Menzies’ fleet Investment accelerates with record assets ordered

Menzies Distribution has entered the busy autumn-winter season with growth supported by the company’s largest-ever number of fleet assets on order.

More than 600 new transport assets are scheduled for delivery and deployment by February 2023. These include 173 Man TG3 tractor units, 150 curtainside trailers, 150 VW Crafters, 18 rigids spanning both 18 tonnes and 26 tonnes, and 10 tri-axle box trailers. The assets will accommodate substantial existing and new business from major clients.

The new phase of investment and growth follows a significant expansion of Menzies van fleet earlier this year, which saw the group take delivery of 150 new generation Ford Transit vans for service across a wide range of its markets and services. Menzies is also accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with a 12 month trial of a pre-production, all-electric Ford Transit van, which it has identified as suitable for newstrade, express and parcel operations.

Commenting on Menzies’ investment programme, Adam Purshall, Fleet and Procurement Director, said:

‘We have the firepower to match our promise to all customers in the markets we serve with best-in-class assets in terms of efficiency, design and environmental impact. Menzies is investing heavily to ensure that its fleet replacement cycles are running ahead of its Net Zero ambition. We are also sending a strong message to new drivers that they will be working with the very best vehicles, kitted out to the highest specifications for route planning, comfort and safety.”

‘Fleet’ is one of the three main pillars within the Menzies Distribution Sustainability pledge, alongside ‘energy consumption’ and ‘reuse and recycling’ for the business and its partners. This

year Menzies announced plans to become Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by no later than 2035 – 15 years ahead of the target date set under the Paris Agreement and in UK legislation.

The group’s extensive investment has included the adoption of Euro 6 standard vehicles and the introduction of recyclable and non-PVC livery; pioneering the use of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) to significantly reduce road miles; establishing one of the UK’s largest commercial EV charging infrastructures; and continued prioritisation of driver training to improve efficiency and safety.