Volvo Trucks tick a lot of boxes for Gardner Distribution. “Firstly our Volvos have great driver acceptance. This is important with the current skills shortage. Consideration of drivers’ feedback has become an important part of the vehicle purchasing process,” notes Kevin Gardner, Managing Director at Gardner Distribution. “Our Volvo distribution vehicles are robust and economical,” Kevin adds.
Supplied by Justin Fisher, Sales Director at Stuarts Truck and Bus Ltd, the group of seven FL 4x2 rigids consists of four 16-tonne chassis and a trio of 12-tonne models. Used on Gardner Distribution’s daily deliveries and collections for The Pallet Network, the 5.3m wheelbase FL’s have D8K engines rated at 250hp, driving six-speed manual gearboxes. A sole FE 6x2 rigid comes with the more powerful 320hp engine and an I-Shift gearbox, with a 5.5m wheelbase. The FL’s and the FE were all ordered with Day Cabs, in addition to curtainside bodywork by local manufacturer, Exeter Coachworks Ltd. The group also debuts cantilever style tail lifts into this 56-year old business.
An FH 500 6x2 tractor unit was also part of the Gardner Distribution order. This Globetrotter XL cab equipped 6x2 pusher chassis will be used on the company’s long distance operations. All nine trucks are covered by five-year Volvo Gold Service Contracts, which guarantee 100 per cent uptime and complete peace of mind for the customer.
“We’ve spilt the rigid group between our Exeter and Plymouth sites,” explains Luke Gardner, Director at Gardner Distribution. “The new Volvos will be retained for full life service and we try wherever possible to use a one driver, one truck policy,” he adds.
“Stuarts Truck and Bus Ltd are first class dealers, and their depot locations in Exeter and Plymouth are ideal for our premises. We also appreciate the communication levels and willingness, from both Stuarts and Volvo, to discuss support levels,” Luke concludes.
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Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.