This rear-steer tanker is a purpose-built, high-spec solution to the real-world challenges of modern fuel distribution. For Tyrone Fuels, it represents a step-change from traditional 4×2, 13,500-litre rigids to a smarter, more productive option that improves customer service, delivery lead times, and operational margins.
It is not simply a larger tanker – it is a more intelligent one. That is why it stood out as a deserving winner of this prestigious award.
Specification
- Engine Output: 460 hp and 2550 Nm of torque – A new powerful engine with higher torque at lower revs for better drivability and fuel economy as well as excellent pulling power optimised for heavy loads in rural country roads and challenging environments
- Wheelbase: Shorter than comparable 4×2 builds, enhancing manoeuvrability
- Capacity: 20,000 litres
- Compartments: 5-compartment layout for multi-grade delivery flexibility
- Metering: Emco Wheaton Data Plus electronic metering system
Additional equipment
- A newly developed prototype pneumatic hose reel system – improving deployment speed and reducing manual handling and driver fatigue
- Extra-wide hose trays for easier hose management
- Reversing camera system and additional work and reverse lights for enhanced safety
- New-generation dual-purpose side lights that flash with directional indicators – enhancing visibility in rural and low-light delivery environments
Driver environment: A new benchmark
This tanker is paired with one of the highest-spec rigid cabs in the sector:
- Premium leather, heated seats
- Full Scania interior upgrade package
- Kelsa bars with integrated LED lighting and strobes
- Enhanced cab lighting for visibility, safety, and brand presence
The result is a working environment that attracts and retains skilled drivers.
A spokesperson for RTA commented: “The truck itself is a very high spec Scania with ‘all the toys’. The interior is the best of the best with leather, heated seats and all available upgrades.”
With the addition of Kelsa Bars on the cab, extra LED lighting, strobes and alloy wheels, the vehicle is one a driver can be proud of and stands out in both safety and styling.
A perfect operational fit
Founded in 1988 by Felix and Kathleen Gildernew, Tyrone Fuels has grown into a trusted regional distributor serving Counties Tyrone and Armagh. With the next generation joining in 1995 and 2003, the company has consistently invested in fleet quality as a cornerstone of customer service.
Since purchasing their first Scania from Mark Skelton at RTA in 2005, the brand has transformed their fleet performance and reliability. Today, Tyrone Fuels operates six Scania trucks – including rigids and artics – with this G46, which was added in November 2025, marking their first 6×2 rigid tanker, built specifically to future-proof operations.
Higher productivity, lower cost per litre
Moving from a 13,500-litre 4×2 to a 20,000-litre 6×2 delivers:
- Fewer trips per day
- More drops completed on a single run
- Lower fuel, labour, and maintenance cost
This directly improves margins in an industry where efficiency is critical.
Exceptional manoeuvrability
Despite its increased capacity, the rear-steer axle and shorter wheelbase allow this tanker to:
- Access tight rural lanes and farmyards
- Turn confidently in restricted locations
- Outperform traditional 4×2 vehicles
Driver feedback confirms that manoeuvrability exceeds expectations.
Faster deliveries, shorter lead times
Greater payload combined with faster, safer discharge equipment means:
- More orders fulfilled per shift
- Reduced backlog during peak demand
- Improved responsiveness to customer needs
This tanker directly enhances customer satisfaction and retention.
Driver focussed
From the equipment to the cab:
- Physical strain is reduced
- Comfort is significantly improved
- Driver pride and ownership are increased
Happy drivers deliver better service – and stay longer.
Brand
With its quality styling, this tanker acts as a mobile brand ambassador for Tyrone Fuels.
The distributor commented: “Since we bought our first Scania truck from RTA, we have never looked back in terms of our fleet quality and ability to deliver the highest standards of customer service.
“The addition of this G460 Scania has been another operational step change. The extra horsepower and manoeuvrability are perfect for the rural country roads which we travel, and the pneumatic hose reel has been well received by the driver.
“The increased productivity has made a welcome and immediate business impact.”
Summary
This build exemplifies what a modern fuel tanker should be:
- Efficient without sacrificing access
- High capacity without compromising manoeuvrability
- Driver-focused without excess or gimmicks
- Built for purpose, not just built to spec
A deep understanding of industry challenges – tight margins, demanding customers, rural infrastructure, and driver wellbeing has been translated into a tanker that delivers measurable business value every day.
