- Significant reduction in tyre failures improves fleet uptime and reduces missed deliveries for Welsh haulier.
- The longevity of the Michelin tyres impresses, with average life of more than two years.
Adopting a Michelin tyre policy has taken the performance of Welsh operator JAGA Brothers’ hard-working 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 utilises a range of MICHELIN X-Multi and X-Line Energy family products, has gradually transitioned its fleet – comprising of 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, says: “Yes, 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 that 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 thanks to the improved performance.
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. This is thanks to the quality of the product in combination with the work of service provider Tuf Treads, which provides daily fleet checks.
“That’s significant, as it’s not just the price of the tyre when you have a breakdown that hurts. It’s the resulting missed delivery, the vehicle downtime, and potential for additional damage,” adds Hill.
Supported by Howard Taylor, Senior Territory Business Manager for South & West Wales at Michelin, JAGA Brothers makes use of a Michelin multi-life policy to reduce the total cost of ownership of its tyres. Worn tyres are initially regrooved on site once the tread depth reaches 4mm, helping to extend each tyre’s life in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved fitments have worn, they can be retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke – a process that saves natural resources, doubles the Michelin casing lifespan and supports UK manufacturing.
“We take them off at 4mm as company policy, but Howard said that if we went to 3mm we could potentially save more without affecting performance. It’s something we’re weighing up that could unlock further savings in the future,” adds Hill.
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.
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.
Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tyres and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.
The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.
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