Fleet deals: Latest from Fraikin, Scania, Daf, Vanaways, Nissan, Asset Alliance, Econ Engineering, Ctrack, Surecam and Transense

Fraikin strikes £1.5m fleet deal for 30 new vans

Fraikin has invested in 30 new 3.5-tonne mobile technician vans, helping to maximise the capabilities of its nationwide customer maintenance service. 

The move continues an ongoing mobilisation plan that aims to have 50 new mobile technicians and vans in place by the end of 2025.

Each new van is equipped with a specialist racking system, including a multi-purpose workbench and carry cases to store more equipment, as well as a wide range of diagnostic tools.

John Cunningham, UK customer and fleet solutions director at Fraikin, said: “This major £1.5m investment ensures Fraikin’s mobile maintenance fleet can continue to provide best-in-class up-time for our customers, wherever they are located in the UK.

“We’ve placed significant focus on providing our team with the training, tools and equipment to effectively turn these vans into fully stocked workshops on wheels.”

Fraikin has included a range of quality welfare improvements to the vans, including a heated hand wash station, microwave oven and night heater, ensuring the team can work comfortably year-round.

The new vans each feature Fraikin’s full suite of MySmartFleet connected technologies, which includes a telematics package and an AI-powered 360° camera system. 

This allows Fraikin to remotely monitor the condition of the vans, helping to maximise uptime to ensure they stay on the road.

MySmartFleet also includes a dedicated safety and welfare feature, which connects every driver to Fraikin’s control centre, keeping the team informed of their work status and general wellbeing – with the AI camera systems automatically triggered if certain conditions are met, allowing Fraikin to quickly check in on its mobile technicians if required.

Fraikin’s technician network – managed by a central team based at Fraikin’s head office in Coventry – offers co-ordinated maintenance support across the UK and attended 20,000 events in 2024 alone.

Scania supplying Bidcorp with 165 new vehicles 

Bidcorp and Scania UK have strengthened their longstanding relationship with the latest order of 165 new vehicles, ranging from 18 tonne chassis to tractor units.

The order consists of a mixture of 18-tonne P250 4x2 NA, 26-tonne P280 6x2 NA and tractor units. 

The trucks will be in service for the next decade racking up, on average, between 30,000 and 50,000 miles a year, taking products from depots to their final customer delivery destinations across the UK. 

Kevin Lanksford, fleet and specialist vehicles sales director for Scania UK, said: “We are pleased to continue working with Bidcorp UK, and to be helping them achieve their goals with the addition of these 165 new vehicles.”

Faye Reeve, head of procurement at Bidcorp UK, added: “These new additions will help us to carry out deliveries with increased efficiency, alleviating wait times and providing excellent service to our vast customer network.” 

This deal is part of one of Bidcorp UK’s biggest vehicle investment programmes for more than 10 years, with the new vehicles replacing some that have been in service for more than 13 years. 

Bidcorp UK also took the opportunity to improve their driver’s welfare by opting for bigger cabs and engines compared to their outgoing fleet. 

In addition, every vehicle will be fitted with Direct Vision Standard (DVS) kits and mirror guards, and support by Scania’s three-year vehicle driveline warranty. 

In line with its sustainability ambitions, Bidcorp UK has selected two 18 tonne chassis to be the first vehicles fitted with Ecooltech’s refrigeration units, which run on natural refrigerants and will help the organisation with its journey to net-zero. 

The other temperature-controlled vehicles will be fitted with a variety of bodies from Gray and Adams, Frigoblock and Carrier, and Dhollandia tail lifts. 

Cemex receives 20 new Daf XD 8x4s in replacement vehicle programme 

Cemex has received the delivery of 20 new Daf XD 410 eight-wheel tippers as part of its ongoing vehicle replacement programme. 

The new vehicles – featuring Daf’s ‘FAD” 8x4 axle configuration – come with a four-star DVS rating ex-factory. 

All trucks, which feature bodywork from Wilcox, Thompsons and CBR, were supplied by Daf dealer Ford and Slater in Leicester. 

With a fleet of more than 100 8x4 tipper vehicles operating across the Cemex’s aggregates fleet, Daf accounts for 90% of the vehicles it operates.

The company executed a full evaluation of the Daf XD product alongside whole-life cost projections, with the truck selected based on build quality for on/off road operations, safety features, fuel efficiency, and driver-focused cab design.

“The new Daf XD models offer a step change in visibility and overall safety,” said Nigel Ponton, UK fleet engineering manager at Cemex. 

“The truck’s four-star DVS rating aligns with our commitment to protecting vulnerable road users, while the mirrorless camera technology has exceeded our expectations.” 

He added: “After initial apprehension, our drivers now prefer the digital mirrors, which provide superior visibility and clarity.”

Equipped with the Paccar MX-11 engine, the XD 410’s fuel efficiency outperforms previous Daf CF models in Cemex’s fleet – and also competitor vehicles – in benchmark tests. 

