Martello Transport adds 25 Volvo FH Aero tractor units
Felixstowe-based container haulage operator Martello Transport has strengthened its long-standing partnership with Volvo Trucks by taking delivery of 25 new FH Aero 460 6×2 tractor units. The new vehicles reinforce Volvo’s position as the main marque in the company’s fleet of around 90 trucks, with about 70 now carrying the Iron Mark.
Supplying a growing fleet
Matt Kubot, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, supplied the vehicles. Martello Transport will deploy them in its domestic container haulage operation, moving containers between ports, distribution hubs and customer sites across the country.
The new Aeros will typically run five days a week. Each truck is expected to cover around 150,000 km a year and stay on the fleet for at least four years.
Danny Huwen, Director at Martello Transport, says: “We’ve built a strong relationship with Volvo Trucks and that’s reflected in the scale of our investment in the brand. Its trucks consistently deliver the reliability, fuel efficiency and driver appeal we need from vehicles operating across a demanding nationwide haulage network.
“The FH Aero is a natural fit for our fleet because our business depends on delivering a dependable, efficient service to customers all over the UK. The combination of excellent fuel economy, strong driver acceptance and the backing of Volvo’s repair and maintenance support gives us complete confidence in the whole package.”
Fuel-saving technology
Each new FH Aero has a Euro VI-compliant D13TC Step E engine, which produces up to 460 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm. Turbo compounding technology boosts its efficiency. An extra turbine sits after the turbocharger and recovers energy from the exhaust gases. The engine then converts that energy into torque directly on the crankshaft, which extends the fuel economy potential even further.
Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox is paired with the engine. I-See predictive cruise control complements it, allowing drivers to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear. This saves fuel without losing speed.
Safety, visibility and fleet insight
Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) replaces the traditional wing mirrors. It improves aerodynamic performance while boosting safety and visibility. The system also widens the driver’s field of view and performs strongly in rain, darkness, direct sunlight and tunnels.
Volvo Connect supports Martello Transport’s operation. The platform gives the business detailed insight into fleet efficiency, driver behaviour and vehicle location, which helps it to maximise fuel savings.
Driver comfort and peace of mind
The trucks feature spacious Globetrotter cabs, which create an ideal working environment for the firm’s drivers. Each vehicle also comes with a Volvo Gold Contract. This covers preventive maintenance and repairs, and it includes a comprehensive and personal service that gives the operator complete peace of mind.
Established in 2017, Martello Transport is a leading container haulage specialist. It provides nationwide transport services from all major UK ports and logistics hubs.
