Overview

Optimum Courier is a London-based shipping firm that specialises in the rapid delivery of temperature-sensitive and ambient courier solutions, offering exceptional service for same-day, next-day or customised options.

From its headquarters in Wandsworth, South West London, it offers a premium service and its clients include food and beverage businesses supplying some of the top hotels in the capital.

CoolKit, the UK’s largest specialist in temperature-controlled and refrigerated light commercial vehicles (LCVs), is working with Optimum Courier on the expansion of its fleet and the upgrading of its existing vehicles.

The background

Optimum Courier’s relationship with CoolKit began when its Company Manager, Cristi Vasile, saw the manufacturer’s brand name on a supplier’s van that was making a delivery to his business.

He looked around and compared it to the vehicles he had in his fleet and was immediately impressed by what he saw. Cristi says: “It looked really well made and better than anything I’d got.”

That prompted him to make contact with CoolKit and, after conversations with Sales Account Manager Mark Beaton, a contract to supply four bespoke designed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel vans followed.

As well as the new vans, CoolKit was also contracted to carry out upgrading work on Optimum Courier’s existing three vehicles, converting them to dual temperature to meet the demands of a major client.

The challenge

Optimum Courier was looking for a fridge van design that would represent its premium service in terms of its look. Quality was an important consideration, along with payload.

Cristi says: “Our service is not cheap. We need to present ourselves to our clients with a good-looking van, both externally and internally.”

The business was also looking to convert its existing fleet of three vans into dual temperature vehicles. Again, it was looking for an upgrade in quality and performance.

The solution

CoolKit has delivered four bespoke Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel vans to the client, fulfilling an eight-week lead time.

The vans are fitted with GAH Super Rapier fridge units, with heating capacity to +25°C. CoolKit’s design also includes a movable bulkhead, which can be adjusted to change the size of the load compartments, offering operational flexibility

The vehicles also have a recessed roof pod and rear door pods and have been fitted with a low slip-resistance floor, strip curtains to the side and rear and LoadLok securing tracks, along with pallet loading protection.

To meet the client’s needs, the external look of the vans has been enhanced with a more aerodynamic design and feel. A recessed roof avoids the need for condenser unit on top of the vehicle.

CoolKit’s team is also carrying out the conversion of Optimum Courier’s existing fleet of three vans – upgrading them to dual temperature vehicles to meet the demands of a major client, which delivers a full basket of food and beverage to top London hotels.

Reflecting on the partnership, Sales Account Manager Mark Beaton says: “It’s great to work with customers who recognise high standards and quality, rather than simply chasing the cheapest option. Businesses like Optimum Courier understand that if you want the very best, it’s not always going to be the cheapest, and that investment pays back in performance and reliability.”

The Impact

The relationship between CoolKit and Optimum Courier continues to develop. CoolKit is advising the business on the development of electric refrigerated vehicles and how they can be adopted and used in the future as the technology develops.

Cristi says of the current contract: “The vans that have been delivered look great. The quality of the build is so much better than other companies I have been involved with.

“The same goes for our existing vans that are being converted. It is a big investment but I know that CoolKit will be using quality materials and they will be well made to meet our requirements.”

He also stresses the value of CoolKit’s responsive approach technical knowledge and his intention to harness that as his business looks to scale further and grow its fleet. That includes the advice he is being given when it comes to the future and the development of EV technology in the sector.

Cristi says: “We’ve built up a great relationship with CoolKit and its sales manager Mark Beaton. It works really well. I appreciate the honesty of his approach.

“We’re not a big operation, but we are treated just the same as if we were a large size courier company with a 100-van fleet.”

Cristi adds: “I also appreciate the time spent with me making sure the design is right and meets all our needs. It’s that depth of service throughout that really stands out.

“As long as that service is as good as it is, CoolKit is going to have customers. And I’m going to be one of them.”