Supplied by Jason Brewin, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the trucks join a 24/7 operation collecting recyclable and waste materials from across the Midlands, with one truck specifically dedicated to a contract working with North Warwickshire Borough Council.

 

James Baxter, Managing Director, Baxters Haulage, says: “We’ve been running a biomethane-powered Volvo FM since 2019, and it’s proven to be a reliable and effective part of the fleet. That experience is what gave us the confidence to bring these new tractor units into the business.

 

“The move aligns with both our sustainability goals and growing customer expectations around decarbonisation. These trucks will help us to reduce our emissions without compromising on performance. We’re confident that this investment will deliver both environmental and operational benefits over the long term.”

 

The FMs are fuelled with bio-LNG (liquified natural gas) and benefit from Volvo’s unique approach to gas engine technology, using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables the Volvo G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as a standard 460 hp diesel truck, with matching driveability, reliability and service intervals.

 

Volvo’s gas powertrain also provides engine braking just like a regular diesel tractor unit –without needing a separate retarder which adds weight and complexity.

 

The trucks each feature a 12-speed I-Shift transmission – which delivers perfectly-timed gear changes in a fraction of a second – plus I-See predictive cruise control, allowing the driver to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear, saving fuel without losing speed.

 

Baxters Haulage has opted for Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) to further boost efficiency by replacing traditional exterior mirrors. The CMS also increases the driver’s field of view and, when driving with a trailer, deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns.

 

Globetrotter cabs have been decked out with creature comforts including leather upholstery, a heated and suspended driver’s seat with dual armrests, a 28-litre fridge, and automatic climate control. When combined with rear air suspension, this creates a comfortable working environment.

 

A one person living package adds extra cab storage, a bottle holder and a 40mm thick mattress, while Volvo’s Media package with navigation brings DAB radio and a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument cluster with an accompanying secondary colour information display to the spec.

 

Safety is increased through Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Side Collision Avoidance Support, and Driver Alert Support systems. Meanwhile, rain sensing wipers and LED headlamps boost visibility.

 

Expected to clock-up to 160,000 km annually, the trucks will be refuelled primarily at ViGo’s Shareshill bioLNG station, near Wolverhampton.

 

Established in 1994, Baxters Haulage is a family-run business, operating a 35-strong commercial vehicle fleet.