JJ Food Service goes large on 18 tonners 13 July 2010

Food distribution specialist JJ Food Service has restructured its fleet almost entirely away from 7.5-tonne vehicles to 18-tonners – more than 100 Volvo FLs.

JJ Food Service transport manager, Mick Montague explains: "At one time we were operating a fleet at 7.5 and 18 tonnes on a 50:50 basis, but the smaller truck has had its day for us and it is dying off. It carries all the legislative burden of a bigger truck with a tacho and 'O' licence and it just can't match it for payload and productivity."

Among the JJ Food Service fleet are a handful of the previous generation Volvo FLs and FM rigids. The operator's new FL 18-tonners have all been fitted with fridge bodies from Solomon's in Rossendale, Lancashire. With ambient, chilled and frozen product to deliver, it was essential that JJ went for reliability and dealer support, says Montague.

Supplying dealer Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London uses its nearby Enfield Dealerpoint to deliver parts and sales support. "We feel that the FL at 18-tonnes combined with the Solomon fridge body and a tail-lift, represents the state-of-the-art at this weight and it's the best you can buy," comments Montague.

He explains that as they meet Euro 5 engine regulations, they are as green as they can be, as well as economical when it comes to the potential for fuel savings. "They've also got a good gearbox and are easy to drive too; my drivers really like them," he says.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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