Specialist goods, trucks and drivers

ECONIC

Electronic Handling is taking its expert services to the next level with the purchase of a new Econic.

The conscientious haulage company excels in delivering and installing niche products in challenging circumstances. No location is too out of reach for this dedicated team, who will now take on busy city streets with ease thanks to a new Econic vehicle.


Evolving with the new Econic.

Electronic Handling Ltd has taken the next step in ensuring even greater safety for both their drivers and other road users with the purchase of a new Econic.

The specialist delivery business began in 1986 offering haulage services for banks. Over the years they have grown and evolved; they are now an international company which operates in the UK and Europe and provides services for an array of sectors including medical, banking, printing and entertainment.

In fact, any product which needs special attention and careful delivery would be well suited to the company.



Special all-round.

Goods are transported in specially adapted vehicles, all of which wear the three pointed star. The fleet consists of a new Econic, one Actros, two Axors and a 7.5t Atego as well as six vans. The trucks’ bodies are specially configured to ensure they are appropriate for the niche tasks – most of the cargo is specialised equipment which is unpacked before travel and carefully secured in the vehicles.

Once at their destination, drivers unload and are tasked with installing the goods, sometimes having to use a crane to manoeuvre through fourth floor windows! Drivers receive appropriate training on the job and the company works with manufacturers to learn the best way to deal with each piece of equipment.

The projects are challenging – drivers use their problem-solving skills on a regular basis to make deliveries possible and often have to travel to areas with limited access such as the Shetland Islands and remote places in Scandinavia. However, it makes the job even more rewarding.



“It’s all about safety; not just for us but for everyone else on the road also.”

- Matt Capel, Transport Manager, Electronic Handling Ltd


Navigating the city streets.

The team don’t spend all their time in the countryside crossing rugged terrain; drivers also have to navigate the busy city streets of the Capital. The firm is based in Greater London so the truckers make frequent trips in to the bustling city.

Matt Capel is Transport Manager at Electronic Handling Ltd and explained to RoadStars how the London traffic affected their recent truck purchase decision. “We were at a Mercedes-Benz event and came across the Econic. The team tried it out and learnt about the benefits of its great features and we realised it made sense to have one for our London operations.”

The model, an Econic 1830 offers front and rear suspension, Lane Keeping Assist, Proximity Control, Sideguard Assist, Stability Control and, like all their trucks, boasts a specially designed body.



“The Econic was really surprising to drive, I thought being in a lower driving position was going to make it harder but it’s actually better in lots of ways. It will be great for driving through the city.”

- Brian Wilden, Driver, Electronic Handling Ltd


Future-proofing your fleet.

It’s not just the truck features which swayed the decision. The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) initiative and HGV Safety permit comes into effect in March 2021, meaning all vehicles over 12t which enter Greater London must hold a permit. The DVS uses a star system to rate the vision from HGVs from zero to five stars.

Fortunately the new Econic holds a five star rating, something the company is thrilled about, “We’re basically future-proofing our London service,” enthuses Matt.

He continued, “It’s all about safety; not just for us but for everyone else on the road also.”

The drivers are in agreement and are very impressed by the new vehicle’s capabilities. Matt reported that they have more peace of mind knowing they have the latest technology at their fingertips and don’t have to worry about getting out onto a busy road – they can walk across the cab and exit straight onto the pavement.

“Having heating in the back is also a bonus – really appreciated at this time of year!” he said.



Taking on special projects.

It’s certainly non-stop for this haulier with deliveries all over, in cities, countryside and across the continent. This year has been particularly hectic with the pandemic – 90% of their work is in the medical industry and hospital deliveries have kept them on their toes, in particular Covid testing equipment.

One such project saw them transporting 76 beds to Homerton University Hospital in Hackney!

We can’t see this company slowing down any time soon, as they continue to grow and meet the high expectations their customers have come to expect.



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