You want your technicians to be the best they can. The downside to this is that they could be open to being poached by other workshops – that’s a risk every truck dealership takes. However, an apprentice from Volvo Trucks dealer, Thomas Hardie took himself off and started a new business.
As it turns out, this was fantastic news for the Thomas Hardie team, for, ten years after completing his apprenticeship, Sam Archer, now Director of Fleetwood-based family firm Archway Haulage, has just ordered a series of brand new Volvo trucks from the company.
A Loyal Volvo Truck Buyer
The Volvo FH 500 Globetrotter Lite 6×2 tractor unit is set to be followed over the coming months by two further FHs and an FE rigid – all supplied through Neil Crook, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials in Preston.
The FH is designed to achieve the maximum possible payload thanks to a range of specification changes to reduce unladen weight, including the fitment of mono leaf front springs, as opposed to twin leaves, aluminium air tanks, aluminium susie arch, aluminium fifth wheel and aluminium wheels. It also uses a lightweight pusher axle on 17.5-inch wheels together with a lightweight drive axle.
Archer says: “Cut me in half, and you’d see Volvo runs through me. I love the product, you can’t beat it – and I say that having had the rare opportunity to both work in my local dealership, and now be a customer. It’s a first-class product, and the backup from the dealership is as good as it gets.”
He left his role in the workshop in 2014 to jointly run the family bus and coach hire operation with his father, shortly after starting Archway Haulage which has grown steadily over the past five years. Unfortunately, Sam’s Dad passed away this summer after a very short and sudden battle with cancer – he is recognised with a heartfelt message on the cab of the new Volvo.
“We grew the business bit by bit together, and now we’re taking delivery of four brand new trucks all in the space of a few months. The first FH looks absolutely fantastic and the driver loves it. It’s just such a shame Dad’s not here to be part of it.”
The Volvo’s Duty Cycle
The first new vehicle will operate with a Fruehauf bulk tipping trailer and be used to deliver aggregates nationwide, covering up to 120,000 km a year. It benefits from a full DVS system, tipping gear, light bars, beacons and a colour coordinated front grille – fitted in-house by the Archway team.
Thomas Hardie Commercials will maintain the new truck under a comprehensive three-year Volvo Gold Contract, guaranteeing the maximum possible uptime. This includes all preventive maintenance and truck repairs – providing the customer with full cost control, worry-free ownership and the peace of mind to focus on its own business.
