Trucks
Supplied by Jack Castle, Area Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group, the 16 units – consisting of three Volvo FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units, 11 FE 320 6x2 and two FL 250 4x2 curtainsider rigids – join a 40-strong commercial vehicle fleet, arriving as a mixture of direct replacements for older models and as a partial fleet expansion.
Owen Griffin, Commercial Director, Griffins Logistics says: “While we do run a mixed fleet, we’ve become very fond of the Volvo product across the last couple of years. The drivers in particular are big fans and are always noting how comfortable and enjoyable they are to drive and just how spacious the cabs are too.
“Whether you go for a rigid or a tractor unit, you know you’re getting a quality product when you choose a Volvo, hence why we’ve already got more orders in the bank for 2024.”
The business welcomed its first-ever Volvo in 2021 in the form of a 26-tonne Volvo FE with a mounted Moffett forklift, a decision which immediately proved dividends when the customer saw fuel savings of as much as 10 per cent versus other units already on its fleet. Griffins Logistics then moved swiftly to secure its latest order, with the new additions already enjoying a warm reception.
“The fuel returns have been brilliant,” adds Griffin. “We had one model from another manufacturer on the fleet who, for many years, we simply couldn’t find another make that could even come close to it, let alone overtake it. From the off, Volvo had it beat hands down.”
All 16 assets benefit from a Euro 6 compliant engine, with the FMs and the FEs also featuring an automated I-Shift transmission. This contributes greatly to the manufacturer’s notable fuel economy by constantly evaluating information regarding speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to apply precision to every shift.
The Volvo FM tractor units also have spacious Globetrotter cabs, kitted out with a Drive++ package that brings dual armrests, additional storage and a comfortable leather steering wheel to the build.
Volvo’s sales and servicing teams have also made quite the mark with Griffins Logistics.
“Jack is always very quick to come back on whatever questions you have for him and is very informative too – he knows his stuff which makes things so much easier,” says Griffin. “We also make use of Crossroads Truck & Bus in Lincoln for any warranty work we need, and the team there run a very tight ship. They’re not interested in having trucks sitting in their yard for a week. You always get a prompt service.”
The new trucks will slot into Griffins Logistics pallet distribution operations, primarily servicing local deliveries. The tractor units will also operate overnight, running double-deck trailers to and from distribution hubs to collect the next day’s deliveries.
Griffins Logistics is a family-run operation founded in 2003. Today, it operates a modern 50,000 sq ft facility in Nottinghamshire, from which it specialises in palletised distribution.
Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.