Trucks
The move sees the logistics arm of the chilled specialist take delivery of six new Volvo FM LNG tractor units with Globetrotter cabs, each meeting Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating.
Supplied by David Beecroft, Regional Key Accounts Sales Manager for Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new trucks will be double-shifted and operating 24/7, covering up to 250,000 km per annum and expected to remain on the fleet for just over four years.
Dave Alexander, Transport Manager for Samworth Brothers Supply Chain, says: “Running on biomethane allows us to make a significant and immediate reduction to the carbon footprint of these vehicles versus the diesel models they replace. It’s a great move for the business and just the start of our LNG journey.”
Commenting on the decision to specify the FM, versus the bigger FH cab, he adds: “For the routes these trucks will be operating on we believe the FM is the best package on the market and is built for excellent visibility. Being three-star compliant also helps us to future-proof our fleet; it is due to be the minimum requirement for Greater London from 2024, plus there’s always the potential this could extend to other cities we deliver to as well.”
Volvo has achieved the impressive visibility with its next generation FM cab thanks to large windows, narrower and raised A-pillars, lowered door lines and excellent side mirrors.
The new FMs were ordered from the factory with Volvo’s Drive++ pack, Living pack and Media pack with navigation – to ensure a premium onboard experience for the driver. These options add key features including remote central locking, electrically controlled air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, twin leather armrests, electrically adjustable interior sun blind, DAB radio, sleeper control panel and 35mm mattress overlay protector.
Safety and efficiency are further enhanced with the optional Fuel pack and Active Safety pack, which introduce I-See predictive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and advance emergency brake system, driver alert support, lane departure-warning system, lane change support and electronic stability control.
Commenting on the transition to running LNG-powered trucks, Alexander adds: “The support from the dealership has been fantastic. They invited us to visit their workshops to see for ourselves the changes we need to make to our own vehicle maintenance unit, in order to maintain these trucks in-house – and that work is currently underway.”
All six trucks have been specified with Volvo Connect, allowing the customer to closely monitor the performance of the vehicles, including detailed fuel efficiency and carbon reduction data which is reported on weekly by the dealer’s Fuelwatch Manager, Andrew Wright. Volvo Connect also allows Alexander and his team to handle tachograph downloads remotely, plus provides live tracking of the vehicles for maximum security.
Four of the new trucks operate from the customer’s Leicester site and will deliver to RDCs inside the M25, refuelling at Gasrec’s DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal) location. The two remaining trucks will operate from Avonmouth, refuelling at a customer’s on-site facility.
The FM LNG benefits from Volvo’s unique approach to gas engine technology, using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables the Volvo G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as a standard 460 hp diesel, with matching driveability, reliability and service intervals. The gas powertrain also provides engine braking just like a regular diesel tractor unit – and without needing a separate retarder which adds weight and complexity.
Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.