Fleet manager David Bonehill says the company conducted a thorough evaluation, looking at the demonstrators' fuel economy, AdBlue usage and performance, as well as taking driver feedback, before placing the orders.
He then specified Globetrotter-cabbed FH trucks with Volvo's 500bhp engine mated to the I-Shift automated gearbox.
Huntapac's FHs have also been equipped with leather upholstery, fridges, sliding fifth wheels and four cameras, including two on the near side to help protect vulnerable road users.
"Neil Crook from Thomas Hardie Commercials Preston depot was very helpful," comments Bonehill.
"In fact, the service we have received so far from Thomas Hardie Commercials has been second to none and Neil was the driving force behind Volvo winning the order," he adds.
And Huntapac driver Tom Smethurst reports that, although this is the first Volvo he has driven, he is "completely converted".
"The driving position in the FH is brilliant", he says, adding. "You can drive for four and a half hours and not know you've done it."
He also rates the I-Shift gearbox, and the Fh's storage space, visibility, steering and ease of entry to the cab.
"You can't catch the I-Shift out and it always selects the right gear at roundabouts," he says.
"Storage is very good. You don't need to keep anything on the top bunk and there's also plenty of room in the side lockers," he continues.
"Visibility is great, too – there are absolutely no blind spots."
Each Volvo FH tractor is expected to cover 180,000km a year, fully loaded to 44-tonnes out and back.
"I'm very happy with the fuel economy so far. Indeed, one of the FHs is averaging 11.1mpg and the trucks only went on the road in early December," states Bonehill.
