Secondhand Trucks is the fleet sales division of Maritime Transport, reselling its high-spec ex-fleet vehicles. Bought from new and operated by Maritime Transport, there’s no doubting the provenance of the Secondhand Trucks stock, all of which has a full service history and comes with up to 12 months’ MoT and up to 36 months’ warranty. CM catches up with Matt Heath, fleet sales director at Maritime Transport, to find out how the company is finding the used truck industry.
CM: How’s business?
MH: Following a slow start to the year, recent weeks have seen volume start to increase as more vessels arrive in the UK having navigated the southern tip of Africa and this, in turn, is bringing a revived confidence to those looking to add or change vehicles within their fleets. We’ve now sold all stock with the exception of two Scanias and one Volvo. However, having the ability to sell directly from our fleet of 1,250 trucks means we’re always able to supply exactly what our customers require. I’ve always said that our forecourt is on the road and this serves as a large part of our advertising – along with CM of course!
CM: What’s been selling well recently?
MH: Our fleet consists of Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and DAF and these all feature in what we sell. This will be based on age, mileage, demand, etc. To date this year, Scania and Volvo have both been very much in demand and we continue to see orders confirmed. We’re fortunate that over the 20 years of us selling our trucks, we have had a solid number of repeat buyers for all our marques and so very often the trucks will be pre-sold ahead of them coming off our fleet.
CM: Why are customers coming back to Secondhand Trucks?
MH: Knowing how a truck has been maintained and the type of work it’s been on are both important factors for buyers of used trucks, and this provides our customers with the confidence of knowing what they’re buying. By operating the trucks, we also have first-hand experience of mpg data, whole-life costs, etc, which makes us unique in what we do and ensures we can always find the right truck for each customer, every time. Finance, warranties, top spec and a full customisation service also make us a perfect one-stop shop.
CM: How do you think the used truck market will change in the next five years?
MH: Our industry is embarking on one of the biggest challenges in its history as it moves away from fossil fuel. With Euro-7, trucks will be the cleanest they’ve ever been. Whether the future lies in electric, hydrogen or biofuel, the first two will require an infrastructure that will take time to put in place. Until then, diesel remains our best option, and with Euro-7, trucks will be the cleanest they’ve ever been. I see great opportunities in the coming five years and with demand for the combustion engine only increasing all the time, there is uncertainty in the road ahead.
CM: What’s keeping you awake at night?
MH: With our model, we never have a stock shortage. It’s on the road working and can be routed anywhere for viewings, and I’m fortunate to have a great team around me so, I’m pleased to say, I sleep very well. Global issues will have an effect on a number of factors within our industry going forward and these will bring their own challenges that we will overcome. In the meantime, we’ll continue to do what we do best, servicing the needs of our customers by supplying the best used trucks available. l
What their customers say:
Medway Drums: “One of the many great services that Secondhand Trucks offers is the amazing customisation options available. I had a custom-paint job and Secondhand Trucks was able to supply and fit an external sun visor, illuminated head board, Kelsa top bar with six Boreman spot lamps, Kelsa wing bars and a Kelsa perimeter kit. Upon collection, we were blown away with how fantastic the truck looked! Every sundry item was completed to the highest of standards and the interior and exterior of the vehicle looked brand new!” l
Paul Starkey Transport: “Matt went to work organising a deal that suited both of us for a Scania S530, which includes a Kelsa lightbar, Alcoa alloy wheels and livery. I knew they came with the V8 leather pack, sun visor and roof lights, so this really appealed to me. I also wanted a 70-plate Volvo Globetrotter. Matt again found us the ideal truck. Both trucks have been fully dealer maintained, with a 12-month MoT, three-month warranty and delivery included, and so the decision was an easy one for me.” for used Volvos and Scanias this year
- This article was first published in the 30 May issue of Commercial Motor.
