As part of its continued support for global humanitarian causes, Maritime Transport, the UK’s leading provider of integrated road and rail freight logistics, has donated a Scania truck and trailer to Essex-based charity, Hope and Aid Direct (HaAD). The donation will significantly boost HaAD’s capacity to collect essential aid in bulk across the UK, and support various ongoing relief efforts across mainland Europe and into Ukraine.
The 2019-plate Euro-6 Scania R 450 is a major upgrade to a 40-tonne truck previously used by HaAD and will join two 7.5-tonne vehicles the charity already utilises to get humanitarian aid directly to those who need it. HaAD’s newest addition will begin service imminently, supporting a number of projects including aid deliveries to Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine and Moldova, and the distribution of sleeping bags and tents salvaged from UK festivals to vulnerable adults and children in Calais and beyond.
Maritime first collaborated with HaAD in 2022, when the Company transported over 50,000 duvet and pillow sets donated by Premier Inn’s parent company, Whitbread, to Romania, for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Continuing this partnership, the Scania truck will support the next phase of this project, delivering 2,000 mattresses from Premier Inn hotels to Ukraine.
Alex Williams, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Transport:
‘The logistical challenges in crisis zones are immense, and as one of the UK's largest logistics providers, we are uniquely positioned to assist. HaAD has been delivering vital supplies directly to those in need, globally, for over 25 years, and we are proud to support their incredible work in partnership with Whitbread, with thanks to SDC, Elite Spraying, and A Pattison Signage and Graphics.’
Nathan Phillip, Supply Chain Commercial Manager, Whitbread:
‘It’s a privilege to collaborate again with Maritime and HaAD, providing essential bedding to those affected by the conflict. This meaningful support is a testament to the remarkable efforts on the ground and we are immensely grateful to Maritime and all our partners who have turned this vision into reality.’
Charles Storer MBE, Head of Operations, Hope and Aid Direct:
‘Maritime is really showing other corporates how to be a ‘force for good’ in a real, positive way and this new addition to our fleet will see us many years into the future, ensuring we can continue to provide humanitarian aid under challenging conditions to people in unimaginable circumstances. A huge thank you to Maritime and Whitbread for their exceptional support.’
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Ben McQuilliam, Marketing Executive, Maritime Transport
b.mcquilliam@maritimetransport.com
Notes to the Editor:
About Maritime
Maritime Transport is one of the largest, privately owned, intermodal (road/rail) logistics operators in the UK. Established in its current form in 2001 under the leadership of Executive Chairman, John Williams, the company has grown from small beginnings to a £400m+ turnover, asset-rich business with over 40 sites, including a network of strategic rail freight terminals in Birmingham, Manchester, Mossend, Wakefield, Tilbury, Northampton, and Kegworth.
Today, the Company employs 3,000 skilled personnel across its sites and operates a state-of-the-art fleet of 1,600 Euro-6 trucks and 50+ of the latest, advanced container handlers, which together form the backbone of its UK operations to provide customers with supply chain service, security and choice for first and final miles. With 36 daily rail services, Maritime has a proven, track record as an intermodal operator, developing and delivering low carbon, container logistics solutions and pioneering the modal shift of UK domestic distribution from road to rail.
Seewww.maritimetransport.com for further information.
