Premier Timber bought its first FUSO Canter shortly after it opened for business 20 years ago and continues to be a fan of the vehichles to this day, having recently received its latest 3.5-tonne Canter.
The new truck’s 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine produces 96 kW (130hp) and combines high levels of torque with impressive fuel economy. Its 14ft dropside body is by C&D Fabrications, of Faversham.
The merchant serves the wider South East, including London, although the majority of its customers are located in Kent. While the new truck works within a relatively short radius of base – Premier Timber makes no charge for local deliveries – longer runs are assigned to its second vehicle, a 7.5-tonne Canter which was also supplied by Sparshatt Truck & Van and has been in service for a couple of years.
Founder, Andy Hayward recalled: “We bought our first 3.5-tonne Canter in 2000, not long after we started trading. In due course we replaced it with a 7.5-tonner, but then realised we needed a second truck so went back for another small one.
“We’ve been running two vehicles, one of each size, ever since, and update one every couple of years. It’s a policy that’s worked very well for us. Our Canters do exactly what we need them to do. They’re cost-effective to acquire and run, exceptionally reliable, and easily loaded and unloaded.”
Both Canters are maintained by Sparshatt Truck & Van, the 7.5-tonner under contract as it requires an inspection every six weeks. “The Dealer provides excellent support, which is another reason we’ve remained loyal to FUSO,” added Andy.
“We’re very busy and our trucks are on the road all day, so the fact that we can get them through Sparshatt’s Sittingbourne workshop overnight is a big help – we drop them off at around 5pm, then pick them up at 7am next day ready to go to work. You can’t get that level of service from other suppliers.”
The latest Canter was supplied by Sparshatt’s dedicated Group Canter Specialist Dan Brunning. Andy confirmed: “Dan’s very good, and his communication levels are first class. On the odd occasion we need to ask a question about the truck, Dan or one of his colleagues will always come back quickly with an answer. All in all, it’s a thoroughly decent company to work with.”
