Aberdeenshire based Robert Addison Haulage has bought its first Volvo tractor unit in 23 years, supplied by Richard Cochrane, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland Aberdeen. The 3200mm wheelbase 6×2 tag axle chassis also becomes the inaugural FH model bought by the company.
The Volvo FH is equipped with a Globetrotter XL cab, Volvo D13K engine rated at 540hp and a 12-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission system. The new arrival comes with a factory painted cab and chassis, whilst Robert Addison’s traditional Scottish livery is courtesy of additional paintwork by Steve Reid Autobody Ltd, Stonehaven and graphics by Driver Signs, Huntly.
As with the remainder of this well-presented fleet, the FH comes with a patriotic tartan scarf, an individual fleet name and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels. Robert Addison Haulage selected a three-year Volvo Gold Service Contract, which will be carried out at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland’s dealerpoint in Perth. The Volvo Gold Contract, made possible by a telematics gateway, guarantees 100 per cent uptime.
“Our last Volvo tractor unit was an F10, but since then we’ve operated a selection of Volvo rigid trucks,” reports Alastair Arbuthnott, Owning Partner at Robert Addison Haulage. “We still use a 1994 Volvo FL6 on an occasional basis. We bought that 11-tonner new and it’s been a great vehicle. Nowadays it keeps to local work,” Alastair adds.
Specified with 600-litre fuel tank and a custom-made chassis box for load restraints by Alan Dunbar, Robert Addison Haulage’s new Volvo FH-540 will haul both curtainside and platform trailers across the UK.
The company has an established customer base, a number of which produced finished timber products. “It’s early days yet, but the FH-540 has not missed a beat. The driver likes it and reports good cab comfort levels,” Alastair notes.
Founded in 1957, when the late Jimmy Arbuthnott bought the company from Robert Addison, this haulage concern remains family owned and operated with second generation Owning Partners, Alastair Arbuthnott and his wife June assisted by their sons, Robert and Ally. The Royal Deeside-based fleet currently numbers 20 trucks, which operate from the firm’s Craigmyle Mill base.
“Volvo has lived up to my expectations so far with this new FH-540 tractor unit. Everything throughout the ordering and delivery process has been on time, as promised,” concludes Alastair.
