FM Conway, a leading infrastructure services provider and the largest manufacturer of asphalt in the south-east of England, has taken delivery of six new DAF XF 530 6x2 tractor units – replacing DAF-competitor models within FM Conway’s aggregate and asphalt division.
The new XF 530 fleet was supplied by local DAF dealer Channel Commercials, a decision influenced by several key factors, primarily cost-effectiveness, with DAF offering a competitive whole-life pricing structure. Additionally, the proximity of Channel Commercials' operations to FM Conway's Sevenoaks headoffice ensures minimal downtime while providing round-the-clock support to keep the fleet operational. Safety was also key to the choice of vehicle specification.
Steve James, senior transport manager at FM Conway, emphasised the significance of the relationship with DAF. He said: “The new DAF fleet will be integral to our operations, hauling bulk aggregate trailers to deliver materials to our asphalt plants. This investment aligns with our strategy to support our customers' needs with a focus on reliability and safety.”
With on-road safety a key concern for operators, and particularly in the south-east with respect to the impending changes to London's Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in October 2024, the new DAF XF tractors comply with three-star DVS requirement, DAF Digital Vision advanced camera system and passenger door lower window to enhance driver vision.
“The trucks are three-star DVS compliant straight from the factory,” said Steve. “The XF cab provides excellent optical view for our drivers, which is crucial for operating safely in urban environments. The new XF fleet has met with a very positive reaction from our drivers.”