Fleet deals: Latest from Rushlift, Movianto, NX Group, PAS NW, Whistl, James Kemball, TG Telecoms, Express Cabs & Couriers and Ross-Shire Engineering

Rushlift adds 55 Volkswagen Crafter vans to its UK fleet

Rushlift has taken delivery of 55 new Volkswagen Crafter vans to support its field service engineers.

All 55 of the new vehicles have been converted at the rear with bespoke racking, 350 Watt invertor and a workbench

The Crafter is the largest model in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ lineup, with up to 18.4m3 of load space and 2.4-tonne maximum payload. It has a load height of up to 2,196mm.

Recently upgraded with new driver assist systems, the dashboard has also been redesigned and features a new 10.4-inch, an integrated eSIM, and mobile online services as part of We Connect.

Alina Sirghi, fleet controller at Rushlift, said: “We’re proud to invest in the first phase of our service vehicle replacement programme, with 55 new Volkswagen vans now on the road for our field service engineers.

“This marks an important step in supporting our growing customer base across the UK.”

Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, added: “That Rushlift selected the Volkswagen Crafter to grow their fleet is a testament to our commitment to providing the best work tools for our trade customers.

“The Crafter’s comfort, upgraded dashboard and driver assist systems make it a reliable, safe and versatile vehicle for Rushlift’s drivers.”

100 new trucks and vans join Movianto’s dual-temp fleet

European healthcare logistics specialist, Movianto UK, has deployed 100 new trucks and vans to boost fuel efficiency by 20%.

The investment in new vehicles, all designed for transporting healthcare products in two temperature ranges, is part of the company’s continuous improvement programme, says David Evans, MD of Movianto UK.

He added: “The 100 percent all-around visibility in the new trucks mean they are DVS 4-star rated, giving our new vehicles unrestricted entry into London.”

The 80-plus Mercedes-Benz vans and 19 new trucks are equipped for transport with active temperature control in two possible temperature ranges.

“Mostly we are using dual temperature equipment for a combination of 2 to 8 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius,” said Evans. “But for certain products, we also use the trucks for frozen transport at minus 20 degrees.”

The new vans are all equipped with an innovative air curtain system. “An air curtain is a fan-powered device that creates an invisible air barrier over the door to separate efficiently two different environments.

Evans explained: “The new air curtain technology in our vans improves temperature control and reduces fridge usage, cutting energy consumption and making drivers' jobs easier and safer, because additional plastic curtains behind the doors are no longer necessary.”

The 19 new 18-tonne trucks from Daf and Mercedes-Benz are equipped with foldaway tail lifts and safety guards to improve loading and unloading safety.

Asset Alliance Group strikes fleet deal with NX Group

NX Group has marked its 13th year of partnership with Asset Alliance Group with the delivery of 12 new DAF XG 530 trucks.

The latest fleet renewals were pressed into immediate service last year and have now been dressed in the company’s livery.

Neil Powell, managing director at NX Group, said: “Our first interaction with Asset Alliance Group was when they provided six vehicles in 2012, and they have since supplied a large part of our fleet.”

The 12 new units are primarily based at NX Group’s Crick depot, near the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, where its warehousing operation and transport team are based.

The DAFs have been supplied on two-year contract hire deals with repair and maintenance packages.

Powell said: “We do tend to prefer short lease deals. They suit the business and allow us to ensure that our fleet is kept up-to-date with new vehicles.

“It also minimises costly additional maintenance or excess mileage charges.”

The deal was facilitated by Stuart Sadler, business development manager for the Midlands and the South East.

He said: “It’s been a pleasure to play our part in supporting the growth of NX Group over the years and we look forward to a continuing, fruitful collaboration.”

NX Group has a fleet of more than 30 commercial vehicles, consisting of a mixture of box-sided trucks from 18-tonnes up to 44-tonne tractor unit and trailer combinations.

PAS NW strengthens fleet with PSD Vehicle Rental

PSD Vehicle Rental has struck a deal with PAS NW to provide more than 60 vehicles, ranging from small to medium-sized vans.

Specialising in civil engineering services such as groundworks, roads and sewers, external works, foundations, bulk excavations, deep drainage, highways, and major infrastructure, PAS is involved in the delivery of residential developments and construction projects.

The new vehicles, supplied through PSD Vehicle Rental’s Fix2GO hire product, will enable PAS to access a fleet that is tailored to their specific operational needs.

