Volvo’s focus on environmental impact, fuel efficiency levels and safety technology were strong factors in Greencarrier Freight Services (UK) Ltd. – part of The Greencarrier Group – choosing to put a new Volvo FH tractor unit into operation at their Ipswich depot.
Supplied by Matt Kubot, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, the new FH Globetrotter 6×2 pusher axle tractor unit is the first of five similar Volvos – plus a Volvo FL 12-tonne rigid curtainsider – to be delivered to Greencarrier Freight Services (UK) Ltd this year.
The FH is powered by Volvo’s D13K Euro-6 engine, which produces a maximum of 500hp and provides 375kW of secondary vehicle retardation with its Volvo Engine Brake+ (VEB+.). Behind this is a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission system and a single reduction drive axle. The 4,100mm wheelbase chassis is fitted with front steel, rear air suspension combination.
“To maximise fuel economy figures, we’ll use Volvo’s Dynafleet Driver Support system. The FHalso comes with I-Roll Eco Cruise Control, with I-See, which reads cloud-based topography to maximise vehicle performance and fuel efficiency,” notes Adam Gaunt, Fleet Manager at Greencarrier Freight Services (UK), adding, “Our company’s commitment to sustainability mirrors Volvo’s ongoing focus on environmental impact.”
Adam continues, “We like Volvo Trucks’ core safety values. In addition to the standard forward collision warning with autonomous braking and a Lane Departure Warning system, we’ve specified Volvo’s new Active Safety technology which includes Driver Alert Support, Lane Changing Support and Adaptive Cruise Control.”
Extra safety features fitted to the new FH also include forward and side facing cameras that arerelayed to the driver’s in-cab monitor screen and a hard drive for memory and recall of camera recorded material. For urban operations, Greencarrier Freight Services (UK) has also specified an audible warning for cyclists when the truck is turning left and close proximity sensors for cyclist and pedestrian safety.
