Ryder, a leading independent commercial vehicle contract hire, rental, and maintenance provider in the UK, has supplied a further six vehicles to GR & MM Blackledge for its Bodycare toiletries retail chain, which has more than 130 stores nationwide.
Ryder has been Blackledge’s supplier for 30 years. The latest order comprises a pair of 12t DAF LF180 rigids with 1t column tail lifts, a pair of 18t DAF CF250 rigids with sleeper cabs and 1.5t column tail lifts, a 32t DAF CF410 4×2 tractor and a Montracon trailer with 1.5t column tail lift. The rigid bodies, from Bevan, have specially designed sidewall protection for Blackledge’s roll cage operation. All vehicles are Euro-6 and are the first on the customer’s fleet to meet that engine emissions standard.
All the vehicles are supplied on six-year leases with full R&M package. This order increases Blackledge’s fleet size from 17 to 18 vehicles.
The vehicles operate from Blackledge’s Leyland DC. The artic has two overnight legs a week, while the 18-tonners alternate overnight legs each week.
All the vehicles feature Bodycare’s new livery. Director Daniel Blackledge explains: “We wanted a bold design to stand out while out on the road and to build brand awareness.”
The partnership between Blackledge and Ryder will mark its 30th anniversary this summer and Daniel says: “Ryder provides a really good service. We prefer to outsource and we think Ryder does a very good job: they’re flexible and are happy to help us with all our requirements.
“Furthermore, when we need extra vehicles for our peaks, Ryder can supply quickly.”
John Murray, Ryder Sales & Marketing Director, says: “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Blackledge into its 30th year. Our peak coverage and ability to meet Blackledge’s specification requirements are typical of what we can offer operators. We’re also delighted to start the upgrade of Blackledge’s fleet to environmentally friendly Euro-6.”
