A family run business with its sights set on the future; Whitworth Bros. Ltd are constantly looking for ways to improve its service levels and are dependant upon its mixed marque fleet to deliver. That is why when it came to renewal of Whitworth’s existing models, it was an easy decision to directly replace them with the Swedish marque.
Returning to Wellingborough based Scania Dealer, TruckEast Limited with an order for 7 G320DB6x2*4MLA G-Sleeper Cabs, the new trucks are powered by a 5-cylinder, 9-litre SCR engine delivering 235kW (320hp) and partnered perfectly with Scania’s two-pedal opticruise transmission. The result being precision manoeuvring, smoother and faster gear changes and effortless focus on the road ahead. Coupled with tear drop curtainside bodies fitted by Northants based Kurt Hobbs Coachworks, the aerodynamics of the rigids lead to less fuel consumption making them a serious contender for fuel on the fleet.
“Our Scania’s are very competitive on fuel; the new vehicles are performing well and when it comes to fuel economy deliver a higher average mpg than the rest of the fleet,” states Colin Spurrier, Regional Distribution Manager of Whitworth Bros Ltd.
The latest rigids operate out of Whitworth Bros Wellingborough site, transporting palletized finished flour product to customers nationwide. Having previously operated P Series, Whitworth’s opted to move to the G Series cab for the last few orders with a focus on driver needs, operation suitability and driver retention. The Sleeper cab in the G Series offer a much larger cab space, with high standing room, extra storage lockers and all the right features for a more productive and rewarding day; a crucial aspect when these vehicles operate on overnight runs.
Mr Spurrier acknowledges, “Driver comfort is important to us, and the drivers love the Scania fleet. When it came to renewing the existing models, we had a driver forum and it was a unanimous decision that they wanted to keep the Scanias.”
“Not only are they comfortable but their reliability is second to none and are simply the right vehicle for the job”.
With safety high on many agendas; the vehicles come with corner and side sensors and forward and reversing cameras to enhance the fleets safety. “Operating in urban areas this is something we have introduced on all of our bagged fleet. It offers the drivers increased visibility and alerts other road users of our presence, for example when the vehicle is turning it will say vehicle turning left.”
As with the existing Scania fleet, the trucks will be serviced and maintained through TruckEast’s Wellingborough based branch. The dealer has had a long standing service relationship with Whitworth’s covering the Trucks, Trailers and Tankers on fleet. “TruckEast are a class leader when it comes to aftersales service!” comments Mr Spurrier. “The vehicles have very little downtime apart from their 6 weekly inspections and when the odd issue does arise TruckEast are on hand to resolve it quickly and efficiently.”
It is not just G320 rigids joining the fleet, Whitworth Bros Ltd are in the process of taking delivery of a quartet of G450LA 6×2/2 Highlines following a business acquisition in Worksop and the demand for further tractor units on the fleet. These units will come equipped with Gardner Denver hydraulic powder blowers and tipping equipment fitted by TruckEast’s Specialist Services division.
All vehicles are subject to a Contract Hire Agreement with Scania Financial Services. “We choose contract hire for all our trucks for the reason that you can have confidence for the full hire period” adds Mr Spurrier. “We are able to maintain a modern fleet, changing at contract end without impact on our capital. And the residual values are strong too.”
