Supplied by Scania (Great Britain) Limited's Lincoln branch, four of the vehicles are 44-tonne gross train weight next generation Scania R 450 A6x2/2NA mid-lift tractor units and four are 26-tonne gross vehicle weight G 280 DB6x2HNA curtainsider rigids with Scania Highline cabs. All eight trucks have been supplied on a five-year Scania contract hire agreement including all servicing, repair and maintenance, which will be carried out by Scania Lincoln.
Commenting on the acquisition, Rase Distribution Managing Director Geoff Hill says, “There were several key factors behind our decision to once again opt for Scania. Prior operating experience played a major part, as did the expectation of enhanced fuel efficiency with the next generation models on long haul operations. We already have four Scania G-series rigids on our fleet and these perform exceptionally well and are extremely popular with our drivers. On the subject of driver acceptance, our team is delighted with the next generation tractor units – they are constantly approached by fellow drivers whenever they pull over and are certainly enjoying the attention!”
As a nationwide operation, the Rase Distribution tractor units will cover an average of 120,000 kilometres a year while the rigids are expected to cover between 100,000 and 110,000 kilometres per annum. The tractor units haul curtainsider trailers, predominately Lawrence David bodies on SDC chassis, and the rigids are equipped with Lawrence David curtainsider bodies and Dhollandia tail lifts.
Founded in 1967, Rase Distribution’s services are focused in the agricultural sector. The company, which is also a member of the Hazchem Network and Palletways, has recently won two major new logistics contracts within the sector and its new vehicles will help handle the increased levels of business by providing enhanced customer service and additional payload capacity.