Vredeveld SiLogistics has started transporting hydrogen with a new Volvo FH 460 6×2 tractor. The truck will be used to supply a hydrogen filling point in Pesse. The Volvo FH ADR tractor was recently delivered by the Zwolle branch of Nijwa Groep.
“Hydrogen distribution is a new activity for us,” says Mischa Vredeveld, general manager of the Vredeveld Group, of which Vredeveld SiLogistics is one of the business units. “We were approached by a party that operates hydrogen filling stations. There is also a pumping station in Pesse with alternative fuels, of which hydrogen is one.”
Optimal payload
Vredeveld SiLogistics is currently starting to transport hydrogen with one new Volvo FH 460 6×2 tractor. Two more identical Volvos FH will be put into service shortly, which can be used for this or other Vredeveld transport activities. The Volvo FH ADR tractors are equipped with a mid-lift axle. Vredeveld: “We opted for this in order to optimize the payload and axle load distribution. This version has a lower curb weight than a conventional 6×2 tractor and offers a net payload of three tons more.”
Hydrogen is the future
Vredeveld Group itself also explicitly looks at the possibilities of alternative fuels. Vredeveld: “We think hydrogen is the future for our type of transport. That is why we are part of a consortium with shippers, transporters, universities, governments and suppliers, where we are jointly looking at how we can shape the transition from diesel to hydrogen and how we can get hydrogen trucks on the road.”
Sixteen new Volvo FH tractors
In addition to the three Volvo FH 460 ADR tractors, Vredeveld Group will also be using thirteen new Volvo FH 460 4×2 tractors for other transport work in the coming months. “Part replacement and part expansion of the fleet,” says Mischa Vredeveld. “The 4×2 tractors are used for bulk transport and the transport of sand-lime bricks, which we do for a regular client.”
Fuel Hero Pack
All new Volvo FH tractors come with the Fuel Hero package. This package contains various fuel-saving functions such as the predictive cruise control system I-See, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function and I-Cruise. I-Cruise helps to keep speed constant and adjust for low fuel consumption. “For us, the diesel price is the second-largest cost item. If you can save on this, it directly contributes to the return, especially with the current diesel prices. Hence the choice for the Fuel Hero package.”
I-ParkCool
To ensure sufficient space and comfort, the trucks are equipped with the spacious Globetrotter cab. For extra comfort, the trucks are equipped with the integrated parking cooler I-ParkCool, which guarantees drivers a pleasant cabin climate under all circumstances.
Proven quality
Vredeveld Group’s fleet consists of eighty trucks, the majority of which are Volvo trucks. “Volvo is proven quality and the relationship with Nijwa is also good. An additional advantage is that Nijwa’s workshops in Hengelo and Beilen are located close to our locations in Borne and Hoogersmilde, which is of course ideal with regard to service and maintenance. We have concluded a Gold contract for all new trucks, so that Nijwa does everything for us in the field of repair and maintenance.”
About Vredeveld Group
Vredeveld Group has offices in Ter Apelkanaal, Hoogersmilde and Borne. Over the years, the company has grown from a traditional transport company to a full-service logistics service provider. “We started with (construction) transport in 1937 and later, bulk transport, storage and transhipment and our own tank cleaning were added. A few years ago we took a new step. With Vredeveld Logistic Solutions, we now also take care of the total logistics operation for our customers. We have the knowledge and tools to carry out transport properly and efficiently and to optimize logistics processes, so that customers can concentrate on their core business. In collaboration with our logistics partners, we superimpose logistics networks, increasing the load factor. The knife cuts both ways: a higher load factor saves costs, which is beneficial for both the shipper and the carrier. In fact, transport has become part of the bigger picture for us.”
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
