Michelin Truck Tyres go the distance for Alcaline

Michelin's X Line Energy tyres have passed the litmus test. That's according to Hythe-based international haulier Alcaline, after a pair of steer-axle fitments clocked up 340,000km in their first life. Alcaline, which has a fleet of 178 HGVs and 230 trailers delivering automotive parts across the continent, has been a Michelin customer for more than two decades, and specifies the company's rubber for all new truck purchases.

"They look good on our trucks and give the image that we're after, which is a professional fleet that is well maintained," says Billy Dell, Fleet Tyre Manager at Alcaline. The company uses mega trailers to move high-value, just-in-time automotive parts for leading automotive companies as well as heavy plant and equipment manufacturers. Destinations include Italy, France and Switzerland and the group also has offices in Holland.

It fits 315/60 R22.5 and 295/60 R22.5 Michelin X Line Energy tyres to its tractor-units to accommodate the lower ride height, while the mega trailers are shod with rarer 455/45 R22.5 fitments from the same range. "The X Line Energy tyres have delivered great fuel saving benefits as expected and really surprised us in how well they've lasted handling high mileage continental work," says Dell. Michelin X Line Energy tyres are designed specifically for trucks, coaches and trailers used on long-distance routes, and where most of the time is spent travelling at sustained high average speeds.

The combination of excellent rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO). This ultimately mitigates the impact on the environment, too. Alcaline marked its 30th anniversary last year.

On the continent it also handles steel and steel coil transportation, while from the UK the haulier provides full and less-than-full load, groupage, expedited deliveries, airfreight and double-manned services.