Izaak’s journey with Trucksmith is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for all things mechanical. It’s a story that begins with summer holidays and college day-offs, and now takes a detour to Thailand before returning to a promising future as an HGV mechanic and relief driver.

Izaak’s connection with Trucksmith started at 17, working during his summer breaks. While studying mechanical engineering at Exeter College, he continued to contribute on his days off. “Already working at Trucksmith and understanding how the company operates made it an extremely easy decision to come here full time,” Izaak explains. “I really enjoy working here and working with the company’s other employees. It’s an extremely good working environment.”

His dedication to the company led him to the service department, where he began working on the fleet. This experience proved invaluable as he pursued his HGV mechanic qualification at Petroc College. “I’m very pleased to have passed,” Izaak says, acknowledging the “large amounts of studying at home” required for the theory and professional discussion components.

The practical exam presented its own unique challenges. “The practical examination was the hardest part of the college course,” he admits. “This is due to the fact that Trucksmith does not do four-wheel alignment or changing tires and puncture repairs. This meant I’d have to go into college after work to practice these tasks with my college lecturer.” This extra effort demonstrates Izaak’s commitment to mastering his craft.

Throughout his training, Izaak gained hands-on experience with a variety of tasks. “The most memorable task was changing the head gasket on LXT on my own. Then changing an entire engine on LXH; these tasks really improved my engine knowledge.” He also learned the importance of precision and documentation. “It’s very important to put the lorries and fleet vehicles back together correctly,” he emphasises. “You must make sure all parts are torqued correctly. The torque settings are found on E3 technical, which is a form of Autodata. After completing the task, it is important to fill the paperwork in correctly. My manager was really pushing me to fill out the paperwork to the best of my abilities and include all details.”

Now, with his qualifications in hand, Izaak is ready for a well-deserved break. “I can’t wait to spend some time away,” he says. “I shall be going with two of my childhood friends. Can’t wait to experience some new cultures and have a good time.” He sees this trip as more than just a vacation. “I think it’s going to open my mind up about how there is a massive world out there. Going away has really improved my ability to save money, as I wasn’t the best at this before. It’s going to inspire me to work even harder to save up more to be able to adventure more in the future.”

Looking ahead, Izaak’s goals are clear. “My goal is to gain as much knowledge as possible to become a good mechanic. I look forward to driving HGVs as I can be more useful to the team.” He understands the responsibilities that come with his new role. “I think I will become a better mechanic as I’ll have to work harder to make sure the lorries are ready for all of us to drive. It will help the haulage team out too when it’s really busy. It will help them out that I can take the lorries to MOT on my own, so they don’t lose a driver to dedicate a day to that.”

Izaak offers some advice to aspiring mechanics: “I would say that you can’t be scared to not get greasy and don’t be scared to ask for help, as everyone has to learn. Another thing to be wary of is working on HGVs and cars are very different. You need to make sure you know what one to go for.” He also highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technology. “Keeping up to date requires phone calls to gain knowledge from suppliers and Renault mostly. They are usually very helpful and tell me everything I need to know.”

He shares what he enjoys most about working on trucks. “I enjoy working on trucks as everything is more spaced out, nothing extremely tight to get to, as it’s all sized up. To motivate myself, I just think that I am the only mechanic when my manager is away, so it is down to me to finish tasks as fast as possible and to do it to my best ability.”

Izaak is aware of the evolving nature of the industry. “In the future, trucks will become more computerised, so we will need to update our fault code readers to read newer trucks. I’ll definitely need to further my knowledge on the technical side of trucks, but there is still definitely mechanical knowledge needed.”

He’s enthusiastic about his expanded role at Trucksmith. “If I’m honest, I’m really looking forward to it. It will give me two roles to do, so it will break the week up more. I love working here and can’t wait to be more useful.” Trucksmith is fortunate to have such a dedicated and driven individual like Izaak on their team. We look forward to welcoming him back from his travels and seeing him thrive in his new role.

For nearly 40 years, Trucksmith has been a name synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation in the commercial vehicle conversion industry. As a family-owned business, celebrating our 40th anniversary as a limited company this summer, we’re deeply committed to upholding the values that have driven our success: craftsmanship, customer focus and a dedication to exceeding expectations. These values are at the heart of every Trucksmith LoLoader, Dropside and Tipper we produce, offering a range of benefits that stand the test of time.

Choosing a Trucksmith vehicle is more than just buying a commercial vehicle; it’s an investment in your business’s future. Here’s why:

Uncompromising Quality and Craftsmanship:

We believe in building vehicles that are built to last. Our team of skilled craftsmen combines traditional techniques with modern technology to create conversions that are robust, durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. From the precision laser cutting to the meticulous finishing touches, every detail is carefully considered to ensure the highest standards of quality.

