Wayne Catt Transport in Preston has taken delivery of a new DAF XF 530 4x2 tractor, coinciding with an increase in demand for the haulier’s food distribution services amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The truck, ordered from DAF Dealer, Lancashire DAF, some time before the current national emergency, joins a fleet of nine range-topping DAFs among a fleet of 14. Specialising in food distribution, Wayne Catt Transport has seen demand for its services increase rapidly in recent weeks, prompting the swift recruitment of other local hauliers to meet requirements.
Wayne Catt (left), with brother, Lee Catt
“In the first week of the coronavirus outbreak, it got pretty frantic,” said Managing Director, Wayne Catt, “although things settled down slightly a week later. However, it ramped-up again last week, and I now have 35 trucks out on deliveries to supermarket and RDCs. I know a number of small local hauliers, and tipper drivers, who saw their regular work drop-off significantly,” he said, “so I am pleased to have been able to draft them in and keep them busy.”
“The main priority for me and all the drivers is to make sure we meet demand, but also to support the truck industry while it carries out its essential role in feeding the nation.”
Wayne Catt Transport’s latest 530bhp XF tractor unit comes with DAF’s Super Space Cab and a number of accessories in keeping with the range-topping specification evident throughout the fleet. The 4x2 axle layout suits the haulier’s low-weight / high-volume work profile.
