Shoreham Port partners with Ryder to start new transport operation

Shoreham Port has started running its own trucks and has chosen to partner with Ryder for the supply of its fleet.

Ryder has supplied five DAF XF480 Super Space Cab tractor units and 10 curtain sided trailers to the port.

Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic last year, the timber handling port discharged 328,000 tonnes of timber, beating its previous record set in 2018, it said.

The port has launched its own transport service to supplement its relationships with third party hauliers who deliver the timber to builders’ merchants throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Simon Matthews, a transport manager who had worked with Ryder during his time with DHL, will head up the port’s new haulage fleet.

He said: “Ryder is an extremely professional organisation to deal with and very fair. The people are straight-forward and easy to work with. Ryder has the expertise and inspires confidence, it’s nice to know that Ryder has the resources to sustain its service in the long term."

The trucks are ex-fleet and have between 200,000km and 300,000km the clock on average, Matthews said: "The trucks are two years old - they’re bedded in; if anything, we may benefit in terms of fuel consumption compared with brand new trucks."

The trucks are also fitted with the Microlise telematics system. To ensure the trucks are compliant with London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS), Ryder said it advised on the specification of camera systems, retrofitted them and then applied for and secured DVS permits for the port’s fleet.

The trucks will be maintained by a Ryder-approved dealer, while the trailers will be maintained on site by Ryder Mobile Maintenance Services.

Shoreham Port will be able to access all service, repair records, certificates and inspection sheets via Ryder’s online compliance and fleet information portal, Ryder said.

Steve Williams, national equipment director at Ryder, said: "We’re delighted that Shoreham Port has put its trust in Ryder.

“We’re proud to partner with them as they start this exciting new venture, and look forward to offering our further support in the future."