Partner in Parts
In 2016, mixed fleet operator Riverside Truck Rental, part of the NRG Fleet Services group company (UK), introduced a new, company-wide procurement programme. That’s how TRP became its new supply-chain partner. DAF Trucks’ all-makes truck and trailer parts programme included a new way to manage parts for Riverside’s 2,000 vehicles.
Turning over €115 million annually, NRG Fleet Services is a nationwide rental, fleet management and tyre management provider. DAF Trucks visited Bellshill in Scotland to meet Ken MacLeod, NRG’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland and a man who recognises the importance of a well-oiled parts operation.
Keeping the wheels turning
MacLeod: “NRG Group is responsible for the upkeep of 2,000 contract vehicles and many customer owned trucks which equates to 600,000 axles and over two million wheels. You’ll recognize that fleet maintenance is critical, and so is the supply of parts for keeping the fleet on the road and earning money.” Riverside has 13 technical centres, strategically located close to the UK’s main routes.
High quality, competitive prices
To realize 24/7 support to its fleet, an on-site key parts stock (and its daily management) was essential. TRP was able to demonstrate competitive pricing and a consistently high quality of parts nationally. Apart from DAF, TRP provides parts support for a range of other vehicle marques and across numerous model types such as vans, tractors, minibuses, etcetera.
MacLeod: “top of the list was best quality parts at best prices. The overall management of parts supply demands a close partnership between customer and supplier and we have achieved that too.”
A true partnership
Riverside moved its entire network to single point invoicing for all TRP Parts bills. During the past two years, TRP and Riverside brought additional products into the customer’s range.
Michael Hunt, UK & Ireland Parts Sales Director for DAF Trucks: “NRG Fleet represents a significant ‘National Parts Agreement’ for TRP and DAF Trucks. Annual spend with the DAF dealer network is well in excess of seven figures, of which around 50% is TRP products and 50% on DAF Genuine Parts. NRG’s footprint and the customer’s use of mobile technicians, fully optimised the DAF dealer network. Setting up NRG as a national fleet customer allows us to ensure consistent pricing, while the DAF Dealer network provides SOR (Sale or Return) stock throughout Riverside workshop locations to provide instant availability. Customers also have access to the DAF Webshop, with all its quick and easy functions.”
Boots on the ground
As in all successful partnerships, business is reciprocated with TRP operating from NRG Fleet’s location in Ellesmere Port and also out of Riverside’s workshop in Bellshill. A dedicated TRP Partsman manages all daily requirements. This bespoke service is delivered courtesy of local DAF dealer Imperial Commercials and means a significant benefit.
Where there’s muck
“There are a number of large waste management and environmental vehicle operators within the UK,” says Michael Hunt, “and DAF Trucks has relationships with all of them. The TRP product range and our support infrastructure help us developing these longer-term relationships. Our success so far has demonstrated the high quality and competitive nature of the products under the TRP brand umbrella. We are actively focusing on this field as we develop our range into areas such as specialist bodywork, bin-lift components and sweeper parts.”
For those customers in the future and for NRG Fleet in the present, it’s a lasting partnership that is the key to success. It is the enthusiasm of skilled, dedicated people who deliver the service and support to keep the wheels turning.
