Brocklebank & Co Demolition has taken on 12 new Volvo FMX 8×4 tippers, replacing a rival manufacturer’s trucks in the business’ busy muckaway fleet.

The family-run firm has a long history of running Volvos and has returned to the Swedish manufacturer again after a two-year spell using a different marque.

Supplied by Kevan Morris, Truck Sales Executive at Crossroads Truck & Bus, the new FMXs are powered by a 12.8 litre Euro-6 diesel engine, producing up to 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque. They are driven through Volvo’s proven I-Shift automated 12-speed transmission, with enhanced software for construction and off-road applications.

Nick Brocklebank, who owns the company that has been serving the South Yorkshire area since 1948, says: “In years gone by we’ve been predominantly Volvo, so we’re very happy to be going back to them again for this new order. It’s certainly proved a popular decision with the drivers.

“We’ve always been pleased with the back up we received from the team at Crossroads and the product is very good, with the new model just taking things up to that next level.”

The new Volvo FMX is built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments. It has also been designed to give a superior combination of agility, visibility and durability, keeping the driver safe and comfortable.

Brocklebank & Co Demolition has specified the trucks with Volvo’s X-High Chassis and paired them with Thompson steel tipper bodywork. They each benefit from the latest cab design offering superior comfort, with distinctive V-shaped LED headlamps with headlamp protectors, new anti-slip footsteps and a striking digital dashboard display.

The new FMX cabs also benefit from a leather steering wheel, DAB radio, rear window and engine tunnel storage, plus two roof-mounted amber beacons to improve safety and visibility.

The trucks will be in operation between five to six days a week and are expected to clock-up between 70-80,000km per annum, removing waste material from construction sites within a 30-mile radius of Sheffield. Backed by a Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime, all routine servicing and maintenance work will be carried out by the Crossroad Truck & Bus depot in Rotherham.

“Every one of the drivers have told me they’re thrilled we’ve decided to go back to Volvo and that they prefer them to the trucks they’ve replaced,” adds Brocklebank. “They’re very pleased with them and let’s just hope they look after them now!”

Brocklebank & Co Demolition has provided haulage services in and around the South Yorkshire area for more than 70 years. Originally starting in demolition, the company has grown to offer a variety of services from the haulage of construction waste and rubble to delivering quality, washed, recycled aggregates.

The driver-focused working environment of Volvo’s latest model FH Globetrotter, plus the aftersales support from the local Volvo dealer, has led Walkers Transport to add a further three 6×2 pusher axle tractor units to its expanding fleet.

The logistics specialist has a long-standing relationship with the Swedish marque and returned to Volvo again for this latest order having studied the market carefully to see if any other manufacturer could offer the same combined level of product and service.

Supplied by Luke Cook, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck & Bus, the three new FHs feature a re-imagined cab, including a modernised dashboard with a fully digital 12-inch, high resolution instrument display. The customer also specified Volvo’s Drive++ package to improve comfort further.

Chris Burley, Operations Director at Walkers Transport, says: “It’s a winning combination of a quality product and the top-level service we receive from Crossroads. We obviously do our due diligence whenever adding to the fleet, comparing a number of suppliers and we always end up coming back to Volvo.

“A key factor for us is considering what the drivers want, and our drivers love Volvo. The three new additions have got the new digital dashboard and we’ve gone for a high-level specification with air-conditioning, microwave and fridge freezer – all the creature comforts they could wish for.

“It’s all about delivering a comfortable environment for our team to work in. Drivers are the figurehead of the company, out there meeting customers every day, so having them happy and feeling valued when they turn up to the delivery point is so important.”

The new FHs are powered by Volvo’s proven D13K Euro-6 engine, delivering 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque. They will be working round the clock, double-shifted five to six days a week delivering a wide variety of palletised goods to Walkers Transport customers throughout the UK.

Supplied on hire purchase through Volvo Financial Services, all three trucks are covered by a Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime, with all scheduled servicing and maintenance to be carried out by the Crossroads Truck and Bus depot in Birstall.

“The standard of the truck and the parts availability is as good as you can ask for,” adds Burley. “We know we can rely on Crossroads, while the robustness and fuel efficiency of the trucks also stand out. There are multiple wins for us.”

