Long-established, logistics and storage solutions specialist, P.F. Whitehead Transport Services Limited of Croydon, is relying on Volvo Trucks’ leading back-up levels to progress its business with the purchase of a new Volvo FH-500 to join two similar specification FHs, four FM tractor units, and ten Volvo FL rigids – the first Volvo trucks they have operated in their fleet since 1995.
Supplied by Tony Woods, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London, all the FHs feature 3,900mm wheelbases, 6×2 pusher axles chassis, Globetrotter Cabs and VolvoD13K engines producing 500hp and Volvo’s award-winning I-Shift automated transmission gearboxes. They have all been delivered on a three-year contract lease agreement and benefit from a 36-month Volvo Gold Service Contract.
“There’s almost no such thing as a bad truck these days,” reports Geoff Walker, Fleet Engineer at PF Whitehead Transport Services Limited, adding, “It’s all about back-up and support levels.”
PF Whitehead uses its Volvo tractor units for long distance transport assignments and overnighttrunks for the firm’s Palletline network membership. The fleet of ten Volvo FL rigids, consisting of nine 18-tonners and one 14-tonne rigid, is split between dedicated work for a blue chip building supplies customer and Palletline deliveries or collections.
Despite being the first Volvos for 13 years, the company’s association with Volvo trucks stretchesback around 35 years.
Geoff explains, “I’m pleased to have Volvo trucks back in our fleet and their build quality standards are really good. Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London’s Croydon dealerpoint always go the extramile for us. They’re based just around the corner from our premises. All our servicing is doneovernight and the team there collect and return our vehicles, which means minimal disruption to our operation. The Croydon staff is like part of our business, the working partnership is close.”
“The Volvo FLs are ideal for urban distribution levels with their low cabs and good visibility levels.Our drivers like them too, the cabs are practical for a day’s work, whilst the interior trim is both hard wearing and easy to keep clean,” concludes Geoff.
