The UK’s market leading truck supplier, DAF Trucks report that all their dealerships are operating according to their normal opening hours and service levels.

Anyone reading this will know of the importance of the role of trucks in the UK’s food and medicine distribution, but there is little recognition of the behind the scenes work that the technicians need to carry out to make sure that the trucks can continue to operate safely and legally.

These guys are some of the unsung heroes of this crisis – If the UK’s food supply chain were to struggle in these testing times then the country could descend into total chaos.

“We’re seeing nothing short of an epic response from the DAF Dealer network,” says DAF Trucks Managing Director, Laurence Drake, “the collective effort from DAF Technicians on the frontline of operations has been awe-inspiring, while the speedy transition to home-working from the office staff has been remarkable, too. The whole network has pulled together for its customers,” he says, “and my management team owes a debt of gratitude for the heroic resolve shown by all aspects of the business.”

Reports from a number of DAF Dealers describe a large-scale effort on the frontline of operations with workshop and DAFaid Technicians repeatedly going the extra mile for truck operators.

Truck for Medical Deliveries

With many of its vehicles required for critical oxygen deliveries to hospitals, BOC Group has expressed its gratitude to Evans Halshaw DAF in Sheffield for completing essential repairs in double-quick time. “In this challenging period,” says Evans Halshaw National Franchise Director, Lester Freakley, “it’s paramount to keep supply chains operational. I’m extremely proud of how the truck teams across all our locations continue to deliver first-class customer service in unprecedented circumstances.”

Richard Crump, Managing Director at Pelican DAF in Castleford, says, “It’s an interesting reminder that our dealerships across the country have a vital role to play in keeping the food and NHS supply chain open. I have given everyone an extra week’s holiday next financial year to thank them for their huge effort,” says Crump, “I see many of my people overcoming their personal fears to keep the wheels rolling.”

Morale Boosting

Motus Commercials, one of DAF Trucks’ largest dealer groups, has also responded in impressive fashion. “Where employees can work from home, they are, and where they do need to come to the dealerships, we are following government guidelines,” says Commercial Director, Alan Ellison, “including social distancing and increased regular cleaning to ensure their safety. We have also created an internal ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes’ poster campaign to help boost morale for the employees still working at our dealerships.”

“Our workshops are all open, and DAFaid Technicians are working. We are very much here to support the national effort against coronavirus.” he says, “Our employees have approached the situation with a can-do attitude and have all pulled together as a team. It’s working well.”

Motus Heroes Campaing
Motus Heroes Campain
Pelican Engineering
Pelican Engineering Dealership is Fully Open. One week extra holiday has been given to staff for next year.