These are the first Volvo trucks for more than ten years to join the 23-strong fleet.
Transport Manager, Martin Hoar says: “When we decided on the renewal programme we looked at three manufacturers. Admittedly, Volvo was generally the preferred option because we had a good relationship with Justin – the Sales Director at Stuarts, but it is fair to say that our final decision was based predominantly on what was right for the business. To this end; it was really the Dynafleet services – including the remote download of tachographs – and the overall reliability of Volvo trucks alongside the reassurance of the Uptime Guarantee offered by Volvo that ultimately tipped the balance for us.”
Over the past couple of months, the dealership has delivered all 20-units. “I would say we have certainly boosted the efficiency and safety of our operation thanks to these new trucks,” explains Martin. “This is not only great for the business, but also improves the working conditions for our drivers.”
The new Volvo FH 6×2 tractor units, with mid-lift axles and Globetrotter cabs have single bunks and fridge/freezers as well as leather upholstery throughout, including the Comfort air-suspended and temperature controlled driver’s seat. Power comes from Volvo’s D13K 460hp engines producing up to 2300Nm of torque at just 900 – 1400rpm.
Coupled to Chereau tri-axle fridge trailers fitted with Dhollandia under-slung tail lifts, each truck is capable of moving up to 281,000 eggs at a time. Thanks to the ‘Eggs Cargo System’ employed by Clarence Court Eggs, which incorporates special plastic pallets, dividers and trays, the eggs are suitably protected from damage in transit.
“We’re really pleased with the Volvo FH tractor units,” says Martin. “The fuel economy is over 10mpg, there’s really smooth delivery of power thanks to the I-Shift automated transmission and, frankly, the drivers love them. What’s more, thanks to Dynafleet and the scorecard information, drivers are now coming into the office to ask where they sit in the league table and what they can do to improve. It really has generated a positive atmosphere.”
The twelve new 370hp Volvo FM 6×2 rear-steer rigids are equipped with sleeper cabs and fridge bodies by G&A of Doncaster with Dhollandia under slung tail lifts. “We chose the FM over the FE simply because we needed the ground clearance to enable us to get on to farms,” says Martin. “In this vein, we also specified dynamic headlights on all the trucks to increase drivers’ field of vision. This, along with Dynafleet positioning, is especially helpful when visiting a farm in the back of beyond at the middle of the night. It’s all these little things that have combined to significantly enhance our overall efficiency.”
The Volvo FMs are capable of carrying 173,000 eggs at a time and their agility means they’re ideally suited to serve some of the more remote farm locations and busy city centres. “While we collect from farms all over the UK, we are the sole supplier to one of the major supermarket chains as well as to independents and high-end restaurants,” says Martin. “We’re one of the only producers/suppliers in Europe that deals in 100% free-range eggs and while chicken eggs such as our Burford Brown and Cotswold Legbar are the mainstays of our business, we also offer speciality eggs including duck, pheasant, quail, ostrich, goose, turkey and guinea fowl.”
All the Volvo FH tractor units and FM rigids are covered by a Gold R&M contract with Truck and Bus Wales and West in Swindon. “The service and support provided by the dealership in Swindon has been great,” says Martin, adding. “We’re very happy with the job that they’re doing for us.”
