Earl Transport extends TIP partnership
East Lancashire haulier Earl Transport has continued its long association with TIP Trailer Services, with the recent arrival of 14 new SDC 4.2m curtain-sided trailers.
Currently, Earl Transport runs 22 tractor units sup-porting a fleet of 60 all-curtain-sided trailers from its base in Clayton-le-Moors, near Accrington, Lancashire.
The new additions have been supplied by TIP on a five-year leasing arrangement, which also includes full repair and maintenance cover for the duration of the deal.
All 14 trailers are working on a contract for leading UK pet food and healthcare manufacturer Pets Choice, which has been a customer of Earl Transport for nearly 40 years.
The new trailers feature a range of striking liveries, each representing different brands within the Pets Choice portfolio.
“As part of our ongoing long-term contract with Pets Choice, they approached us to add extra trailers to their distribution fleet to cope with the significant upturn in their business over the last 12 months,” said Peter Hughes, managing director at Earl Transport.
“Without a shadow of doubt and based on our successful long term experience with them, TIP was the natural choice for us when it came to supplying us the new equipment.”
The relationship between TIP and Earl Transport goes back at least 20 years, including with the Bell Trailers business which subsequently became part of the TIP organisation in 2015.
TIP has previously supplied trailers for Pets Choice via Earl Transport, most recently with an arrangement for 10 trailers in 2018. As with those, the 14 new additions will be maintained by TIP’s local depot in Nelson.
The new trailers will be operating out of the main Pets Choice distribution centre in Blackburn, Lancashire, and are expected to cover approximately 80,000 miles per annum over their five-year working life.
“The partnership with TIP works really well for us,” added Peter Hughes.
“Any request is dealt with quickly and efficiently. They are always interested in trying to help us and their positive approach to our business ensures we get the right deal every time.”
Mike Furnival, managing director, TIP Trailer Services UK&I, said: “With over 20 years’ experience of their business, we are able to get closely involved with Earl Transport’s operation as they expand their business.
“These latest trailers, in really striking new liveries, reflect the strength of the three-party relationship between us, Earl Transport and Pets Choice, which has ensured that Pets Choice are able to operate their trailers in a manner that meets the needs of their specific operation.
“We look forward to continuing this relationship for a further five years, and more.”
