AG Parfett and Sons strikes truck fleet deal with Ryder

AG Parfett and Sons has chosen Ryder to support its expansion, contract hiring 26 DAF LF230 18t trucks.

The new trucks will operate from five of seven Parfetts depots: Somercotes, Aintree, Sheffield, Middlesbrough and Stockport. Parfetts has another two depots at Anfield and Halifax.

On average, the trucks will make between eight and nine drops a day to Parfetts’ customers, delivering a mixture of food, drink and tobacco.

Parfetts is enjoying an increase in volumes, partly thanks to its next day service and also because its locations are expanding their footprints, delivering to stores further away: for example, the Somercotes depot is delivering as far south as Birmingham, while the Aintree depot now has customers in north Wales.

The quality of vehicle maintenance was a key factor when Parfetts went out to tender, says Craig Johnson, supply chain manager at Parfetts.

"We looked at a number of suppliers and Ryder had the best maintenance package,” he said. “We know the DAF dealers, managed by Ryder, will give us a quality service - and that’s really important. And in our experience, DAF trucks are reliable.

"The swiftness with which we receive the preventative maintenance inspection reports from Ryder is notable."

The trucks are fitted with cameras giving 360-degree coverage which, considering deliveries are to local stores, sometimes on tight roads and in tight loading bays, Johnson says will provide the evidence to help the business with insurance claims and to protect its drivers.

Ryder key account director Phil Ashton said: "It’s great to be supporting an expanding business. Our focus on vehicle up-time was key in Parfetts’ decision to partner with us: we know how important it is not only to manage high quality maintenance, but also to keep our customers informed of scheduled maintenance and its outcomes in a timely fashion.

“With our Ryder-approved FleetCare service locations, we were able to support Parfetts’ needs, ensuring they can service their expanding customer base."

Ryder was established in 1971 and is a leading provider of commercial vehicle solutions that include contract hire and rental, mobile maintenance, dedicated delivery solutions, and approved used vehicle sales.