This Scania G460 6×2 is not just a new vehicle for Tyrone Fuels, it is a strategic asset – and a clear, deserving winner of Tanker of the Year 2025.
Special recognition: Here we highlight three further outstanding entries
Watson Fuels
First up is the latest addition to the Watson Fuels fleet which has been designed and built to deliver maximum efficiency. It is an outstanding example of the distributor’s strategy of continually developing and redefining new truck specification, with safety and sustainability in mind.
The new DAF XD 340 includes the latest Paccar MX 11 fuel-efficient engine, fitted with a fully automated transmission and full air suspension for maximum stability and fuel economy. The truck is fitted with brushed Alcoa alloy wheels, reducing the chassis weight and improving payload. It has a Just Tankers-supplied Magyar 19,000 litre 5-compartment tank and Gardner Denver Data Plus 2 metrology system fitted.
This truck was chosen with all the safety features you would expect – from smart forward collision warnings for the driver (both visual and audible), fuel-efficient drive line and the latest camera and telemetry systems.
This tanker was manufactured by Just Tankers and Magyar who Watson Fuels describe as “giving great reliability and build quality” going on to note the value of increased flexibility and manoeuvrability offered by the DAF XD that reduces vehicle movements and mileage and ultimately, carbon footprint.
The truck is fitted with an impressive array of safety and operational features including full idle control, a unique 7 camera safety system, telemetry integration, city-safe window, Gardner Denver Data plus 2 metrology system, high-speed pump and meter and extra-long hose.
“The combination of the DAF Chassis and Magyar tank with GD metrology coupled with the truck’s innovative safety features, driver aid and built-in efficiency measures have resulted in an extremely safe and versatile fuel tanker, and one which helps support our goal of reducing mileage and our overall carbon footprint.”
An impressive focus on safety and sustainability.
Rix Petroleum
Next we review a fleet addition that embodies Rix Petroleum’s commitment to deliver fuel safely, efficiently, and transparently. Designed for that one clear purpose, this new Tasca-built DAF XD 370 blends proven engineering with intelligent technology.
Built on a 26,000kg three-axle chassis (one steer, one drive, and one tag/lift), this vehicle offers excellent stability, manoeuvrability, and payload optimisation. The Tasca-built aluminium tank provides a 20,000-litre total capacity, configured across five compartments, giving flexibility for multi-product deliveries and balanced load distribution.
While this tanker may not showcase a radical new fuel or prototype design, its strength lies in the application of innovation where it matters.
The vehicle features a Touchstar onboard computer system that digitises delivery management, and integrates seamlessly with back-office systems, improving data accuracy and accountability.
Combined with the TEX metering system, it ensures every litre delivered is measured, verified, and recorded with precision. This data-driven approach is transforming the way Rix Petroleum manages deliveries – reducing paperwork, improving efficiency, and transparency for customers.
What sets this tanker apart is its role in shaping the digital evolution of Rix Petroleum’s fleet. Innovation that is meaningful rather than dramatic – combining the best of modern technology with reliable, road-proven design.
“This tanker is not only a workhorse but also a benchmark. It demonstrates our continued investment in technology that enhances reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. Through precise data capture, safer operations, and seamless integration, it supports our mission to deliver fuel smarter.”
The Rix Petroleum tanker – designed for reduced downtime, improved accuracy, and elevated customer experience – setting the standard for the fleet excellence.
Your NRG
And finally, a standout example of applied innovation, the Your NRG tanker has been recognised for pushing conventional fuel tanker design forward in a highly practical way.
At the heart of the build is a move away from traditional PTO-driven pumps to a modern hydraulic-driven system, delivering greater flexibility in packaging, improved weight distribution, and smoother operation. This approach not only overcomes space and driveline challenges on modern chassis but also contributes to lower engine speeds, reduced fuel consumption, quieter deliveries, and improved long-term reliability.
The advanced mechanical design is paired with the MechTronic OptiMate electronic metering system, ensuring that innovation translates directly into accuracy, safety, and product integrity. With automated processes and contamination protection built in, the system supports multi-grade fuel deliveries and prepares the fleet for the increasing use of alternative fuels such as HVO.
