Michelin land haulage fleet contract
Kent-based GSE Haulage have fitted a combination of Michelin XZE 2+ and XDY 3 tyres across their fleet of 20 Scania tippers
Kent-based GSE Haulage have fitted a combination of Michelin XZE 2+ and XDY 3 tyres across their fleet of 20 Scania tippers on a ‘pence per kilometre’ (PPK) contract. The company said it opted for the tyres because of their increased mileage potential and resistance to damage, as the vehicles will be operating on and off-road in the rugged environments of construction and quarry sites.
The XZE 2+ is an all-wheel position radial truck tyre designed with an extra-wide, extra-deep tread to deliver more mileage potential, combined with durability and scrub resistance. The XDY 3 tyre has an aggressive directional tread pattern to increase traction on difficult surfaces.
Highlighting the importance of his tyre policy, Ricky Hemmings, manager director of GSE Haulage, explained: ‘One of the lessons we have learned with tyres is that price isn’t everything and by adopting a fleet-wide Michelin policy we have been able to radically reduce vehicle downtime.
‘The biggest issue for hauliers such as ourselves is productivity. This means getting the best return from vehicles, especially in the current economic climate by maximizing fuel savings, cutting downtime and reducing overall running costs. Our business is growing rapidly and Michelin are helping us do this, which, when linked to other aspects of vehicle management, has seen our productivity increase by 15%.
The PPK contract allows GSE Haulage to own their Michelin tyres without the up-front cost of outright purchase. With vehicles operating across the south of England, the contract is serviced by independent Michelin dealers Commercial Tyres, who provide weekly fleet inspections and a rapid response service.
As well as delivering environmental and financial savings through their tyre policy, GSE Haulage are also trialling hydrogen technology developed in conjunction with the University of Kent. The technology on trial is said to offer a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and a fuel saving of up to 10%.
Mr Hemmings concluded: ‘Through the introduction of Michelin tyres and green hydrogen technology, it gives us the edge in a competitive market when talking to prospective customers, who are mindful of their carbon footprint. We see practical implementation of a clean energy policy as the way forward because it offers us a number of significant environmental and financial benefits.’
