Nationwide Platforms turns to Scania to boost fleet

Loxam Group subsidiary Nationwide Platforms, which provides powered access equipment, has taken delivery of 69 Scania vehicles, with an additional 48 Scania trucks set to arrive later this year.

The first tranche of vehicles, supplied by West Bromwich-based Scania dealer Keltruck, are a mix of 19 rigids and 50 tractor units and are the first Scania vehicles to be taken by Nationwide Platforms.

James Clarke, Nationwide Platform’s head of transport, said: “There were primarily three key factors behind our decision to move to Scania: proven low total cost of operation, excellent reliability and the P-series cab's ability to achieve a 3-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating when equipped with Scania's City Safe window.

He added: “Although it is early days, we are already seeing the fuel saving benefits Scania delivers. And when you do need assistance, Scania has an excellent UK service network. This is essential for us as these vehicles will be based around our depots nationwide.

“The third factor – the P-cab's 3-star DVS rating – is also especially important as London is a key area of operation for us and a 3-star DVS rating will become mandatory in 2024."

Nationwide Platforms has a fleet of 15,000 machines operating from 38 depots nationwide. The rigids selected by the company are all P 410 B8x2*2 rear-steers equipped with flat bodies with beaver tails and winches. All new trucks will be fitted with Sterling Access Platform bodies.

The new tractor units are all Scania P 450 A6x2NAs with Highline cabs. These feature factory-fitted catwalks and electronic handbrakes and will be used to haul a fleet of step frame flatbed trailers, which are also equipped with beaver tails and winches.