Fifth Gear Transport Services has added seven XD 450 6x2 trucks and an XF 530 6x2 to its fleet, joining the current vehicle parc of eight XFs and three XGs.
The firm has seen fuel economy improve from 8.5mpg with its previous fleet to 11mpg for trucks operating on its supermarket. Across the fleet of New Generation trucks that has been an average improvement of as much as 10%. To help maximise their savings, the trucks have been supplied with telematics equipment to help drivers to optimise their driving.
Each model has been specified to meet different demands, with the XDs working on a supermarket contract, the XFs hauling containers and the XGs used for full-time drivers. The XF 530 will be a show vehicle and will provide race logistics for Josh King’s Motorsport UK drift car.
Dave Warburton, Fifth Gear operations manager, said: “We’ve been very impressed by the New Generation DAF range and the benefits they’ve brought to the business. All of the trucks have been specified with the DAF Digital Vision system, which replaces the mirrors with cameras. They have been great, especially when travelling in and out of London – it’s compliant and there’s no aggravation”.
Warburton explained further: “The drivers are certainly enjoying the new DAFs. They’re quiet, smooth and a pleasure to drive. I’d certainly get behind the wheel of one ahead of other trucks on the market. Chassis Cab provide excellent service, too. They’re clear and transparent when it comes to placing orders and waiting for delivery, which is important when you’re balancing demand and resource. Together with the trucks, it makes for a very attractive proposition.”
DAF Trucks 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.
