More Thompsons tipper bodies for Mark Luck

Recycling contractor takes delivery of four new Volvo FMX trucks equipped with Loadmaster bodies

ANOTHER four Thompsons-bodied eight-wheelers have recently joined the fleet of Kent-based Mark Ltd, bringing their total number of rigid tippers to 45. With every truck chassis in the fleet now carrying a steel Thompsons Loadmaster body, the latest additions are all mounted on Volvo FMX chassis – three being standard 8x4 configuration with the fourth a Tridem specification.

‘What we want is the maximum possible operating versatility, but within strict vehicle parameters,’ said company director Mark Luck. ‘For our rigid tippers, the body has to be a Loadmaster as we have bought Thompsons bodies for many years. For the chassis, we’re pretty much a Volvo fleet because when you combine a Loadmaster with an FMX, you really do have the ultimate in performance and rugged reliability.’

He added: ‘As for the individual specifications, the Tridem is our second such example – thanks to its greatly improved manoeuvrability, which is a real bonus when working in congested urban environments.

‘For the standard 8x4s we have ordered some of the trucks with sleeper cabs, mainly for drivers working on night jobs when there can be a lot of waiting prior to tipping. We’re really happy with what we are doing – tuning the fully proven Thompsons/Volvo formula to give us the optimum vehicle for any individual application.’

Mark Luck Ltd provide a full range of tipper services to the construction and building trade industries, including muckaway and site clearance, waste management and the supply of stone, recycled aggregates and topsoil. In recent years the company has grown strongly, doubling its fleet size and achieving significant recognition from both customers and the wider public at large.

‘Part of our philosophy is to give our drivers the best trucks we can,’ said Mr Luck. ‘For example, all our recent Volvos have auto boxes and 500hp engines, making life that bit easier for the drivers whilst also giving us top-class performance. Attracting and retaining staff is very important, especially as there are lots of other tipper operators in our area.’

Thompsons director Scott Burton added: ‘If any one company represents the archetypal Thompsons customer, it’s probably Mark Luck. Family owned, fully committed and hard working with a terrific track record, they have set an example for everyone in our industry. And of course, they have been a stalwart user of Thompsons bodies for decades.’