Michelin Saves Fuel for Haulier

Shepton Mallet-based Framptons Transport Services Ltd has identified an average fuel saving of 0.24 mpg (nearly three per cent) on its ERF ECT tractor units, following a trial of Michelin Energy tyres, which are designed for trucks operating primarily on major roads and motorways. The trial saw two tractor units fitted with 315/70 R22.5 A2 Energy tyres as original equipment in 2004, with the fuel economy carefully monitored for a period of 18 months. Fuel consumption was measured against identical vehicles in the fleet operating on Michelin’s ‘E’ segment tyres.

With an annual mileage of approximately 75,000 miles per vehicle, the trial showed that the ERF’s running on Energy tyres consumed an average of 9,102 gallons per annum (at 8.24 mpg), compared with 9,375 gallons (8.00 mpg) for the vehicles on non-Energy Michelin tyres.

“The improvement in fuel economy resulted in an annual saving of over £500 per vehicle,” explains Richard Fry, Director and General Manager of Framptons Transport Services.
“We have also just started a separate test with Energy tyres fitted to one of our trailers, and are hoping that this further reduction in rolling resistance could lead to an additional decrease in fuel consumption of around three per cent. We are also trialling a set of RemiX Energy tyres on one of our tractor units,” he adds.

As a member of the Palletine and Hazchem networks, the Framptons fleet is used for a mixture of contract distribution and pallet deliveries in both the UK and Europe. The company also operates a door-to-door road transport service between the UK, Spain and Portugal, with its own offices and freight handling facilities in Barcelona.