Tyre trial shows fuel cost savings from Continentals

A significant improvement in fuel consumption is emerging from a carefully monitored trial of Continental ‘Eco-Plus’ tyres by Aberdeen-based operator Grampian International Freight Limited.

In May this year the company fitted Continental’s long-distance Eco-Plus HSL1 and HDL1 tyres to one of its three-axle Scania tractor units. Since then the truck has been returning 9.5 mpg compared to the average across the fleet of 8.7 mpg. Based on an expected annual mileage of around 100,000 (140,000 km) the fuel cost saving alone will more than cover the cost of the eight tyres on the truck.

The company is also seeing its overall tyre bill reduced substantially by selecting the correct Continental tyre for different applications and types of operation.

Since the introduction of the new Continental HTR2 trailer tyre it has been progressively changing the tyres on its 90 trailers to this type. All the trailers tri-axles and range from flats and tautliners to stepframes, low-loaders and extendable trailers. The HTR1’s currently in use are lasting between 18 months and two years and covering between 140,000 and 180,000 kilometres before change and the new HTR2 is expected to perform even better.

Bigger mileages are being recorded on HSR1 tyres used on its mid-lift axle Scania and Volvo tractors. The tyres on front steer axles are averaging 200,000 kilometres and on the mid-lift axle are reaching as much as 300,000 kilometres.

With long runs throughout Europe and even as far as North Africa, the company’s 43 trucks cover some 4.5 million kilometres a year. Along with the 90-strong trailer fleet, they collectively run on 1,000 wheels and tyres, so the potential for savings from using the correct tyres is very high.

Service Manager, Jim Greig, is responsible for the purchase and maintenance of all tyres in the fleet. For many years he has worked closely with Tyreservices Aberdeen, the local ContiNetwork dealer. They not only supply new tyres but undertake repairs and deal with tyre breakdowns throughout the UK through the ITDN network. Back-up in mainland Europe is provided through the ContiBreakdownService.

“The progress of product development with Continental truck tyres means that we are now achieving benefits in increased mileage, optimum fuel economy, and general tyre performance that we are more than happy with,” says Mr Greig.

As well as making savings that go straight to the bottom line, the use of Continental tyres that last longer and reduce fuel consumption is making a major environmental contribution. This is totally in line with Grampian International Freight’s own green policies and those of its parent company, Panalpina World Transport.

Grampian International Freight started trading in Aberdeen in 1984, principally to serve the oil industry. In the early years it moved goods by road and sea throughout the UK and to Holland and Germany and by air to all parts of the world. Today the company remains headquartered in Aberdeen but also has depots in Great Yarmouth and Holland and achieves a global reach through the parent company, Panalpina, which operates in most countries.

Along with road transport, the company provides forwarding, logistics and warehousing services to numerous blue chip companies in the oil and gas industry and across the motor and clothing sectors.