SAVED: Michelin help Inter-Haul cut costs
Wales-based Inter-Haul Pallet Services are cutting operating costs thanks to a SDC trailer on Michelin tyres.
Delivered two years ago, the double-deck trailer – which arrived on 265/70 R 19.5 Michelin XTE2 tyres – has helped shape a new tyre strategy for Inter-Haul.
Used for a 400km night-time trunking return trip to Pallet Track, Wolverhampton, it is fitted with a hubodometer – meaning Inter-Haul can compare tyre performance to their other double-deckers.
The Michelin XTE2 rubber remained in service for 22months on the third axle, while tyres on the first and second axle are still in service.
In comparison, Inter-Haul report the competitor tyres on their double-deck trailers last a maximum of 12months.
Julian Larking, Transport and Procurement Manager at Inter-Haul Pallet Services, said: “We’d previously been fitting cheaper tyres and we thought the mileage we were getting was pretty good, until we made comparisons with the Michelins.
“They have out-lasted the Hankooks by a year.”
As part of the customer’s move to a new tyre policy, Michelin have made tyre pressure suggestions for each vehicle type in the whole fleet.
This, Michelin claim, will help to deliver fuel savings of approximately £5,000 in the first year.
“We pay more for a Michelin, but they are helping to bring our tyre costs down,” added Mr Larking.
“You’ve got to consider total value of ownership, as when you factor in the additional tyre life, they help us save money.
“It’s made enough of a difference for us to start specifying Michelin for all replacement tyres, and as original equipment wherever possible.”
The Inter-Haul fleet comprises 17 commercial vehicles, including seven tractor units and ten rigids, together with 15 trailers.
