The tractors are Vantec’s first Volvos and, says transport manager Neil Whatley (pictured), based on experience so far, “I would absolutely consider further Volvo Trucks in the future”.
The Volvo Economy option was ideal, he says, as the trucks will only be covering 10 miles between the warehouse and production facility. The vehicles chosen have high mileage – they were previously operated by a supermarket chain – but, as he says, “the flip side is that we know they’ve been well-maintained”.
Another attraction was the low cab height of the FM range, given that drivers get in and out of the cab so often.
The vehicles are now based and in the south of England, and are being maintained by another dealer, MC Truck and Bus. “While Volvo Truck and Bus in Washington helped us find these trucks, it is MC Truck and Bus that is now looking after them,” explains Whatley.
“We have a 12-month R&M contract with the option to renew that covers routine maintenance, MOT preparation and our regular safety inspections for the four trucks, as well as our trailers.”
And, he adds: “All told, the benefits of the package we have with the two Volvo dealers, means Volvo Used Truck Centres (Economy) was a step above the competition.”