Prohire supports Speedy Hire’s net zero strategy

Speedy Hire is the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of tools, specialist equipment and services.
With 147 depots nationwide, they guarantee 4 hour or same-day delivery on 350 of their most
popular products, so having a reliable fleet of vehicles is critical to the operation.

Prohire have worked with Speedy Hire since 2021 and supplies 69 vehicles on full contract
hire, managing compliance of the diverse fleet. The fleet includes the UK’s first ever 27 tonne,
all electric beavertail powered access vehicle, the build of which was managed by Prohire’s
alternative fuel division, Progreen.

Prohire is a trusted partner in Speedy Hire’s ‘Decade to Deliver’ strategy to reach net zero by
2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government target.

Challenges

Speedy Hire, which has a large fleet of over 1200 commercial vehicles, needed a new fleet provider capable of meeting its extremely diverse fleet requirements. This would minimise the risk of Speedy Hire having all ‘their eggs in one basket’ should there be a problem with one, or both, of its existing fleet providers.

The additional supplier would need to be able to manage the compliance requirements of Speedy Hire’s Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)-accredited fleet. FORS assess and recognise fleet performance in key areas: environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency.

The selected provider would also need specialist expertise to support Speedy Hire with alternative fuel solutions as part of its ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy and its HS2 contracts, within which the Government has challenged all contractors to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Solution

Having been successful at tender in 2021, Prohire is extremely proud to meet Speedy Hire’s extremely diverse fleet requirements, one of the most varied fleets they support. Prohire supply 69 vehicles on full contract hire to Speedy Hire including 3.5 tonne panel vans, 7.5 tonne and 26 tonne trucks; 39 tonne cranes and 44 tonne tractor units; as well as fuel tankers and double-deck curtainside trailers.

A dedicated team of professionals from Prohire manage the Speedy Hire fleet covering account management, compliance management, finance and operations. Telematics are installed on all vehicles to monitor the vehicles, deliver optimum performance, prevent critical failure, and report on CO2 savings. Any faults are flagged up in real time via a dedicated bespoke portal, along with the fix, minimising downtime. Prohire manage all compliance documentation for Speedy Hire’s FORS accredited fleet.

In support of Speedy Hire’s ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy, Progreen, Prohire’s alternative fuels division, supplies a number of electric vehicles including Maxus eD3 panel vans which deliver into London and service the HS2 contracts and a Maxus eD9 4.25 tonne dropside vehicle that features a tail lift and chassis with a hybrid body (half box and half curtain body).

In 2021, Progreen worked with Speedy Hire to bring the UK’s first ever 27 tonne, all electric Beavertail powered access vehicle market. Progreen advised on the project from inception to completion and managed the build with bespoke electric vehicle creator, Electra. Based on an annual mileage of 20,000, this will save 59,541kg CO2 emissions, compared to the equivalent diesel vehicle.

Prohire continues to work in partnership with Speedy Hire to provide innovative vehicle technology and ensure their vision for a greener future becomes a reality.

Results

• Prohire supplies 69 vehicles for Speedy Hire on full contract hire including repair and maintenance
• Compliance of Speedy Hire’s FORS accredited fleet is managed by Prohire
• Progreen is supporting Speedy Hire with its ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy through the provision of electric vehicles, specialist advice and support
• Speedy Hire’s world-first 27 tonne electric truck attended COP26 in Glasgow and delivers on HS2 contracts
• All vehicles supplied are fitted with telematics to maximise efficiency

Prohire were our first choice after the tender – we liked their business model, offer, package, can-do attitude, after care, and more. They also came highly recommended by trusted industry contacts. From the get-go, Prohire has proven to be a brilliant partner for Speedy Hire.

They share our commitment to reaching net zero and advise us on new vehicles and technologies that could help. They’re that passionate about alternative fuels and getting the right solution for their customers, they’ll offer advice and support even when there’s nothing in it for them.

Their can-do attitude is best demonstrated when they proposed and then managed the design and build of our world-first 27 tonne electric truck. It certainly turned heads when delivering for our HS2 contracts. The same ethos applied when they supplied three fuel tankers, which was a first for both
companies, but as a trusted partner, they were willing to go on that journey with us.

Day-to-day, our account manager is excellent, as is communication. If there is an issue, Prohire are straight on it and keep us updated. It’s good, friendly personal service, and it means a lot. I would have no hesitation in recommending Prohire as a fleet provider.

Gareth Jones, Speedy Hire’s Group Fleet Compliance Manager