Parcelforce invests in 1,000 Mercedes-Benz ECO-Start vans
A new fleet of more than 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters is helping Parcelforce Worldwide to turn its familiar red vans green.
Parcelforce Worldwide, the Royal Mail Group’s UK and international express delivery division, has taken delivery of 1,106 Sprinter vans, all fitted with innovative ECO-Start technology that saves fuel and so reduces exhaust emissions.
Parcelforce Worldwide Managing Director David Smith says: “We take our environmental and community responsibilities very seriously. We have a comprehensive programme of activities to reduce our impact on the environment and to invest in third-party environmental initiatives.”
Parcelforce Worldwide testers put vehicles through an exhaustive trial process, as a result of which Mercedes-Benz was able to fine-tune the specification of the vehicles to meet its customer’s precise requirements.
Meanwhile the manufacturer’s top van man also spent a day on the road with a delivery driver to gain a real feel for the demands of the job. Van Sales & Marketing Director Steve Bridge joined driver Andrew Johnson – a member of the test team – as he delivered parcels from the company’s Nottingham depot.
Parcelforce Worldwide Operations Director Adele Henderson says: “We were really delighted that Steve wanted to spend a day with our driver Andrew. The great thing about Mercedes-Benz is that they were really responsive to understanding our needs.”
Based at depots across the UK, the Sprinter 311CDIs have replaced a large proportion of the Parcelforce Worldwide van fleet, which provides express delivery to all 27 million addresses across the UK.
The ECO-Start system, which automatically cuts the engine whenever the vehicle is stationary for two seconds, and starts it again as the driver depresses the clutch, was a major part of the Sprinter’s appeal to Parcelforce Worldwide.
Michael Anderson, Parcelforce Worldwide’s Head of Innovation, says: “The Sprinter ECO-Start supports Parcelforce Worldwide’s environmental policy. We’re looking for these vehicles to deliver something in the region of a five per cent fuel saving.”
But, adds Senior Procurement Manager Simon Arnott, cutting fuel use and exhaust emissions was only one of many criteria that were studied carefully before Parcelforce Worldwide resolved to place its order with Mercedes-Benz.
The tender process also involved significant input from Parcelforce Worldwide’s drivers. All vans put forward by bidding manufacturers underwent extensive testing at the Millbrook proving ground near Bedford, with drivers providing detailed feedback on everything from performance, handling and braking, to driving position, visibility, comfort and the accessibility of the cargo area.
“They rated the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter first within its large panel van class,” continues Mr Arnott. “The Sprinter scored particularly highly in the areas of driver’s seat, driving position, cab comfort, ride comfort, cornering, handling and driving performance.
"Reliability was another key consideration in our decision making as Parcelforce Worldwide constantly strives to improve on the excellent quality of service we deliver to customers.". So vehicle up-time, maintenance and repair costs will be constantly monitored and measured while the vehicles are in operation. Again, the initial signs are very good and we look forward to the Sprinter becoming one of the most reliable vehicles on our fleet.”
