Owens Group in Llanelli has added 36 new DAF XF 480 six-wheel mid-lift tractors to its fleet, signalling a return to DAF after a 10-year absence.

Fuel returns of circa 10mpg, driver retention and maximum uptime were ‘strong influencers’ in helping to secure the order, it said.

The new ‘FTG’ axle-configuration units, supplied by DAF Dealer Watts Truck & Van in Swansea, consolidate the Owens fleet to just under 400 tractor units and 80 rigids.

Specifically, the new DAF XF’s will operate out of Owens’ locations throughout Wales and the West Midlands.

The new trucks will also be based at Owens’ newest location in Carrington, Manchester, following its acquisition of BTS Haulage in July.

Owens has also undertaken a successful trial with a DAF CF 370 rear-steer 26-tonne 6x2 rigid, which DAF Trucks has loaned to the Transport Association (TA) in its support of industry charity, Transaid.

The initiative means any TA member may use the vehicle in regular service in return for donations to Transaid.

The New CF’s ‘FAN’ 6x2 rear-steer configuration will appeal to a great many TA members, offering operational flexibility and high manoeuvrability for a wide range of applications, it said.

Including its van fleet, Owens operates more than 1,100 vehicles and trailers supporting its logistics, pallet distribution, bulk haulage and express and home delivery fleets.

“We’ve been operating trucks from various marques over the last decade,” said Owens commercial director, Eurof Owen.

“We are replacing some of the fleet and also continuing to grow the fleet as part of our commitment to being 100% Euro VI.

“After trials on a number of different marques the latest DAF XF was a clear winner. The 480bhp engine and Super Space Cab combination really appealed to our drivers and their expert opinion features strongly in the ultimate buying decision.

“Encouragingly, our DAFs on trial returned just under 10.0mpg, and that’s excellent for our operations where we operate up to 44-tonnes GCW and with specialist Tall Boy 4.6-metre (3.1-metre internal height) curtain-sided trailers.

“Our Drivers and fuel economy were strong influencers for us.”

The company also identifies DAF Trucks’ roadside assistance service, DAFaid, as a key benefit to overall operations. “We’ve been impressed with the commitment shown by Watts Truck & Van in Swansea,” added Owen. “That’s backed-up by the already solid reputation of DAFaid.

“We’ve had experience of DAFaid support previously and it remains the benchmark vehicle support and recovery service in the industry. We’re looking forward to forming a strategic long-term partnership with the DAF brand once again.”

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