Expanded fleet means better customer deliveries

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Two new lorries have been leased to join the existing fleet of Bako Wales vehicles making their way to our customers’ premises across Wales and neighbouring parts of England every week.

As well as increasing our delivery capacity, enabling us to provide a better serviced to our customers, we’ve taken the opportunity to test some different options.  This will help us see where we can make savings which can be passed on to our customer members.

Whilst each of the new 18T DAF vehicles has a Solomon body, one is operating a Frigobloc refrigeration system and the other is using Carrier refrigeration.  Requesting the different specifications will enable us to compare the two systems in terms of fuel efficiency and other important aspects, such as environmental impacts. It’s also an important test of how well the different systems work from a driver and customer perspective.

Bako Operations Manager, Steve James, said:

“Whilst it’s helpful having company quoted statistics, we want to see just how well the two different systems work for us and our customers.  Our first priority is getting our products delivered in the best possible condition.  With that assured, we then want to deliver in the most fuel-efficient manner and also limit our environmental impacts.  Directly comparing the two different options on our actual service will help us make longer term decisions about our delivery fleet.”

Both lorries are fitted with a larger 260bh engine with automatic gearbox which will reduce maintenance costs, reduce off-road time and improve fuel efficiency.  Each one has a DHollande tail lift, which is wider than the lifts on the existing fleet, hopefully making deliveries easier for our drivers and customers.

General Manager, Dyfed Evans, said

“We need to be planning for the future of our fleet, so it’s important for us to explore a range of options to help us make decisions on what will give the best service for our customer members and our delivery team.”

The new vehicles have been secured through Bako Wales’ leasing partner, Ryder, a leading UK provider of commercial vehicles.  The DAF range of vehicles is recognised for its advanced design, low operating costs and superior level of driver comfort.