RENAULT TRUCKS PERKS UP PERKINS DISTRIBUTION

Coinciding with its 20th anniversary, Perkins Distribution has recently added six new Renault Range T460 6x2 tractor units to its 25-vehicle fleet.  Based at The Metal Centre, a purpose-built 240,000 sq. ft storage and logistics facility in Wednesbury in the West Midlands, Perkins is one of the UK’s leading distributors of high value metals to British industry.

The new units have been supplied by Renault Truck Commercials Midlands and it was the combination of the dealer’s first-rate service, Perkins’ detailed analysis and evaluation of the trucks’ performance, and their reputation for reliability that all contributed to the decision to invest in more Range Ts.

Perkins is the logistics partner of Amari Metals Ltd., one of the UK’s leading independent metals sales organisations. The new Renault trucks are working on nationwide timed deliveries, moving high value metals to a network of local, specialised metals stockists. 

Transport Manager, Antonio Esposito explains “Our work is time-critical, so reliability and service provider back-up are crucial.  We are proud of our 98% delivery performance level and the reliability of Renault Trucks as a service provider is an important factor in helping to maintain this.”

Antonio continues “When I joined the business, our fleet was ready for investment and my focus was to find the best service and vehicles that offered the best overall value for money.  Our local Renault Trucks dealer was less than a mile away from our base and it ‘ticked all the boxes’ and more. From the day we introduced our first Premiums, the Renault Trucks team has been extremely supportive of Perkins and since the introduction of the Range T in 2014 we haven’t looked back; they remain at the forefront of our vehicle supply.”

As the Perkins Distribution fleet clocks up some 1.7million miles across the UK each year, an effective repair and maintenance package was key. The vehicles are all on a five year Start & Drive Excellence Contract providing full cover and the most extensive repair and maintenance contract on offer.  “Having our vehicles on the Excellence Package means that we have total peace of mind that they are being maintained with genuine Renault Trucks parts. But also, we feel assured that there will be no surprises when it comes to repair costs,” explains Antonio.

The new Range Ts, all in Perkins distinctive livery, have been specified for driver comfort with Ultimate convertible upper bunk, multimedia screen and refrigerator. Perkins’ drivers have also been won over by the new safety features including the braking system.

Antonio reports, “Our drivers are happy with the vehicles’ safety, efficiency and comfort, as well as the all-important service back up. They rack up a lot of miles, so the comfort seats are ideal, they like the way the vehicles drive, commenting they are particularly smooth and comfortable for a commercial vehicle. In fact, we had five Perkins drivers in the Renault Trucks Optifuel Challenge Finals 2019 with one of our drivers, Paul Faulkener, coming a very creditable fifth out of 70 in the UK.”

Antonio concludes “We’ve taken six new Renault Trucks this year but have been so impressed by the overall package that we aim to add six to eight more for 2020. Renault Trucks is our first-choice partner and has helped to cement the success of our operation.”