Evolve Haulage backs next phase of growth with 14 Renault Trucks T High 520s

Evolve Haulage has taken delivery of 14 new Renault Trucks T High 520 6x2 pusher tractor units in a major fleet renewal designed to strengthen reliability, fuel performance and driver appeal across its intensive 24/7 operation.

Supplied on a contract hire agreement through Vertellus by Renault Truck Commercials, the 44-tonne tractor units replace a mix of leased, rented and older owned vehicles.

The 14 new T Highs now make up more than half of Evolve’s 25-truck fleet, supporting dedicated customer work across beverages, chilled distribution and general haulage.

Growth drives fleet investment

Founded in 2020 and run by husband-and-wife co-directors Gareth and Deborah Pritchard, Evolve Haulage has grown rapidly from a small start-up into a 25-truck, 24/7 operation.

Renault Trucks has been part of Evolve’s journey from its early days, initially supporting the business with rental vehicles as it established its fleet. The latest 14-truck order takes that relationship a significant step further.

Deborah Pritchard, Co-Director at Evolve Haulage, said: “When we started, Renault was one of the companies prepared to take a chance on a new business, and that support was important to us.

“As we have grown, our fleet requirements have changed too. Reliability is increasingly important, both for us and for our customers, and we want the vehicles we operate to reflect the business we are building. Bringing in 14 new Renault Trucks in one go is a big step for us and gives us a strong foundation for the next stage of our growth.”

New trucks support high-mileage operation

The fleet renewal also marks a wider shift for Evolve towards newer vehicles on contract hire.

Gareth Pritchard, Co-Director at Evolve Haulage, explained: “As the business has grown, reliability has become increasingly important. We run the trucks hard, so older vehicles can quickly become expensive when the mileage builds and downtime can have a direct impact on our customers.

“Moving towards newer vehicles on contract hire gives us much more confidence in the fleet and the backup we need for a 24/7 operation.”

Based at Evolve’s Wolverhampton operation, the new T Highs work across dedicated customer lanes carrying beverages, chilled food, snacks and general haulage freight, coupled to fridge, standard and double-deck trailers.

Predominantly double-shifted, each truck is expected to cover around 190,000 km a year. The new sleeper cabs will also give Evolve greater flexibility to develop more tramping work where required.

Power and efficiency for demanding work

With many of Evolve’s beverage loads running close to 44 tonnes, Gareth specifically requested the T High 520 to provide the torque needed at higher weights while supporting fuel efficiency. Its 12.8-litre engine produces 520hp and 2,550Nm of torque and is matched to Renault Trucks’ 12-speed Optidriver automated transmission.

Gareth said: “A lot of our work is at the heavier end, particularly the drinks traffic, so I wanted the 520. We need the torque when the trucks are running close to maximum weight and, with the mileage we do, fuel efficiency is extremely important. We measure everything, so we’ll be watching the fuel figures closely.”

The specification also includes the Fuel Eco package with Optivision Map Based + Traffic Info, which uses topographical and traffic data to optimise gear selection, while Anderson leads have been fitted for trailers equipped with tail-lifts.

Early driver feedback has also been positive. Gareth added: “The first thing the drivers commented on was how well they pull. Even with a heavy load on the back, they don’t feel laboured. That’s exactly what we wanted from these new trucks.”

Comfort and safety for intensive operation

Beyond performance and fuel efficiency, driver comfort was another priority for Evolve, with the T Highs predominantly double-shifted and some vehicles also expected to support tramping work.

The High Sleeper cabs include four-point air suspension, heated and ventilated driver’s seats, climate control, a refrigerator and microwave, generous storage and Renault Trucks’ Sérénité lower bunk. Each truck has also been allocated to a principal driver to encourage greater ownership and care of the vehicle.

Gareth said: “Our drivers spend a lot of time in these trucks, so we wanted to give them a really good working environment. They’ve got everything they need, and because each truck has a main driver, they take ownership of it and look after it. That’s good for the vehicle and for driver retention.”

Safety equipment includes Renault Trucks’ camera-based rear-view system, blind-spot camera, side radar, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking. A DVS package with left-turn warning equipment also gives Evolve the flexibility to operate in London when required. 

Renault Trucks has supported drivers getting used to the camera-based rear-view system with training and video guidance, helping them familiarise themselves with the technology as the new vehicles enter service.

Support package built around uptime

The 14 T Highs are supplied on contract hire through Vertellus by Renault Truck Commercials, with a full repair and maintenance package supported by Renault Truck Commercials at Tipton.

For Evolve, which runs 24/7 and covers high annual mileages, the ability to plan servicing and inspections around the operation was an important part of the overall package.

Gareth said: “It was the complete package that made it work for us. The truck, the specification, contract hire and maintenance support all fitted together.

“We run 24/7, so having a local team that understands our operation and can be flexible around servicing and inspections makes a big difference. We need the trucks out working, and knowing the backup is there gives us confidence.”

Service seals the deal

Evolve was also impressed by the straightforward sales process and communication from Joe Laugharne and the wider Renault Trucks team throughout the order and delivery.

Deborah said: “There was no hard sell from Joe. He listened to what we needed from the trucks, worked with us to refine the specification and came back with a package that was right for the business.

“Since placing the order, we’ve had regular updates right through to delivery. The communication has been excellent and, if something needs sorting, the team responds quickly. That level of service was an important part of our decision.”

Joe Laugharne, Transport Solutions Executive at Renault Truck Commercials, commented: “Evolve has grown quickly and this 14-truck order is a significant investment in the next stage of the business. Gareth and Deborah knew exactly what they needed from the vehicles, from performance at higher weights and fuel efficiency to driver comfort and dependable backup. 

“The T High 520 is a great fit for that operation, and we’re delighted to be supporting Evolve with both the trucks and the aftersales package as the business continues to grow.”