Newell & Wright Transport returns to DAF

Six new DAF XG 450 6x2 tractor units have joined the Newell & Wright Transport fleet.

These are the first DAF trucks to feature in the shipping container haulage and rail freight specialist’s fleet since 2019. The new XGs join a fleet of 105 vehicles following successful fuel economy trials. The vehicles average around 10.5mpg which is close to a 20% improvement over previous generation DAF models. The trucks are expected to travel more than 100,000km annually so this improved fuel efficiency equates to savings of over 5,200-litres of fuel per vehicle.

Group operations director, Stephen Newell, said: “We had some efficiency issues with previous DAFs but the New Generation product is delivering considerably better fuel results and continuing to improve. Our trucks are double-shifted. They run locally during the day and then onto distance work overnight. Other than weekends, the engines are running pretty much 24-hours a day. Like all fleets, fuel is the biggest overhead, so we’re very sensitive to any fluctuations in the economy.”

In 2016 Newell & Wright Transport moved into rail freight which dramatically cut its carbon footprint by reducing road miles by around 35%. Its rail heads are based in Sheffield and Rotherham and the company handles 37 trains every week to Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe. This transition into rail freight has been a successful move for the company to improve its green credentials and attract eco-conscious customers.

The new DAFs are not on any finance agreements, Newell & Wright Transport purchased them outright. Repair, maintenance and recovery is all handled in house at the company’s facility in Tinsley, Sheffield. Its workshop has a DVSA test lane which looks after its own vehicles and offers this service to other fleets. Founded by Stephen Newell’s father and uncle, Newell & Wright Transport  has been serving the region for more than 50 years.