Nov 27, 2012– Oxfordshire, UK (AutoReleased) – Freshlinc mark 150th DAF XF105 with special livery. Lincolnshire operator Freshlinc has taken delivery of its 150th DAF XF105 and has treated the truck to a host of additional features including a stunning vinyl wrap colour scheme featuring the nation’s flag and a special gold finish to the badging.
As well as the unique livery, the 150th truck has been specified with DAF’s stylish ‘Skylights’ fared into the roofline of the Super Space cab, foglights in the bumper and a full width sun visor. Polished alloy wheels, stainless steel lighting bars with six lights on the top bar and four on the bottom, along with the unique registration FL 62 DAF, result in a truck that is sure to be a real head-turner.
The truck is part of an order for 63 XF105s being supplied through DAF dealer Ford & Slater at Spalding with all the trucks being delivered in time to meet the Christmas peak demand for fresh produce. They will join a fleet that now numbers 185 tractor units and 300 trailers, making Freshlinc one of the UK’s leading chilled produce distributors.
All 63 trucks are 44 tonne FTG mid-lift axle models featuring the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine rated at 460 bhp (340 kW) and which delivers 2300 Nm of torque. This is matched to an automated 12-speed AS-tronic transmission in line with the Freshlinc ‘all-automatic’ policy which aims to support safer and more consistent driving standards and better fuel efficiency.
Each will cover around 180,000 kilometres a year operating throughout the UK delivering locally grown produce. They will also be used to support Freshlinc’s continued expansion into Europe, from where the company brings cut flowers and fresh produce.
Fleet engineer Andy Marchant says that good fuel economy and reliability were key factors in the decision to add more to its fleet. “We now have considerable experience of the DAF XF105 and find it to be a very fuel efficient truck, which is important in these days of high fuel prices.
“Of equal importance to us is that it has proved to be very reliable, which is particularly important when you are carrying fresh produce and have to meet demanding timed deliveries into the RDCs of the major supermarket chains.
“The 105 is also popular with our drivers for its ample power and good torque, which makes moving off easier whatever the load or road conditions. And they like the roominess of the cab, which offers a huge amount of space and plenty of storage for their personal belongings.”
Freshlinc is taking the DAFs on a four year ‘Hire Plus’ lease agreement through PACCAR Financial which includes a full R&M element with servicing and repairs at Ford & Slater in Spalding. The dealership is adjacent to Freshlinc’s main operating base and the work will be carried out overnight and at weekends to meet operational needs and to ensure maximum vehicle availability.
Ford & Slater sales executive Adrian Briant says that he’s delighted to be supplying the 150th XF105 to Freshlinc and to seeing it in its unique livery.
“This is a highly regarded operator and an important local company in Lincolnshire. I’m very pleased that they have again chosen the 105 and that they have reached the milestone figure of having 150 of these top-range DAFs in their fleet.
“All at Ford & Slater Spalding look forward to continuing to provide a high level of support to our customer in order to ensure that these trucks can be operated to their maximum level of efficiency and productivity.”