Veterans into Logistics, a charity which specialises in helping former military personnel
to re-train for a career in the logistics sector, has replaced its ageing fleet of three HGV
driver training vehicles with modern Volvo trucks.
The new vehicles comprise an FH 460 LNG Globetrotter 6×2 tractor unit donated by Volvo
Trucks UK & Ireland, along with a tandem-axle box van trailer donated by Asda. At the same
time a grant from the Veterans’ Foundation has enabled the purchase of a second identical
tractor unit and trailer, plus a diesel-powered 18-tonne Volvo FL 250 4×2 rigid.
Veterans into Logistics will now use the three Volvos to replace its aging fleet, which will be
used to help around 150 new HGV drivers train and qualify for a new career each year upon
leaving the British Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.
Uniquely for a driver training provider, both FH tractor units will be fuelled on LNG, which
reduces CO 2 emissions compared with diesel – whilst still benefitting from the same power
and driveability as a regular diesel-powered FH.
John Harker MBE, General Manager of Veterans into Logistics, says: “We desperately
needed to modernise our training fleet and Volvo Trucks, Asda and the Veterans’ Foundation
jointly stepped up at the perfect time. Their generosity has been incredible, with the new
trucks and trailers ticking every box.
“Our Mission is to secure voluntary funds to provide HGV driver training for veterans, then
guide them into well-paid careers with respected logistics partners. To accomplish this, we
need quality training vehicles we can rely on. To say the new vehicles will be working hard
for us is an understatement!”
Formed in 2020 by former gunner and paratrooper for the Royal Artillery, Darren Wright,
Veterans into Logistics has already transformed the lives of countless ex-service personnel,
equipping them with the skills they need to carve out a new career.
Harker adds: “For some, the crossover into civilian life can be daunting and a real
challenge. Going from roles where they are valued and make a huge difference, some
veterans can start to question their worth, feel isolated and undervalued.
“At Veterans into Logistics we mentor and support them to take the next step in their lives.
We understand the apprehension and upheaval that lies ahead, but the guidance we provide
helps prepare them for the future – with expert training and the prospects of a very good
career in the logistics sector, where HGV drivers are in high demand.”
All three vehicles are Volvo Approved grade models, which represent trucks of very good
quality, selected from Volvo Used Trucks’ extensive stock. The two tractor units arrive fresh
from four years’ service with a major high street DIY chain, offering the reassurance of having
been serviced and maintained by the Volvo Trucks dealer network from day one under a top
tier Volvo Gold Contract, fitting only Genuine Volvo Parts.
Carl White, Used Truck Director for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “We heard Veterans
into Logistics was looking for a new training vehicle and we wanted to help. After identifying
the perfect truck, we set about preparing it as we would any Volvo Approved customer
vehicle, with an intermediate service, tachograph calibration, comprehensive 200-point
inspection, full cosmetic check, and professional valet. The two vehicles funded by the
Veterans Foundation have since followed precisely the same preparation process.”
The trucks will operate predominantly in the North West of England, with both LNG-powered
tractor units refuelling at Asda’s regional distribution centre in Rochdale.
Volvo Trucks donated the initial vehicle in memory of former colleague Stuart Bird, who sadly
passed away earlier this year. Stuart was a Technical Manager for Volvo Used Trucks and
had been part of the team since joining the business in 2006, after a career of more than 13
years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, which provides engineering
support to maintain and repair the vast array of British Army equipment.
The Veterans’ Foundation grant comes courtesy of its generous supporters, who, through
donations, legacies and the 100,000+ playing the Veterans’ Lottery, have supported over
400 different charitable organisations all over the UK with almost £17 million in grant awards
since 2016.
