Client: National Logistics
Location: Sunderland
Service Provided: Tail Lift Weight Testing & LOLER Inspection
Sector: Transport & Logistics
Equipment: Fleet of 36 box vans and curtain-sided HGVs with hydraulic tail lifts
⚙️ The Challenge
Our client, a well-established logistics company operating nationwide, approached us to assist with statutory tail lift testing. Their fleet included a mix of tail lift types – column, cantilever, and tuck-under – used daily for loading and unloading palletised goods and roll cages.
While routine maintenance was in place, the company required:
- LOLER-compliant testing to confirm each tail lift could safely lift its rated capacity.
- PUWER inspections to assess mechanical safety and identify wear or damage.
- A clear audit trail of certification for their fleet-wide compliance program.
The client faced increasing pressure from insurance providers and customers to provide evidence of regular statutory inspections. With drivers using tail lifts multiple times a day, the risk of hydraulic failure or overloading was a growing concern.
🔍 Our Solution
We deployed a mobile inspection team to visit the client’s main depot over two days, minimising disruption to fleet operations.
Our approach included:
- Weight testing of each tail lift to its Safe Working Load (SWL) using calibrated test weights.
- Visual and functional PUWER inspection, checking for:
- Fluid leaks
- Cracks or deformations
- Faulty limit switches
- Excessive platform wear
- Control function integrity
- Detailed reports with photographic evidence and pass/fail outcomes.
- Issuance of LOLER certificates for compliant tail lifts.
Where faults were found, such as hydraulic creep or inconsistent lifting, we flagged them for immediate repair before issuing compliance documentation.
✅ The Results
- 100% of the operational fleet received up-to-date LOLER certificates.
- 7 tail lifts were identified for urgent remedial work due to hydraulic issues or electrical faults.
- Zero unplanned downtime, thanks to advance scheduling and mobile test capability.
- The client passed a third-party logistics audit later that month with full documentation on hand.
📦 Client Feedback
“Having your team handle the LOLER inspections has taken a weight off our shoulders – literally and figuratively! The reports were clear, professional, and saved us hassle with our compliance paperwork.”
— Fleet Compliance Manager
📌 Why It Matters
Tail lift failures can lead to serious injuries, costly downtime, and compliance breaches. LOLER and PUWER inspections are not just legal requirements – they’re vital for safety and operational continuity.
If you operate a vehicle fleet with lifting equipment, we can help you stay compliant and keep your team safe.
Need Tail Lift Testing or PUWER Inspections in Sunderland or Newcastle?
Get in touch today to schedule an on-site visit or discuss your compliance needs.
