Univar exceeds targets with help from Prohire
Image courtesy Univar Solutions
Global chemical and ingredient distributor Univar Solutions has taken delivery of 22 fuel-efficient DAF New Generation XGs from fleet provider Prohire, which are said to be delivering eight per cent fuel savings.
Prohire has become a trusted partner for Univar Solutions, with more tractor units ordered since the initial tender.
In 2021, Univar Solutions needed to replace its ageing tractor units, which were end-of-life and suffering from poor fuel consumption and a high level of off-road time.
Univar’s mixed fleet works 24 hours a day, five days a week, distributing chemicals nationwide, including essential components for the pharmaceutical industry. Each vehicle, on average, clocks up 175,000km per year.
Univar Solutions was looking for a new fleet provider to work with the company to hit its 95 per cent on-time delivery target and achieve its 2050 Net Zero goal. Univar required a sustainable solution, and quickly.
Prohire, which was recommended to Univar Solutions by DAF range supplier Lancashire DAF, tendered for the Univar Solutions tractor contract as one of three providers.
Prohire worked closely with Lancashire DAF to secure the 22 new tractor units, have them branded with new design livery and delivered to Univar Solutions within a tight schedule.
Prohire was reportedly the only provider to agree to work with Univar Solutions to achieve its delivery targets for customers. Since the companies have worked together, Univar’s on-time delivery target of 95 per cent has been consistently exceeded, often achieving 98, 99 and 100 per cent of deliveries on time each month.
Image courtesy Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions was named ‘Fleet of the Year’ at the Fleet News Awards in 2023.
Prohire also supplied specialist equipment fitted on the vehicle to allow Univar Solutions to complete both high and low pressure deliveries from its fleet of road tankers or mini-bulk tanks.
As part of Prohire’s commitment to customer service, the Univar Solutions team has regular calls with their dedicated account manager as well as a monthly review with the company.
This includes Prohire’s EV and alternative fuels division, ProGreen, advising which new technologies are suitable for the Univar fleet and supporting the company on its efficiency and sustainability journey.
The dedicated point of contact means that if any issue arises it is resolved quickly and the fleet is kept on the road.
Included in the contract is a replacement vehicle to cover MOT, breakdowns and VOR.
“Prohire beat their competitors in a number of areas to support our business,” said Mark Woodworth, Univar Solutions’ transportation director EMEA.
“Our tender process wasn’t all about cost, it was about value. We’re not after the cheapest, we’re after the best. We’re willing to pay for great service as long as we get it and, with Prohire, we get it.
“They’re not the cheapest or the most expensive, but they offer the best service by far. Put it this way, when we needed more tractor units we didn’t put it out to tender; we ordered them from Prohire as we knew they would provide the best service and their costs were in line with their previous tender submission.
“We know Prohire wants to help us achieve our business goals. They understand our business and that, for us, the cost of a vehicle being off the road is higher than the cost of the repair. Prohire always gets the job done.
“We have a dedicated account manager, who we speak to weekly, and all of the directors are involved and know us and our business. Prohire understands our sustainability targets and proactively suggests ways they can help, such as letting us try out new vehicles and technologies.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Prohire, they are a hugely valued and trusted partner for Univar Solutions.”
Prohire has also recently announced the promotion of Jay Edwards to managing director.
In the five years since Jay joined Prohire as chief financial officer, the company has reportedly grown revenues by 60 per cent to £60m and the core contract hire fleet by 700 vehicles to 2,400, an increase of over 40 per cent.
Jay will now shape the long-term strategy for both Prohire’s commercial vehicle arm and the ProGreen division.
He commented: “‘I’m delighted to be stepping into this new role at an exciting time for Prohire as we look to the future.
“The commercial vehicle sector is going through a period of legislative and technological change and it’s our vision to lead the charge as the UK’s most trusted provider of sustainable vehicle hire. We have the best team in the industry, and I look forward to working with them in the delivery of our strategy.”
