Lorry Tyre Trial Unlocks Sustainability Improvements

A major temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, Lineage Logistics, LLC, has awarded Michelin’s Services & Solutions team a five-year tyre management agreement covering its UK fleet after back-to-back tyre trials highlighted a range of sustainability improvements could be unlocked with a change in policy.

The trial, which took place using a pair of identical vehicles operating out of Lineage’s Heywood site, saw Michelin’s regional tread pattern tyres outperform the company’s current policy, delivering a substantial improvement in fuel economy. When rolled out across Lineage’s fleet in the UK, Michelin tyres will help to reduce emissions, whilst the projected longer tyre life will cut raw material usage and create less waste, something which is important for the business.

Lineage will now move to Michelin’s X Multi tyres across its regional fleet of more than 400 commercial vehicle assets in the UK, which includes 304 trailers, 121 tractor units and 16 rigids.
Tyre fitting and associated maintenance will be carried out via the Michelin Service Pro network. This will see Quinton Tyres handle all vehicles based at the company’s Heywood headquarters, with Tructyre looking after its 12 other sites nationally.

Will Maycock, Director of Transport at Lineage, says: “As a business we are constantly taking steps to minimise our environmental impact and Michelin has been able to contribute to this through both tyre selection and a commitment from its service partners to maximising the life of every single tyre casing in the fleet. We were very impressed by the results from the trials, which clearly demonstrated the outstanding efficiency of the Michelin product for our trucks and trailers. The projected fuel savings and sustainability improvements were notable, particularly when multiplied across the UK fleet, and it was compelling to see the results through our own telematics systems on our own trucks.”

Commenting on the additional benefits of the switch to Michelin, he adds: “With the new policy we are projected to be fitting fewer tyres over the course of a year, which will help to further reduce our waste and CO2 emissions. We’re also looking forward to seeing results in terms of improved dealer service levels, vehicle availability and compliance as this progresses.”

All tyres will follow a multi-life policy including regrooving and retreading, making sure to extract the maximum performance from every tyre in the fleet. Skilled Quinton Tyres and Tructyre technicians will regroove worn tyres once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm, extending each tyre’s life by around 25 per cent in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved tyres have worn they will be retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke; a process which doubles the Michelin casing lifespan, saves natural resources and supports local UK manufacturing.

Andrew French, Director, Michelin Services & Solutions, says: “Sustainability is a core focus for both Michelin and Lineage, and a key driver in this new long-term partnership. We are delighted that we can help Lineage take positive steps towards achieving its environmental ambitions. As a business we have a commitment to building a circular economy; by minimising the input of raw materials, maximising the use of all materials whilst in use and successfully managing an environmentally friendly end of life process.”

Lineage is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its real estate network, and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase the efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain.