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Tag: road transport

Cherbourg handles 100,000th container from Ireland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cherbourg Port has handled its 100,000th trailer travelling between Ireland and France, having multiplied its roll-on/roll-off traffic by a factor of three in a year and confirmed its position as market leader.

These results, seen in light of Brexit – which has made this route more competitive compared to the the Ireland-France landbridge route through England – demonstrate the tremendous capacity for adaptation of this port and the companies that serve it.

  • The link between Cherbourg Port and Ireland means:
  • Three ferry operators – Stena Line, Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries – which together offer a stable, regular, competitive and flexible service.
  • Two destinations – Rosslare and Dublin.
  • One of the shortest routes between Ireland and the Continent with an average crossing time of 17 hours.
  • Up to three departures a day, six days a week with large-capacity ferries (up to 160 trailers).
  • Reliable Cherbourg Port teams, providing a high-quality service against the background of Brexit and the COVID crisis. In 2021, Cherbourg Port recruited seven dockers on permanent contracts and 12 on fixed-term contracts. The quality of their work combined with the growth in traffic allows the port to extend their contracts in 2022.
  • A port that is adapting its equipment and infrastructure – investments made include four extra terminal tractors (€170k each) and extension of the ferry companies’ ticket booths, on top of €8m of works to prepare for Brexit.

The result is that since 1st January 2021, Cherbourg Port has multiplied its roll-on/roll-off traffic between France and Ireland by three, going from 33,888 trailers at the end of December 2020 to 100,000 by the end of December 2021. And that includes a doubling of the number of unaccompanied trailers (20 to 45,000 approximately).

Following these results, Cherbourg Port and Ports of Normandy are working hard on several projects that will enable them to expand their services:

  • Creation of a multimodal transport terminal for the Bayonne/Cherbourg rail motorway service. This project is backed by Brittany Ferries and the Ministry of Transport.
  • Continued reorganisation of the terminals to create more trailer storage space.
  • Upgrading the linkspans for the latest generation of ferries.
  • Digitalisation of data.
  • Supporting logistics with, among other things, the creation of a 10ha business park near the port.
  • To mark the occasion of passage of the 100,000th trailer, David Margueritte, President of Cherbourg Port, and Cillian Rossi, representing the Irish Embassy, presented the lorry driver with a typically Norman gift, a large basket of delicious local Cotentin products.

“Supporting the cross-channel traffic, increasing links with Ireland, developing business activities on our port, all of this is crucial to consolidating the Cotentin’s position as a maritime region,” explained David Margueritte, President of the Cherbourg Port company and the Agglomération du Cotentin local authority. “With its 200km of coastline, Cotentin has Normandy’s longest seaboard, and we aim to strengthen our strategic position, thanks to the excellent work of all the Ports of Normandy and Cherbourg Ports’ teams, the commitment of the three ferry companies operating out of Cherbourg and the haulage companies and shippers who count on them.”

If only the Persians had known about AI…

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Other than the essential healthcare workers and law enforcement, hardly any other professionals would have to sleep in their office after working 8 to 9 hours and then repeat the same schedule the following day, writes Gabor Balogh (pictured), Co-Founder of transportation company Trucksters.

However, there is one profession that has been operating under such conditions for decades, travelling from sunrise to sunset and sleeping in the cab of their lorry for weeks at a time – the professional hauliers. For years they have been working unnoticed, out of the spotlight, until recently.

The conversation regarding the lack of freight drivers arises as the UK suffers from fuel shortages at service stations and stock shortages in many department stores. With the estimated driver shortage at 100,000, it is a situation that cannot be ignored. It is not dissimilar to what is happening to the UK’s continental neighbours. However, in this case there is a new layer of complexity of those drivers having to cross borders.

Twenty-six centuries ago, the First Persian Empire faced the dilemma of how to communicate effectively between regions that were more than 7,000km apart. The solution was found in the relay system. Relays were passed in succession by horsemen and horses, and thanks to this system the messages travelled from India to what is now Macedonia without ever stopping. Day or night.

