William Walker Transport, Aberdeen, has purchased two FH-500 tractor units, its first Volvo trucks for 40 years.
The 6x2 tractor units with pusher axles, supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, include Globetrotter cabs, D13K engines that produce 500hp, I-Shift automated transmission systems and the manufacturer’s fleet management programme, Dynafleet.
They come with four-year Volvo Service Contracts and feature the company’s redesigned livery, which incorporates the lettering “Since 1949.” The trucks join a mixed fleet (including MAN, DAF and Mercedes-Benz) of 15, which haul curtain-sided trailers across the UK, as well as platform trailers used on local oil and gas works.
William Walker founded the business in 1949 and its previous Volvo was a 1978-registered, F10 tractor unit. The haulier has another FH-500 on order.
Grant Walker, from the owning family’s third generation, who runs the business as joint MD with sister Louise Melvin said: “My father Jim and his brother Bill joined the business in the late 1960s and early 1970s respectively.
“By July last year they were ready to retire and hand over the reins to Louise and I. Since then we have embarked on a general modernisation programme that includes a rebranded vehicle livery and of course, a return to Volvo trucks.
“After speaking to several other local hauliers about their operating experience with Volvo, we took an FH demonstration vehicle to get better acquainted. The driver was sold on Volvo within two days. He particularly liked the pulling power when fully freighted and the cab comfort levels.”