“With the new XD drive train, we’ve seen noticeable improvements in fuel economy,” Ponton continued, “and we’re expecting further gains when the vehicles have bedded-in after several months. This not only reduces our environmental impact but, of course, also enhances our operational productivity.”

Vanaways strikes fleet deal with Medequip

The head of fleet at a major medical equipment supplies company has selected Vanaways as its go-to partner for rapid supply vehicles. 

Medequip runs a fleet of around 800 vehicles in England and Wales, supplying domestic medical equipment through jointly funded contracts with local authorities and the NHS.

Operating out of 29 depots and from head offices in Heathrow, the company replaces around 150 vehicles annually.

In the past year, new head of fleet Richard Horton has worked with Vanaways business development director Liam Nicholas and, via its leasing contractor Lex Autolease, is now using the Bristol-based supplier for all short-notice vehicles.

Supply has begun with eight bespoke Ford Transit Luton vans with tail lifts and nine Ford Customs which have been specially adapted for transporting ceiling track hoists – mechanisms needed to support movement of patients safely and in comfort around their homes.

Horton said: “While we’ll continue to work with main dealers, Vanaways have an amazing ability to source vehicles quickly, to help us provide specific, fit-for-purpose vehicles at very short notice.

“Given how many vehicles we replace each year, and bearing in mind this country’s aging population and our ambition to grow the business, we see this relationship as crucial to our future business journey.”

Nicholas added: “Medequip are at an exciting stage in their business journey as increasing numbers of councils recognise the considerable efficiency benefits of outsourcing equipment supply. As such, we will look forward to support Richard with whatever specialist vehicle requirement he sends our way.

“As a business, we also have ambitious plans for the coming years. Companies like Medequip demonstrate an excellent example of how we can support with flexible supply at extremely short notice.”

Vanaways has recently revealed plans to double turnover to £200m by 2026, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in business. 

Coille Haulage reinforces fleet with new Volvo FH trucks 

Scottish timber transporter Coille Haulage has secured three Volvo FH 540 tractor units on a four-year contract hire deal via Asset Alliance Group.

Two of the new arrivals have already been pressed into service replacing older assets, moving the firm’s heavy loads from Scotland’s West Coast to paper and sawmills across the country.

Bruce Johnston, workshop manager at Coille Haulage, said: “It’s the first time we’ve used Asset Alliance Group, and they did us a great contract hire deal. 

“It means we have the peace of mind of new trucks that we can rely on for our demanding work, and as they come with repair and maintenance included, we only handle the fuel and tyres.”

Running at the 44-tonne weight limit, often in demanding off-road conditions, the Volvos will average 120,000km a year.

The FHs come with Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, Kelsa light bars and Michelin’s heavy-duty X Works tyres. 

The tag axle trucks are equipped with front and rear air suspension to ensure a uniform load across the axles while moving heavy loads. 

As the firm’s drivers are often away overnight, the new Volvos have been specified with spacious Globetrotter cabs and a selection of comfort features including fridge, microwave, coffee maker, parking heater and a wide bed.

Additional painting and stickers for the trucks were handled by Alan Dougan in Auchterarder, and the Volvo’s bear the names, Wee Arran and Lady Marina, respectively on their fronts. This continues the firm’s tradition of featuring family and friends.

Chorley Group supplies Nissan Primastars to demolition company 

A specialist demolition company based in Greater Manchester has added a consignment of new Nissan vans to its fleet..

Inglenorth Contracting has added four Primastar long-wheelbase crew vans to its parc of around 30 vehicles, which includes a number of other Nissan LCVs – more Primastars and a number of Interstars. 

The company acquired its latest transport via Chorley Group, which runs five Nissan dealerships across the north-west.

Inglenorth will be using the new vehicles to take personnel and tools to projects the company is working on right across the UK – and each one has been enhanced by a corporate livery courtesy of AMK Signs in Standish.

Stuart Campbell, operations director at Inglenorth Contracting, said: ‘‘We take the view that regular fleet renewals help us maintain our high standards and improve the levels of service we can deliver to our clients.

‘‘Dealing with the corporate sales team at Chorley Group is always a pleasure and our colleagues who are driving the new vans are telling us they are really enjoying their time behind the wheel.’’

Robson Broomhead, corporate sales manager at Chorley Group, added: ‘‘We are thrilled to have been able to assist Inglenorth Contracting with their latest fleet requirements.”

Econ Engineering delivers highway repairs vehicles to SSE

Econ Engineering has delivered the final three of its roadmender highway repairs vehicles to energy company SSE under a long-standing partnership. 

SSE has purchased 16 new bespoke roadmenders from Econ in total, with funding provided by Novuna Finance.

Complete with a ‘hotbox’ and self-loading debris tipper, the hotbox keeps the asphalt, which is needed to ‘patch’ the surface holes required for accessing underground cables and other items, at the correct operating temperature, enabling repairs to be made around the clock. 

SSE has saved an estimated seven-figure sum over the lifetime of the contract with Econ as only one vehicle is required to dig up and repair. This also saves time as multiple crews and vehicles are not required to work separately at the same site.

It has also had a positive environmental impact with fewer miles needed to be driven by multiple vehicles.

