18 months ago, Norfolk based W’s Transport didn’t have one Scania within the fleet, but due to availability at the time took a chance with an R 580 V8. Since then the local haulier has not looked back and decided to mark their 20th-anniversary celebrations with a Scania S 650 V8 tractor unit featuring its commemorative and distinct livery.
Specialising in bulk agricultural haulage, family run W’s Transport decided to invest in the Swedish marque following a driving experience event with dealer, TruckEast, in which both Owner, Keith Wright and Transport Manager, Helena Wright attended.
“We’d heard the next generation Scania was that much better, but once we’d got behind the wheel in person it didn’t take long to convince us it really was a fantastic truck. The build quality, specification and drive experience were all on another level,” states Helena.
Combining the drive experience with the service levels they’d received already on the R cab made for a firm decision to place an order with local Sales Manager, James Crouch for a new Scania.
As a celebratory investment, the truck itself was a higher specification than their usual fleet standard. Opting for a Scania S 650 6×2/2 NA Highline, their latest truck is powered by Scania’s mighty 16-litre V8 engine which delivers uncompromising strength of 3,300Nm torque and features pure SCR technology. The largest cab variant in the Scania product line-up it offers maximum space and luxury comforts for its driver. But to really mark the celebrations, W’s Transport applied their unique 20th-anniversary design and added finishing touches such as a Kelsa top bar, low bar and perimeter kit as well as air horns and a catwalk, all fitted by Wisbech based Tranz-Tech Limited.
As with many operators, driver appeal for the fleet is important and although the allocated driver was used to a different marque, it didn’t take long for the next generation Scania to impress.
“It’s sometimes difficult for drivers to adapt from a brand they’ve always driven but we knew they’d love it once they got out on the road,” comments Helena. “Now the driver is raving about it – it’s safe to say they’ve been converted.”
Operating on a nationwide contract and travelling 160,000kms per annum the S 650 provides a second home so it’s important to have both a productive and luxurious work environment. Built with the driver in mind the new S-Series does just that and rises to every occasion. Helena adds “The extended bed and the overall amount of space are brilliant. Not to mention the comfort levels are immense. It’s still early days for us, but so far the performance is fantastic – it pulls just as hard empty as it does loaded.”
The new truck, along with an S 500 delivered the month prior, is on a five-year repair and maintenance agreement. As with their other Scania’s it will be serviced and maintained at TruckEast’s Norwich branch.
Key to TruckEast winning the order has been the reliable performance of the R-Series as well as the customer-focused service of both the dealer’s Sales Manager James Crouch and the service team at Norwich.
“We’ve bought Scania because it’s the right specification, fantastic quality and the reliability that we get is spot on, but equally because of the staff. They are the people that make it all happen,” states Helena.
“Whoever you talk to at TruckEast, whether it’s Ros in service or James our Sales Manager, nothing is ever too much trouble, they jump on things right away and you really get that personal service,” she continues.
Over the last 20 years, the fleet has continued to grow with the business to where they are today. When looking back at how far the business has come, Ws Transport puts its success down to hard work and always remaining focused on its goal.
In recent years, sisters Helena and Kerlina have brought a new level of focus into the business, but the family ethos remains true – priding themselves on providing customers with a personal and dependable service.
