The ‘Urban Prototypes’ are the subject of contract hire agreements with partner Gulliver’s Truck Hire, and are now making multi-drop deliveries to customers throughout London.
Steve White, head of fleet support, said: “The Econic comes at a higher capital cost than a conventional 18-tonner, while our new trucks also carry approximately 750kg less. The reduced payload capacity is partly down to the fact that we’ve chosen to rack out our Econics, which is not something we’d usually do – this is not a problem though, because we always bulk out before weight becomes an issue.
“What’s most important, is that our ‘Urban Prototypes’ serve to reinforce our commitment to compliance and road safety, while also demonstrating innovation in our field of expertise.”
Reynolds’ 18-tonners are also fitted with Sentinel camera systems that give the driver a 360-degree view and also sound an audible warning when a cyclist is alongside, as well as strobe lighting for use when crews are unloading at night.
Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport at Transport for London (TfL), added: “I’m pleased that Reynolds is at the vanguard of forward-thinking companies by using safer lorries with higher levels of driver direct vision. Our recently-published Direct Vision Standard will help other companies bring their fleets up to modern safety standards and make London’s roads safer for all.”
Reynolds supplies to more than 3,000 different types of fresh and chilled produce from around the world - including meat, dairy and cheese products - as well as over 1,000 varieties of fruit and vegetables.