Trucks
When the then named LTS Distribution opened its doors back in 1999, little did it know the extent to which it would evolve over the next two decades. Now offering everything from full loads to warehousing, high security and two-man services to air and sea freight, this year it became clear these huge steps forward should be reflected; a process that has already begun with a full rebrand to LTS Global Solutions.
A new livery accompanied this change, which the company is celebrating with the addition of two Volvo FH13 6x2 pusher tractors to its 65-strong fleet - the first-ever Volvo trucks it has purchased.
"The new name allows us to maintain our established identity as LTS, while also reflecting our growing presence in the worldwide market,"reports Dave Hands, Managing Director of LTS Global Solutions.
"We like to have two makes of vehicle running together, and the time seemed right to venture into Volvo," Dave explains, "But the move to Volvo was no snap decision. LTS Global Solutions tried demonstrators from every manufacturer before choosing which one would take it forward.
We went through them all over several months to see what the fuel consumption was like and Volvo came up trumps, especially with the drivers."
He adds, "Our local dealer, Hartshorne Motor Services Ltd, has recently opened a new dealerpoint just down the road so that helped as well, especially as after-service matters so much."
Because the new Volvos are fleet flagships, LTS Global Solutions opted for high specifications. The new FH duo are powered by Volvo's D13K 500hp Euro-6 engines, coupled to I-Shift automated gearboxes and the ‘Globetrotter' cab interiors also include Long Haul packages.
"We decided to put on some additional lights to show off the new livery, along with things like microwaves inside," Dave enthuses adding, "The drivers who've been allocated the trucks are also our Driver Assessors and Volvo will be sending their own trainers in over the next couple of weeks to show them all the different features. That's really good, because then our Driver Assessors can pass the information on to others when we bring more Volvos into the fleet."
In as much as fuel figures, reliability and quality are important at LTS Global Solutions, it's driver retention that comes top of the list, and that's one box these FH tractors definitely tick.
"These are exciting times for us, moving to Volvo, and if you could see the drivers' faces they're grinning like Cheshire Cats," Dave concludes wryly, "It's good, a good feeling."
