Included in A&D Logistics’ 60-strong, all-Volvo fleet are 12 of the latest generation FH tractors – the operator now only takes ex-demo models or those up to one year old, and the most recent addition carries a specially designed livery to celebrate the firm’s 21st anniversary.
“It’s now 14 years since we bought a brand new Volvo FH tractor unit and since then we have relied on sourcing quality approved vehicles from the Volvo Used Truck Centre at Glasgow West,” says Alan Bolsworth, co-director at A&D Logistics.
After 12 years of frontline service, the company has just disposed of its first Volvo used purchases, six FH12-420, 12-litre models.
“The first batch of Volvo used trucks have served us well,” confirms Bolsworth. There were no engine problems, he says, and the manual gearboxes have been equally reliable: “At that time, Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox was then new and relatively unproven. Needless to say we’ve standardised on I-Shift for several years now.”
A&D’s standard spec for Volvo used truck is now the FH-500 model on a 6x2 tractor unit chassis with a pusher/midlift axle.
For maximum driver comfort, Globetrotter XL cabs are specified with Volvo’s ‘Prestige’ interior trim which includes leather seats in addition to a fitted microwave and refrigerator.
Volvo Trucks’ online transport information system, Dynafleet, is also fitted to every FH the company sources.
“The Euro 6 engine FH-500s are already setting new fuel economy performance standards throughout the fleet and at present we are continuing to look at buying used Volvo trucks for the foreseeable future,” Bolsworth adds.