The Widdowson Group, one of the UK’s leading logistics solution suppliers, has announced plans to expand and update its transport fleet. The company is testing new trucks to meet low emission standards and investing in 75 trailers to maintain the high levels of customer service for which it is renowned.
“It is vitally important we maintain a modern, technically advanced fleet,” explains Harry Hawksworth, Technical Director of the Widdowson Group. He continues, “We have invested in 75 Montracon curtainsider trailers and we are testing three 18000kgs 4 x 2 rigid vehicles; a Scania P230, a Renault 270 and an Iveco 310 with a view to acquiring 20 trucks once we decide which will be the most appropriate for the job.
“The 75 trailers will be provided by Eurofleet, they will be fitted out in the striking new Widdowson livery and have flush doors with recessed locking handles to secure them. The valuable addition of these modern curtainsiders will increase our total number of trailers to nearly 200.”
Harold Montgomery of Ballyvesey Holdings comments, “Eurofleet has been a trailer supplier to the Widdowson Group for many years and we are delighted to continue our relationship by providing a further 75 new curtainsider trailers. The trailers are being supplied to Eurofleet by Montracon, a sister Ballyvesey Holding company.
“The Widdowson Group is a long established and renowned transport operator and logistics provider. With these new trailers, the company will enhance the age profile of their impressive fleet of trucks and trailers.”
The three trucks are to be tested over a six month period and they will be evaluated on purchase and maintenance cost, fuel consumption, driver acceptability and vehicle warranty. They have the same body specification, rigid curtainsiders with a Dhollandia slide out tail lift and automatic gearboxes to increase fuel efficiency. The manufacturers are giving training to Widdowson’s in-house driver trainer and also to the drivers that have been nominated to the vehicles.
Each vehicle is of Euro IV/V standard to comply with the new London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards. At present the criterion for lorries to enter the LEZ without paying a daily charge is Euro III standard for particulate matter (PM). However, with effect from 3rd January 2012, lorries will have to meet Euro IV standards for PM in order to enter the LEZ without paying.
Hawksworth concludes, “Currently the Widdowson Group has 55 rigid curtainsider vehicles, of which 15 are already Euro IV standard. We are looking to replace 20 of the remaining vehicles once the test period is finished This will ensure that from 3rd January 2012 we will be able to continue to operate a truly efficient full service in London.”
A.M. Widdowson & Son
Tel: 0116 232 2666
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