First Iveco heavy trucks for Wilson Steven Transport
Cupar-based Wilson Steven Transport is operating its first Iveco heavy trucks after taking delivery of four Stralis Active Space³ 6x2 twin steer tractor units from local dealer AM Phillip.
The vehicles join a fleet totalling 14 tractors and replace four older Volvo FM12s. They will operate primarily with multi-compartment bulk blower trailers, collecting grain for transportation to compound feed mills and organic feed producers. They will also be used for transporting animal feed from the mills to farms across Scotland and the North of England.
Commenting on the delivery, Iain Steven, who runs the family business in partnership with his wife Liana, says: “We were in the market for some new tractors and found the Ivecos were available promptly from UK stock. We had a good look at the Stralis, decided it was right for our fleet, and placed the order.
“It’s still early days, but we’ve been very impressed with the Ivecos. I have every confidence they’ll prove to be true workhorses for our busy operation,” he adds.
Finished in the company’s traditional blue, white and red livery, the Stralis AS440S45TX/P tractors will be in operation seven days a week and are expected to clock-up 120,000 km a year. Three have been supplied on a three year contract hire agreement through Iveco Finance, with the fourth backed by a comprehensive Iveco Elements repair and maintenance deal.
Powered by the proven 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine built by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, they are each capable of producing up to 450 hp between 1,550 and 2,100 rev/min and up to 2,100 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,550 rev/min. Driven through a 12-speed EuroTronic gearbox, it offers an impressive combination of performance, economy and driveability, whilst meeting the stringent Environmentally Enhanced Vehicle (EEV) emission standards which serve as a stepping stone between Euro 5 and Euro 6.
In addition to bulk blower work, the Ivecos may also be used in conjunction with other specialist trailers in the fleet, which includes walking-floor trailers for rapidly discharging a payload of up to 28 tonnes into a low-height building. Wilson Steven Transport also operates bulk tipper trailers which are used to move a wide range of commodities, mainly grain-based, but seasonally including coal, woodchips, sand and stone.
The Stralis AS³ tractors feature air-conditioning, slide-out fridge, electrically operated roof-vent and windscreen blind, door roller blinds and smart black curtains to enclose the cab area as standard. Drivers also benefit from the choice of two large bunks measuring 746 x 2,020mm (lower) and 784 x 1,940mm (upper). Both offer high levels of comfort to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Wilson Steven Transport was founded by Iain's father, Henry Wilson Steven, in 1974. In 2004 the company became the first Scottish haulier to be accredited by the UK Agricultural Supply Trade Association (UKASTA) – now known as the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC) – which represents companies and co-operatives involved in animal feed stuff manufacturing, including transport.
Liana Steven won the prestigious ‘Scottish Fleet Manager of the Year Award 2010’, which was presented in November 2009 at the Transport News Scottish Rewards in Glasgow.
