Ipswich-based warehousing and transport firm, GMA Warehousing & Transport, has taken delivery of two DAF XF 510 FTG Super Space Cabs to keep pace with the company’s highly flexible, fast growing warehousing, transport and cargo business. The 6×2 XF tractor units were supplied by the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk based family-owned DAF Dealer, Chassis Cab; the first time the British-built DAF brand has been added to GMA’s 30-strong multi-marque UK fleet.
GMA, founded in 1987, has grown to boast 250,000 sq ft of warehousing space and a staff of 97, focusing on import, export and cargo handling from two sites – the main headquarters in Ipswich and also in Walton Avenue, Felixstowe. GMA’s dedicated fleet of vehicles and trailers – in striking white and blue livery – include a full range of models, from LCVs to maximum weight 44-tonne artics, reflecting the diverse nature of GMA’s business.
The new DAF trucks are powered by PACCAR MX-13 510bhp Euro-6 engines coupled to an AS-tronic automated gearbox. Drivers will benefit from a luxury Super Space Cab with Driver Performance Assistant (DPA) to help maximise efficiency. The DAF XF – voted Motor Transport Fleet Truck of the Year 2016 – comes with a two-year warranty and a three-year driveline.
GMA Transport Manager, Peter Bennett, said, “Our nationwide operation covers the movement of containers, product distribution, cargo handling and storage. We cover a multitude of product sectors and the news is that business is as fast-moving as ever.
“Our investment in the new DAF trucks show that, as well as looking at the comfort of our drivers, we are, as always, keeping a close eye on operational costs and efficiency. They are award-winning, clean emission, fuel efficient trucks with a reputation that is second to none – and we are delighted to have them on the fleet.
“We are all looking at the future to see how we can grow the business both organically and through acquisition. Warehousing and transport usually grow in direct correlation to each other and we are keen to find out what Brexit will mean. It could mean a sharp change in the level of business in either direction and so we need to remain flexible. At the moment, the feeling is one of more stability than we had first expected – and so in some ways we welcome the challenges ahead.”
David Scarff at Chassis Cab, said, “We are extremely proud of this conquest sale to GMA. When operators try a new brand, they have usually done their homework and the statistics all show that the XF is the flagship long-haul truck and the preferred choice of the majority of operators throughout the UK. The drivers have been very happy with the new Super Space cab specifications – and are deserving of such luxury. The combined performance and efficiency advantages together with the 24/7 around the clock support package makes this the ultimate truck for the long haul.”
