For drivers, loading and unloading is a time-consuming activity. Volvo Trucks has therefore developed Work Remote, a wireless remote control device that streamlines the load handling process. The gains are lower costs for haulage firms and a better working environment for drivers.
It is not exactly news that time equals money in a haulage firm. Nor does it come as a surprise to hear that time savings are a valuable commodity in everyday operation.
“For a haulage firm, it is important to have high productivity, which is all about transporting freight from point A to point B in the safest and most efficient way possible,” says Christer Pehrsson, Business Manager Long Haul at Volvo Trucks.
One area in the transport sector where efficiency can be improved is loading. In order to check that the weight of the cargo is properly distributed, at present the driver has to climb up into the cab several times during the loading process to check the load indicator in the instrument panel. Other load-related functions, such as raising or lowering the truck, are also currently performed from inside the cab. This takes a lot of time, is very tiring and represents a risk of driver injury since he or she can trip or fall.
Volvo Trucks developed Work Remote to help save time and reduce the risk factor. The new device is a wireless remote control unit which brings together all the functions that the driver requires while loading or unloading. With the Work Remote it is possible to control everything from raising and lowering of the truck’s air suspension system to kneeling the vehicle, activating the power take-off, regulating engine revs, switching off the engine and locking the truck. Extra controls fitted in the instrument panel via a Volvo Trucks accessory module can also be linked to the remote control, such as controls for a crane or pumps.
“In the remote control the driver can immediately see the indicated load weight and its distribution across the axles of both the truck and trailer. In other words, the driver has all the necessary information in his or her pocket instead of having to run back and forth. Loading is more efficient,” says Christer Pehrsson.
In addition to saving time, the Work Remote also saves the driver’s energy. This can help promote better traffic safety.
“For many, loading is a stressful task, and stress leads easily to accidents. With the Work Remote we eliminate much of this stress since the driver doesn’t have to run back and forth the whole time. If loading is easier, this also means there’s a more relaxed driver behind the wheel. This leads indirectly to a more alert driver and promotes improved traffic safety,” says Christer Pehrsson.
Work Remote will be launched together with the new Volvo FH series and will be available on the market in 2013.
