Trucks

Volvo Trucks mark a new direction for WM. Walker Transport

Wm. Walker Transport of Aberdeen has purchased its first Volvo trucks in 40 years. The company’s return to the marque comes shortly after the owning family’s third generation, Grant Walker and his sister Louise Melvin, took charge of the business as joint managing directors.
Wm. Walker Transport, Aberdeen first Volvo Trucks

Supplied by Richard Cochrane, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland of Aberdeen, the two FH tractor units are fitted with Globetrotter cabs, Volvo D13K engines producing 500hp and I-Shift automated transmission systems. The 6x2 pusher axle chassis join a fleet of 15 trucks, which haul curtainside trailers across the UK, in addition to platform trailers used on local oil and gas works.

"My father Jim and his brother Bill joined the business in the late 1960s and early 1970s respectively. By July last year they were ready to retire and hand over the reins to Louise and I. Since then we have embarked on a general modernisation programme that includes a rebranded vehicle livery and of course, a return to Volvo trucks,"
 notes Grant Walker. "The business name remains as a tribute to my grandfather William, who founded in the firm back in 1949,"he adds.

A 1978 registered, F10 tractor unit was the last Volvo to sport Wm. Walker's predominately red livery.

"I've always liked Volvo trucks and wanted to give them a go in our fleet," Grant reports. "After speaking to several other local hauliers about their operating experience with Volvo, we took an FH demonstration vehicle to get better acquainted. The driver was sold on Volvo within two days. He particularly liked the pulling power when fully freighted and the cab comfort levels,"Grant adds.

Supplied with a four-year Volvo Service Contract, Wm. Walker Transport is also using Volvo's own fleet management programme, Dynafleet to good effect on the new trucks.

"Dynafleet is a really great system. The two FHs have only been in service for two weeks, but the amount of data that can be viewed is impressive. We nearly always run at the 44-tonne maximum weight and there's a marked improvement in the journey times posted by our new Volvos," Grant declares.

Local suppliers, Mercury 92, designed and produced the company's redesigned livery, which includes a circular branding style, logo incorporating the lettering ‘Since 1949.' Fast approaching its 70th year in business, Wm. Walker Transport prides itself in delivering a service to its customers that is professional but highly personalised.

"Our new Volvo FH trucks mark a new direction for the company. Their performance to date has been impressive and we've another FH-500 tractor unit on order,"
 concludes Grant.