Steel stockholder, K Steels, is mid-way through a DAF fleet replacement programme following recent deliveries of five DAF LF 260 FA 18-tonne rigids and a 26-tonne CF 320 FAN rear-steer rigid. Two more trucks are scheduled for delivery in January with the objective to have in place a 100% DAF fleet of 15 vehicles by 2022.
Supplied by local DAF Dealer, Lancashire DAF, vehicles are fitted with bespoke bodywork with reinforced bulkheads by Richard Wilkinson & Sons based locally in Chatburn. Vehicles operate out of K Steels’ locations in Rossendale, Lancashire, and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, distributing flat steel products, box-sections and beams. Typically, the 18-tonne DAF LFs carry a 9.5-tonne payload.
The switch to the market-leading DAF marque comes after a whole-life evaluation programme in 2017 which resulted in DAF offering potentially significant cost savings. Real-world results have since delivered on this potential with the decision taken shortly after to replace the whole fleet.
Like any own-account operator, K Steels’ success is based on efficiency and, above all, reliability. The company’s Managing Director, Richard Howarth, says, “Our service to our customers is only as good as the vehicles we operate. Once the truck is loaded with product, we simply cannot afford to face operational issues on the road, and the move to DAF has, thus far, provided us with real peace-of-mind. A reputable distribution service,” he says, “has kept us competitive for over 60 years.”
“Our drivers really like the DAF LF,” adds Howarth,” and so too do our workshop technicians. With Lancashire DAF in support too, I’m very satisfied with the transport package from DAF.
