A truck chosen for cost, driver and performance appeal

A truck chosen for cost, driver and performance appealContinuous performance, driver appeal and overall life costs prompted UK operator Chiltern Cold Storage to invest in new generation Scania trucks.

“In this industry, driver recruitment and retention is an issue we all have to live with, but this is made so much easier by having a modern fleet with a good specification,” says Managing Director, Paul Jackson. “With Scania, the drivers just love the product. It’s a strong performer out on the road and offers a great working environment. In the new cabs it’s even more impressive.”

Scania uptime and reliability are crucial

Specialising in custom transport solutions for ambient, frozen and chilled distribution, Chiltern Cold Storage is heavily reliant on fleet uptime to meet the all-important time constraints that are central to these types of deliveries. Unsurprisingly, reliability plays a crucial role for the company when selecting its fleet, and Scania has proved its worth time and time again, making it the predominant brand in Chiltern’s 46-strong line-up.

The latest additions, supplied by UK Scania dealer TruckEast, are two Scania R 450 Highline trucks. A real head-turner in their simplistic yet striking white and blue livery, the two new generation trucks are the first to enter Chiltern’s fleet; they will be followed by a further three before the end of this year.

Last year Chiltern took delivery of 13 current generation models. The company has been a firm advocate of what it felt was already a great product, but it’s even happier now. “With the new generation, Scania has by far surpassed themselves. It’s a smoother drive, the gearbox and engine capability have improved and the noise – well that’s just another level of quiet,” states Jackson.

Trucks’ impressive whole-life cost and fuel returns

Pulling brand new multi-temp fridge trailers, the Scania R 450 trucks will operate nationally throughout the UK and are already reported to be achieving 23.5 litres/100 km on some trips.

Paul Jackson explains “Fuel returns so far are impressive, but that’s just one element. For me it’s got to be about the whole life cost ­– the quality of the product, its reliability and the dealer back-up we get are just as important.”