3 tonne payload, frugal fuel economy and customer service impresses
When it came to tendering for Fresh Direct’s latest vehicle order, Isuzu Truck UK successfully clinched the deal for 20 new vehicles with an all-round package that gave Fresh Direct the benefits of superior payload, frugal fuel consumption and unrivalled customer service.
The order for 20 new Isuzu N75.190 7.5t rigid trucks, all fitted with the popular Easyshift transmission, represents a move by Fresh Direct to the Isuzu marque for the first time as they were impressed by Isuzu’s overall approach to their specific vehicle requirements.
According to Nick Allen, head of logistics at Fresh Direct, “As an organisation, we are consistently looking at ways to reduce the number of delivery runs whilst improving the service we provide to our customers. The obvious payload advantage offered by the Isuzu 7.5 tonne range naturally appealed to us and this was complemented by the Isuzu’s proven fuel economy.”
With the combination of the Isuzu 7.5t chassis cab, the single compartment RVL refrigerated body and the Carrier Transicold Xarios refrigeration system, Fresh Direct are achieving a 3 tonne payload with these new trucks, which represents a significant improvement over their predecessors.
“We have also been impressed by how close Isuzu has worked with us since we ordered the new vehicles. At Fresh Direct, we operate an extensive driver training centre and with Isuzu’s help and input we have implemented a rigorous driver training programme to get the very best out of the new Isuzu vehicles,” added Nick Allen.
Fresh Direct (UK) Ltd, based in Bicester, is a major foodservice supplier dealing with predominantly pubs, restaurants, hotel groups, premium retailers, colleges, conference centres, event organisers and even celebrity chefs. Operating through seven depots nationwide, the company operates an all-refrigerated distribution fleet comprising in excess of 145 vehicles.
Each of the new vehicles has its own unique livery featured on the refrigerated body, highlighting the extensive range of over 2000 different fruits and vegetables supplied by the company.
The first 15 of the new Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigids are working out of the company’s Bicester depot, with the five remaining vehicles operating from the Fresh Direct depot in St Neots in Cambridgeshire.
“The temperature controlled distribution sector is an area where, during 2009, Isuzu has achieved significant success with its Forward range. With prestigious companies, such as Fresh Direct, choosing Isuzu for the first time, we believe that our all-round package of payload, fuel economy and customer service is a winning combination for any company involved in the distribution of temperature sensitive products,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited.
