Relay has recently introduced a brand new co-branded Mercedes-Benz tractor unit to our fleet that will be used exclusively for Konica Minolta consignments. What makes this a very special vehicle is that it runs on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil).
This eco-friendly synthetic paraffinic fuel is of very high quality, stable and composed of 100% sustainable raw materials. As an alternative to diesel, it offers a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90%.
Based at our headquarters depot in Iver, Buckinghamshire, the vehicle has been out every day for bulk collection of high value electronic equipment from Konica Minolta in Basildon, Essex, using a spacious climate controlled double-decker trailer unit. After its return to Iver, the HVO vehicle is again used for Konica Minolta’s ongoing nightly trucking deliveries to our depot at Warrington, Cheshire.
Reducing our carbon footprint
The introduction of an HVO-fuelled vehicle to our fleet is an exciting new venture for us and reflects our desire to embrace leading-edge technological developments, which includes reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
Relay has been progressively greening its fleet for some considerable time and all our vehicles operating out of the Iver depot are Euro VI compliant, which means that they can enter London’s Low Emission Zone without charge. Our fleet acquisition policy is also to introduce Euro VI compliant vehicles to our other depots.
The use of HVO fuelled vehicles is a developing trend in transport and we are delighted to be involved in this important initiative in partnership with our long-standing customer Konica Minolta, with whom we have recently signed a new 5-year contract. The transport and logistics sector plays a vital role for the economy and society as a whole, and new technology is progressively making its operations increasingly eco-friendly.