Menzies Distribution has signed a five-year full-service contract hire agreement for Fraikin to provide it with 50 new trucks and vans.

The distribution and logistics company will use the vehicles, which include 37 replacement vehicles and 13 additional assets, primarily in its core business of the distribution of newpapers and magazines.

Fraikin has supplied a fleet ranging from Iveco Daily 6.5- and 7.0-tonne vans, to Iveco Eurocargo 7.5- and 18-tonne trucks, a MAN 6x2 tractor unit, a Montracon 45ft curtainside trailer and a Mercedes-Benz Antos 26-tonne rigid, which will be based at Menzies Distribution depots throughout the UK.

Allan Hughes, transport and logistics manager at Menzies Distribution, said: "Newspapers have such a limited shelf life that they can't afford to be even a few hours late.

"Our drivers make deliveries all through the night to remote areas, especially in Scotland, so we need a fleet we can rely on that is supported across the country at all hours.

"On top of this, our business is also diversifying, as we have recently made some big acquisitions and moved into other logistics areas.

"Fraikin understands this and has been able to provide us with the flexibility and reliabilty we need."