Nationwide Platforms drives customer safety with new delivery fleet

Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s largest powered access rental company, has placed an order for 75 highly-specified delivery vehicles which have been specifically designed for the efficient and safe transportation of its full range of scissor lifts, boom lifts and low level access platforms.

Part of an extensive renewal programme, the order consists of 48 Sterling GP and six Wheelbase Engineering beavertail plant bodies mounted on 32 tonne 8×2 DAF CF400 rigid chassis and 21 Wheelbase Engineering low loader trailers.

Glyn Brearley, Group Procurement Director, said: “The decision to use DAF, Sterling GP and Wheelbase Engineering followed extensive research and procurement processes, to ensure we achieved best value in what is clearly a significant and high profile decision for the group. We hold the safety of our drivers, customers and other road users as our ultimate priority, and this investment continues to demonstrate our dedication through the adoption of safety, reliability and innovation.”

The Sterling GP beavertail bodies feature the very latest safety innovations including the company’s composite ‘gridlock’ non-slip decking and swing out handrail systems with aluminium walkway panels to give drivers safe access to the deck when loading. To provide maximum visibility and safety, the trucks also feature deck lights as well as LED beacons and work lights to light both the surrounding area around the truck and the loading deck during periods of poor light.

The heavy-duty Wheelbase Engineering low loaders feature revised winch systems, to provide in line coverage across the width of the vehicle, together with gridlock flooring, and are ideal for the transportation of Nationwide Platforms’ big kit offering, which includes models such as a 135ft Z135 boom lift, 20 metre Titan 60 boom lift and 27 metre M250 scissor lift.

Fitted with perimeter cameras, left turn audible alarms and sideguards to help protect vulnerable road users, the new fleet is fully compliant with Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) specifications. Nationwide Platforms is also one of the first access rental companies to fit rear-facing cameras on the loading bays of all its beavertail vehicles to improve safety and compliance.

James Dudes, Nationwide Platforms UK Transport and Property Manager, said: “We’re really pleased with the outcome and look forward to receiving the first trucks into our fleet later this year. Sterling GP and Wheelbase Engineering are market leaders in supplying access platform transportation, and are also leaders in innovation. We are always looking to see what we can do to increase safety across all aspects of our business and the design that we have collaboratively put in place will certainly see us continue as leaders and innovators in our own field.”

Jarl James, Sales Manager at Sterling GP, commented: “We really value the ongoing relationship we have with Nationwide Platforms and are extremely pleased to win this contract, which is the largest we have received this year and indeed the largest in the plant body market. The Sterling ‘Access Specification’ body has evolved over many years through client feedback from working together with key partners in the access industry, including Nationwide Platforms. The company’s increased investment in Sterling GP demonstrates the success of this ongoing commitment to continual improvement. We look forward to continuing the relationship with Nationwide Platforms and its transport team going forward.”

Having recently relocated into a new 26,000sqft facility in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, Sterling GP has been able to increase its manufacturing capacity to ensure Nationwide Platforms takes final delivery of all 48 vehicles by March 2017. The remaining 27 Wheelbase Engineering vehicles will be delivered in instalments throughout 2017.