North west warehouse and logistics business HMT Group has seen major operational benefits after deploying an Isuzu Grafter 3.5-tonne truck on its fleet.
It’s the first Isuzu truck to be deployed by the business and was initially acquired as a driver training vehicle to encourage non-HGV drivers to make the step up to Class 1 and 2 driving levels within the overall HMT organisation.
However, it’s also now being used within the company’s Palletline pallet network to work on local urban delivery schedules, making between three and four delivery journeys per day within West Lancashire.
Mark Gallagher, general manager UK & Ireland, HMT Group, explained: “Like most pallet networks, we are currently experiencing a growing number of pallet deliveries to residential and domestic properties, and this is where the Isuzu Grafter really does come into its own. It can get to places that other trucks simply cannot deliver to.”
He added: “Quite simply, buying the Grafter is one of the best things we have done recently. It really does tick all the boxes for driver training with its heavy truck-like cab position, not forgetting its capacity for intense delivery work. And literally anyone in our business can drive it, even myself and some fellow directors have taken our turn behind the wheel to appreciate at first-hand the practical driving experience.”
Supplied by local Isuzu Truck dealer JDS Trucks in Salford, the Isuzu Grafter N35.125 curtainsided rigid will operate from the company’s Preston head office for a minimum of a three- to four-year period after which it will then go to work at one of the company’s other depots.
“I cannot say anything but positive things about the arrival of the Grafter in our fleet as it has already proved itself to be both cost-effective and flexible, whilst performing at the highest level,” added Gallagher, who also praised the professionalism of Isuzu dealer JDS Trucks.
Stuart Beeton, head of sales, product & marketing, Isuzu Truck (UK), said the Grafter 3.5-tonne Truck range was really helping to counter the current driver shortage situation that faces the transport and distribution industry today.
“Its flexibility and drivability make it the perfect vehicle not just for driver training but also for daily operational purposes, which is why so many companies are now specifying the Grafter for this application.”
