Pallet Delivery Specialist Walkers Transport Keeps Drivers Happy With Volvo Trucks FH Globetrotters
Where key company components are concerned, drivers are right at the top of the list for Walkers Transport. That’s why when the logistics specialist was recently looking to add new trucks to its fleet, it did its research carefully inspecting the market, but it also strongly factored in what its drivers wanted in a truck. As such, Walkers Transport returned once again to Volvo Trucks, adding three FH Globetrotter 6x2 pusher axle tractor units to its fleet.
“A key factor for us is considering what the drivers want, and our drivers love Volvo,” says Walkers Transport Operations Director Chris Burley. “The three new additions have got the new digital dashboard, and we’ve gone for the high-level specification with air conditioning, microwave, and fridge freezer—all the creature comforts they could wish for.”
A Winning Combination
Founded in 1979, Walkers Transport specialises in daily management and delivery of palletised goods, offering bespoke solutions from single pallets to full-load consignments. The longtime Volvo customer has depots in Leeds, Manchester, and the Midlands, delivering more than 1.2 million pallets yearly through next-day, economy, timed, and home deliveries across 20 countries. From its Leeds facility, the company also oversees the Northern Hub of Palletways, Europe’s largest pallet-delivery network. The company’s new FH Globetrotters, supplied by Volvo dealer Crossroads Truck & Bus, will run around the clock in double shifts five to six days weekly.
“It’s a winning combination of a quality product and the top-level service we receive from Crossroads,” Burley says. “We obviously do our due diligence whenever adding to the fleet, comparing a number of suppliers, and we always end up coming back to Volvo.”
As Good As It Gets
Walkers Transport specified its new trucks with Volvo’s Drive ++ package to provide even more driver comfort. The trucks’ cabs include Volvo’s new modernised dashboard with a digital 12-inch high-resolution display. They are powered by Volvo D13K engines rated for 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts) and 2,500 newton-metres (1,844 pounds-foot) of torque. Walkers Transport is covering the trucks with a Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime, and Crossroads Truck & Bus will handle scheduled servicing and maintenance from its Birstall depot.
“The standard of the truck and the parts availability is as good as you can ask for,” says Burley. “We know we can rely on Crossroads, while the robustness and fuel efficiency of the trucks also stand out. There are multiple wins for us.”
The Volvo FH
Volvo FHs are available in tractors and rigids and five cab options. Engine options range from 420 to 540 HP (313 to 402 kW) with maximum torque ranging from 2,100 to 2,600 N-m (1,548.9 to 1917.7 lbs-ft). Diesel, LNG, biodiesel, and HVO fuels are supported. Volvo also offers an FH Electric model featuring up to 657 HP (490 kW), with a 300-kilometre (186-mile) range.
Find Your Next Volvo Truck
Truck Locator is where you’ll find hundreds of new and used Volvo trucks for sale, including a number of FH tractors and rigids.
Source: Volvo