolutions simply helps us to be more efficient,” said Chris Gerhardt from Estron Transport BV.
The recent introduction of Goodyear´s eJob application has been particularly well received by Estron. By using a hand-held tablet, tyre service technicians can instantly access and record information from beside the vehicle. In this way, job information and photographs can be inputted directly into FOS by the technician as well as enabling instant access to tyre service data. This development has made tyre management faster and more accurate and has allowed Estron to follow and check on tyre- related work online in real-time. FleetOnlineSolutions has also enabled a greater adherence to Estron’s fleet tyre policy as the system ensures that all tyre service providers are aware of the exact tyre fitment requirements of the fleet, as well as any other services such as tyre inflation pressures and wheel nut torques.
Heavy loads and tight delivery schedules are part of daily life for vehicle transportation operators such as ECM. These specific demands need to be met by all aspects of the vehicle, especially the tyres, which is why Goodyear have developed specialist tyres for the ECM fleet.
There are many demands on ECM’s car transport fleet, such as delivering loads of several vehicles over long distances, and to tight deadlines. This means that high load capabilities and higher speed ratings on tyres are vital to the company making its deliveries safely and on time.
Goodyear has developed a range of KMAX and FUELMAX tyres that are not only ‘’J” speed rated and have high load capabilities, but are also low profile. Commenting on the specially developed range, Paul Rymer, ECM Maintenance Manager said, “Goodyear have met all our needs. We have a very specialist tyre policy due to the type of loads our fleet deliver, the range
of KMAX and FUELMAX tyres that Goodyear developed for us are working exceptionally well on our fleet.”
ECM not only benefits from these specially developed tyres, they also enjoy the complete service package that Goodyear offer, including TruckForce service network and the ServiceLine 24H breakdown service. Paul continued, “The TruckForce network are ver y supportive, and we have done ver y well with our fleet inspections and routine service work.”
Commenting on the development of the specialist car transporter tyre Marc Preedy, Commercial Director Goodyear UK&I, added, “We have worked with ECM for many years, but noticed that we didn’t manufacture a tyre with the specific requirements they needed, we knew we had to rectify this. Thanks to ECM’s guidance we now have a range of KMAX and FUELMAX tyres that are specific to ECM and the vehicle transportation market.”
Ultra-Seal Expands with New OEM Customers
Ultra-Seal is expanding its European network coverage by contracting Europart Denmark and Eurotyre Belgium for the distributorship rights for the sale of its product. Furthermore, Schmitz Cargobull and Kögel have also been added to the customer base, to provide end-users with tyres filled with Ultra- Seal on their new trailers, enabling them to benefit from maximum tyre wear reduction, fewer punctures and optimum tyre pressure. All 3,000 new trailers that will leave the Schmitz Cargobull premises in the next two years will be equipped with Ultra- Seal-treated Westlake tyres, since Westlake has given its official approval to use Ultra- Seal in its tyre brand.
Kögel has also started ordering the Ultra-Seal products to serve its customers’ needs. ICTS and Amco Logistics, amongst others, are requesting
that Kögel equip their new vehicles with Ultra-Seal- treated tyres.
With 75 employees, Europart Denmark is the largest parts and spare parts dealer in Denmark, with its headquarters in Kolding. Ultra-Seal has come to an agreement with Europart Denmark for the resale of Ultra-Seal to end-users. Additionally, Belgian tyre specialist group Eurotyre will start offering Ultra-Seal to its customers throughout its network in Belgium and in the south of Holland. The international group of independent tyre service centres offers tyres for ever y vehicle and provides numerous services for breakdown, maintenance, repair and professional advice.
Goodyear and FleetOnlineSolutions Keep Estron on the Move
Goodyear tyre management support – in particular FleetOnlineSolutions (FOS) - helps Estron to focus on quality and delivery schedules, while ensuring minimum downtime for vehicles and reduced administration. The relationship
between the Rotterdam-based ship components logistics company and Goodyear has extended for more than 15 years, with FleetOnlineSolutions as a key element since 2006.
With a modern fleet of 280 tautliner trailers fitted with
Estron and Goodyear have had a commercial relationship for more than 15 years
Commercial Tyre Business 37