Carter’s Volvo FH16-660 follows rising plant weight trend

Carter Haulage and Storage of Norfolk have responded to a rising trend in the weight of construction plant used by customers for their growing heavy-haulage business by adding a 125 tonne GCW, Euro 4 compliant Volvo FH16-660 into their 14-strong, mixed fleet. Says the company’s owner Shaun Carter. “Plant weights are going up and up and we have to follow.”

The 6x4 double-drive FH16-660 tractor unit comes very highly specified. The equipment list ranges from I-Shift automated gearbox to full rear air suspension. Euro 4 compliance is achieved by Volvo’s SCR technology.

The truck, which was supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia at Ely, is one of the first FH16’s to be equipped with the latest generation I-Shift. This version of Volvo’s automated gearbox can now be specified for use behind the D16 engine at all power outputs up to the top of the range 660 as well as high gross combination weight applications (subject to Volvo’s approval).

Carter Haulage and Storage operate Volvo’s exclusively at over 44 tonnes GCW. According to Shaun, who runs the heavy-haulage arm of the business, which was originally founded by his father. “They’re really well built. You see more older Volvo’s on heavy work than other makes because they last longer. With Volvo you also get expert backup on specialist heavy haulage questions, whether it’s a technical or a Construction and Use regulations matter. The Dealer team worked with us and the team at Warwick to get the specification of the FH16 just right.”