Founded 15 year ago by Brothers Chris, Andrew and Scott Nelson, Nelson Car Transport now operates a total of four Volvo trucks in its five-strong fleet, all dedicated to the transportation of new and used cars across the UK.
Nelson Car Transport opted for Volvo’s low sleeper cab, with steel safety cage design, in addition to the ‘Lite’ fixed pusher-axle, which comes fitted with 17.5 inch wheels and 245/70 tyres.
The 13 litre D13K engine in 500hp trim was specified and Chris Nelson reports that, “it is well on top of operations with a full load of 11 cars and you don’t notice many hills.” Behind this power plant is Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox, with dash-mounted four button gear selection.
Further transmission options include a Volvo factory-fitted power-take-off and a rear drive axle ratio of 2.64:1. The FM’s low-roof sleeper cab permits fitment of Transport Engineering bodywork with four cars being carried on the 3900mm wheelbase 6×2 rigid. A close-coupled trailer from the same manufacturer is attached by a low slung drawbar coupling.
The optional 9.0 tonne front axle is fitted with twin leaf parabolic steel spring suspension, whilst the pusher and drive axles, with 4.5 and 11.5 tonne respective capacities, are air-suspended. A 500 litre fuel tank and polished alloy wheels round off the exterior specifications. Inside the driver benefits from a 30-litre capacity under-bunk fridge and a safe-box for personal items. Vehicle safety and security is complemented by a Thatcham H2 approved immobiliser unit.
Chris Nelson reports that his latest Volvo FM-500 is performing well. “We average about 3,000 kilometres per week and, so far, the new FM is doing very well, just like the previous Volvo delivered last year. Despite us requiring a low flat roof, the FM cab is extremely comfortable and a good place to work or live in.”
Nelson Car Transport has now clocked up three years Volvo experience thanks to a duo of used FMs bought back then. “We’ve one other commercial vehicle marque on the fleet at present and it’s due for replacement, so there’s a good chance there will be another Volvo ordered soon,” Chris noted.
Supplied by John Russell at Volvo Truck and Bus North & Scotland Glasgow West, the FM-500 required careful specification at point of order. “The whole sales process was very straightforward and detailed, even down to things like raising the bunk. Basically, anything we asked for we got. Nothing was an issue,” Chris concluded.
