Sustainability, Safety and Driver Focus Lead XPO Logistics and British Gypsum to OPT for Volvo

XPO Logistics, a leading provider of freight transportation services, has started to take delivery of 76 Volvo FM trucks that will be used exclusively on the company’s contract with building materials supplier British Gypsum. 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, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced by about 90% versus diesel tractors, with a total network reduction of 30%.

All the vehicles come equipped with spacious Globetrotter cabs and all meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating. Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “British Gypsum and XPO have built a true partnership based on shared values, with a clear focus on safety and sustainability. This is underpinned by our exploration of further innovations that can significantly improve environmental performance.

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.” 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. Brian Fisher, Head of Distribution, British Gypsum, said: “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.

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 150,000 km 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.

This enables the G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm 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. A key aspect of the fleet order was the driver-centric focus of Volvo’s latest version of the FM, which enhances the driver environment with innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity.

The interior of the Globetrotter cab features a new dashboard offering more storage space, new colours and a modern, dynamic digital display. To improve driver welfare further, XPO specified Volvo’s Drive+ package featuring an adjustable steering wheel with neck-tilt and fully electronic air conditioning with sun and air quality sensors, as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Safety has also been prioritised, 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 Volvo’s 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-degree 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.