One of Edge Transport’s fleet
Edge Transport takes delivery of the first new-series Volvo trucks to enter service with its 32 strong truck fleet.
Covering between 80,000 and 150,000 kms a year, the 11-litre, 450 hp, FM artics are double-shifted – often hauling single axle trailers on pallet deliveries during the day on the narrow lanes of rural Wales. The FMs’ second shift sees them on trunking duties during the night. By contrast, the FL 18 tonners will cover between 65,000 and 80,000 kms a year each.
“Our drivers like the Volvos,” says Jonathan Edge, before adding that, “they have given us very positive feedback about the FLs and the FMs. I think that running Volvos is a big plus as far as the drivers are concerned. I spend a lot of time talking to our staff and the drivers take a great deal of pride in their trucks. We have recently taken on six newly-qualified drivers and we are also talking to West Cheshire College about expanding our apprenticeship scheme.”
The new Volvos – six FM-450 6×2 tractor units and three FL-250 18-tonne GVW 4×2 rigids – were supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials at Deeside and have been placed on Gold R&M contracts with Volvo’s unique Uptime Assurance.
Maintenance of the trucks is carried out overnight at Thomas Hardie’s Deeside depot. Thomas Hardie also service and MOT test Edge Transport’s trailers.
Edge Transport Managing Director Jonathan Edge commented: “To maximise fleet efficiency, trucks are collected between 6 and 7pm and returned ready for work between 3 and 4am in the morning. Our trailers are serviced at Deeside during the day.”
Jonathan Edge reports that the company will shortly be placing orders for a further six Volvo trucks. In this case, two FH tractor units and four FL rigids.
