Kettering company moves to 44 tonnes with new DAFs

The arrival of three DAF XF105 tractor units into the fleet of David Bletsoe-Brown Limited marks the first move to running at 44 tonnes for the expanding Kettering company.

Voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’, the XF105s are also the first new DAFs to be operated by the company. They join a 44-strong fleet that currently comprises artics at 38 tonnes, drawbar outfits and rigids and which splits between vehicles on general UK-wide haulage and those on local or dedicated contract work.

The DAFs – mid-lift axle FTG models – form part of David Bletsoe-Brown’s front-line general haulage fleet and will cover around 130,000 kms annually. They’re running with Montracon and GT tri-axle curtainsided trailers delivering products for locally based companies ranging from packaging materials to window frames.

Transport Director Ashley Barrs says that his drivers are very pleased with their 105s. “They’ve commented very positively on the smoothness of the drive and the pulling power at 44 tonnes,” he says. “They also appreciate the comfort, both when on the road and at night when using the sleeper cab, with air conditioning and an auxiliary night heater ensuring a pleasant working or living environment whatever the outside conditions.

“And I’m pleased with the good fuel figures that the 105s are already returning, even though the engines are still tight. On a recent 900 kilometre run one of them averaged 8.7 mpg, which bodes well for even better fuel efficiency as they get a few more miles under their belts.”

David Bletsoe-Brown have specified the 460 horsepower (340 kW) rated DAF MX engine to power the new trucks and have gone straight to the Euro 5 emissions standard. “We plan to keep these trucks for a few years and being ahead of the legislation on emissions means we are future-proofed, particularly in relation to developments like the London LEZ,” says Ashley Barrs.

“We worked very closely with the DAF dealer, Brian Currie of Northampton, to achieve three stunning looking trucks that are real head-turners and a credit to our company. Their salesman, John Drage, was particularly helpful with all aspects of their purchase and preparation.”

The DAFs are finished in David Bletsoe-Brown’s stylish two-tone blue livery with silver lettering, enhanced by spotlights neatly integrated into the roofline, combi lights set in the bumper, and a full-width sun visor.

Servicing will be under a three-year R&M contract and then in the company’s own well-equipped workshop.

From a modest start in 1976 with just one vehicle, the David Bletsoe-Brown business has expanded into a sizeable transport and storage undertaking. The company offers full and part load deliveries and contract distribution using customer-dedicated vehicles. It also has a highly successful self-storage facility on its two-acre site just half a mile from junction 7 of the A14 and hires ISO containers as temporary storage.