Cambridgeshire-based general haulage specialist Swannells Transport has taken delivery of a new Scania R520 6×2/2 V8 tractor unit with Highline cab – which has now become the company’s flagship.
“We are lucky; our drivers are loyal and take great pride in their vehicles,” said company owner, Andrew Swannell. “They are like our extended family and we want to give them a great working environment where they continue to enjoy their job. With the Next Generation Scania, we have just that – you can tell the interior has been designed with the driver’s needs and comfort in mind.
“It all stems down to reliability,” he added. “Being in the haulage industry, I need to rely on my fleet day in, day out – and that means the product and the dealer back-up. I know that if I buy a Scania, I could run it for 10 years or more if I wanted to.
“The longevity is never questioned – if you buy quality, it will last; and when it comes to support, TruckEast have always been there. Nothing is too much trouble.”
Swannells said its next generation Scania signifies a milestone for the business, where sons Edward and George – the next generation themselves – are coming up through the ranks and taking on more responsibility for the future direction of the family firm.
Having been brought up around the business, neither son has wanted to do anything else – and each has strong sights on where they want to take the company.
Operating nationally across the UK with several key clients across a diverse spread of sectors, including a major airline corporation, Swannells said its business was booming – partially due to the mild winter that brought forward seasonal demand.
“Our current site hosts 60,000 square ft of storage facilities with room to expand,” said George. “That’s the way forward for us. As demand continues to grow, so will our warehousing infrastructure. Offering a strong mix of both warehousing and logistics is our aim.”
“Now the next generation is here, if offering advise to my sons, I’d say ‘behind every successful man is a great women’,” said Andrew, whose wife Karen has always played a lead role in the business.
“In all seriousness though, deliver only service that you would expect yourself,” he continued. “Customers appreciate expertise and delivery on the promises you make.”
Like the rest of the fleet, the latest truck will be maintained at Swannells’ own in-house workshop, relying on Ely-based TruckEast as its parts provider.
“It doesn’t make sense really for hauliers of our size to run their own workshop these days; but with roots as a mechanic, I would never have it any other way,” Andrew concluded.
