XPO Logistics has started receiving 76 Volvo FM . Trucks which will be used exclusively within the framework of an agreement with a building materials supplier British Gypsum. That new 6×2 tractor unit will play an important role in both companies’ commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future (23 tractor heads are Volvo units powered by bio-LNG -Liquefied Natural Gas-, while 53 units are powered by AVH -Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil-). As a result, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 90% compared to diesel tractors, with a total grid reduction of 30%.

All units feature Globetrotter cabs and meet the three-star London Transport Direct View Standard.

Dan Myers, UK & Ireland General Manager, XPO Logistics, commented: “British Gypsum and XPO have built a strong relationship based on shared values, with a clear focus on safety and sustainability. This is supported by our efforts to carry out further innovations that can significantly improve the environment. Our investment in a fleet powered by bio-LNG and AVH fuels demonstrates the importance of us helping British Gypsum move towards carbon neutrality.”

In the British Gypsum integrated transport network, which is managed digitally by XPO, a unit of Volvo FM construction materials will be delivered to a broad customer base and will transport products and goods, including high performance drywall, gypsum board and coating systems between five British Gypsum production sites in the UK.

Brian Fisher, Head of British Gypsum Distributionsaid: “Our new fleet of vehicles underscores our commitment to ensuring that our products are delivered to customers in an efficient, safe and sustainable manner, while enhancing the well-being of our drivers. This latest investment marks another step forward towards carbon neutrality by 2050. and highlight our ongoing commitment to Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) status.

The LNG-powered FM unit, which is projected to cover a distance of about 150,000 kilometers per year, will be refueled at the flagship Gasrec station at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Volvo originally designed the LNG-powered vehicle to use a small amount of diesel, to initiate the ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This allows the G13C engine to produce the same 460PS and 2,300Nm of torque as a diesel engine, with similar rideability, reliability and maintenance intervals. However, in trucks used by XPO, a small amount of diesel will be replaced by AVHachieve the same performance with lower carbon dioxide emissions.

To improve driver welfare, Volvo Drive+ Package for XPO includes a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and fully electric air conditioning, sun and air quality sensors, plus a refrigerator and microwave. That safety is also a priority, as each unit has an enlarged platform behind the cab to provide a safer place for the driver to operate. In addition, FM is equipped with Volvo Electronic Braking Systemprerequisites for safety features such as ‘Collision Warning with Emergency Brake’ and ‘Electronic Stability Control’.

XPO and British Gypsum have increased safety with blind spot detection sensors, audible alarms to reverse and turn left, 360 degree CCTV cameras, roll prevention technology and a solution called “CoupleSafe” that alerts the driver if the trailer is not properly connected.

The trucks have been supplied by the national fleet team on a regular basis operating lease through Volvo Financial Services and they are expected to operate seven days a week.