For the third year in succession, Leicester-based logistics company Widdowson Group has specified Scania as its preferred fleet truck. A total of 21 tractor units have been taken by the company during 2001, taking the Scania complement within its 100-strong fleet to 64.
“Our original decision to opt for Scania was based upon whole-life cost projections and the service levels promised by our local distributor, East Midland Commercials,” says Widdowson Group Technical Director, Harry Hawksworth. “Today, we can confirm the vehicles’ excellent fuel performance is making a significant contribution towards minimising our running costs and that East Midland Commercials is consistently meeting our expectations. We are also extremely satisfied with Scania in terms of reliability, driver comfort and image.”
The trucks delivered to Widdowson Group during 2001 are all Scania R124LA6x2/4NA 420s plated at 41 tonnes gross train weight. Powered by Scania DC12-01 420hp engines driving through Scania GRS900 12-speed plus two crawler gearboxes, these vehicles join the mix of 380 R114 twin-steer tractor units and 220 and 230hp P94 4×2 rigids already in service with the company.
“We are confident the move up in power, with its associated increase in torque, will deliver even better fuel economy at higher operating weights,” continues Mr Hawksworth.
Widdowson Group provides an integrated logistics service for a range of blue chip clients nationwide. It’s tractor units average 100,000 miles a year, with part of the fleet doubled-shifted. Sixteen of the Scania trucks supplied during 2001 are fleet additions. Ten of these have been purchased to fulfil a new contract for Widdowsons while the other six are due to increased overall business levels. The remaining five trucks in the order are fleet replacements.
