Delivery specialist homes in on Mercedes Sprinter

So impressed was the UK’s largest dedicated home delivery and collection service with the performance of its first 26 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that it has just returned with an order for no fewer than 500!

A combination of Long and Medium-bodied Sprinter 311CDIs, the new arrivals have joined Home Delivery Network’s mixed-marque fleet of 2,100 vans.

They replace older units that have been stood down, among them the firm’s initial batch of Sprinters which had clocked-up 180,000 average mileages over four years and given practically no trouble.

Home Delivery Network has a head office is in Whiston, Merseyside, and boasts an enviable portfolio of clients, comprising more than 150 major retailers and e-businesses.

The company delivers 300,000 parcels and larger consignments every day, from national sort centres in Oldham and Droitwich, in Worcestershire, and from a network of 50 regional depots.

Its new Sprinters carry anything from furniture to fresh flowers, wine to washing machines and clothes to computer equipment.

“These Mercedes vehicles have been extremely well received by our drivers and site management,” says Director of Fleet and Facilities Brian Wheadon.

“From an operator’s point of view the whole package is very attractive – our latest vans came with long service intervals and are backed by unlimited mileage, three-year warranties, while they also command high residual values and benefit from excellent support from the manufacturer’s extensive dealer network.

“What’s more, the Sprinter offers an unrivalled array of active and passive safety features. We’re always conscious of our Duty of Care obligations to staff, so this is another key attraction.”

The Sprinters have been fitted with steel mesh bulkheads, reversing sensors and fluorescent interior lights by Manchester specialist ATB, which also removed the passenger seats to improve access.

A large proportion will be serviced under four-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contracts in the Blackburn, Bolton and Carlisle workshops of supplying dealer Ciceley Commercials.

Mercedes-Benz has also provided Home Delivery Network’s driver-trainers with expert tuition on handling the Long-bodied Sprinters. “This knowledge will be passed on to our drivers with the aim of reducing the number of accidents that would normally result from a move up to longer vans,” explains Mr Wheadon.

The Mercedes Sprinter sets the industry standard in terms of productivity and refinement. Highlights include best-in-class side-loading door widths, outstanding ergonomics and comfort, and powerful and clean CDI diesel engines.

Its impressive arsenal of standard safety equipment, meanwhile, includes the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Program®, which dynamically monitors its load status.

www.hdnl.co.uk