JBS Haulage specs up new Volvo FH Globetrotter XL

A smart new Volvo FH 540 Globetrotter XL 6×2 tractor unit has just joined the fleet of Sittingbourne-based JBS Haulage Contractors.

The general haulage firm runs trucks from several different manufacturers, but said it opted for Volvo for its latest addition due to the driving performance of the FH, plus good product availability.

“I’ve been doing this job for about 30-odd years now and I’ve always been a big Volvo fan,” said Jason Whent, director, JBS Haulage Contractors. “It was the first truck I had when I started as an owner-driver. We have several Volvos currently on the fleet and they never let us down. It’s a good truck, the drivers all like them and it’s no different with this latest FH.

“We tend to change about 10 trucks annually and over the last couple of years it’s been a real challenge to get the vehicles we need – we are absolutely flat-out – so lead time and availability has played a major factor in our purchasing decisions.”

Built on a 4100mm wheelbase, the new FH is powered by a D13K, Euro 6, Step D diesel engine producing 540hp and a maximum torque figure of 2600Nm.

It’s fitted with an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control.

“The I-Shift gearbox is the best on the market by far and it is certainly a very comfy truck to drive,” adds Whent. “We’ve had no complaints from the driver, that’s for sure!”

Its Globetrotter XL cab is kitted out with all the creature comforts required for life on the road. Specified with a Drive+ package, the features include an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, electric air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, tinted glass roof hatch, dual armrests and leather upholstery.

The interior also benefits from a one-bed Living+ package, complete with a reclining bunk with a premium 50mm mattress topper and a luxury sleeper control panel.

Also onboard is 245 litres of rear cab upper storage, a 33-litre under-bunk mounted fridge and a microwave.

Media package with navigation provides onboard infotainment, including DAB radio and a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument cluster with an accompanying secondary colour information display.

The exterior is decked out in JBS Haulage Contractors’ striking blue livery, with Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheel rims adding a glossy touch.

Expected to clock up in the region of 100-120,000km per year, the FH Globetrotter XL will be used for general haulage work, predominantly delivering and collecting materials such as plastic guttering and fascia boards to builders’ merchants across the UK.

Established in 1995, JBS Haulage Contractors currently operates a fleet of more than 50 trucks working out of its headquarters in Sittingbourne, Kent, plus a secondary depot in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.