The deal, which sees a programmed delivery schedule starting now, follows "extensive trials" among competitor marques, with all units being supplied through Liverpool dealer North West Trucks under a three-year funding package with Paccar Financial.
Jack Richards & Son has specified a several enhancements on its new vehicles, in line with DAF's Transport Efficiency programme – including predictive cruise control, lane departure warning and advanced emergency braking.
The haulier has also gone for DAF Telematics, based on Microlise technology, across its entire 220-strong fleet, with a goal of "future proofing operations" – through remote driver and vehicle tachograph data downloads, vehicle location visibility and delivery management.
"We've enjoyed a great working relationship with DAF for 15 years, but, we entered negotiations with our eyes wide open and aware of other truck makers' products and services," states chairman Tony Richards.
"However, the Euro 6 DAF was the clear winner on fuel, and the whole-life package over three years was extremely attractive. Plus, with our close bond with North West Trucks, our partnership with DAF looks set to continue."
Richards also says the firm specified Space Cabs and the range of safewt options because its drivers are very important.
Meanwhile, Lisa Richards, regional director at Jack Richards & Son's Northwich base, adds: "We had to step up to the mark on fleet utilisation [and] a better understanding of vehicle movements is the only way."
DAF Telematics, she says, provides "such a wealth of information". Not only does the transport office know how many hours drivers have left to work and have access to tachograph information, but managers can see vehicle location against plan.
"By using geo-fencing, deliveries are recorded automatically thus drastically reducing the 1,500 calls from drivers made into the business each day."