Volvo FH tractor units give PTS UK 480 Norsepower

Ipswich-based international logistics provider PTS UK Ltd. have taken delivery of five new Volvo FH-480 tractor units with Globetrotter XL cabs. The 6x2 tractor units are plated for operation at 44 tonnes and will join the rest of the Scandinavian specialists’ Volvo-heavy fleet on runs to Denmark and Sweden, running in a full-cab version of PTS’s signature Viking livery.

“We’ve been running Volvo’s for ten years or more now, initially because our core market is Scandinavia and it seemed appropriate!” says the firm’s Managing Director, Robert Gaunt. “We have a very good relationship with them; we run eighteen vehicles and only four of them aren’t Volvo’s.” His drivers are equally happy with the new trucks, not least because of the ’one truck - one driver’ policy at PTS. “All our vehicles run on personalised plates and we’re keen to give them good vehicles – our approach is that, if we look after the drivers, they’ll look after the trucks.”

The cab and transmission are particularly well-received, according to Robert. “The I-Shift is great – more or less our whole fleet is I-Shift now – because it lets drivers concentrate on driving. And the facilities in the GT XL cabs are excellent for long runs like ours – these even have fridges!”

Asked about the full-size Norseman on the cab, Robert says “Erik the Viking is the logo we’ve been using for over 15 years now. These full-cab vinyl wraps are a case of ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it!’”

As with all PTS’s signwriting, Chapple Signs of Stowmarket created the livery. “What Chapple can’t do these days with a computer and a roll of vinyl…!” laughs Robert, before pointing out that wrapping has practical advantages over paint when it comes to distinctive liveries. “At the end of the day,” he explains, “you can peel it off and you’re left with a plain red truck, which is much easier in terms of re-sale.”

The trucks were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia’s Ipswich depot and will be maintained there under a standard two-year repair and maintenance contract.