International transport and logistics haulier Fly By Nite has added another five 4×2 DAF XF 480 FT low-deck tractor units to its fleet.
Redditch-based Fly By Nite, which works extensively in the entertainment and events sector now has 160 tractor units and rigids in its fleet, of which about 75% are DAFs.
Richard Brown, transport manager at Fly By Nite, said: “This business is all about reliability. We can’t phone up a major star’s production manager and say, ‘We’re terribly sorry, we’re running a day or two late’. It’s a business where failure simply isn’t an option – so we don’t fail!
“It’s why we focus on premium brands of truck, and of those we have opted heavily in favour of DAF. They are just very good products, and, if we should need support, DAF back-up across Europe is great. Then, the roominess and comfort of the Super Space Cabs make them a great favourite with our drivers, and our drivers are important to us, a vital part of making sure the show always goes on. So, because they can be gone for weeks at a time, we give them the best cabs and all the best in-cab equipment we can.”
The new DAFs have been fitted with forward and near-side cameras, as well as audible turning warnings. Though very little of the operator’s work is London-centred, the specification comfortably fits the proposed Safe System Permit requirements. It just makes sense to us,” adds Brown. “The work we do is very specialised, so being equipped to high standards on the safety front comes into its own every time. Especially when we’re operating in and around large crowds of people who might not be paying the greatest attention to their own safety.”
Fuel economy was another consideration for Fly By Nite – although the trucks only do up to 100,000 kilometres per year – and the DAFs are providing a return of close to 10 mpg. With the low mileage, the trucks should be on the road for many years to come. Brown said that the company still has some 09 plate DAFs on the road.
