MC’s reputation for customer service has won them an order for two FH-500 6x4 tractors from Sunseeker International in Poole
Our readers should watch out for feature articles in the current issues of 'Trucking' magazine and 'Inside Lane' to read about how MC Truck and Bus customer Sunseeker International is using two FH-500 6x4 tractor units to move multi-million pound megayachts from their factories in Poole, Dorset, to the London Boat Show and ports around the UK for onward shipment to customers all over the world.
In addition, they are also used to move equipment and materials between Sunseeker’s eight manufacturing sites in the Poole area.
MC are praised by Sunseeker International’s Transport and Export Manager Mark Garside for their reliable back up and good all round service. Here is an extract from what he had to say in the articles: “We need reliability as a first priority and speed of service response is as important. Volvo’s Southampton and Blandford locations suit us perfectly. Blandford is only 12 miles away and the service level is well up to what we’re looking for.”
Mark Garside also points out that abnormal loads, the Sunseeker megayachts are up to 48 metres long, demand abnormal service levels and a swift response to a Volvo Action Service call is essential. However, Mark says that he is confident in the back-up he receives from MC and so far the Volvos have just kept rolling. The trucks, which were supplied via MC’s Southampton Dealerpoint, are on Contract Hire for six years with the option to renegotiate mid way through when the mileage can be assessed.
In both articles, Mark Garside is clear on the reasons he chose the Volvo FH above other makes: “We need the prestige of the Sunseeker brand to be reflected in everything we do and there’s little more on public display than our transport choice. People see the boat on the move and it’s an arresting sight for sure, but the truck has to look the part as well. We have run Scanias in the past but they have simply become just too expensive.”
Mark says that he also consulted his drivers on the choice of truck and on the spec. They looked at Volvo, MAN, Daf and Renault, but the joint decision went to Volvo and the pair of FH13-500 6x4s started work in January and February this year. Mark explains: “Even though we don’t do high mileage - between 50,000k and 60,000k a year - driver comfort is important to us and the Volvo scores highly.”
To look after the drivers, the FH-500 spec includes Volvo’s Driver Plus package with a single bunk. Such luxuries as climate control, leather upholstery, central locking and eye-level info display all help to make the drivers environment a relaxing one. Technical spec includes 6x4 chassis with 23 tonne single reduction rear end, 3.2m wheelbase, rear air suspension and the 12 speed I-Shift gearbox which has gone down well with both the artic drivers.
Keith Webb, truck salesman from MC Truck & Bus in Southampton said, “The drivers were given a pretty free hand with these trucks and they certainly look the part. I’m delighted to see an FH in the Sunseeker International livery. These units will be supported and maintained at Blandford. I know that other makes they looked at are based in Poole, but our product and service won the day.”
