Speedy launches purpose-built sack truck

Speedy has launched a purpose-built sack-truck for its delivery fleet and service centres across the UK, to help reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.

Called Alu-Truck, the push-around units feature a round back design that makes the transport of gas cylinders easier and safer.

The Alu-Truck is made of lightweight aluminium and has a rounded handles and an extra-large foldable base plate.

Andy Johnson, HSSEQ Director at Speedy, said, “The safety of colleagues and customers is always our top priority.

“The nature of our business means that there is an inherent risk of manual handling related injuries.”

He continued, “The bespoke sack-truck is designed specifically for routine delivery jobs that we carry out and to handle heavy items like trench rammers and plate compactors.”

The Alu-Truck was developed with collaboration from Speedy’s material handling equipment supplier, BIL, and its truck builder PPS, who helped to develop an undercarriage kerb-side compartment on delivery vehicles to store the sack truck.

The compartment is being installed in to 445 delivery vehicles and will ensure a ‘safer and quicker delivery’ as well as enabling drivers to access the truck easily.

Johnson said, “The new undercarriage compartment on our delivery vehicles makes it easy for drivers to access an innovative and safe way of loading goods onto the trolley.”

Having been trialled by Speedy’s Reading and Gatwick service centres, 800 units of the truck will now be rolled out to members of Speedy’s network.