The I&T Crowd

Based in north-east Scotland, one-truck, two-person operation I&T Transport has been a loyal Daf customer – and its latest wagon, a tag-axle XF510 Super Space Cab, is certainly a head-turner.

Chances are you’ve never heard of the small village of Aberchirder in north-east Scotland. The nearest towns of note are Keith and Huntly, and if they’re not familiar to you either, then look for Aberdeen, head north-west for 40-odd miles and you’re there.

Operating out of Aberchirder is I&T Transport (the I stands for Ian and the T is for wife Tracy). I&T runs just the one truck but it’s a good one – an immaculate 65-plate Daf XF510 tag-axle with the mandatory Super Space Cab. With a smart paint job and some subtle customising, it’s certainly an eye catching truck.

Ian, 46, has been an owner-driver for 10 years and SV65 HLU is his third truck – and his third top-of-the range Daf. “Before working for myself, I’d worked for the likes of J & G Riddell and Sandy Thompson.”

Ian passed his Class 1 aged 21 and has been driving ever since. “I always wanted to be a truck driver,” he says as we chat at Truck fest Scotland, where the Daf is on display.

Work and Play

“I loaded on Friday for Hull, so I’ve dropped the trailer nearby and we’ll be here for the two days. I’ll head on down the road on Sunday night,” he says, highlighting how it’s possible to fit a truck show around the day job without lots of additional cost.

The XF510 is used on general haulage and usually pulls a tri-axle flatbed but also does some step-frame work. The flatbed means there’s a lot of rope & sheeting work but it gives Ian more load options. “Many of my southbound loads are too tall for a Tautliner, so the flat gives me greater flexibility. I can accommodate pretty much anything,” says Ian.