Tailored Solutions for Your Business:

We understand that every business is unique, with specific needs and requirements. That’s why we offer a wide range of customisation options for our Trucksmith LoLoaders, Dropsides, and Tippers. Whether you need a specific payload capacity, specialised features or bespoke modifications, our team will work closely with you to create a vehicle that perfectly matches your needs.

Unwavering Reliability You Can Depend On:

Downtime is costly. That’s why we engineer our vehicles for maximum reliability. We use only high-quality components and rigorously test our conversions to ensure they can handle the demands of your business, day in and day out. With a Trucksmith vehicle, you can focus on your work, knowing that your vehicle won’t let you down.

A Commitment to Customer Service:

As a family-owned business, we place a high value on building strong relationships with our customers. From your initial inquiry to after-sales support, our dedicated team is here to provide you with a personalised and responsive service. We’re committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction with your Trucksmith vehicle. This is further supported by a diverse and experienced management team who work closely with the board of directors, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Innovation Driven by Experience:

Our nearly 40 years of experience in the industry have given us invaluable insights into the needs of our customers. We use this knowledge to drive continuous innovation, constantly seeking ways to improve our designs, materials and manufacturing processes. This ensures that our vehicles are always at the forefront of the commercial vehicle market.

A Legacy of Excellence:

“At Trucksmith, we’re not just building vehicles; we’re building a legacy,” says Simon Partridge, Executive Sales Manager at Trucksmith. “Our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and customer service has been the cornerstone of our success for nearly 40 years. We’re proud to provide our customers with vehicles that are not only reliable and efficient but also represent a true investment in their business’s future.”

More Than Just a Vehicle – A Partnership:

When you choose a Trucksmith LoLoader, Dropside, or Tipper, you’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re joining the Trucksmith family. We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing you with the expertise, service, and quality you need to succeed. Contact us today at mail@trucksmith.co.uk or 01884 33001 to learn more about how a Trucksmith vehicle can help your business thrive.

At Trucksmith, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality commercial vehicles, tailored to their specific needs. A crucial part of achieving this lies in the exceptional relationships we cultivate with major base vehicle manufacturers like Renault Trucks, MAN, and Stellantis. These partnerships aren’t just transactional; they’re built on mutual respect, open communication and a shared commitment to excellence. And ultimately, it’s our customers who reap the rewards.

Why are these relationships so important? Because they provide us with a number of key advantages that translate directly into benefits for you:

1. Priority Access and Allocation:

In times of supply chain challenges and high demand, strong relationships can make all the difference. Our established partnerships with manufacturers often give us priority access to base vehicle chassis, ensuring we can secure the vehicles we need to fulfill your orders promptly. This can significantly reduce lead times and get you on the road faster.

2. Early Access to New Models and Technologies:

We’re constantly striving to offer the latest and most innovative vehicle solutions. Our close ties with manufacturers allow us early access to new models, technologies and advancements in the commercial vehicle sector. This means we can integrate these innovations into our Trucksmith conversions, providing you with cutting-edge vehicles that meet the evolving demands of your business.

3. Direct Communication and Collaboration:

Open communication is essential for a successful partnership. Our strong relationships with manufacturers facilitate direct dialogue and collaboration on technical specifications, customisation options, and any specific requirements you may have. This ensures that your Trucksmith conversion is perfectly tailored to your needs and built to the highest standards.

4. Enhanced Technical Support and Expertise:

Our close collaboration with manufacturers gives us access to a wealth of technical expertise and support. This is invaluable when it comes to complex conversions or specialised vehicle requirements. We can tap into their knowledge base to ensure that every Trucksmith conversion is engineered and built to the highest standards of quality and safety.

5. Streamlined Ordering and Delivery Processes:

Strong manufacturer relationships streamline the entire process, from ordering base vehicles to final delivery. This efficiency translates into shorter lead times, reduced administrative overhead and a smoother overall experience for our customers.

6. Joint Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement:

When challenges arise, our established relationships with manufacturers enable us to work together to find effective solutions quickly and efficiently. This collaborative approach fosters continuous improvement in our processes and ensures that we’re always striving to provide the best possible service to our customers.

7. Competitive Pricing:

Our strong partnerships lead to more competitive pricing on base vehicles, which we can then pass on to our customers.

In essence, our commitment to building and maintaining exceptional relationships with major base vehicle manufacturers is a cornerstone of our business. It allows us to provide you with a superior product, a seamless experience and the confidence that you’re working with a partner who has your best interests at heart. When you choose Trucksmith, you’re not just choosing a vehicle; you’re choosing a partner who has the connections and expertise to help your business thrive. Contact us today at mail@trucksmith.co.uk or 01884 33001 to learn more about how our partnerships can benefit you.

