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OUR LATEST NEWS

Slick Action Needed Now
8th May 2008

How can you help keep death of the roads? By not overfilling with derv, by making fuel-cap security part of your daily check or by encouraging your boss to fit an anti-siphon/anti-spill device to your truck's tank. Chris Turner reports.

A similar scene may well be familiar to most of you. Clad in black leather – if he or she is sensible, that is – a figure is suddenly rolling over in the middle of the road, seemingly without rhyme or reason, his or her motorcycle on its side grinding to a halt some distance away, wheels spinning. How on earth did that happen, you ask yourself… and then it dawns on you that the unfortunate victim has probably hit a patch of diesel fuel.

As a motorcyclist of some 30 years, it's happened to me. In my case, I found myself on the deck, suddenly and without warning, in the middle of a multi-lane gyratory road system on the Old Kent Road, smack-bang in the heart of London's morning rush-hour.

I was fortunate, a) because I suffered only a bruised knee (and just a little loss of dignity) in the fall; b) because none of the apparently unconcerned legions of the capital's car drivers steaming past me managed to hit me; c) because I was helped, both the heavily limping me and my motorcycle, to the side of the road by, yes, you guessed, a fellow biker. He selflessly helped me recover from the shock and got me back on two wheels to complete my daily commute. Thanks again, whoever that saintly man in black was.

DEADLY DANGER

That was a couple of decades ago but, and this is the amazing bit, it's still happening – and many aren't so lucky, either, Department for Transport statistics stating that diesel spills were the cause of 16 deaths and 3000 serious accidents between 2000 and 2004.

Diesel deposited on the road is as slippery as black ice, and motorcyclists are all too aware of the danger it represents. Spills are found at bends, junctions, roundabouts and corners; in fact, anywhere where heavy braking can cause fuel to slosh around in the tank. Spilt derv also acts like a solvent, damaging the road surface; the tar is melted, the chippings are loosened, and the continuous passage of traffic creates an often lethal pot-hole.

Some major hauliers are aware of the dangers, however, Sainsbury's, for example, has won the 2007 Kill Spills award, promoted by the British Motorcycle Federation (BMF), for its proactive role in tackling diesel spills. Sainsbury's truck fleet is fitted with anti-siphon devices that help prevent spills, supported by the company's driver-training manual instructing drivers to fill only to the first click on the filler nozzle. The supermarket giant is also using Kill Spills warning posters and leaflets in its depots to raise awareness of the dangers of diesel spills, especially to motorcyclists.

'Diesel spilt on our roads via overfull fuel tanks, poorly fitted filler caps or no cap at all is a menace to those on two wheels' said a BMF spokesman. 'Difficult to see until too late, spilt diesel on road surfaces can be a lethal combination', he adds, especially when encountered on a bend or at a roundabout'.

ILLEGAL TOO

Still not convinced? If you're caught spilling diesel you face a fine of £5000 or six points on your licence, plus the bill for cleaning up the spill. You can also be prosecuted for driving with an unsecured load.

There is a T&D/TISS special offer – get a 10% discount on the TISS Impregnable anti-spill/anti-theft device, which can save lives and save money by preventing fuel theft. More on our campaign in future issues of T&D.

(Published in Truck & Driver, November 2007)

Protect Your Diesel - and Save Lives
7th May 2008

Diesel spills are a clear and present danger, especially to motorcyclists. Department for Transport statistics show that diesel spills caused 16 deaths and 3000 serious accidents between 2000 and 2004. These spills are caused by: overfilling fuel tanks; failing to refit the filler cap correctly; damage to the filler neck; or worn seals. One way to ensure your fuel is not a danger to other road users is to fit your vehicle with an Impregnable anti-spill/anti-theft device.

The all-aluminium Impregnable is supplied by security specialist TISS as part of the firm's TankSafe range, and it is claimed to be the only anti-theft device that also safeguards against fuel spillage and overfilling.

Winner of the 2006 British Motorcycle Federation Kill Spills award, the Impregnable is already used by major fleets such as Tesco, Sainsburys and Imperial Tankers; it will fit most marques.

