Fraikin

Leasing and rental provider Fraikin has signed a new contract with Menzies Distribution, which will see it provide 50 new trucks and vans to the distribution and logistics company.

The new vehicles, which include 37 replacement vehicles and 13 additional assets, include Iveco New Daily 6.5- and 7-tonne vans, Iveco Eurocargo 7.5- and 18- tonne trucks, a MAN 6x2 tractor unit, a Montracon 45' curtainside trailer and a Mercedes Antos 26-tonne rigid.

The fleet, which will be used to distribute newspapers and magazines, will be based at Menzies Distribution depots across the UK.

Fraikin, which has been working with Menzies since 2005, will also manage all servicing, maintenance and repairs for the vehicles, road fund licensing, six-weekly safety inspections, annual MOT testing, tyre management and 24/7 roadside assistance.

The full service deal also sees maintenance and repairs carried out at Fraikin branches and via its network of third-party service providers.

Allan Hughes, Menzies distribution transport and logistics manager, said Fraikin’s reliability and flexibility were key to the firm winning the contract.

“Newspapers have such a limited shelf life that they can’t afford to be even a few hours late. Our drivers make deliveries all through the night to remote areas, especially in Scotland, so we need a fleet we can rely on that is supported across the country at all hours.

“On top of this, our business is also diversifying, as we have recently made some big acquisitions and moved into other logistics areas. Fraikin understands this and has been able to provide us with the flexibility and reliability we need. As a long term customer we know we can rely on the Fraikin team to deliver,” he said.

In June this year refrigerated-rental firm Petit Forestier announced it is to buy Fraikin. If the deal goes ahead it will create a European player with combined sales of €1.3bn (£1.09bn).