FL-240 LPG tanker spearheads Volvo’s return to Callow Fuels

Callow Fuels, the independent, Worcestershire-based oil and gas distributor, has welcomed Volvo back to its fleet in the form of an FL240 LPG tanker supplied by Hartshorne Motor Services.

The 240hp, 18-tonner features a Day cab and 9-speed manual gearbox and was chosen for a combination of Volvo reliability and competitive pricing, which has also led to two further vehicles being ordered.

“We used to run Volvo’s pretty much exclusively,” recalls James Callow, a Director of the company and the son of its founder. “Price competition sent us to other makes for a while, but now the cost is once more at a level that makes sense for us.” Cost has been a significant factor in the tank specification too; the 17,000 litre barrel is a remount, reflecting the rising cost of new examples. It was supplied by Lakeland Tankers, who also provided the digital gas meter, in-cab thermal printer and full ADR kit.

The return of Volvo to Callow Fuels is particularly welcome, coming as it does in the wake of very positive experiences with FL6’s. “Historically, those Volvo’s don’t owe us much!” says James. “We’d reckon on a service life of 10-12 years, and they were like pocket battleships; they’d run all over our territory with rarely a spanner put on them.”

Spanners will be put on this FLH under a five-year contract with Volvo dealership, Hartshorne’s depot at Pensnett, whose ability to provide a dedicated ADR bay was another significant factor in Callow Fuel’s decision to choose Volvo.