Good looks and strength sell trucks as well as action heroes in Hollywood. That is why Universal Studios has many Volvo trucks in its fleet.
In Hollywood’s dream factories, trucks are used to transport equipment for film sets. But the trucks also “act” on screen. Universal Studios’ truck fleet includes 400 heavy vehicles that are used throughout the American continent.
Transport and logistics must run smoothly for the company’s film productions, but the right sort of trucks are also needed in front of the camera.
Volvo has been part of Universal’s truck fleet since 1987. At present, Volvo VN and Volvo VNL are top choice when new Volvo trucks are purchased.
Rick Finney is head of Universal Studios’ transport department. He lists reliability, driveability and safety as key factors when the film giant chooses its trucks. But most important of all are horsepower and looks. “Hollywood is all about image, and that also applies to transportation."
A standard sized Hollywood production requires roughly 50 long-distance trucks to transport all the equipment needed for on-location shoots. A lot of equipment and many people must be driven to the right place at the right time.
“We go everywhere where you can take a camera. Things happen quickly in this business. A shooting location can change at short notice, which naturally affects transportation. The transport team arrives first and leaves last,” says Rick Finney.