Rivus HGV ditches name to become Pullman again

Rivus HGV will revert to using its Pullman name after sister company Rivus Fleet Solutions called in the administrators last week. 

Trading as a separate entity under Pullman Fleet Solutions, it stressed that the issues experienced by Rivus Fleet Solutions will have no impact on the services it offers, which include HGV repair and maintenance, and MOTs.

It will continue to operate as a standalone business, with Rivus Group as its parent company, and said it was “business as usual”.

“As we revert to a well-known name in the industry, we want to emphasise that the heart of our business remains our dedicated and professional team,” said Dave Jones, managing director of Pullman Fleet Solutions.

The HGV business recently announced it had been appointed by DHL eCommerce UK to exclusively provide repair and maintenance services. 

The five-year contract, starting from August 2024, will cover 733 DHL eCommerce trailers at a purpose-built vehicle maintenance unit (VMU) in Ryton-on-Dunsmore.

“Despite the recent changes, we have worked tirelessly to ensure our customers experience seamless and uninterrupted support,” continued Jones.

“Our priority is, and always will be, the satisfaction and trust of those we serve.”

Pullman Fleet Solutions, which is one of the largest providers of commercial HGV maintenance and fleet management services in the UK, was bought by the asset management firm Aurelius from Wincanton in November 2020. 

Aurelius had acquired Rivus Fleet Solutions, which was formerly BT Fleet, in 2019. 

Aurelius announced it was bringing the businesses together in February 2022, but despite becoming Rivus HGV the business continued to operate as a separate entity.

Following the appointment of administrators by Rivus Fleet Solutions, the majority of its assets were sold to the Met, safeguarding 165 jobs and allowing the continuation of the delivery of crucial fleet services to the police force.

Some 55 members of staff, however, were immediately made redundant.

Rivus Fleet Solutions was managing the fleet maintenance and repair of 3,700 emergency response, support and general-purpose vehicles as part of its contract with the Met.

It was also providing service, maintenance and repair (SMR) for National Grid and National Highways.

Holman UK has since been awarded a £16 million fleet management and maintenance contract by National Highways, with the three-year deal for the 1,300-strong fleet going live earlier this week.