Hawkins Logistics has committed to an exclusive Michelin tyre policy across its growing fleet, citing improvements in vehicle uptime, fuel economy and compliance.
The haulage firm, which operates internationally and across the UK, has signed a three-year agreement with Michelin via service provider Tructyre. The deal covers its 90 HGVs and 165 trailers, with the fleet now running on new and retreaded MICHELIN X Multi tyres, including Remix.
Paul Hawkins, Operations Director at Hawkins Logistics, said the switch was driven by growth and the increasing demands of maintaining tyres across multiple locations and client sites.
“We had our own in-house tyre fitter, but it just became too big a job as we’ve grown. We decided it was best to bring in expert external support,” he said.
Having used premium tyres since launching in 2010, Hawkins said the firm had long favoured Michelin products. He noted that roadside failures had dropped significantly since moving to a fully managed service and dedicated tyre policy.
“Compliance is very important to us, and at any one time we’ll have 15 to 20 trucks in mainland Europe. We need to minimise roadside failures away from home. We’ve seen a massive improvement since signing the deal,” he added.
The company’s Volvo tractor units use a mix of 315/70 R22.5, 315/80 R22.5 and 385/55 R22.5 tyres. Trailers are fitted with 385/65 R22.5. Under the new arrangement, Tructyre handles tyre management, including pressure monitoring, turning, regrooving, and replacement.
“We get a weekly report on our tyre health. Tructyre handles the restocking, they turn and move the tyres, which saves us money, and they ensure they are regrooved before they wear too far,” said Hawkins.
“They also monitor pressures, which when set correctly massively improves fuel economy.”
Michelin’s multi-life approach helps reduce total cost of ownership by extending tyre lifespan through regrooving and retreading. Once treads reach 3-4mm, tyres are regrooved and later retreaded at Michelin’s Remix facility in Stoke. Remix tyres can also be regrooved again.
This strategy not only cuts down on raw material use, but also supports UK manufacturing.
Additionally, MICHELIN X Multi tyres come with an accidental damage guarantee. If a tyre is damaged before 50% wear, Michelin refunds part or all of the cost depending on tread wear levels.
“While there’s an outlay at the start there’s a cost saving at the end of the run,” said Hawkins.
“I know that with Lynn and Ian everything gets done, checked and serviced correctly. I don’t have to second-guess, which is invaluable.”
Based in Rugeley, Staffordshire, with sites in Fradley and Glasgow, Hawkins Logistics operates 350,000 sq ft of warehousing space and employs 160 staff. The business makes around 1,400 Channel crossings each year, moving freight for a range of UK and European customers.
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