Defra strikes fleet management deal with Fraikin

Fraikin has secured a three-year contract to oversee the servicing, maintenance and compliance of 1,720 assets for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Working specifically with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Environment Agency, and Natural England, Fraikin will proactively manage and maintain a wide range of commercial vehicles and associated ancillary equipment, across 280 locations nationwide. 

A dedicated team will deliver year-round, 24/7 support, both from its headquarters in Coventry and via its national network of mobile technicians.

Peter Backhouse, chief executive officer at Fraikin, said: “I’m hugely proud of the hard work our team has put in to secure such an important fleet management contract with Defra. 

“We’re looking forward to building upon our new relationship, demonstrating how Fraikin can provide total support for its agency fleets, leaving them to focus instead on their core responsibilities.”

The agreement means Fraikin is now responsible for 949 4x4s; 572 LCVs; 161 trailers; 36 HGVs; 10 cars; plus more than 800 pieces of ancillary equipment, including heaters, winches and cranes.

Fraikin has committed to delivering all servicing, licensing, documentation and maintenance, helping to ensure optimum availability and utilisation, as well as improving fleet reliability and minimising any unforeseen operating costs.

Through the FraikinView customer portal, Defra can also instantly access a complete overview of its vehicles, with the ability to track any scheduled maintenance work and view a wealth of vehicle documentation to monitor fleet compliance.

Fraikin will also assist Defra on its sustainability ambitions, working closely with the team to support and manage the ongoing transition of its commercial vehicle fleet towards net zero operation.

Defra oversees environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the UK. Its fleet division manages both commercial vehicle and plant assets for several Defra agencies.

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