DAF Trucks have managed to change from being a minority supplier of trucks to Freeland Freight to their majority supplier in recent years. To further strengthen this relationship, the company has bought four new DAF XG 530 6×2 tractor units (with ‘FTG’ axle configuration) for use on its long-haul work across the UK. The ‘Granite City’ operator is yet to commission the trucks pending post-delivery modifications, though the XGs are already impressing company director, Richard Freeland, and his drivers.
Since 1972, Freeland Freight has offered a mix of general haulage services, with business from Aberdeen’s historic oil, gas and petroleum industry making up a large proportion of the firm’s activities. The new vehicles join a predominantly DAF fleet and sport a revised version of Freeland Freight’s eye-catching yellow and maroon livery.
More Cab Space for Overnight Operation
“Aesthetically, the new generation truck range from DAF is beautiful,” said Richard Freeland. “The XG in particular is absolutely stunning. DAF vehicles generally are a comfortable, pleasant place for the drivers to be and I’m sure these will be no exception. Inside they feel much more modern than the previous DAF XF. We went for the XG to give the drivers more space as they’ll be in them on the road and overnight regularly.
“Our experience with DAF overall has been positive,” Richard adds. “We received our first batch of new DAF XF in 2011 and, although we still do business with our former majority fleet manufacturer, we found that the aftersales support for DAF was superior.”
In-House Maintenance
Though the operator carries out mechanical maintenance in-house, Freeland Freight has a positive relationship with its supplying DAF Dealer and parts supplier, Norscot Truck & Van in Aberdeen.
“We still work closely with the dealer to enable our own maintenance programme,” says Richard, “The staff are always very good and accommodating of our needs. Overall, I’m very happy with DAF as our lead truck supplier.”
Forming part of the DAF range crowned “international Truck of the Year 2022’, the XG, along with its smaller XF and larger XG+ siblings, capitalise on recently introduced European Commission masses and dimensions regulations to maximise cab space and driver comfort. A new powertrain and aerodynamic design returns the best fuel economy on the market, while in-cab innovations, such as the industry-leading DAF Direct Vision system which replaces the mirrors with high-definition cameras, raises the vehicle safety bar.
