Electrical problems from their outgoing trucks prompted a change of truck supplier for Thame-based West Coast Haulage.

It’s a big deal too, as the company is taking delivery of 60 Volvo FMX tippers in one of the largest deals for the new model to-date, making Volvo the main supplier to the 100-strong fleet.

Volvo FMX Tippers
West Coast Haulage has added 60 new Volvo FMX trucks to its fleet.

This order was secured by Tim Atkins, Sales Manager at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, with each of the new FMX tippers featuring Volvo’s distinctive new digital dashboard, which includes a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with separate nine-inch side display for infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring.

“We have had Volvos in the fleet previously, and we’ve come back to the brand because we like their simple and user-friendly design. We also suffered from a lot of electrical faults with the previous brand of truck we were running, so we didn’t want to replace like-for-like,” says David Sexton, Director at West Coast Haulage.

“We’ve always been happy with Volvo products, plus the back-up service we have received from the dealer network is excellent. As West Coast Haulage is a truly nationwide company, having access to a first-class network and reliable trucks is of particular importance to us.”

Volvo FMX Tipper 8x4
The updated FMX day cab with a fixed rear window is a big step forward on the old model

The FMX Tipper Specification

The new 32-tonne FMX tippers have been mounted with Thompson steel tipper bodywork and feature a 275-litre plastic diesel tank between the front axles. Additionally, they have been specified with a heavy-duty front bumper, strong front towing eye mounted directly to the chassis and a guard plate to provide added protection to the cooling pipes and oil sump when operating off-road. Volvo’s distinctive new V-shaped LED headlights also add the perfect blend of style and safety.

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 I-Shift automated 12-speed transmission, with enhanced software for construction and off-road application.

“We specialise in working on large highways and infrastructure projects, and it’s intensive work with our drivers spending a lot of time in the cab, so comfort and convenience is important to them,” adds Sexton. “The updated FMX day cab with a fixed rear window is a big step forward on the old model, and the drivers are very happy with the upgrades – and in particular with the more reactive steering.”

Volvo FMX Tipper
The new 32-tonne FMX tippers have been mounted with Thompson steel tipper bodywork and feature a 275-litre plastic diesel tank between the front axles

West Coast Haulage typically operates its trucks six days a week. Expected to cover between 50,000 – 80,000km a year, the new vehicles have been taken on a three-year hire purchase agreement through Volvo Financial Services, supported by a Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime and a three-year subscription to Volvo Connect, the manufacturer’s telematics system.

Established in 1997, West Coast Haulage has its main operating centre in Thame, Oxfordshire, and six satellite operating centres, spread across the UK.