Trucks
NEWS SUMMARY:
The Derbyshire-based business – the UK’s leading independent supplier of high-purity calcium carbonates – operates a 52-strong commercial vehicle fleet, all of which are exclusively supplied by Volvo Trucks.
Longcliffe utilises the digital fleet management system Volvo Connect to get the most from every truck – regularly unlocking more than 10 miles per gallon (mpg) from its standard Volvo FH tractor units, despite the demanding application of pulling heavy powder tankers.
James Hopkinson, Head of Transport at Longcliffe says: “We find Volvo Connect a great tool to support the drivers. The data we receive helps us to pull together specific driver training programmes, which helps our trucks achieve the best mpg possible. With the new aerodynamic design of the FH Aero, and the latest technologies improving efficiency further, we are excited to see how much more fuel economy we can unlock from these latest units.”
Aerodynamic design and ultra fuel-efficient engine technology
The three new FH Aero tractor units – supplied by Tom Hulse, Area Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group – are powered by a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, which produces 500 hp and a peak torque of 2,800 Nm, benefited by turbo compounding technology. This extends the fuel economy potential even further by introducing an extra turbine after the turbocharger to reuse excess fuel from the exhausts, which is then converted to torque directly on the crankshaft.
The engines are paired with Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox technology, plus I-See predictive cruise control. The latter allows the driver to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear, saving fuel without losing speed.
Globetrotter cabs offer a home away from home
Inside the Globetrotter cabs, the specification has been built to maximise the driving environment. The creature comforts include a leather adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, under-bunk fridge/freezer and full media package and navigation.
For occasional nights away on the road, the company has opted for a comfortable foam mattress and the Sleeper Control Panel which lets drivers conveniently manage cabin climate, lighting, and audio directly from the bunk.
“Some of our vehicles will be out overnight, particularly on distance deliveries to destinations like Scotland and Cornwall, so we need our staff to be as comfortable as possible,” adds Hopkinson. “The drivers in the new Aeros absolutely love them.”
Each new FH Aero – which all arrive as fleet additions to help Longcliffe meet growing customer demand – is expected to clock in the region of 80,000 miles annually, working up to seven days per week.
For nearly 100 years, Longcliffe’s Derbyshire Quarries has been a market-leading supplier of high-purity calcium carbonates. The company produces around 100 limestone products for a huge range of critical industries, from animal feeds and pet foods to supplying the UK’s glassmaking and construction industries.
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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 2025 approximately 120,000 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.