Willem Dijk AGF recently tested the Volvo FH I-Save. Partly thanks to this successful demo, this Dutch company now has, among others, two Volvo FH tractors with cost-efficient Turbo Compound engines. "These trucks paint the right TCO picture," begins Willem Dijk jr. in a Nijwa Group article.
Willem Dijk sr and jr
Willem Dijk AGF is a full-service potato, fruit, and vegetable wholesaler, importer, and exporter. "We supply our products to all kinds of buyers. From neighborhood greengrocers and market vendors to processing companies, hospitality wholesalers, and retailers."
By the hour
Products must go from growers to consumers as quickly as possible; it should take, at most, 24 hours for these to go from farm to buyer. Here, transport is a crucial link. Willem Dijk AGF, therefore, does as much of its own transportation as it can. "Our planning changes by the hour, so we're always hectic. We do 90% of our own transport. That means we're on the ball, flexible, and can adapt quickly," Dijk jr. continues.
Volvo demo truck
Willem Dijk AGF has a fleet of 13 trucks and recently added two Volvo FH 460 4x2 tractors with cost-effective Turbo Compound engines. To give its drivers a good idea of the Volvo truck's driving performance and possibilities, Willem Dijk AGF was given access to a Volvo FH I-Save demo with a Globetrotter cab. "All the drivers who got to drive it loved it. They especially liked the I-Shift gearbox."
Cost-effective trucks
That clinched the deal for Willem Dijk AGF, and they decided to go for Volvo trucks. The company eventually chose two Volvo FH I-Save 460 4x2 tractors with cost-effective Turbo Compound engines. That decision is paying off. "Before we started using these trucks, our fleet's average fuel consumption was 1 to 3.85," says Dijk senior. "With a consumption of 1 to 4.2, the new Volvo trucks score very well."
TCO picture
The trucks are used 24/6 in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany's distribution network. Yet, choosing the Volvo trucks was based on more than just the favorable consumption and drivers' opinions. "We drive a truck for seven years," says Dijk junior.
"When choosing a truck, I look at the total cost of ownership. Consumption is one aspect, especially with the current fuel costs. I consider other factors, like purchase costs, maintenance, and residual value too. These Volvo FHs paint the correct TCO picture. That's being proven in practice with the good figures."
The dealer plays a vital role when it comes to making a considered choice. "We had good contact with Nijwa Hengelo. The dealer provided the information we needed to make a decision and offered us a demo truck to test in practice. That allowed driver involvement, especially since we didn't have any Volvo trucks at the time. The drivers who drive these trucks are thrilled; I hear nothing but praise. Also, Nijwa is a true truck dealership. They have eager, knowledgeable mechanics, which is great," Dijk jr concludes.
Source: Nijwa Group
Willem Dijk AGF
2 De Ossenboer,
7547 RJ, Enschede, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 534 864 750
Email: willemjr@willemdijk.nl
Website: www.willemdijk.nl