“We needed eight, so it had to be Charlton” says leading brick and block carrier Steward Transport

Latest News | 31st Jan

Having previously built many of its own truck bodies, leading brick and block carrier Steward Transport turned to Charlton to deliver all the bodies for its eight truck fleet update programme.

The order, to provide bodies and cranes for five Volvo FH 6×2 drawbar rigids and three FM 8x2s, is the first time Steward has opted for the Charlton product.

Director Jamie Steward comments:

“Last year we decided to make a big investment in new vehicles, ordering eight new trucks in one go. As a result, it became obvious that we would need to work with a bodybuilder having proven expertise in our field. Charlton has an excellent reputation for providing top quality bodies for brick and block work, so you might say our choice was almost automatic.”

Based at a 5 acre site in Paddock Wood, Kent, Steward Transport currently runs 22 drawbar rigids, 10 eight wheelers and 8 artics, almost all being Volvos supplied by MC Truck & Bus of Maidstone. Splitting the fleet between these three vehicle types gives Steward the maximum possible versatility in delivering their products, with the artics generally doing full load drops, the shorter eight wheelers doing inner city work in London and the drawbars, with or without their trailers, offering the option of both.

Looking at the 6×2 FHs, their 6.25m long Charlton platform bodies feature fully aluminium construction including crossmembers, headboard and a 6mm heavy duty floor. Each truck also features a remote control, rear mounted HMF crane giving full reach over both truck and trailer. Running at 44t gross weight, these top spec trucks provide an easy 28 tonnes payload.

Jamie Steward, adds:

“What we really appreciate from Charlton is that as well as building a top quality body they also have the complete range of engineering skills to deliver a finished truck that’s immediately ready for work. Drawbar vehicles with cranes are highly specialist both in terms of hydraulics and electrics, in addition to their requirements for subframes, crane plates and all the necessary couplings to the trailers.”

Founded in 1968 by John Steward, the eight new trucks might also be seen as a celebration of the company’s recent 50th anniversary. Right from the start, Steward Transport has always opted for top specification trucks as they not only create a superb image for the business but also deliver real economic benefits too.

Jamie says:

“Our drivers tend to stay a long time, and they really look after their motors. Equally we like to run our trucks for as long as we can too. This whole business is all about investing in the long term whilst also doing the best job we can day to day. That formula seems to work, as we’re proud to have achieved the top level FORS Gold standard with Earned Recognition.”

Speaking for Charlton, Sales Director Andrew Gunn notes:

“We are delighted that Steward Transport has come to Charlton to body their latest eight trucks. As one of the leading transport companies in their field, we greatly appreciate their trust in us being able to deliver the full package of their requirements. Steward Transport offers us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the full range of Charlton’s engineering skills and customer service.”

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