It hasn’t been half a year since Girteka purchased 500 trucks intended for international transport, and the company already boasts about the next order. This time, the Lithuanian giant is buying as many as 1500 brand new DAF XFs. It is not known when exactly the trucks will be delivered but considering the plans for the development of Lithuanians, soon.
The purchase of 500 trucks was aimed at testing these vehicles. Now, when the tests were positive, the company decided to order another 1500 DAFs with a 480-horsepower engine and PCC cruise control.
Why DAF XF?
DAF trucks have had a positive impression on us,” says the head of the company Edvardas Liachovičius. „They are reliable, characterized by low fuel consumption and a high level of driving comfort for drivers. The new trucks will significantly contribute to the plan for further development of our operations in Europe.”
The new vehicles have a 12.9-litre PACCAR MX-13 engine with the TraXon automatic transmission. They are also equipped with a modern technology package: autopilot mode, based on real-time satellite data, automatic gearshift control, lane tracking, AEBS (automatic braking) and systems supporting the maintenance of a safe distance.
DAF XF Series / Photo: DAF
Expansion to Europe
The extension of the truck park is related to the dynamic development of the company. Last month, Girteka announced entering the German market, which is currently severely affected by the lack of professional drivers. The carrier has already registered the first trucks in Germany and offers transport over long distances. At the beginning of this year, the Lithuanians took control of the Danish Thermo-Transit, one of the largest carriers in Scandinavia.
At present, Girteka boasts about a truck park with 5,600 tractors and 5,800 trailers. At present, the carrier employs over 13,000 employees. By 2021, the company wants to increase the fleet to 10,000 tractors and employ 20 thousand employees.
Order of 500 DAF’s XF, June 2018. From left: Preston Feight, President of DAF Trucks, and Mindaugas Raila, President of Girteka Logistics / Photo: Girteka Logistics
Photo: Girteka