Relay system is a fast and efficient form of transportation, and it is an application been utilised for many years. But by applying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data to the system, we are able to transform relay system into a powerful tool that would revolutionise the road transport industry and bring a new era to the sector.

Trucksters’ AI algorithm is already capable of reducing goods transit times by 50% and increasing efficiency by 20% compared to other express solutions. It can also reduce theft by 95%. This is not a theory; it is a practice that’s been deployed by us. This system prioritises the drivers and places them in the centre of the operation. Instead of replacing the drivers, technology comes to their aid. The AI integrated relay system allows the drivers to rest at home every day after driving 4.5 hours in one direction, swap cargo with another professional driving in the opposite direction at a relay point and then go home.

In the UK’s case, it would allow fewer drivers to cross borders; instead of just one international haulier making the whole journey, the relay system divides the entire route into shorter trips driven by different regional drivers.

It is unclear of how the Persians would feel about AI and Big Data, but they would certainly appreciate of its usage, if a shortage of riders were to jeopardise the integrity of the empire. The relay system is a solution with dual benefits. The drivers will be able to sleep at home and spend more time with their families, while the companies will be able to have a more cost-efficient delivery system in place, as the cargos will always be on the move.

With supply chains under tremendous stress, the lack of drivers requires solutions that would help the profession to be more appealing and sustainable, especially when it comes to providing the drivers with a healthier work-life balance. Until the next revolution happens, and we reach an intermediate stage where human drivers and semi-autonomous trucks interact, the relay system is the effective solution for long-distance freight transport. And it is a solution that is under practice.

Tips to help hauliers cope with high Christmas demand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Christmas rush is something hauliers anticipate every year. But it’s going to be felt more acutely this year with the additional pressures of a driver shortage and Brexit affecting the supply of some goods.

The haulage sector is set to experience its busiest Christmas period on record. On top of the usual increase in demands, there’s the perfect storm of the HGV driver shortage and supply chains impacted by Brexit and COVID. By focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing empty running, hauliers can meet these higher demands and ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.

This means hauliers will need to be even more efficient and prepared in order to meet the demands of businesses and consumers this Christmas.

In this article, supplied by Mandata, we cover how hauliers can cope with arguably the most demanding Christmas we’ve ever experienced.

Make planning more efficient

Efficient planning is paramount to success for all hauliers, but never has it been more important than right now. A Logistics UK survey revealed that 96% of hauliers are struggling to recruit drivers, with 13% saying their shortage is severe to very severe. To meet high demands with a potentially depleted workforce, hauliers need to get the most out of their available resources.

That’s where route planning software comes in. By feeding in all the collections and deliveries you need to make, and your vehicle and driver availability, you’ll be able to plan the most efficient routes and get the most out of your fleet.

With these solutions, you’ll have one view of your business supported by real-time information. Your planners can then make informed decisions. In the hectic traffic rush leading up to Christmas, it’s critical you can identify and manage exceptions as deliveries progress because it’s undoubtedly the busiest period on the road.

Eliminate empty running

When you have a larger-than-usual task on your hands to keep up with demand this Christmas, running empty seems even more wasteful than usual. Yet, for many hauliers, this is the case on their return journeys. If your drivers travel back empty from Glasgow to Plymouth on their return journey, for instance, that’s a lot of wasted mileage.

Using a freight exchange platform gives hauliers the opportunity to not only make the most of their journeys but also serve more customers in a time of increased demands. This can help optimise fleets in the short term and also enables hauliers to expand their network to connect with new shippers. Haulage companies with loyal customers but limited resources have the opportunity to subcontract their excess work on these platforms, meaning they can still take on additional haulage loads and get customer’s jobs done.

Allow your drivers to do more in their workday

The changes to drivers’ hours, which means drivers can work up to 11 hours a day twice a week, has been extended once again to January. But we know that making already overworked drivers work longer hours isn’t the solution, especially when many of the drivers who’ve left the sector have done so due to poor working conditions.

