Phoenix Healthcare Distribution has taken on the first wave of 92 Sprinters after committing to a new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
The wholesaler has a 400-strong fleet, and the 92 vehicles included a combination of short 310 CDIs and medium and long 313 CDIs which are the subject of a contract hire agreement with long-term partner LeasePlan.
Phoenix Healthcare Distribution supplies a range of products to hospitals, health centres, dispensing surgeries and pharmacies.
It operates from UK headquarters in Runcorn and a network of 13 depots nationwide.
The Sprinters are on multi-drop delivery duties and typically cover more than 1,000 miles a week.
All are fitted with tracking systems and rear parking sensors, and limited to 70mph.
New EU legislation requires that pharmaceutical products must be carried in temperature-controlled vehicles.
Phoenix plans to trial a Sprinter chassis cab with fridge body by Paneltex, alongside a panel van converted by the same specialist.
“We’re not interested in short-term deals but like to develop long-standing relationships with our suppliers,” said Jason Gadsby, group fleet manager at Phoenix Healthcare Distribution.
George Millard - 25/09/2016 10:50
The Mercedes Sprinters are rear wheel drive and not suitable for rural deliveries in winter conditions unlike the front wheel drive Ford Transit that can pull you up hill round hairpin bends with ease, The Mercedes is more suited to trunking on major roads