Bruce Johnston, Workshop Manager at Coille Haulage, says: “It’s the first time we’ve used Asset Alliance Group, and they did us a great contract hire deal. It means we have the peace of mind of new trucks that we can rely on for our demanding work, and as they come with repair and maintenance included, we only handle the fuel and tyres.
“We were so impressed with our experience with Asset Alliance Group, and the support from Sales Compliance Manager Kerry Anne Grogan and the team at Newmains, that we’ve ordered a third truck with the same specification, which should be on the road in the next few months.”
Running at the 44-tonne weight limit, often in demanding off-road conditions, the Volvos will average 120,000km a year.
The FHs come with Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, Kelsa light bars and Michelin’s heavy-duty X Works tyres. The tag axle trucks are equipped with front and rear air suspension to ensure a uniform load across the axles while moving heavy loads.
As the firm’s drivers are often away overnight, the new Volvos have been specified with spacious Globetrotter cabs and a selection of comfort features including fridge, microwave, coffee maker, parking heater and a wide bed.
Additional painting and stickers for the trucks were handled by Alan Dougan in Auchterarder, and the Volvo’s bear the names, Wee Arran and Lady Marina, respectively on their fronts. This continues the firm’s tradition of featuring family and friends.
Established 35 years ago by Allan Johnston, the family firm based in Lochgilphead, Argyll, counts on Allan’s wife Mhairi Johnston, sons Bruce and Adam and Bruce’s wife Charlotte, to keep the 22-strong fleet of predominately Volvo trucks on task pulling a mix of trailers.