The deliveries mark a shift in fleet strategy for the Leicester-based business, taking on the versatile chassis cab models which provide the exact load capacity needed on the company’s delivery routes.
Supplied by Sherwood Truck & Van, the new vehicles join a 28-strong fleet and will be used to deliver some of the 60 million pies baked by Pukka Pies every year.
“The new light commercials will be replacing a pair of larger 7.5 tonne vehicles," explained Andrew Storer, joint owner of Pukka Pies. "Before we acquired the New Daily chassis cabs we only had these and the 3.5 tonne models available for the multi-drop delivery routes. The 5.2 tonners give us the best of both worlds."
When considering replacements, Pukka Pies needed vehicles which were nimble enough to handle urban deliveries, yet had the versatility to operate efficiently on longer motorway runs.
"Our company is always looking for new ways to improve the efficiency of our supply chain; the New Daily light commercials fit perfectly into our fleet,” Storer continued.
From their Leicestershire base, the Iveco vehicles will be making up to 40 drops a day to businesses throughout the Midlands, travelling more than 40,000 miles a year.
Pukka Pies has specified the light commercials with rear air suspension, a Solomon refrigerated body, Carrier Transicold Pulsor refrigeration unit and a Unitainer storage and racking system. This allows the company’s drivers to load and unload the New Daily fridge boxes with ease, whilst ensuring the pies arrive at their delivery location in perfect condition.
The New Daily light commercials are fitted with a 3.0 litre engine which delivers 170 hp between 3,000 and 3,500 rev/min and 400 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,600 rev/min.
The Euro 6 Eurocargo (ML180E25/P) rigid also replaces a vehicle in the Pukka Pies’ fleet. The Eurocargo undertakes deliveries to the company’s regional distributors, operating across the UK.