DAF have done well in growing the number of trucks in the Fifth Gear Transport Services fleet – it will increase from almost zero to 35 trucks over the courser of months. The impressive cabs of the new trucks plus fuel savings of around 10% means that there should be more DAF trucks heading to the company in the near future.
The most recent delivery contained seven new XD 450 6×2 tractors and an XF 530 6×2 tractor to supermarket and container haulage specialists. The trucks – all with DAF’s FTG axle configuration – join a growing fleet of New Generation DAF models run by the Suffolk-based business, with eight DAF XFs and three DAF XGs already in service.
Impressed by the economy, comfort, service and performance of the latest DAF model range, Fifth Gear is preparing to welcome another six XF 480 6x2s in the coming months and has placed an order for a further 11 XD tractors. Vehicles are supplied by DAF Dealer, Chassis Cab in Ipswich, with maintenance split between the dealer and Fifth Gear’s long-standing partners.
Fuel Consumption Improvements
Across the entire New Generation fleet, Fifth Gear has seen average fuel consumption improvements of up to 10%. Trucks operating on the firm’s supermarket contracts are returning around 11mpg, an increase from 8.5mpg achieved by its previous fleet. To maximise the efficiency of its new trucks, the company has fitted telematics equipment, helping drivers to optimise their driving technique.
“We’ve been very impressed by the New Generation DAF range and the benefits they’ve brought to the business,” said Dave Warburton, Operations Manager at Fifth Gear. “All of the trucks have been specified with the DAF Digital Vision system, which replaces the mirrors with cameras. They have been great, especially when travelling in and out of London – it’s compliant and there’s no aggravation.
“We’ve been very impressed by the New Generation DAF range and the benefits they’ve brought to the business,” Dave Warburton, Operations Manager
“The drivers are certainly enjoying the new DAFs. They’re quiet, smooth and a pleasure to drive. I’d certainly get behind the wheel of one ahead of other trucks on the market.
“Chassis Cab provide excellent service, too. They’re clear and transparent when it comes to placing orders and waiting for delivery, which is important when you’re balancing demand and resource. Together with the trucks, it makes for a very attractive proposition.”
Operating out of yards in Ipswich, Chelmsford and the Isle of Sheppey, Fifth Gear’s DAFs are split across the three sites with each model specified to meet differing demands. The XDs are allocated to a major supermarket contract, while the XFs are focused on hauling containers to and from the Port of Felixstowe. The largest DAF XGs are used for full-time drivers, on the road for multiple nights. Every DAF in the fleet, however, is equipped with bunks for occasional use.
