Michelin tyres and telematics pay off for M&N
Wiltshire-based M&N Transport is running its growing commercial vehicle fleet of 35 trucks and 40 trailers exclusively on Michelin tyres, while also benefiting from tyre pressure monitoring and telematics services via Michelin’s Effitrailer package.
Established in 2001, M&N Transport is a bulk haulage operator specialising in grain and aggregates. The Westbury firm has achieved FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Silver status demonstrating best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
The firm has reportedly found the Michelin tyres to last significantly longer than others in the market, and has also reduced downtime and cut fuel costs since making the switch, improving the sustainability of its operation in the process.
Tom Dredge, fleet support at M&N Transport, says: “It’s Michelin only at M&N these days. We specify all new vehicles with Michelin, including a new eight-wheel tipper that will be arriving soon, and any replacements we need are always Michelin too. From my experience of running other premium branded products, there really is no comparison.
“We have minimal downtime, and there are no hidden costs such as damage to the wheel rim through irregular wear. Michelin will wear to the wear bars, like a tyre should. We also get great support from Nicola Townsend, our local Michelin truck sales account manager.”
M&N Transport runs a mixed fleet of DAF, MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Renault trucks, fitting 315/80 R22.5 X Multi Z and D tyres on its steer and drive axles respectively. Its trailers utilise 385/65 R22.5 X Multi T fitments and are also equipped with Michelin’s Effitrailer telematics system.
The package includes an on-board datalink, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic braking system data analysis and constant geolocation. It also details each trailer’s mileage, the length of any periods of abnormal downtime or ‘wait-time’, the ‘unhooked’ or ‘towed’ status of the asset, and whether the trailer is overloaded.
“Effitrailer gives us so much information and allows us to identify any potential issues before they result in anything serious,” adds Dredge. “It’s just another tool that helps Michelin stand out from the rest.
“The initial outlay for Michelin may be more than the tyres the business ran in the past, but the total cost of ownership is far improved. The reliability is second to none, and the longevity and fuel efficiency of the tyres can’t be matched.”
