

Pallet distribution specialist Shears Bros has taken delivery of 14 DAFs from contract hire firm Ryder.
The new additions comprise eight XF480 Space Cabs, four LF230 18-tonners and a pair of CF230 18-tonners.
Some of the rigids are fitted with full-closure cantilever tail-lifts for health and safety purposes, while the rest feature tuck-under tail-lifts for rear door deliveries at RDCs. All of the vehicles were supplied with a Microlise telematics system.
Shears, which is part of the Pall-Ex Group, has also ordered a number of XF480 Super Space Cabs, which are due for delivery later in the year, by which time the fleet is expected to be made up almost entirely of vehicles from Ryder.
The firm is based in Christchurch and responsible for Pall-Ex’s operations in the south of England. It also operates general haulage across the country, with a 60/40 split between tramping and day work.
“Ryder… arranged for DAF dealer Ford & Slater to provide the driver training when the new vehicles were handed over, and has kept us up to date on the latest technological developments and R&D… the TRAILAR solar mats for example,” said Colin Hawkins, Pall-Ex director of UK-owned operations.
“We’re really pleased with the trucks. With the black livery, they look really smart. And we’ve had good feedback from the drivers and our customers.”