Privately-run haulier Kersey Freight has welcomed 18 new Scania S Series trucks to its 60-vehicle fleet.

The new additions are the latest to be acquired as part of a seven-year partnership with Truck East, which has supplied the business with more than 80 units.

Kersey Freight opted for Scania’s largest S Series Highline cab, which comes with a flat floor and promises high levels of driver comfort.

The 500 S 6X2 trucks are powered by a six-cylinder 13-litre engine with 500hp and 2,550Nm.

“Having a comfortable environment we think is a necessity, as drivers spend so much time out on the road. Our vehicles are always packaged to provide the best work and living space possible for the operation,” said joint owner and director of Kersey Freight David Crawford.

As with most operators, Kersey Freight monitors its fleets fuel performance and claims the Scania product leads against other marques. But it is driver appeal and brand image that sees the Swedish manufacturer score highly in the decision-making process; that and its relationship with local dealer, TruckEast Limited.

As with the other existing Scania fleet, the majority of the new trucks will be serviced and maintained through TruckEast’s Stowmarket branch, with the others supported by Scania North.

All vehicles are subject to a Hire Purchase agreement with Scania Financial Services and will be operating nationally throughout the UK as well as across into Europe. The trucks will clock up anywhere between 120,000 and 145,000 KMs a year and are expected to remain in service for five years.

“The package that comes with the Scania 500 S, in terms of product performance, driver appeal and back-up, ticks all the boxes for us. That’s why we’ll continue to invest. In fact, we’ve another five 6x2/2’s due later this month and have already ordered a further five similarly specced vehicles to come later in the year,” added Crawford.