Hermes upgrades fleet to handle growth in parcel volumes

Hermes has invested in 100 new vehicles as part of a fleet replacement programme, which will also assist it with additional parcel volumes.

The parcels firm has made a multi-million pound investment in 86 vans, a mix of 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne and 18-tonne vehicles, which will be used for radial depot work. It has also added 14 tractor units to its trunking operation, collecting from customers and distributing to its hub and depot network.

All the new vehicles have automatic gearboxes and aerodynamic bodies to cut CO2 emissions and reduce fuel consumption.

Chief executive Carole Woodhead said: “Our aggressive growth strategy means we need to possess the necessary infrastructure and logistics capabilities for a rapidly expanding business. By investing in highly efficient vehicles utilising the latest technology we are able to keep our operating costs to a minimum and take a responsible approach to our operation.”

Earlier this year Hermes opened two new depots in Coventry and Carlisle to handle the expected growth in parcel volumes this Christmas.