The three latest vehicles to roll off the Econ production line, which replace existing vehicles already being used by SSE, take the total manufactured for SSE over the duration of the eight-year supply contract to a total of 19. 

Jonathan Lupton, Econ Engineering’s managing director, said: “This latest supply deal is not only testament to the talent of our fantastic workforce but also to the multiple advantages and benefits our all-in-one roadmenders provide. 

“Our hotboxes and mobile road patching plant equipment keep road maintenance teams working more effectively and efficiently.”

Gemma Trew, fleet operations and development manager at SSE, added: “Econ’s roadmenders have made a positive difference to the services we provide, and we look forward to welcoming these latest state-of-the-art vehicles into our fleet.”  

Econ Engineering is a leading manufacturer of winter and highway maintenance vehicles, supplying 85% of the nation’s gritters. It recently delivered its first ever fully electric model, the E-QCB.

Econ, which has been established for more than 55 years, has its main manufacturing base in Ripon, with engineering hubs in Alloa, Scotland, Sowerby, Thrisk, Halesworth, Suffolk and the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

Pilkington Automotive targets fleet benefits with Ctrack telematics

Pilkington Automotive has adopted fleet and video telematics from Ctrack to enhance road safety, boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

The company is rolling out the advanced solution on all new vans within the company’s 35-strong commercial fleet that operate nationwide delivery service from a network of seven UK locations, including its central distribution centre in Redditch.

Calum Young, operations manager at Pilkington Automotive, said: “We needed a highly effective and simple-to-use telematics solution, backed by dashcams, to gain peace of mind around employee welfare and fleet performance.” 

Pilkington Automotive selected the Ctrack solution to replace a previous telematics system that had been supplied as part of its vehicle procurement. 

It has been rolled out and is now used by two operations managers, with restricted access for regional managers and supervisors. 

Steve Thomas, managing director of Ctrack UK, said: “Our comprehensive fleet and video telematics offering means we can work closely with our customers to develop solutions that meet their precise operational requirements.” 

Stellar Insurance adopts Surecam video telematics

Stellar Insurance Reinstatement Services is deploying video telematics from Surecam across its fleet of 80 vans that operate across Scotland and the north of England. 

The two-camera solution is designed to help the property repair specialist to improve road safety, protect the welfare of drivers and tackle the challenge of rising insurance costs.

“The SureCam solution is giving us added visibility of what is happening on the road, so we can identify and challenge non-fault claims, while having the insight needed to encourage defensive and responsible driving styles,” said Ross Cooper, MD at Stellar Insurance Reinstatement Services. 

SureCam has combined its front-facing dashcam with a weatherproof, rear-facing camera to capture what happens ahead and behind the vehicle when a collision or near miss occurs. 

The video telematics solution also includes an in-cab panic alarm and remote live streaming, enabling Stellar Insurance to quickly respond to an emergency and visually check on the welfare of the driver.

The camera system has been installed on 80% of the vans, with the remaining part of the fleet having the technology installed as part of Stellar Insurance’s vehicle replacement programme, handled by Enterprise Flex-E-Rent. 

The phased approach has enabled the company to work closely with SureCam and Enterprise to ensure the installation process avoids any operational disruption or unnecessary vehicle downtime.

Sam Footer, partnership director at Surecam, said: “Our dashcam solutions have proven benefits that are helping fleet clients to mitigate many of the safety, cost and performance pressures they face.”    

John Collins, sales director LCV at Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, added: “SureCam is a longstanding technology partner that has embedded industry-leading video telematics into our commercial vehicle rental proposition, benefitting both our internal and customer fleets.”

Transense secures major contract with Logistics UK 

Transense Technologies, through its Translogik division, has secured a contract with Logistics UK, to offer a tyre condition monitoring service to members’ fleets.

An initial three-year contract will see Logistics UK deploy Translogik TLGX tyre inspection tools and TireTask software, which have been specially adapted to integrate with Vision, Logistics UK’s compliance and certification software platform. 

The nationwide roll-out across a network of more than 65 vehicle inspection experts follows a development and testing period involving Logistics UK engineers trialling the tyre inspection tools and providing feedback to refine the solution to meet their specific operational needs. 

Chris Lipscomb, operations director at Logistics UK, said: “Tyres are critical to efficient fleet operations. 

“Through correct tyre management, our operators will see significant benefits from improved fuel consumption and tyre life to a reduction in roadside breakdowns and downtime. Increased tyre longevity also reduces waste which is far better for the environment too. 

“We believe this rollout will set a new benchmark for value added content to vehicle inspections. 

“Real term savings in fuel, tyre and maintenance costs will be able to be evidenced through the innovative software presented in our Vision platform vehicle inspections, combining robust data insights with streamlined operational workflows.”

Ryan Maughan, MD at Transense Technologies, added: “The partnership highlights the growing importance of digital transformation in the logistics and fleet management industries for vehicle compliance and inspection services. 

“We’re very proud to support Logistics UK in their mission to deliver industry-leading services to their members.”