These 32-tonne 8x2 Volvo FH 460s are new additions to Readypower's 24-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, with MV Commercial now having supplied a third of this fleet.
Cameron Barr, Rail Services Director (Scotland) at Readypower Rail Services, says: “We are still experiencing delays in acquiring new equipment, including trucks. This was a key reason we chose MV Commercial; they were able to source what we needed when we needed it.
“Previously, we would buy the chassis, deliver it to the crane supplier, then to the bodybuilder, and finally get each truck type approved. MV Commercial managed the entire process for us – they’re a one-stop shop.”
The bespoke-built beavertail plant bodies include dedicated rail channels to accommodate rail carriages, specialist plant, and equipment.
Two of the trucks will operate out of Readypower Rail Services’ Nottingham depot, with the remaining one based in Rochester. They will cover around 120,000 km annually, delivering heavy plant and attachments, such as buckets, grabs, rail beams, and rail trailers, to Network Rail’s principal maintenance contractors.
For driver safety and comfort, the Globetrotter cabs are equipped with microwaves, night heaters, and inverters. Each truck is also fitted with beacon bars, extra working lights and strobes, direct vision passenger windows, and a full Brigade camera system to meet London’s updated Direct Vision Standard.
“We purchased four trucks from MV Commercial last year, and their engagement throughout the process has been outstanding. They understand our needs, ensuring we get the exact product required,” Barr adds.
Readypower Rail Services, which has hubs in Reading, Nottingham, Wigan, Warrington, and Blantyre, continued its expansion by adding a new site at Caldicott near Cardiff at the start of 2024.