Cheadle Hulme-based haulier David Bratt & Sons has drastically reduced downtime across its fleet of commercial vehicles since switching to an exclusive Michelin tyre policy.
The business runs a 70-strong fleet of trucks, and 80 trailers, providing a range of transport solutions from specialist distribution, the delivery of steel, construction materials and control panels, to last-mile deliveries.
It switched to Michelin from a rival tyre manufacturer following a thorough consultation with service provider Quinton Tyres and Michelin Business Territory Manager, Matthew Parkinson.
David Bratt, Joint Managing Director at David Bratt & Sons, says: “We’re into our third year running only Michelin tyres now, and the reduction in breakdowns and resulting downtime across the fleet is clear to see.
“Despite the initial additional cost of opting for a premium product, the decision has proved a very good one for our business. Michelin tyres are built better than any others on the market, they are durable and stand the test of time – ultimately helping to keep our trucks on the road, deliveries on time and our customers happy.”
David Bratt & Sons runs new and Remix products from the Michelin X Multi range on its tractor units, while opting for the more rugged Michelin X Works and Michelin X Multi HD D tyres on its rigids. The company’s trailers are fitted with 385/65 R22.5 Michelin Remix XZY3 tyres.
All the tyres are covered by Michelin’s accidental damage guarantee – which refunds operators for accidental damage suffered before a tyre is 50 per cent worn. If the tyres are less than 10 per cent worn, a full refund is issued and if the tyre is 50-90 per cent worn, a 75 per cent refund is given back.
The guarantee is free of charge and offers customers the ultimate protection against the financial costs of accidental damage, whilst reinforcing the benefits of operating a premium Michelin policy.
“The additional protection of the guarantee is a huge benefit to us,” adds Bratt. “A lot of our haulage work is for the construction industry. The trucks are running a good distance out on the road but then delivering off-road onto building sites, so we need that combination of a good quality tyre in terms of fuel efficiency and one that is tough enough to handle that off-road work too. Michelin ticks all the boxes.”
All David Bratt & Sons tyres follow a Michelin multi-life policy, making sure to extract the maximum performance from every product.
David Bratt & Sons was formed in the 1950s by the late David Bratt. The company has expanded from a one-man, one vehicle business, to a major player in the haulage industry in the north west. Today it offers warehousing and haulage services, with a fleet that includes flatbed, curtainside, forklift and crane-equipped vehicles.
