When managing director Vic Smith took over the Derbyshire-based haulier last year, he inherited a fleet from another manufacturer, but reliability and support was an issue.
“The trucks had been predominantly bought on price, but I’m a great believer that you get what you pay for,” he says.
“We looked at the whole life costs associated with Volvo, and actually they managed to beat our previous supplier on price as well, so it became a no-brainer.”
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the new Volvo FH tractor is fitted with a Globetrotter cab, a D13K engine rated at 494bhp and an I-Shift automated gearbox.
The vehicle joins the operation on five-year contract hire, with a full Volvo Gold R&M package.
The additional four rigids on order are FE 18-tonners: “We originally looked at the FL for those, but Volvo upgraded us to the FE. That means we’ll get the I-Shift gearbox and additional passenger-side window as well, which is great,” says Smith.
He adds: “Because we’ve gone from outright ownership to contract hire, these trucks are definitely going to have to earn their keep. I’m sure they will, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
“Although I’ve worked with Volvo for many years this is the first time I’ve worked with Thomas Hardie Commercials as a dealer, but hopefully my instinct will be proved correct.”