R Swain & Sons, part of The Swain Group, is one of the UK’s most prominent logistics companies. They deliver varied trailer configurations and services throughout the UK and Europe from their fleet of over 400 vehicles. Operating one of Europe’s largest fleets of flatbed vehicles, they are experts in providing solutions for non-standard loads.
Nick Matthams, Head of Fleet and Engineering approached Checkpoint in February looking to add to his existing safety procedures to keep his varied fleet on the road.
After speaking with Nick regarding the specific requirements of R Swain & Sons, we recommended a combination of our Checkpoint and Dustite LR wheel nut indicators. We also discussed our best practice guide which incorporates the use of our Checkthread Kit and Stud and Hub Cleaning Kit, as part of a preventative maintenance procedure. Having now used these products since earlier this year, we approached Nick for feedback on the Checkpoint range and his overall experience.
After trialling the products, they decided to go ahead with our recommendation and have been using the CP and DTLR since earlier this year.
What made you choose Checkpoint Safety products?
I have been within the commercial vehicle industry for the past 35 years, from Apprentice to Head of Fleet and 14 years with the DVSA as a Roadside Vehicle Examiner. During that time I have seen directly the aftermath of a wheel loss and had to deal with several investigations as to the root cause of why wheels become loose.
As a member of the IRTE I have taken on board all the advice from their technical documentation and I am keen to reduce any chance of wheel nuts and wheels becoming detached.
Fitting highly visible, robust and simple to install/remove markers such as the Checkpoint indicator was a simple decision. I’m keen to get them fitted and train our maintenance team and drivers what to do when they are inspecting the fleet.
How often are your wheel nuts checked?
Our drivers carry out first use checks each time they use a vehicle or trailer every day, as part of the maintenance package for our fleet. Any defects are reported electronically directly to the workshop.
Our technicians inspect the correct tightness of the wheel nuts, using a calibrated wheel nut torque wrench, at every periodic safety inspection (4-12 weekly) and inspect for any defects with the nuts, studs or holes of the wheels each time.
Your opinion of our purchasing process?
After contacting Checkpoint directly, I was introduced to one of your distributors who took our order and dispatched the same day.
How likely are you to recommend Checkpoint Safety? On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not very likely and 10 being extremely likely.
10. I have seen many versions of the same idea but Checkpoint are the best.
The product of choice for Nick and the R Swain & Sons fleet is our Checkpoint original and Dustite LR wheel nut indicator. Combining the benefits of a Checkpoint original wheel nut indicator and a dust cap, the Dustite LR provides operators with a wide range of benefits. Indicating against unwanted wheel nut movement, protection from weather, corrosion and general wear and tear and overheating indication to name a few.
For more details on the Checkpoint, Dustite LR indicator and the Checkpoint range of intelligent safety solutions, visit our Products page.