For transport and logistics businesses in the UK, fleet reliability isn’t just a convenience — it’s crucial to profitable operations. When essential vehicles are unavailable due to mandatory MOTs or emergency repairs that cannot be quickly resolved, the ripple effects are immediate: delivery delays, lost revenue, and reputational impact.
That’s where Pullman’s outsourced Vehicle Maintenance Units (VMUs) come in. With an average breakdown repair of 60 to 90 minutes, our seamless versatility offers a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to manage commercial fleet maintenance and compliance.
What’s the Benefit of Outsourcing a VMU?
VMUs are dedicated facilities that provide everything a fleet needs to stay road-ready: diagnostics, inspections, testing, fabrication, repairs, MOTs, and preventive maintenance. They are more than standard garages; our VMUs are tailored to each business’s unique operational profile. Whether it’s a fleet of 200 vans or 500 HGVs, we can install specialised equipment, such as vehicle lifts, break testing facilities, or bespoke tires, to meet your vehicle’s specifications.
Whether you require an on-site VMU installation or short-term hub facility, outsourcing your maintenance to Pullman means putting vehicle and driver safety first, gaining expert support, and ultimately reducing downtime.
Tailored Setups from Scratch or Seamless Takeovers
No two logistics companies are the same. That’s why we offer fully customisable VMU solutions. Whether you need a brand-new on-site facility designed and built from the ground up, or you’re looking to transition from an in-house team via TUPE, our team delivers an agile, swift and smooth handover.
VMU installation and full operational readiness typically take two to four weeks, thanks to our streamlined approach, regulation awareness, and extensive portfolio. Our experience enables us to resolve your major pain points, minimise disruption and accelerate results.
Client Success Story
The Problem:
A client’s supplier unexpectedly withdrew their services. They reached out to Pullman for our assistance, and we delivered with an immediate solution.
Our Solution:
- Arriving on site the next day
- Accommodating a 100-asset site
- Establish mobile van cover within one week
- Build a fully staffed & equipped VMU within two weeks
The Outcome:
Our swift service and experienced team meant we could meet our clients’ needs with minimal vehicle downtime. We’re proud to say that this site in the North-East is now a long-standing, fully operational VMU site five years on.
To find out more, get in touch with the Pullman team today.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Maximum Efficiency
Our VMUs are powered by the latest diagnostic tools, maintenance software, and compliance tracking systems. From real-time updates and in-depth data performance on turnarounds to automated maintenance scheduling, we give you complete visibility and control over your fleet’s performance and legal compliance.
These services not only reduce unplanned downtime, but also help avoid costly repairs and breakdowns. Furthermore, by introducing preplanned maintenance strategies, VMUs can ensure fleets are available for peak periods. For example, completing your entire fleet’s MOTs and service requirements before December to ensure they are road-safe and ready to handle the Christmas rush.
Client Success Story
The Problem:
With a fleet of over 700+ vehicles, our client required convenient maintenance facilities to maintain service and delivery expectations, as well as minimise vehicle downtime.
Our Solution:
- Install a new, fully-equipped 4-bay VMU on-site
- Quick installation with minimal disturbance
- Implement specialised equipment & qualified technicians
The Outcome:
The new, customised VMU enabled quick, on-site repairs for drivers. We also successfully increased this client’s MOT pass rate by 5% within the first six months, achieving a 98% success rate in 2025, and reducing MOT-related downtime by 50%.
Prioritising Safety and Compliance
At Pullman, we are incredibly proud of the vehicle and operational safety measures achieved via our VMU setups. Designed and built with a strong emphasis on health and safety protocols, we ensure your vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, meet MOT requirements, and can deal with real-time concerns. In 2023, Pullman conducted over 6,750 MOTs, all with a first-time pass rate. This ensured our customers remained compliant, reduced vehicle downtime, and avoided costly retests.
Our qualified technicians are trained to spot potential issues early, mitigating risks before they escalate and keeping your drivers and the public safe on the roads. In many instances, VMUs have taken over to improve safety and compliance, succeeding in increasing safety scores and contributing to significant savings.
There is no challenge too big for our technicians. We have taken on and resolved the most critical compliance challenges, including transforming a major fleet operator’s OCRS score from red to green within six months of taking over two London-based VMUs.
Looking to improve your operator compliance risk score? Contact Pullman to find out how.
Why Logistics Companies Are Choosing Outsourced VMUs
- Reduced Downtime – Keep vehicles in peak condition and on the road longer.
- Increased Compliance – Avoid fines and penalties with up-to-date inspections and certifications.
- Customised Solutions – Tailored VMU structures and maintenance plans that align with your fleet and operational needs.
- Scalable Support – Whether expanding facilities or taking on new contracts, your VMU setup can scale with you.
- Cost Predictability – Streamlined budgeting with strategically planned servicing can reduce overhead and surprise repair costs.
- TUPE Expertise – Seamless takeover of your existing in-house team, with no compromise on quality or team support.
Ready to Effortlessly Maintain Your Fleet?
Logistic, transport, and delivery companies are all looking to enhance fleet uptime, streamline maintenance, and improve compliance. One way to stay ahead of your competition is by instilling confidence in your drivers and fleet, so that they consistently deliver. At Pullman, we’re here to help you achieve that goal.
We’re driven by trust, defined by excellence – and built to keep your fleet moving.
Talk to us today about setting up a dedicated VMU, tailored to your business.