NHS Supply Chain has commenced taking delivery of its whole fleet renewal programme including 120 new vehicles from DAF Trucks. The new DAF fleet represents a substantial commitment from NHS Supply Chain to deliver a great service to the NHS, enhancing both operational safety and efficiency of time critical deliveries.

Gordon Wall, Head of Supplier operations at the NHSBSA said, "This significant investment provides the NHS with a fleet of modern delivery vehicles with numerous environmental, safety and logistical benefits. These will have a considerable impact on continuing efforts to improve customer support and service efficiency".

CEO at NHS Supply Chain, Tim Slater, said, “NHS Supply Chain is an essential part of everyday life for the NHS, providing over 300,000 products to 1000 different customers. Our investment in the new vehicle fleet reinforces our commitment to deliver a great service with vastly increased safety and environmental credentials.”

The new equipment is being introduced over the next few months across NHS Supply Chain’s seven UK locations. The trucks comprise 49 DAF LF 220 FA 14-tonne rigids, 50 DAF CF 250 FA 18-tonners, 16 DAF CF 400 FA drawbar units and five DAF CF 460 FTG 6x2 tractors. 19 new trailers have also been delivered by Gray & Adams including three double-decks.

All chassis are being supplied through DAF Dealer, Ford & Slater in Leicester. The vehicles will all enter service on a  DAF MultiSupport Compliance contract, covering vehicle servicing, tacho-calibration, MOT inspection / certification and legal inspections. DHL will  manage the day-to-day operation of the fleet through its Central Maintenance Control facility in Manchester.

Additional safety equipment includes a ‘look down’ birds-eye view camera system (360° camera), near side detection system for vulnerable road-users, left turn audible warning system, four-camera monitoring system and front / rear proximity warning systems.