The latest deal comprises nine 7.5-tonne DAF LFs and three 12-tonne LFs, all featuring Luton bodies. Each truck represents a like-for-like replacement for older assets previously supplied by Fraikin. They join a 28-strong commercial vehicle fleet delivering furniture through Scotland and North East England.
Craig Wilson, head of distribution at Sterling Furniture, says: “Contract hiring our trucks brings huge benefits to the business. We have consistent control of our costs, while Fraikin delivers a proactive approach to maintenance and servicing that works around our operational timetable, enabling us to maximise fleet uptime and efficiency.”
Built by Tekbo, the bodywork on all 12 trucks is specifically designed for transporting furniture, with webbing, straps and cushioning to protect the load. They have also been specified with a folding tailgate for easy walk-on, walk-off access when loading and unloading.
Prior to delivery into service, Fraikin had each truck equipped with Samsara’s latest Connected Operations Platform. This telematics suite will collect a wealth of data, including distance travelled, average speed, fuel efficiency, diagnostic fault codes and distracted driving indicators from each vehicle, which can be used to help the customer transform fleet efficiency, reduce vehicle downtime and prevent accidents.
Fraikin remains sole supplier of new commercial vehicles into Sterling Furniture’s operation, with the latest assets expected to be on the road up to six days a week. The 7.5-tonners are expected to clock-up between 25,000 and 30,000 miles a year, whereas the 12-tonners will travel closer to 50,000 miles each year. It has supplied trucks for the operation sincde the mid-1990s.
Sterling Furniture operates nine retail outlets in Scotland.