De Rijke UK take delivery of their first-ever Volvo trucks

De Rijke, one of Europe’s leading chemical transportation companies has recently taken delivery of 17 Volvo tractor units - the first Volvo trucks to be purchased for their UK operation.

The vehicles were supplied in an agreement via Volvo Dealer, Thomas Hardie Commercials in Trafford Park, Manchester and Volvo Truck Centre, Rotterdam, Holland.

According to De Rijke’s UK General Manager, John Stephens, “The procurement department based at the Company’s Head Office in Spijkenisse, Holland, was set the task of finding suitable trucks with a delivery date of only 14 weeks. Whilst a number of suppliers did not even wish to consider, Volvo guaranteed to meet the tight deadline and have since consistently delivered on time.”

De Rijkes 400 bhp tractor units have been specified with SCR Euro 4 technology, Globetrotter cabs and ‘Comfort’ trim.

To keep the vehicles’ weight to a minimum all the units were fitted with the lightweight Esteppe mid-lift axle, enabling the vehicles to run at the UK 44 tonne limit. Again, to assist payload, alloy wheels and I-shift were also added.

Since the vehicles have been on the road, John is full of praise. “The FH 400 has certainly met our requirements, so no doubt Volvo will come into consideration when De Rijke Intermodal increases their fleet later in the year.”

The vehicles are on 6-year repair and maintenance contract with Thomas Hardie Commercials, Trafford Park and Crossroads Truck and Bus in Stallingborough. John explained, “The contract packages offered by the Volvo Network were very attractive. Indeed, the Volvo back-up support and Thomas Hardie’s ability to act as a single point of contact have been an important consideration in our purchase.”

The vehicles can be easily recognised on the UK’s roads, as they transport chemicals nationwide, with their distinct yellow livery.