Midlands’ first Euro 5 Volvo at G S Logistics

Northampton-based G S Logistics has taken delivery of the Midlands’ first Euro 5 specified Volvo – an FH-520 6x2 tractor unit, running at 44 tonnes GCW. Highly specified in the interests of driver appeal and company image, the truck joins a small, but growing mixed fleet undertaking general haulage.

“As the business was developing,” says owner Stuart Goodman, “I wanted a new vehicle and I was interested in potential government incentives for early adopters of Euro 5. As it happens, the government hasn’t gone ahead with those incentives yet. But while it hasn’t happened in the short term, I’ll be running it for quite a while, so there’s plenty of time for developments. In any case, it’s a user- and driver-friendly truck and Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia at Kettering gave me a good deal on it !”

Stuart also feels that SCR technology will prove to give longer engine life than EGR systems. His commitment to a long and profitable working life for his FH-520 is demonstrated by the five-year repair and maintenance contract he has in place with the Kettering Volvo Truck and Bus Centre. “Getting the best return off an investment like this means running it for a good while, so long-term support made solid financial sense,” he says.

If financial considerations were behind his choice of the Euro 5 compliant engine and service arrangements, less tangible, but equally valid concerns led to the high specification level, which includes I-Shift gearbox, all-leather upholstery, vented seats, electronic climate control, fridge, Office Pack, alloy wheels and polished fuel tanks.

“At the moment, I’m driving the truck,” says Stuart. “But when I find a good driver I want to take on, I want to be able to point to the truck as an example of the kind of company we are. The same goes for customers: it’s a matter of the image I want us to project.”

The truck is also fitted with a Volvo alarm featuring 24-hour, full Tracker assistance which would inform Stuart when it is taken or towed away rather than, as he says “me calling them when I get to the yard and notice it’s gone !”

Founded in late 2004, GS Logistics now has a fleet of three trucks of which two are Volvo’s; further expansion is planned as the company takes on general haulage contracts for customers including NYK Logistics and Morrison’s supermarkets.