GREEN TRANSPORT
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/Operators can redeem their money and their conscience by running a fleet on long-term hire from Green Link Contracts, according to the company founder Kevin Jordan.
He launched the Cumberworth, West Yorkshire-based firm with two other directors last January, offering vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes gross.
Rental rates for GLC's vehicles can range from 3-9% above normal — but Jordan says that its long-term costs work out cheaper.
"The higher specification of our vehicles on average adds about 2-4% on the rental price, but there are positive savings after two years of operation, when the vehicle has reached more than 96,500km (60,000 miles) and money can be saved on fuel, servicing and repairs," Jordan explains.
Al] of GLC's vehicles have a fuel saving device called a Petromizer fitted on to their fuel lines. It is claimed to give an extra 0.75 mpg on a typical HGV; a 3-17% increase in power; and emissions are reduced by up to 50%.
They are also fitted with an oil filter system call Kleenoil, which is said to cut oil changing from every 9,654km (6,000 miles) to once a year.
Standard features for reefers, a speciality of GLC, are temperature recorders and CFCfree insulated York bodies which, says Jordan, are cheaper to repair than most • other makes because the panels are easily removeable.
It cost Jordan just £1,000 to repair two panels on a 7.5-tonne rigid recently—a fifth cheaper than the normal price.
Optional reefer features include beacons, and air management kit farings.
So far, six customers have been wooed by GLC's green benefits. Jordan is optimistic that GLC will have a fleet of at least 1,000 vehicles on the road by 1995; it currently runs 16.
"Most companies we have spoken to want to be environmentally friendly, but they need somebody to push the button for them," says Jordan.
He started his rental career at Hertz Rent A Car at Gatwick as a quality inspector, and then spent a total of eight years at Rentco and Hull-based Graylease. In 1982 Jordan set up his first company, a Pictured above from left to right: Kevin Jordan, managing director of GLC; Melvyn Bracewell, sales director, and Bill Taylor of Northside Trucks, Mercedes-Benz truck supplier. truck and trailer rental firm based near Dewsbury, called Varylease.
But after five years he sold the company to British Tissues, and part of the deal restricted him from setting up a heavy commercial vehicle rental firm until June 1992.
From July next year Jordan plans to expand GLC and offer commercial vehicles and trailers of all sizes; it may also offer drivers on contract, although Jordan stresses GLC will not compete with its customers.
Until his hands are untied next June, Jordan and the two other directors Melvyn Bracewell and Liam O'Connor are concentrating on a niche in the food market which mostly is evolving from changes to the food hygiene regulations introduced this month.
From now on vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes making nationwide long-distance deliveries will have to carry selected chilled products, previously carried in dry freight vehicles or temperature-controlled vehicles at fi'C or below.
In April 1992 local deliveries of selected chilled products carried on 7.5tonners and below will have to be carried on reefer units.
Jordan believes that the amendments will double the demand for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes which are fitted with refrigerated bodies.
GLC does offer dry freight vans, although Jordan expects reefers to account for 90% of its work in the next few years.
He is aiming for a turnover of more than Elm this year—'£.900,000 from contract hire and £100,000 on spot hire; during 1992 he expects it to increase to £2.5m. By the end of 1995 Jordan hopes to reach a turnover of £13m, and plans to run six regional depots. This target could be helped by the introduction in June 1993 of another GLC subsidiary called Zip Truck Rental which will put revitalised GLC vehicles out on spot hire. By August Jordan hopes to have moved GLC to a purpose-built site at Kirklees.
Jordan tries to continue the green theme into his working environment. All stationery, including business cards, are made from recycled paper and the company cars are fitted with catalytic converters — steps which Jordan admits are small, but significant. "I am keen to show that we are taking the whole environment issue seriously."
IT by Juliet Parish