Westbrook Commercials Ltd, based in Wiltshire, has added a 65-tonne Renault T520 High 6×2 tag to its low loader fleet with a further T520 High 6×2 midlift due in April.

The company’s existing fleet of eight low loaders are all plated between 60-80 tonnes and the newT520 High will be used primarily to move new excavators around the UK for construction machinery manufacturer, SANY.

Westbrook Commercials’ Director, David Johnson explains why word-of-mouth recommendations were key in selecting Renault Trucks and Sparks Commercial Services. “We had some Magnums back in 2012 so we were familiar with the brand and, we were hearing good reports from other local operators about the service at Sparks Commercials who are conveniently located just up the M4 from us in Swindon. We’re also hearing good things about the vehicles; we know people that have bought Renault Trucks recently and they are very happy with the performance.”

David continues: “The deal on the table and the overall customer service we received from the salesman, Roger Millett, was second-to-none. Roger took the time to listen to our requirements, was meticulous and changed things to ensure it was right for us. He has been brilliant; a proper salesman!”

The T520 High is fitted with the Optidriver AT 2612F gearbox reinforced for heavy duty use (XTREM) with automatic clutch and OPTIBRAKE+ with Voith Gearbox hydraulic retarder.

As the driver is away 4-5 nights each week the truck’s high sleeper cab includes optional extras including heated driver’s seat, microwave, television, air conditioning, multimedia touchscreen, air suspension and one-touch electric windows.

“Our trucks need to be reliable and capable of delivering our customer’s machines on time so, in turn, they can get to work on their customer’s tough construction projects. We are pleased with the new vehicle and delighted we made the switch to Renault Trucks,” concludes David

Norfolk-based Roger Warnes Transport and Prometeon Tyre Group have renewed their 13-year partnership for a further three years. The deal covers the entire fleet of of 108 trucks and 114 trailers – on a fixed pence per kilometre (PPK) contract.

Delivering the length and breadth of the UK, and with customers ranging from sugar beet and animal feed producers to glass manufacturers and local farmers, a large proportion of Roger Warnes’ last mile deliveries are off road; however, its fleet also clocks up plenty of road miles, so its tyres need to be robust, hard wearing and fuel efficient.

“Prometeon’s Pirelli-branded tyres are absolutely perfect for the nature of our bulk haulage operation,” comments Ian Barclay, Operations Director at Roger Warnes Transport. “They’re flexible and robust enough to take any extra pressure when our vehicles are going down rough tracks that might consist of uneven material such as flint or even seashells; and they are equally suitable for our regional deliveries that might involve a long run up the M62 from Norfolk and across to Leeds with a full load of sand.”

With annual mileage of 8.6 million kilometres across its entire fleet, having a cost-effective tyre contract is also vital for Roger Warnes Transport. Under the PPK deal, Prometeon both supplies tyres and provides tyre maintenance.

“We’ve always had a PPK deal with Prometeon, it suits the way we operate. Effectively, Prometeon own the tyre and we pay a monthly fee based upon our usage,” explains Barclay. “It takes away any nasty shocks because we know the upfront price that we’ll be paying, irrespective of whether there is damage or wear and tear.”

Asked why Roger Warnes Transport has remained loyal to Prometeon for the best part of 13 years, Barclay says aside from the products themselves being “wholly fit for purpose”, it’s largely down to the people. “I have never met such enthusiastic and passionate people when it comes to tyres. Nothing is too much trouble, and they always go above and beyond.”

Essentially though, he loves the painless service Prometeon provides. “I want pain free tyre management and Prometeon do that really well. They take all the hassle away – from the selection of the right tyres to the service provision – and in the event that something does go wrong, the service support provided via their network is second-to-none.”

Commenting on the contract renewal, Prometeon National Fleet Manager Wayne Bell, adds: “I’m delighted that Prometeon gets to continue supporting Roger Warnes Transport for all its tyre needs. The 13-year relationship between both parties has grown into a trusted partnership, and I personally enjoy working closely with Ian and his team to ensure a smooth, seamless tyre management experience for the entire fleet.”

Enfield Council has taken delivery of its first fully-electric, 26 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide, Low Entry Cab, rear steer refuse truck, the first of four units to service households of the London Borough of Enfield.

Powered by four lithium-ion batteries, its two AC synchronous electric machines provide power for the vehicle and recovering regenerative energy with permanent magnet technology delivering maximum power of 370 kW peak, continuous power of 260 kW and maximum torque of 850Nm.

The refuse trucks will be joined by a further five 3.5 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech Master 33kWh Cage Tippers for its parks operations. The new electric vehicles will cover between 50-100 miles per day: refuse collections clocking up around 50 miles per day and the street cleaning team covering around 30 miles. The new electric vehicles will be charged at The Civic Centre in Enfield Town or the Morson Road depot, all of which are fitted with dedicated charging points.

Explaining the decision to select the Renault Trucks E-Tech electric vehicles, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Rick Jewell, said: “Where possible, electric vehicles will be our first choice when it comes to fleet replacements. This will result in a fleet of clean and efficient vehicles. Moving to electric vehicles will ensure our carbon footprint is reduced and kept to a minimum.

“Enfield Council has been working in partnership with Renault Trucks UK for more than a year on the development of the electric refuse truck. Prototypes went through extensive testing and road trials right here in Enfield. We were extremely happy with how the vehicles performed in our waste collection operations, demonstrating high performance and reliability, even along our longer routes, and very good battery life. This performance is critical for a large, busy, London borough.”

