Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd
The family-owned haulage and warehouse firm has been buying Volvo trucks for decades and is a big admirer of the Swedish manufacturer. Indeed, Eddie Farrall, who started the business with his wife Joan back in the 1950s, believes the current Volvo FH to be “the greatest truck ever built”.
“You know exactly what you are going to get with Volvo, they are reliable, long-lasting and offer great fuel economy,” says Kat Farrall, Managing Director, and Eddie’s granddaughter. “We like to give our drivers the best tools for the job, so they can deliver quality on time, every time.”
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the latest 6x2 tractor units to join Farrall’s Group’s 55-strong fleet all feature flagship Globetrotter XL cabs and automated I-Shift 12-speed gearboxes, specifically designed to make driving easier, safer and more comfortable. They deliver great pulling power, courtesy of Volvo’s latest Euro 6, Step D, 13-litre engines, producing 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque.
Operating out of the company’s main depot in Chester, the new FHs have hit the ground running, helping the company meet an increased demand for deliveries to supermarkets and RDCs during the coronavirus pandemic.
“These latest trucks are settling in well and have already been busy delivering food, toilet rolls and other essential items nationwide,” says Kat. “We’ve paired them with new curtainside trailers, and also with our new refrigerated trailers, as part of our latest venture into temperature-controlled deliveries. They’ll be delivering all over the North West, into Wales and down into London, having all been fitted with the required Direct Vision Standard safety equipment.”
The four FHs are decked out in Farrall’s Group eye-catching new red and white livery, which has earned the firm a place on the shortlist for this year’s Motor Transport Livery of the Year Award. They have been specified with bi-xenon headlights, Alcoa Dura Bright alloy wheels and Volvo’s two bed Living Package for added comfort on long journeys.
“We know our drivers are loving the driver centric cab, especially our trampers who spend nights out during the week,” adds Kat.
The FHs – two replacements and two fleet additions – are built with a 3900mm wheelbase and are expected to be in service for seven years. Covering roughly 120,000 kms per year they have been supplied with a comprehensive Volvo repair and maintenance package.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials and are always pleased with the service they offer,” says Kat. “They have a similar can-do culture to ours and always ensure our requirements are met and, most importantly, delivered on time.”