Ryder, a leading independent commercial vehicle contract hire, rental, and maintenance provider in the UK, is supplying three new DAF LF curtainside trucks to Mitchell Potatoes, tailored to the customer’s specialist requirements.
The vehicles come with insulated curtains to protect potatoes from weather extremes during transportation, and the Simark suspended strap system for load restraint.
Warwickshire-based Mitchell Potatoes Ltd is the UK’s largest wholesale distributor of chipping potatoes, and delivers direct to fish and chip shops, fast food, and catering customers across England and Wales.
The new DAF LF 230 FA 18-tonne rigid trucks have a 4×2 axle configuration, and are mounted with Bevan bodies. The vehicles are being provided through a supply and full service lease contract, which runs for six years.
The DAFs, which increase the size of Mitchell Potatoes’ fleet to 36 vehicles, will be used for deliveries from the firm’s Rugby headquarters and its regional hubs in Watford, Bristol and Taunton.
David Mitchell, director at Mitchell Potatoes, said: “We are a growing business, increasing our fleet size as we expand, and we chose Ryder because we need a reliable supplier who can provide support across the country. We move perishable goods and we cannot afford to have the product stuck on trucks if there is a break down.
“Ryder also listened to our operating request for insulated curtains and load securing requirements on the new LF 230 trucks, and sourced a product which matched our requirements. The curtains protect the potatoes from frost in winter and heat in summer, which is crucial for our business operations. Ryder always goes the extra mile with its service, and we are very happy with the quality of the vehicles.”
John Murray, Ryder sales and marketing director, says: “We are very pleased to be supplying the new DAF LF 230 trucks to Mitchell Potatoes. We successfully identified specific requirements for the new vehicles, delivering a bespoke solution that matched their operational needs.
“Our proactive approach to servicing means Mitchell Potatoes can concentrate on its successful core business. We look forward to further developing our relationship with the company and supporting its growth.”
