Among other assets, the new truck will be hauling one of Richardson’s four air-suspended refrigerated trailers, which also feature internal air bags that are inflated along one side to secure trolleys carrying eggs from farms around the UK to Liverpool.
“We have three vehicles on this run, seven days per week,” explains partner James Richardson.
“Each 15-tonne load consists of over 240,000 eggs, which are used in the production of the influenza vaccine,” he continues.
“When not moving eggs we also operate in general haulage as well as turf transportation - all disciplines in which I’m sure the FH16 will excel in.”
Coles & Sons, of Banbury, built the smooth chassis infill from 6mm aluminium alloy. The firm also fitted the front Trux bull bar and the side skirts and rear ‘Dutch style’ lights, as well as the top, cab infill panel, supplied by Tor Trucks, of Somerset.
Last June, the truck was moved to Barnsley and the LA Spray Shop, where Lee carried out all preparation and painted the chassis and all plastics in black, following on with the lacquer work.
Andy and Tom Scott, of Custom Painthouse, in Rotherham, added the imagery, including the tiger appearing to rip its way out of the rear of the cab.
Darren, at Kelsa, then supplied the top bar, complete with six new LED spotlights and four air horns as well as the Lo-bar, side bars and rear bumper bar.
The flagship truck was also fitted with Alcoa polished alloys, supplied by Tyretracks, and black mats and curtains with blue piping by Trucking Smart, of Newcastle – which also produced the cover for the Jost Air Slider fifth wheel, supplied by Janean at Jost UK.
“There are also 48 blue LEDs shining down underneath the truck and a pair of marine reversing lights mounted at 45 degrees on the rear of the chassis to illuminate the artwork on the rear of the cab,” states Richardson.
Such is the quality of the paint job that on its first outing to Truckfest Northwest in September, Richardson was awarded third place in the ‘Best Kept Custom & Paintwork’ category, as well as second place in the ‘Best Kept Overall New Truck’ competition.
The truck was also presented with the Martin Rigby Memorial Award.