Supplied by dealer Hartshorne Motor Services, the new additions are the first Volvos on the Birmingham-based operator’s 65-strong fleet.
The high-spec flagship 6x2 pusher tractors are powered by D13K 494bhp Euro VI engines, coupled with I-Shift automated gearboxes. The Globetrotter cabs are specified with ‘long-haul’ interior packages.
“The move to Volvo was no snap decision,” confirms Dave Hands, LTS Global’s managing director. Demonstrators from every manufacturer were trialled: “We went through them all over several months to see what the fuel consumption was like and Volvo came up trumps, especially with the drivers.”
Hartshorne’s new dealerpoint nearby was another factor, he adds.
“The drivers who’ve been allocated the trucks are also our driver-assessors and Volvo will be sending their own trainers in over the next couple of weeks to show them all the different features,” says Hands.
“That’s really good, because then our driver-assessors can pass the information on to others when we bring more Volvos into the fleet.”