The E-Techs will be maintained by Renault Trucks dealer Norfolk Truck & Van, Enfield on a full R&M contract.

Mitchells of Mansfield, the overnight pallet distributor based in Nottinghamshire, has received the UK’s first 18-tonne Renault E Tech electric curtain-sided truck from RH Commercial Vehicles.

Mitchells of Mansfield is a family-run business that started in 1968. In 1995, it became a founding member of Palletways and has also worked with The Pallet Network, Palletline, and The Hazchem Network.

Over the past year, the company has been taking steps toward reducing and offsetting its carbon emissions. New goals have been set to achieve this by 2023, they aim to offset 25% of their carbon, 50% by 2024 and 100% of their carbon by 2026. The addition of the Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide will significantly help these aims.

Richard Montgomery, Managing Director, commented, “Progression and positive change is a cornerstone of the business. We are doing just that by investing in the latest equipment like the Renault Trucks E-Tech vehicle.”

Zero tailpipe emissions of the Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide  qualify it to operate in cities enforcing low-emission zones. It is fitted with four 66kW battery packs and the truck is compatible with overnight AC charging as well as fast DC charging.

Simon Bailey, Sales Executive for RHCV, commented. “The truck will be incredibly reliable to Mitchells of Mansfield; it can keep up with the business demands whilst having the capacity to complete a full day’s work on a single charge and emitting zero tailpipe emissions. This also means that it can operate in low-emission zones such as London.

“With it being a curtain-sided vehicle fitted with a tail lift too, means the business can continue to operate quickly and efficiently with speedy load and unload benefits and simplified partial deliveries as they did before on the equivalent diesel-fuelled vehicles.”

To ensure safety as well as sustainability, the vehicle has been fitted with the full halo system from SM UK. This includes front, rear and side cameras which provide the driver with a bird’s eye view of what is happening around them.

Combined with cameras, sensors and audible warning systems, the chances of a collision occurring are drastically reduced, making the roads safer for drivers and vulnerable road users.

Renault Trucks maintain its goal for all its vehicle sales to be completely fossil free.

Youngs Transportation and Logistics Ltd has added the first two Renault Trucks artics to its 150+ strong fleet. The 13 litre T520 High 6×2 pushers, supplied by Renault Truck Commercials, are also the first vehicles to carry the company’s new branding.

The T520 Highs follow the purchase of a 26 tonne D Range added to the mixed fleet at the end of last year. Three further T480 Highs and two 26 tonne T480 rigids are also on order.

Youngs Transportation and Logistics has recently rebranded to reflect its expansion including the acquisition of new depots located in Warrington and Felixstowe.

Andre Jenkins, South East Fleet Manager at Youngs Transportation & Logistics, said: “Introducing the new branding to the fleet was an important step in communicating the company’s new look and feel.Along with the expansion and rebrand, things are changing in the fleet too and the Renault trucks are replacements for a competitor model that we’ve used for years.”

“Not only was the overall deal more competitive, the Renault trucks, in my opinion look smarter and have a greater presence. We’ve added side skirts and stainless-steel wing mirrors to match the alloy wheels which look great against the striking black truck. The T Highs look impressive and are the perfect flagship vehicles to showcase in our new branding.”

The new T520 Highs will be working on general haulage and container haulage out of the company’s Head Office in Essex and Southampton. With drivers out four to five nights each week the vehicles chosen feature high sleeper cabs and were specified with additional on-board comfort including lockers, 40litre fridge, microwave, multimedia touchscreen, heated and ventilated driver’s seat and insulated cab curtains.

Family-run G.S. Davies & Son ensures maximum comfort for its drivers when making additions to its fleet.

As a result, it has specified Volvo’s Drive++ package on the company’s latest recruit: an FH Globetrotter 6×2.

The Drive++ package enhances the in-cab working environment, therefore making drivers feel more at home. 

Adrian Davies, director at G. S. Davies & Son, said he appreciates how hard truck drivers work. 

In addition, he recognises they are in demand, so wants his staff to get the best kit possible. 

“That’s why we’ve gone the extra mile in fitting our latest truck with a comfortable specification,” he expained. 

“We hope that this approach will not only make our drivers’ lives easier but also potentially attract new talent, should we ever need to.” 

As part of the manufacturer’s Drive++ package, the FH is fitted with a number of creature comforts. 

For example, drivers can enjoy leather upholstery, dual armrests on both seats and an adjustable steering wheel. 

Meanwhile, the big cab’s maximum comfort claim is helped with an under-bunk mounted 33-litre fridge. 

Finally, the FH comes with Volvo’s Media package with navigation, which includes a high-performance 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster.

The firm’s new FH is powered by Volvo’s D13K Step E engine, producing 500hp and 2,500Nm of torque. 

This engine is paired with Volvo’s proven automated 12-speed I-Shift transmission for smoother and faster gear changes. 

Safety-wise, there’s collision warning technology, advanced emergency braking and lane departure warning systems.

Expected to cover 100,000km a year, the company’s new FH joins four other Volvo tractor units on the fleet.

It will operate five days a week, working across the north west of England and further afield.

Concluding, Davies said: “Our other Volvos boasted very strong reliability records; we’ve no doubt that our latest addition will perform just as well.”