The six-year, full-service contract was awarded after a 10-way tender; Fraikin won the deal with its “total package”, including replacement vehicles.
Fraikin will supply 38 DAF LF rigids (32 18-tonners and six 7.5-tonners), along with three DAF CF tractors. The rigids are being fitted with Bevan bodies, along with features such as load restraint systems and an internal camera system to monitor driver behaviour.
All are replacements for older vehicles within the 106-strong fleet.
Tim Hylton, logistics director at Macfarlane Packaging, says: “Fraikin showed a genuine desire to work with us from the very start... They secured the tender with a deal that increases our fleet efficiency and compliance, while minimising any vehicle downtime and improving our driver training. It really is the total package.”
The vehicles will deliver protective packaging to Macfarlane’s customers across the UK, clocking up 60,000km a year.
Maintenance and servicing will be performed out of hours to avoid disruption, with replacement vehicles provided if needed.
Hylton adds: “Fraikin has taken care of absolutely everything. Having access to a replacement vehicle means we can continue to meet customer demand and still hit our delivery targets, even if we have a vehicle in the workshop. Innovations like this bring real benefits – previously, we could lose several hours a day every time we had a breakdown.”
Fraikin will also provide Driver CPC training to Macfarlane’s drivers.