The full cost of an Impregnable device is £165 – to secure this technology for your vehicles phone TISS on 01253 400 401, email info@tissltd.com. To claim your discount remember to tell TISS that you are a CM reader.

(Published in Commercial Motor, September 2007)

Test the Impregnable at this Year's CV Show
6th May 2008

Award winning HGV Security specialists, TISS Ltd, anticipate heavy interest at this year's CV Show as they launch their latest anti-siphon device – the 'Impregnable'. With the twin benefits of completely stopping any fuel siphoning and preventing diesel spills, the 'Impregnable' is the central attraction to TISS' stand.

TISS' optimism is strengthened by the extensive interest the new anti-siphon is already generating within the industry. Although not officially launched until the Show, TISS have already achieved sales in excess of 1,000 units for the 'Impregnable' from existing customers, including Tesco, Sainsburys and Imperial Tankers. All have expressed their satisfaction with the device and were attracted by the guarantee that the 'Impregnable' is the only anti-siphon that completely prevents any fuel theft and protects against diesel spillage.

Like its sister product – the FloatChamber, the 'Impregnable' utilises a unique, patented float-valve which allows fuel to flow into the tank but locks off once the tank is full to ensure no fuel can be siphoned. However, unlike the FloatChamber, the 'Impregnable' has added protection to the anti-siphon neck to ensure there is no possibility of any siphoning.

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, was delighted with the new system: "the 'Impregnable' is the perfect name for the anti-siphon. As our clients can testify; there really is no way of siphoning fuel out of the device".

Having fitted their entire fleet of over 100 Trucks, Imperial Tankers' Fleet Engineer, Chris Smith, concurs with Ryan's assertion: "the TISS Impregnable represents excellent value for money.  As the only anti-siphon available that stops any fuel loss, I have found it to be highly effective in preventing both fuel theft and diesel spills.

The launch of the 'Impregnable' prompts Ryan to predict hauliers moving away from fitting Standard anti-siphons: "No matter how short a standard anti-siphon is, fuel can still be siphoned from the tank, sometimes as much as 100 litres. Once Hauliers become more aware of this, we believe they will be far more inclined to purchase a superior system which will prevent skimming".

Thanks to its unique float-valve, another benefit the Impregnable offers that no other standard device does is the ability to prevent diesel spills. Hazardous to all road users, especially motorcyclists, between 2000 and 2004, diesel spills were responsible for over 3000 accidents. However, the dangers posed by diesel spills are not just restricted to the roads. According to Department for Transport figures, spilt diesel also caused over 1500 accidents at Haulage companies in just over 5 years. In addition to the obvious dangers diesel spills pose, they also cost hauliers money.

The Impregnable's ability to prevent diesel spills was recognised by the device winning the 2006 "Kill Spills" award. The award is presented annually by the British Motorcycle Federation (BMF) to the company that has been most proactive in preventing diesel spills. This year it was awarded to Sainsburys, after they fitted their entire fleet with TISS anti-siphons.

TISS' Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, commented: "not only does the 'Impregnable' save hauliers money; it has the far more important benefit of saving lives as well".

TISS are so confident that the 'Impregnable' will withstand any attempt at siphoning fuel that they are displaying a fuel tank on Stand 3481 and encouraging visitors to attempt to siphon fuel out of the 'Impregnable'.

TISS will be showcasing their entire range of anti-siphons, in addition to their anti-slash curtains and Tracking solutions on Stand 3481 at the CV Show.

TISS Showcase Product Range at Security Seminar
1st May 2008

TISS Security Systems have experienced another successful 12 months after registering record sales to become the UK's leading total truck and trailer security company. TISS will be showcasing their range of products at the RHA Security Seminar.

Much of the success can be attributed to TISS' range of anti-siphon devices which includes the new Impregnable anti-siphon which prevents spillage of diesel as well as preventing siphoning, even when the tank is full. The device has proven monthly savings of £thousands for hauliers and orders have already been received from Sainsburys and Castle Cement.

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey is pleased with the new system: "the device solves the two major problems that plague hauliers, namely diesel spillage and skimming of fuel. Spillage is a major Health & Safety risk and hauliers may be liable for damages if they do not prevent this. Our anti-siphon is also the only device on the market that completely prevents siphoning of diesel. Thieves can still easily siphon fuel from other devices on the market."

