Clinical waste specialist SRCL reports reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, with its 18 new streamlined Bevan21 box body rigids.
13 of the aerodynamic box bodies have been fitted to 26-tonne Volvo FM12 rigids supplied by Leeds dealer Crossroads Truck & Bus, while a further five are on drawbar trailers, hauled by some of the trucks.
Laurence Mullikin, SRCL fleet manager, says he is convinced that the curved roof profile reduces wind slip resistance and drag.
"It's difficult to be precise about the savings, because we collect fuel consumption data across the fleet and our vehicles are all on different routes, with different loads, and facing varying traffic conditions. But it's clear that these new trucks are showing a noticeable improvement in fuel use.
"In fact, the 26-tonne rigids are producing average figures broadly in line with those we have previously seen from 18-tonne trucks with conventional bodies. Of course, this also means reduced exhaust emissions and a lower carbon footprint."
In independent track trials, a Bevan21-bodied rigid was 15% more fuel efficient than a truck with a standard box body.
