Cross docking site opts for new Jungheinrich models

Established in 1985, Sureway Express Transport specialise in palletised distribution throughout the UK and Europe.

A member of the Palletforce network since 2001, the company offers same day, next day, economy, full- and part-load services along with contract distribution to a diverse client base.

Sureway's 12,000 sq ft cross-docking warehouse in Bristol operates around the clock six days per week. Typically, some 500 pallets are handled every day and, because the palletised loads that pass through the site rarely stay in the facility for longer than 24 hours, racking is not required - everything is stored at floor level.

The company relies on an efficient forklift fleet to ensure the smooth operation of the Bristol site and has used Junghenirch equipment for a number of years, so when the time came to upgrade its fleet, Sureway had little hesitation in turning to Jungheinrich once again.

"We have had a good experience with Jungheinrich – our drivers like their trucks and the company's account management and aftersales care has always been of a high standard," says Sureway's Director and company founder, Rob Lloyd.

Sureway has replaced its existing Jungheinrich forklifts with models from the German manufacturer's new IC-engine powered range of counterbalanced trucks.

The new diesel powered DFG320 trucks feature hydrodynamic drive – or 'Torque Converter' technology. Hydrodynamic drive is ideal for operations like Sureway's where trucks are shuttling back and forth on short 'runs'.

Around 95 per cent of the trucks' time at Sureway is spent loading and unloading curtainsided trailers and the 'Torque Converter' technology makes direction changes smooth and straightforward, which minimises pallet pick and put-away time.

According to Rob Lloyd, Sureway's truck operators were a significant influence on the purchase decision. "The truck operators are using the vehicles for long shifts, so they must be comfortable," he explained.

The new Jungheinrich DFG range's operator's cabin features a slim steering column which offers greater leg room, while a fully adjustable seat can be set to the position each driver finds most comfortable. In addition, a host of organisational aids, like, for instance, a cup holder and clip pad, allow the operator to maintain an uncluttered and productive workstation.

The trucks also feature an electric parking brake as standard. The operator simply presses a button to activate the brake, while a new lifting mast design ensures improved view of the payload, forks and general working area. In fact, the visibility in all directions is class leading - which enhances all round safety throughout the shift.

Safety was another important consideration. The DFG's counterweight has been designed as an integral part of the load-bearing chassis. This means that the truck's centre of gravity is extremely low which ensures outstanding stability without the need for additional and costly electronic stability systems.

With attractive capital allowance incentives available at the moment, Sureway has purchased all of the Jungheinrich trucks in its new fleet outright and an ongoing maintenance contract has been agreed between the companies. Rob Lloyd concludes: "If one of our forklifts goes down it could have a serious impact on our business, so it is important to us that the trucks are healthy. Jungheinrich's forklifts have not only proved themselves to be extremely reliable, the company's service engineers do a great job in keeping the fleet operating at optimum capacity."