Bradfords Building Supplies strengthens its fleet with eight new DAF trucks, supported by Centurion’s funding solution and a specialist vehicle specification designed around the demands of the job.
Bradfords Building Supplies delivers across a wide area of southern England, so having the right vehicles is essential to keeping its operation running smoothly and meeting customer needs. That’s where a long-standing relationship with Centurion Truck Rental comes in. Bradfords has worked with Centurion Truck Rental (formally Falcon Vehicle Solutions) for around a decade. Now, the partnership continues with eight new DAF trucks supplied through Centurion as part of Bradfords’ 2026 fleet investment.
Martin Caddick, Head of Transport and Outbound Logistics at Bradfords, has been with the business for nine years, coming from career focussed on Logistics and Procurement in the Oil and Waste sectors.
The latest vehicles mark another chapter in a relationship that has stood the test of time. Some of the vehicles from the original arrangement have only recently been returned, underlining the longevity of the partnership.
Making fleet investment straightforward
Bradfords turned to Centurion to provide a funding solution for its latest intake of DAF trucks. Having an established relationship meant there was already an understanding of the business and the challenges involved in keeping its operation moving.
“Bradfords have a long-standing relationship with Centurion, which is why we looked to them to provide a funding solution for our 2026 intake of DAF Trucks,” Martin explained.
“Centurion made it easy and straightforward, understanding what we needed from the start, listening to our challenges and putting forward a solution that works for both of us.”
It’s a practical approach that reflects what a good fleet partnership should be about: understanding the customer’s requirements and finding a solution that works for the business, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Tristan Savage, Director at Centurion Truck Rental, sees the latest investment as another milestone in a relationship that goes back to the Falcon Self Drive days, before he joined Falcon Vehicle Solutions.
“Martin has always been supportive of us and given us opportunities to quote. We’ve built a really good relationship over the years, so we’re proud to be involved in this latest fleet investment and to continue supporting Bradfords as its requirements develop.”
Built for the job
The eight new DAF XB 16-tonne trucks feature specialist flatbed bodies supplied by Wessex Vehicle Services, alongside front-mounted Atlas 92.4 A2 cranes. The configuration brings together the vehicle, body and lifting equipment needed to support Bradfords’ building materials deliveries.
The Atlas cranes feature a 410-degree slewing angle, two hydraulic extensions and a Scanreco radio remote control system with joystick levers. Safety features include optical and audible overload warnings; an emergency stop and a cab height-warning buzzer. The latest electronic crane system also integrates with the DAF information panel, displaying relevant information and warnings on the vehicle’s dashboard. The eight new trucks form part of a wider Bradfords fleet, which includes DAF vehicles ranging from 7.5-tonne models to 26-tonne rigids, with both front- and rear-mounted crane configurations. Working closely with its vehicle and equipment partners, Martin has helped develop specifications around the practical demands of delivering building materials, ensuring the fleet has the right equipment for different jobs.
Finished in Bradfords’ distinctive yellow, the vehicles combine a recognisable fleet identity with a specification designed for demanding, practical use. Wessex Vehicle Services has incorporated several driver-focused features into the bespoke bodies, including safety rails, red grip tape along the outer edges of the floor raves to help drivers judge their position on the bed, LED lighting and additional rear outline markers to assist when reversing. Heavy-duty load-bearing headboards and durable hardwood flooring complete the build. These details matter in an operation where drivers need equipment that is practical, robust and suited to the work they carry out every day.
Bradfords also uses LEVL Telematics to gain a clearer picture of how its fleet performs day to day. By monitoring vehicle movements, arrival and departure times at depots, fuel consumption and overall efficiency, the business can identify where improvements can be made and make informed decisions about its operation. Access to this data helps Bradfords keep track of vehicle use, manage running costs and make the most of its fleet, supporting the smooth running of deliveries across its network.
Support beyond delivery
The specialist crane equipment is backed by Atlas UK’s dedicated repair and maintenance operation, administered from its Bradford headquarters. Its network of trained crane technicians and engineers is supported by extensive spare-parts availability, with breakdown calls handled by an in-house team and attendance targeted within four hours. This is another important consideration when specifying vehicles that combine several specialist components. Getting the right equipment onto the road is one part of the job; having the right support in place to maintain it is another. The latest investment builds on a relationship that has developed over the past decade. Tristan and the team value the trust Bradfords has placed in them, while Martin remains focused on finding the right vehicles and solutions for the operation. With eight new DAFs joining the fleet, the partnership continues to evolve alongside Bradfords’ needs.