Founded in 1979, Walkers Transport offer a complete solution for the daily management and delivery of palletised goods – providing bespoke transport and storage solutions to businesses. Operating a fleet of vehicles from depots in Leeds, Manchester and the Midlands and delivering over 1.2 million pallets a year, the company also operates the Northern Hub of Europe’s largest pallet delivery network, Palletways, from its Leeds facility.

The architectural cast stone manufacturer has upgraded its two-truck delivery fleet with the new Volvo FM, equipped with a completely revised Globetrotter cab and featuring a fully digital 12-inch high-res instrument display, that replaces an older truck from a rival manufacturer.

Rory Davis, Sales Manager at Elegant Stone says: “This is our first Volvo truck and it’s really hit the ground running. We considered several manufacturers for this order but Volvo gave us the best combination of quality product at a good price. The old unit was doing around 8 mpg but the FM is currently delivering 12 mpg – a big saving for us in the long run.

“We’ve always opted for a 6×2 axle configuration in the past, but we’ve gone for 8×2 this time which allows us to get another four and a half tonnes on. We’re carrying architectural cast stone, a very heavy product, so this gives us some additional flexibility to increase the load when we need to.”

Supplied by Jason Robinson, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck & Bus, the FM rigid is powered by Volvo’s D11K engine, producing 330 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. Elegant Stone will be using the truck to transport deliveries from its factory in Bradford down to building sites in London and across the south east.

The FM has been fitted with a curtainside body by Micra Truck Bodies and benefits from Volvo’s drive plus package, as well as the long haul fuel package which includes I-See predictive cruise control.

Volvo’s latest version of the FM is packed full of improvements and clever innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity for the driver. A lowered door line, new rear-view mirrors and a passenger corner camera improve visibility, while the new Globetrotter cab – featuring a 28-litre rear upper wall mounted fridge – has raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic metre of space and more light than its predecessor.

“Probably about 80 per cent of our goods are taken down south, mainly to big one-off properties in the home counties and the surrounding London area. So, quite long journeys,” says Davis.

“The driver is very happy with the new truck. His maiden voyage was an overnighter and he fed back to us how much more room and storage there was. The digital dashboard was a big hit as well. Driver shortage is a big issue at the moment, so it’s important we do what we can to improve the quality of life out on the road.”

Elegant Stone is a family run business established in 1998. It is a bespoke manufacturer of cast stone, making both wet cast and semi dry components.

The order comprises a mix of seven 6×4 rigids and seven 8×4 tridems for use exclusively on the company’s contract transporting sludge for Yorkshire Water.

Mark Scott, Fleet Engineer at Suttons Tankers, says: “We’ve run Volvo for many years, but this is the first time we’ve opted for FMX rigids. Our contract work is very particular, so the team road-tested the truck over two days through the rolling Yorkshire Dales to see if they could handle the job.

“We were able to assess a variety of factors that impact on each job, including access, turning circles, manoeuvrability and traction, and to say we were impressed would be an understatement. The demonstrator performed exceptionally and ticked all the boxes. The fact Volvo allowed us to field-test the truck in our more challenging locations sealed the deal. It was an easy decision in the end.”

Supplied by John McCluskey, Key Account Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the 6x4s are powered by Volvo’s D11K engine generating 380 hp and up to 1,800 Nm of torque, while the 8×4 tridems benefit from Volvo’s larger D13K engine producing 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque. Both use Volvo’s automated I-Shift 12-speed gearbox, making driving easier, safer and more comfortable as well as helping to optimise fuel efficiency.

The larger 8x4s have been specified with a 9-tonne front axle, tridem bogie rear suspension and a lifting and hydraulically steered tag axle for ultimate manoeuvrability and a small turning circle, despite their larger size. All the FMX Globetrotter tankers benefit from the Drive+ pack, for added driver comfort.

“We worked closely with John at Thomas Hardie Commercials to get expert advice on the best models to fit our operation; and the manoeuvrability of the new vehicles is incredible,” adds Scott. “We’ve always received great support from the Volvo Trucks network – it keeps us coming back.”

