14 June 2022

Established in 1974, Alfreton, Derbyshire-based Middlebrook Transport Limited provides a wide range of transport services to an extensive portfolio of blue chip clients.  In addition to general haulage, the company is involved in specialised work, including the movement of hazardous goods, steel coils and oversize loads.  Among the vehicles hauling the Middlebrook Transport 150-strong fleet of curtainsider, flat and extendable trailers are 14 Scania S-series trucks.

The company began acquiring Scania vehicles four years ago, the key reasons behind its decision being product quality and the relationship and bond of trust which has developed between Middlebrook Transport and Keltruck, Scania's dealer for the West Midlands and South Wales.

"The new generation Scania S-series certainly piqued my interest, it's an excellent truck no doubt," says Middlebrook Transport Managing Director, Rick Bromley.  "Although up until 2018 we had not taken any Scania vehicles, Steve Fletcher, our Keltruck contact, nonetheless invested the time to develop a personal relationship with us and an understanding of our business.  Then, when we expressed an interest in the S-series, Steve knew exactly what was needed and was able to put together a package that ideally suited us and our requirements.

"Steve also introduced us to Matt Bird, who today is our Scania Financial Services (SFS) Business Manager.  Right from the off Matt impressed us.  He too took the time to develop a relationship and understanding with us.  He's quick to action and does what he says he'll do, and you can't ask for more than that.  In my view, SFS does things properly and at an attractive price; that's why we use them for our finance."

Initially, Middlebrook Transport acquired its Scania S-series trucks on a four year operating lease.  That has recently changed and the company's intake for 2022 – six 500 S and two 540 S six-wheel tractor units – have been taken on two year contract hire packages. 

"The reason for that is because SFS's price on a two year contract hire deal is very competitive, close enough, in fact, to the operating lease price to persuade me to change." explains Rick Bromley.  "The benefits are that with the contract hire arrangement we get a new truck every two years, so we no longer have to carry the risk after Scania's two year repair and maintenance contract expires.  Essentially the arrangement we have today with SFS gives us just what we need – a product to believe in and peace of mind all at an affordable price."