Biodiesel appears to be the liquid gold all fleet managers have dreamed; it will bothreduce a vehicle’s environmental impact and also ease the pain associated with fuel costs. Courier jobs (especially in the inner city market) are becoming increasingly challenging as managers constantly dodge the landmines of government mandated compliance requirements, and the risk of fines if a fleet is found to be non-compliant. Before punitive measures against vehicles running on traditional diesel begin in 2019 in the UK, perhaps it’s time to consider the move to an AFV.
What is it?
Biodiesel is a low carbon emission alternative to fossil diesel produced from used cooking oil and vegetable crops. Fuel suppliers currently mix biodiesel into regular diesel in the ratio of 7%, creating what’s known as B7. This blend is compatible with manyconventional vehicles and some manufacturers are now producing cars and trucks that work with higher biodiesel blends of up to 30%.
The Pros
Companies running courier jobs within London’s city limits will be subject to fines and fees by 2019 if their vehicles do not utilise a cleaner energy source. However, it is not all doom and gloom, because the positive outcomes of using an alternative fuel vehicle definitely end up paying dividends. A few of the pros of using an AFV for courier jobs include:
•Vehicles’ load space and payload are not affected by the fuel change.
•Alternating fuels is still an option with an AFV as both biodiesel and fossil diesel are compatible in the same tank.
•Biodiesel offers the same mileage as regular diesel.
•Biodiesel is an excellent renewable energy source as it is derived from a waste product that does not require crops to be grown to make it.
•AFV’s are ideally suited for courier jobs operating in the suburbs, cities or for motorway transport.
A Few Cons
Of course, there are a few negative aspects to transitioning to biodiesel in your AFV. Ultimately the environmental benefit is well worth the change and managers will also see a positive outcome inthe bottom line. However, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration such as:
•Biodiesel blends need to be obtained from a supplier facility, which is not always conveniently located. In this instance a storage tank will need to be installed at your base.
•A vehicle has to be specially designed to be capable of using alternative fuels and thus will need frequent maintenance.
•Tail-pipe emissions are unaffected.
•Compared to diesel, the use of biodiesel will not improve noise or air quality.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, though, making the move to using biodiesel is in the transport industry’s best interests. With operational performance unaffected and the environmental impact of the reduction of CO2 by 28%, the change is almost a no-brainer.
The cost of doingcourier jobs in the inner city environment has sky-rocketed for both the consumer and for fleet managers over the past decade, as measures have been implemented to coax the industry in a more environmentally friendly direction. Although many of the changes have required more expense and operating costs, the increased use of biodiesel is a breath of fresh air for logistics and delivery operators in urban markets everywhere.Courier jobs
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,300 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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