Matthew Kibble Transport (MKT) has taken delivery of its first Shakespeare Transport branded vehicles, following its acquisition of the company in March.
The company has taken delivery of two new Volvo FH 460s (pictured), with a further three scheduled for delivery next month. Four Volvo FEs will also join the fleet this month, along with six curtain-sided trailers on a five year lease from Bell Trailers.
While MKT has kept the Shakespeare name on the new vehicles, it has changed the company colours from blue to the traditional Matthew Kibble red and white.
After the deal was announced in March, Matthew Kibble’s MD of the same name said Shakespeare Transport’s MD Nicholas Verrall would remain in his role for at least a year, but had plans to retire in the longer term.
While the two companies have different operational priorities, said Kibble, with MKT doing mainly general haulage while Shakespeare is more pallet-focused, he was confident the deal would be a success.
Kibble said: “This is a great opportunity that has presented itself for both Nick and myself. We are both very keen to continue the reputation of STL and build up on it.”