Supplied by dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, the Volvo FH16-750 6x2 tractor went into service in the haulier’s 18-strong fleet a few weeks ago.
The latest vehicle is used mostly on container haulage duties, from various east coast ports, and is expected to cover 160,000km in its first year in service.
The truck operates at or near the 44-tonnes maximum gross for 75% of the time.
The company acquired its first Volvo, a new series FH-500 6x2 tractor unit, in 2014. The vehicle is double-shifted and has returned an average of 9 mpg.
The FH16-750 is equipped with VEB+ engine retarder, I-Shift gearbox, Adaptive Cruise Control and I-See fuel saving software. Twin tanks enable 700 litres of fuel to be carried.
St John says the FH16 “really looks after the driver”, adding: “Visibility is excellent and the Adaptive Cruise Control is brilliant. I-Shift is great for the driver as you’re left to concentrate on what’s going on around you. It’s a proper two pedal set-up and is effortless to use. I certainly wouldn’t want to go back to a manual or the auto boxes in some other makes of truck, which still have a clutch pedal.
“The electric parking brake with auto-release is much easier to use than a manual park brake and the I-Roll feature in I-Shift helps to save fuel,” he says.
Inside the cab, he praises the fridge space and other storage, along with the comfortable bunk – essential for four nights away each week.
“In my opinion, Volvo is light years ahead when it comes to looking after the driver.”