As a result of adding three of the new Isuzu 'Forward' 12 tonne rigids to its 70-strong mixed distribution fleet, express parcel and pallet carrier Crowfoots has benefited from a 15% improvement in fuel consumption in comparison to the incumbent trucks.
According to Michael Crowfoot, operations director at Crowfoot's Carriers Ltd, "The fuel consumption figures from the three new Isuzu 12 tonners are really very good indeed achieving up to 15mpg on intensive multi-drop distribution work. This compares very favourably with figures of between 12 and 13mpg on their predecessors. And, as you would expect from an Isuzu, we have had no issues from a reliability viewpoint in the first six months of service."
Prior to the arrival of the new Isuzu 12 tonne rigids, Crowfoots had over 30 Isuzus in their fleet, all 7.5 tonne rigids. It was the practical experience of the proven reliablility and performance of these vehicles on multi-drop parcel and pallet work that lead Crowfoots to specify Isuzu at the higher weights for the first time.
"The three new Isuzu trucks are handling their workload with ease, and the impressive fuel economy so far will no doubt get even better in the long term as the engines get bedded in and achieve their maximum operating efficiency," added Michael Crowfoot.
All three Isuzu 12 tonne rigids are fitted with box bodies and are being run on single-shift, general distribution work. Two of the vehicles are working from Crowfoot's depot in Manchester, with the remaining vehicle based out of the company's Derby depot. The trucks each cover approximately 3500 miles per month on what Crowfoots describe as predominantly intensive "stop-start" journeys.
"The drivers of the new Isuzus have also passed comment about the new 12t vehicles, praising the high specification and comfort factor of the cabs, in addition to the trucks actual performance out on the road," comments Michael Crowfoot.
Crowfoots Carriers Ltd is a family run firm dating back to 1912, and undertakes multi-drop express parcel and pallet distribution from 3 depots in Manchester, Leicester and Derby. The company runs over 70 mixed trucks at 7.5t, 12t and 15t, specified with either box or curtainsided bodies.
"We have had a close association with Crowfoots at 7.5 tonnes for many years and it is pleasing to see them moving up the weight range with us. The fuel consumption figure of 15mpg is impressive but particularly good for these trucks, especially when you take into consideration the arduous nature of the work they are doing," said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited.