Premier Logistics is averaging 11 miles per gallon from a pair of new Volvo FHs with I-Save, delivering significant fuel savings versus the 9.5mpg the firm would traditionally expect to achieve on the same routes.
The Bardon-based haulier has added the two 460hp FHs with I-Save, alongside one new 500hp FH, to its 50-strong mixed fleet. Supplied by Jason Brewin, Truck Sales Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, all three trucks feature Globetrotter cabs with the single bed living package, I-Shift gearboxes and are built on a 3,900mm wheelbase.
“Like any transport operator, we are always looking for ways to reduce our fuel bills and these new Volvos should certainly help us,” says Lee Christopher, Managing Director at Premier Logistics. “They haven’t been in service long, so for the two 460 turbo compounds to already be averaging 11mpg is pretty impressive.
“We always consider different manufacturers when we are adding to the fleet, but we selected Volvo for their strong residual values and, most importantly, the fuel savings they could give us.”
The FH with I-Save is the most fuel-efficient 44-tonne tractor unit in Volvo’s truck range. It combines the D13TC Euro-6 Step D engine with turbo-compounding and updated fuel-efficiency features. The engine produces up to 300 Nm of extra torque, which means less acceleration and fuel is required in steady motorway traffic.
Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of dealers with 2,100 service points in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 14 countries across the globe. In 2019 approximately 131,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of 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.
Additional software such as Volvo Truck’s predictive cruise control, I-See – that analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead and includes gear-shifting software optimised for long- distance applications – add to I-Save’s fuel saving potential.
Premier Logistics has one of the FHs with I-Save working on a contract moving aluminium extrusions all around the UK. The other is working in the firm’s general distribution fleet transporting food and confectionary. Both are averaging roughly 450 kilometres per day.
The 500hp FH is working double shifts, doing shorter runs transporting heavy loads in the day and pulling a double-deck trailer on a return run to Ashton-under-Lyne at night.
“All three trucks are performing well,” says Christopher. “The drivers love them. We go through the fuel sheets when we get them from Volvo each week with the individual drivers just to create that bit of extra competition within the team!”
Working six days a week, the trucks will be in service for five years and are expected to do roughly 140,000 kilometres per year.
“They are a step up on the vehicles they’ve replaced,” adds Christopher. “As a business we want the best kit for our drivers and to set the right image of the company when we’re out on the road.”
Established in 2004, Premier Logistics specialises in palletised distribution, warehousing and transport for the food and construction industries.