Together, the hydraulic drive and intelligent metering reflect Your NRG’s commitment to engineering-led solutions that enhance efficiency, minimise downtime, and uphold the highest standards of delivery integrity.
A tanker that quietly redefines best practice through smart design choices, operational efficiency, and future-ready thinking.
Could you take the title of Tanker of the Year 2026?
We are delighted to announce the winner of the 2025 Tanker of the Year award built by Road Tankers Armagh for Tyrone Fuels as well as those we deemed worthy of special recognition
Congratulations to all involved.
Fuel Oil News now looks forward to receiving your entries for the 2026 tanker of the year award. Entries will be accepted until 31st December 2026, giving you plenty of opportunity to enter a new tanker you believe adds value to your business, customers or community.
Please send details of the tanker – the manufacturer, specification and the reason you believe it would be a worthy winner of Tanker of the Year 2026 – along with a photograph to claudia@fueloilnews.co.uk, and we could be adding your company to the 24 listed on page 12.
Other noteworthy Tanker of the Year 2025 entries
Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry to our Fuel Oil News Tanker of the Year 2025 competition. The standard of entries this year has been outstanding, and we appreciate the time you have taken to detail the benefits these fleet additions have brought to your businesses and your customers.
With such a tight field, OTHER noteworthy entries can be found in the showcase below.
Vale Oils (Morrow Tankers / Road Tankers Armagh)
Vale Oils’ entry highlights practical innovation focused on delivery efficiency and driver convenience.
Built on a DAF LF55 290 chassis with an RTN 13,500-litre alloy barrel, the tanker features the Alpeco Tex metering system with DreamTec OTC.
Remote control functionality allows drivers to manage volumes and line changes directly at the tank, speeding up deliveries.
Supplied by Morrow Tankers, the vehicle also reflects strong build quality and long-standing supplier partnership.
Ukay Energy(SOS Sales / Road Tankers Armagh)
Ukay Energy’s entry showcases a highly capable four-wheeler designed for efficiency and regional accessibility.
Built by SOS Sales and RTA on a DAF LF 290 FA chassis, the 13,000-litre tanker features EMCO technology with Data Plus integration, delivering real-time data and instant PODs.
Operating from Hadleigh, it serves challenging rural routes while reinforcing Ukay Energy’s commitment to renewable fuels through both supply and operation on HVO.
Jack Helliwell, Sales Director Ukay Energy was impressed with the “full 5-star experience” adding that: “When the tanker arrived with me it was tested, calibrated and ready for the road.”
Allan Stobart(Cobo)
Allan Stobart’s entry highlights a carefully specified vehicle that combines capacity, safety, and digital integration.
The Volvo FM 380 6×2 rear-steer rigid, features a 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, rear air suspension, and 360-degree camera coverage to support safe operation.
The 19,000-litre, five-compartment tank, manufactured by Cobo, incorporates a twin-tank additive system ensuring precise dosing.
Metering and pump equipment from MechTronic marks a strategic move toward simpler, more reliable systems, while DTS onboard technology integrated with Codas, provides real-time visibility of both vehicle and driver performance.
“The whole package is the best we’ve ever had and allows us to deliver the best service.”
Oilmaxx – Part of the Oilfast family (Road Tankers Armagh)
Oilfast’s entry showcases a robust and versatile tanker designed for demanding operating conditions.
Part of the Oilmaxx fleet, the Road Tankers Armagh build is mounted on a MAN TGS chassis and equipped with EMCO service equipment, alongside both hose reel and bulk delivery capabilities.
The larger chassis has been specified to cope with harsh terrain, while operation from the Immingham depot underlines its essential role within the Oilmaxx fleet.
PumpApp
PumpApp’s entry focuses on strong visual identity matched with operational capability.
The 36,000-litre diesel tanker, designed in-house by company director Mehdi Mohtasham, combines high-capacity efficiency with a bespoke livery, custom branding, and integrated lighting to enhance both safety and on-road presence.
Frequently praised by customers, the tanker acts as a mobile ambassador for PumpApp, reinforcing professionalism, reliability, and a clear commitment to service excellence.
Image credits: Tyrone Fuels, Rix Petroleum, Watson Fuels
