The first Volvo trucks – an order for 25 FH-500 6×2 tractor units – to enter service with the fleet of temperature-controlled logistics specialist Freshlinc, have been specified with a comprehensive range of safety equipment.
The Globetrotter-cabbed FHs, which were supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus, Rotherham, are equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Brake and Lane Keeping Support (LKS) from Volvo’s Active Safety package.
According to Freshlinc Fleet Engineer Andy Marchant, the high level of safety equipment specified on the new FHs is part of an overall package aimed at helping the company attract and retain the best drivers for its 230 vehicle fleet.
“New drivers have to go through a tough assessment with one of our driver trainers that includes safety. We assess every driver, including agency drivers,” he emphasises, adding: “Driver training is very important to us.”
“Our drivers appreciate the additional safety features on the new Volvos,” continues Andy Marchant. “We won’t take someone on who is not the right calibre. Crossroads are also assisting Freshlinc by providing us with an on-going ‘train the trainer’ driver training programme to help our drivers get the best out of the trucks.”
Before ordering the new Volvos, Freshlinc, who are based at Spalding, Lincolnshire, carried out a comprehensive evaluation programme that included demonstrators from a number of manufacturers, driver feedback, fuel performance, residual values and a review of dealer support. After all the information was collated on the vehicles that had been evaluated, a final and joint decision between the Operations Director, Lee Juniper, and Fleet Engineer Andy Marchant was agreed.
“One of the main reasons we chose Volvo, was because the FH is a well built, high end truck. In my opinion the FH is a drivers’ truck,” confirms Andy Marchant.
The new Volvos are based at Freshlinc locations at Normanton, West Yorkshire and Alconbury, Cambridgeshire. “Dealer support is key,” says Andy Marchant. “The trucks are double shifted and it is essential that our Fleet Department has a good relationship with the servicing dealers. This is a new, long-term partnership we are growing with Volvo and Crossroads.”
With the new FHs on Volvo Repair and Maintenance contracts, servicing is being carried out by Crossroads at Normanton and Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, Peterborough. Tyres are looked after on a contract with supplier Michelin.
The new trucks will be used on both fridge trailer and container work. In line with the company’s focus on fresh produce logistics, Freshlinc are the biggest importer of fresh flowers into the UK and the new Volvos will be fully integrated into the fleet, including the company’s European operations out of Honselersdijk in the Netherlands.
Specifications also include Volvo’s 13-litre D500K engine rated at 500hp and the I-Shift automated gearbox.
