Why Switching to HVO Fuel is a Smart Move for Haulage and Transport Companies The transport and logistics industry plays a vital role in global trade, but it is also one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. As environmental regulations tighten and businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint, many haulage companies are exploring cleaner alternatives to traditional diesel. One of the most promising options available today is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel. Switching to HVO fuel offers a practical and immediate way for haulage companies to lower emissions, improve fleet performance, and move toward more sustainable operations without making major changes to their vehicles. What is HVO Fuel? HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a renewable diesel alternative produced from waste vegetable oils, animal fats, and other sustainable feedstocks. Through a refining process called hydrotreating, these raw materials are converted into a high-quality fuel that is chemically similar to conventional diesel. Because of this similarity, HVO can be used in most diesel engines without modification, making it a “drop-in” replacement for standard diesel fuel. Major Benefits of HVO for Haulage Fleets 1. Significant Reduction in Carbon Emissions One of the biggest advantages of HVO fuel is its environmental impact. Compared to traditional diesel, HVO can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. For haulage companies operating large fleets of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), this reduction can dramatically lower the company’s overall carbon footprint. It also helps businesses meet sustainability targets and environmental reporting requirements. Many organisations and councils are already making the switch to HVO in order to support their net-zero commitments and reduce operational emissions. 2. Cleaner Combustion and Better Air Quality HVO fuel burns more cleanly than conventional diesel. It produces fewer harmful exhaust emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), which contribute to poor air quality and respiratory problems. Cleaner combustion also means: Reduced soot production Lower exhaust emissions Better environmental performance in urban areas For haulage companies operating in cities with low emission zones or strict environmental regulations, this can be a major advantage. 3. No Vehicle Modifications Required One of the biggest barriers to adopting alternative fuels is the cost of upgrading vehicles or infrastructure. However, HVO fuel can be used in most diesel engines without any modifications. This means haulage companies can switch fuels almost immediately, using their existing vehicles, storage tanks, and refuelling systems. Compared to switching to electric or hydrogen trucks—which require major investment in infrastructure—HVO offers a far simpler transition. 4. Improved Engine Performance HVO fuel has a higher cetane number than regular diesel, which means it ignites more efficiently during combustion. This leads to: Smoother engine operation Quieter running engines More efficient combustion In addition, the cleaner-burning fuel reduces engine deposits and injector fouling, potentially lowering maintenance requirements and extending engine life. 5. Excellent Cold Weather Performance Haulage fleets often operate in harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. HVO performs extremely well in low temperatures, with cold filter plugging points as low as -27°C, helping to prevent fuel waxing and starting issues. This makes it a reliable option for year-round fleet operations. 6. Long Storage Life Unlike standard diesel, which can degrade within a year, HVO fuel has a storage life of up to 10 years without significant deterioration. For haulage depots that store large volumes of fuel, this longer shelf life reduces the risk of contamination and fuel degradation. Supporting Sustainable Logistics Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the logistics sector. Many customers now expect transport providers to demonstrate environmentally responsible practices. Using HVO fuel allows haulage companies to: Reduce Scope 1 transport emissions Support customers’ sustainability goals Strengthen environmental credentials Prepare for future environmental regulations For many fleets, switching to HVO is an effective bridge solution while the industry continues developing electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. Many large organizations have already transitioned to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as their primary fuel source. Because it is a "drop-in" replacement, these companies can decarbonize their existing fleets instantly without spending millions on new electric trucks. Here are some major companies using HVO and the specific reasons why they made the switch: 1. FedEx • Usage: In late 2024, FedEx announced a major transition for its UK linehaul fleet. Over 170 tractor-trailer trucks at three major UK hubs (Park House, Marston Gate, and Atherstone) now run on HVO. • Why: FedEx has a global goal to reach carbon-neutral operations by 2040. They chose HVO because it provides an immediate 80-90% reduction in carbon emissions for heavy-duty vehicles where electric technology isn't yet practical for long-distance hauling. 2. DHL Supply Chain • Usage: DHL has rolled out HVO across its UK and Ireland operations, using millions of liters annually to power its heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). • Why: DHL operates massive "fuel bunkers" (on-site storage). They switched because HVO requires zero modifications to their existing fleet, allowing them to hit sustainability targets for their customers (like Marks & Spencer or Unilever) without waiting for a hydrogen or electric infrastructure to be built. 