Draka to replace fleet with Volvo FE’s

International cable manufacturer Draka UK Limited is in the process of renewing its in-house transport fleet with Volvo FE rigids.

According to Transport Manager Keith May, the ability of Volvo’s transport information system, Dynafleet, to produce environmental reports was a key factor in the decision to stay with Volvo. ”We’re using the Dynafleet reports to keep track of vehicle emissions as well as monitor fuel efficiency and track drivers’ hours relative to Working Time Directive requirements,” says Keith. ”We make daily deliveries to cable wholesalers in Central London and as all the new Volvo’s are Euro 5 compliant, there is no cost to enter the LEZ.”

Dynafleet’s environmental reporting facility also means Draka UK Limited can demonstrate improvements in engine emissions to their customers, says Keith. Its ability to manage drivers’ hours is also helping vehicle utilisation.

The Euro 5-compliant FE’s replace seven-year old FL’s which were purchased outright. For the first time, all the replacement trucks are on full Volvo Contract Hire with maintenance being carried out by the supplying Dealer, the Coventry depot Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia.

Downloads of the data required by Draka are carried out by the Volvo Dealer as part of the contract. The Volvo Dealer also handles any bodywork damage via its depot just off the A14 at Kettering which boasts a fully equipped bodyshop.

Providing a comfortable workplace for Draka’s drivers was paramount when specifying the Volvo’s, reports Keith. ”Many of our drivers have long-service with the company and take good care of their trucks.” All the Volvo trucks feature a brand new livery with a full colour corporate advertisement covering the length of the curtains on the Transport Enterprise bodies.

All the new vehicles are equipped with sleeper cabs as Draka UK Limited deliver nationally on a nominated day basis. The company uses Paragon’s scheduling system and will flex deliveries to accommodate same day requests where possible. The FE’s can handle Draka’s heavier cable drums, which weigh up to four tonnes each, says Keith. Everything is geared to customer service and the new trucks work a multi-drop schedule. Mileage is expected to be in the region of 120,000 kms per vehicle for each year of the contract term.