Humber Ports Logistics Ltd has recently taken delivery of six Volvo FH-500s equipped with I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission systems. The 6×2 pusher-axle tractor units were ordered with Globetrotter cabs on medium height chassis and join around 40 Volvo trucks within the company’s fleet of 62 commercial vehicles.
The six newcomers are the first I-Shift Dual Clutch-equipped Volvo trucks for Humber Port Logistics and were supplied by Dave Emsley at Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd, Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire. “Volvo Trucks are reliable in operation and we can’t fault the service and back-up levels,” noted Jamie Benton, Director at Humber Ports Logistics.
I-Shift Dual Clutch is the world’s first dual clutch transmission system for heavy trucks. Inspired by motor racing gearboxes, I-Shift Dual Clutch changes gear in a fraction of a second. It also transforms the driving experience and boosts productivity, as the dual-clutch transmission can pre-select the next gear while driving in the current one. This keeps one clutch idling while the other is engaged. The result is gear shifting that does not interrupt power delivery.
“Volvo’s driver trainer will provide I-Shift Dual Clutch induction courses for our staff allocated the new trucks. This technology, combined with our Globetrotter cabs for unit and trailer height matching, will contribute towards our fuel economy targets,” Jamie reported.
Humber Ports Logistics (HPL) is a family-owned company and was established in 2012 with over 50 years knowledge and experience within the transport and shipping sector. HPL prides itself on traditional company values, but with a modern and forward thinking approach. As a vital link within the supply chain, HPL is geographically suited to serve all five major ports on the Humber bank; Grimsby, Immingham, Killingholme, Hull and Goole, as well as the three main multimodal rail depots at Rotherham, Doncaster and Leeds.
“Our trucks each average about 85,000 to 100,000km per year and around three years ago we increased the standard fleet power output to 500hp. Container movements in the M62 corridor, and to the heart of the Midlands make up a big percentage of our regular workload and we retain trucks for three years.”
Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd will provide weekend servicing to maximise our productivity levels and we have a strong working partnership with Jason Moffat, their Depot Manager at Stallingborough,” concluded Jamie.
