Customised delivery fleet renewal at Nationwide

Nationwide Platforms has placed an order for 75 specially-designed delivery vehicles for its full range of scissor lifts, booms and low level access platforms.

Part of an extensive renewal programme at the UK-based rental company, the order consists of 48 Sterling GP and six Wheelbase Engineering beavertail plant bodies mounted on 32 tonne 8x2 DAF CF400 rigid chassis and 21 Wheelbase Engineering low loader trailers.

Glyn Brearley, group procurement director, said, “The decision to use DAF, Sterling GP and Wheelbase Engineering followed extensive research and procurement processes, to ensure we achieved best value in what is clearly a significant and high profile decision for the group.”

The Sterling GP beavertail bodies feature the very latest safety innovations including the company’s composite ‘gridlock’ non-slip decking and swing out handrail systems with aluminium walkway panels to give drivers safe access to the deck when loading. To provide maximum visibility and safety, the trucks also feature deck lights as well as LED beacons and work lights to light both the surrounding area around the truck and the loading deck during periods of poor light.

The heavy-duty Wheelbase Engineering low loaders feature revised winch systems, to provide in line coverage across the width of the vehicle, together with gridlock flooring, and are suitable for the transportation of Nationwide Platforms’ big kit offering, which includes models such as a 135ft Genie Z135 boom lift, 20 m MEC Titan 60 boom lift and 27m M250 scissor lift.

Fitted with perimeter cameras, left turn audible alarms and sideguards to help protect vulnerable road users, the new fleet is fully compliant with Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) specifications.

James Dudes, Nationwide Platforms UK transport and property manager, said, “We’re really pleased with the outcome and look forward to receiving the first trucks into our fleet later this year.”

Having recently relocated into a new 26,000 square ft facility in Sterling GP has been able to increase its manufacturing capacity to ensure Nationwide Platforms takes final delivery of all 48 vehicles by March 2017. The remaining 27 Wheelbase Engineering vehicles will be delivered in instalments throughout 2017.