Companies needing a glass-carrying vehicle at short notice will welcome the launch of a new rental operation by a manufacturer of purpose-designed bodies and racking systems.

The service from Merseyside-based Supertrucks is aimed at those needing an extra truck or van to help them cope with increased customer demand, or to replace a vehicle which is off the road as a result of accident damage or mechanical failure.

Supertrucks manager Dave Hill explained: “Anyone whose business entails transporting big pieces of glass know well that when an urgent requirement for additional transport arises, the local van hire outlet is not an option because their vehicles are not fit for purpose.

“Glass is a fragile product so what’s needed is a specialised vehicle, built to do the job. And that’s where we come in.”

Initially, Supertrucks Rental is offering converted 3.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for short- or long-term hire.

Fitted with anodised external racks capable of carrying sheets of glass up to 3215mm x 2540mm in size, they also have roof racks with drop-down ladders at the rear.

Inside, meanwhile, are two more racks, one running the full length of the body, the other shorter to allow for the side door. 

“There’s definitely a demand for this new service,” continued Hill. “It’s been welcomed by several customers and we’ve already taken bookings for rental vehicles.

“Looking ahead, if Supertrucks Rental takes off as we’re confident it will, we also intend to offer rigid trucks for hire.”

Supertrucks was acquired earlier this year by the fast-growing Bevan Group.

Since then the factory at St Helens has been working flat out, with new staff recruited and overtime and weekend shifts introduced.

Bevan Group managing director Anthony Bevan said: “The Supertrucks team has practically doubled in size since our acquisition and the business is now firing on all cylinders.

“We see the launch of Supertrucks Rental as another opportunity to improve our level of service to glass-carrying customers.”