Double role for debutant Isuzu Grafters at IJ McGill Transport

7 April, 21

The very first pair of Isuzu Grafters to join the 104-strong distribution fleet at IJ McGill Transport are performing a double role for the south-west based company, not only working on providing regional distribution, but also acting as training vehicles to encourage and train non-HGV drivers to move up to higher GVW’s trucks at the company.

Ian McGill, director at IJ McGill Transport explains the rationale behind taking its first pair of 3.5 tonne Isuzus, “For some time we have been looking for a delivery vehicle at 3.5 tonne that fits our customer profile. After careful consideration we chose the latest Isuzu Grafter N35.125 with a curtainsided body. We have been running Isuzu 7.5 tonners for five years and have been impressed with the payload, durability and good fuel consumption they give.”

Ian continues, “The Isuzu Grafter has a tilt cab for easy maintenance and the driving position is similar to an LGV, with good all-round visibility, which we feel is an important safety attribute especially when giving consideration to other vulnerable road users.”

Supplied jointly by Isuzu Truck and its local Bristol Isuzu truck dealer AK Commercials, the initial pair of Isuzu Grafters are providing a really useful dual function for the IJ McGill business, over and above traditional distribution. They have enabled McGill’s to recruit non-HGV drivers and give them the opportunity to have a proper ‘truck-like’ driving experience with a view to encourage them to move up the gross vehicle weight range by becoming fully fledged HGV drivers at 7.5 tonne upwards.

“We will be using the Isuzu Grafters as induction vehicles into our transport business. It’s essential for us that the driver trainees have the right attitude and will progress their career from LGV vehicles to HGV’s by being prepared with all the necessary skills required,” commented Ian McGill.

Although initially based at the company’s head office in Bristol, the two new Isuzu N35.125 dry freight curtainsided rigids will be moving around the five IJ McGill Transport depots nationwide to widen the opportunities for new drivers to experience them.

IJ McGill Transport has been established for over 40 years, providing a range of regional distribution and warehousing services from five depots across the UK, providing import and export consolidation, as well as being part of the Palletline network. The company prides itself on having its own in-house driver training school as part of its commitment to encourage new drivers into the industry.

“Bringing new talent into the industry is an important, and well needed, requirement within the transport and distribution industry. It’s good to see that our Grafter trucks are playing a valuable role in this element of the IJ McGill Transport driver development programme,” said Jon Corcoran, fleet sales manager, Isuzu Truck UK.

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