Sustainability key as XPO Logistics and British Gypsum opt for Volvo

XPO Logistics has 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 x 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, GHG emissions will be reduced by about 90% versus diesel tractors, with a total network reduction of 30%.

“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,” commented Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics.

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 – including plaster, plasterboard and high-performance drylining systems – between British Gypsum’s five manufacturing plants.

“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,” added Brian Fisher, Head of Distribution, British Gypsum. “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.. 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.