Giving your drivers the tools they need to achieve more in their workday is a much better solution. Not only will this allow your business to be more efficient, but you’ll also improve their satisfaction by making their jobs easier. Let’s face it, dealing with paper proof of deliveries is difficult to manage and adds time to their day.

It’s these inefficient processes that can frustrate drivers, cause delays, and even result in them finishing their day later than expected. It’s no wonder that drivers are leaving businesses that aren’t addressing this problem. Using digital tools like electronic proof of delivery and apps that provide real-time details of their deliveries allows them to focus on the job and get more done in their day.

Falcon upgrades refrigerated trailer fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK commercial vehicle hire company, Falcon Vehicle Solutions, has taken delivery of 15 new Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration units, in a move to deliver improved sustainability and reduced costs for its rental customers.

Aligned with Carrier’s 2030 ESG goals to reduce customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton, these fuel efficient units will reduce the emissions of Falcon Vehicle Solutions’ rental fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

Mounted to new 13.6m Chereau trailers, this is the first time Falcon Vehicle Solutions has specified Carrier Transicold’s flagship Vector HE 19 unit, previously opting for the legacy Vector 1950 MT system for its 250-strong fleet of temperature-controlled trailers and vehicles, which is now 97% Carrier-cooled.

“We’ve been a Carrier Transicold customer for more than a decade, during which they have continually impressed us with outstanding products and aftersales support,” said Darren Moore, Senior UK Key Accounts Manager, Falcon Vehicle Solutions. “When we were shown the environmental and cost benefits of the Vector HE 19 unit, we knew they would be the ideal choice. Being more efficient and much quieter, all 15 additional trailers were immediately snapped up by our customers and we’re getting excellent feedback.”

Combining Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with an all-new multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 MT unit can cut fuel consumption by up to 30% while operating 3 dB(A) quieter – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise – when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950 MT unit.

Additionally, the unit’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser provide a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, reduces the chance of refrigerant escape by 50% and, when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, is 19% more efficient.

Collectively, these factors reduce diesel, maintenance and electricity costs, making the Vector HE 19 MT unit an extremely attractive proposition for end-users.

“As a vehicle hire business, we don’t experience the fuel savings first-hand, but the new units allow us to drive down fuel costs for our customers, while cutting emissions and increasing their fleet sustainability – precisely what customers want from a trusted supplier,” added Moore. “This experience with the Vector HE 19 has reminded us why Carrier Transicold remains our number one choice for transport refrigeration equipment.”

The trailers will operate for six years, primarily delivering frozen and chilled food to the hospitality and retail sectors for a range of customers. They will clock up approximately 120,000km per year and be on the road seven days a week.

Falcon Vehicle Solutions was founded more than 30 years ago and, since 2017, has been part of the Ballyvesey Holdings Group of Companies. It has two branches in Somerset, plus an HGV operation based in Bridgwater, with a complete fleet size of approximately 700 vehicles and trailers hired to both corporate and private customers across the UK.

GSM takes delivery of new trailers

Posted on by David Priestman

Scottish haulier GSM Transport has taken delivery of two new refrigerated trailers, each specified with a Carrier Transicold Vector 1550 unit. Designed to distribute milk across the UK for one of the company’s dairy customers, the new assets join a 24-strong refrigerated trailer fleet that has been Carrier-cooled for more than 20 years.

The two new mono-temperature Vector 1550 units are mounted to 13.6-metre Gray & Adams refrigerated trailers and are new additions to GSM Transport’s fleet, which features both Carrier Transicold Vector 1550 and Vector 1950 MT (multi-temperature) units.

