Customer satisfaction is running high for Honda UK as the firm awards a five-year contract extension to Liverpool-based logistics specialist, Bibby Distribution.

What began as a small contract covering only the North of the UK in 2003, soon saw Bibby become sole logistics provider for Honda's motorcycles and power equipment across the whole of the UK mainland.

Steve Jackson, Operations and Customer Services Manager of Honda UK, said:  "Our confidence and belief in Bibby Distribution is reflected in our decision to continue with them, and award a new five year contract. Their passion and flexibility to achieve our exacting standards of quality, cost and on-time delivery has never waned, thanks to their experienced and dedicated team."

Bibby offers a nominated next-day delivery service operating from Honda's principal warehouse in Swindon where truck-mounted fork lifts are used, in conjunction with a dedicated fleet of 26 tonne rigid vehicles and accompanying drawbar trailers, to fulfill the contract. 

Further vehicles and drivers are also deployed in Lancashire and Glasgow to serve the Northern dealerships in the UK.

"The ability to drive changes and reduce costs will always be something that gives a company its competitive edge," said Gary Sharp, Divisional Director of Bibby Distribution. "But without retained service levels and a strong focus on attaining, and exceeding, the standards demanded by the customer, the faith to offer extended contracts would not exist."

As well as motorcycles, the contract covers a diverse range of Honda products from ride-on lawn mowers and hedgetrimmers, to heavy duty ATVs and marine equipment. 

Bibby Distribution's proven track record on the contract sees it consistently achieve an On Time In Full (OTIF) rate of over 99 per cent to Honda.

The transportation of such high value products - particularly high-end motorcycles - requires the right equipment, the right training and the right people," added Sharp. "The risk and cost of damage to the product is high; watertight systems and procedures must be in place at every stage of the logistics process. We work very hard to deliver this."