GSL’s Volvo fleet boost marks 30th year in business

Anglesey-based haulier Gwynedd Shipping (GSL) is taking delivery of 23 Euro 6 Volvo FH tractor units from Deeside dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, as it celebrates its 30th year in business.

GSL’s managing director Andrew Kinsella said that the company and marketplace had changed significantly during those thirty years – adding that the haulier’s close relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials, which supplies and maintains all GSL’s Volvos, was a key reason for its continuing to purchase the marque.

The latest trucks were specified with Volvo’s 13-litre, D13K engine rated at 460hp. They were also supplied with Volvo’s Uptime Assurance, Dynafleet telematics and a Gold R&M contract. Thomas Hardie Commercials also provides an ongoing programme of driver training.

“The support package from Thomas Hardie Commercials is very important to us,” said Andrew Kinsella.“Working with the same people over time ensures they develop an understanding of our business and also our service level requirements.”

Thomas Hardie Commercials is committed to fitting the Gold contract R&M schedule around the operator’s needs – while the fitment of Dynafleet is said to help improve uptime and the maintaining of compliance, as it allows the dealer’s Deeside workshops to be aware of premature wear in a range of components on the trucks.

Thomas Hardie Commercials has its own ATF MOT lane, and prepares and presents GSL’s vehicles and 600 trailers for testing. Two Thomas Hardie Commercials technicians are dedicated to maintenance of the GSL trailers. In addition, two DVSA MOT testers are also based at the Deeside on-site ATF.

Thomas Hardie Commercials reports that its first time pass rate for GSL’s tractor units and trailers is currently 99.8 per cent.

“Our view is that compliance equals efficiency,” says Andrew Kinsella. “Maintaining a ‘Green’ rating on the OCRS system is vital. We work very closely with Thomas Hardie Commercials to drive best practice throughout the transport operation in all areas, especially maintenance and safety.”