Jamie Gray, business development manager at Premier Carriers, explains that the new 26-tonner was originally a waste handling vehicle, but was adapted in just eight weeks by S&B Commercials.
That involved reinforcing the Econic’s load-bed to take the new body, as well as remapping the engine management system, gearbox and air suspension, and inspecting the chassis electronics.
S&B also shot-blasted and repainted the chassis and road wheels, and refurbished and painted the cab – also fitting external safety cameras.
“Once we had seen [the truck] and realised how well it fitted into our London-compliant fleet, we just went for it straight away,” says Gray.
“We are confident that all of our fleet and drivers can now deliver to any site by meeting, or in the case of the Econic, surpassing the current compliance and regulations standards,” he continues.
“This Econic adds another dimension and we’ve already had some very favourable comments from our customers and, just as important, our drivers. We’ll definitely consider more.”
Gray describes his new Econic as “the perfect town truck”, commending not only the high visibility crew cab, but also the “terrific turning circle” resulting from its rear-steer.
“What it does best of all though, is allow our drivers to worry less about the truck itself and be far more aware of the other road users around them.”
Within days of delivery, the Econic started work delivering blockwork for use in the construction of two new ticket halls at Crossrail’s Farringdon Station.
Premier Carriers is currently awaiting Gold membership accreditation with FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), is a recognised CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety) champion company, and has all its drivers trained to Crossrail, SUDS and Safer London compliance standards.
“It has been a fantastic journey for us,” adds Gray, “and a real partnership with our customer Crossrail and their suppliers.”
He concedes that acquiring the company’s first Econic-based flat-bed has been expensive, but says it is helping the business to grow and “achieving something solid for the safety and well-being of London’s pedestrians, cyclists and other road users”.