New Generation DAFs slide into Fifth Gear Transport Services fleet

Impressed by the economy, comfort, service and performance of the latest DAF model range, Fifth Gear is preparing to welcome another six XF 480 6x2s in the coming months and has placed an order for a further 11 XD tractors. Vehicles are supplied by DAF Dealer, Chassis Cab in Ipswich, with maintenance split between the dealer and Fifth Gear’s long-standing partners.

Across the entire New Generation fleet, Fifth Gear has seen average fuel consumption improvements of up to 10%. Trucks operating on the firm’s supermarket contracts are returning around 11mpg, an increase from 8.5mpg achieved by its previous fleet. To maximise the efficiency of its new trucks, the company has fitted telematics equipment, helping drivers to optimise their driving technique.
 
“We’ve been very impressed by the New Generation DAF range and the benefits they’ve brought to the business,” said Dave Warburton, Operations Manager at Fifth Gear. “All of the trucks have been specified with the DAF Digital Vision system, which replaces the mirrors with cameras. They have been great, especially when travelling in and out of London – it’s compliant and there’s no aggravation.

“We’ve been very impressed by the New Generation DAF range and the benefits they’ve brought to the business,” Dave Warburton, Operations Manager

“The drivers are certainly enjoying the new DAFs. They’re quiet, smooth and a pleasure to drive. I’d certainly get behind the wheel of one ahead of other trucks on the market.
“Chassis Cab provide excellent service, too. They’re clear and transparent when it comes to placing orders and waiting for delivery, which is important when you’re balancing demand and resource. Together with the trucks, it makes for a very attractive proposition.”     
 
Operating out of yards in Ipswich, Chelmsford and the Isle of Sheppey, Fifth Gear’s DAFs are split across the three sites with each model specified to meet differing demands. The XDs are allocated to a major supermarket contract, while the XFs are focused on hauling containers to and from the Port of Felixstowe. The largest DAF XGs are used for full-time drivers, on the road for multiple nights. Every DAF in the fleet, however, is equipped with bunks for occasional use.

Held for the first time in 2021, the Drift Pro Championship sees drivers compete in the discipline of drifting

Drift Pro
Fifth Gear's newly delivered XF 530 has been prepared for display as a show vehicle and to provide the race logistics for Josh King’s Motorsport UK Drift Pro Championship car, which the company sponsors.
 
Held for the first time in 2021, the Drift Pro Championship sees drivers compete in the discipline of drifting – the art of balancing a car to maintain a perfect rear-wheel slide. The competitor line-up comprises of some of the top drivers and teams in the UK and requires exceptional levels of skill, control and style.
 
The 2023 season gets underway later this month, with Josh pushing to be crowned series champion following his second-place finish last year. You can follow Josh throughout the eight-round season at www.driftpro.co.uk
 
Enthusiasts will also be able to see both the drift car and truck on display at Truckfest Peterborough from the 29th April – 1st May.