How times have changed....once upon a time you knew it was a Sutttons of St Helens tanker on account of a) It was a British truck and b) It had the Union Jack painted on the front...Of course things move on and the Buy British/Fly the Flag purchasing policy has long since faded into the annals of haulage history. However, before we get too misty-eyed the Suttons Group is still very much a part of UK transport scene and word reaches Biglorryblog that it has just taken delivery of five new Volvo FM12.440 tractor units following a major investment of over £5 Million in a total order of 77 vehicles. The five new tractors will join Sutton's general purpose chemical road tanker fleet based at the Widnes depot, the rest will be progressively delivered by Spring 2009.
And here's one of them for your delight and delectation...not THAT much different really. Still very smart and with the classic red livery plus the shiny tanker emphasising the company's continuing commitment to safety. Only it would be rather nice to see a Union jack back on the front of the tractor...if only on a 'special anniversary' artic. What do you think BLB army? Now click through here for one more.....
Of course it's probably not so easy to paint a great big flag on the front of a modern day tractor like an FM as it was with an old ERF or Atkinson Borderer----not least as today's truck grilles have got bigger to cool the latest Euro-5 engines which feature in the new FMs. Anyway, they also include 'l' Shift auto boxes which will no doubt keep the drivers happy.
Meanwhile, Group Managing Director, Andrew Palmer tells BLB: "Today's economic climate is challenging, but this investment demonstrates Sutton's continuing commitment to providing our customers with high quality, safe equipment to underpin our excellent service levels. The new trucks bring improved safety systems to the Sutton's operation including satellite tracking and better brake intervention systems. Volvo became Sutton's preferred supplier due to their reliability and strong dealer support."
Having mentioned Suttons and Safety in the same breath, it's also worth mentioning that the company won the Motor Transport Safety in Operation Award for the third time earlier this year while its Widnes Depot also won the Freight Transport Association's prestigious 2008 Roadworthiness Award. So there.
Comments (1)
Given the way the Scots, Welsh and Irish truckers proudly flaunt their heritage, maybe a St George's flag up front would be more in keeping. Que pensez-vous?
Posted by froggy | October 6, 2008 1:59 PM
Posted on October 6, 2008 13:59