This month saw TWT Logistics Ltd take delivery of another 6 new DAF vehicles; 4 XF480FTG Super Space Cab Tractor units and 2 CF290FA Space Cab curtain-siders.
They join a mixed fleet of more than 90 vehicles, of which DAF makes up about 50%, servicing a number of industries both nationally and internationally.
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Started in the late 1980s TWT Logistics Ltd originally started off dealing in the print industry and very quickly built themselves an excellent reputation for handling time critical consignments. Working practices were soon established at the heart of the company’s service culture, enabling it to develop tailor made logistics solutions for many blue-chip organisations and more than 30 years later, the company has diversified and grown still further.
Important to the owners at TWT Logistics is the efficiency, safety and comfort of their vehicles. With fuel prices high, getting maximum performance from their vehicles is essential. That’s why all their newer vehicles are kitted out with telematics, allowing the company to check that they are getting the best performance from their vehicles. Driver training also plays a big part in obtaining those efficiencies. In-house training courses provide the most up to date information about adjusting driving practices according to vehicle as well as the geography surrounding regular client deliveries.
Safety features also play a big part in all new vehicles ordered. A substantial amount of money is spent on ensuring that the most up to date safety features are in place to help their drivers and other road users. White noise reversing alarms, 4-way cameras and windows in the lower parts of the passenger side door to enable drivers to see other lower road users are all fitted on new vehicles ordered.
Talking about safety and good practice, Trevor Taylor, Managing Director of TWT Logistics said “We are a member of the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS). We are currently a bronze member and are well on our way to getting to silver.”
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
Whilst still voluntary and currently mainly beneficial for the building trade site work and for work in Greater London, it is the belief that in future, there could be a compulsory requirement to hold a FORS accreditation when doing any work in larger cities. It is also the belief that some of these higher safety standards that are currently in place at TWT Logistics, may well become qualifying factors in obtaining the silver FORS accreditation. “There isn’t currently a need to have the more stringent higher safety specification to obtain a basic FORS accreditation” said Trevor, “but we feel that it’s the way things will go. We are always striving to be a leader in innovation and so we are trying to stay one step ahead. Some people who already have accreditation may find themselves having to try and retrofit some of these safety measures.”
Finally, driver comfort is the reason that TWT Logistics Ltd always have top of the range Super Space cabs. The nature of the business means that for the longer trips drivers are doing everything in their cabs. “The more luxurious cabs mean that even if you’re 6 feet 6 inches tall, you can stand up inside to dress etc.” said Trevor. “There are driver shortages and we know that if we give our drivers the best cabs and look after our staff, we are more likely to retain them.”
Whilst the fleet is a mixed fleet of curtain-siders mainly, approximately 50% of it is DAF. The longevity, efficiency value for money and comfort of the vehicles is one thing, but the service received from the dealer also goes some way to explain why TWT Logistics keep returning to purchase DAFs.
Originally buying from Cardiff Truck, who were bought by Watts Truck & Van, TWT Logistics have been buying DAF vehicles for more than 25 years. “The service we get from Watts is second to none” said Trevor “I’ve known Ben Adams, the Sales Manager and Simon Griffin, the Dealer Principal, for some time now and the service is excellent.”
The most recent additions to the fleet are the last few of a number of orders placed over the last 12 months and they have premium specifications for that driver retention.
“Watts are very responsive,” said Trevor “if you’ve got questions they get right back to you. If I had to sum up their service, I could do it one word – impeccable!”
For more information about TWT Logistics Ltd and the services they offer, visit their website at www.twt-logistics.com
