Croydon haulier expands fleet with £1.5 million investment
A Croydon logistics firm is driving into a new era after investing £1.5 million in 10 new vehicles.
ELB Partners, which is based on Beddington Farm Rd, has increased its fleet to more than 70 after purchasing eight new rigid trucks, two new articulated units and three new trailers.
The 53-year-old firm has invested heavily in the installation of additional safety equipment in the new vehicles, including the very latest AI cameras and telematics technology from VisionTrack.
The use of AI video telematics will enable ELB Partners and its drivers to reduce risks, such as fatigue, tailgating and vulnerable road users, through data analysis and incident detection.
The new vehicles also feature EURO6 engines and are all Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Direct Vision Standard (DVS) compliant.
The family-run logistics specialist is committed to vehicle safety and environmental best practice, and is the only independent London-based haulier to have achieved the Gold standard Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) award for nine consecutive years.
In addition, two of its new trailers benefit from double decks to improve efficiency and consolidate goods transported on behalf of the Pallet-Track and HazChem networks, of which it is a long-term member.
Peter Eason, managing director of ELB Partners, said: “This is part of a huge investment we are making in the business in 2023 to ensure our fleet is equipped for every new challenge our drivers face on the road.
“The use of AI camera technology is hugely beneficial. Due to our Greater London location, our drivers have to tackle some of the most difficult and high-risk urban environments, so investing in the most sophisticated safety equipment is paramount.
“Our investment in new vehicles is a significant achievement for the business, particularly in our 53rd year of operation, and we are delighted to be strengthening our fleet for the future.”
ELB was established in 1970 as a three-person partnership and Peter bought the business from his father George in 1985. It now employs around 60 staff and moved to a brand-new 60,000 sq. ft headquarters in Beddington Farm Road in 2021.