Fast-growing Hawkins Logistics has adopted a Michelin tyre policy to boost the performance and longevity of its rubber while ensuring its laser-like focus on compliance continues.
Hawkins Logistics Takes Flight With Michelin Multi-Life Tyre Policy
The domestic and international haulage specialist has signed a three-year deal via service provider Tructyre for the exclusive supply of Michelin products, predominantly from the MICHELIN X Multi range, for its 90-strong HGV fleet and 165 trailers.
Paul Hawkins, Operations Director at Hawkins Logistics, says, “We had our own in-house tyre fitter, but it just became too big a job as we’ve grown to have multiple locations as well as vehicles at customer sites, so we decided it was best to bring in expert external support.”
“We’ve always fitted premium tyres since we started the business in 2010, and Michelin has always been a favourite. Compliance is very important to us, and at any one time, we’ll have 15 to 20 trucks in mainland Europe, so we need to minimise roadside failures away from home. We’ve seen a massive improvement since signing the deal.”
Long-term Michelin Advocate
The company’s Volvo tractor units have 315/70 R22.5, 315/80 R22.5, and 385/55 R22.5 tyres. In contrast, its trailers use 385/65 R22.5 size fitments. Having been a long-term Michelin advocate, the firm has previously tested the product and found its vehicles often exceed 300,000km safely on the manufacturer’s drive-axle tyres, with no failures.
The deal, facilitated by Lynn Ilic, Territory Business Manager at Michelin, and Ian Kelley, Area Sales Manager at Tructyre, sees the supply of new and Remix tyres into the business and provides proactive management.
“The whole fleet is maintained. We get a weekly report on our tyre health. Tructyre handles the restocking; they turn and move the tyres, which saves us money, and they ensure they are regrooved before they wear too far. They also monitor pressures, which, when set correctly, massively improves fuel economy,” adds Hawkins.
Regrooved and Retreaded
Michelin’s multi-life policy reduces the total cost of ownership. Tyres are regrooved once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm, helping to extend each casing’s life in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved tyres have worn, they are retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke. This process saves natural resources, doubles the Michelin casing lifespan, and supports UK manufacturing. The Remix tyres can then be regrooved.
MICHELIN X Multi tyres also come with an accidental damage guarantee. The offer covers accidental damage suffered before a fitment is 50% worn. A full refund is issued if the tyres are worn less than 10%. If the tyre is 50-90% worn, a 75% refund is given.
“While there’s an outlay at the start, there’s a cost-saving at the end of the run. I know that with Lynn and Ian, everything gets done, checked and serviced correctly. I don’t have to second-guess, which is invaluable,” says Hawkins.
Hawkins Logistics is headquartered in Rugeley, with two sites in nearby Fradley and a depot in Glasgow. It operates 350,000 sq ft of warehousing and employs 160 people. The business moves freight domestically and internationally (making some 1,400 Channel crossings each year) for a range of clients.
