Find out how TDS’ bespoke fleet and skilled drivers enable the delivery of its niche service
Tyldesley Distribution Services (TDS) is a family-owned and managed organization with an extensive background in the transport industry. Over the course of 40 years in business, TDS has built a reputation for delivering bespoke logistics solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations. By focusing on understanding each client’s unique requirements and maintaining a modern fleet of vehicles, TDS provides tailored solutions and services that are efficient, reliable, and competitive, all while reducing the environmental impact of its operations. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Swift, Director, who gave us exclusive insights into the company’s operations.
“My stepbrother, Damian Bloor, and I currently own and operate TDS, though it was originally incorporated in 1985 by Damian’s father, Adrian. Alongside our headquarters in Greater Manchester, we have multiple depots for servicing vehicles and maintaining our fleet, open storage facilities for storing pallets for customers, offices, and a new facility we have recently moved into. When Damian and I joined the business around 30 years ago, we started at the grassroots level in the workshop. Subsequently, I began working in the office while Damian became an all-rounder, driving, repairing, and loading the trucks, before being in charge of all the finances,” he says.
Niche services
Today, TDS covers most of the UK thanks to its extensive fleet, which meets various customer needs, as Mike points out. “Our fleet includes bespoke vehicles designed to carry large paper reels up to 3.4 meters high and our drivers are trained to operate these trailers safely and load and unload the paper reels on our customers’ premises. It is quite a niche job that requires precision and expertise, and we have built long-standing relationships with our customers as a result. Additionally, we possess an extensive fleet of flatbed trailers that we utilize alongside pallet pooling networks for pallet deliveries and collections across different localities. Initially serving the Northwest, we have since expanded into other areas in response to increased customer demand. Our customers also benefit from our storage facilities, as we often have yards full of pallets at certain points of the year due to peaks in demand, such as during the holiday season.
“Brexit had a notable impact on export pallets, as it required them to be heat-treated to get them over the borders, prompting us to bring that service into our depots. In essence, we heat-treat pallets brought in from local regions before repatriating them back to Europe, thereby ensuring that no bacteria or bugs are transported across borders. Besides these niche services, we also have a standard fleet of tautliners that we use for transporting tissue, toilet rolls, kitchen towels, and other related products all around the UK,” he explains.
People first
While Brexit has presented businesses in the transportation sector with new challenges, TDS is currently striving to overcome other hurdles. “Driver retention has been difficult but some good has come of it nonetheless, as we now better remunerate our drivers. We also offer a training program that allows new drivers to start on transit vans and progress to Class 1 trucks.
“We have found that by investing in our drivers, they become great brand ambassadors who go to our customers and say positive things about us. This is because not many businesses prioritize building relationships with their drivers, often adopting a hierarchical approach instead. However, we have always been hands-on, saying hello to our drivers, and developing a good rapport. We understand that at the end of the day, they are the first point of contact between our business and our customers, and it is very important that they represent us well, hence why we place a strong emphasis on looking after our staff and drivers. Although some may think we are too familiar with our staff, it is paying off for us. Indeed, over the last week, Damian and I attended the retirement party of an employee who had been with us for 20 years, and while we were sad to see him go, he has become a great ambassador for our company,” Mike elaborates.
Safeguarding sustainability 
In the world of transportation, sustainability is of paramount importance as companies are favoring electric vehicles to reduce their environmental impact. At TDS, the focus is on reducing carbon emissions through the adoption of alternative fuels. “Through collaboration with our customers, we were able to transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) based fuels. To store our fuel, we have bunkers strategically located around the country, including in Manchester, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, making it easier for us to buy in bulk and access our fuel reserves. By using HVO fuel, we have achieved a reduction of up to 90 percent on our CO2 emissions, which is not only good for our business, but also for the environment. Moreover, we ensure that all new trucks we add to our fleet are equipped with Euro 6 engines, which limit the amount of harmful gas emissions and allow us to drive in the lower emissions zones in city centers. Any investments are always geared towards the future and decarbonization, as it is a key area of focus for us,” Mike reveals.
By investing in its people and in green initiatives, TDS is safeguarding sustainability both in its business operations and environmental impact as it drives efficient logistics solutions nationwide. Furthermore, with its latest fleet upgrades, the family-run company is poised for continued success in a changing industry landscape.