Shears Bros (Transport) in DAF deal with Ryder

Shears Bros (Transport) has partnered with Ryder for the supply of a mixture of DAF rigids and tractor units on contract hire.

Christchurch-based Shears, which is owned by Pall-Ex, has taken delivery of eight XF480 Space cabs, four LF230 18-tonners and two CF230 18-tonners.

The haulier has also ordered some XF480 Super Space cabs for delivery later in the year which will make the Shears fleet almost entirely Ryder-supplied by the end of this year.

Shears said its specification of both Space and Super Space cabs was influenced by its range of services which include a nationwide general haulage operation - split 60/40 between tramping and day work - and its responsibility for the BH, DT, SP and some SO postcodes for Pall-Ex.

Some of the rigids have been supplied with full-closure cantilever tail-lifts to meet Pall-Ex’s health and safety requirements, while the remainder are fitted with tuck-under tail-lifts to facilitate rear door deliveries at RDCs.

All the trucks are fitted with the Microlise telematics system.

Colin Hawkins, Pall-Ex director of UK owned 0perations, said: "I’ve used Ryder in the past and I had a really good working relationship with the local depot.

“Shears operates throughout the UK and needs a partner that can support us with national breakdown coverage so we’re secure in the knowledge that we’ve got 24/7 support across the country. Ryder takes the pressure off us and gives us peace of mind."

Ryder’s buying power with DAF was another key factor as well as the provision of driver training with DAF dealer Ford & Slater, which was arranged by Ryder new equipment director Steve Williams and Ryder’s commitment to R&D.

"It’s important that Ryder is actively looking at the future: when these vehicles need replacing in five to six years, it’s good to know that Ryder is carrying out R&D on diesel alternatives and will be able to help us make an informed decision about our next move,” Hawkins said.

He added: “We’re really pleased with the trucks. With the black livery, they look really smart. And we’ve had good feedback from the drivers and our customers."

Steve Williams said: "It’s fantastic that Ryder has been able to support Shears, providing fit-for-purpose vehicles, and we look forward to this relationship continuing.

“Our partnership with Shears marks Ryder’s first link with a Pall-Ex member, and we look forward to working with other network members in the future."