DAF XF105 quartet performing well on container traffic

With container traffic between the Far East and Europe at an all-time high, the UK subsidiary of China’s leading logistics company has expanded its fleet with the addition of four DAF XF105s.

Kerry Logistics (UK) Limited, based in Manchester, is using the DAFs to move containers out of the Trafford Park container terminal to points throughout the UK. The company also serves all the other major UK container ports and terminals.

The 105s – European Truck of the Year in 2007 – are 44 tonne 6 x 2 mid-lift axle FTG models powered by the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine. Kerry Logistics have opted for the 460 bhp (340 kW) power rating, which delivers 2300 Nm of torque at between 1000 and 1400 rpm.

They have also gone straight to Euro 5 two years ahead of its implementation. The MX engine comfortably meets the very challenging Euro 5 exhaust gas emission standards through the use of SCR technology and by employing an advanced high-pressure fuel injection system that ensures clean combustion.

The driveline includes the AS-tronic automated transmission. Mark Hunt, UK Group Transport Manager, says that drivers appreciate the two-pedal transmission because it removes the physical effort required by a clutch pedal, which is particularly welcome in ‘stop-start’ urban traffic conditions. It also improves safety by taking away the distraction of gear selection, leaving the driver to focus solely on the road and traffic and keep both hands on the wheel.

Driver stress and fatigue is further reduced by the high level of comfort provided by the 105’s well-appointed sleeper cab. Air conditioning is standard and there’s an auxiliary heater for cold nights. The air-suspended driver’s seat has armrests and seat belts. Instruments are arrayed on a stylish wrap-around panel making them easy to read and controls - including the AS-tronic transmission control - are mounted on steering column stalks.

Maintenance of the trucks is being carried out at the Trafford Park service depot of supplying DAF dealer, Chatfields of Manchester, which is just half a mile from Kerry Logistics base. The company has taken out a comprehensive three-year Repair & Maintenance contract with Chatfields and PACCAR. Six-weekly safety checks and routine maintenance work will be undertaken at times to suit operational needs, ensuring optimum availability of the trucks.

From headquarters in Hong Kong, Kerry Logistics controls operations in 26 countries and 200 cities around the world. It has an extensive network of transport, storage and distribution facilities across mainland China and throughout the Far East and Australasia. This includes over 2,000 road vehicles, 12 million square feet of warehousing, extensive port facilities and both road and rail container terminals.