Shipping container and rail freight specialist, Newell & Wright Transport, has taken delivery of six new XG 450 three-axle tractor units – the first DAFs in its fleet since 2019.
The new tractors – which feature the manufacturer’s ‘FTG’ 6×2 axle configuration – join the 105-vehicle operation following encouraging fuel trials.
The current fuel average across the new XG units stands at more than 10.5 mpg, representing an almost 20% improvement in economy over previous DAF models, equating to a saving of over 5,200-litres of fuel per vehicle.
DAF’s New Generation XG cab has excellent visibility boosted by its low belt-line, low dashboard and passenger door window.
With a move into rail freight in 2016, NWT has drastically reduced its carbon footprint, cutting road miles by about 35%.
The company operates out of two rail heads at Sheffield and Rotherham, handling 37 trains every week to Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe.
NWT, which was founded more than 50 years ago, purchased the new DAF fleet outright.
The company performs its own vehicle repair and maintenance, and vehicle recovery, from its Tinsley, Sheffield, facility.
Group Operations Director, Stephen Newell, said: “We had some efficiency issues with previous DAFs, but the New Generation product is delivering considerably better fuel results and continuing to improve.
“Our trucks are double-shifted. They run locally during the day and then onto distance work overnight. Other than weekends, the engines are running pretty much 24-hours a day. Like all fleets, fuel is the biggest overhead, so we’re very sensitive to any fluctuations in economy.”
