Leicestershire County Council’s new hookloader fleet highlights how integrated procurement and local support can cut downtime and improve waste service resilience. LAPV reports.
In a sector where operational resilience and service continuity are paramount, Leicestershire County Council’s recent procurement of specialist hookloader vehicles offers valuable insights for local authorities navigating similar challenges. The council’s journey—from legacy fleet issues to a modern, collaborative procurement—highlights how lessons learned and local partnerships can drive better long-term outcomes.
Faced with an eight-strong fleet of aging hookloaders approaching the end of their service life, Leicestershire’s waste service needed a strategic renewal. The replacement programme had been delayed, and operational costs were rising due to increased downtime and maintenance.
Initially, the council had six new and two second-hand vehicles. However, with the evolving regulatory requirements—‘a bit of a moving target’, according to Ady Cawrey, Team Manager- Fleet Services at the council—a more comprehensive approach became essential. The opportunity to consolidate procurement and avoid the fragmented legacy of mixed suppliers and service agents was a driving force.
The council opted to run a full procurement via the YPO framework. Multiple bids were submitted from various chassis and body suppliers. Ultimately, Cuthbertson’s (also known as ‘Cubbies’) won the contract. Their success stemmed from their ability to integrate a bespoke package involving:
• Volvo chassis
• Palfinger UK hooklift systems
• Shur-Co sheeting solutions
• VWS weighing system
Cuthbertson’s strong supplier relationships, especially with Volvo and Palfinger UK, were instrumental. Their role as lead integrator ensured a coordinated bid that matched the council's criteria for both operational and geographic responsiveness.
A key specification in the tender was rapid service response and reduced vehicle downtime. Previous arrangements had suffered from fragmented servicing—chassis and body were supported by different suppliers, located significant distances from the depot.
In contrast, the new setup offered immediate local support: Volvo and Palfinger were both based in the same industrial estate in Bardon, near Coalville. This proximity has significantly reduced turnaround times for maintenance and repairs. The presence of Chris Armitage, a knowledgeable Palfinger UK depot manager, added another layer of assurance. His on-the-ground expertise facilitated real-time tweaks and modifications post-delivery—such as repositioning sensors and enhancing the sheeting system’s functionality.
What made the project stand out was the level of engagement post-award. The council worked closely with Palfinger UK—visiting their Falkirk factory and collaborating with UK Sales Director John Saint on the vehicle specifications.
This collaboration yielded:
• Safety enhancements to prevent operator damage
• Tailored operator controls
• Extra features which benefit the vehicle operation
These refinements not only addressed existing operational challenges but also laid the foundation for a durable, long-term solution tailored to local needs.
The first batch of vehicles was delivered approximately a year ago. As with any new fleet, minor teething issues emerged but were swiftly addressed. Importantly, the support ecosystem around the vehicles ensured minimal disruption.
Operational teams have praised the Palfinger UK hookloaders for their smooth handling, simplified joystick controls, and overall robustness. These vehicles are now contributing to improved uptime and more efficient waste handling, especially as regulatory changes continue to shape demand.
Leicestershire’s approach offers several key takeaways for fleet teams across local government:
• Plan holistically: Avoid piecemeal fleet replacement to reduce service fragmentation.
• Specify for support: Proximity of service agents and integrated supplier relationships can dramatically reduce downtime.
• Engage post-award: Collaborating with suppliers during the build phase improves product fit and long-term reliability.
• Invest in bespoke, but reliable: Tailoring vehicles to your environment delivers better outcomes than one-size-fits-all solutions.
As regulatory demands evolve and waste volumes grow, Leicestershire’s new fleet—backed by strong supplier relationships and local servicing—is well positioned to adapt. The council is already planning annual reviews and continues to apply lessons from this project to future procurements.
In an era where budgets are tight and operational demands are high, this project demonstrates that a well-run procurement—focused on integration, local support, and long-term value—can deliver both immediate and lasting returns.
This sponsored article was originally published in the Autumn 2025 issue of LAPV. Sign up here to receive your free copy of future issues.
