JR Dixon

MODERN M ASTERPIECE

To say that drivers are impressed with the New Generation DAF XG+ is an understatement. The latest to describe the new truck as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘a masterpiece’ is Phil Clarke of JR Dixon Ltd. DAF Driver magazine tracked-down ‘Big Phil’ on his way back to the UK after tipping in Neumarkt, Bavaria, and he had some very good things to say.

M ASTERPIECE

Words: Ronnie Hitchens Photographs: Karl Hopkinson

It’s big and impressive: J R Dixon’s new XG+ scores on comfort, space, performance and economy

Big Phil

Big Phil had left the UK on Monday (we spoke to him on Thursday the same week) loaded with 13 engines which he had picked up from the Cummins Engine Plant in Darlington. His itinerary then saw him back to Haverhill, Suffolk, before returning to France for a single drop, then two in Italy – the trip would have seen him spend three weeks away in total; a typical period of time for Phil to be away from home. “It’s tough,” he said, “being away from my wife and children, but I love my job, and when you have a piece of kit like this it’s nothing short of a joy. The truck is a masterpiece and is head-and-shoulders above anything else on the truck market today.”

“I have top-spec Scania drivers coming up to me at Truckstops to take photos and to take a look inside the cab,” he adds, “They’re all bowled over by the space inside.”

Phil is the boss of an eight-truck fleet – all artics – with three DAFs (including his latest XG+ 530 FTG), three top-rated Scanias, a Merc Actros and a Renault T High. The New Generation DAF was

supplied by Motus Commercials in Hull through Grayrentals.

At home, abroad

Phil is the only driver to take on the continental work, “My lads don’t want to go overseas,” he says, “They need to enjoy their work and if that means UK-only, that’s fair enough. For me, I absolutely love going abroad. I’ve been all over Europe; and I mean all over. After doing it for so long you become familiar with the quirks of working in individual countries.

“Driving in Germany especially is never a chore,” says Phil, “but Italy is the country I’m always excited about returning to; the tunnels, the scenery, the people – it’s what truck driving is all about.”

Cool on fuel

DAF Driver is well used to drivers describing the abundant space and comfort in the XG+ cab, but we wanted to know more about the operational aspects of DAF’s new top-of-therange wagon. For instance, is 530bhp enough for mountainous long-distance work? And, what’s the fuel economy like? Phil is quite clear, “There’s more than enough grunt for 44-tonne operation. There’s ample power right across the rev range and it’s delivered smoothly through the TraXon gearbox. I understand why drivers would like 600 or 700bhp trucks,” he says, “but, with 530bhp, you rarely need to drop a gear even on the long drags in the south of France, Italy or Switzerland.”

When we spoke to Phil, he was grossing about 30-tonnes and his trip computer was recording an average of 16.1mpg, but we wanted to know what fuel is like when he’s maxing out. “I’m just so impressed with fuel economy,” he told us,” Out of Germany recently at 43-tonnes, I averaged 12.5mpg, significantly better than my previous 510bhp DAF XF and I’ve only had the truck for a little over a month. That figure is only going to improve,” he reckons, “I have twin tanks fitted and, with 750-litres on-board, fuel stops are infrequent – but very expensive! AdBlue economy is also great and I only need to refill every two-to-three weeks.

“Honestly, it’s just a phenomenal truck,” he says.

Right: J R Dixon is a family affair and celebrates 50 years on the road in 2023

Below right: The Workington-based company is a general haulier operating a mix of contracts.

The best bit

“Of course, performance, economy and reliability are critical,” says Phil, “but the cab’s the best bit and, for me, it’s just as important. Spending weeks away, you really do need a decent working environment, and with as many creature comforts as possible, and the XG+ cab is by some distance the best on the market. The space and comfort are incredible, and I know other drivers are jealous!”

“I’ve been driving DAFs for years,” he says, “and I loved my most recent XF Super Space Cab. It had a fantastic bunk, but the XG+ is a step-up even on that with its DAF Relax bed. And the technology too – just incredible. I was uncertain about the Vison Cameras at first, but I quickly became familiar with how they work and now I’m totally reliant on them. You never lose the back of the trailer. And they look pretty cool as well. There’s tech everywhere and it’s amazing to see how far truck design has come even in just five years.”

“I like a bit of chrome too,” says Phil, “and the Kelsa Lite bars are a great addition. In fact, the truck’s going back to Motus soon for some deflectormounted three-in-one perimeter lights.

Five generations

Trucking really is in Phil’s blood. His ‘Nanna’ and Godfather (who Phil calls Uncle John) started up in 1973, with the DAF marque present ever since. The business is looking forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Phil, 46, remembers those early years. “My Nanna ran the business and my Uncle John did the driving,” he says, “I distinctly remember a DAF 2100 six-wheel rigid which I used to ride in with my dad. We even took a potty along with us – that’s how young I was! Roping and sheeting was a regular part of the job back then – now there’s a skill that’s all but died out.” JR Dixon Ltd. is based in Workington,

New DAF XG+ “Is just a phenomenal truck”, says Big Phil.

Cumbria, and is a general haulier by trade. The company fulfils a lot of sub-contracted work for Grampian Continental (a DAF customer which also has XG+ vehicles on its fleet), a new business relationship Phil has built-up over the last 12-months and one which he describes as ‘awesome’. JR Dixon enjoys established work-streams too, namely with Gregory Distribution to whom it has been subcontracted for 15-years. It’s a true family affair too, with Phil’s wife undertaking an administrative role while his daughter looks after HR and IT. DAF Driver was delighted to learn that Phil’s Nanna is still fit and well although she’s stepped back from front-line duties.

A job that chooses you

Phil’s back story is not untypical in the truck industry. DAF Driver magazine has met dozens of familyrun haulage companies who, like JR Dixon, are passionate about what they do. The life of a small haulier is tough, especially in today’s economic climate, but when trucking is in the blood, it becomes a vocation – a calling. Trucking chooses you, not the other way around. Big Phil told us that he’s regularly on the road for three weeks at a time, sometimes more, spending a few days at home to spruce up the truck and see his family, before hitting the road again. It’s a demanding lifestyle for sure, but one to which Phil remains fully committed, “It can be very challenging,” Phil concedes, “but I’m confident in my abilities and I’m absolutely determined to secure a successful future for my family. Despite the hardships, I love my job and it’s made immeasurably more enjoyable by the fact I have the best truck on the road.”