Gardner Distribution, a pallet delivery specialist based in Devon, recently purchased nine new Volvo trucks, including seven FL models and one FE model that will operate as part of the Pallet Network. “We’ve spilt the rigid group between our Exeter and Plymouth sites,” says Luke Gardner, director at Gardner Distribution. “The new Volvos will be retained for full life service and we try wherever possible to use a one driver, one truck policy.”
The company also added a Volvo FH model to its 77-vehicle fleet. The tractor unit will be used for “general haulage,” according to Volvo, and features a Globetrotter XL cab and 6x2 pusher chassis. The nine trucks in this order all come with five-year Volvo Gold Service Contracts.
Volvo FE & FL
Of the seven FL 4x2 trucks, three are 12-tonners and four are 16-tonners. The FL models feature 5.3-metre (17.4-foot) wheelbases, 250-horsepower (186.4-kilowatt) D8K engines, and six-speed manual transmissions, while the FE 6x2 has a 5.5-metre (18-foot) wheelbase, a 320-horsepower (238.6-kilowatt) engine, and I-Shift transmission. They all feature day cabs and curtain side bodies, as well.
Retaining Talent
Gardner says that a major selling point for Volvo trucks is that they are “robust and economical,” but he also stresses the crucial role they play in attracting and retaining operators. “Firstly, our Volvos have great driver acceptance,” he says. “This is important with the current skills shortage. Consideration of drivers’ feedback has become an important part of the vehicle purchasing process.”
You will find hundreds of new and used Volvo trucks, including a large selection of FE-320, FH, and FL models, for sale every day on TruckLocator.