The Fix2GO package offers PAS a complete maintenance solution which includes routine servicing, breakdown assistance, replacement vehicles when needed.

“Our partnership with PAS represents an important step in supporting the civil engineering sector with dependable fleet solutions,” said Kane Bowden, operations director at PSD Vehicle Rental.

“We are thrilled to provide PAS with over 60 vehicles through our Fix2Go hire product, ensuring their teams have the reliable transport they need to deliver complex and essential projects on time, without the concern of unexpected costs or service interruptions.”

Executive director and PAS business owner, Paul Sumner, added: “All indirect PAS colleagues are equipped with transport to allow them to get to site and we’re investing in them by providing them with the right vehicle that’s the right spec and delivered on brand to showcase our company whilst on the road.”

Whistl £6m new tractor fleet deal

Whistl has announced it is to renew part of its tractor fleet with 60 new Renault T-Range units in a deal worth over £6 million.

The new units, which are both Euro VI and DVS Direct Vision Standard compliant, will enter the existing fleet from June and be based at the Bolton, Bristol and Bedford sites.

Whistl has a long-standing relationship with Renault and most recently introduced 126 Renault T-Range Tractor Units into its transport fleet in 2022.

The introduction of the new trucks will also help Whistl reduce fuel consumption and help towards its programme of operating a more environmentally sustainable fleet.

In the past year, the company completed the installation of a new transport management system, which has contributed to improved fleet performance as well as reducing costs and making optimum use of the routes used for collection and delivery of mail and parcels.

During 2024, Whistl removed several trunking routes across the network, eliminating over 206,000 miles in unnecessary mileage.

Nick Wells, executive chairman at Whistl, said: “Our transport fleet is the backbone to our UK operations and our investment ensures that we are operating our fleet as efficiently as possible which benefits both our customers and the environment. 

“By ustilising the latest technology and investing in continuous driver training we are also making the driving experience much more comfortable for our drivers.”

James Kemball adds 16 Renault Trucks to UK container fleet

Container transport specialist James Kemball has taken delivery of 16 new Renault Trucks T480 6x2 tractor units, further strengthening its 500-strong national container logistics fleet.

Operating from James Kemball’s Felixstowe base, the new vehicles will support UK-wide container distribution.

Supplied by David Beecroft, transport solutions executive, and handed over by Andy Wright, fleet solutions manager at Renault Truck Commercials, the latest additions follow successful prior experience with Renault Trucks in the operation.

All vehicles are powered by Renault Trucks’ DE13 engine with Turbo Compound technology, designed to optimise fuel efficiency and performance.

Turbo Compound, says Renault Trucks, provides increased torque, delivering improved engine responsiveness, an advantage for long distance work where consistent pulling power and fuel economy are critical.

Stephen Baalham, operations director at James Kemball, said: “This investment forms part of our continued focus on efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

“We selected the T480s with Turbo Compound for their fuel economy, the overall vehicle specification, combined with an attractive deal from Renault Truck Commercials.”

Equipment includes four-point cab air suspension, heated and ventilated driver’s seat, air conditioning, memory foam mattress topper, fridge, microwave, and upgraded interior features to support comfort.

Adjustable roof and side deflectors have been fitted to improve aerodynamic performance.

The T480s are also equipped with a suite of driving assistance safety systems, including Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Renault Trucks’ Optifleet fleet management system has been installed across all vehicles as part of the deal.

The trucks have been supplied on a repair and maintenance contract for maximum uptime, with vehicle maintenance provided by Renault Truck Commercials, Felixstowe.

Vanaways supports TG Telecoms during growth phase

A rapidly-growing telecoms installation company has bought 10 new vans for its engineers, in a fleet which is expected to grow to 50 by the end of the year.

Formed at the start of 2024, based in Formby in Merseyside, TG Telecoms is forecasting to increase its turnover to over £10 million in 2025.

Working with telecoms and utility providers, the company surveys, manages and installs telecoms services for the UK’s private internet access (PIA) network, mainly for residential customers but also for businesses.

Part of the Tower Grange Group of businesses, it was set up under the ownership of Stephen Sullivan and Steve Peck.

Supported by commercial director James Harman, strategy and development director Gavin Collier and a team of senior staff across the business, the company has ambitious plans for growth.

Bristol-based vehicles broker Vanaways will provide all of the batches of Ford Transit Custom vans needed over coming months.

