Cummins take DAF XF105 to help keep drivers

Driver retention and cost savings were the key factors in the decision by Cummins Logistics to put four DAF XF105 tractors into service.

The new trucks are highly specced for what is relatively low-mileage, day-only work. They’re running with new Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle trailers on the collection of components from suppliers to Cummins’ Daventry production plant, at which heavy industrial engines of up to 90 litres are produced. The DAFs are not expected to cover more than 75,000 kilometres a year.

Luxuriously appointed Super Space cabs and automated transmissions are amongst features aimed at attracting and retaining high calibre drivers, according to Paul Woodcock, Freight Analyst at Cummins Logistics. “Driver reaction to the 105s has been very favourable,” he says. “And from a company perspective, we’ve got a top-of-the-range flagship vehicle to carry our name.

“We also saw significant cost savings in bringing in-house some of the collection work that had previously been contracted out. For over two years we have carried out a thorough evaluation exercise using hired-in DAF XF95s and trailers. This identified opportunities to reduce costs and led directly to the decision to bring large parts of the work permanently in-house.

“Working with DAF dealer Brian Currie at Northampton we were able to arrange a three-year lease package that enabled us to put the top-of-the-range XF105 on the road. This included a full Repair & Maintenance element, which covers overnight servicing so that the trucks are available at all the times we need them. It’s an arrangement that takes away a large element of vehicle management whilst giving us complete visibility over our costs throughout the lease period.”

The DAFs are FTG mid-lift axle models powered by the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine rated at 460 bhp (340 kW) and matched to a 12-speed AS-tronic transmission. The engine meets the Euro 5 emission standard some two years ahead of its legal implementation.

“This means that we are future-proofed in relation to new emissions legislation,” explains Paul Woodcock. “And we can also take immediate advantage of any tax concessions that the government may introduce for Euro 5 vehicles.

“Choosing an automated transmission is also about looking to the future. As well as reducing driver effort and stress, I am expecting that it will contribute to better fuel efficiency by removing the driver’s influence.”

Cummins Logistics is also about to add a pair of DAF 18 tonne curtainsiders into its company fleet. These will be even lower mileage machines than the XF105s as they’ll be operating as internal transport on round trips of just two miles between the parts warehouse and the production plant. Brian Currie is also supplying these trucks.