Bimson Haulage, the UK’s premier brick-and-block transport specialist, is taking delivery of 20 new DAF XG 530 ‘FAN’ 6x2 rear-steer drawbar trucks as part of a major fleet investment programme. With eight of the new vehicles already deployed across the company’s 26 operating centres, early performance data reveals impressive fuel economy gains. Strong driver approval is also reported on demanding long-distance work.

Bimson continues to benefit from its long-standing relationship with DAF in the north-west; a partnership which has existed for almost 40 years, and which continues today through its local DAF Dealer, MOTUS Commercials in Carlisle.

The Carlisle-based operator, which manages almost 100 vehicles, has recorded notable efficiency improvements with the new XG models. Its drawbar fleet, which routinely operates with payloads up to 26.5-tonnes, and 28.0-tonnes on its flat-bed artics, is now achieving impressive fuel returns approaching 8.0mpg; a significant 6% improvement over previous models, and obtained while running consistently at 44-tonnes GCW.

Stuart Arkle, Operations Director, said, “The majority of our drawbar vehicles are consistently averaging 7.5mpg, and that's while running with full payloads almost all the time. On the drawbars, we’re routinely hitting 26.5-tonnes. It's a brick-and-block operation, so the trucks are always fully laden, and it’s tough work. With our newest models, we’re seeing an economy improvement of around 6% – getting close to 8.0mpg."

These fuel efficiency gains deliver measurable operational savings while supporting Bimson's sustainability objectives. “As well as the obvious bottom-line benefit to the business,” Arkle added, “there's an indirect benefit to sustainability. The ability to deliver more product per litre of fuel on long-distance routes, while maintaining service levels into congested city centres and construction sites, is central to our value proposition.”

Bimson’s is a country-wide operation, combining extensive motorway running with frequent nights out, before tackling tight urban environments and challenging construction sites. Drivers have highlighted the XG cab’s improved direct vision with enhanced kerbside visibility, which supports safe, confident manoeuvring on busy urban streets and confined construction sites.

Drivers have also praised the XG cab’s superior layout, increased storage, enhanced living space and practical features such as the passenger side swivelling ‘captain’s chair’, especially on regular nights out. “Feedback from drivers who've received the new XGs has been excellent, describing the cab as outstanding,” said Arkle, “They’ve also said the 12-speed TraXon auto-gearbox is superb. The combination of low-speed manoeuvrability and responsive power delivery really suits our construction site delivery operations.”

Bimson has adopted a policy of rewarding longer-serving, higher-performing drivers with the new DAF XG models, supported by comprehensive induction programmes for both drivers and maintenance teams.

The latest fleet investment comes as Bimson pursues ambitious growth plans. The company, which recently transitioned to an Employee Owned Trust structure, is targeting turnover of £35 million in 2025, with a goal of reaching £50 million within two years.