Fifth Gear Transport has bought three new Renault Trucks Range T480 Highs, which will sport the refrigerated logistics specialist’s new livery. Specified as 6x2 tractor units, they’ve been equipped to act as flagships to head up its 38-strong fleet.
Each has a double bunk, air-suspended heated and ventilated driver’s seat, a 40-litre quiet fridge and a microwave. All have Renault Trucks’ Optidriver automatic gearbox paired to the French manufacturer’s DTI 13 engine which produces 2,400Nm of torque.
The Ipswich-based company’s decision to opt for Renault stems from past experiences with Premium and Range T gearboxes, as Fifth Gear Transport’s operation manager Dave Warburton explained: “As well as being fantastic all-round motors, the transmission is the best on the market. Gear selection is quick and smooth – it just makes for a more comfortable drive.”
Supplied by Norfolk Truck & Van on three-year repair and maintenance contracts, the firm finances its fleet in a number of ways including spot rental or contract hire deals, while some are simply bought outright.
“We opted to go for the repair and maintenance deal because the Norfolk Truck & Van team understands the business and always get the work done. This leaves us with nothing to worry about if something happens,” Warburton added.
Since hitting the road in Fifth Gear Transport’s new white and turquois livery, the Renaults have been achieving good economy figures Warburton said, with each one “getting between 8.5mpg and 9.2mpg on container runs out of Felixstowe”.
However he admitted that there are four Euro-6 Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units also on Fifth Gear Transport’s fleet, one of which is the new generation with MirrorCams, which “regularly get around 9mpg to 10mpg”.
Despite the slight disparity in the figures, Warburton and his drivers still back the T Highs: “The trucks are working five days and nights a week on long distances all across the UK. The T High, with its flat floor, delivers a spacious and comfortable home-from-home environment specifically – our drivers are absolutely delighted!”
