A.F. Blakemore Invests in New Tractor Units

January 13, 2022

Ten new tractor units have been delivered into A.F. Blakemore’s food distribution fleet, each meeting Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating.

The 44-tonne Volvo FM 6x2 tractor units will work predominantly delivering ambient, fresh and frozen goods to SPAR stores across AFB’s retail estate.

Logistics Compliance Manager Dave Higgs commented: “These new FMs are superb trucks – ideal for our distribution work and they fit perfectly into our operation.

“We’ve gone for three-star compliant trucks as forward planning on our part because I believe the DVS scheme will be rolled out across more cities sooner rather than later. These vehicles are on a seven-year contract hire agreement, so we’re future-proofing our fleet.”

Volvo’s latest FM is packed with improvements to the driver environment and innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity. The interior benefits from a new dashboard offering more storage space, new colours and a modern dynamic digital display.

The 10 trucks have multiple cameras that can be viewed through the driver’s nine-inch side display, plus an added window in the passenger door to improve safety further. These complement the new cab’s raised A pillars, combined with a large windscreen, low door line and modern mirrors, which deliver excellent all-round visibility.

Working in tandem with double-deck urban trailers, the FMs are expected to clock-up around 120,000km per annum.

Fuel efficiency is boosted by Volvo's Long Haul Fuel package, specifically designed for vehicles used on long-distance missions.

The FM cabs benefit from Volvo’s Drive and Single Bed Living Packages, and comfort is improved further with an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, DAB radio, air-suspended and heated seats, plus rear cab upper storage.

Dave added: “The drivers are very happy. The new trucks have a great cab, a great engine and a great gearbox; they just do the job really well.” 
 

The new tractor units

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