3. Royal Mail • Usage: Royal Mail has introduced HVO to its heavy vehicle fleet as part of its "Steps to Zero" strategy. • Why: As one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, they needed a solution for their heaviest trucks that travel the longest distances. HVO allows them to reduce their scope 1 emissions immediately while they continue to electrify their smaller "last-mile" delivery vans. 4. Menzies Aviation • Usage: At major airports like London Heathrow and Gatwick, Menzies uses HVO to power its Ground Support Equipment (the heavy tugs and loaders that move planes and baggage). • Why: Airports are high-pollution zones. Menzies uses HVO to improve local air quality (reducing Nitrogen Oxides and soot) and to support the aviation industry’s strict net-zero targets. 5. British Antarctic Survey (RRS Sir David Attenborough) • Usage: Even world-famous research ships use it. The RRS Sir David Attenborough used 1 million liters of HVO for its voyages. • Why: When operating in pristine environments like the Antarctic, minimizing soot and sulfur emissions is critical. HVO is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it much safer for marine ecosystems than fossil diesel. 6. Local Councils (e.g., Hounslow Council) • Usage: Many local authorities in the UK have switched their refuse collection trucks (bin lorries) to HVO. • Why: Bin lorries are "stop-start" vehicles that produce high emissions in residential areas. HVO burns cleaner, reducing the smell and particulate matter (soot) that residents breathe in while the trucks are working. Summary: Why do these companies choose HVO? 1. Immediate Impact: There is no "transition period"—emissions drop by 90% the moment the fuel hits the tank. 2. No Capital Expenditure: They don't have to buy expensive new electric trucks; they keep using their current, reliable diesel assets. 3. Reliability: HVO has a 10-year shelf life and doesn't suffer from "diesel bug" (bacterial growth), which reduces maintenance costs and vehicle downtime. 4. Customer Pressure: Large retailers and manufacturers now demand that their logistics partners show lower carbon footprints to win contracts. Would you like to know which vehicle manufacturers (like Scania or Volvo) officially approve HVO for their engines? Most major heavy-duty and passenger vehicle manufacturers have officially approved HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) for use in their engines. When looking for approval, manufacturers refer to the fuel standard EN 15940 (the European standard for paraffinic diesel). Here is a breakdown of which companies approve HVO and why it matters for your warranty. 1. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) & Buses The trucking industry has been the fastest to adopt HVO because electric alternatives for long-haul trucking are still developing. • Scania: One of the biggest supporters of HVO. Almost all their Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines are approved for 100% HVO. • Volvo Trucks: Approved for all Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines. They often promote HVO as the primary way for logistics firms to hit "Net Zero" targets today. • Mercedes-Benz (Daimler): Approved for most of their Actros, Antos, and Arocs truck ranges. • DAF: Approved for their entire current range of MX and PX engines. • MAN & Iveco: Both have cleared their latest engine generations for 100% HVO use. 2. Passenger Cars & Vans For consumer vehicles, approval usually depends on the age of the engine. Look for a "XTL" label inside your fuel filler cap—this is the universal symbol for HVO compatibility. • Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel/Vauxhall): In late 2024, Stellantis confirmed that its entire passenger car and light commercial vehicle line-up is compatible with HVO (Euro 5 and Euro 6). • Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Škoda, SEAT): Approved HVO for all their 4-cylinder diesel engines delivered since mid-2021. • BMW: Approved HVO for all their diesel models in Europe since early 2024. • Ford: Approved for the Transit and Transit Custom vans (2.0L EcoBlue engines), which is a huge deal for delivery fleets. • Renault: Approved for their latest van and car diesel engines. • Toyota: Approved for the Hilux and Land Cruiser models produced from 2023 onwards. 3. Off-Road & Construction Machinery Construction sites are under massive pressure to reduce site emissions, leading to wide approval here: • JCB: All latest Stage V engines are HVO-approved. • Caterpillar (CAT): Most of their modern engines can run on 100% HVO without any hardware changes. • John Deere: Approved for use in their tractors and forestry equipment. Why does "Official Approval" matter? 1. Warranty Protection: If a manufacturer officially approves HVO (standard EN 15940), using it will not void your warranty. 2. Seal Compatibility: Unlike older biodiesels (FAME), which can degrade rubber seals over time, HVO is chemically stable. Manufacturers have tested it to ensure it won't cause leaks or engine damage. 3. DPF Health: Manufacturers like it because HVO produces less soot. This means your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) stays cleaner for longer and goes through fewer "regeneration" cycles. How to check your own vehicle: 1. Check the Fuel Cap: Look for a small square sticker that says "XTL". If you see this, you can use 100% HVO. 2. Check the Manual: Look for "Paraffinic Diesel" or "EN 15940". 3. Ask a Dealer: If your car is a diesel made after 2020, there is a very high chance it is approved.