Gregory Distribution, one of the UK’s largest and best known independent transport operators, has declared Scania its preferred supplier following extensive and detailed comparative fuel trials involving vehicles from four truck manufacturers.
As a consequence, 300 Scania trucks are now set to be delivered to the North Tawton, Devon-based operator over the coming three years. Equating to the replacement of two-thirds of the company’s fleet, the bulk of these vehicles will be delivered during 2012/13.
The order comprises a broad mix of models, reflecting Gregory Distribution’s involvement across a number of industry sectors. For its general haulage operations, two key tractor unit types – the R 420 LA6x2MNA tag axle and the R 420 LA6x2/2 pusher axle, both with Scania Highline cab – have been chosen.
For milk collection, the firm has specified highly manoeuvrable P 420 LB8x2*6HNA rear-steer rigids. Gregory Distribution is also active in the environmental sector and here R 420 CA6x4MHZ double-drive tractors will haul the company’s fleet of ejector and walking floor trailers. Completing the line-up are a number of day-cabbed P 420 LA 6x2MNA tractors and P 280 DB6x2MNA rigids with curtainsider bodies, both of which will be used on distribution operations.
The vehicles will be stationed around Gregory Distribution’s 17 UK operating bases. Scania’s two year full repair and maintenance support programme has been taken for all vehicles based away from the company’s main operating centre in Cullompton, Devon. As part of the arrangement, Scania has also been awarded a contract to maintain outbased trailers.
“We are delighted to be re-fleeting with Scania,” comments John Gregory, Chief Executive of Gregory Distribution. “While we already have plenty of experience operating the marque, before embarking upon such a major order we considered it necessary to undertake trials to determine the performance of the company’s current product range on our operations today. The results were extremely encouraging and this, backed with factors such as driver appeal and the extensive range of maintenance services offered by Scania around the country, were instrumental in securing this deal.”
