Stuart Nicol Transport sticks with Volvo with four FH Aero trucks

Lanarkshire-based Stuart Nicol Transport has continued its long-standing relationship with Volvo Trucks by placing an order for four new FH Aero tractor units featuring an array of specifications. By leveraging the breadth of range offered by Volvo, the customer has tailored its axle configurations, power outputs, cab sizes and interior specifications to suit particular use cases and driver preferences. Supplied by Jordan Stokes, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck and Bus North & Scotland, the order includes three Globetrotter XL cabs and one top-of-the-range Globetrotter XXL cab; turbo compound technology; full air suspension; and lightweight pusher, twin tag and tag axles.

The first truck to arrive - a Volvo FH Aero 460 Globetrotter XL 6x2 tractor unit featuring I-Save tech - is already hard at work and is expected to clock up to 300,000 km annually operating up to seven days a week. Owner, Stuart Nicol, says: "When the FH Aero launched, we didn't hesitate - and we're very glad we didn't! The fuel performance out of the box has been mightily impressive, with our first FH Aero already yielding one mile-per-gallon more than the vehicle it replaced.

To think that as the trucks bed in we could see even better results is very promising. "We have a long and healthy relationship with Volvo, and it's one that we really value. The reliability of its trucks, combined with its product innovation, gives us the confidence to keep building on that partnership."

Stuart Nicol's Volvo FH Aeros will each be powered by Euro-6 compliant D13 Step E engines. In addition to the turbo compound 460 hp model, the business has also opted for one 540 hp and two 500 hp standard powertrains. All four specifications feature a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox, which enables seamless gear changes in a fraction of a second and smooth acceleration.

Comfort has been maximised across the board, with the company's first FH Aero setting the standard for the remaining order thanks to a Drive+ package. This sees the truck's cab fitted with leather upholstery, dual armrests on both the driver and passenger seats, and adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt plus fully electronic air conditioning with carbon filter and sun, mist air quality sensors. Additional efficiency gains are unlocked on the initial tractor unit via Volvo's Camera Monitoring System (CMS).

Replacing traditional exterior mirrors, the CMS increases the driver's field of view and, when driving with a trailer, deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. The technology also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, direct sunlight and even when driving in tunnels. "Making sure our drivers are comfortable and well looked after is a big priority for us and the FH Aero has definitely delivered on that front," adds Nicol. "There was a bit of an adjustment at first in moving away from traditional mirrors, but they have adapted quickly and now our drivers really appreciate the improved visibility and reduced blind spots.

"The cab layout is intuitive, the ride is smooth, and even small touches like reduced noise levels make a noticeable difference. It is clear Volvo has put a lot of thought into the working environment." The trucks join a 70-strong commercial vehicle fleet, of which half are Volvo-supplied.

The final three vehicles are due to join the fleet in 2025, with all four expected to remain in operation for at least six years.
Founded in 2004 with just a single truck, today Stuart Nicol Transport operates throughout the UK from its head office in Shotts, completing general haulage deliveries and collections as well as overnight trunking work.