Reduction in Downtime Sees Suckling Re-Sign with Michelin

Suckling Transport has renewed a contract to fit Michelin tyres across its fleet following an 11 per cent reduction in tyre-related breakdowns since it began fitting Michelin tyres in 2008. The independent petroleum haulage contractor, which runs a fleet of 62 tractor units and 74 trailers from its base in West Thurrock, Essex, has also seen its regroove rate rise from zero to 53 per cent. It predicts an annual saving of £20,000 as a result of the contract renewal.

The three-year price per kilometre deal will continue to see Suckling’s tractor units, most of which are MAN and DAF models, fitted with Michelin’s XZE2+ steer axle and XDN2 Grip drive axle tyres. The haulier’s trailers, which are predominantly tri-axle Lakeland tankers, will run on the XTE3 range. Tyres will continue to be fitted and serviced by ATS Euromaster.

Suckling Transport’s Fleet Engineer Dan Bauckham says: “The switch from Goodyear to Michelin has had an extremely positive impact on our fleet. As well as considerable savings on tyres and fuel, there has been a notable reduction in downtime because of the quality of the Michelin product. This in turn has a positive impact on fleet performance and customer satisfaction which is hugely beneficial to business.”

The XZE2+, XDN2 Grip and XTE3 ranges all feature a specially-designed rubber compound which reduces wear and increases mileage potential.

The XZE2+ steer axle tyre range’s tread pattern reduces abnormal wear on long journeys and minimises stone trapping and subsequent crown damage. Michelin’s XDN2 Grip drive axle tyres offer improved grip in difficult conditions and have special sipes to improve performance when tyres are two-thirds worn. The XTE3 trailer tyres are designed for better resistance against damage and scrub. Each of these ranges is suitable for regrooving and remixing in line with Michelin’s Four Lives policy.

Suckling Transport delivers petroleum products nationwide. Its customers include Jet, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Total, Petroplus Marketing and Scottish Fuels. It also has its own brand, Tankshare.