Family-run G&J Shuttleworth Ltd, the UK’s largest independent milk-fraction operator, reports standout mileage and stability from Yokohama truck tyres in long-haul service. Despite liquid loads that shift under braking and cornering, the 124R steer is tracking beyond 285,000km while the 704R drive is set to exceed 215,000km, delivering lower cost per kilometre and a measurable uptime gain for time-critical dairy transport.
Milk tankers expose tyres to continuous lateral and longitudinal forces as loads move inside the trailer. In that context, G&J Shuttleworth’s projections are notable: Yokohama’s 124R steer tyre is on course to exceed 285,000km, and the 704R drive pattern is set to pass 215,000km, according to data gathered on round-the-clock trunking between processing sites. The operator says extended life is reducing changeovers and improving vehicle availability across its Morecambe-based fleet.
“G&J Shuttleworth’s fleet runs day and night, carrying sensitive liquid loads across long distances, so durability and reliability are critical,” said Mat Wilkinson, sales director at Yokohama Tyres. “However, we’re delighted that Yokohama tyres are proving to be a game-changer and providing the company with reliability and even more than mileage. Extended tyre life is helping them achieve a lower cost per kilometre, while sustainability is enhanced as retreading and longer life reduce waste.” The trial is supported locally by TRS Tyres for fitment and service response.
On steer axles, the Yokohama 124R (and 124RA all-position in 17.5- and 19.5-inch sizes) deploys sipes and grooves to limit premature shoulder step-down, plus stone ejectors and rigid shoulder ribs for straight-line stability. On drive axles, the 704R combines a wide directional tread with high-rigidity blocks and a new compound to promote even wear and wet-weather traction—attributes that matter when tankers face mixed speeds, frequent stops and variable road surfaces.
Longer tread life directly lowers pence-per-kilometre and reduces casings entering the waste stream. The push to extend tyre life dovetails with sector calls to prioritise remanufacturing and retreading in UK policy, an approach industry voices argue would cut carbon and costs for public and private fleets alike.
Yokohama’s presence in UK truck and bus is growing through distributors and pricing that target total cost of ownership for operators. Recent channel moves underscore that trajectory and broaden access for fleets considering pattern-by-pattern trials across steer and drive positions.
High mileage must be achieved alongside safe wear management, age limits and inspection discipline for HGV tyres. Operators should align with DVSA guidance on wear, damage and defect criteria for HGVs, buses and trailers, and ensure age-related restrictions on front steer positions are observed within maintenance systems.
For broader trends shaping brand performance in commercial tyres, explore our report on Yokohama’s brand growth in 2025’s global rankings.
Tagged with: Yokohama 124R, Yokohama 704R, steer axle tyre, drive axle tyre, long-haul transport, milk tanker fleet, retreading, cost per kilometre, UK haulage, tyre mileage
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