Gregory Distribution Takes Delivery Of Bio-LNG-Fuelled Volvo FM Globetrotter & FH Trucks
Transportation firm Gregory Distribution has added to its contingent of Volvo trucks powered by Bio-LNG (liquified natural gas). A delivery of 12 new Volvo FM LNG 6x2 tractor units with Globetrotter Cabs to the company’s Cullompton base and three new Volvo FH LNG trucks at its Avonmouth depot bring the tally of gas-powered Volvos in its fleet to 35. The new alternatively fueled FM trucks will haul laden milk tanks throughout the day and night.
“We put our first LNG trucks on the road 18 months ago, and the reduction in carbon emissions have been clear to see,” says Gregory’s Director of Fleet, Property, and Procurement, Andrew Chapple. “There is a growing expectation from our customers to help them in their own sustainability drive, and these Volvos are the perfect solution.”
Cleaner & Quieter
Gregory Distribution expects to run each Bio-LNG Volvo approximately 200,000 kilometres (124,000 miles) per year for the next five years. The transport company recently announced plans to migrate at least 5% of its fleet from diesel to cleaner-burning fuels every year.
The Bio-LNG trucks refuel at a skid-mounted facility at Gregory’s Cullompton hub. The company says it intends to upgrade the refuelling point to a larger, four-bay depot to accommodate its growing number of Bio-LNG vehicles. Bio-LNG is a renewable biofuel produced from organic waste, manure, and sewage.
“For long-distance haulage, Bio-LNG is the most sustainable option on the market today, and our drivers have welcomed the transition,” Chapple says. “Compared with diesel, these trucks offer the same drivability, reliability, and service intervals. Plus, they are around 50% quieter, too, which brings additional benefits from both a driver and delivery perspective.”
Gregory’s New Volvo FMs
Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland supplied Gregory Distribution with the new FM tractors. Their LNG-burning G13C engines produce the same power as their diesel counterpart, specifically 460 horsepower (343 kilowatts) and 2,300 newton-metres (1,696 pounds-foot) of torque. Each FM can haul almost 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) more than the new FH trucks in the fleet.
Gregory specified that its new FMs should meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating, allowing them to enter Greater London from 2024. The transporter also requested a long list of options including Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control, sun-sensing air conditioning, remote central locking, dual driver’s seat armrests, DAB radio, satellite navigation, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and static corner lights.
The FM trucks ride on Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium alloy wheels. Their steer and pusher axles are shod with Michelin X Line Energy tyres and their drive axles with Michelin X Multi Energy tyres for low rolling resistance and optimal range.
Find The Right Volvo Truck
Volvo also offers FM trucks in a rigid format and with biodiesel and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) engines. The FM has six cab options and available power levels ranging from 330 to 550 HP (246 to 410 kW).
Truck Locator hosts scores of listings for new and used Volvo trucks for sale, including models in the FM and FH series.
Source: Volvo