Fitted with custom-built 18-foot box bodywork from Essex Bodies, the new trucks replace older Isuzu rigids in the fleet. Designed to be used for both new tyre delivery and casing collection for Stapleton’s tyre recycling programme, the non-standard body size has been selected to optimise load capacity.

Nick Cooper, Head of Group Vehicles at parent company, European Tyre Enterprises, says: “When the time comes to order new trucks for our 7.5-tonne fleet, we survey the market to see what is available, but every time we come to the same conclusion – nothing beats what Isuzu has to offer. From the outstanding payload and superb reliability, right through to the customer support we receive, it’s an obvious choice.”

The vehicles have been supplied on a six-year Full Repair and Maintenance contract and are supported by Isuzu Truck UK’s comprehensive Customer CARE programme, with the nearest authorised dealers taking care of all servicing, maintenance and MOTs.

“The level of support we get is superb; if we ever have an issue, we take the vehicle to whichever Isuzu Truck dealer is closest, safe in the knowledge that the service we receive will be top tier,” Cooper adds.

Lee Tansley, National Fleet Sales Manager for Isuzu Truck UK, adds: “We’re very proud of the relationship we have built with and the team at Stapleton’s Tyre Services over the last 17 years. Working to optimise the body in order to maximise payload really shows how our 7.5-tonne chassis can fit particular customer needs, and of course our unrivalled reliability keeps them coming back.”

The 30 new trucks join a large, 1,300-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet. Operating from Stapleton’s Tyre Services locations across the UK, they will be on the road six days a week. Each truck is expected to stay in service for six years, clocking up around 400,000 miles during that period.

With more than 80 years of experience in the sector, Stapleton’s Tyre Services supplies tyres for passenger cars, 4x4s and vans from 11 locations across the UK. In 1994, it was acquired by the Japanese Itochu Corporation, and operates as a subsidiary of European Tyre Enterprises.