Tuffnells, an IDW (irregular dimension & weight) carrier, is continuing with its investment plans after an exciting 2020, which saw the company complete a successful turnaround after a loss-making period under previous ownership. The first six months following the buy-out in May 2020, saw the ‘Big Green Parcel Machine’ company focus on an improved, streamlined and more efficient service, after significant investment in fleet and the return of experienced leadership.
2021 sees a continuation of its major fleet upgrade programme, ensuring Tuffnells customers benefit from the latest, most efficient vehicles. Tuffnells has ordered 300 semi-trailers, 100 draw-bar trailers and is already utilising a new, innovative Mini-Wedge trailer at its Peterborough depot, providing a flexible approach to collection and delivery.
This coincides with the order of 40 new DAF tractor units, 120 new DAF 7.5t trucks, 53 new DAF 18ft prime movers and 12 new 5.5t vans, most of which are now already in service.
Tuffnells is an extensive operation, with a network consisting of 33 depots dotted around the UK, served by 1,200 vehicles. Analysis reveals that in 2020, their vehicles clocked up over 52 million miles around the UK (averaging 142,466 miles per day). Key to this is Tuffnells’ unique directional trunking model which, along with brand new fuel-efficient vehicles and route optimisation, enables them to avoid excessive mileage and increase fuel efficiency.
Within the last year, the company moved more than 20,000,000 packages – including over 615,000 tyres and 80,000 bikes – just two examples of the IDW freight regularly handled by the carrier.
“Our first year under new, independent ownership has seen us complete a successful and remarkable turnaround. This has required phenomenal effort from everyone in the business. As we continue to put in place the strong foundations needed for the future, our aim is to ensure that Tuffnells continues to invest in the improvements that will most benefit our customers, consolidating our position as the number one IWD carrier in the UK. We have exciting plans in the pipeline for the year ahead,” said Chris Tresadern, CEO of Tuffnells.
