Kingston-upon-Hull haulier M.B. & J. Goodwin has added to its mixed marque fleet by investing in a Volvo FH16 750 6×2 tractor unit with Globetrotter XL cab which has been specified as a flagship model for the company and was supplied by Pete Atkinson at Crossroads Truck and Bus Ltd.
With a fleet of eight vehicles, M.B. & J. Goodwin decided that the time was right to expand and the new FH16 750 will not disappoint. Helping the truck stand out on the road, it has been specified with two roof-mounted air horns, aluminium wheels and Kelsa light bars.
M.B. & J. Goodwin was founded in 1970 when the father of the current boss, Christopher Goodwin, invested in a truck. A farmer by trade, Goodwin Senior grew the haulage side of the business alongside the farming work and now the company operates all over the country.
One of the reasons for investing in the FH16, says Christopher, is about keeping the drivers happy. “The industry has a shortage of drivers and I believe that if you offer them something nice to drive, you will get a better reward and have a better chance of keeping hold of them. The FH16 is the only one of its type in the fleet and designed to be the flagship vehicle, so it helps the company image too.”
Christopher describes the FH16 750 as a “proper premium truck,” and one that – like the rest of the company’s fleet – has the highest possible specification.
Christopher has been impressed with what he has seen. “It’s been absolutely fantastic,” he says having taken delivery of the vehicle back in March. “It spends most of its time on the motorway and the fuel consumption is on a par – if not better – than our 500hp model that the driver was in before. If he is doing a run to London, he can save half an hour, as the FH16 750 does not seem to notice hill climbs.”
Goodwin buys two trucks a year and runs them for three years on a full R&M contract and Christopher confirms that another Volvo is on order for next March and will be used to move grain around farms in the local area.