Joining the 18-strong fleet are a pair of Volvo FH Globetrotter 6x2 tractors – each powered by the latest Euro 6, Step D, 13-litre engine, producing 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque for great pulling power and a fuel-efficient, comfortable driving experience.
The 44-tonne tractor units will be used exclusively for container haulage, pulling tri-axle skeletal trailers across the UK and each covering up to 130,000 km annually. They have been supplied on a four-year Volvo Financial Services contract hire deal which incorporates a Volvo Gold Contract repair and maintenance package, to guarantee maximum uptime.
Ryan Jiggens, General Manager of Ipswich-based Maze Logistic Solutions, says: “We decided to look at alternative options for our new vehicles, and a lot of our drivers stepped forward and recommended Volvo, positioning the brand as being a step up in terms of durability, efficiency and on-board comfort.
“This prompted exploratory conversations with our local dealer, which has worked really hard to look after us. It’s been a fabulous experience from the moment we made our initial enquiry; plus the demonstrator we trialled convinced us we were making the right decision.”
Built with Globetrotter sleeper cabs, the new vehicles feature full leather seats and a leather steering wheel, complementing a comprehensive on-board specification designed to help the firm attract and retain top drivers. No cost was spared in giving the firm’s first FHs a distinctive look, with custom white paintwork for the external trim and front grille completing a striking white and blue livery – coordinated by the dealer with local paintshop Simon Morris.
“It’s a tough market for driver recruitment and retention, so we’re focused on giving our team the best package we can – and that includes a great truck!” explains Jiggens. “The new Volvos definitely tick all the right boxes; plus they give our business a stand-out presence on the road.”
Both tractor units were supplied with Volvo’s factory-fitted Dynafleet telematics, which can be accessed 24/7 via a web portal, smartphone or tablet. The system enables the exact location and status of the trucks to be tracked 24/7, plus analyses vehicle and driver performance data to proactively suggest ways to reduce both fuel costs and emissions.
Jiggens adds: “We’re really excited for what Dynafleet can bring to our business, and the savings it will help us to unlock. Previously we’ve tracked driver and vehicle performance via a series of Excel spreadsheets; now Dynafleet is set to take our fleet management to a whole new level.”
Both trucks also benefit from Volvo’s long-haul fuel package plus, which combines a series of latest generation technologies to help the driver deliver the best fuel efficiency on every journey.
