The UK‘s first two, new generation Volvo FL tankers have gone into service with family-owned West Country tanker operator Ford Fuel Oils to replace older model Volvo’s in the Ford Fuel Oils fleet of 25 tankers.

Ford Fuel Oils’ Transport Manager Mike Jones is pleased with the new FL’s, saying. “I find Volvo trucks very reliable, they run fine. They’re one of the best trucks I run. I’m gradually replacing the older trucks with the new Volvo’s.”

The Euro 4, FL-280 18-tonne vehicles - which were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West of Avonmouth - are to full European ADR specification and are based 20-miles South of Bristol, close to the Mendip Hills at Farrington Gurney.

Operating within a 30 mile radius of the depot, the tankers will each deliver 2 to 3 full loads per day of a variety of products including diesel and kerosene. With many Ford Fuel Oils’ customers located in rural and even urban areas, with narrow roads and lanes, manoeuvrability was an important consideration in the decision to buy the Volvo’s. Maintenance is carried out by Ford Fuel Oils in-house at Farrington Gurney with Parts back-up supplied via the local Volvo Dealer at Gurney Slade.
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In addition to a wide range of businesses, farms and domestic premises, the new FL tankers also deliver to most of the major quarry operators on the Mendips - including supplying diesel for the Mendip Rail locomotives which operate out of the Aggregate Industries Torr Works quarry near Shepton Mallet.

The FL’s 12,000 litre, 4-compartment tank, which was fitted by Lakeland Tankers in Redditch, is equipped with a state-of-the-art drumflow system. This allows for electronic metering for each product dispensed, including diesel and kerosene. The system automatically factors in the different product densities providing more accurate control at the point of delivery.

Ford Fuel Oils provide a next-day delivery service from depots across an area covering Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, South Gloucestershire and Berkshire.