New tyre-supply deal brings big benefits

Strong start for Lime Logistics and TD Express in first nine months with Continental Tyres

NINE months after signing a three-year tyre-supply deal with Continental Tyres, Lime Logistics and TD Express are enjoying all the benefits that the premium tyre and technology provider can bring.

Moreover, by working with their dedicated Continental account manager to agree on a combined policy of new and retreaded rubber, neither company has seen tyre-management costs increase over their outgoing low-to-mid-range policy.

Part of the Borough Green Sand Pits (BGSP) group of companies, Lime Logistics were established in 1999 by the current owner, Roger Body. The business specializes in the distribution and transportation of bulk materials and waste products across the building and construction industries.

In 2019, Lime Logistics entered a partnership with sister company TD Express, who provide grab hire services within the construction haulage sector. The growing Lime Logistics and TD Express fleet currently consists of 31 rigid 8x4 or 6x4 vehicles, as well as 12 tractor and trailer pairs.

‘Our desire was for a premium service without any significant cost increases,’ explained group transport manager Dave Dixon. ‘We were keen to work alongside Continental to minimize downtime and maximize longevity, as well as enjoy the environmental benefits of complementing new tyres with retreaded rubber. I certainly think that’s what we’ve achieved.

‘We’ve been in a fortunate position to be very busy throughout the pandemic, but that poses a potential risk when you make the transition from one supplier to another. I’m more than satisfied with the way Continental have handled the contract so far. They’ve been especially proactive in finding solutions to any issues that have arisen, and the service has been great.’

Though a new customer to the Conti360° Fleet Solutions team, Mr Dixon has previous experience with the Continental Tyres brand. In 2018, Continental invited him to Spain for the launch of the CrossTrac tyre – a model that now forms part of Lime Logistics and TD Express’ current tyre policy.

The duo’s fleet currently sports a combination of Continental, Bandvulc and ContiRe tyres, with the rigid’s steer and trailer’s third axle wearing new Continental CrossTrac rubber. On the first and second trailer axles, ContiRe CrossTrac tyres are utilized, while the rigid drive axle makes use of the Bandvulc Big D. Each tractor unit is fitted with tyres from the Continental Hybrid range.

While the service provision is managed under contract to Watling Tyres, for Mr Dixon, one of the major benefits of picking Continental as his rubber supplier was the personal service and the availability of a local account manager.

Working with Barry Keane, key account manager at Continental Tyres, both parties have collaborated to make policy tweaks based on real-world conditions to minimize vehicle downtime in the future.

‘Really, we have little reason to liaise with the Continental team frequently because there are rarely any issues with our tyres,’ said Mr Dixon. ‘We’re continuing to expand our business across south-east England, and it’s great to know that we have a tyre supplier on board that we can rely and depend on to support us as we do so.’