Orders have also been received regarding "CurtainSafe", TISS' unique anti-slash curtain material. In addition to preventing slashing of curtains, CurtainSafe adds years to the life of curtainsiders due to its high-strength material that prevents damage to curtains when loading. Lightweight and flexible; its qualities have been recognised by Wincanton, whose Fleet Engineer, Arthur Baldwin, stated "it was far superior to chainmail and since fitting we have had no penetration from thieves".

TISS' range of tracking devices will also be on display. The range encompasses simple click-and-locate internet based systems to fully customised fleet management solutions. Widespread interest has been generated in TISS' battery powered GPS tracking system and recent sales have been made to Mini-Clipper. Sales Director Wholey comments: "being battery powered, and therefore not reliant on a power source, the unit is ideal for tracking trailers and there is no hassle of installation as the system fits in seconds."

(Published in Roadway Magazine, November '06)

Saints Stop the Siphoners
29th April 2008

Saints Stop the SiphonersSaints Transport have fitted their vehicles with TISS' market leading "Easy-Fit Float Chamber" anti-siphon device. The decision was based on the financial savings they would achieve due to the prevention of fuel theft.

Saints Transport's Managing Director Piers Carroll commented: "I decided to roll the systems out across the fleet because the savings in fuel costs outweighed the costs of the TISS device".

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, was delighted with Mr Carroll's decision: "Saints Transport have recognised what a huge issue fuel theft is. If the TISS anti-siphon prevents siphoning of just a few litres per week, the unit pays for itself within weeks".

Piers said that he chose the TISS' 'Float Chamber' because it was "the only anti-siphon on the market that prevents skimming of fuel even from the top of the tank". He continued "I would recommend TISS because they have experience in fitting to a range of different vehicles and their device is easy to fit".

Unlike competing devices – TISS's anti-siphon device has a unique 'float valve' which allows fuel to flow in but does not allow siphoning out. Since the launch of their new "Easy-Fit" anti-siphon, TISS have sold over 3,000 'Float Chamber' and 'Standard' anti-siphons in the first six months of 2006. The new system fits in less than a minute and requires no specialist machinery. Other customers include Co-Op Retail Logistics, Fowler Welch Coolchain Ltd and Exel.

The TISS anti-siphons units cost £64 to £125 depending on make. TISS also sell a range of other security systems including GPS trailer tracking, trailer alarms and slash-resistant curtains.

(Published in Motor Transport, July '06)

Retailers Prevent Fuel Theft
28th April 2008

Retailers Prevent Fuel TheftTesco, Sainsbury's and other retailers are saving thousands of pounds each month by preventing thieves from siphoning diesel from their cab units.

They have fitted a patented new device to their fuel tanks from TISS Security Systems called TankSafe which fits inside the neck of a HGV fuel tank and allows fuel to flow into the tank freely – but does not allow a thief to siphon the fuel back out.

Tesco have fitted the device to their entire fleet of 1,800 vehicles. Barry Vincent, Head of Loss Prevention for Tesco commented that the investment "cost less than the amount of fuel being stolen from just one of our depots so the business case was a no-brainer." Gary King, Fleet Engineer, agrees "the device is a quality product that is effective and easy to fit and saves us thousands of pounds a month in fuel costs by preventing siphoning."

Sainsbury's have also fitted the device and their Transport Manager, Keith Bent is pleased to have the backing of their Drivers (see picture). Christian Salvesen, Calor Gas, Scottish Courage and Centura Foods have also bought the system. Centura's Transport Manager, Brian Tong, said "fitting the device has saved us £2,500 a month in fuel costs since we've had no fuel removed from the tanks in the last 12 months. Add to that the saving on the cost and inconvenience of replacing broken fuel caps and the TISS system has over and above returned the investment within the period."

Graham Syms, Security Manager for Kammac (who pull for Cadburys), is also impressed with the TankSafe system; "we fitted 36 TISS anti-siphon devices and since then we have had no diesel siphoned from our tanks – saving us £2,000 a month in fuel costs."

