Christchurch-based Shears, owned by and previously a founder member of Pall-Ex (UK), recently took delivery of eight XF480 Space cabs, four LF230 18-tonners and two CF230 18-tonners. Shears has also just ordered some XF480 Super Space cabs for delivery later in the year. By the end of 2020, the Shears fleet will be almost entirely Ryder-supplied.
As well as being responsible for deliveries for Pall-Ex, Shears also runs a nationwide general haulage operation, which is split 60/40 between tramping and day work, hence the specification of both Space and Super Space cabs.
Some of the rigids have been supplied with full-closure cantilever tail-lifts to meet Pall-Ex’s health and safety requirements, while the remainder are fitted with tuck-under tail-lifts to facilitate rear door deliveries at RDCs.
All the trucks are fitted with the Microlise telematics system.
Colin Hawkins, Pall-Ex director of UK-owned operations, said: "Shears operates throughout the UK and needs a partner that can support us with national breakdown coverage so we’re secure in the knowledge that we’ve got 24/7 support across the country. Ryder takes the pressure off us and gives us peace of mind."
He also cited Ryder’s buying power with DAF as a key factor in its tender being price-competitive.