News

Lloyd Fraser Group looks set to abandon plans to run trucks on biodiesel at the end of a six-week trial after fuel consumption worsened by an average of 5%. The Rugby-based logistics company is four weeks into the trial, with two vehicles running on the fuel made from recycled chip fat.

However, John Mellors, fleet manager for Lloyd Fraser on its contracts with Manor Bakeries and Focus, says the fuel has not proved a hit. "The calorific level is slightly lower than diesel and we have seen  a slight reduction in economy by 5%, which negates any other benefits [of using it].

"During the first four weeks of the six-week trial the fuel consumption of the trucks running on biodiesel has been consistently lower. The trial is ongoing, so we haven't rejected it just yet, but it's not looking good."

The company is still pushing for greater efficiency and environmental improvement within its business. It has recently taken delivery of a second Don-Bur Teardrop trailer built with polyethylene high-density foam [PDPE] panels. It will which house 52 pallets, eight more than the first Teardrop trailer on its fleet (MT 7 May).

Matthew Preston, general manager at Lloyd Fraser, says the second trailer will use electrics to move the middle deck, rather than the diesel-powered donkey engine used on the first trailer. This will produce a 250g saving in weight and cut out the need for red diesel.

The extra capacity will improve productivity in certain  areas of the Manor Bakeries work. "The first Teardrop has returned around a 5% fuel saving," he says. "Part of the reason for that is because we had to compromise the shape a little and adapt it for the load."

Telematics has also helped fuel economy, says Mellors. The group introduced the MAN web-based Fleet Management telematic system to its MAN tractor units allowing Lloyd Fraser to monitor driver performance.