XPO Logistics have started to take delivery of 76 Volvo FM trucks that will be used exclusively for the contract with British Gypsum. As a key part of the British Gypsum 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 five manufacturing plants of British Gypsum
XPO states 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 fuelled with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). As a result, XPO Logistics states greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by about 90% versus diesel tractors, with a total network reduction of 30%.
Expected to clock up 150,000km each year, the FM LNGs will refuel at the Gasrec site at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). The Volvo 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.
Volvo argues that the latest version of the FM enhances the driver environment, with innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety, and productivity. Safety has also been prioritized, with each truck featuring an extended catwalk behind the cab to give the driver a safer place to operate. In addition, the FMs are equipped with the Volvo standard-fit Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control.
XPO and British Gypsum have increased safety further with blind-spot detection sensors, audible alarms for reversing and turning left, 360° CCTV cameras, rollaway prevention technology, and a solution called ‘CoupleSafe’ that alerts the driver if the trailer is not connected correctly.
Covered by full Volvo Gold Contracts to guarantee maximum uptime and peace of mind, the trucks were supplied by the national fleet team on an operating lease via Volvo Financial Services and are expected to be in operation up to seven days a week.
All the vehicles come equipped with spacious Globetrotter cabs and all meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating.
Source: XPO, Agg-net
