Volvo were chosen mainly for their automated I-Shift gearbox. “We already have a number of Volvo’s in our fleet so we know they are reliable,” explains Knowles Transport’s Managing Director Tony Knowles. “But the I-Shift gearbox is the best automated ‘box we’ve used. Driver acceptability is good and the reduced downtime on clutches and the like is excellent.”

Plated for 44 tonne GCW operation, the 420bhp, 6x2 artics have been specified with Globetrotter XL cabs in ‘Comfort’ trim, with electric windows, electronic climate control and radio/CD players for increased driver comfort.

Bought from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, the trucks will mainly transport foodstuffs from the company’s Wimblington base to Regional Distribution Centres on behalf of supermarkets across the UK. Knowles Transport Ltd will maintain the vehicles themselves.