Fancy a stroll?
International development charity Transaid is launching two Transaid Africa Challenges for 2010 and 2011 following the success of Cycle Zambia 2009, which raised over £100,000. Cycle Tanzania takes place from 6 – 14th November 2010 while Trek Ethiopia takes place from 4 – 12th February 2011. The funds raised from these two new challenges will support Transaid’s work to help people in Africa gain better access to healthcare, education and the opportunity to earn a living, through safer, cheaper and more efficient transport. More information from www.transaid.org.
Is yours the oldest?
Yale is searching for the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck, still in operation today, to mark its 90th anniversary year in 2010. In 1919, the first battery-powered low lift platform truck was manufactured in Staten Island, New York by CW Hunt Co, which was purchased by Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co in 1920. The company is offering a trip to the Big Apple in return for information on the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck still in operation. The competition is open to operators of Yale forklift trucks or pallet trucks in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa who currently operate Yale materials handling equipment that is at least 20 years old. Details from: www.forkliftaction.com/yaleoldesttruck
Snow need to panic
They say that adversity brings out the best in us and there is no doubt that logisticians have risen to the challenge of the heavy snow in December and January. Steve Agg, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, was moved to point out that the impact of the bad weather had been kept to a minimum and that “innovative and skilled” transport managers and drivers had continued to service the daily needs of industry, retailers and households. Pity that some elements of the media did not show the same stoicism. Jason Stephens, logistics manager at Harrogate-based CCI, said: “The problem is that with blanket coverage of the ‘crisis’ across all media, some employees will take one look out of the window and opt against going into work, irrespective of what the actual driving conditions are like.”
It’s a gas…
Revolve Technologies took the opportunity presented by the environmental summit in Copenhagen in December to show its hydrogen-powered Ford Transit – one of the very few hydrogen-powered vehicles on British roads at present.
Bill Waddell of Revolve said: “With just about every national government attending and more than 5,000 accredited journalists, the United National Climate Change Conference was the place to be for eco-friendly vehicles.”His co-driver was author Tracey Smith who wrote “The Book of Rubbish Ideas”.
Take a punt
Dubai-based GAC Shipping has launched “Kick it with GAC FA Cup”, a football tipping contest for clients in the shipping, logistics and marine industry.
GAC is the official ESPN STAR Sports broadcast sponsor of the 2010 FA Cup, and has just signed a new deal to extend its broadcast sponsorship of the competition for the next two seasons until 2011. The competition will be run online at www.facup.gacworld.com
Grand driving style
£1,000 prizes have gone to two MultiServ Logistics drivers at the inaugural MultiServ Driver of the Year Awards, hosted by MAN at RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre in Grove. Stephen Hornby, was Most Improved Driver of the Year, and Daniel Howells, was Overall Driver of the Year. Based on MAN EcoStyle, the web-based vehicle and driver system, MultiServ drivers were monitored closely on a range of driving parameters such as harsh braking and acceleration. The awards were presented by MAN Truck & Bus’s Des Evans, and MultiServ general manager, Peter Hearn.
