Simon Gibson Transport boosts fleet with 51 Volvo FHs

Rapid growth at East Yorkshire bulk powder haulier Simon Gibson Transport has seen the firm strengthen its fleet with 51 new Volvo FH 6x2 tractor units. 

These are the latest additions to the firm’s fleet, which has expanded from 94 to 186 vehicles in the past year after European logistics provider Groupe Charles Andre’s acquisition of 75% of the company in March last year.

The bulk of the 51 trucks consist of thirty-one high-spec Globetrotter-cabbed, FH-500 tractor units equipped with I-Shift automated gearboxes. The top-spec cabs feature leather upholstery and factory-fitted extras such as a fridge-freezers. The rest of the order is made up of 20 FM 460 tractor units.

The Volvo tractor units, supplied by Hull-based Crossroads Truck and Bus, come with factory-fitted light-weight Volvo pusher axles.

The deal also includes Volvo Gold R&M contracts on all 51 vehicles which will be maintained in the Volvo dealer network and at Crossroads Truck and Bus.

Simon Gibson Transport said this latest order is part of plans to improve capacity as the business expands. In December last year the Goole-based company landed a multi-million pound contract with Aggregate Industries, a major importer of cement into the UK.

The deal, which the firm says will almost double turnover to £24m this year, has seen the transport company significantly expand its operations at six UK ports; Plymouth, Glasgow, Ellesmere, Chatham and Ridham and Goole.

Earlier this year, the company escaped with a formal warning from deputy traffic commissioner Tony Secular after drivers at the firm were found to be in breach of drivers’ hours rules.

MD Simon

Gibson, who holds the remaining 25% share of the company, said: “Our continuing investment in the fleet provides us with access to Volvo’s latest safety, fuel and emissions saving technology.

“We have had an excellent experience with Volvo and with Crossroads over the last 17 or more years. These latest vehicles, which have the factory-fitted lightweight pusher-axle, also offer a very competitive payload advantage. All in all, Volvo has provided a great value package that has ensured they keep their major presence in the fleet.”