Fleet deals: Latest from Fleet Alliance, Carrier Transicold, Fraikin, Progreen, Vantastec, Solomon Commercials and Renault Trucks

JG Pest Control updates fleet with new Peugeot Partners from Fleet Alliance 

JG Pest Control has updated its fleet thanks to a new batch of Peugeot Partner vans from Glasgow-based Fleet Alliance. 

As part of its development plans, the business needed to replace a number of ageing vehicles on its fleet of 62 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to help expand its pest control operations. 

It went out to market to secure a batch of seven new vans as quickly as possible and Fleet Alliance was able to provide the most competitive quote in the shortest time frame.

As a result, JG Pest Control has now been supplied with seven new Peugeot Partner Blue HDi 100PS Asphalt small vans, complete with a 1.5-litre 100ps diesel engine, six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive - a highly efficient model renowned for its fuel efficiency and practicality.

The new fleet additions have been financed by 48 month/120,000 mile contract hire agreements with a full maintenance management package covering servicing, tyres, MOT and breakdown recovery.

Chief operating officer, Callum Gale, said: “During our tender process, we were introduced to account manager Fraser Murray from Fleet Alliance. 

“He was fantastic - not only did he negotiate better terms than any competitor, but also ensured the vans were delivered in record-breaking time.”

The seven new vehicles have now been sign-written, and equipped with vehicle tracker devices for advanced vehicle security and theft protection so that they are ready to hit the roads. 

Co-op adopts new Carrier Transicold Supra HE 11 MT after trial success 

Co-op has successfully completed the first UK trial of the new Carrier Transicold Supra High Efficiency (HE) 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) truck refrigeration unit. 

Mounted to a 26-tonne DAF CF rigid with a two-lane insulated body from Gray and Adams, the new Supra HE 11 MT underwent performance testing alongside one of Co-op’s existing Supra 1150 MT units across several key benchmarks. 

The Supra HE 11 MT reduced fuel consumption by 25% and used 10% less electricity while on standby. This combination could save nearly 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit annually. These results have led Co-op to invest in 86 Supra HE 11 MT systems, due for delivery in 2025.

“In the two decades we’ve worked with Carrier they have continually supported our commitment to embracing the latest technologies, and this trial represents the next step for the business as we strive toward our 2035 net zero ambitions,” said Nicholas Orwin, general manager fleet and compliance at Co-op. 

“We’ve been hugely impressed by the results and moving forward the Supra HE will be the unit of choice for our rigid truck fleet, delivering huge sustainability benefits while also helping us provide the optimal work environment for our drivers.”

The Carrier Transicold Supra HE 11 MT combines mechanical and electrical subsystems into a quieter, lighter and more compact unit that delivers enhanced efficiency, performance and uptime, says the Co-op. 

Additional sustainability benefits are achieved with a 30% reduction of brazed joints, helping to minimise potential refrigerant leakage. 

The trial unit demonstrated a 2dB(A) noise reduction compared to the Supra 1150 MT. 

The new design of the unit also reduces maintenance needs and downtime, requiring only three scheduled visits over a 6,000 engine-hour operating cycle, compared to six for its predecessor.

Based out of Co-op’s Newhouse facility near Motherwell, the trial rigid conducted multi-drop deliveries across Scotland, covering major towns, cities, the highlands and the country’s islands.

Expected to log up to 50,000 kilometres per year, the 26-tonne unit has now become a permanent addition to Co-op’s 2,300-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet. 

In addition to the new Supra HE 11 MT units, Carrier Transicold will also provide an additional 106 temperature-controlled systems into Co-op’s fleet in 2025, including flagship Vector HE 19 and Vector HE 17 trailer units. 

Pass Logistics takes delivery of new vehicles from Fraikin 

Pass Logistics has taken delivery of 12 new 6x2 tractor units on a mix of contract hire and short-term rental from Fraikin – a first step towards eventually seeing its currently 18-strong HGV fleet supplied by the commercial vehicle and mobility service provider.

Joining a busy 24/7 operation, six tractor units have been supplied on a full-service five-year contract hire deal, while the remaining trucks arrive on a short-term rental agreement. 

Replacing a mixture of owned and leased vehicles, Fraikin created the bespoke arrangement to help Pass Logistics simplify its fleet-related expenses.

Adrian Sullivan, managing director at Pass Logistics, said: “The team worked quickly to help clear the existing finance agreement, then through understanding our workflows and fleet needs, they were able to build a tailored package that delivers the commercial and operational security we need. 

“Fraikin’s efforts have transformed our business, letting us move forward hassle-free.”

The contract hire deal features comprehensive servicing, repairs, licensing, regular safety inspections, annual MOT testing, tyre management, roadside assistance, and 24/7, 365 customer support.

The six rental trucks will also receive round-the-clock care, including preventative maintenance, repairs and replacement vehicle cover.

Steve Williams, business development manager at Fraikin, said: “It’s been a pleasure to help Pass Logistics find the perfect solution to its fleet needs. We’re especially excited to introduce MySmartFleet to their operation, as the detailed operational AI analytics it can provide will help unlock significant savings, improve uptime and most importantly deliver additional safeguarding measures for its drivers.”

