PD Ports, which employs around 1,500 people nationwide, operates 12 key ports and logistics hubs along the east and south coasts providing access to Europe and connecting customers’ cargo with key global markets.
The company’s Groveport site provides general ship-to-shore delivery services of steel and other products around the UK.
Our relationship with the company began after we successfully dealt with another part of PD Ports’ operations by stepping in to provide a number of tractor units at short notice after one of its existing providers went into administration.
The latest agreement adds 10 MAN TGX XLX 26.470 6x2 tractor units to the expanding Groveport fleet, each built to the customer’s bespoke specifications and in the client's colours and livery.
It’s a five-year contract and includes repairs, full maintenance, 24-hour breakdown cover and the provision of replacement vehicles, but excludes tyres.
With health and safety PD Ports’ number one priority, all the vehicles also include a number of key safety features:
- Audible handbrake system/driver alert
- Talking reverse alarm
- Smoke alarm
- Specified to meet London’s Direct Vision Standard
- Both CAZ and ULEZ-compliant
In addition, driver comfort features include:
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Coffee machine
all supplied and fitted by Kuda, one of our major supplier partners.
Gary Archer, Engineering Services Manager at PD Ports, commented: “This latest agreement came about on the back of our previous experience during the 2020 deal, and the knowledge that Nigel Holmes and the Dawsongroup truck and trailer team could meet our specific requirements.
“Dealing with Dawsongroup has the benefit of a national service with depots near our Billingham, Groveport and Felixstowe sites, local relationships through a UK branch network, and proven excellent customer service.”
Nigel Holmes, Contract Hire Manager, added: “We were able to build on our existing experience with PD Ports and our proven collaborative approach, which demonstrated our ability to supply the right kind of equipment quickly and reliably.
“We’re thrilled to be working with PD Ports again and we look forward to a very productive working relationship in the future.”