British Steel upgrades external fleet with first-ever Renault Trucks

British Steel has taken delivery of four new Renault Trucks T480 tractor units with Turbo Compound engines – the first Renault Trucks to join its external fleet – as part of a major fleet replacement programme aimed at boosting efficiency, sustainability and driver comfort.

British Steel operates two distinct truck fleets: an internal fleet dedicated to moving materials within and between its own sites, and an external fleet handling longer-distance journeys to and from suppliers and customers. The new trucks will bolster the external operation, which plays a critical role in keeping the steelmaker’s supply chain moving across the UK.

Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer Thompson Commercials, the T480 6x2 Pusher tractor units are rated for up to 44 tonnes gross combination weight (24.6 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and specified with Harsh single-line tipping gear and PTO for bulk tipping work. They will primarily collect mill scale from British Steel’s Lackenby works in Redcar, Teesside and coke from Immingham Bulk Terminal for processing at the company’s Scunthorpe steelworks. From time to time, the vehicles will also undertake nationwide deliveries of finished steel products to customers – hence their specification to meet London’s Direct Vision Standard for work in the capital.

Power comes from Renault Trucks’ 13-litre Euro VI Step E turbo compound engine, producing 480hp and 2,700Nm of torque from just 900rpm. By recovering exhaust heat energy and converting it into mechanical power, Renault Trucks’ turbo compound technology delivers higher torque at lower speeds. Working in conjunction with the vehicle’s Smart Torque Control, Optiroll and Optivision+, the result is improved fuel efficiency, particularly on long-haul routes, and reduced CO₂ emissions.

To maximise the benefits of the new driveline, each driver will receive tailored on-road training from a dedicated Renault Trucks driver trainer – an added-value service arranged through Thompson Commercials that stood out as a key factor in British Steel’s purchasing decision.

Danny Atkin, Transport Manager – External Fleet at British Steel, said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve efficiency and sustainability across our operation. The turbo compound engine offers real potential for fuel savings, and the inclusion of professional driver training means we can make the most of that technology from day one. The Thompson Commercials team have been brilliant – taking care of everything from PTO fitment to DVS compliance and delivering the trucks ready to work."

The trucks, specified with Harsh single-line tipping gear and PTO for bulk tipping operations, are expected to cover around 1,500 miles per week. Supplied on a contract hire agreement, the new trucks will be maintained locally by Renault Trucks service partner Clugston Distribution Services, located just across from British Steel’s Scunthorpe base.

The specification includes a larger 4.1m wheelbase for increased equipment storage; a sleeper cab with heated and ventilated luxury driver’s seat; electronically regulated comfort air conditioning; refrigerator; leather steering wheel; full LED lighting; and a suite of safety technologies including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with AEBS, and side radar.

Dale Arnott, Group Sales Manager at Thompson Commercials commented: "British Steel’s external fleet is critical to its operation, and it’s been a pleasure to supply vehicles perfectly matched to their demanding mix of regional and national work. The T480 with turbo compound technology is ideal for their high-mileage needs, and the driver training programme will ensure they see maximum return in terms of efficiency and sustainability. We’re looking forward to supporting Danny and the team with future fleet renewals."