Felixstowe-based container haulage operator Martello Transport has invested in 25 new Volvo FH Aero 460 6×2 tractor units, strengthening its relationship with the Swedish manufacturer and increasing the number of Volvo trucks operating within its nationwide transport fleet.
The latest delivery brings the number of Volvo vehicles operated by Martello Transport to approximately 70, representing the majority of its fleet of around 90 trucks.
Supplied by Matt Kubot, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new tractor units will be deployed on container movements between major UK ports, distribution centres and customer premises.
The trucks will typically operate five days a week, each covering approximately 150,000 km annually. Martello expects to retain them for at least four years, placing considerable importance on fuel efficiency, reliability and whole-life operating costs.
Volvo FH Aero selected for demanding container haulage work
Martello Transport was established in 2017 and provides container haulage services throughout the UK, operating from major ports and logistics hubs.
Its transport activities require tractor units capable of handling high annual mileages, with vehicles spending much of their working lives on the motorway and strategic road network.
For the operator, the decision to expand its Volvo fleet reflects previous experience with the manufacturer’s products, alongside driver preference and residual values.
Danny Huwen, Director at Martello Transport, says:
“We’ve built a strong relationship with Volvo Trucks and that’s reflected in the scale of our investment in the brand. Its trucks consistently deliver the reliability, fuel efficiency and driver appeal we need from vehicles operating across a demanding nationwide haulage network.
“The FH Aero is a natural fit for our fleet because our business depends on delivering a dependable, efficient service to customers all over the UK. The combination of excellent fuel economy, strong driver acceptance and the backing of Volvo’s repair and maintenance support gives us complete confidence in the whole package.”
Volvo Connect supports fleet management
Alongside the vehicle specification, Martello Transport uses Volvo Connect to monitor and manage aspects of its fleet operation.
The digital fleet management platform provides information covering vehicle location, fuel efficiency and driver behaviour.
Access to this data allows transport managers to examine operating performance, identify opportunities to reduce fuel consumption and monitor vehicle activity across the company’s nationwide network.
With the new trucks expected to cover a combined 3.75 million km annually, fuel consumption and vehicle availability will be significant factors in their operating costs.
Four-year fleet life backed by Volvo Gold Contract
All 25 new FH Aeros are covered by Volvo Gold Contracts, providing preventive maintenance and repair support through the manufacturer’s service network.
For Martello, this arrangement forms part of its approach to maintaining vehicle reliability while controlling maintenance requirements over the trucks’ expected operating life.
The company intends to keep the vehicles for at least four years, during which each tractor unit could cover approximately 600,000 km at the stated annual mileage.
Across the complete order, that represents a potential 15 million km of operation over four years.
The investment reinforces Volvo’s position as Martello Transport’s principal truck supplier, with the manufacturer now accounting for approximately 70 of the operator’s 90 vehicles.
For a container haulage business working across the UK’s major ports and distribution networks, the latest delivery combines high-mileage diesel technology, aerodynamic improvements and fleet management systems in a specification intended to support efficient long-distance operations.
More Information
Martello Transport
Established in 2017, Martello Transport specialises in container haulage services across the UK, serving major ports, logistics hubs and customer sites.
www.martellotransport.co.uk
Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, supported by a nationwide dealer, maintenance and repair network.
www.volvotrucks.co.uk
