News
Pendragon can see clearly one key reason why TCM are winning
5 February 2008
Hefin Rees is managing director of Pendragon Haulage and one of those people whose personality creates a buzz. TCM has risen to the top of his preferred supplier list and he’s now fast becoming a TCM only site. The former chemistry teacher tells why modern haulage is a science.
Pendragon Haulage was established 20 years ago by Hefin Rees. Today the offices are clean, smart and well-organised. The operation is slick and runs to a tight well-planned schedule with full lorries on both legs of the journey. This is just a brief insight into the way that Hefin Rees likes everything to be at Pendragon Haulage – right!
Pendragon is part of the Palletforce network handling the Shropshire SY postcode and over 200 pallets of freight every day. The lorries are loaded every morning and afternoon and leave for the main hub in Lichfield. Hefin Rees said: “TCM trucks need to be reliable and they are. We open at 7 and the morning trucks are out by 8:30 prompt every morning and the night lorries leave without fail at 6pm – then the gates shut at 7pm.
“We have major contracts that rely on us getting anything from pallet loads of boxes to thousands of gallons of chemicals to their destinations on time. The trucks go out full and come back full – the Palletforce system makes for environmentally friendly transport and is brilliantly efficient.”
The haulage firm’s site has had TCM trucks on site for 5 years. Recently the company looked to review its fleet. As part of the review Rees looked at trucks from Linde, Still and Yale but they were up against a formidable force according to the managing director with high standards.
Rees makes hi s point: “We have had a mixed fleet in the past. We’ve had TCM trucks for 5 years and we think they are fantastic. We now have three TCM FD25s. The trucks are smoother, quicker and the clear view 2-stage masts allow us to see clearly when picking and stacking. We can actually read the labels with the TCM trucks.”
“In 5 years the trucks have not missed a beat”
Hefin Rees, Pendragon Haulage
The FD25s are from the iNOMA range of IC engine trucks. The diesel trucks have a 2500kg lifting capacity and a lift height of 4300mm.
Pendragon gets speed from TCM not just through the robust Euro IV rated TCM engines. The iNOMA is fitted with and innovative fork landing system which lowers to forks in one lever operation to 150mm above the ground – the ideal height for pallet entry. Visibility through the mast is one of the class-leaders on TCM trucks providing safe, smooth and reliable operations.
TCM trucks are not just comfortable and spacious for drivers. The reshaped counter weight offers improved all round visibility for increased safety.
Hefin Rees is a convert. We get great service from the dealer and in five years the trucks have not missed a beat.”
Pendragon Haulage is a successful company by any standards. The company has 33 employees and has 14 lorries undertaking every type of transport from pallets to bulk liquid carriers and exhibition units for the RFU and the RSA to 55 tonne low-loaders.
Pallet force is owned by its members rather than a franchise which according to Hefin Rees makes for complete commitment from members: Palletforce has around 100 depots in the UK with its main central hub in Lichfield.
Hefin Rees wants to “win on service and not on price” and prides himself o offering the highest standards to his customers. As for TCM dealer Nasus he says “unspeakably good service.” High praise we think.