The trucks, which are mounted with bodywork by Crossland Tankers, will operate on shift work, clocking up roughly 50,000km per year and are all covered by a Volvo Gold Contract, with servicing and maintenance to be carried out by Crossroads Truck and Bus, which is closest to the truck’s Bradford home base.

Suttons Tankers is a division of family-owned Suttons Group, an innovative supply chain solutions provider for both International and UK based businesses, specialising in the movement of chemicals, gases, food, waste and fuels.

Bradford-based Shipley Transport Services has extended its relationship with Volvo Trucks after taking delivery of four new ultra-fuel-efficient Volvo FH with I-Save tractor units, each specified with a premium Globetrotter XL cab.

Supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus Area Sales Manager, Jason Robinson, the four new 460 hp FH with I-Save 6x2s join a 50-strong fleet, made up predominantly of Volvos.

Each new truck benefits from Volvo’s proven D13TC turbo-compound engine, which produces up to 300 Nm of extra torque – meaning less acceleration and fuel is needed to keep a steady speed.

“We’ve been buying Volvos for more than 20 years, because we’ve always been pleased with the quality and reliability of the product,” says David Clarke, Managing Director at Shipley Transport Services. “This is our first time trying the I-Save model and we’re excited to see how well it performs both on the road, and at the pumps. We’ve heard good things, so we wanted to give it a go for ourselves.

“The service we get from Volvo’s dealer network is always first class. If we ever have a problem, they go above and beyond to sort it out. You can’t ask for more than that.”

All FH with I-Save models benefit from Volvo’s long haul fuel package, together with its map-based I-See system which uses knowledge about the road ahead to utilise the truck’s kinetic energy in the best possible way.

Each new vehicle has been specified with a single bunk, luxury heated driver’s seat, 33-litre under-bunk mounted fridge / freezer, microwave prep kit, and audio and media package, including DAB radio and 7” touchscreen. The vehicles also come with Volvo’s Drive+ package, which adds additional features to make life on the road easier for the firm’s hard-working team.

“Driver satisfaction is absolutely paramount for us, so we spec our vehicles with maximum comfort in mind. They absolutely love the FH and always comment on it being the best truck to drive.”

Supplied on a six-year contract through Volvo Financial Services, the FHs will be in operation five days a week and are expected to cover roughly 140,000km per year. They will be used for general haulage nationwide and replace older models within the company’s fleet.

Established in 1980, Shipley Transport Services is a family-owned haulier specialising in full loads, part loads and pallets.

Bradford-based Expect Distribution has returned to Volvo Trucks – adding six new FH 6×2 tractor units to its busy fleet, having been impressed with the fuel consumption of a demonstrator vehicle.

The business hasn’t run Volvos in more than a decade but has gone back to the Swedish marque, after it beat off the challenge of four rival manufacturers for this latest order.

Andy Taylor, Director of Transport at Expect Distribution, says: “It is great to have reignited our previous relationship with Volvo. The vehicles come with some strong claims relating to fuel and uptime and that was backed up by the demonstrator. Now we are looking forward to putting them through their paces in our busy operation.”

Supplied by Iain Cass, Area Sales Manager, Crossroads Truck and Bus, the six FHs all feature Globetrotter cabs, and are powered by Volvo’s D13K engine producing 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque for great pulling power and a fuel-efficient, comfortable driving experience.

They will be double shifted, working five to six days a week on a variety of long distance, trunking and multi-drop work. They are expected to cover roughly 140,000 km per year.

The new trucks are built with Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox complete with long haul fuel package, plus I-See predictive cruise control. The Globetrotter cabs benefit from a single bed living package, a 33-litre under bunk mounted fridge and enhanced interior finish.

“These new vehicles are all highly spec’d in line with our aims to provide the best suited equipment that we can to our drivers,” adds Taylor. “The feedback we’ve had already has been great. The drivers have been absolutely delighted with them and have already started to ask when we are getting some more!”

Supplied on a contract hire agreement with Volvo Financial Services, which incorporates a Volvo Gold Contract repair and maintenance package, to guarantee maximum uptime, the FHs are a mixture of replacements and fleet additions and join Expect Distribution’s 140-strong fleet.

All servicing and maintenance work will be done at Crossroads Truck and Bus in Birstall.

