Kinaxia Logistics has taken delivery of its first batch of tractor units powered by compressed natural gas as it moves towards having a net zero fleet across its national linehaul service.
The company has invested over £2m in IVECO S-Way tractor units for its Primary division, replacing diesel vehicles in the fleet.
Kinaxia’s Primary division serves a client base which includes major retailers, parcel carriers and delivery networks. It includes the Mark Thompson Transport linehaul business, which has its headquarters in Appleton, Warrington.
Richard Smith, managing director of the division, said the new vehicles make up 10 per cent of the Primary fleet, with more on order for delivery in the new year.
He said: “These CNG trucks produce 90 per cent fewer emissions than diesel ones, leading to a reduction in CO2 of at least 100 tonnes per truck per year.
“The addition of these vehicles is a significant step as we look to create a carbon net zero linehaul and trunking fleet for our customers.
“We trialled the trucks earlier in the year and the feedback was extremely positive. Drivers reported a good driving experience, and a quieter cab.
“The units have a good specification and the CNG fuelling network is expanding as more sites continue to come on line.”
Other recent greener additions to Kinaxia’s group fleet include two IVECO CNG units at its haulage operation in Telford, and a 7.5 tonne Tevva electric truck in use for urban deliveries around Greater Manchester.
The company also uses units powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) exclusively on a number of dedicated customer contracts.
The IVECO S-Way tractor units have been supplied by South West Truck & Van, an IVECO franchise dealer and service agent.
Jack Sims, director at South West Truck & Van, said: “We are delighted to partner with Kinaxia Logistics as it gets going with its plan to decarbonise transport operations in its Primary division.
“Having extensively trialled the IVECO S-Way CNG, Richard and the Kinaxia team have embraced the technology and can see the benefits biomethane offers from an emissions reduction and total cost of ownership perspective.
“CNG-powered trucks have been around for some time. It’s proven technology but we are now starting to see more companies with heavy truck fleets take note and look to make the switch. Infrastructure is improving, with public access and back-at- base solutions now available, which makes it the most practical alternative fuel option to move goods at 38 or 44 tonnes.”
Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire. It employs more than 1,700 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 850 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
The group also has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service. Group turnover was more than £200m in 2022, the 10th anniversary of the business.
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