Suttons Tankers recently deployed its 100th fuels truck, a Volvo FM, in a key milestone for the growing division.
The bulk chemical logistics company has grown services to the fuels and bitumen sectors “exponentially” since entering the market in 2017, and now is a leading provider to fuel distributors and retailers in the United Kingdom, Suttons reported.
Investing in the most appropriate specification and highest quality equipment has been “monumental” in contributing to Suttons’ recent success. With increasing demand and customers located across the U.K., running a state-of-the-art fleet is imperative to ensuring high-quality service. The fuels operation at Suttons runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with vehicles often “double shifted.”
Suttons took delivery of the 100th fuels truck earlier this year. It’s one of four low-cab Volvo FMs with Gardner Denver discharge equipment, the company said. The trucks are 10% more fuel efficient than other units, which reduces CO2 emissions and supports Sutton’s “robust” ESG policy.
The Volvo FM units Suttons typically runs in its fuels operation benefit from a lighter weight, enabling increased payload in the tank, the company added. “All fuels trucks are fully fitted with Microlise telematics, which monitor driving style, as well as having full outward facing camera systems,” Steve Hassall, Suttons fleet director, said in a news release.
The company has invested $6.3 million in “optimum” equipment over the last two years.
“With drivers at the heart of our business, we specify our fleet on the requirements of the customer and product, but also seek feedback from our drivers on how to make their working environment as comfortable as possible,” Hassall said.
Furthermore, modern fleet investments reduce maintenance costs, Suttons asserted. The company’s replacement program is decreasing downtime, helping elevate customer satisfaction through improve performance levels.
“Our trucks are run day and night so ensuring we can deliver our promise to customers is paramount,” said David Heath, Suttons head of fuels. “Having the latest specification of trucks, coupled with high-performing, in-house workshops, ensures we minimize the potential for service delays.”