Wolseley UK has appointed Fleet Logistics to manage its UK van fleet following the successful management of its 2,150-strong car fleet.

Wolseley UK outsourced the management of its car fleet to Fleet Logistics two years ago to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.

And having achieved savings of 10%-plus in total operating costs across the whole fleet in that time, Julie Farey - indirect procurement manager for fleet at Wolseley - decided to award Fleet Logistics the contract to manage its 636-strong van fleet, too.

The new arrangement replaces a single supply agreement with Wolseley’s previous leasing supplier.

Services provided by Fleet Logistics will include vendor management, validation and processing of all supplier invoices, consolidated TCO reporting and a single point of contact helpline for Wolseley drivers.

In addition, all new vans will be competitively tendered when they come up for renewal through Fleet Logistics’ acclaimed multi-bidding solution, which uses a panel of approved contract hire and leasing suppliers to achieve the most price effective contract hire rates.

A similar approach on the Wolseley car fleet has saved 7% per month in acquisition costs.

Currently, Wolseley operates a mix of Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to distribute heating and plumbing supplies around the country, a number of which have been customised with the addition of tail lifts, dropsides and Luton box vans.

Wolseley first approached Fleet Logistics after an internal operational review identified the need to reduce the overall running costs of the fleet, especially sourcing costs which had risen in recent years under the existing single supply arrangement.

Farey said: “I am very pleased to be able to appoint Fleet Logistics to manage our UK van fleet, bearing in mind the outstanding job they have done in managing the UK car fleet. Their emphasis will be on increasing efficiencies and reducing costs, especially sourcing costs, across the fleet.”

Martin Hill, operations director for Fleet Logistics UK, said: “Naturally, we are delighted to be appointed by Wolseley UK to manage the national van fleet as well as the car fleet.

"On the client’s behalf, we will be looking to achieve major cost savings and process efficiency, improve transparency and maximise our expertise to innovate.

“We will provide a fully outsourced solution for Wolseley UK which is not just operational, but will also provide strategic support and expertise to further increase their return on investment.”