Inter-Haul celebrates 25 years in business with silver-liveried Renault Trucks T 460s

Inter-Haul Pallet Services has added two Renault Trucks T 460 6x2 pusher tractor units to its fleet, finished in a special silver and blue livery to mark the family-run haulier’s 25th anniversary.

Supplied by Sparks Commercial Services, the 44-tonne units are based at Inter-Haul’s Swindon depot and are already supporting local and regional pallet distribution alongside the company’s overnight trunking operation.

Founded in 2001, Inter-Haul operates from its head office in South Wales and a second depot in Swindon. A shareholder and founding member of Pallet-Track, the company provides palletised distribution services for customers across a broad mix of sectors, with some relationships dating back to its earliest years in business.

The daytime workload is split between local and regional duties. Paired with a 25-foot urban trailer, one T 460 handles deliveries and collections across Swindon’s industrial areas, while the second serves distribution centres across Wiltshire and neighbouring counties.

At the end of the day shift, both units are coupled to double-deck trailers for the overnight trunk to Pallet-Track’s Wolverhampton hub, returning to Swindon in the early hours with inbound freight for the following day’s deliveries.

Ryan Waite, Operations Director at Inter-Haul, said: “The Renault Trucks T 460s have fitted straight into a demanding operation, and we expect each one to cover around 1,500 to 2,000 miles a week.

“The freight coming back through the network varies from one night to the next, both in weight and type, so we need a truck that can adapt to whatever the operation demands. The T 460 gives us that flexibility.”

The new trucks join a 14-strong fleet operating from Swindon, alongside a further 43 vans and trucks based at Inter-Haul’s South Wales headquarters. The mixed fleet ranges from 7.5-tonne vehicles and urban rigids to 26-tonners and 44-tonne tractor units.

Beginning a new chapter with Renault Trucks

The T 460s are Inter-Haul’s first new Renault Trucks tractor units, following a successful six-month trial of two used trucks supplied by Sparks Commercial Services.

Ryan explained: “We had been buying the same marque for many years, so the six-month trial was important. It gave us the chance to put the Renault Trucks tractor units through their paces in our own operation, where they performed very well.”

Mark Waite, Director at Inter-Haul, added: “The trial confirmed that Renault Trucks was the right move for the business. Together with the support available from Sparks, it gave us confidence in the complete package, and we are very pleased to be adding the T 460s to the fleet.”

The new T 460s have also been well received by Inter-Haul’s drivers.

Ryan continued: “The drivers took to them very quickly and have been particularly impressed by the comfort of the cab. Fuel economy has also been very good, so the trucks are delivering for us on both driver appeal and operational performance.”

Built for a demanding two-shift operation

With the T 460s expected to work across both day and night shifts, Inter-Haul specified the vehicles around performance, fuel efficiency and driver comfort. Power comes from Renault Trucks’ 10.8-litre, six-cylinder engine, developing 460hp and up to 2,200Nm, coupled to the 12-speed Optidriver automated transmission.

Predictive gearshift technology also supports fuel efficiency, with Renault Trucks’ Optivision Map Based + Traffic Info using topographical and traffic data to anticipate the road ahead and adapt gear changes accordingly.

Ryan said: “As these were our first new Renault Trucks tractor units, we worked closely with Elliot at Sparks on the specification. He understood exactly how hard they would be worked and helped us put together a package that suited both the local tail-lift work and the overnight trunking operation, while giving the drivers the right level of comfort.”

Each unit is fitted with an Anderson power lead to operate Inter-Haul’s tail-lift trailers during daytime deliveries. The Sleeper Cabs also feature four-point air suspension, electronic climate control and heated and ventilated driver’s seats.

Supporting Inter-Haul’s FORS Gold standard, the safety package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert and Lane Departure Warning, side radar, a blind-spot camera and Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking.

Support tailored to a round-the-clock fleet

Inter-Haul has worked with Sparks Commercial Services since opening its Swindon depot around five years ago. What began with trailer inspections and maintenance has developed into a wider relationship covering vehicle servicing and supply.

The new T 460s are covered by a full repair and maintenance agreement, with planned inspections handled by Sparks at weekends to avoid disrupting Inter-Haul’s weekday operation.

Mark Waite added: “Having Sparks on our doorstep makes a real difference. Ordinarily, getting a truck to and from a workshop means bringing in a driver and arranging transport both ways. Sparks can collect the vehicles when they are not working, complete the inspections and have them ready for us again the following morning.

“They understand how our operation works and are flexible when plans change, which helps us keep the trucks where they need to be: out on the road.”

Elliot Tratt, Transport Solutions Executive LCV & HGV at Sparks Commercial Services, commented: “Our relationship with Inter-Haul has grown because we understand the demands placed on its fleet and can provide support that fits around it.

“The T 460s are working hard across two shifts, so keeping them available is every bit as important as supplying the right vehicle in the first place. We are proud to have delivered this anniversary pair and to be supporting Mark, Ryan and the team as Renault Trucks becomes a growing part of the Inter-Haul fleet.”