DAF supplies Day Aggregates with the UK’s first XDC tippers

Day Aggregates has taken delivery of the first two DAF XDC tippers in the UK.

The XDC 450 8x4s will shortly be followed by a further two identical trucks, which are currently being bodied.

The trucks, which join a 200-strong fleet which includes existing DAF CF 8-wheelers, have been supplied by DAF Dealer Channel Commercials. They receive a three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating, which was instrumental in the purchasing decision. It means they can operate in London’s DVS zone after October 2024 without additional ancillary equipment to comply with the DVS Safe System.

“The XDC’s three-star rating was the major attraction for us,” said Chris Cooling, group transport manager, at Day Aggregates. “And there was also a great deal of new product appeal with the new DAF – it looks like a superb piece of kit. We’ve run DAFs historically since 2005, and have a good number of 18-tonne and 32-tonne examples on the fleet. We rely on OEM support, and Channel Commercials, and DAF, are very strong in this respect. They have a large number of pins in the map, and that’s good for us.”

The XDC, which forms part of the wider DAF XD range, features a robust steel bumper and radiator protection plate, and a 25-degree approach angle.

The newcomers, which will be based at Day Aggregate’s Greenwich wharf site, will all be supplied on six-year manufacturer-backed R&M contracts. Channel Commercials is also delivering driver training through the DAF Driver Training Voucher scheme, whereby individual drivers receive a 90-minute handover session, plus an hour-long on-road familiarisation session.

The DAF XD is the current International Truck of the Year, having been awarded the title at last year’s IAA Transportation Show.

•  DAF will be exhibiting at this year’s Road Transport Expo, which takes place at Stoneleigh NAEC on June 28-30. It’s FREE to attend, and registrations are now open.