Irish and UK-based haulier O’Reilly Transport is returning its commercial vehicle fleet to operating on 100 per cent Michelin tyres after being impressed by the French company’s multi-brand, multi-life policy which optimises the total life cost of every Michelin casing. The fact that Michelin tyres are manufactured in Ireland’s last remaining tyre plant in Ballymena was also a factor.
O’Reilly’s which has been operating for more than 40 years, believes that as the economy recovers, operators need to maintain stringent control of their fuel costs.
David O’Reilly, Fleet Manager of O’Reilly Transport Ireland said: “As we grow the company it is essential that our trucks are as efficient as possible. We are investing in our drivers and our fleet to ensure that we can keep fuel costs as low as possible. The Michelin trials we undertook demonstrated a marked improvement in fuel economy and longevity over the mix of budget and premium brands we previously fitted. It’s a win-win situation for us.”
As a major operator in the Port of Dublin and the Heysham Port, the tyres on its trailers were suffering from rapid wear and regular damage, particularly when trailers were being sent unaccompanied via sea. Following a detailed analysis they implemented a full Michelin policy, including regrooving and retreading to maximise the value of every Michelin casing.
The new policy sees O’Reilly Transport Ireland specify the majority of its tractor units with 315/70 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D tyres, plus it is trialling a number of vehicles on Michelin’s latest generation 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy fuel-saving tyres. It has also started to fit the first 65-series X Multi T trailer tyres, which were launched in July 2014 and are expected to provide a further leap in trailer tyre performance.
The family run business maintains a fleet of 170 tractor units and 600 trailers, operating throughout Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. It is currently taking delivery of 30 Volvo FH tractor units, which have each been specified on Michelin tyres as original equipment