The Suttons Group has set up a dedicated domestic road transport subsidiary in China, while also keeping customers happy in its home market
Suttons International has launched a ground-breaking domestic trucking service in China, officially authorised for the transport of all dangerous goods except Classes 1 and 7. Suttons China has acquired 10 new Sitrak tractors, which comply with China’s VI emission standards, and 12 container trailers, all equipped with real-time tracking systems for enhanced security.
Suttons China has implemented a rigorous two-week training programme and assessment for all drivers and their escorts. On successful completion, each participant will be awarded the ‘Suttons Driver Passport,’ a certification encompassing vital skills such as PPE usage, emergency procedures, defensive driving, liquid chemical loading and unloading, security protocols, fatigue risk awareness, rollover avoidance, pre-use vehicle checks, product awareness, slow-speed manoeuvring, safety-related policies, and customer care.
“The launch of Suttons Tankers China, our domestic trucking service designed to elevate chemical logistics standards in the region, marks a significant milestone for our business,” says John Sutton, group CEO. “With a commitment to reliability, value and service, we aim to redefine the landscape and set new benchmarks for safety and efficiency. The ‘Suttons Driver Passport’ initiative underscores our dedication to excellence, ensuring our team is equipped with the highest level of skills and awareness. We look forward to contributing to the industry’s growth and success in China.”
GAS AND BITUMEN
Closer to home, Suttons Tankers has added ten new ‘pintle’ trailers to its fleet as part of its long-term partnership with BOC for the distribution of gas cylinders. The new pintle trailers, designed by Tiger Trailers, feature better positioning of the ADR marker boards, which removes risk of them snagging on the service lines. The headboard marker lights have also been repositioned on these trailers, removing the mirror’s reflection. There is a new storage solution on the centre aisle gate which removes the need for straps to be used for securing the gate when not in use, as well as removing the need to lift and twist the gate when removing and placing in the storage position.
“The safety of our drivers at Suttons is always at the forefront of our decisions,” the company says. “That’s why we took feedback from our driver workforce and worked with BOC and Tiger Trailers on rolling out these new and improved safety features. With the new trailers coming into the operation, Suttons looks forward to supporting the drivers on the BOC contract to continue to deliver this essential product in the safest possible manner.”
Illustrating the breadth of Suttons’ capabilities in the UK, the company also reports on a successful contract with Kier Highways Solutions covering the transport of bitumen emulsion during an eight-week campaign in the summer of 2023. Suttons was able to support Kier thanks to its nationwide depot network, large fleet and cross-trained pool of highly skilled drivers. The experienced operations team provided a consultative approach when it came to understanding the operation and best supporting Kier’s own drivers.
“By working with Suttons, we have benefited from enhanced flexibility to manage the peaks and troughs of emulsion demand,” says Lee Draper, general manager of Kier Transportation. “Transporting emulsion from Wymondham Plant, our bituminous materials production facility in Norfolk, to locations across the UK requires extensive stakeholder engagement and planning. Suttons has proved a valuable, collaborative partner, to deliver a seamless, high-quality service for our clients.”
source: https://hcblive.com/suttons-ready-for-the-road/
