Buffaload to produce own gas for expanded truck fleet
Three-hundred truck strong operator Buffaload intends to become self-sufficient in fuel by producing its own bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) from an in-house methane digester.
The Huntingdon operator announced the plans as 20 new Volvo FH Aero gas-powered 6×2 tractors were delivered to its fleet.
Operating around the clock, the new Volvos will be paired with double-deck refrigerated trailers delivering temperature-controlled goods to a wide customer base throughout the UK.
Ross Taylor, founder and CEO of Buffaload, said: “Every fleet decision we make now is driven by our impact on the environment. We have been running gas-powered Volvos for the best part of five years, very successfully. The technology works well for our operations. By the middle of 2025 we will have 85 LNG trucks on the road, and we are determined to continue on this pathway.
“To meet our sustainability commitments, we feel that LNG is the only option in long distance distribution work, and we are very excited to see what these latest generation trucks can deliver.”
The Volvo FH Aeros are designed for fuel-efficiency. The 460 hp gas-powered engines deliver the same performance as the diesel version – with the new trucks returning an immediate 25 per cent carbon emission reduction for Buffaload. However, the company aims to take that further by producing its own biogas – a move that will allow the business to reach a total tailpipe emission reduction of 96 per cent.
“We have plans to produce our own gas from food and farm waste via an anaerobic digestion system,” confirmed Taylor.
“That’s our route to net zero and will allow us to offer our customers a truly sustainable transportation solution.”