Renault Trucks D14 tanker fuels tighter access for Rubis

Renault Trucks has delivered a compact D14 rigid tanker to Channel Islands fuel distributor Rubis, extending an established supply relationship.

The new truck is said to be the smallest and most specialised vehicle on the fleet to date, designed to reach some of the most restricted delivery points on Guernsey.

Rubis has operated Renault Trucks D‑range models for several years as part of a rolling fleet replacement programme supported by Sparks Commercial Services. The new vehicle, nicknamed the ‘little green truck’, has been developed as a prototype to address increasingly tight access constraints on the island.

Rubis supplies petrol, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel and marine bunkering services across Guernsey and Jersey, using a fleet of around 20 trucks that typically complete 20 to 30 short‑range deliveries per day. With daily distances of 30 to 60 miles and many routes involving narrow roads and restricted access points, vehicle size and manoeuvrability are central to fleet planning.

The D14 4×2 rigid has been engineered specifically for these conditions. It uses a short wheelbase chassis and a bespoke aluminium tanker body of around 7,000 litres, smaller than the 10,000‑litre tanks fitted to the company’s D16 units. The chassis is ADR‑prepared by Gardner Denver before being fitted with a hand‑built Tasca Tankers installation incorporating Trident metering, vapour recovery and full petroleum‑compliant equipment.

Rubis has historically retained older vehicles for the most constrained delivery points, where strict island width regulations limit the use of larger trucks.

Logistics supervisor Matt Bacon said: “We’re getting to the point where some of the newer vehicles just won’t go everywhere we need them to. This one is designed to be able to go anywhere and do anything. If it delivers what we expect, it gives us a clear path forward for replacing more of the fleet.”

Renault Trucks has become the preferred supplier for the company due to the flexibility of its D14 and D16 chassis for specialist tanker builds.

“The key for us is working within very tight width and layout constraints,” said Matt.

“The Renault Trucks D14 and D16 chassis give us that flexibility. We can move components around, adjust the design and make it work for our application. Other manufacturers just can’t get within the limits we have to meet.”

He added: “It’s not just about the base vehicle. It’s about how adaptable it is and how well it works with the bodybuilder and ADR requirements. That’s where Renault Trucks has really stood out.”

Support from Sparks Commercial Services has also been highlighted as a factor in the fleet programme.

“Sparks understand exactly what we need,” he continued.

“Every time we place an order, they already know the layout and the requirements. If we want to try something different, the answer is never no, it’s always ‘how we can make it work … If I’ve got a problem, I can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away. You’re dealing with a team that understands our operation.”

Drivers have reportedly responded positively to the Renault Trucks models already in service.

“The drivers prefer them,” said Matt.

“They’re comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. Heated seats, good visibility, all the driver aids, it makes a difference when you’re in and out of the cab all day.”

He added: “If the driver is happy, you get a better day’s work.”

Rob Coxon, transport solution executive at Sparks Commercial Services, said: “Rubis is a great example of how a long-term partnership allows us to keep refining the specification to meet very specific operational demands. This latest D14 is a particularly interesting project, pushing the limits of compact design while still delivering full tanker capability. It’s a unique vehicle and one that could play an important role in the customer’s future fleet plans.”