DJM’s drivers choose Mercedes Benz Actros

A major contract ‘win’ prompted DJM Logistics (UK) to embark on a wholesale updating of its tractor fleet. As a result, the Winsford-based company is running eight new Mercedes Actros, all of which arrived via Warrington dealer Enza and are the subject of a five-year contract hire deal with Riverside Truck Rental.

DJM Logistics specialises in outsourced logistics. Having withdrawn from the general haulage market a couple of years ago, it now provides transport only to those customers that also use its warehouse services.

Founded less than a decade ago, DJM has grown steadily and now boasts a number of ‘blue-chip’ clients. The latest addition to its portfolio is Natural World, a trading arm of the Lambert Howarth Group, whose candles, cushions and other household goods can be found in homes across Britain.

DJM Logistics is now responsible for distributing some 24,000 pallets on behalf of Natural World, to the regional distribution centres of big-name retailers throughout the UK, in Ireland and Spain.

DJM previously ran ERF tractors but, as Commercial Manager Sean Alker explains, the fleet was ageing and maintenance costs had begun to rise. "So we decided that, having won such a prestigious contract, it was now time to invest in some new trucks," he says.

The company began scouring the market for the best vehicles and, crucially, sought the views of its drivers from the outset. "We took the opportunity to try several different trucks on a short-term hire basis, while our ERFs were in for repairs and MoTs," recalls Mr Alker.

"The Mercedes Actros proved most popular with the drivers, as well as being fuel-efficient. It’s also a modern and attractive truck, so we decided that this was the one for us."

At this stage Mr Alker and his colleagues began negotiations with several contract hire suppliers – DJM had also contract-hired its ERFs, then bought the vehicles at the end of the term and run them for a further three years.

"We came down in favour of Riverside because their rates were competitive and because they demonstrated the greatest flexibility," continues Mr Alker. "They offered a comprehensive package which included buying the old ERFs off us, providing replacement trucks pending the arrivals of our Actros, and painting the new Mercedes in our livery. In short, it was Riverside who were most keen to do a deal."

DJM Logistics’ eight new Mercedes are all 6x2 Actros 2546LS MegaSpace models and will be maintained at Enza’s workshops in Risley. Enza has recently opened premises in Trafford Park, Manchester, where the commercial division of Riverside Truck Rental also has a new facility. The Actros are working with new Cartwright double-deck trailers supplied by Transrent.

Geoff Fearnley-Hill, Business Development Manager for Riverside Truck Rental, adds: "We are pleased to be chosen as the supplier of new equipment for DJM and look forward to our continued working relationship."

Riverside Truck Rental operates a Mercedes-dominated fleet of more than 600 vehicles serving both municipal and commercial customers nationwide. These are available for ‘spot hire’, general rental or contract hire.