Renault Trucks D14 ‘little green truck’ set to unlock tighter access for Rubis in Channel Islands fuel operation

Rubis has been running Renault Trucks D range vehicles for several years, working closely with Sparks Commercial Services as part of an ongoing fleet replacement programme. The latest addition, nicknamed the ‘little green truck’, represents the next stage in that partnership, with a prototype vehicle developed to meet increasingly tight access constraints.

Rubis supplies a wide range of fuels across the Channel Islands, including petrol, diesel and heating oil, alongside aviation fuel and marine refuelling for visiting vessels. The business operates across Guernsey and Jersey, serving both domestic and commercial customers with a fleet tailored to the demands of island distribution.

Operating a combined fleet of around 20 trucks, Rubis vehicles typically complete 20 to 30 deliveries per day, covering short, highly localised routes. Daily mileages range from 30 to 60 miles, but with extremely narrow roads and tight access points, vehicle size and manoeuvrability are critical.

The new Renault Trucks D14 4x2 rigid has been engineered specifically for these conditions. Built on a short wheelbase chassis, it features a bespoke aluminium tanker body with approximately 7,000-litre capacity, compared to the 10,000-litre tanks used on larger D16 units. The chassis is ADR-prepared by Gardner Denver before moving to Tasca Tankers for a fully hand-built installation, incorporating Trident metering systems, vapour recovery and full petroleum compliance equipment.

The D14 is designed for the most restricted delivery locations, where access limitations have historically required Rubis to retain older vehicles.

In addition to physical constraints, vehicle dimensions are closely regulated across the islands, with strict width limits governing where trucks can operate, further reinforcing the need for a compact, compliant design.

“We’re getting to the point where some of the newer vehicles just won’t go everywhere we need them to,” said Matt Bacon, Logistics Supervisor at Rubis. “This one is designed to be able to go anywhere and do anything. If it delivers what we expect, it gives us a clear path forward for replacing more of the fleet.”

Why Renault Trucks?

Renault Trucks has become the preferred supplier for Rubis as the business modernises its fleet, combining the right chassis dimensions with the flexibility required for highly specialised tanker builds.

“The key for us is working within very tight width and layout constraints,” said Matt. “The Renault Trucks D14 and D16 chassis give us that flexibility. We can move components around, adjust the design and make it work for our application. Other manufacturers just can’t get within the limits we have to meet.”

He added: “It’s not just about the base vehicle. It’s about how adaptable it is and how well it works with the bodybuilder and ADR requirements. That’s where Renault Trucks has really stood out.” 

Support from Sparks Commercial Services has been central to the success of the programme, particularly given the complexity of operating across island locations.

“Sparks understand exactly what we need,” said Matt. “Every time we place an order, they already know the layout and the requirements. If we want to try something different, the answer is never no, it’s always ‘how we can make it work’.”

He continued: “If I’ve got a problem, I can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away. You’re dealing with a team that understands our operation.”

Local support capability is also key, allowing maintenance and warranty work to be handled without the cost and disruption of returning vehicles to the UK mainland.

Driver feedback across the Renault Trucks fleet has been consistently positive, with comfort and usability highlighted.

“The drivers prefer them,” said Matt. “They’re comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. Heated seats, good visibility, all the driver aids, it makes a difference when you’re in and out of the cab all day.”

He added: “If the driver is happy, you get a better day’s work.”

Rob Coxon, Transport Solution Executive at Sparks Commercial Services, said: “Rubis is a great example of how a long-term partnership allows us to keep refining the specification to meet very specific operational demands. This latest D14 is a particularly interesting project, pushing the limits of compact design while still delivering full tanker capability. It’s a unique vehicle and one that could play an important role in the customer’s future fleet plans.”