Pearsons achieve 11 mpg fleet average by standardising on Volvo

Thetford, Norfolk-based, waste management and recycling specialist Pearsons is achieving a fleet average fuel economy of 11 mpg since standardising on Volvo for its fleet of 17 skip-trucks says Managing Director Jo Pearson. “The fuel economy of the Volvo’s is superb. Standardising on Volvo has given us a level playing field on which to measure fuel usage accurately and we are now meeting our target of 11 mpg.” To help their drivers achieve company fuel usage targets, Pearsons’ used the Driver Development services provided to customers by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia.

The family-owned and managed company, which proudly boasts that it has been in the recycling business since 1945, operates 50 trucks and has over 100 employees. This week, 8 Volvo FL skiploaders went into service as part of a long-term replacement programme which the company began two years ago. They will work out of the Thetford depot within a radius of 50 miles. It is an area which reaches south to Harlow and out to the east coast.

The 18 tonne GVW, 4.0 metre wheelbase FL’s are equipped with 6-speed manual gearboxes and 220 HP engines. They were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia from their depot at Thetford.

All Pearsons’ Volvo’s are on 3-year R&M contracts with the option to extend to 5–years. Says Jo. “Our FL’s skiploader spec is absolutely standard because Volvo have got it right. Manouverability is very good as well as the approach angle for the front bumper which makes it easy to get on and off steep sites.”

All the FL’s are equipped with Axtec on-board weighing systems and Webb Extra-Reach skiploader gear. The company also operates Volvo FM9 drawbars and hookloaders as well as a range of heavy plant including powerscreens, balers and wheeled shovel-loaders.