TISS have sold over 4,000 of the TankSafe devices which cost £120 and can easily be fitted in under 5 minutes to any type of HGV tank or reefer. TISS also sell a range of other vehicle and trailer security systems including GPS trailer tracking, trailer alarms and slash-resistant curtains.

Stopping Fuel Theft Once And For All
11th April 2008

Stopping Fuel Theft Once And For AllWith diesel accounting for 40% of a Hauliers' operating costs, it is imperative that Hauliers monitor their fuel bills closely. This, coupled with the unabated rise in diesel prices means that any form of diesel theft or spills can have a huge effect on a Haulier's profits.

Although Hauliers suffer most when fuel duty rises, it must be remembered that higher fuel prices affect all road users. This is significant, as with prices increasing above the rate of inflation, it means that there is a far greater likelihood of diesel theft occurring.

Theft of diesel is a problem that affects every haulier but gets criminally ignored. With 3rd party theft of diesel being so difficult to trace, many instances are not even reported by victims. However, a survey conducted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) revealed how widespread the problem was. Out of the 600 Hauliers surveyed, a combined total of 894 instances of fuel theft was reported, amounting to a total of 318,000 litres stolen.

Often it is difficult for Hauliers to realise that they are the victims of fuel theft. Of the few incidences that are reported, all concern Trucks that have the majority of their Tanks drained whilst parked up at a layby, truckstop or company depot. Shockingly, it is estimated that these incidences account for just 1% of all fuel theft. The majority goes unnoticed due to the practice of "skimming".

Skimming of diesel is the name given to the practice of stealing fuel from the top of a full tank. This practice is often employed by Drivers for their own personal use. Difficult to trace as the amounts taken may be just 30 litres each time, however, if this is replicated every week and throughout the fleet, it soon puts a significant dent in a Haulier's profits.

The likelihood of "skimming" occurring is increasing as more road users opt for diesel cars. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) in August revealed that diesel cars now account for over 40% of all new car registrations. 5 years ago the figure stood at just 23%.

"Standard" fuel anti-siphon devices have been in existence for a number of years, with a varying range of quality and cost. However, all have the same limitation: all "standard" devices can only protect the fuel from the bottom of the anti-siphon's neck. As some "Standard" devices have necks that measure 7 inches in length, this means there is still a large amount of diesel unprotected.

Even the shortest anti-siphon devices available suffer the same limitation. With some fuel tanks capable of holding up to 700 litres of fuel, anti-siphons with 3 inch long necks still leave in excess of 100 litres of fuel exposed to skimming.

Fortunately, there is one device available that addresses these issues. The TankSafe "Impregnable" from TISS Security Systems is the only system that stops any fuel theft.

Blackpool based TISS were formed in 1999 by a team of hauliers with over 30 years experience in the haulage industry. After initially developing an Alarm system designed to warn the Driver of any break-ins into the trailer, TISS began to develop products that addressed other security concerns, such as theft of Trucks, Loads and Fuel. TISS' portfolio currently includes a range of Tracking Solutions, 'CurtainSafe'- an anti-slash curtain material for Curtainsider Trailers, and their biggest selling products: the 'TankSafe' anti-siphons.

The 'TankSafe' 'Impregnable' anti-siphon prevents any fuel theft due to a unique float-valve at the bottom of the anti-siphon neck. This float-valve allows fuel to flow into the tank, but locks off once the tank is full, meaning the fuel is completely protected.

The benefits of this are that not only will it stop any 3rd party theft, but it also enables hauliers to fill their tanks to the top and not be concerned about skimming. The float-valve is also protected by an obstruction in the anti-siphon's neck, which means that it is impossible to tamper with the valve.

In addition to being the only anti-siphon that is capable of preventing any fuel theft, another benefit of the "Impregnable" is that it prevents diesel spills.

With some Driver's inclination to fill the fuel tank with as much diesel as possible and diesel's propensity to expand, diesel spills are a constant source of consternation for hauliers. Whilst it is possible to alleviate spills by ensuring drivers do not overfill vehicles and ensuring a fuel cap is fitted correctly, the "Impregnable" means there is no longer a dependency on these occurring.

TISS' Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, explains: "with the float-valve locking off once the tank is full, it means that it is impossible to overfill. As a result the fuel is not able to breach the top of the tank. This is an important safeguard for any haulier".

