Volvo finalises huge DS Smith order

Volvo Trucks has delivered 61 Volvo FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units to DS Smith. Supplied by Jose Lavarello, key account manager for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, the vehicles are on a contract-hire agreement with TIP Group. The curtainside trailers the FMs are paired with are also sourced through TIP. 

India Wacher, fleet compliance & HS/E manager at DS Smith Logistics, said: “This is a major order for our business, replacing the entirety of our 61-strong truck fleet. We underwent a thorough procurement process, which considered numerous truck manufacturers, and the Volvo FM emerged as the best truck for the business.

“Our trucks are worked very hard, so we need a product we can rely on, and from previous experience we know Volvo is dependable. Safety, environment and vehicle weight are the other main factors we consider, while product availability was also an important part of the decision. Overall, the FM gives us a good all-round package.”

The vehicles are expected to cover 130,000 miles annually. DS Smith is a paper specialist that distributes paper reels and collects bailed fibre to recycle into paper reels at its Kemsley paper mill. This is a 24/7 business so the trucks will work on double-shifts. 

The FMs are equipped with 460hp engines with 2300Nm of torque. A 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, I-See predictive cruise control and Michelin X Line Energy tyres all contribute to maximising fuel economy. The trucks are DVS compliant thanks to multiple cameras around the vehicle, a lower passenger door window and bright LED headlights. 

Wacher added:  “Our deliveries do take us into Transport for London’s controlled zones, and we need these trucks to be as safe for all road users as possible. Driver comfort is also really important – we want to provide our staff with the best tools for the job.”

Globetrotter cabs are specified with the drive+, media and living packages to provide dual armrests, extra storage, a cab parking heater, 12-inch instrument cluster and an air-suspended driver’s seat. 

Steve Stanton, key account manager at TIP Group, commented: “Our brief from DS Smith was to replace an ageing fleet with new, reliable vehicles, and a key requirement for the new units was tare weight. Volvo’s FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units, when fitted with alloy wheels, aluminium air tanks and range-optimised fuel tanks enjoy an enviable weight advantage, while Volvo’s reputation for providing quality vehicles with excellent support also gave both parties great confidence.”

Volvo will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh between 4-6 June. Registrations are now open, so book your free place now!