A trouble-free four years of front line service from a 2013 model Volvo FH tractor unit has led to ATL Warehousing & Distribution ordering eight new Volvo trucks. The order consists of four FM 26 tonne rigids and four Volvo FH13 6×2 tractor units, all equipped with Globetrotter cabs and I-Shift 12-speed automated gearboxes.
“Our first Volvo tractor unit arrived four years ago and it’s been completely reliable. We really like the truck and I prefer manufacturers who offer a full range of commercial vehicles,” reports Pete Ascott, Joint Managing Director at ATL Warehousing & Distribution.
Supplied by Chris Thorne, Truck Sales Executive at Hartshorne (East Midlands) Ltd., Burton-upon-Trent, the four FM rigids were specified with a 6,000mm wheelbase to accommodate Lawrence David, Fuel Saving Curve, 18 pallet Curtainside bodies. Powered by Volvo’s Euro 6, D11K engines rated at 330hp, the six in-line diesels also produce 1600Nm of torque between 950 and 1400rpm. The FMs will be used on ATL Warehousing & Distribution’s nationwide groupage operations.
The quartet of FH tractor units set a new fleet power benchmark for this Foston headquartered company, with Volvo’s D13K Euro 6 power plant rated at 500hp.
“In previous years, we’ve stuck to 460 or 480hp engines for tractor units and these new FHs will be deployed on our UK tramping fleet, which sees no double shifting with a ‘one driver, one truck policy’,” says Pete adding, “The FH-500s come with 4,100mm wheelbase 6×2 pusher axle chassis fitted with Jost sliding fifth wheels, twin fuel tanks and an under-bunk fridge.”
All the new Volvo arrivals are additional vehicles and join a fleet of 90 trucks and 150 trailers at ATL Warehousing & Distribution. The company also operate an established depot in Carlisle and a recently opened facility in Durham.
The owning Ascott family can trace its transport roots right back to 1959 in Derby. Nowadays ATL Warehousing & Distribution offer over a million square feet of covered storage to a wide range of trading parties.
