For any enterprise involved in on road operations there are quite a number of risks and always a degree of risk. How to mitigate the risk potential is always a challenge and in some larger businesses involving a dedicated risk manager.

Many trucking companies look at risk exposure as a necessary evil and utilise insurance packages to reduce the financial ramifications of such exposures.

Now, what if, a risk mitigation strategy that provided positive financial outcomes was available for just a little investment? Does this spark interest in those who drive the abacuses in the back rooms?

Tyres form one of the highest cost centres for a transport operation be the activities on road or in a mining operation. Fuel is usually the largest and is tightly controlled as the abacus jockeys understand that every last millilitre of fuel must be accounted for. Granted there is a percent here or there for spillage but as fuel companies demand payment prior to delivery for almost all operations the bean counters are onto it without delay. Tyres?

When we consider the humble tyre so many ASSuMe that the tyre just performs the required duties without any (at worst) attention or with just a little attention, perhaps a kick every now and again or being slapped with a pipe or bar to confirm the tyre isn’t totally flat.

Tyre, the influencer

What is not very well understood by back-office personnel is that tyres are influenced by, and actually influence, the successful operation of the vehicle, be it a wheel barrow, a tri-cycle, a rigid truck or road train even a giant haul truck. If the tyres aren’t “right” then the operating costs will rise. Consider a delta percentage on fuel burn of 3 – 5%, a wheel end bearing life reduction of 10%, a tyre life deficit of 10%, decreased suspension component life as the tyres are being dragged not rolling, at what cost does the “head in the tyre” influence the profits of the business?

So, when we “Cover Your Analyse risk SAFETY” every-time (CYA) we consider all the contributing aspects of tyre use and how risk mitigation practises can be employed to grow the return on the investment our businesses make in tyres. All successful transport companies maintain a close log on the consumption of mechanical items such as fuel and spare parts. Labour costs are also rigidly overseen and as every driver well understands there are events on the road that result in a later delivery than was planned, a traffic event that turns the usual highway into a car park. When the driver returns to base and lodges the work hours there is always a cry from the accounting department why has this person worked overtime, why are we paying more than normal?

Yet, for tyres it seems too often the humble servant is treated as a mere consumable commodity and just turned over or replaced without any consideration as to how life can be extended. Why? When tyres influence so many of the unseen factors for a transport operator why are they not used as the reporter, the data logger of operations? A tyre does not lie about the experiences they have endured, they cannot suddenly grow tread to cover misalignment or a brake lock up, the evidence is in our faces IF we simply observe what the tyres are telling us.

Tyre management

There are many valued publications from around the globe that have photos of tyres that have worn in a certain manner or exhibit various conditions that relay the root causes of the damage to the observer. The tyre scrap heap is the first place we visit when determining the tyre management capacity and capability of a new client. How many tyres with more than the minimum legal tread depth are in the scrap heap? If there are records of tyre performance what is the tread consumption rate for the tyres consumed? What is the frequency of the various scrapping reasons the business using tyres is experiencing? Why? What is the distance per tread unit rate? What is the fuel burn rate per tread unit consumption? What if these questions can’t be answered? Then a risk mitigation practise is obviously not in practise. Exposure is certain, a matter of when not if.

A simple tree diagram or spider web drawing outlining the various risk aspects a tyre could experience with each branch drawing down into detail of how, what and why can assist in the mitigation process. The risk on the underside of the branch with the solution on the top provides a simple but effective illustration of the potentials available.

The TyreSafe Australia policy known as the 6M Principle is engaged in not only tyre performance enhancement but right through the various aspects of the transport business. Before you can MANAGE you have to be able to MEASURE. With measurements (read data) one can MONITOR to know when to MAINTAIN the equipment therefore actually MANAGING in order to MAKE MONEY! The 6M principle is simple but it requires diligent and dedicated systems within the workplace. There are many principles such as that espoused by Dr William Deming who developed the PDCA process, PLAN, DO, CHECK, ACT where the a/ versus b/ consideration was created:

Bill Smith who introduced the 6 Sigma philosophy in the 1980’s also recognised the same avenue of opportunity. The basis of 6 Sigma is the improvement of the output quality by recognising and eliminating the root causes of defects and so minimizing the impacts using statistical processes, ie managing by measuring monitoring and maintaining!

The TyreSafe Australia 6M principle is closely aligned with these well recognised philosophies and commences with the simple recognition that tyre inflation pressure control is the absolute basis for the desired performance outcomes a transport related business will experience. How do you analyse the risks, what mitigation processes are in place?

Safety is not just about well-being of personnel. If a business doesn’t employ safe practices, is it going to be sustainable? Not just from the human factor but also consider the financial aspects. A business engaged in risky financial undertakings will probably collapse sooner than later.

So why not start the process from the ground up by ensuring that the foundation of the modern motor vehicle, the humble tyre is indeed operating at optimum levels. With modern electronics there is no excuse for not completely understanding (and so appreciating) what the tyres you use are providing to your business profits. If you are not measuring, how are you managing?

Ensure that your tyres are not a drag on your operation, ensure the rolling resistance is as low as possible and this will ensure there is an even flow of dollars into your account. Utilising real time tyre monitoring is now a standard practise for successful businesses who utilise tyres in their operations.

Cover Your, Analyse Risks Safety Everytime! (TT)

• Adam Gosling and the team at TyreSafe Australia provide guidance and direction for all tyre users. Safety is paramount, so is efficiency and sustainability. Tyres are a globally universal product, the requirement for tyre safety is also a global standard.

