Winter operating insight is vital for fleets
18th December 2015
Mercedes-Benz Vans has launched the first of a series of insight papers, investigating how Britain’s best fleets have been preparing for the busy winter operating period, to give companies the opportunity to learn from the best practice highlighted.
In addition, the Winter Operating Insight paper – which can be found at www.mbvans.co.uk/industryinsight - also focuses on the growth in Sunday delivery services, which have become widespread over the last two years.
Hermes, Parcelforce, DPD and the Royal Mail were all offering Sunday deliveries by the end of 2014. Amazon reported in January this year that Sunday deliveries had quadrupled over the past 12 months.
Amazon and Argos both launched 7-day same-day retail deliveries this year, with Argos becoming the UK’s first High Street retailer to offer same-day delivery 7 days a week. As well as national same-day delivery, their Prime Now app also allows Amazon Prime customers in some parts of London and Birmingham to receive their orders within the hour.
All of this means that the demands and pressures of vehicle fleets are greater than ever before. Keeping vehicles on the road and operating at such a high level – with one courier company commenting that on average, the door opens and closes on their Sprinter vans more than 150 times a day – is the common thread tying all winter fleets together.
“For courier companies to deliver on their promises, it is crucial that they choose a vehicle that can keep up with their demands,” Steve Bridge, the Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said.
“It makes me incredibly proud that the vehicle of choice for courier companies is Sprinter. Like all Mercedes-Benz Vans, Sprinters are backed by three-year, unlimited mileage warranties and, when they are maintained within our dealer network, they come with reassuring MobiloVan cover which runs for 30 years and includes free Service 24h emergency roadside assistance as well. It is not by accident that Sprinter rules this sector.”