The new vehicles will be the first DAF trucks on Carlsberg UK's distribution fleet for 10 years, and this is one of DAF's biggest and most prestigious orders ever.
The new trucks include 15-tonne and 18-tonne LF rigids, plus 26-tonne CF and 6x2 tractor units – with the rigids' curtainside bodies compliant with the EN 12642XL load security standard.
DAF worked closely with Carlsberg on a range of vehicle requirements. For example, to ensure loads stay inside the vehicle in the event of emergency braking, the manufacturer installed Carlsberg UK's own design of bungee restraints. These also maximise payload by including safe storage of gas cylinders and trays.
Other safety features include anti-slip surfaces for the floor and tailgate lift plus side guards which also act as access steps, side cameras, forward-facing cameras and audible turning warnings for vulnerable road users.
Carlsberg UK also specified specific tyre sizes and suspension settings, plus a bespoke interlaced body sub-frame to achieve the required low 1,100mm height for loading and unloading.
Interestingly, three-seat cabs were also specified for 30 of the vehicles, so the Carlsberg UK driver training programme can train two drivers at a time, plus any new starters or agency staff can go out with an experienced two man crew.
However, durability and strong aftersales support from the DAF dealer network were key reasons for Carlsberg UK's choice of DAF trucks, according to Andrew Davis, national fleet engineer, Carlsberg UK.
The CF tractor units are expected to do 130,000km each per year, while the LF and CF rigids cover around 60,000km each – meaning in excess of four million kilometres per year, he points out.
"Driver feedback about the ride quality, cab and drivability has been really positive, plus there's even some competitiveness to get the most efficient driving scores from the DPA [Driver Performance Assist] system, but the key reason for choosing DAF had to be because it had the best aftercare package from its dealers," states Davis.
"The new DAF trucks will help our delivery fleet be greener and more efficient by delivering more with some of the cleanest, safest and best trucks on the road," he adds.
DAF is supplying the new trucks under a six year 'Hire Plus' agreement from its own Paccar Financial organisation.
The new trucks will be based at eight of the company's regional distribution centres across the UK, running multi-drop deliveries of beer and associated products, including gas cylinders.