At Pola Van Rental, we always try and help out the best we can, especially at Christmas time!

On Wednesday 18th December, PVR Ltd were in London delivering a Christmas Donation to Crisis Homeless Charity and their Operations Project Coordinator Allys Phillips in the shape of a fully Refrigerated Brand New Mercedes Sprinter. Crisis will use this vehicle throughout London across the Christmas period and into the New Year to transport food between their 3 hotels in the city; ensuring a large number of people are supported with food and supplies this Christmas.

Getting to see the truly incredible work they do was a great privilege, and we are honoured to know that even our small amount of support will help them and their vital services throughout this Christmas period. Crisis’s 10 year strategy for ending homelessness can be found in the link below and please consider donating to help those let fortunate than yourself this Christmas time.

Appreciation must also go to Baker Ward Signs and Graphics as well for designing a wonderful layout which incorporates our standard PVR Ltd layout with the Crisis Logo and message – plus some added Christmas cheer! If you see our van driving around London this festive period, don’t forget to give the lovely volunteer driver a wave, and get online and give them a donation!

London businesses urge Congestion Charge rethink

Commencing on 25th December 2024, Transport for London (TfL) announced that vehicles enjoying a £10 for a year’s exemption from congestion charges will have to pay the standard £15 daily fee. Therefore, Electric Vans will no longer be exempt from the congestion charge. This change aligns with the broader goal of the complete phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles. TfL believes that as Electric Vans become more prevalent, maintenance of an exemption would undermine the whole purpose of the Congestion Charge, to successfully reduced traffic congestion and pollution in Central London. In addition, funds raised via the Charge have provided increased support for public transport funding, promoting a shift away from car usage in favour of more sustainable transport options like buses, trams, and the underground. All vehicles, including Electric Vans, will become subject to the Congestion Charge; this also includes electric rental vans. This policy shift emphasises the TfL belief in the need for broader measures to manage congestion and pollution, even as vehicle fleets
become cleaner.

However, more than 40 businesses have signed an open letter asking the Mayor of London to extend the current congestion charge exemption for all electric vehicles, including Electric Vans on rental.

The signatories, include Ocado, the AA and the Federation of Small Businesses, all argue the introduction of this charge – which based on £15 per day, would add up to £5,500 per Electric Van per annum – would undermine companies who had “taken on debt to invest in Electric Vans”. The FSB also said the scheme should be extended to help business owners who already face heavy costs and have invested in an electric infrastructure. Oliver Lord from campaign group Clean Cities called the change “puzzling”. He said “By offering incentives to businesses for electric vehicles, we not only promote greener transport but we also draw a line against the most polluting freight vehicles. How is it right that a dirty diesel van pays the same Charge as a cleaner electric vehicle in the most polluted part of the UK? This defies logic and the best international practice. Now is the time for the Mayor to cement his efforts for change by maintaining the exemption and working on a broader package of support for green freight across the capital.”

Transport for London was working with City Hall to “see what more could be done to mitigate the effect of this phasing out and further incentivise businesses to make the switch to cleaner vehicles”.

Supporters of the exemption have said waiving the fees for electric vehicles played “a fundamental role” in easing the cost of investing in the transition to an environmentally friendly fleet and the prospect of it ending left them “deeply troubled”.
The letter states: “Countless business owners wish to move away from dirty diesel vans and to electric alternatives, they should be supported and not hindered doing so.”

The Green Party added these incentives “these exemptions were always going to be time limited”.
Caroline Russell, Leader of the City Hall Greens, said: “If every Londoner drives an electric car we won’t tackle congestion, air pollution or the climate crisis. The best solution to any concerns about unfairness in changes like this is to move to smart, fair road user charging.”

A TfL spokesperson added: “More than 52,000 grants have been approved for Londoners, businesses and charities to switch to cleaner vehicles (including Electric Vans) with 70,000 fewer non-compliant vehicles now seen driving on London’s roads.”

Is it time to change frozen temperatures to -15 °C?

DP World, the Dubai based logistics company, is calling for a revision to frozen food temperatures in a bid to cut costs and reduce the environmental impact of frozen food storage and transport.

It is setting up an industry-wide coalition to explore the feasibility of changing the temperature that frozen food is transported and stored at from -18 °C to -15 °C, named Join the Move to -15 °C, which potentially would lead to cost savings of between 5% and 12%.

