This major deal follows a successful whole-life-cost evaluation of 50 same-spec 6x2 tractor units last summer.
In addition, 10 DAF LF 7.5 tonners have been acquired for Axis' high-profile contract with British Gas, as well as a smaller number of 26-tonne and 18-tonne rigids for other customers.
Axis says it is also starting trials with an XF460 FTG 6x2 tractor unit with the 2015 DAF Transport Efficiency enhancements, including Predictive Cruise Control, Predictive Shifting, Lane Departure Warning System and Advanced Emergency Braking System.
The safety-laden HGV will next be presented to several of Axis's customers as an indication of the standard level of equipment on forthcoming truck specifications.
Axis managing director David Potter says the successful conclusion of this trial will see an additional order of 50—100 DAF tractor units later in this year.
DAF's fleet introduction signals a new move for Axis as it switches to a two-supplier policy for this and future heavy truck acquisitions.
DAF was selected following a tender to all major truck manufacturers to provide a 'whole-life-cost acquisition package'.
"We know DAF has a great product range, and our current DAF rigid fleet proves that reliability, backed by DAF network support, is a combination that's just about the best in the business," states Potter.
"However, a whole-life-cost package for 130-plus tractor units brings its own challenges for a truck manufacturer, and DAF had to work hard to deliver a definitive asset package to suit our precise requirements," he continues.
Potter also says that Telematics has been instrumental in achieving its key objective of a complete fleet management solution for its clients.
"We can be utterly transparent in how our truck and trailer offering is utilised and optimised to drive operational costs down," explains Potter.
"Telematics also permits us to provide our clients with a better understanding of maintenance requirements generally and PMIs specifically, and to present clear evidence of where uptime can be fully maximised."
Altogether, investment in new equipment by Axis in the last three years has topped £120 million, with a further £40 million earmarked for the next 12 months, including provision for 300 new Montracon, Dennison and SDC trailers.
"DAF has a heritage in British truck manufacturing, and I'm keen to promote that fact," states Potter.
"The decision to acquire DAF goes hand-in-hand with our choice of trailer equipment, too. I'm proud of this country's engineering tradition and I hope that shows in the hardware Axis is specifying in 2015."