Two are replacement assets and two are additions to the Cambridgeshire-based operator’s fleet, acquired to help expand its waste and recycling business.
The order marks the first time that Williams has operated BMI trailers and the first time it has leased specialist equipment.
Malcolm Shovelton, general manager for Williams Transport, says: “We normally buy moving floor trailers so deciding to lease was a bit of a leap of faith, but the trailers are in our livery, so it feels no different to us owning them.”
The trailers feature side-to-side electric roll-over sheets, extra-wide rubbing plates to manage baled or palletised loads, and steel-capping around the top reel. The latter is a first for Williams and may be rolled out to other moving floor equipment in the future.
Shovelton adds: “The spec means these new BMI trailers are a little heavier than the other ones in our fleet, but sometimes it’s worth trading a bit of weight-saving for strength. Most of our loads are 14 tonnes to 15 tonnes, so we’re not as payload-sensitive as some other operators.
“We’ve dealt with Ryder on leased and rented rigid trucks and trailers for other parts of our operations... It made sense to choose Ryder: they can supply pretty much any vehicle. Uptime is important to us, so Ryder’s mobile maintenance arm will look after the BMI trailers.”