At Trucksmith, we’re passionate about providing our customers with more than just high-quality commercial vehicles; we’re committed to delivering a seamless and exceptional experience from start to finish. That’s why we operate our own dedicated haulage fleet. It’s a significant investment, but one we believe is crucial to maintaining our high standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In today’s fast-paced world, timing is everything. When you order a new Trucksmith LoLoader, Dropside, or Tipper, you need it when you expect it. Relying on third-party transport companies can introduce uncertainties and delays, something we’re simply not willing to accept. Our in-house haulage fleet gives us complete control over the delivery process, allowing us to:

• Control Delivery Schedules: We work directly with you to schedule a delivery date that suits your needs. No more frustrating back-and-forths with external logistics providers. We manage the entire process, ensuring your vehicle arrives on time, every time.
• Provide Precise Delivery Updates: We understand the anticipation of receiving your new vehicle. Our tracking systems allow us to provide you with real-time updates on the location and status of your delivery, so you know exactly when to expect it.
• Ensure Safe and Undamaged Delivery: Our fleet comprises specially designed delivery trucks, equipped to transport our vehicles safely and securely. This minimises the risk of damage during transit, ensuring your new vehicle arrives in pristine condition.

Beyond just logistics, our haulage fleet plays a key role in the customer handover process. Because our drivers are Trucksmith employees, they’re intimately familiar with our vehicles and can provide a comprehensive handover experience. This includes:

• Thorough Vehicle Inspection: Our drivers will conduct a thorough inspection with you upon delivery, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with the condition of your new vehicle.
• Detailed Explanation of Features: They can walk you through the key features and functionalities of your Trucksmith conversion, answering any questions you may have.
• Personalised Service: Our drivers are dedicated to providing a friendly and professional service, ensuring your handover experience is positive and informative.

Our haulage fleet also plays a crucial role in our production process, enabling us to:

• Efficiently Collect Base Vehicles: We can collect base vehicles directly from ports and manufacturers, streamlining our production process and minimising delays.

“Having our own haulage fleet is a fundamental part of our commitment to quality and customer service,” says Simon Partridge, Executive Sales Manager at Trucksmith. “It allows us to control every step of the process, from collecting the base vehicle to delivering the finished product to the customer. This level of control is essential for ensuring our customers receive the best possible experience.”

Rob Shore-Quinan, Transport Manager at Trucksmith, adds, “Our drivers are more than just delivery drivers; they’re brand ambassadors for Trucksmith. They’re trained to provide a professional and courteous service, ensuring that our customers’ first impression of their new vehicle is a positive one. We take great pride in the service we provide, and our haulage fleet is a key part of that.”

At Trucksmith, we believe in going the extra mile for our customers. Our investment in our haulage fleet is just one example of our commitment to providing a superior service and delivering more than just vehicles – we’re delivering peace of mind. Contact us today at mail@trucksmith.co.uk or 01884 33001 to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.

The road to getting a new commercial vehicle on the road has become increasingly complex. We’ve all seen the headlines about global supply chain disruptions, and the automotive industry is no exception. At Trucksmith, we understand the frustration of waiting months for a base vehicle, delaying your business plans and impacting your bottom line. That’s why we’ve taken proactive steps to mitigate these challenges and ensure we can still meet your demands for high-quality Trucksmith LoLoaders, Dropsides and Tippers.

The Base Vehicle Bottleneck:

Major vehicle manufacturers are facing unprecedented delays. From model changes to raw material price hikes and logistical logjams, the reasons are multifaceted and constantly evolving. These issues translate directly into extended lead times for base vehicles, sometimes stretching to several months beyond initial estimates. For businesses relying on timely vehicle deliveries, this can be a critical setback.

The Trucksmith Advantage: Preparedness is Key

At Trucksmith, we recognise the importance of minimising disruption for our customers. That’s why we’ve made a significant investment in carrying a substantial stock of both base vehicles and completed Trucksmith conversions. This strategic approach allows us to:

• Reduce Lead Times: While we can’t control the global supply chain, we can control our own preparedness. By holding stock, we can often significantly reduce the time it takes to get you behind the wheel of your new vehicle. Instead of waiting months for a base vehicle to arrive, we may already have the perfect chassis ready for conversion.
• Offer Greater Flexibility: Stocking a variety of base vehicles and completed conversions means we can offer more choice and flexibility. Whether you need a specific wheelbase, engine configuration, or conversion type, we’re more likely to have a vehicle that closely matches your requirements readily available.
• Provide Predictable Delivery: In a world of uncertainty, we strive to offer reliable and predictable delivery times. By having vehicles in stock, we can give you a more accurate timeframe for when you can expect your new Trucksmith vehicle.
• Maintain Competitive Pricing: While market fluctuations can impact pricing, our investment in stock helps us to manage these changes and offer competitive prices on our range of conversions.

