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Fresh Direct takes on extra 39 Isuzu rigids
Bicester-based food service firm Fresh Direct has taken delivery of 39 N75190 Isuzu Forward refrigerated rigids, following the successful performance of an initial order of 20 similar 7.5-tonners that have been in operation since 2009. The reefers have been taken on a three-year contract covering about 45,000km a year, handling between 15 and 18 drops a day. They are fitted with the Easyshift transmission and speci
fied with a single compartment RVL refrigerated body that features the Carrier Transicold Xarios refrigeration system, and is capable of carrying up to an eightpallet load. All the Isuzus feature Fresh Direct’s new livery, which, says the company, reflects its expanding product range.
Hannon Transport picks 20 new trailers
Northern Ireland flower importer Hannon Transport is expanding its trailer fleet with 20 new Schmitz Cargobull reefers to handle several new contracts. The trailers have an internal width of 2.49m and a height of 2.7m, enabling maximum load fill of pallets and enough horizontal space to minimise the risk of damage to the fragile cargo. Each trailer is equipped with a Vector 1850
MT refrigeration unit from Carrier Transicold, allowing mono and multi-temperature operation – particularly important when transporting cut and potted flowers needing differing storage temperatures.
First Renault for Gowing and Pursey fleet
London waste management firm Gowing and Pursey has added its first Renault truck to its 40-strong, predominantly Daf fleet. The 8x4 Kerax 430, Euro-5
rigid with Global Cab, has Optidriver+, making it the first truck in the company’s fleet with an automated gearbox. It is also fitted with Hyva ro-ro hook-loader equipment.
Director Jack Biel says he chose the Kerax because of its “excellent build quality” following a visit to a Renault Trucks production line in France.
Volvo debuts at Witney Plant Hire
Oxfordshire-based Witney Plant Hire has bought its first Volvo – a FH16-750 – to join the family-run operator’s four-strong fleet. The new truck, a 6x2 with hub reduction on the drive axle, is plated for STGO CAT2 operations at 65 tonnes GCW and is being used to haul selfdrive plant-hire machines. Director Dave Johns says Volvo’s I-Shift automated transmission gives the FH16 a major operational advantage over other trucks, because it is very smooth and inspires confidence, even when reversing on challenging surfaces.
‘Impressive’ Volvo FL for Hale & Co
Builders merchant Hale & Co has taken on a short-wheelbase Volvo FL 16-tonne rigid, equipped with a dropside body and Palfinger crane. The company says the truck’s “impressive” 8.5-tonne payload and low tare weight were key factors in the decision to buy it. The 240hp FL is equipped with a manual gearbox, which Hale & Co says is essential for delivering bricks, blocks, timber and bulk sand to the often-rugged terrain of building sites.
MAN fuel returns win over ST Douglas
Contract haulier ST Douglas Transport has taken on two MAN TGX XLX 440 6x2 tractor units, the first time the Staffordshire firm has run non-Scanias in its fleet. Leased on a three-year contract, the 44-tonners will pull skeletal and curtainsided trailers collecting goods from Immingham Docks. Director Craig Douglas says the company has been more than happy with Scania over the years, but fuel returns on its MANs are averaging 8mpg to 8.5mpg compared with the Scania’s 7.5mpg, so he decided to “take a gamble” on the new trucks. He is also impressed with MAN’s aftersales operation.