Hermes to expand UK fleet with 100 more vehicles

Parcel carrier Hermes is expanding its fleet in the UK with the purchase of 86 vans and 14 tractor-trailer units.
The company said today its multi-million pound investment was part of a fleet replacement and expansion programme supporting the “significant” growth in the parcel volumes it carries.

Hermes is currently predicting a 25% year-on-year increase in its festive season volumes this year, having reported a 40% growth last year.

The growth is primarily driven by the 15% growth in UK ecommerce sales being seen annually at the moment.

The 86 new vans taken on by Leeds-based Hermes include a mix of 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne and 18-tonne vehicles, and will be used around the company’s network of depots across the country.

The 14 new tractor-trailer units will be used in the company’s trunking network, picking up items from key customers and distributing parcels from Hermes hubs to its front-line depots.

Hermes said all of the new vehicles will use automatic gearboxes and aerodynamic bodies to achieve better fuel consumption, as it strives to cut carbon dioxide emissions and improve operational efficiencies across the fleet.

“Aggressive”

Carole Woodhead, the Hermes chief executive, said: “Our aggressive growth strategy means we need to possess the necessary infrastructure and logistics capabilities for a rapidly expanding business.

“By investing in highly efficient vehicles utilizing the latest technology we are able to keep our operating costs to a minimum and take a responsible approach to our operation,” added Woodhead.

Along with its fleet, Hermes has also been expanding its depot capacity this year with new sites in Essex, Kent, Coventry and Carlisle along with expanded operations in Nuneaton and Bridgend.

The company, owned by German distance-selling giant Otto Group, has also been investing in upgraded IT systems as it strives to capitalise on skyrocketing ecommerce demand in a constrained parcel delivery market within the UK.