27 Aug 2008

New milk tanker on trial

2:01 pm on 27 August 2008

Fonterra is trialling a new milk tanker.

Milk Collection manager Mike Foureur says the trial of the DAF Euro 4 tanker with the latest Selected Catalytic Reduction technology, would evaluate the performance and suitability of the trucks.

The new generation engine is expected to cut nitrous oxide emissions by 30%, cut emissions of particulates by more than 80%, and increase fuel efficiency by up to 5%.

The company operates a fleet of more than 420 tankers covering about 75 million km every year.

Mr Foureur said efficiency gains in Fonterra's milk collection over the past two seasons have enabled six tankers to be taken out of the fleet - even though milk volumes have continued to rise.