Tyneside Express Transport has replaced its five-year old DAF CFs with new DAF XFs from Ryder, strengthening a 14-year relationship.

The new 44t XF480s replace Euro-5 models, meaning 90% of the Tyneside Express fleet is now compliant with Euro-6 engine emissions standards.

Ryder’s area sales manager Alan Hill said: "We’ve had a great partnership with Tyneside Express for 14 years.

"Our understanding of the business’s needs and our ability to minimise downtime are important factors in the partnership, and we look forward to it continuing."

The company has also taken on some additional XFs to maintain service standards as volumes grow.

Tyneside Express’ managing director Darren Casey said: "We’re experiencing continued, steady growth, in part thanks to our membership of TPN (The Pallet Network).

"The DAF XF is a good vehicle, and as well as continuing our move to Euro-6. We prefer to source our Dafs from Ryder because we know we’ll get good service.

"The vehicles will work hard on both general haulage work and TPN runs, clocking up 160,000km a year, so it’s reassuring to know that Ryder is responsible for the maintenance; the work is carried out at weekends, minimising downtime in our operation."