Transport and management firm Elis is working with Tiger Trailers to boost its HGV fleet, which delivers workwear, flat linens, hygiene, and washroom facilities to the hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors.
The Basingstoke-based company has launched a phased introduction of 140 additional rigids from DAF dealer Ford & Slater in partnership with Tiger, which will also supply its third double deck to the company.
Under the deal, Tiger will provide 53 rigid body vehicles this year, followed by 87 in 2027, with the builds ranging from 7.5-tonne and 12-tonne trucks through to 18-tonne iterations, in various lengths.
Elis switched from the DAF XB to the flagship DAF XD 260 FA chassis earlier this year to obtain a 3-star rating for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS).
The Tiger-built rigid bodywork solutions for Elis include a high-impact side rave for protecting bodywork when operating in tight environments, Anchorfix in the side panels to mitigate internal load securing damage, a new design of heavy-duty tail-lift from Dhollandia with a power closure and steel platform, and a Tiger Tale sloping rear body for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The rigids’ specification also includes BackWatch’s rear radar detection system as part of DVS compliance, Durite’s Red Halo warning light which casts an arc of red light at the rear to protect users and pedestrians, and a wet-lay floor in conjunction with an internal sanitiser system, for transport of damp hospital items.
Elis’ latest trailer manufactured by Tiger is an additional double deck straight-frame, with a full-length moving deck finished with the same non-slip flooring as the lower deck.
The primary load transported is cages of 1700mm in height, secured by LoadLok tracks, and designed to be removeable from the upper deck while the tail-lift is in the up position.
The moving deck is powered by Tiger’s hydraulic four-ram direct drive system, while Tiger’s solenoid safety system warns against low or inconsistent power supply, to enhance operator safety.
The rigid trucks, along with the trailer, are emblazoned with various liveries depicting the sectors the company covers.
The contract hire for the additional double deck trailer deal is through Tiger’s own in-house finance division, making the manufacturer responsible for maintaining the vehicles, while PACCAR Financial UK funded the DAF chassis.
Peter Kelly, Elis group compliance and fleet manager, said: “This is our second year working with Tiger after the first two trailers and a trial rigid they supplied previously, and we continue to be very pleased with the end products.
“Tom and the team listen to our requirements, and we are proud to welcome these ongoing Tiger vehicles to our fleet.”
Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailers key account director, hailed the company’s ongoing partnership with both Ford & Slater and with Elis.
He added: “It’s always a pleasure to collaborate closely with their respective teams who are passionate about having the best-suited vehicles in place for busy daily operations often in urban areas”.
Stuart Morley, Ford and Slater national account manager, commented: “We’re delighted that our mutual long-term customer Elis has chosen the DAF XD 260 FA model for the next phase of its fleet expansion.”
