Asset Alliance Group puts down new roots at Huntapac

Asset Alliance Group has strengthened its presence in the UK agricultural logistics sector after securing its first fleet deal with Huntapac, the Preston-based specialist in growing, packing and transporting root vegetables for the nation’s largest retailers.

*Will Hunter, Managing Director at Huntapac (pictured left) with Richard Worthington, Business Development Manager at Asset Alliance Group.*

The agreement has seen Asset Alliance Group supply 11 new DAF XF 480 trucks to the Hunter family-owned business, marking the beginning of a new partnership between the two organisations. Founded more than 80 years ago, Huntapac has built its success on long-term relationships – a philosophy closely aligned with Asset Alliance Group’s own approach.

The 6×2 DAF XF 480 units are specified with Sleeper High Cabs and luxury driver air-seats, reflecting the demanding nature of Huntapac’s operations, with vehicles frequently spending several nights away from base. Four of the trucks are equipped with tipping gear and wet kits, enabling them to work with bulk trailers delivering produce directly to Huntapac’s packhouse in Tarleton, where crops are washed, graded and packaged.

Joanne Cleece, Head of Transport at Huntapac, says the experience of working with Asset Alliance Group has been highly positive from the outset. “It’s our first time working with Asset Alliance Group and we’ve been really impressed so far. They are straight-talking, know their stuff and were able to deliver what we needed at a competitive price,” she explains.

Huntapac’s trucks typically cover around 180,000km a year, making vehicle reliability and uptime critical.

The new DAFs have been supplied on a three-year contract hire agreement, including repair and maintenance, to support the business’s high-mileage operation.

“We prefer to finance as we’re a high-mileage fleet, and the three-year warranty on the trucks means we’re well covered,” Cleece adds. “Technology is changing very quickly too, and if you were to look at a truck from just eight years ago, you’d be shocked by its fuel efficiency. Having a new, tidy fleet is popular with our drivers too.”

The strength of the new partnership was further demonstrated when another of Huntapac’s vehicle suppliers went into administration. Despite being the newest addition to the operator’s supplier base, Asset Alliance Group responded immediately, providing rental vehicles to maintain continuity of service and offering compliance support for the affected trucks.

“Given that they are our newest vehicle supplier, they are also the one that has helped us out the most,” says Cleece.

The deal was managed by Richard Worthington, Business Development Manager for the Northern Region at Asset Alliance Group, who worked closely with Cleece and Colin Postlethwaite, Cost Control and Saving Manager at Huntapac, both on the initial supply of vehicles and the subsequent operational support.