Adopting a Michelin tyre policy has taken the performance of Welsh operator JAGA Brothers’ fleet to a new level, reducing its monthly tyre spend by a third and cutting tyre-related breakdowns.
Since signing up with Michelin in 2023, the general haulier, which uses a range of Michelin X-Multi and X-Line Energy family products, has gradually transitioned its fleet – comprising close to 50 tractor units and 130 trailers – to the manufacturer’s high-performing products as older fitments have come to the end of their lives.
James Hill, co-director of the firm with brother Gary, said: “The tyres may be more expensive than some rival products initially, but they last that much longer – for us two to two-and-a-half years on average – meaning you soon make your money back and more.”
Hill says while there was a cost bump when transitioning to a Michelin policy, as things have bedded in, the business’s monthly spend on tyres has fallen by a third.
As well as the improved tyre longevity, JAGA Brothers – which covers the breadth of the UK with its trucks clocking up an average of 180,000km a year transporting steel from Newport and Cardiff before returning with backloads of bricks – now experiences far fewer tyre failures.
As well as using Multi Energy, Multi HD and Multi T fitments, the firm is phasing in low rolling resistance X Line Energy 2 tyres, replacing the first generation of the product, to maximise fuel savings on long-distance work.
The haulier also benefits from Michelin Connected Fleet’s data analysis expertise, which it uses to identify harsh driving events to aid driver coaching, as well monitoring tyre pressures across the fleet.
