In the Netherlands, HZ Logistics has taken a significant step toward making its fleet more sustainable. They commissioned 30 Volvo FH 460 LNG 4x2 rigs. The logistics service provider chose these trucks because of their environmental benefits and the good business case. Volvo Trucks dealer, Volvo Group Truck Center Maasdijk, supplied these vehicles.
HZ Logistics is a full-service logistics provider. They use these Volvo LNG trucks to mainly transport refrigerated fruit and vegetable and ornamental plant products. That's for clients in Central and Southern Europe. The company is expressly working on sustainability. "By 2024, we want to have reduced our CO2 output by 25%," says Managing Director Barry Zuiderwijk. "We've already been doing this. We partially transporting our volumes intermodally, by rail."
"We were looking for a sustainable solution for long-distance road transport too. LNG trucks are currently the most sustainable alternative to diesel. And also the current alternative for long-distance transport. We wanted to take this all the way, so we placed an order for 30 vehicles. With these Volvo LNG trucks, we emit 20% less CO2 than diesel trucks. Our clients really appreciate sustainability too."
The best business case
After many comparisons, HZ Logistics opted for 30 Volvo LNG trucks. These were delivered in batches over the past six months. "We compared everything. And it quickly became apparent that Volvo's LNG trucks had the best business case. That's due to several factors. Firstly, LNG is cheaper than diesel. The Volvo LNG trucks score very well in terms of consumption. That's apparent in practice too. Our diesel trucks use 28l/100km. The LNG trucks use 20.5 kg/100km. Germany's Maut [toll] exemption gave us the decisive push to invest in these rigs," continues Zuiderwijk.
Taking full advantage of Maut exemption
HZ Logistics has set up a coupling system for the Volvo LNG trucks. That's so they can drive as many miles as possible in Germany. "We transport lots of products to central and southern Europe. We're now laying down plans. We want to be able to hitch trailers on this route in eastern and southern Germany. Our LNG trucks drive an average of 250,000 kilometers per year. Of this, 75% is in Germany. So, we're taking full advantage of the Maut exemption."
Fully equipped
The trucks have been fully equipped for traveling comfort. The spacious Globetrotter XL cab not only has two beds, a microwave, and a refrigerator. It also has an adjustable steering wheel with a tilt steering column ('neck tilt'). And the I-ParkCool integrated standard air conditioning system. HZ Logistics also devotes a great deal of attention to safety.
All the more because their truckers often drive at night. So, the company chose the Active Safety package. It has advanced safety systems. These include a Forward Collision Warning with emergency braking function and Adaptive Cruise Control. It also has Driver Alert Support, Lane Change Support, and Lane Keeping Support.
Zuiderwijk is well satisfied with the Volvo LNG trucks' performance. "They're great in terms of consumption, reliability, and driving comfort. We've also signed maintenance deals for them all. We, therefore, don't have to worry about that. We've opted for Real-Time Monitoring too."
That remotely monitors and analyzes the trucks' essential components 24 hours a day. That makes it possible to predict when a problem will occur. The company can then take preventive measures. That prevents unplanned downtime and maximizes the trucks' availability.
Also, the trucks have I-Cruise and intelligent Predictive Cruise Control I-See. The latter analyzes the route. It adjusts driving and shifting accordingly. That achieves optimal driving performance and fuel efficiency. I-Cruise helps maintain and adjust speed for low fuel consumption.
For more information:
Barry Zuiderwijk
HZ Logistics
16-18 Burg.van Doornlaan
2678 KB, De Lier, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 174 525 596
Email: b.zuiderwijk@hzlogistics.nl
Website: www.hzlogistics.eu