Saunders Logistics has taken delivery of a new Volvo FH16 XXL.
Received last month, the delivery of this new unit is the third Volvo in the Queensland-based outfit’s fleet, which is currently transporting oversized modular building for housing construction Australia Wide.
According to Saunders Logistics’ Director and Operations Manager, Brendan Saunders, the new FH16 XXL fit the specific bill of equipment required for the job.
“The oversized freight we’re moving is very wide, long and high, so it is preferable to have a cab-over style truck and the Volvo is an excellent choice,” he told Prime Mover.
“We’re using drop-deck extendable trailers for these runs. The single trailer load can be up to 30 meters long on some occasions, so we’ve found that a truck without a bonnet is more suitable for that type of work. That’s something that the new FH16XXL provides for us.”
This particular quality in the FH16 XXL also helps the combination to navigate tight locations — an imperative when delivering freight to construction sites.
Braving a transport route across three states, it was also essential that the FH16 XXL be a reliable and cost-effective addition to the company fleet.
Pulling 131 tonnes with a 650 horsepower engine, the truck seems to have ticked these boxes.
“The FH16 XXL is extremely reliable and fuel efficient,” Saunders said.
“The truck has fit into our transport fleet very well — it’s doing a great job with the freight we’re carting. And our drivers are really enjoying it, too.”
Driver satisfaction with the FH16 XXL was ensured through the truck’s many creature comforts on offer.
The XXL cab’s size and high roof provides drivers with more space during their two-week shifts in the truck, while air conditioning is controlled through the truck’s electric Coolabah Bunk Cooler system.
These were the standouts for Saunders, among the rest of the truck’s typical bells and whistles.
“Most of the FH16 XXL’s fitments were pretty standard,” he said.
“Volvo has most of the creature comforts in their standard builds really. But the Coolabah system was a great addition as we’re steering away from using Icepack air conditioning. Coolabah is quieter and works on a reverse cycle.”
The delivery of Saunders Logistics’ FH16 XXL was overseen by Western Truck Group, which was extremely attentive to the needs of Saunders and his outfit.
“The customer service at Western Truck Group is great,” he said.
“They’re keen to please, they make sure to give customers what they want, and they’re extremely communicative. We knew what was happening at every step of the delivery process. They really wanted to help us out, and our experience with them was fantastic.”
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