Truck Trader

Rising transport costs can be cut by re-grooving tyres, according to a director of one of Britain's leading food carriers.

As concern mounts over transport costs, particularly with the spiralling price of fuel, Paul Martin, a director of Newcastle based David Price Food Services has stepped into the debate. He is calling on the industry to give serious consideration to re-grooving.

The director says his company is enjoying an average 27.8% increase in mileage performance from each of the Michelin drive axle tyres on its fleet of 26 commercial vehicles. He points out this has been carried out in line with recommendations from Michelin.

Michelin 295/80 R22. 5 XZE 2+ and XDE2+ tyres are fitted by David Price Food Services as standard across the fleet with each tyre re-grooved by the local branch of ATS Euromaster. This is carried out when the tread depth reaches two to three millimetres.

Martin told TNN: "Re-grooving has a direct impact on our bottom line as tyre life is increased significantly. It also extends the tyre's most fuel efficient state helping to maximise our fuel economy in line with Michelin's Stop Thirsty Tyes initiative and improving the overall levels of grip.

"When a re-grooved tyre needs replacing, ATS Euromaster fits a new Michelin in its place and returns the worn tyre to the RemiX factory in Stoke to be remoulded. In return, we receive a casing credit which can be used towards the purchase of the next new Michelin tyre."

He continued: "It is a system which helps to benefit customers that specify new tyres."

Supported by a detailed study of six vehicles in the fleet, it has been discovered that mileage performance increased by a minimum 22.6 per cent with a Volvo tractor unit having its drive axle tyres re-grooved at 188,154 miles and being replaced at 231,594. The highest figure recorded was on a Scania tractor unit where the tyres were re-grooved at 322,484 miles and replaced at 440,032 thus giving a one year additional performance for around eight per cent of the cost of a new tyre.

The company's fleet is mixed with six 26 tonne rigids and 20 tractor units and trailers. David Price Food Services offers chilled and frozen deliveries nationwide, with regular services to Ireland and much of Europe.

It specialises in one to 26 pallet drops, making deliveries to retail and food services distribution depots, airport catering outlets and manufacturers for further processing.