Business as usual for the ATA
As fleet tyre services specialists, we fully support the work of all that aim to increase safety on the roads, and as an authority working toward safety on the roads, the Australian Trucking Association has been busy of late:
- It has lobbied hard for a strengthening of the Chain of Responsibility (COR) rules
- It is supporting the National Roadworthy Baseline Survey
- It has applied for its TruckSafe accreditation program to be recognised under the industry code of practice guidelines
- It is developing a new Technical Advisory Procedure (TAP) to that covers tyres and tyre operations
That’s a whole lot of work!
Customers of truckers are now also responsible for safety
Here at Darra, and as fleet tyre services, we think it’s right that the COR finally recognises the pressure that customers put on trucking firms, and fully sympathise with companies that feel forced to operate for fear of losing business. The new COR rules force customers to accept at least partial responsibility for the safety of the vehicles onto which they load their goods. And if the ATA’s TruckSafe program is recognised it will strengthen the industry even further.
Seeking to make accidents related to truck tyres a thing of the past
According to National Truck Insurance (NTI), nearly four out of every 100 major truck accidents in Australia are caused by faulty truck tyres. As far as we’re concerned, that’s four accidents per hundred too many. But then our fleet tyre services operatives are passionate about truck tyres and road safety.
The ATA’s TAP is going to make a big difference to road safety and should come out next year. We’ll keep you informed as soon as we hear what the new guidelines say. For now, what we do know is that the ATA CEO, Christopher Melham, has said that the TAP will provide guidance on:
- inflation pressure
- correct load issues
- tread depths
- fuel burn caused by tyre wear
How to cut your fuel bills
The drop in the oil price over the last few months has offered some hard-earned relief to truckers, but do you know how tyre tread affects fuel consumption? In the UK, Michelin found that eco-friendly tyres reduced fuel costs for the average motorist by $120 per year. For heavily laden trucks, the savings are even more astounding. A fleet of just a few vehicles could save thousands of dollars each year by making sure they have the right tyres with the right tread.
In a study published by Goodyear, it was found that:
- Most reduction in fuel costs is obtained by the tyre tread, compound, design, and depth
- Tyre tread contributes over half or rolling resistance
- Properly inflated tyres contribute to fuel efficiency
Not only will the ATA’s TAP improve road safety standards, but it will reduce fuel costs, too. That a win/win for the industry and your business.
Why not give our fleet tyre services a call on 3333 5510 to discuss how much our eco-friendly tyres will save your company on its fuel bills? We’re sure your customers will appreciate your cost conscious and safety approach – especially when they come under the new Chain of Responsibility rules.
When it comes to reducing your costs, you’ll find our fleet tyre service is second to none.
Yours in family and fleet safety,
The team at Darra Tyres