Suckling Transport
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In 2008, West Thurrock-based Suckling Transport adopted a Michelin policy across its fleet. After carefully monitoring the performance of the Michelins against its previous tyre choice, the company opted to extend its contract with Michelin in late 2010 for a further three years.
Suckling delivers petroleum products nationwide. Its customers include Jet, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Total, Petroplus Marketing and Scottish Fuels. It also has its own brand, Tankshare.
Key to renewing the deal was an 11% reduction in tyre-related breakdowns since the change in brand policy. Plus, proactive tyre servicing meant the independent petroleum haulage contractor’s regroove rate rose from zero to 53%.
Suckling estimates an annual saving of £20,000 will be achieved as a result of the contract renewal with Michelin.
Dan Bauckham, Suckling fleet engineer, says: “The switch to Michelin has had an extremely positive impact on our fleet. As well as considerable savings on tyres and fuel, there has been a notable reduction in downtime because of the quality of the Michelin products. This in turn has a positive influence on fleet performance and customer satisfaction, which is hugely beneficial to our business.” The new three-year ppk deal will continue to see Suckling’s tractor units, primarily MANs and DAFs, fitted with Michelin’s XZE2+ steer-axle and XDN2 Grip drive-axle tyres. The haulier’s trailers, which are predominantly tri-axle Lakeland tankers, will run on the XTE3 range. Each of these tyres features a specially designed rubber compound that reduces wear and increases mileage potential.