The twin benefits of stopping fuel theft and preventing diesel spills has gained TISS recognition from both Haulage companies and road safety campaigners. In 2006, Sainsburys were the recipients of the BMF/Kill Spills' award for achievement in reducing diesel spills. This was due to their decision to fit the "Impregnable" anti-siphon to their fleet of Trucks.

Sainsburys' Head of Engineering, Gary King, was quick to praise the "Impregnable" and the benefits it offered: "we all appreciate the considerable risk that diesel can cause. If just by fitting a relatively cheap item to our fleet we can increase biker safety it has to be a good thing".

Sainsburys are not the only company to experience the benefits of the "Impregnable". In the first six months of 2007, TISS have sold in excess of 5,000 "Impregnable" anti-siphons to companies including Imperial Tankers and Wincanton. Total sales of their entire anti-siphon range now stands at an impressive 35,000 units.

With fuel prices looking set to rise again in the New Year, it is likely that this sales figure increases further over the coming months as more Hauliers look to safeguard their fuel.

(As published in Professional Security, November 2007)

Preventing Fuel Theft
10th April 2008

Preventing Fuel TheftSales of TISS' anti-siphon devices continue to rocket as customers recognise the financial savings by preventing fuel theft.

Fowler Welch Coolchain Ltd equip their entire fleet of vehicles with the "Easy-Fit FloatChamber" fuel anti-siphon. National Fleet Manager, Robert Oliphant praised the device: "upon fitting the TISS anti-siphon, we were very pleased to see an almost immediate improvement on the vehicles' MPG performances".

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, explains: "our unique design prevents 'skimming' of the top few centimetres of fuel which accounts for 99% of fuel theft from HGVs. Since fitting the anti-siphon some of our customers have reduced their fuel bills by 6%".

Co-Operative Retail Logistics fit the "FloatChamber" device to all new vehicles after Fleet Engineer, Ron Dovey, realised the unit was minimal in cost: "By fitting the anti-siphon at newbuild, the cost of the anti-siphon is lost in the total capitalisation of the truck".

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey, added: "With new trucks costing in excess of £50,000, the cost of the anti-siphon device is negligible. However, the device pays for itself many times during the total lifespan of the vehicle by preventing fuel theft."

TISS also sell a range of GPS tracking solutions, and offer "Bronze, Silver or Gold" tracking options with a range of functionality to suit different customers' needs.  Companies who have bought TISS tracking solutions include Exel, Nestle, Reality, NCP and the Ministry of Defence.

Sales Director Ryan comments: "our Bronze, Silver and Gold range enables us to provide a customer with the perfect solution, whether it's just locating their spot hire trailers once a month, or complex fleet management tailored to their needs. With prices from only £1.50 a week, we also offer the cheapest tracking solutions in the UK."

For further details contact TISS Ltd on 01253 400 401.

(Published in Freight Industry Times, July '06)

Exel fit TISS anti-siphon
9th April 2008

Exel have decided to fit the TISS fuel anti-siphon to all of their new vehicles on a rolling program. Their decision was a result of a successful installation of the TISS TankSafe device to part of the Exel Special Products Division - where the anti-siphon was found to be effective in combating fuel theft.

Barrie Hall - Engineering Operations Manager for Special Products and Industrial says "the TISS TankSafe anti-siphon is well engineered and we have had no reported problems with filling or splashback."

The TankSafe unit fits into the neck of any HGV fueltank and allows fuel to flow in during filling - but does not allow a thief to siphon the fuel back out. Unlike other anti-siphons, the TISS unit has a unique float valve which prevents siphoning even if the tank is completely full. TISS have sold over 5,000 units to become the market leading anti-siphon in the UK.

TISS Sales Director, Ryan Wholey adds "some of our customers have improved their fuel figures by 0.5mpg per vehicle after fitting our anti-siphons. This has cut around 6% off their fuel bills, which means the unit pays for itself in just a few months."

The TISS TankSafe unit can be fitted in under 3 minutes to any HGV and costs £64 to £125 depending on the make of vehicle. TISS also sell a range of other vehicle and trailer security systems including GPS trailer tracking, trailer alarms and slash-resistant curtains.