Menzies Distribution will receive the trucks in batches throughout 2013 and 2014 as part of a five-year contract hire agreement with Ryder. Although some trucks will arrive after emission standard Euro 6 comes into force next January, all will be Euro5 compliant, due to a joint initiative between Ryder and Iveco to have the new vehicles registered by August 2013.
The company has a 240-strong LGV fleet along with a further 310 LCVs that assist in delivering more than five million newspapers and two million magazines every day, with some vehicles covering up to 75,000 miles annually.
As a result of detailed consultation with Ryder, the entire new fleet will be equipped with telematics systems from Microlise to help monitor fuel consumption, driver performance and delivery schedules.
An additional 16 vehicles, previously on long-term rental, are also being converted to four-year contract hire agreement. This equipment comprises three 44-tonne GVW tractor units and matching trailers; four 26-tonne and six 18-tonne trucks.
Ryder’s sales and marketing director Robin White commented: 'We are delighted that Menzies Distribution has chosen Ryder as its partner for fleet renewal for the first time. The new fleet mix is the result of highly detailed consultation to ensure that the most appropriate vehicle sizes were selected to achieve the most efficient payloads, which is a complex undertaking in the heavy newsprint sector.
‘Ryder will be working closely with Menzies Distribution to ensure that the Microlise telematics system is used to its full potential, helping to improve environmental performance and cut operational costs.
'Through our national network of 30 locations, we will be using the latest technology and the most innovative techniques to support the Menzies Distribution fleet in every way that we can.’