The four Volvo FH-540 6x2 pusher axle tractor units are powered by D13K Euro-6 engines rated at 540hp. Behind these units are 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission systems and rounding off the powertrains are drive axles with a high ratio of 2.50:1 to maximise fuel economy levels.
“We've bought four Volvo FHs to replace our older vehicles which now gives us a total of six Volvos in our operation,” reports Pete White, Director at Whites Transport Services.
The company uses a mixed marque fleet with almost every type of premium truck model available, all monitored by an online social media following of over 27,000 people. Pete’s vehicles are all hand-picked for reliability and perform a highly specialist job; crossing the Continent on a fast-track basis, using a relay system which means the firm’s trailers can travel non-stop to destinations as far afield as Spain and Italy.
“Our trucks cover 150,000kms a year, we go all over Europe and we just want equipment which is comfortable and specified right for the driver,” Pete declares adding, “The Volvo FH is a great truck, a quality product.”
The latest acquisitions also include Globetrotter XL Cabs, leather interiors, fridge/freezers and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels. Whites Transport Services’ high ratio drive axles are joined by 315/70 tyres all round.
“We've reduced the tyre sizes on the rear axles to lower the fifth wheel ride heights,” Pete explains. “This will help us a little bit more with the strict 4-metre overall height limit in Europe.”
The other key factor for this long-haul operator is, of course, back-up. “We deliver hanging meat, so we don't have time to waste,” Pete confirms. “We've opted for Volvo’s top choice, the Gold Service Contract, which means if we have any problems while we're away we just pick up the phone and it's taken care of.”
Finally, Pete needed to think about residuals. “We're very careful about the resale value of our trucks, so we spent the extra money on the bigger engine, alloy wheels and paintwork. I know that if I keep the Volvos in good condition for three years, with this specification I'll reap the rewards.”
Given the fact that these four stunning looking FHs clocked up over 1,300 ‘likes’ on social media within eight hours of them being posted, it looks like he's onto a dead cert.
- ENDS -
Notes for Editors :
- Ray White founded Whites Transport Services as an owner-driver in 1992 with one truck and one trailer although nowadays the fleet consists of 20 tractor units and 30 trailers.
- Pete, one of Ray’s sons, joined the company in 2003 and today is the Transport Manager in charge of day-to-day operations including the planning of the vehicles.
- As a family business, Ray's wife Paula is the Company Secretary and Matt, one of Ray's other sons, is the Office Manager.
- Providing transport services to a large number of European and Scandinavian countries, the company specialises in non-stop express services, by strategically positioning waiting drivers along a specific route to keep a trailer moving to its destination without interruption.
