Blakemore Fresh Foods have taken delivery of a new Volvo FE-280 truck. The 6×2, rear-steer rigid is plated for operation at 26-tonnes and replaces a 23-tonne predecessor, in line with the West Midlands-based national meat supplier’s policy of increasing vehicle tonnage rather than fleet numbers, without sacrificing ease of handling in urban areas.

“We’re a long-standing user of Volvo Trucks,” says Operations Director, Bob Cash. “Everything we’ve had from them has been very reliable and we get a very good service from (supplying Dealer) Hartshorne Motor services at Walsall. Historically, Volvo have done the business for us.”

Despite the 13% increase in tonnage, the truck’s manoeuvrability has received particular praise. “The driver loves it,” says Bob, “and the rear–steer axle has been especially effective for deliveries in tight yards and urban areas. It can cope with all the roads we use it on: national deliveries from Scotch corner to the South coast ending at the doors of individual high street butchers.”

As well as a 280hp version of Volvo’s Euro 5-compliant D7F engine, the truck features a 6-speed manual gearbox and Day cab. The bodywork – a Gray Adams refrigerated box – is equipped with internal rails for hanging carcasses and a D’Hollandia DH-IV meat hoist.

Hartshorne at Walsall will continue their relationship with Blakemore Fresh Foods by performing all repair and maintenance work on the vehicle during an operational lifespan which Bob estimates at five years.

1. Blakemore Fresh Foods is among the UK’s leading wholesale meat suppliers, with a turnover in excess of £17m.
2. The company is a division of AF Blakemore and Son Ltd. and operates from a purpose-built HQ at Willenhall, W. Midlands.
3. AF Blakemore and Son Ltd. is among the country’s leading food service, retail and distribution companies; in addition to Fresh Foods and other distribution, it offers retailers services ranging from shop-fitting to print as well as operating over 200 Spar stores.