The largest privately-owned logistics company in the UK is thought to also be the biggest operator of the DAF FTP models of tractor units worldwide
Cambridgeshire-based haulage firm Turners (Soham) has taken delivery of its 700th specialised DAF XF 450 FTP truck to meet the requirements of the highly flexible, fast growing East of England-based business specialising in temperature control, tanker operations, storage, warehousing and container distribution. The tractor unit from the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk based DAF family-owned dealership Chassis Cab has been added to the 1750-strong fleet which makes Turners the largest privately-owned logistics company in the UK and the largest operator of this model worldwide.
The DAF FTP - sporting its own personal plate T700 FTP - was purchased outright from Chassis Cab. It features a PACCAR MX-11 Euro 6 emissions-compliant engine, luxury SpaceCab,
ZF TraXon gearbox and Drivers Performance Assist to help the driver to operate the truck to the best fuel economy. The truck – voted International Truck of the Year 2018 - will cover over 100,000km per year. A variety of other DAF models have also been purchased by Turners ranging from FTG XFs for use up to 44 tonnes gross combination weight; down to FA LF Models for up to 18 tonnes gross weight and fitted with fuel tanker bodies.
Tim King, Group Fleet Engineer of Turners (Soham), said: ‘Turners is a name now synonymous with transport and logistics. Our nationwide operations cover the movement of containers, chilled and refrigerated product distribution and tankers carrying liquids and bulk materials.’
‘We cover all product sectors including food, building materials and fuels and we are highly committed to evolving the quality services we offer.’
‘Our continuous investment in DAF trucks shows our allegiance to the brand and our commitment to keep our fleet in premium condition. The DAF FTP is a top-performer; probably the best lightweight truck ever. It is the optimal truck for weight sensitive work and we are proud to be one of the top buyers worldwide.’
‘As we prepare to leave the EU, we are in the strongest position possible to make the most of any additional trading opportunities or challenges that may present themselves. Business is what you make it – and we have the drive to grow our operation still further through the months and years ahead.’
Founded in 1930, Turners (Soham) Limited is today one of the largest independently-owned transport and distribution businesses in the UK. It specialises in bulk tanker and temperature-controlled work and runs trucks from 32 locations in the UK. Eighty years on and the company is a UK leader in supply chain solutions.
With over 2000 full time employees, it also has six subsidiary companies: PPL, Pro-Fresh Solutions, Browns, Lewis Tankers, Macintyre Transport and Goldstar. The company’s turnover in 2017 was £400m.
Paul Franklyn, Regional Sales Manager at DAF Trucks, delivered the latest truck to Turners on behalf of Chassis Cab Cambridge. This was just before his retirement, from a career spanning 30 years at DAF Trucks, both in Sales & After Sales. He said: ‘Turners is such a successful family haulage business – its growth has been unprecedented and we are delighted that DAF Trucks has played such a key role in the company’s development. It has been a pleasure to work with clients like Turners and to support the work of dealerships such as Chassis Cab. Both businesses are family run and highly respected in the East of England. It’s good to know that collectively we are keeping products rolling - around the UK and beyond - in the greenest and most efficient way.’
