One deal for a total of fifteen trucks almost doubled the number of gas-powered Volvo trucks on Gregory Distribution’s fleet. As with many of the more progressive operators, the company is gradually investing in alternatively fuelled trucks. For long distance, haulage the only viable option at present is to head down the Bio-Methane route.
The company is using the Bio-LNG Volvos for its milk transhipment operation, with the arrival this week of 12 new Volvo FM Globetrotter LNG 6×2 tractor units for its Cullompton base – each expected to clock-up 200,000 km per year for the next five years.
The FM LNGs are joined by a further three new FH LNGs for its Avonmouth depot, increasing the number of gas-powered Volvos in the fleet to 35 – with recently announced plans by the company to transition at least five per cent of its fleet from diesel to cleaner fuels every year.
Supplied by Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland’s national fleet team, the new FMs offer a payload advantage of nearly 700kg over the FH, making them perfect for hauling laden milk tankers around-the-clock.
Andrew Chapple, Director of Fleet, Property and Procurement for Gregory Distribution, says: “We put our first LNG trucks on the road 18 months ago and the reduction in carbon emissions have been clear to see. There is a growing expectation from our customers to help them in their own sustainability drive, and these Volvos are the perfect solution.
“For long-distance haulage, Bio-LNG is the most sustainable option on the market today and our drivers have welcomed the transition. Compared with diesel, these trucks offer the same driveability, reliability and service intervals; plus, they are around 50 per cent quieter too – which brings additional benefits from both a driver and delivery perspective.”
Gregory Distribution has spec’d the FMs to meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating – ensuring they meet the minimum requirement to enter Greater London from 2024.
Each FM features four options packs designed to increase fuel-efficiency and driver appeal. These add features including Volvo’s intelligent I-See predictive cruise control, electrically controlled air-conditioning with sun sensor, remote central locking, twin armrests on the driver’s seat, DAB radio, satellite navigation, rain sensing windscreen wipers and static corner lights.
Other options include Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium rims and Michelin X Line Energy steer and pusher axle tyres, and X Multi Energy fitments on the drive axle, for low rolling resistance and maximum range.
Power is provided by Volvo’s G13C engine which delivers the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as a standard 460 hp diesel.
The trucks will be fuelled from a skid-mounted Bio-LNG refuelling facility at the customer’s Cullompton base, with the vehicle’s range sufficient to tackle a return journey to the home counties. Plans are already in place with Gasrec to install a much larger four-bay station in Cullompton, as Gregory Distribution’s biomethane-powered truck fleet continues to grow.