CRS Building Supplies has taken delivery of its first FUSO Canter trucks, expanding its fleet size to 22.
The South West-based building supplies company runs a predominantly DAF fleet that runs up to 26 tonnes, but has acquired four 7.5-tonne Canters because of their “exceptional payloads” .
CRS has grown into a 10-site company in just 14 years and says a flexible and efficient fleet is key to further growth in the future. In addition to the DAFs, the company runs a number of Nissan Cabstar 3.5-tonners.
Like the Cabstars, the new Canters will provide free local deliveries of products including power tools, a wide range of insulation products, timber, bricks and blocks, and loose or bagged sand and aggregates.
“We have a lot of coachhouses and tight worksites here in Somerset so we need something that is compact and manoeuvrable but, at the same time, we want something that can carry a lot of weight so we can do longer delivery runs,” explained Paul Gibbard, CRS building supplies transport manager.
“The Canters fit the bill perfectly. They are barely any bigger than our Cabstars in terms of their external dimensions but can carry an impressive 3.8 tonnes – compared with around 900kg.”
CRS acquired its Canter 7C15 models from Mercedes-Benz dealer City West Commercials, which celebrates a decade in business this year. The vehicles are powered by 3-litre engines, providing 150hp and 370Nm, while their steel tipping bodies are supplied by Brit-Tipp of Warrington.
“They’re a lot more comfortable than they used to be, too,” said Gibbard.
Safety was another high priority for CRS – the Canter’s low seating position, deep windscreen and side windows allow drivers to easily make eye contact with vulnerable road users.
The operator has added all-round recording cameras supplied by Leeds-based SM UK, strobe-light beacons and side repeating marker lights to boost safety still further.
The company acquired the first two Canters with funding support from Mercedes-Benz Finance, but purchased the second pair outright.
