Brinor placed this latest order to modernise its fleet to help meet the new Direct Vision standards and low-emission zones (LEZ) that will come into force later in 2020. Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia’s transport solutions executive John Culling, the three 493bhp 6x2 FHs and the FH with I-Save join a 20-strong fleet, made up predominantly of Volvos.
Fleet manager Gill Thomas says: “We are Volvo through and through and it was the only manufacturer we considered for this order. We have a long, pre-existing relationship with the sales team, and we have never been disappointed with the quality of the trucks or the level of service we receive. This order was placed with the new DVS and LEZ targets in mind. We do quite a lot of work delivering into the areas where they will be enforced, so we need to make sure we have trucks on the fleet that meet the standards and allow us to continue to deliver for our customers.
“We are also looking forward to seeing what miles per gallon figures they will give us, especially the FH with I-Save, which we have heard quite a lot about.” The FH with I-Save is said to be the most fuel-efficient 44-tonne tractor unit in Volvo’s truck range. It combines the D13TC Euro VI Step D engine with turbo-compounding and updated fuel-efficiency features. The engine produces up to 300 Nm of extra torque, which means less acceleration and fuel is required in steady motorway traffic. Additional software such as Volvo Truck’s predictive cruise control, I-See – that analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead and includes gear-shifting software optimised for long distance applications.
Brinor opted for Volvo’s D13K 13-litre Euro VI engine on the other three FHs – which are coupled to I-Shift automated gearboxes – producing up to 493bhp and a top torque figure of 2,500Nm.
All the new trucks are built on a 3,900mm wheelbase and are decked out in the haulier’s striking yellow livery – designed by Chapple Signs – which has been updated to mark the company’s 40th anniversary, celebrated last year.
Supplied via Volvo Financial Services, the trucks are covered by a Volvo Blue repair & maintenance contract, which includes preventative maintenance and allows Brinor International to know the service costs upfront, giving them better operational control.
Working out of the company’s new warehousing facility situated next to Felixstowe docks, the trucks will be in operation five days a week – carrying shipping containers straight from the docks to destinations all around the UK. The FHs’ Globetrotter sleeper cab comes with single bed resting package and driving plus package for added comfort on long-haul runs.
“These Volvos will likely cover around 120,000km per year,” says Thomas.