MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
Leading time-critical delivery specialist GBA Services has completed the first phase of an ambitious fleet replacement programme, with the arrival of 20 new, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vans.
The Sprinter 316CDIs were supplied to the Preston-based firm by Blackburn dealer Ciceley Commercials. They are the first vehicles to wear the operator’s eye-catching new vinyl wrap livery, which was designed and applied by AST Signs, of Penrith.
Established in 1987, GBA Services runs a large fleet of trucks and vans which has long been dominated by the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. Its latest Sprinters replace a previous batch, which have been stood down.
Sales & Development Director Wayne Smith said: "We chose Mercedes-Benz vehicles initially because of their excellent reputation for reliability and ability to take high mileages in their stride, as well as the manufacturer’s comprehensive back-up cover throughout Europe.
"Our drivers cover most of the Continent and although our Sprinters have never let us down, the fact that Mercedes-Benz breakdown cover is never more than a single phone call away gives us complete peace of mind. We’ve also built up a great relationship with the team at Ciceley Commercials, who look after us extremely well.
"We’ve stuck with the brand ever since and that loyalty has been repaid with excellent and cost-effective service from our vehicles. These latest Sprinters are even better than the models they’ve replaced. The 163hp Euro 5 engines are particularly impressive; they’re smooth and powerful yet also offer excellent fuel economy and first-class ‘green’ credentials."
GBA Services has grown relentlessly since its early days, when it operated from a single office in Preston. The company’s headquarters are still in the city but it is now one of the country’s leading time-critical delivery specialists, with a network of nine sites nationwide and vehicles running to and from Europe every day. GBA’s vehicles are fitted with sophisticated tracking, security and immobilisation devices which electronically seal and lock, and allow customers to track individual vehicles and consignments.
Much of its work – just-in-time consignments and bulk deliveries – is undertaken for the automotive and aerospace sector: a typical run might entail delivering palletised auto parts to a car assembly plant, or a ‘panic’ item being rushed to a factory in the event of an unplanned production line stoppage. GBA Services also offers specialised transport of sensitive and high-value loads, whether by road or by air freight.