Pass Logistics offers a wide range of delivery services across the UK and Europe, with the new trucks expected to cover 130,000km annually, operating from the company’s Doncaster headquarters.

Progreen delivers new Ford E-transits to Woods Foodservice

Woods Foodservice has started its switch to electric vans by taking delivery of 12 refrigerated Ford E-Transit L4s from Progreen, the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire.

Woods’ mission is to become the UK’s leading Net Zero contributor foodservice company by 2030. To achieve this, it plans to replace its entire Euro 6 fleet with electric vehicles by the end of the 2025 financial year, building on its investment in fully electric company cars.

The electric vans are equipped with solar panels on the roof, reducing the energy required for charging. 

Each vehicle offers multi-temperature storage, including chilled, ambient, and frozen compartments. 

This first wave of electric vans, which have been designed and managed through the production process by Progreen, will operate within London’s ultra low emission zone (ULEZ).

Progreen has fitted Geotab telematics across all 12 vehicles to give Woods real-time insights to maximise efficiency and cost savings.

Wayne Gregory, operations manager at Woods Foodservice, said: “Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient, and fresh produce all in one vehicle has streamlined our operations. The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans - cutting our diesel fuel usage by 35%.

“The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van's range."

Michelle Miles, head of Progreen, added: “It's fantastic to see these vehicles on the road, the final stage of a process that began with a telematics trial to provide data on the suitability of transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles. 

“This is the ideal solution for Woods Foodservice and we’re thrilled to support them in their mission to become the UK’s leading Net Zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.”

Headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and employing over 90 people, Prohire provides nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.

Vantastec grows Fareshare’ fleet with new temperature-controlled vans

Vantastec has supplied three temperature-controlled vehicles to the South Wales branch of the food charity, Fareshare.

The delivery included two long-wheelbase VW Crafter fridge vans and one VW Crafter freezer van. 

All vehicles were built on site at Vantastec’s South Wales headquarters and customised to meet Fareshare’s bespoke needs. 

The vehicles will play a crucial role in safely transporting perishable surplus food from Fareshare Cymru’s warehouse to charities, community centres, and vulnerable communities across South Wales.

Vantastec’s managing director, Gareth Edwards, said: “It’s an honour to once again assist Fareshare in their vital work combating food poverty and reducing food waste. 

“We’ve long admired their efforts—the scale and impact of their operations are truly remarkable. 

“As a proud Welsh business, we’re thrilled to contribute to such an important cause so close to home.”

Fareshare Cymru is one of 25 distribution centres across the UK. Fareshare Cymru chief executive officer, Sarah Germain, said: “Our fleet of vans plays a crucial role in making this happen, not only by delivering food to people and communities but also by rescuing perfectly good food from ending up in landfills, which helps the planet.

“The addition of new vans will allow us to expand our services and reach more people in need. In Wales, 1 in 5 adults are facing poverty, and community spaces like the ones we partner with are lifelines for those unable to afford nutritious food.”

Flying Fridge bolsters Solomon partnership with new refrigerated vehicles  

RDS Transport, which operates the Flying Fridge brand, has taken delivery of new vehicles manufactured by Lancashire-based Solomon Commercials, to add to its existing fleet of more than 70 vehicles. 

The new additions to the fleet include an 18-tonne Scania and four Mercedes Sprinters, one of which features a sleeper unit. 

The 18-tonne Scania uses the Carrier Supra 850 MT fridge, while the Mercedes Sprinters are equipped with a GAH flexi-temp fridge with dual temperature evaporators. 

All Sprinter vehicles feature Solomon Slipstream aerodynamic elements, but the 18-tonne Scania has been manufactured utilising the full Slipstream body. 

Jerome Wallhead, general manager at RDS, said: “We have an excellent working relationship with Solomon as they understand the need for us to maintain our proven track record of meeting the tightest delivery deadlines. 

“We also work with Solomon because they produce bodies that, while lightweight and aerodynamic, are incredibly flexible, enabling us to deliver a maximum payload without compromising quality. Their attention to detail is excellent.”

Neil Ormerod, sales manager at Solomon Commercials, added: “We have a long-standing working relationship with RDS and have seen the business grow to become one of the market leaders in transporting chilled or frozen products. It’s a privilege to work with them to ensure their service is first-class.”

Exeter Window Store goes electric with Renault Trucks

Exeter Window Store has taken delivery of its first-ever electric van, a Renault Trucks E-Tech Trafic Red Edition. 

Supplied by Elliot Tratt at Sparks Commercial Services, Exeter Window Store, has introduced two new vans to its fleet – one electric Trafic Red Edition L2H1 panel van - and one diesel Renault Trucks Master Red Edition with dropside body. 

The new Renault Trucks E-Tech Trafic, equipped with a R75 electric motor and a 52kWh lithium-ion battery, has a real-life range of up to 150 miles on a single charge. 

The company charges the van on site, taking full advantage of its predictable daily mileage.

George Otton, branch manager at Exeter Window Store, said: “As a business, we’re always looking for ways to do things better for the environment and society. 

“This electric van is just one of several changes we’re rolling out in the coming months.”