UK mainland’s ‘most northerly’ haulier continues 100-year Michelin relationship

The most northerly haulage company on the UK mainland is continuing to fit Michelin tyres as original equipment and replacements across its 30-strong heavy truck fleet, nearly 100 years after its Michelin policy began.

Scrabster-based D Steven & Son, which also has depots in Wick, Aberdeen and Glasgow, specifies Michelin’s latest generation 315/80 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D tyres on its prime movers – all of which are under three years old – claiming the fitments ensure mobility in extreme wet weather and snowy conditions.

Managing director David Steven says his family business has always put its faith in Michelin tyres. “When your fleet is based around 80 miles from the nearest stretch of dual carriageway and you have 44-tonne artics negotiating steep, tight and twisty roads, having confidence in your tyres is paramount.

“If you fit cheap rubber you can compromise your mobility, plus you are at greater risk of tyre-related downtime. In the winter our drivers frequently pass trucks stopped at the roadside, unable to continue in the conditions.

“In contrast the Michelin X MultiWay 3D tyres keep our fleet moving safely, giving our drivers maximum reassurance and reinforcing our duty of care. Plus the impressive traction doesn’t come at the expense of increased rolling resistance – we still get great fuel performance too,” he adds.

The D Steven & Son fleet is on the road up to seven days a week, with tractor units typically clocking up around 100,000 miles per annum, operating UK-wide and as far afield as France and Germany. They run with a mix of reefer, curtainside and flatbed trailers, each on 385/65 R 22.5 Michelin X Multi T fitments.

Tyres are supplied by the closest Michelin Truck Professional dealer, Invergordon Tyres, with D Steven & Son drivers collecting Michelin new and Remix tyres from the dealer en route back to base. Tyres are then fitted, managed and regrooved in house, with near 100 per cent regroove rates – following onsite regrooving training provided directly by Michelin’s Technical team.

The company also receives quarterly visits from Michelin’s local truck sales area manager, Michael MacMurray, who carries out detailed fleet inspections and pressure checks, reporting on tyre condition and managing the return of worn casings to the Remix factory in Stoke-on-Trent. Remix tyres are fitted to drive and trailer axles, to ensure maximum mileage performance from each casing.

Steven concludes: “Michelin tyres cost a little more up front, but when you factor in the long life, reliability and confidence they give our drivers, the total cost of ownership is very competitive.”

D Steven & Son operates a high profile Highland fleet, with much of its work coming from the seafood, oil and agricultural industries. Amongst many awards won over the years include Top Trailer Fleet 2012 and Temperature Controlled Operator of the Year 2015 in the Transport News Scottish Rewards.