The UK’s leading provider of temperature-controlled logistics services, NFT, which is now part of EV Cargo, has put 82 Range T460 6×2 tractor units with sleeper cabs into service, the first with the company’s striking new livery. Working on its nationwide food delivery operation, the Range Ts underline NFT’s commitment to the highest standards in safety, efficiency, fuel economy and driver comfort.
The latest additions are hot on the heels of a deal completed back in 2017 when NFT began operating 20 Range Ts for Sainsbury’s followed by a further 32 Range T 6×2 tractor units supplied on a 12-month rental agreement in partnership with RH Rentals. As part of the latest deal for 82 vehicles, the contract for 32 vehicles has also been extended for a further 12 months.
NFT’s Fleet Engineer, David Seaton says: “We initially introduced 20 Range Ts with a view to gaining solid data and feedback from a number of vehicles within the operation. As these performed well and the drivers were happy we worked closely with Renault Trucks and RH Rentals to secure an additional 32 Range Ts, allowing us to further monitor driver engagement, network engagement, fuel performance and vehicle reliability feedback. They performed well, came out favourably on fuel and the reaction from drivers was good; based on their feedback we have further improved the specification for the new vehicles.”
Fuel economy was a key criteria for selecting the Range Ts, which have been specified for optimum fuel consumption with the Fuel Eco Pack that includes Eco Cruise Control with Optiroll, and Optidriver gearbox with automatic clutch and gearshifting strategy optimised for fuel efficiency. “Our nationwide operation demands vehicles with optimum fuel consumption. Renault Trucks’ full Optifleet package is excellent and provides us with comprehensive fuel data and, depending on the time of the year and delivery profile, we have been achieving impressive fuel consumption figures,” confirms David.
The Range Ts are equipped with intelligent driving systems for enhanced safety such as lane departure warning system, Advanced Emergency Braking System and the industry-leading Anti-Runaway Automated Park Brake which prevents the risk of uncontrolled movements caused by human error when a truck is idling or static. (The system won the “Innovation Award” at the Motor Transport Awards 2018.)
“Our commitment to safety, efficiency and protection of the environment is at the heart of our service to customers. This latest investment in our vehicle fleet ensures that our drivers and other road users are protected by the latest safety technologies, while delivering high standards of fuel efficiency with minimum environmental impact,” says David.
Fitted with top of the range optional extras for driver comfort, the cab comes with heated and air-suspended driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support, adjustable seat cushion extension, one-touch electric windows, ultimate leather steering wheel with cruise and telephone control as well as forward facing cameras for peace of mind.
David concludes: “Our drivers have been positive, commenting on the comfort levels and that the Range Ts are very nice to drive. This latest order demonstrates our ongoing relationship with Renault Trucks and its Dealers, who have worked closely with us to understand our business requirements and our desire to operate to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”
Renault Trucks’ Key Account Manager, John Avery comments on the deal: “We are very honoured to have supplied NFT with such a significant number of new vehicles for their fleet. We worked closely with the team at NFT to clearly understand their requirements in terms of delivering vehicles with the highest standards in safety, efficiency, fuel economy and driver comfort and we look forward to further developing our working relationship in the future.”
