Nagel Langdons has placed a bumper order of 205 Scania trucks, as it chooses the manufacturer as its preferred supplier for 2019/20.
The Bridgwater, Somerset operator said it has run Scanias on a mixed fleet for a number of years, and decided to make them its primary marque due to their product quality, reliability and strong aftersales support.
Nagel Langdons' 205-strong order is a mix of rigids and tractor units, which will operate around the firm's eight UK depots on temperature-controlled distribution and trunking routes.
Sixty seven trucks will be delivered this year, with the remainder following next year. Fifty six of the initial batch will be tractor units with lifting middle axles, a mix of G450 6x2s with normal height roofs and R450 6x2 Highlines.
The G-series trucks will operate on distribution work during the day and inter-depot trunking at night, while the R-series models will be trampers, with drivers working a four-on, four-off shift pattern.
The 11 26-tonne rigids arriving this year are P280 6x2s with sleeper cabs, featuring Scania's lightweight 7-litre engine to maximise payload. They will be used on urban work and radial distribution.
All vehicles are supplied with two-year repair and maintenance contracts, and will remain in the fleet for four to five years.
"Scania has been part of the Nagel Langdons fleet for many years and our decision to specify them as our primary make for 2019/20 is based on product quality, reliability and the consistently high levels of aftersales support we receive from the Scania network," said Tyrone Lanaway, engineering manager at Nagel Langdons.
"In addition to meeting our operational repair, maintenance and servicing requirements, Scania don't shy away from older vehicles, which is something we particularly appreciate.”
He added: “Also, our depots report their Scanias consistently run for the full six weeks between inspections without issue – which is exactly what an intensive operation such as ours demands."
For future fleet options, the operator is evaluating the Scania 18-tonne P-series rigid with a 220hp 7-litre engine, and the low entry Scania L-series, which offers improved direct vision for urban operations.
