The four new Actros 2546 MegaSpace tractor units are the first Mercedes-Benz trucks to enter service at Meachers’ headquarters on Southampton’s Nursling Industrial Estate.

However, the company has already been operating a fleet of 15 Actros from its depot in Derby, the first of which went on the road in 2007. These vehicles have proved reliable and fuel-efficient, as well as popular with Meachers’ drivers. This explains why, as they reach five years of age, local dealer Mertrux is now replacing them with new Actros.

Pentagon Commercials is a leading provider of driver training. Its in-house instructor Phil Whiting has been commissioned by operators nationwide, seeking to secure Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) qualifications for their employees before the new legislation comes into force in 2014.

Indeed, so enthusiastically has Phil embraced the role that Pentagon is believed by Mercedes-Benz UK to have delivered more DCPC training hours than any of its other dealers.

Meachers Global Logistics has employed Phil to train some 60 drivers at both of its locations. And according to Director Richard Lambourne: “We’ve been very impressed by his approach and professionalism. With Phil’s help, our drivers now have the knowledge to get the very best from their Mercedes-Benz Actros and we’re already starting to see the benefits in terms of improved economy.”

Mr Lambourne continued: “Pentagon has been trying very hard for a couple of years now to get some vehicles into our Southampton operation. The dealership team came up with an attractive package and this, coupled with the positive experience we’ve had at Derby and the excellent training programme they have delivered, meant we were delighted to give them this opportunity.

“The Actros is a first-class vehicle in terms of operating costs. The Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission makes the drivers’ lives a lot easier, as well as contributing to improved safety by allowing them to concentrate on the road ahead rather than worrying about what gear they’re in. And the big, flat-floored MegaSpace cab provides a quiet and very comfortable working environment.”

Meachers’ Southampton-based vehicles are the subject of a five-year Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance contract, with servicing being undertaken by the workshop team at Pentagon’s local depot, which is also on the Nursling Industrial Estate.

“Meachers Global Logistics is a very professional and highly respected operator, so we are naturally delighted to have won this order,” said Tony Wright, Truck Sales Manager at Pentagon Commercials. “We now look forward to developing the relationship between our two companies over the months and years to come.”

The event was well attended with people attending from a wide variety of sectors; from manufacturers, financial services, transport operators and even the local police. The day was a great source of information and advice covering key areas that will affect businesses over the course of the summer.

There were a lot of points to talk about but the key discussion points from the event were:

• Roads in & around London and the expected delays
• Arterial routes to/from London – not all events are being hosted in the Olympic Village!
• How to coordinate your business internally through efficient planning
• Deliveries to your customers – alternative options
• How your staff/visitors could be affected by delays

Good preparation will make things run a lot smoother over the course of the summer so get in early and think about your plans, potential problems and how to get around them!

For further advice or information, please visit the links below or email freight@tfl.gov.uk

www.london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness

http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/

Stuart talks about his various roles within the business, family connections and also about his desire to continue driving Meachers forward now at the helm as MD.

For full story, please use the links below:

Commerical Motor April 2012 – Page 1

Commerical Motor April 2012 – Page 2

Commerical Motor April 2012 – Page 3

We have our own on-site storage tanks both at Nursling and Derby and we are endeavouring to keep these as full at possible within the constraints of minimum delivery amounts permitted by the fuel companies.

In the event of a strike, we will retain all the fuel available for our own fleet and sub-contract fleet if required. We also have a fuel card available for all vehicles to allow them to fuel up around the country at filling stations and an arrangement with 100 hauliers throughout the UK to allow us to fill up at their premises.

We are also investigating the possibility of fuelling our vehicles on the Isle of Wight, which receives its fuel via pipe rather than tanker, as an emergency measure.

Should strike action be taken, we do not envisage any major disruption to bulk deliveries for at least the first week, by which time it is highly likely that the situation will have been resolved. There may be some minor disruption to the small pallet facilities due to the smaller operators not maintaining their own fuel facilities, however this can be overcome by using couriers for vital deliveries.

Where possible we ask that non-essential deliveries be delayed during any action to both keep your costs to a minimum and maximise the supply of essential deliveries.

We are hopeful that any action will be avoided, however we have taken every step to ensure that the effect on service levels is minimised should it take place.

If you have any queries relating to the strike or would like to discuss other parts of the business, please contact the team on 02380 739 999.