Chemicals distributor Tennants Distribution has returned to Volvo Trucks to add three Volvo FM Globetrotter 6x2 rigids and two FM Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units to its fleet.
The Manchester-based company pointed to a number of factors that were key to its company’s decision to stick with the Swedish manufacturer, including the proven reliability of the product, strong safety features and excellent after-sales support.
Tim Griffiths, Tennants Distribution MD, said: “We routinely benchmark our fleet options when ordering annual replacements, Volvo again scored the highest on all criteria.
“Being the UK’s leading independent distributor of chemicals, safety is our highest priority and factors strongly in all the decisions we make. We know Volvo excel in this area and provide trucks that we can always rely on.
“The strong local after-sales support that we receive helps us to maximise the utilisation and minimise any downtime, which links directly to our sustainability goals.
“The initial feedback from the drivers has been very positive. They’ve noted improved comfort, better visibility, and easier handling, which is particularly valuable given the nature of our work.”
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Thomas Hardie Commercials customer solutions manager, all five trucks are ADR specified for the transportation of hazardous loads.
The three rear-steer FM rigids, featuring Fred Smith curtainsider bodies, are powered by Volvo’s fuel-efficient Euro-6 engine producing up to 430 hp and 2,050 Nm of torque. While the more powerful tractor units have been specified with Volvo’s D13K engine, providing up to 500 hp and up to 2,500 Nm of torque.
All five are driven via the automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which.
The new additions join a 40-plus strong commercial vehicle fleet – of which more than 80% are now supplied by Volvo – operating five days a week on a regional and national basis.
The rigids are transporting a variety of packaged chemical products while the tractor units, which are three-star Direct Vision Standard-rated, will be predominantly used to pull Tennants Distribution’s chemical bulk tanker trailers.
Griffiths added: “The work requires careful handling and adherence to strict safety regulations. All our trucks are built to our bespoke specification with features tailored for chemical distribution.
“This includes increased safety features, ADR specification and the ability to perform semi-bulk chemical transfer, which is a key method for us to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint. We also opt for GPS route tracking, all round CCTV coverage for pedestrian and reversing safety, and full air-suspension.”
The company said the driver’s working environment is another important factor in the build. All five trucks feature spacious Globetrotter cabs, with leather trim interior and creature comforts including adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, full electric air conditioning with sun, mist and air quality sensor and an underbunk fridge / freezer.
All the new arrivals feature the company’s sapphire blue livery and alloy wheels. The trucks are expected to be in service for seven to eight years and clock-up in the region of 50,000 miles per year.
