News from Fraikin: Fraikin has brought the fleet of the future to London Linen with the delivery of the customer’s maiden Euro-6 vehicle, and one of the first clean-generation Iveco Eurocargos to enter operation in the UK.
The 7.5 tonne 4×2 rigid is the latest in a long line of vehicles that Fraikin has provided to London Linen in a relationship that dates back to 1999. It has been supplied on a five-year full service contract hire agreement and will ensure that the future-thinking linen supplier is at the forefront of commercial vehicle technology, while minimising its impact on London’s air quality.
London Linen will use the new truck to provide delivery and collection of linen to high-end restaurants across the Capital on an intensive multi-drop cycle, while benefitting from the significant environmental advantages, which the modern Euro-6 offers over older Euro-5 vehicles. These benefits include reduced fuel consumption, which cuts the cost of operation, together with increased performance and torque at low engine speeds.
Servicing and maintenance will be managed by Fraikin’s newest depot in Iver, and the deal also includes collection and delivery for servicing, road fund licensing, 24-hour breakdown support, MOTs and tyres, plus replacement vehicle cover in the unlikely event of unexpected downtime which cannot be quickly resolved.
Tom Geraghty, Transport Manager for London Linen, says, “Our deliveries are time critical, so we can’t afford unplanned downtime. Thankfully Fraikin ensures that never happens; their service has always been second to none and we can always contact them easily if required. Their service support has been the key to a business relationship spanning 15 years.”
It took care of all elements of the vehicle’s supply, from providing initial chassis recommendations, to specifying modifications and branding. The truck has a customised body that features rear and side shutters. These enable the driver to load the vehicle more easily and ensure weight is evenly distributed across the axles.
Geraghty adds, “Because Fraikin take care of everything, it takes the hassle out of running a truck fleet. We can just get on the road and provide the best possible service to our customers.”
Peter Backhouse, CEO of Fraikin, says, “We believe our customers should benefit from using the cleanest and most efficient latest vehicle technology, rather than ‘making do’ with previous generation vehicles of yesteryear. For a truck which will spend the majority of its working life in the Capital, this Euro-6 model was the perfect solution for London Linen.”