Fleet upgrade puts wholesaler on road to reduce carbon footprint

The five new 18 and 26-tonne lorries are a foot lower than its existing fleet, making them more energy-efficient because of reduced wind resistance, feature a full telematic system using eight cameras and bespoke satnav systems.

They also meet the latest Euro 6 environmental specifications.

The Glasgow-based company also encourages drivers to improve fuel consumption with trucks fitted with OptiDrive vehicle tracking technology which measures 12 operational parameters such as breaking, steering and revving to help lower fuel usage and emissions.

Stuart MacKenzie, senior operations manager in charge of logistics and warehousing at Filshill, said: “We are increasing our fleet and replacing older vehicles and have worked to tailor these new trucks to match our exact needs.

“As we use cages for deliveries, we don’t need quite so much height, so these vehicles are a foot lower than our existing fleet making them more energy efficient.

“Combined with a full telematic system and bespoke satnav that coaches drivers, this new fleet will form a key component of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest independent food and drink wholesalers, supplies nearly 200 convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England.

The wholesaler’s new 120,000sq ft distribution centre, at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport, is currently being built and the company will move there early in 2022.