Bolton-based asphalt and aggregate specialist, A&F Haulage, has put 10 new Volvo FM
8×4 tippers into operation, with a further 20 expected to follow in early 2022. The new
arrivals join 54 existing Volvos in the company’s 104-strong fleet.


Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie
Commercials, the high-specification FMs feature a sleeper cab and Volvo’s D11K Euro 6
engine, producing up to 430 hp and 2,050 Nm of torque, for excellent driveability and low
fuel consumption. They are all mounted with aluminium bodywork by Wilcox Commercial Vehicles and a Dawbarn sheeting system, and will be in operation up to seven days a week, covering approximately 50,000 km per annum.

Paul Southwell, Senior Transport Manager at A&F Haulage, says: “When our owner, Liaqat Ali Majeed, set up the business, he was a Volvo man through and through – so we have always maintained a strong Volvo fleet. And while we have run trucks from other manufacturers, we find none can compete with Volvo when it comes to reliability, or the strength of its dealer network.” Each FM benefits from Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox, which evaluates information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand, to perform every shift with precision.

As well as Volvo’s brand new 12-inch fully dynamic and high-resolution digital instrument display, the trucks all feature a separate 9-inch side touchscreen, providing A&F Haulage drivers with easy access to infotainment, navigation assistance, transport information and camera monitoring. A&F Haulage has also signed a five-year contract to use Volvo’s Dynafleet driver coaching system to further improve vehicle and driver efficiency levels. This smart on-board tool encourages a more fuel-efficient driving technique with a focus on optimal engine usage; braking; cruise control usage; hill driving and engine idle times. Each FM has been fitted with low profile beacons and a full SM UK camera system, helping to reduce accidents and vehicle damage by improving visibility and removing blind spots.

“The new trucks are a combination of fleet additions and replacements and, so far, I have
been very impressed,” adds Southwell. “In particular, our drivers love the high-spec cabs.
It’s fair to say we are really looking forward to taking delivery of a further 20 FMs in the new
year.” The trucks have been supplied with a two-year Volvo Blue Contract which covers
preventative maintenance, designed to increase uptime and ensure a lower total cost of
ownership. A family business, A&F Haulage was founded in 1993 and has grown to a team of more than 125 staff, with all drivers being Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC)
qualified.