A.F. Blakemore & Son’s 10 New Volvo FMs Improve Safety & Visibility In Food Distribution Fleet

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A.F. Blakemore & Son’s new Volvos provide multiple external views through camera feeds on an 9-inch in-cab display, making the road safer for the trucks and everyone they share it with. (Photo courtesy of Volvo.)

A.F. Blakemore & Son recently received 10 new 44-tonne (48.5-U.S.-ton) Volvo FM tractor units with a three-star rating under London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS). The array of safety and visibility improvements include the FM cab’s large windscreen, low door line, and raised A pillars. The trucks, which will be used in A. F. Blakemore & Son’s food distribution fleet, are also equipped with multiple cameras viewable through the driver’s 9-inch side display, as well as an additional window in the passenger door for a better view of cyclists and pedestrians near the vehicle.

“We’ve gone for three-star-compliant trucks as forward planning on our part because I believe the DVS scheme will be rolled out across more cities sooner rather than later,” says A.F. Blakemore & Son Logistics Compliance Manager Dave Higgs. “These vehicles are on a seven-year contract hire agreement, so we’re future-proofing our fleet.”

Designed For Distribution

A.F. Blakemore & Son expects the Volvo FM 6x2 tractor units to drive around 120,000 kilometres (74,565 miles) per year. The majority of those kilometres will be dedicated to delivering ambient, fresh, and frozen goods to supermarket chain Spar, and A.F. Blakemore & Son plans to pair the trucks with double deck urban trailers. Each FM 6x2 tractor unit is configured with a Volvo D11K engine rated for 460 horsepower (338 kilowatts) and 2,200 newton-metres (1,622 pounds-foot) of torque.

“These new FMs are superb trucks—ideal for our distribution work and they fit perfectly into our operation,” Higgs says.

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“These new FMs are superb trucks—ideal for our distribution work and they fit perfectly into our operation,” says A.F. Blakemore & Son Logistics Compliance Manager Dave Higgs. (Photo courtesy of Volvo.)

A Place For Busy Drivers

The new Volvo FM trucks deliver premium comfort, thanks to Volvo’s Drive and Single Bed Living packages. Just a few of the amenities include air-suspended and heat seats, rear cab upper storage, and a customizable dashboard with a digital display. “The drivers are very happy,” explains Higgs. “The new trucks have a great cab, a great engine, and a great gearbox, they just do the job really well. Overall, the FM has got all bases covered.”

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Source: Volvo