Most frozen food is transported and stored at -18°C, a standard that was set 93 years ago and has not changed since. Researchers from the Paris-based International Institute of Refrigeration, the University of Birmingham and London South Bank University found that a move to -15 °C could make a significant environmental impact with no compromise on food safety or quality

The study itself was supported by DP World and showed that the change could potentially save 17.7-million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, which is the equivalent emissions of 3.8-million cars a year. Further, the change would create energy savings of around 25 TW/h, which is equivalent to 8.63% of the UK’s yearly energy consumption. The change would also cut costs in the supply chain by at least 5% and in some areas by up to 12%, the study found.

The study, which was supported by DP World, showed that the change could cut costs in the supply chain by at least 5% and in some areas by up to 12%

“Frozen food standards have not been updated in almost a century. They are long overdue for revision. A small temperature increase could have huge benefits. However, regardless of each individual organisation’s commitment, the industry can only change what is possible by working together,” says DP World Group chief sustainability officer Maha Al Qattan.

The coalition has already been joined by industry organisations, including US-based AJC Group; AP Moller; Maersk of Denmark; Daikin of Japan; DP World; the Global Cold Chain Alliance; Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International; US-based Lineage; Mediterranean Shipping Company of Geneva; and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express.

“Through this research, we can see how we can deploy accessible storage technologies in all markets to freeze food at sustainable temperatures, while reducing food scarcity for vulnerable and developed communities,” Al Qattan says.

“With this research and newly formed coalition, we aim to support collaboration across the industry to find viable ways to achieve the sector’s shared net-zero ambition by 2050. Join the Move to -15 °C will bring the industry together to explore new, greener standards to help decarbonise the sector on a global scale.”

The Join the Move to -15 °C initiative aims to create a just transition and deploy accessible storage technologies globally to freeze food at sustainable temperatures to reduce food scarcity for vulnerable and developed communities alike, she says.

“Cold chains are critical infrastructure, vital for a well-functioning society and economy. They underpin our access to safe and nutritious food and health, as well as our ability to spur economic growth. Cold chain infrastructure, and the lack of it, have implications for global climate change and the environment,” University of Birmingham and Heriot-Watt University Centre for Sustainable Cooling director Professor Toby Peters said.

The coalition has already been joined by industry organisations, including US-based AJC Group; AP Moller; Maersk of Denmark; Daikin of Japan; DP World; the Global Cold Chain Alliance; Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International; US-based Lineage; Mediterranean Shipping Company of Geneva; and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express

“Cutting cold chain emissions and transforming how food is safely stored and moved today helps ensure we can keep sustainably feeding communities across the globe, as populations and global temperatures rise, thereby protecting nutritious food sources for years to come.

“Building on this research, DP World’s coalition can be a key tool for overcoming today’s food challenges too, providing a stable inventory of quality food for the 820-million starving people worldwide and security for another 2 billion who are struggling with food scarcity,” Peters says.

“DP World has made the research accessible to all and has invited stakeholders, industry leaders and interested parties to support the campaign.”

Maha Al Qattan, group chief people and sustainability officer, DP World, said in an open letter: “Back in the 1930s, the world agreed to set the temperature of much of the frozen food we collectively transport at -18° Celsius. In almost a century since, supply chains have modernised and cooling technology has advanced hugely.

“At the same time, we’ve seen exponential growth in the volume of blueberries, broccoli, shellfish and all the other food we supply for the plates of consumers worldwide.

“But that temperature standard has not changed. It was set at -18°C partly for convenience – it is the same as zero degrees Fahrenheit.

“So, at DP World, we set out to verify the potential savings in carbon and energy if everyone involved in the global cold chain turned the temperature up by three degrees, from -18 to -15.

“To check our theory, we commissioned independent academics from universities across Europe and Africa and the International Institute of Refrigeration – including experts on food science, climate change, socioeconomics and the cold chain. They concluded that the small change of three degrees can make a very big difference.

“It would save the equivalent carbon emissions of taking 3.8 million cars off the road and create energy savings of between 5% and 12%. With no impact on the quality of the food itself – food that the world badly needs.

“We believe the time is right to consider a move to -15°C as a new standard to reduce industry emissions, cut costs for operators and secure future food resources for communities everywhere.
“We believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change what is possible in the cold chain to the benefit of all.

“And we know that it will take all of us in the industry, working together, to make this change. Which is why we’re inviting our peers, partners and competitors to join us. Already Maersk, Lineage, MSC and many others are on board – and we’d love more of you to be part of our coalition for change.

“As Dubai prepares to host COP28 in the UAE, we invite you to join us to explore how the industry can make this change together.”