“The residential installs side of our business is growing rapidly,” said Collier, “and we’re planning massive recruitment drive to have 50 engineers working for us by November.

“Each of them will need a van to carry fibre, cobra rods, splicing machines and all the other tools and materials they’ll need to do their work.

“As such its vital for us to have a reliable vehicles supplier who is focused on providing the best possible solution for us, quickly and flexibly.”

He added: “We’ve decided to purchase rather than lease the vehicles so that we have an asset in the business rather than a liability, and we know that with Vanaways we’ll be supplied them at the best possible fit for our requirements.”

Liam Nicholas, business development director at Vanaways, added: “We’re delighted to supply their engineers across the UK with the vehicles they need and we’ll support as TG continues to grow, as well on its aims to diversify into other sectors.”

The finance for TG’s purchase was brokered by Simply Asset Finance, whose area sales manager Adam Cooper said: “Our bespoke finance package, fitting the customer’s requirements with the vehicle delivery schedule, demonstrates the great partnership Simply Asset Finance and Vanaways have in supporting British SMEs.”

Express Cabs & Couriers selects Trakm8 for video telematics

Trakm8 has announced Express Cabs and Couriers as a new customer, following the company’s decision to adopt Trakm8’s advanced video telematics solutions ahead of their insurance renewal.

With a fleet of more than 300 vehicles including taxis, minibuses, coaches, and executive cars, the company has equipped 183 vehicles with Trakm8’s RH600 4G Integrated Telematics Dash Cam Under through a five-year agreement.

The company has also selected Trakm8’s Insight Essentials platform tier, providing real-time vehicle tracking and driver behaviour insights designed to improve operational efficiency and safety.

A key factor in Express Cabs & Couriers’ decision to switch providers was the upcoming renewal of their fleet insurance, with video telematics seen as a strategic step towards reducing premiums, increasing visibility across their operations, and enhancing driver performance.

Jason Brown, operations manager at Express Cabs and Couriers, said: “Trakm8’s RH600 fleet dash cam and Insight Essentials platform give us a complete view of how our vehicles and drivers are performing on the road.

“This technology will help us manage our fleet more effectively, improve driver behaviour, and crucially, support our efforts to lower insurance costs. We’re confident this investment will deliver significant long-term value for our business.”

Joe Heidari, sales director at Trakm8, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Express Cabs and Couriers Ltd as a new Trakm8 customer. Their commitment to embracing integrated telematics and video technology demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fleet management.

“We look forward to supporting them in driving efficiencies and delivering a safer, smarter fleet.”

RSE chooses SureCam dashcam solution

RSE (Ross-Shire Engineering) has adopted a dashcam solution from SureCam to help better manage and mitigate fleet risk.

The devices have initially been installed on 42 recently-acquired vans that are part of the company’s 340-strong mobile workshop fleet with the aim of reducing collisions and safeguarding engineers.

“We are committed to protecting our employees, other road users and the communities we operate in, so we needed a greater understanding of driving styles and the hazards faced by our mobile engineering team,” explained Kenny Nicolson, fleet and plant manager at RSE.

“The dashcam provides an added layer of insight, with visual proof of exactly what has happened, which will support our efforts to eliminate fleet risk and operate responsibly.”

The mobile workshop vans operate across RSE’s nationwide network of regional hubs, servicing the water industry at customer sites and installations.

The dashcam solution will complement existing fleet telematics software and be used by team managers to address any issues and engage with drivers to target safety improvements.

RSE will also use historical footage to investigate third-party insurance claims and incoming complaints from members of the public to determine if a driver was at fault and quickly resolve the situation.

The first vans to be fitted with the forward-facing dashcam are part of RSE’s ongoing vehicle replacement programme with rental partner Europcar.

The company plans to roll-out the video telematics system as new vehicles are added to the fleet and the technology demonstrates road safety and insurance improvements.

Sam Footer, partnership director at SureCam, said: “By working with our customers and industry partners we are helping to combat fleet risk and provide measurable safety, insurance and performance benefits.”

Keith Shorter, director of Europcar Vans and Trucks, added: “Our customers increasingly rely on us to deliver vehicle rental solutions that encompass additional technology add-ons that support safe, responsible and efficient fleet operations.

“Our longstanding relationship with SureCam is supporting this approach and helping us to meet evolving client requirements.”