To celebrate the 125th anniversary of its Maldon Mill, Carr’s Flour has put a new gold liveried Volvo FH Globetrotter XL into service.
Supplied by Dean Harriss, Truck Sales Executive at MC Truck & Bus, the new Volvo FH 6×2 flagship tractor unit is equipped with I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission and is powered by Volvo’s D13K Euro-6 engine, rated at 500 hp. The truck’s specification also includes the Drive+ package, full leather interior, swivelling passenger seat, plus a television, microwave oven and 33-litre fridge/freezer.
The FH is also equipped with I-Park Cool, Volvo’s intelligent overnight air conditioning system, allowing Carr’s Flour’s drivers to sleep at their chosen temperature from dusk till dawn. I-Park Cool provides 1,000 W of all-night cooling capacity or a 2,500 W blast of cool air for up to an hour during a hot day. Factory fitted, it has zero impact on fuel consumption.
Drew Edwards, Distribution Manager at Carr’s Flour, says: “We always collaborate closely with our drivers to ensure the spec of every new vehicle meets their requirements. Driver comfort and safety is paramount to us, so the introduction of I-Park Cool on this new truck gives us the reassurance that our drivers will get a great night’s sleep, allowing them to have a more productive and safer day on the road.”
The truck’s exterior benefits from LED headlights, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and roof-mounted bar with LED lights and air horns, with a wet kit and blower supplied by Gardner Denver.
“We wanted the new FH to stand out and celebrate this milestone for our business,” adds Edwards. “Vicky, the only female driver, who has worked at Carr’s for 18 years, is the main driver and she’s delighted with how the truck is performing. We’ve also had excellent feedback from our customers – nearly all of them have commented on it!”
Joining a 10-strong fleet already featuring one Volvo FH, an FM and an FE, Carr’s Flour expects the new FH tractor unit to clock up around 130,000 km per year and operate five to six days a week.
It has been provided on a five-year finance lease agreement through Volvo Financial Services, replacing an older vehicle previously supplied by Volvo.
“We have a strong history of working with Volvo and, looking ahead, they will have the lion’s share of our fleet,” explains Edwards. “Their trucks look fantastic and offer an unmatched driving experience, with great fuel efficiency too. Overall, it’s a hard product to beat.”
Carr’s Flour has mills in Kirkcaldy, Silloth and Maldon that supply bakeries and food manufacturers across the UK. While a family-owned business, many employees across the three mills have worked for Carr’s Flour for more than 25 years.