Supplied by Jason Brewin, Transport Solutions Executive Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Bardon, the FHs are powered by D13K engines, producing 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque and come with bespoke-built bodies by Muldoon Transport Systems.
The 3,900mm wheelbase tridems replace older vehicles and have been specified with a sleeper cab, a heavy-duty nine-tonne front axle, rear air suspension and hydraulically steered tag axle for optimised manoeuvrability.
Neale Jones, Transport Manager at GLW Feeds, says: “We work our fleet hard, delivering up to 1,000 tonnes of animal feed every day to farms across the UK. They can often be in hard-to-reach locations, requiring access down narrow lanes and over uneven ground, so we need trucks that are versatile and robust. We always look at what’s new on the market, but Volvo won our business once again because of the high spec of its trucks and proven track record for reliability.”
Operating out of the company’s main site in Loughborough, the new FHs will be in use seven days a week, and are finished in the firm’s distinctive blue livery.
“Fuel consumption is another major consideration for us, so a lot of effort goes into ensuring we specify vehicles that are going to be as efficient as possible for our operation,” adds Neale.
The three new FHs have been specified with Volvo’s Dynafleet management and telematics system, providing real time, precision fleet management. This allows GLW Feeds to see the exact location and status of its trucks 24/7, as well as identifying the most fuel-efficient drivers, along with any drivers which might need additional training and support to help them increase their fuel efficiency.
Purchased outright, the trucks have been supplied with a four-year Volvo Silver Contract covering all preventive maintenance and driveline repairs within the nationwide Volvo Trucks dealer network. They join two new FH 6x2 tractor units that entered service earlier this year.
Neale continues: “The great aftersales support we get from our local dealer is another reason why we continue to work with them. They are always honest and open; nothing is too much trouble.”
Established in 1873, GLW Feeds is one of the largest independent, family-owned livestock and speciality feed manufacturers in the UK.
