http://www.truckingmag.co.uk Summer 2019 TRUCKING 57
Reliability and Pan-European service
back-up were major reasons for sticking
with the marque, and since Bowker
standardised on Volvos in 1978, the
business has worked with Volvo on
many engineering projects and brand
‘firsts’ – such as the Eurotrotter drawbar
concept, Dynafleet and Euro 6 engines.
Bowker’s current fleet is split into
three main types, with articulated
44-tonne combinations joined by 26- and
18-tonne rigids. The high-spec, satellite-
tracked fleet includes inner curtains, full
ADR equipment and low-emission
engines. Safety features include reverse
and forward-facing cameras, proximity
sensors and side scanners.
The 300-strong trailer fleet includes
traditional curtainsiders, Euroliners, mega
trailers and skeletals. All are maintained
in-house, with Krone and SDC types both
present in the group. Bowker’s trailers are
usually retained for 15 years and subject
to a comprehensive refurbishment at
seven or eight years of age.
Early this year, Bowker unveiled a new
centenary livery on two new FH tractor
units to mark the start to a year of
celebratory activities. Supplied by
Thomas Hardie Commercials, the two
new FH500 6x2 pusher-axle tractor units
are powered by D13K engines rated at
500 bhp. The 3900 mm wheelbase
chassis come with front steel and rear
air suspension, in addition to high-spec
Globetrotter cabs, I-Shift automated
12-speed gearboxes and RSS1356 drive
axles with a ratio of 2.50:1.
Established in 1919, Bowker is
celebrating its centenary with Cobalt
blue-painted FH Globetrotter cabs to
replicate the vintage blue, red and goldcolour scheme used by the company in
previous years, and each sport unique
cherished registration plates.
Part of an order for 23 new Volvos
this year, the new FH duo are also
equipped with Dynamic Steering and
I-See Predictive Cruise Control. Also
spec’d are Drive Plus and Single Bedliving packages, plus optional 33-litre
under-bunk refrigerators, while full
leather trims adorn the vehicles’ seats
and steering wheels. Alcoa Dura-Bright
EVO alloy wheels are also fitted to
both trucks.Birthday specials
The centenary trucks’ launch on January
8 heralded a year of activities for the
Preston-based haulage business which
will involve staff, customers and
suppliers alike. “We are extremely proud
of our history,” Bowker Group Ltd
director, Bill Bowker, told us. “We are
pleased to introduce a new centenary
livery to celebrate a significant
milestone for our company.
“This is a momentous achievement
and makes Bowker one of the oldest
road transport companies still
operating in the UK today. The new
livery is a fitting tribute to our past
and the future, which marks the launch
of celebrations.
“We will commemorate our centenary
year with a number of special events
throughout 2019, and we want to thank
everyone who has played their part in
the Bowker success story and want to
make it a year to remember. nOur new centenary livery celebrates a significant
milestone for our company. Bill Bowker