The all-DAF Trucks fleet at MJ May Transport has a brand new addition for the first time in nearly a decade. The Bolton-based general haulier has invested in an XF 530 FTP 6x2 tractor unit to help support current contracts.

MJ May Transport was founded by the May family and has built its reputation over more than 50 years in the transport industry. Having started out as an owner-driver, Mick May now runs the business and has overseen its growth into a thriving transport and logistics company with 12 vehicles.
 
After MJ May Transport joined – and reaped the rewards of – the Pall-Ex network, the business took another upward turn 10 years ago when it bought Alan Hindle Transport, to establish itself in the powder tanker market. It is that area of the business that is at the heart of the latest DAF addition, as May reveals the new XF will be used for delivering bulk flour all around the country.

The latest addition to the fleet has seen a change in direction when it comes to acquiring vehicles, MJ May Transport previously relying on the used market. “Trying to source a tractor unit that could accommodate blower gear for bulk powder transportation is nigh-on impossible. Before this truck, our formula has been to buy used trucks from DAF that have been maintained by the company and are coming off contract at three years old,” says May.

The blower in this instance is a Gardner Denver TR20 Tornado Power unit, supplied and fitted by Gardner Denver. To create the most efficient setup, the tanker’s blowing gear is housed on the driver’s side, meaning the XF’s diesel tank has been relocated to the passenger side. The truck’s long wheelbase means that this setup is easily configurable and that there is no impact on the overall payload or overall chassis weight that can occur with other combinations.
The XF 530 FTP purchased by MJ May Transport is powered by a PACCAR MX13 Euro 6 engine, mated to a 12-speed Traxon automated transmission. Other highlights in the specification include a high-roof sleeper cab, LED lights front and rear and DAF’s Corner View technology for enhanced safety and visibility. It also features an electric roof hatch, Alcoa brushed alloy wheels and the DAF City Safety package.

The MJ May Transport fleet comprises a 7.5-tonne DAF LF as well as CFs and XFs up to 44-tonnes. The faith in DAF has been built over the years, because very few other manufacturers have featured on the fleet. “We had a truck from another brand on contract hire in the early days, but realised that wasn’t the way to go because we prefer to buy our fleet vehicles,” explains May. “We did buy one other truck from a Swedish manufacturer and, while there was nothing wrong with the vehicle itself, it was more expensive than the equivalent DAF.
“Also, because we run an all-DAF fleet, it didn’t really make sense to have another brand in the mix,” he adds. “We keep DAF parts on the shelves and our technicians know the trucks really well. We also have a great relationship with DAF and its dealers – whether its North West Trucks, Lancaster DAF or Motus, which are the three we work with, they are always exceptionally helpful.” In this instance, it was Simon Davis-Rice, Fleet Sales Director at North West Trucks, who supplied the new XF.
MJ May Transport is so happy with its DAFs, that it likes to keep hold of its investments, including a 2005 XF. “It was my first DAF and the first new truck I could afford to buy when I was an owner driver – and I ran it for years and years,” recalls May, adding that the truck has covered nearly one million miles. “I had it refurbished about three or four years ago and it spends most of its time in the garage but occasionally goes out to truck shows. I would never get rid of it.”