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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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The tyre industry gathered to honour outstanding innovation and individual accomplishment over the past year during the Tire Technology Expo 2026 held in Hannover. The Tire Technology International Awards, spanning 13 categories, recognised both technological progress and the commitment to a more sustainable future within the tyre sector. Organised by the Tire Technology International magazine, the winners were selected by an independent panel of journalists and technical experts.

Sustainability was a dominant theme, highlighted by three distinct environmental awards. Bridgestone received the award for tyre design innovation, celebrated for developing a truck tyre composed of 70 percent recycled and renewable materials, a notable industry milestone. In manufacturing, Continental was acknowledged for its significant strides in reducing freshwater consumption during production with the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing award. The Environmental Achievement – Industry Contribution award went to the BioButterfly project, a collaborative effort involving Michelin, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens. This initiative was praised for creating bio-based butadiene from bioethanol, presenting a credible substitute for fossil fuel-derived materials and demonstrating strong potential for immediate industrial application.

Further technical achievements were recognised across several categories. Flexsys earned the Chemicals and Compounding Innovation of the Year award for developing the first practical alternative to the antioxidant 6PPD after extensive research. Teijin Aramid was honoured with the Materials Innovation of the Year award for industrialisation of its high-performance Twaron Next para-aramid fibre. A collaborative R&D breakthrough by Goodyear and TNO, which integrates tyre intelligence directly into a vehicle's automatic emergency braking systems to enhance safety, won the R&D Breakthrough of the Year award. In manufacturing equipment, Comerio Ercole’s advanced modular calendering line, Zeus, won the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award. Uzer Makina, a long-time finalist, was finally named Tyre Industry Supplier of the Year.

The event also celebrated conceptual and product excellence. Michelin had a particularly successful evening, first winning the Tire Concept of the Year award for its Lunar Airless Wheel, designed to withstand the extreme conditions on the moon. The company then claimed the highly anticipated Tire of the Year award for its Primacy 5 Energy, a tyre noted by the jury for achieving top EU label ratings in most sizes while offering improved longevity and reduced emissions compared to its predecessor. In the final major category, Continental was named Tire Manufacturer of the Year for the second consecutive year and the fifth time overall, following a review of the top manufacturers' yearly contributions.

The awards also highlighted personal achievements within the field. The Young Scientist Prize for 2026 was presented to Max Dixey, a PhD student at Queen Mary University of London, for his compelling presentation on the effects of carbon black activators. Finally, a Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Michelin’s Pascal Prost. A veteran engineer, researcher and long-time contributor to both the conference and the awards jury, Prost was celebrated by peers and colleagues for his enduring and significant impact on the tyre industry.

Matt Ross, Chairman of the awards and Editor-in-Chief of Tire Technology International, said, “As is now becoming the norm, this year’s awards were incredibly close. Continental and Michelin have picked up multiple awards and should be highly commended, but I’m also happy to see such an array of winners across the whole range of categories. The level of innovation on display across the tyre sector is staggering, and I hope that this year’s awards have captured even a hint of the groundbreaking work taking place to move this industry forward.”

On Frost’s achievement, Ross said, “For as long as I have worked on Tire Technology International and these awards, Pascal has been a valued contributor, a hugely appreciated advisor – and a wonderful sounding board. I would like to join with his peers and friends from across the industry in celebrating his phenomenal contribution to the tyre business.”

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MRF has announced a significant move to expand its manufacturing footprint in southern India. The company revealed that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tamil Nadu Government, facilitated through the state’s nodal investment promotion agency, Guidance. This preliminary agreement outlines the company’s intent to establish a greenfield manufacturing unit dedicated to the production of automotive tyres and related ancillary products. The proposed facility is planned for location within the SIPCOT Industrial Park situated in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu.

As the agreement is currently non-binding, its progression to a final commitment is contingent upon several conditions. These include the Tamil Nadu government’s sanction of a bespoke incentive package, the provision of necessary infrastructure, the allotment of land and the securing of all requisite statutory approvals in accordance with applicable state laws.

According to the official statement released by MRF, the project, upon receiving all clearances and moving forward, envisions a substantial capital outlay. The estimated investment for this venture is projected to be approximately INR 53 billion, with the capital expenditure to be phased over a 12-year period. Beyond the financial injection into the region’s economy, the initiative is also anticipated to be a major source of employment, with expectations of creating direct job opportunities for around 1,000 individuals.

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The second Sustainable Development (ESG) Industrial Ecosystem Innovation Competition for Chinese and Foreign Enterprises in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area recently concluded, with Sailun Group emerging as a distinguished honouree. Recognised for its collaborative ESG efforts with Vale, a global leader in metal and mining, Sailun received the prestigious ‘Innovative Model’ award, standing out as the sole tire company to achieve this recognition.

Organised jointly by the Shanghai Pudong Foreign-Invested Enterprises Association and the Shanghai Pudong Domestic-Funded Enterprises Association, the competition welcomed participation from companies registered and operating in the area, along with their partners. Invited by Vale Metals (Shanghai), Sailun took an active role by meticulously organising and presenting its innovative achievements in sustainable development. Through a structured application process highlighting solid practices and creative excellence, the company successfully secured the award.

Vale, one of the world’s foremost iron ore producers, maintains a longstanding strategic partnership with Sailun. Driven by a mutual dedication to sustainable supply chains, the two organisations have intensified collaboration, particularly in mining tyre supply. By integrating Sailun’s low-carbon tyre technologies, they inject environmental vitality into operations while enabling Vale to achieve refined efficiency through cutting-edge solutions. Their partnership exemplifies a synergistic model that harmonises efficiency, safety and low-carbon practices, serving as a standout case of ESG-driven empowerment across the industrial chain.

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