Expect Distribution is a family-run business that has been in operation for more than 30 years. Today the company employs around 300 people, offering services and expertise in the warehousing, contract logistics and palletised distribution sectors. It was named Haulier of the Year at the 2020 Motor Transport Awards.

Bradford-based business Russell Stone Merchants has taken delivery of its first ever Volvo truck, replacing a rival manufacturer with a new crane-equipped 4×2 Volvo FL rigid.

The 18-tonne vehicle has gone into service to help the firm keep up with growing demand in the busy building trade.

“We had our old truck for 12 years and it never let us down, but there’s no doubt this is a step up,” says Paul Jackson, Technical Director at Russell Stone Merchants. “As it’s our only truck, it was absolutely vital we got the decision right. We looked closely at four different manufacturers and did our research. The overriding feedback was that Volvo was the best product and could give us the mileage and payload we needed to do the job.”

Supplied by Jason Robinson, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FL is powered by Volvo’s D8K engine, producing 250 hp and 950 Nm of torque. It features a six-speed I-Sync automated transmission, and steel suspension.

The truck’s cab benefits from the Drive Package – including air conditioning, cruise control and an electric roof hatch – for an enhanced driver workspace, as well as roof mounted amber beacons.

It has been fitted with lightweight dropside bodywork by Micra Truck Bodies, plus an Atlas 105.2 crane to allow the company to easily load and deliver its stone supplies to construction sites.

“We go up as far as Berwick maybe once every couple of weeks, but the majority of the work is closer to home,” says Jackson. “Business is very busy at the moment and most days the truck will go out at its full capacity.

“We put the crane on the back of the truck, which gives us a bit more length to get the pallets on, and we specified a lightweight body, to maximise payload potential.”

The FL is covered by a Volvo Gold Contract repair & maintenance agreement, which guarantees the best possible uptime, with servicing being carried out at Crossroads Truck and Bus’ Birstall depot.

“The service we got from Jason and the team at Crossroads was second to none,” adds Jackson. “The driver absolutely loves the truck. It’s looking like an excellent choice so far and in the long run we’re confident the investment will prove great value for money.”

Established in the early 1970s, Russell Stone Merchants supplies and delivers all types of high-quality stone to house developers, builders and builder’s merchants.

International shipping and logistics specialist DFDS is increasing the share of Volvo trucks in its fleet with the delivery of 27 new FH Globetrotter tractor units, each specified with Volvo’s intelligent I-See predictive cruise control that analyses and adapts to gradients ahead for maximum fuel saving.

The new trucks replace a mixture of competitor brands and will be split between three sites; with 12 FH 460s moving freight into and out of the Port of Immingham, and 15 FH 500s divided between depots in Larkhall and Aberdeen. From there they will operate with temperature-controlled trailers moving seafood to major UK fish markets, as well as to Heathrow for export, and for direct delivery onto the continent.

Anthony Patterson, Fleet Manager, DFDS, says: “We are a major supplier of logistics services to Volvo Group, and heavily involved in what goes into and comes out of the factories in both Gothenburg and Ghent. That puts us in a unique position where we get to deliver our own trucks from the factory to the UK, but one where Volvo also secured the order entirely on merit.

“We couldn’t afford for anything less; we work our trucks intensely, 24/7, and product quality and reliability are paramount. We also get excellent driver feedback on the FHs, plus the service from the Volvo Trucks dealer network is consistently strong. It doesn’t matter where one of our trucks is, we get really well looked after.”

The new 6×2 tractor units join a fleet of 650 trucks operating across Europe and Russia, with these latest additions supplied by Abdi Ali, National Key Account Manager at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland. PDIs were completed by Crossroads Truck and Bus in Stallingborough.

Power is provided by Volvo’s efficient D13K, Euro-6, Step D diesel engines, producing either 460 or 500 hp, and operated through 12-speed I-Shift automated gearboxes – designed to make driving easier, safer and more comfortable.

The new arrivals are backed by a three-year Volvo Gold Contract, which guarantees the best possible uptime, using the vehicles’ on-board telematics to ensure trucks are only called in for maintenance when they need it. Volvo’s top tier R&M contract also provides the reassurance of a replacement truck or financial compensation in the event a time-consuming repair is ever required.

