Logistics

EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT

Hilditch has an expert in-house logistics team that specialises in the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of medical equipment throughout the UK and beyond. Our fleet, drivers, and processes are all set up to ensure regulatory compliance, load security, and the protection of sensitive equipment in transit.

Next Level Security

We provide specialist medical logistics services for your reassurance and security, from medical device collections and removal to transportation, storage and data processing.

• Secure and full tracked collections using our in-house fleet
• Logistics team experienced in medical device packing and handling
• Strict patient data protocols and secure data processor status
• Equipment site transfers for NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Fixed imaging removal and re-siting

Qualified Transport Management

Our logistics operation is overseen by two qualified International Transport Managers, each holding the OCR Level 3 Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers (Road Haulage) (VRQ). This means your equipment is managed by professionals who understand transport law, compliance obligations, and best practice for commercial vehicle operations.

We are registered under a Goods Vehicle Standard International Operator’s Licence (OH1139622), which ensures that our customers can be assured that our logistics operations are regulated and managed. This is a formal standard that ensures service is delivered reliably and that standards are met in each and every collection and delivery.

Strong Compliance Record

Compliance and safety are at the core of our logistics service. Currently, Hilditch has an Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) of Green for both Roadworthiness and overall traffic compliance, indicating a good level of performance in vehicle condition, driver safety and operational management.

Valid Driver Qualification Cards (DQC) are required for all drivers, including van drivers. This helps to ensure that all our driving staff are continually trained and professionally developed to the standards needed for commercial road transport.

EURO6 Commercial Compliance

All our commercial vehicles meet the latest EURO6 emissions standard for commercial use. This European regulation for light and heavy goods vehicles significantly cuts harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.

Driver Training and Competence

Professional development is a regular process for our drivers to ensure that our service levels maintain a high standard of safety, efficiency, and customer service.

• Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph
• Road Traffic Law and Enforcement
• Walk Round Checks and Load Security
• Safe Driving and Accident Procedures
• Driver and Workplace Health and Safety
• First Aid Awareness

In addition, our drivers have attended SAFED (Safe and Efficient Driving) courses, helping them operate vehicles in ways that reduce risk, improve fuel efficiency, and support environmental performance.

Specialist Commercial Fleet

Hilditch has a fleet of commercial vehicles dedicated to safely handling and transporting medical equipment. Box bodies and tail lifts are fitted to all vehicles; controlled loading environments and secure transport conditions.

Our fleet includes:

• 18-ton box lorry with tail lift
• 7.5-ton box lorry with tail lift
• 7.2-ton box lorry with tail lift
• 3.5-ton Luton van with tail lift

This size offering ensures that all related vehicle sizes are matched to the task at hand, from a single high-value item to multiple items’ clearances.

Handling and Protection of Medical Equipment

All vehicles are equipped with a variety of specialist lifting and manual handling equipment to ensure the safe removal of vehicles from the site and to protect equipment. It allows our staff to safely retrieve items from wards, theatres, plant room and other clinical areas.

The vehicles are fitted with:

• Removals blankets
• Bubble wrap and shrink wrap (environmentally friendly and produced in-house from recycled plastics, so the plastic tax is not applicable)
• Pallets
• Three-tier cages
  These materials enable effective and protective equipment securing, are used to prevent equipment damage during transport and preserve asset value.

Knowledge of Medical Equipment

Our logistics team is built around the specific requirements of medical equipment. Across our four drivers, we have a combined 25 years of experience in the collection and transportation of medical devices.

This experience means our drivers understand:

• The sensitivities of different equipment types
• How to protect complex and high-value items
• How to work efficiently and safely within hospital and clinical environments

Telematics, Safety and Live ETAs

All vehicles in our fleet are equipped with state-of-the-art telematics and camera systems, which facilitate safe, efficient and transparent operations. These technologies aid us in monitoring driving behaviour, route efficiency, and vehicle condition, which further support our safety and compliance requirements.

Telematics also enable us to supply up-to-the-minute ETAs to customers. This is an effective way to communicate, assist with planning at the hospital or site level, and reduce disruption during collections and deliveries.

Environmental Reporting

For each trip, Hilditch measures carbon dioxide (CO2e), emissions, creating a true record for customers’ Scope 3 carbon accounting. This offers further transparency and helps healthcare organisations achieve environmental and sustainability goals.

Multi-Staff Collections for Complex Moves
If the equipment is large, heavy, or complex, multi-staff collections can be arranged to ensure the safe and efficient movement of items. Adding extra personnel as required ensures the safety of equipment and on-site workers, especially in difficult environments or with limited access.