Article transposed from Cold Chain News – December 2023

Potential Security Equipment for your Refrigerated Vehicle: –

ALARMS – Engine Immobilisers are mandatory in England and Wales, however, Vans don’t have to include an alarm and every Van manufacturer has a different offering in their Factory fitted standard package. Possibly, Perimetric (doors being opened) or Volumetric (changes in pressure, such as broken windows) Sensors, however, the most advanced Alarms have both. A Category 1 Alarm with insurance approval from Thatcham Research can reduce insurance premiums. Check with your Insurer for mor information.

ADDITIONAL DOOR LOCKS – These place an additional barrier between thieves and the Van contents, making them an effective visual external deterrent. Two types are available; Deadlocks and Slamlocks. Deadlocks operate manually and Slamlocks lock automatically as the Van door is shut.

TRACKER – It won’t prevent an attempted theft, however, its effective to keeping an electronic tag on your Vehicle if stolen. Trackers can be removed or jammed, but the Vehicle is usually recovered quite quickly as its location is known. Thieves can be deterred by a Van with visual external signs showing a Tracker is fitted. When fitting a Tracker, check with the fitting company that to save time on the installation it hasn’t been fitted in the same place as every other Van from the same manufacturer! 

CATALYTIC CONVERTER LOCKS – All ICE (petrol & diesel) Vans have a catalytic converter (CAT) to control the harmful components of their exhaust emissions. The CAT contains precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, very valuable on the Black Market. Vans particularly are the easy option for a thief because of the higher ground clearance and therefore easier access to a larger CAT than a family car. Regular thieves have equipment for removing the CAT in minutes, which completely immobilises the Vehicle and costs of replacement are often hundreds of pounds. A CAT Lock device can be easily fitted or try a marking system, which is cheaper. Either of these options will deter would be CAT hackers. A national asset database is in the process of being created to register all Catalytic Converters, where they are registered as having been marked with the unique and heat resistant SmartWater solution.

LOCKING WHEEL BOLTS & NUTS – All modern Vehicles with alloy wheels will have locking wheel nuts, but rarely used on steel rims. Current increasing Tyre prices and with more Vans sharing the same wheel rims, the most basic wheels can be worth stealing. The cost of a full set of locking Wheel Nuts is low compared to potential inconvenience of your Van having no Wheels!

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY – Your drivers also have a responsibility to keep your Vehicle they are driving safe, by following the advice shown below: –

• Park in a well illuminated place close to a wall and on an off-road driveway, to reduce access for thieves. The ideal solution is on your drivers’ home driveway, adjacent to their house.
• Always lock the Van – In 2022, 45% of Van drivers said that they rarely locked their vehicles during deliveries, so always check it’s locked before walking away.
• Nothing visible in the Cab – No valuables to remain on display in the Cab. Even a few pound coins, can still be attractive to a petty thief. Make sure if you have an electric Vehicle, that charging cables are hidden from view. They are both valuable and cause massive inconvenience if stolen. Your Decal layout is not just there to sell your products. All additional Decals illustrating Alarms and Trackers are fitted are an effective deterrent too.
• Keys Safety – Thieves target keyless systems, using a device, usually purchased on-line, to relay your Key Fobs pulse to the Vehicle, allowing it to be accessed and started. A Faraday Container to store your Key Fob, signal-blocks the Keys pulses, and can prevent this access.
• Secure Apps – Most new Vans, especially EV’s, have a Smartphone App which can both locate the Vehicle, carry out a status check, and often unlock the Vehicles Doors! Always protect by an exclusive PIN or a non-simple password.

As Refrigerated Vehicles continue to increase in price, it’s essential to maximise the security measures you put in place. There are large financial and logistic implications when your Van is either stolen or temporarily neutralised by potential thieves.

In the worst of cases and your Vehicle is stolen, immediately contact your local Police Station (dial 101) with the Registration Number, Manufacturer, Model, Colour and ideally the 17-digit VIN code shown on page 2 of the V5. You will be given you a Crime Reference Number and you notify both the DVLA and your Insurer regarding theft. These notifications still apply even if the vehicle is recovered. Your Insurer will require full details of date, time, location and any other data regarding the theft. Before you sign up for any new Insurance Policy ensure it includes theft, and ideally Replacement Refrigerated Vehicle Cover until you have located a full Refrigerated Van replacement. Finally, store your insurance details away from the Vehicle so if the vehicle is stolen you can still access them.