THE man from Del Monte has said 'yes' to new online contract hire firm Tuskerdirect as its leasing supplier. Tuskerdirect offers all aspects of fleet supply and maintenance through its website, providing vehicle selection to maintenance and disposal, with a 'Fleet Desk' facility allowing fleet managers to monitor costs and driver activity.

The first vehicles have already been delivered to the Del Monte 34-strong fleet. In the past three months, Tuskerdirect has signed up 35 corporate clients with an average fleet size of more than 50 vehicles, although it is keeping names under wraps.

Gill Tanner, human resources manager at Del Monte's Paddock Wood headquarters, said: 'Managing the car fleet was often a laborious and thankless task which took up a lot of time. But now, with Tuskerdirect, it is virtually all done for you online - all the information you need is at your fingertips. I give the drivers their budget and they get on with choosing the car they want, including any extras. I can then order the car at the click of a mouse. It is very easy and saves us time all round.'

Tim Grant, co-founder of Tuskerdirect, said: 'The vast majority of customers we have visited will use Tuskerdirect as one of their suppliers.' Colleague and co-founder Tom Stephenson is joint managing director with Grant and both previously worked for GE Capital Fleet Services.