FRANS Maas, one of the UK's leading freight forwarding and global logistics companies, has replaced its mega cube tractive fleet with 17 DAF XF95 Space Cab tractors. The trucks will serve the seven day a week, round the clock, automotive and logistics operations out of their Tilbury depot. The DAFs will be delivering car parts for automotive clients between locations in Belgium, Holland, France and the UK. Each truck is expected to cover in excess of 180,000 kilometres a year.

The XF95s feature the AS-tronic automatic transmission matched to DAF's 12.6 litre engine, rated at 430 bhp. Fleet Engineer Paul Eve says that this driveline combination is already delivering fuel consumption in excess of 10 mpg, which he expects to increase further once the vehicles have covered a few more miles. A full air management kit is also contributing to good fuel consumption as well as creating a stylish appearance.

"Benefits for the company include making it easier for drivers to switch from one truck to another and more consistency of vehicle performance and fuel consumption across the fleet. From the drivers point of view they just make the job simpler, which must contribute to improving driving safety by leaving the driver free from gear changing and able to focus better on the road."

The tractors are two-axle FT XF95 low-deck models running on 60 series low profile tyres and plated at 40 tonnes gvw. By also specifying a VBG dual height fifth wheel, Frans Maas can run the DAFs either with conventional trailers or with Schmitz 100 cubic metre capacity tri-axle trailers at under four metres overall height.

The 3.6 metre wheelbase tractors feature the DAF Space Cab offering a high level of driver comfort. Standard features include an air-suspended driver's seat, cruise control, electric door locks and windows and an Eberspacher auxiliary cab heater. A wood-veneer dashboard adds to the overall sense of luxury.

The trucks have been supplied through DAF dealer Ford & Slater from their new £2 million site at Norwich. Servicing will be carried out under a three year Repair and Maintenance contract by Harris Commercial, the DAF dealer in West Thurrock, with the work being done out of hours to fit with the trucks' busy operating pattern.