![Fryin' Machines](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/2198/576955/5ff530212def2/Fryin-Machines.jpeg)
At a glance
Make & model Volvo FH 500 Globetrotter XL
Engine 12.8-litre D13K six-cylinder Euro 6d
Power 500hp @ 1400-1800rom
Torque 2500Nm @ 1000-1400rpm
Gearbox I-Shift 12-speed auto
Operator Fryer’s Transport, Ipswich
When Richard Fryer was driving trucks for the Royal Logistics Core in Iraq in 2005 trying to avoid improvised explosive devices (IEDs), he little thought that 15 years later he would be sitting pretty as the owner of his own haulage firm that has gone from zero to 15 owned trucks in just over two years.
“I was out in Iraq for six months on operations, driving through the centre of Basra with a petrol tanker – it was frightening stuff,” he remembers. “When I look back, I think I must have been bloody crazy.
“Sometimes I was driving through Basra on the dual carriageway and sometimes had to drive on the wrong side of the road towards the oncoming traffic to avoid the IEDs on the other side of the road. You had to have a lot of nerve, especially if you had seen some bad events and had to go out the next day. It made you think twice a little bit. But when you’re young, the consequences of such events don’t sink in too quickly. “It was a fantastic experience and it made me grow up quickly and it is probably why I have been so driven to do well for myself.”
Denne historien er fra January 2021-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
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Denne historien er fra January 2021-utgaven av Truck & Driver.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Well forked Daf](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a97302167/crp_Well-forked-Daf.jpg)
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
![King of the hill](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/61039fa180720/crp_King-of.jpg)
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
![Time Machine 2015-2019](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b0b4ce423/crp_Time-Machine-2015-2019.jpg)
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
![Original and best](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103ae77299d6/crp_Original-and-best.jpg)
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
![GOING ALL THE WAY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a6fad96be/crp_GOING-ALL-THE-WAY.jpg)
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
![Abnormal loads](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b26ead172/crp_Abnormal-loads.jpg)
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
![Range change](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103a4bdea9fb/crp_Range-change.jpg)
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
![Cutting a dash](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b1bcb96a2/crp_Cutting-a-dash.jpg)
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
![Air we go!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103b344ab30f/crp_Air-we-go.jpg)
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
![A Cutt Above](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2198/700051/6103ab8277cf1/crp_A-Cutt-Above.jpg)
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years