Fleet deals: New vehicles join Stapleton’s, Cerus Construction, Raymond Brown, BP Mitchell, Nationwide Produce and Gregory Group

Stapleton’s strikes deal for 30 new 7.5-tonners from Isuzu

Stapleton’s Tyre Services has taken delivery of the first of 30 new Isuzu N75.190(E) rigids.

Fitted with custom-built 18-foot box bodywork from Essex Bodies, the new trucks replace older Isuzu rigids in the fleet. 

Designed to be used for both new tyre delivery and casing collection for Stapleton’s tyre recycling programme, the non-standard body size has been selected to optimise load capacity.

Each truck is expected to stay in service for six years, clocking up around 400,000 miles during that period. 

Nick Cooper, head of group vehicles at parent company, European Tyre Enterprises, said: “When the time comes to order new trucks for our 7.5-tonne fleet, we survey the market to see what is available, but every time we come to the same conclusion – nothing beats what Isuzu has to offer. 

“From the outstanding payload and superb reliability, right through to the customer support we receive, it’s an obvious choice.” 

The vehicles have been supplied on a six-year full repair and maintenance contract and are supported by Isuzu Truck UK’s customer care programme, with the nearest authorised dealers taking care of all servicing, maintenance and MOTs. 

Lee Tansley, national fleet sales manager for Isuzu Truck UK, said: “Working to optimise the body in order to maximise payload really shows how our 7.5-tonne chassis can fit particular customer needs.”

The 30 new trucks join a large, 1,300-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet. 

Nissan Townstars join construction fleet

Certus Construction has taken delivery of a 10 Nissan Townstar compact vans.

The new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) join a fleet of more than 50 cars and vans operated by the firm. 

The Townstars, all petrol-powered models, are being used by Certus employees to travel to construction sites across South Wales and the West Country.

Company director Rob Wilson says that the vehicles were chosen for the high level of specification available; value for money; and economical to run. The “comprehensive” five-year warranty on the vans was another important factor, he added.

‘‘We are very pleased with our new Townstars and have been receiving plenty of positive feedback from colleagues who have been driving them,” he said. 

The vehicles were supplied by Wessex Garages Nissan Cardiff. Business specialist, Alec Travillian, said: ‘‘It’s always interesting to interact with new companies, understand their needs and see how our range of LCVs can fit right in and get the job done.

‘‘We thank Rob Wilson and his team for their valued custom and look forward to the relationship between our two companies continuing to go from strength to strength.’’

The next collaboration between Wessex Garages and Certus Construction will see three examples of Primastar – Nissan’s mid-size LCV – join the fleet.

Raymond Brown returns to Renault Trucks

Raymond Brown Quarry Products has strengthened its fleet with the addition of five new Renault Trucks C430 8x4 tippers. 

This latest investment builds on the delivery of eleven C430 8x4 vehicles earlier this year.

Supplied by Rob Coxon, transport solutions executive at Sparks Commercial Services, the new C430s with Charlton SuperLite Tipper bodies will work across the south coast on muck away as well as delivering sand and gravel from its quarries to various customers across the area.

Simon Webb, Raymond Brown transport manager, said: “The C430s are well-suited to our off-road work. They are well-constructed vehicles with a strong pedigree and are capable of achieving a payload of 19,200kg, which is an optimal figure for our 8x4 tipper work.”

The new tippers are powered by Renault Trucks’ 11 litre engine, providing up to 430hp and up to 2050 Nm of torque from 1008 rpm to 1400 rpm and is driven by the 12-speed Optidriver ATO 2612 gearbox and automatic clutch. 

The vehicle’s driver-lead specification includes 2kw night heaters, heated and ventilated driver’s seat, multimedia screen and extra storage.  

Also specified as optional extras are advanced driver assistance systems including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

All new vehicles have been supplied with a two-year subscription to Renault Trucks’ Optifleet fleet management system, facilitating informed decision-making, reducing operating costs and monitoring real-time performance of both vehicles and drivers. 

