Efficiency sewn-up: Alsco Uniforms extends Isuzu truck fleet

There are a few industries that remain largely unknown in the public eye yet play an essential role in keeping services ticking over.

Alsco Uniforms is one such ‘hidden in plain sight’ institution that provides uniform and textile managed rental services to clients across a range of markets including manufacturing, hotels, hospitality and healthcare.

Founded in the United States before the turn of the 20^th century in 1889, the company has been steadily increasing its international footprint with Australian operations dating back to 1963.

Today, Alsco Uniforms has facilities in every state and territory in Australia, more than 1,400 employees and a fleet of 530 vehicles travelling the roads which includes a bevy of light-and-medium-duty Isuzu trucks.

Where timing is of the essence for clients, the company continually looks to streamline the delivery of its products and services, taking the microscope to the efficiency of its massive vehicle fleet.

According to Alsco Uniforms National Fleet & Logistics Manager, Daniel McEvedy, the fleet is a vital link between business and customer—responsible for getting products like uniforms and linen delivered to clients, which number up to almost 50,000 across the country.

Daniel is looking closely at the value each vehicle brings to the business, seeking safety and comfort for the national network of delivery personnel, alongside efficiency to undertake the huge task of keeping clients well-stocked with what they need.

Alsco Uniforms National Fleet & Logistics Manager, Daniel McEvedy

Maintaining vital links

“Wherever you have a need for workwear uniforms and linens, in a commercial business, it is most likely Alsco Uniforms that is behind its supply and maintenance,” said Daniel.

“Ensuring customers get anything from crew uniforms through to napkins or the towel at a day spa.  

“As our business grows, we needed to consolidate our operations, including our vehicle fleet.”

Playing a key role in Alsco Uniforms’ fleet are Isuzu NPR 75-190s at a GVM of 7,500 kg and NQR 87-190s which offer an increased chassis footprint and payload with a GVM of 8,700 kg.

Between these two Isuzu N Series models, Alsco Unforms meets around half of its heavier delivery requirements with this segment of the fleet equating to approximately 50 per cent of newly purchased vehicles.

Tried and tested

However, the bulk of distribution lies under the purview of its tried and tested light-and medium-duty truck fleet (in the foreseeable future at least).

Daniel noted their increased use of Isuzu Trucks product is due to a range of factors beyond feasibility of product, with the additional factors including the brand’s reputation for customer support and a practical approach to specifying builds for Alsco Uniforms.

Trucks are customised with one of several standard bodies for the uniform rental company, streamlining the process from initial sale through to getting them out on the road.

“We have a freight-styled body that can easily store all the freshly laundered items ready for delivery to customers, plus shelving trolleys and racking systems,” explained Daniel.

“About 95 percent use a tailgate, and some have side access with a roller door or a small walk-out door.

“An important element in searching for a provider is the value their product will add back to the business—but value doesn’t mean cost, and it’s not always about the bottom line,” he continued.

“Isuzu is very easy to deal with, has great customer service, and is realistic about supply.”

All access pass

For delivery personnel, who are behind the wheel from anywhere between 50 kilometres to 400 kilometres a day, the value Daniel seeks extends to Isuzu’s in-built truck safety features and everyday ease of operation.

Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are an essential part of the standard safety inclusions in all 4x2 N Series trucks such as the NPR and NQR models employed by Alsco Uniforms.

Isuzu’s ADAS combines a network of sensors and cameras with features such as Advanced Emergency Braking, a Distance Warning System and Traffic Movement Warning (amongst other features) to protect cabin occupants and pedestrians.

“With the outstanding turning circle and driver aids, we can access any site, whether it be in the big cities or regional areas with our Isuzu trucks.

“Importantly, we listened to our staff and their feedback, which included the comfort of the cab, the safety features, and the higher GVM which makes their job easier,” he added.

The Alsco Uniform fleet is seen in all areas of Australia

Breadth of support

From the perspective of planning maintenance for the fleet, the far-reaching Isuzu Trucks dealer network provides excellent coverage for this busy operation.

To ensure compliance with Chain of Responsibility obligations, Daniel chooses to service their trucks with genuine parts and the expertise of their closest Isuzu Trucks dealership, depending on location.

With so many moving parts to the business, the assurance of Isuzu’s broad network and OEM-trained technicians brings additional peace of mind to Daniel, who’s responsible for keeping the moving cogs of this massive transport operation well-oiled and free from unnecessary downtime.

“There are no excuses for steering away from OEM recommendations,” Daniel noted.

“Like Alsco Uniforms, Isuzu is everywhere with dealers in all the right places, so if there are any issues, we have it resolved quickly.”