Leading next-day business-to-business delivery specialist Tuffnells Parcels Express has been delivering parcels for 100 years.

Unlike many of its peers in the logistics sector, Tuffnells has not previously operated Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, but following a successful trial, the company has switched a portion of its 100-strong van fleet to the German marque.

Tuffnells’ first 22 Sprinters are finished in a modified version of the firm’s familiar Big Green Parcel Machine’ livery, which highlights its 100 years of operation.

Supplied by North-West Dealer Enza, all are 313 CDI models with advanced 129 hp engines driving through smooth 7G-Tronic automatic transmissions (N.B. It’s interesting to see a big van operator choosing an automatic transmission — these have been popular in lorries for some years now, and are the default choice for many truck operators).

Although the vans are high roof, extra-long body models, Tuffnells has also arranged for the passenger seats to be removed from its van, enabling loads in excess of six metres to be carried inside the van — essential as one of the company’s customers is a blind manufacturer which makes blinds up to six metres wide.

Each van is expected to cover around 50,000 miles per year, and the vans have been purchased through a contract hire package that includes full maintenance agreement.

Andrew Morton, Tuffnells’ National Fleet Manager, says:

“The contract hire package was competitively priced and we had some very positive feedback from those drivers who tried the demonstrators – they liked the Sprinter’s performance and handling, while more than one reported the experience as being more like driving a car than a van.

Tuffnells has 34 strategically located depots throughout the UK and Ireland and offers a wide range of guaranteed delivery services, with online electronic proof of delivery available within seconds for the majority of consignments.