Alliance Flooring Distribution (ADL) has extended its partnership with Volvo Trucks, acquiring 11 new FH Aero 460 6×2 tractor units. The vehicles join a fleet already containing 39 Volvos, including five electric models – a rapid expansion since the customer acquired its first trucks from the marque just two years ago.
Supplied by Jamie Stanley, Area Sales Manager, Hartshorne Group, the Volvo FH Aeros will join ADL’s daily delivery fleet, supplying the business’s wide array of flooring products to customers throughout the UK.
Phil Yates, Managing Director, ADL, says: “Volvo now represents around 30 per cent of our fleet, whereas two years ago we had none, so the change has been significant. The performance we’ve already seen with our first FH Aeros, plus our FLs FMs and FM Electrics, played an important part in that shift, with each model proving its value quickly and earning the confidence of the entire team.
“Build quality and reliability were at the top of our list of priorities for this latest order, and the FH Aero has demonstrated both since we acquired our first unit in 2024. Our drivers have also given consistently strong feedback. They describe the FH Aero as easy to handle and comfortable over long shifts.”
Engineering focused on aerodynamics and fuel savings
ADL’s FH Aeros each feature a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine that relies on turbo compounding to produce up to 460 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm, paired with a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control to yield significant sustainability benefits.
The traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced by Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS), helping to boost aerodynamic performance. The system increases the driver’s field of view, and when driving with a trailer, CMS deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. CMS also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, in direct sunlight, and even when driving in tunnels.
Each truck’s Globetrotter cab has been fully kitted out with numerous creature comforts, including fully electronic air conditioning with carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, dual armrests, microwave, fridge and leather upholstery.
The FH Aeros will be on the road five days per week, delivering the business’ products across the UK, and clocking up approximately 100,000 km annually across the next five years. All the trucks are covered by a Volvo Gold Contract, guaranteeing maximum uptime and peace of mind.
Boasting more than 25 years of industry experience, ADL operates from four strategically located distribution sites across the UK, with facilities also in Hartlepool, Hemel Hempstead and Newbridge. The business also holds nationwide capacity to store more than 50,000 rolls of soft flooring, artificial grass and rolled vinyl, plus 10,000 pallets.