BP Mitchell strikes fleet deal with Guest Motor Group

Guest Motor Group has struck a deal to supply a fleet of nine Iveco X-Way trucks to BP Mitchell, a concrete and aggregates provider based in Hertfordshire.

BP Mitchell’s latest acquisition includes four bespoke nine-cubic-metre concrete trucks and five tipper trucks. 

The mixers are from the Guest Motor Group site-ready vehicle stock, which also includes sweepers and tippers.

The new tippers were chosen for their cost-efficiency, driver appeal and weight advantages.

The mixer chassis features a 420bhp, eight-speed automatic gearbox, and an 8x4 configuration. 

The new trucks come fully equipped with a Progressive Safety System, installed by Vehicle Lining Services. The kit includes six cameras, front and nearside radars, strobe lights, audible alarms and other safety enhancements. 

Sales specialist Tony Simmons from Guest Motor Group's Peterborough branch looked after the deal. Group MD Robert Spittle said: “We understand that our customers’ businesses depend on the reliability and efficiency of their fleets and BP Mitchell’s decision to transition part of their fleet from another brand to the Iveco X-Way reflects the confidence operators have in these vehicles.”

BP Mitchell operates nearly 130 vehicles across its fleet, supported by a dedicated team that manages in-house maintenance and repair. 

Nationwide Produce agrees deal for seven semi-trailers

Fresh food supplier Nationwide Produce has returned to Schmitz Cargobull for seven Sko Cool refrigerated semi-trailers.

David Flinders, group transport manager at Nationwide Produce, said: “We went with Schmitz Cargobull again because their trailers give us the best payload – up to 26 tonnes, as and when we need to use it. 

“Despite being lighter than competitors’ trailers, they are also extremely strong.”

The new tri-axle trailers with Thermo King refrigeration units are being used for multi-drop operations. 

Once deliveries are completed, the trailers collect produce from growers to restock Nationwide Produce’s depots ready for sale the next day.
 
Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics is fitted as standard on the trailers, providing 24/7 monitoring of the trailer’s exact location, plus data such as the interior temperature. 

The operator is also making full use of the newly introduced ability to connect Schmitz Cargobull’s telematics with Webfleet management software.

The deal was facilitated by Geoff Ward, regional manager for the North West, Wales and the West Midlands at Schmitz Cargobull UK and Ireland.

Gregory Group enhances fleet with specialised Don-Bur rigid bodies

Don-Bur has secured an order from long-term client Gregory Distribution for 10 bespoke rigid curtainsider bodies, fitted to 16-tonne Volvo FL cab chassis for their pallet network operation across Devon and Cornwall. 

The contract is part of a larger order to enhance operational efficiency.

The region's road infrastructure and landscape presented unique challenges, prompting Gregory Group to require a more specialised solution. 

In response, Don-Bur designed and manufactured narrower rigid bodies with special reinforced roofs. 

The roof structure slopes upwards from the front, enabling overhanging branches to be deflected safely and preventing damage to front corner cappings and headers. 

Daniel Challinor, Don-Bur's commercial director, said: "This project exemplifies our commitment to providing durable, efficient designs that enhance both vehicle performance and operational safety."

The curtainsider bodies meet the EN 12642-XL load containment standard and each unit is fitted with a full-height two-tonne capacity cantilever tail-lift to maximise versatility for varying load types. 

Additional features include anti-corrosion galvanised sub-chassis, internal strap stowage, and a Lee Lock system, which enables secure pallet truck stowage in transit.

The bodies have also been finished with Gregory Group’s livery, printed using Don-Bur’s in-house UV technology. 

Liam Dickinson, head of fleet-technical at Gregory Group, said: “Don-Bur was a reassuring choice to provide a solution to our operational challenges.  

“The new rigids are bespoke to our operations and the quality of the builds meet our exacting standards.”