Beyond Base Vehicles: The Completed Trucksmith Difference

Our commitment to stock extends beyond just base vehicles. We also maintain a stock of completed Trucksmith LoLoaders, Dropsides and Tippers, ready for immediate delivery. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with urgent needs or those looking for a quick and hassle-free solution. These pre-built vehicles undergo the same rigorous quality control checks as our bespoke builds, ensuring you receive a premium product without the extended wait.

Planning for the Future:

The supply chain landscape remains dynamic, and we continue to adapt our strategies to best serve our customers. We maintain close relationships with our suppliers and constantly monitor market trends to anticipate potential challenges. Our goal is to minimise the impact of these challenges on your business and ensure you can access the vehicles you need, when you need them.

Contact Us Today:

If you’re in the market for a high-quality Trucksmith LoLoader, Dropside, or Tipper, don’t let supply chain worries hold you back. Contact the Trucksmith team today at mail@trucksmith.co.uk or 01884 33001 to discuss your requirements. We’ll be happy to explore our current stock and find the perfect vehicle to get your business moving. We might just have the ideal solution waiting for you.

The UK Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market is a vital engine of our economy, supporting businesses of all sizes and playing a crucial role in logistics and delivery networks. However, recent economic headwinds and global uncertainties have understandably impacted market confidence. At Trucksmith, we believe in the resilience of the LCV sector and are committed to supporting its continued growth. This post explores some key factors influencing confidence and how businesses can navigate the current landscape.

Factors Affecting LCV Market Confidence:

Several factors contribute to fluctuations in LCV market confidence:

• Economic Outlook: Uncertainty about the overall economy, including inflation, interest rates, and potential recession, can make businesses hesitant to invest in new vehicles.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing supply chain challenges, including component shortages and delivery delays, can impact production and availability, creating uncertainty for buyers.
• Fuel Prices and Operating Costs: Fluctuations in fuel prices and rising operating costs can affect the total cost of ownership, influencing purchasing decisions.
• Regulatory Changes: Evolving regulations related to emissions, clean air zones, and vehicle safety can create uncertainty and require businesses to adapt their fleets.
• Business Investment: Overall business investment levels play a significant role. Businesses feeling confident about future prospects are more likely to invest in new LCVs.

Strategies for Boosting Confidence:

Despite the challenges, there are several strategies that businesses and the wider industry can adopt to boost confidence in the UK LCV market:

• Government Support and Incentives: Targeted government support, such as tax breaks, grants, or incentives for electric and alternatively fueled vehicles, can encourage investment and accelerate fleet modernisation.
• Clear Communication and Transparency: Open communication from manufacturers, dealers, and policymakers about supply chain updates, regulatory changes, and economic forecasts can help reduce uncertainty and build trust.
• Focus on Total Cost of Ownership: Businesses should carefully evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO) when making purchasing decisions. This includes not just the initial purchase price, but also fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and resale value. Investing in fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles can lead to long-term cost savings.
• Embrace Technological Advancements: Investing in the latest LCV technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance safety. This can not only benefit businesses but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Flexible Financing Options: Offering flexible financing options, such as leasing, hire purchase, and contract hire, can make it easier for businesses to acquire new vehicles and manage their cash flow.
• Building Strong Partnerships: Collaboration between manufacturers, dealers, and customers is essential for navigating market challenges. Strong partnerships can facilitate better communication, faster problem-solving, and more tailored solutions.
• Long-Term Planning: Developing a long-term fleet strategy that takes into account future regulations, technological advancements, and business growth plans can help businesses make informed decisions and maintain confidence in the market.

Trucksmith’s Commitment:

At Trucksmith, we understand the importance of confidence in the LCV market. We’re committed to providing our customers with high-quality, reliable, and customized vehicles that meet their specific needs. We work closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure a consistent supply of base vehicles and are constantly innovating to offer the latest technologies in our conversions. We also pride ourselves on our transparent communication and personalized customer service, helping businesses make informed decisions about their LCV requirements.

Driving Growth Together:

By working together, businesses, manufacturers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders can navigate the current challenges and drive continued growth in the UK LCV market. At Trucksmith, we’re confident in the resilience of the sector and are here to support our customers every step of the way. Contact us today at mail@trucksmith or 01884 33001 to discuss your LCV needs and discover how we can help your business thrive.