It’s as much the environmental benefits as the fuel cost savings for Grasshopper Couriers in Leeds that is making other courier firms ‘green’ with envy.
That’s because its vehicles run on LPG, which independent research has proven to be environmentally better than either petrol or diesel.
However, the other huge benefit is that LPG typically costs about half that of the other two main vehicle fuels, normally resulting in annual savings of up to 40 per cent when compared with petrol, which is a massive advantage when vehicle running expenses are a significant overhead.
Dave Sedgwick, a director at Grasshopper Couriers explains: “We estimate that about a third of our customers use us because of our eco-friendly approach, but while we’re doing our bit to help the planet it’s also a sensible way of doing business.”
And it’s not just its vehicles that have the green touch because Grasshopper Couriers environmental strategy extends to how it runs its office, for instance using recycled paper for its stationery, using energy saving light bulbs and offsetting its carbon emissions with support for a carbon reduction charity.
The feedback from the company’s drivers is also very positive, as Dave adds: “When your job involves sitting behind the wheel, then how the vehicles performs is critical. LPG vans are more than capable of handling whatever is thrown at them, whether it’s in the stop-start environment of city driving, or travelling long distances on the motorway. And with LPG being widely available, including at many motorway service stations, there’s no need to make a detour to fill up.”
Grasshopper Couriers was formed in 2011, serves clients in a number of sectors, including legal, PR, leisure, manufacturing and education, and its vehicles include Ford Transit Connects, with dual fuel systems fitted by Ford at the time of manufacture. While based in Leeds, it offers nationwide same day or next day coverage, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will deliver everything from a single envelope to multiple pallets.
Paul Oxford, business development manager, Autogas, said: “LPG appeals to businesses for many reasons. Some find the potential fuel cost savings very attractive while for others, like Grasshopper Couriers, it’s the environmental angle that stands out.
“Whatever the motivation, the simple fact is that LPG offers tangible and immediate benefits. For businesses wanting to cut down on their vehicle running costs then it makes perfect sense to choose LPG and to start enjoying the cheaper fuel as soon as possible.”
Independent tests have shown that LPG produces less CO2 than either petrol or diesel and considerably less oxides of nitrogen.
LPG vehicles also produce 120 times less health damaging small particle emissions than diesel vehicles.
“Businesses can play an important role in protecting the environment by choosing to run vehicles powered by LPG. Indeed, we all have a duty to be a green as possible, but when there are substantial financial rewards as well, then converting to LPG really is a win, win situation,” added Oxford.
