March 22, 2022. XPO Logistics, a leading provider of freight transportation services, have started to take delivery of 76 Volvo FM trucks that will be used exclusively on the company’s contract with British Gypsum.
The new 6×2 tractor units will play a crucial part in the two companies’ commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future – 23 are Volvo FM LNGs running on Bio-LNG (liquified natural gas), while the other 53 FMs will be fueled with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). As a result, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by about 90% versus diesel tractors, with a total network reduction of 30%.
All the vehicles come equipped with spacious Globetrotter cabs and all meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating.
Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland at XPO Logistics, said: “British Gypsum and XPO have built a true partnership based on shared values, with a clear focus on safety and sustainability. This is underpinned by our exploration of further innovations that can significantly improve environmental performance. Our investment in a fleet powered by Bio- LNG and HVO technologies demonstrates the importance we place on helping British Gypsum move towards net carbon zero.”
As a key part of British Gypsum’s single, integrated transportation network, digitally managed by XPO, the Volvo FMs will deliver building supplies to a broad customer base and will transport stock and materials between British Gypsum’s five manufacturing plants.
Brian Fisher, Head of Distribution at British Gypsum, said: “Our new fleet of vehicles underlines our commitment to ensuring that our products are delivered to customers in an efficient, secure, safe, and sustainable way, whilst further improving welfare standards for our drivers. The latest investment signifies yet more progress as we continue on our journey to being net carbon zero by 2050 and highlights our continued commitment to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) status.”
Expected to clock up 150,000km each year, the FM LNGs will refuel at Gasrec’s flagship site at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Volvo’s LNG trucks normally use small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This allows the G13C engine to deliver the same 460hp and 2,300Nm of torque as its diesel-only counterpart, with similar driveability, reliability, and service intervals. However, in the trucks used by XPO, the small amounts of diesel will be replaced by HVO – achieving the same performance with even fewer carbon emissions.
