Now available for reservation: De Bruin

In the 1980s, there was a high demand for the transport of large volumes. Standard truck combinations were not designed for this type of work. The loading floor needed to be lower, and the internal dimensions of the trailer had to be larger. Many transport companies began using top-sleeper combinations.

At the end of the 1980s, Philips introduced a plan to transport its products in so-called swap bodies. These swap bodies had standard dimensions of 8 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 3 meters high, allowing for the transport of up to 40 Euro pallets.

Several of Philips’ in-house carriers adapted their fleets to this plan, including the company De Bruin. They introduced so-called tipper-trailer combinations. The swap bodies were placed on the combination using air suspension and secured with twist locks.

By 1991, De Bruin had a large volume transport operation. The number of swap bodies grew exponentially, and more drivers were needed to handle this work. Drivers could choose between a Volvo F12 with a Hondebrink top sleeper or a Volvo F12 Eurotrotter. The advantage of the top sleeper was that it offered a more spacious sleeping cabin and more storage space. The Volvo Eurotrotter was primarily aesthetically pleasing – a real eye-catcher. A Volvo Globetrotter was not an option due to the maximum allowed length of 18.75 meters.

The first Eurotrotter was purchased in 1991, with the license plate VD-84-VP. By the end of 1993, approximately 30 combinations had been acquired. Seventy percent belonged to De Bruin, while the remaining units were used by charters.

The swap bodies were stationed at many of Mölnlycke/SCA’s locations, including Sumar, Hoogezand, Tilburg, Heijen, Waremme (B), Rouen (F), Mâcon (F), Alcalá de Henares (ES), Cacém (P), Nätraby (S), and Lilla Edet (S). For Philips, there were swap bodies in Dreux. They were also transferred and used in various other locations across Europe.

The swap bodies were primarily used for transporting tissue products, but also electronics, car tires, cardboard, wine, egg trays, empty cans, washing machines, refrigerators, and more.

Three types of trailers were used on the Eurotrotter combinations: standard curtainsider trailers, tautliner trailers, and box trailers.

After 1993, the production of the Eurotrotter was discontinued. Volvo stopped producing the F-series, which was replaced by the FH12.