DFDS has also taken a three-year subscription to Volvo Connect for each new truck, providing access to a host of digital and connected services via a user-friendly portal.

“Volvo Connect puts a lot of powerful information at our fingertips, from vehicle tracking to fuel and safety reporting. Plus, simple things like being able to download tachograph data remotely saves a lot of time and hassle,” concludes Patterson.

Culina Group has taken delivery of 134 new Volvo FH 460 6×2 tractor units after a trial highlighted their excellent fuel-saving performance, coupled with the impressive driver comfort from the spacious Globetrotter cabs.

The new trucks join the 3PL’s extensive fleet of 2,400 commercial vehicles, delivering food and drink products across the UK for a wide range of Culina Group’s blue-chip customers.

Mark Matkin, Fleet Director of Culina Group, says: “We opted for Volvo after comparing the FH closely against equivalent vehicles from most of the other major manufacturers. As well as being the most competitive on fuel, the Globetrotter cab scored highly for driver comfort; plus with Volvo we get the peace of mind of a dealer network which goes above and beyond to look after us.”

Supplied by Hartshorne Motor Services, the new FHs are powered by Volvo’s D13K engine, offering excellent driveability and producing up to 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque. The trucks come equipped with Volvo’s Dynafleet telematics system and all benefit from Volvo’s long-haul fuel package.

“We have changed from 500 hp to 460 hp for this order,” explains Matkin, who worked with the team at Hartshorne to carefully specify the trucks to maximise fuel efficiency. “We have also gone for a medium height chassis and removed the external sun visor to further improve the aerodynamics.

“All these points add up to the new FHs being incredibly fuel efficient – helping us get the most out of every single drop of diesel, which will reduce our fuel costs and environmental footprint.”

The interior of the Globetrotter cabs feature Drive Plus and Single Bed Living packages, plus full leather seats, fridge and media package with satellite navigation.

“The drivers love them,” says Matkin. “The Volvo cabs are always very popular, but these have been enhanced further with the premium upgrades that Hartshorne added for us.”

The new trucks were supplied on a Volvo Financial Services operating lease and are covered by a Volvo Gold Contract repair & maintenance agreement, which guarantees the best possible uptime and includes full access to the manufacturer’s UK-wide dealer network.

In operation seven days a week, working a variety of shift patterns, the trucks will clock up anywhere from 150,000 – 260,000 km per annum and are expected to stay in service for three years.

Culina Group is a major ambient and chilled food and drink 3PL specialist, providing warehousing, distribution, contract packing and a bonded division with extensive expertise in relation to dutiable goods across the UK and Ireland.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Stephenson
E-mail: Jennifer.Stephenson@crossroads.co.uk

TECHNICIAN Steve Hunter is among 100 people who have all received a long service award for 25 years at commercial vehicle distributors Crossroads Truck & Bus and Hartshorne Group.

Steve, who lives in Harthill, Sheffield was presented with his award by cricket hero Matthew Hoggard MBE at a prestigious event at Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottingham.

The HGV technician, who is based at the Crossroads depot in Rotherham, said: “Crossroads has always been a fun place to work, where everyone gets on together to get the job done. It’s the camaraderie with the people you work with, and the relationships with customers, that make it special.”

Over 60 people attended the milestone celebration, all of who had completed 25 years or more service with either Crossroads Truck & Bus or the Hartshorne Group. Both companies are distributors of commercial vehicles on behalf of Volvo Truck & Bus.

Every guest at the event signed their name on a timeline wall that traced the history of when the companies were founded back in 1968 (Hartshorne Group) and 1956 (Crossroads Truck & Bus).

Hartshorne Group and Crossroads Truck & Bus Managing Director Martin Cronin co-presented the awards with Matthew Hoggard.

Mr Cronin told Steve and his colleagues: “It’s down to your passion, care, friendship and perseverance that we have a fantastic business of which we can all be proud.”

Steve, 60, is married to wife Julie and has three children.

– ENDS –

Notes for Editors :

Photo 1A shows Steve Hunter (centre) receiving the company’s 25 year service award, Matthew Hoggard MBE (Former England cricketer – left) and Martin Cronin (Managing Director – right).