“We started using Carrier for our trailers in the 1990s, and they have consistently delivered everything we need,” said Jim Morrison, Owner, GSM Transport. “The Vector range allows us to pick the most suitable model for our specific requirements, with the power and fuel efficiency of the Vector 1550 proving ideal for our work with McQueens Dairies. When you add in the outstanding maintenance and aftersales support, it’s fair to say we’ve been a consistently happy customer.”

The Vector 1550 unit is well suited to GSM Transport’s needs, delivering a unique combination of power and efficiency. The system’s ability to provide exceptional pull-down speeds and accurate set-point control is essential for transporting milk and dairy produce. The Vector 1550 features Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive™ all-electric technology, which removes mechanical transmissions found in belt-driven truck and trailer refrigeration systems. The E-Drive transforms engine power into electricity via a generator, helping to reduce refrigerant leak rates by up to 55% while also cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“The beauty of the Vector unit is the all-electric technology at its heart, which makes them easier and more affordable to run,” added Morrison.

The new trailers will operate for eight to 10 years, travelling approximately 130,000km per year. They will deliver milk seven days a week from its headquarters in Annan to customers as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as Northampton.

Founded in 1996, GSM Transport has built a solid reputation for delivering chilled produce to businesses across Scotland, England and mainland Europe. Since 2016, the haulage company has been supplying McQueens Dairies with transport to their depots, with an expanding number of its trailers sporting the dairy’s livery.

Carrier Transicold creates refrigeration solutions to handle precise temperature-controlled cargo, like food and beverages, as part of its Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Programme. Products and services are designed to ensure the safe delivery and consumption of consumer perishable goods.

 

BP acquires stake in biomethane provider

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BP has acquired a 28.57% stake in Gasrec, the UK’s largest dual provider of bio-Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to road transport. The company builds, owns and operates biomethane refuelling stations, providing renewable solutions to the HGV industry.

BP will supply Gasrec with renewable biomethane produced mainly from organic wastes, such as food and dairy manure. The investment will expand BP’s UK footprint in renewable gas production and distribution, adding to its market leading position in the US.

Carol Howle, EVP Trading and Shipping at BP, said: “Bio-LNG and bio-CNG play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonisation of the heavy-freight industry and is another example of how we’re helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. We’re excited to work with an industry leader like Gasrec to increase the supply of biomethane for HGV customers. This investment further expands BP’s global renewable gas portfolio, an area which we believe will have an increasingly important role on the path to net zero.”

Founded in 2003, Gasrec was the UK’s first supplier of biomethane to the road transport sector. Its customers include some of the UK’s biggest retailers, parcel delivery companies and hauliers – Asda, Ocado, Gregory Distribution and Reed Boardall. By offering lower-carbon solutions for HGVs, Gasrec lowers the carbon emissions associated with the road transport supply chain and the customers who transport goods.

Gasrec’s network of 10 biomethane refuelling stations across the UK is capable of refuelling approximately 1,250 vehicles per day and includes one of Europe’s largest gas refuelling stations, at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). With a strong market position, refuelling around 40% of the UK’s gas-powered HGVs, Gasrec is seeking to expand its network of refuelling stations at logistics parks.

In the UK, road transport is reported as being responsible for 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. HGVs represent just 5% of vehicle miles travelled, yet their associated emissions are disproportionately greater, producing around 16% of road transport emissions. Renewable gas is an important part of the energy transition for the HGV sector, providing a commercially viable option for fleet owners to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 85% in comparison to diesel.

From producing and supplying biomethane through to building and operating the fuelling stations, BP and Gasrec are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable, renewable gas solutions.

Rob Wood, CEO of Gasrec, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for our company as we look to continue increasing our impact on the UK’s heavy goods vehicle industry. Building on our 18 years’ experience and leading position in the HGV gas supply industry, we are excited to be working with BP to help expand our reach.”

GEFCO tests biodiesel fuel in car transporters

Posted on by David Priestman

In November 2021, GEFCO France and Gardien Transports started testing synthetic biodiesel made from waste oil and fat as an alternative fuel for two car transporters distributing new vehicles in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. This one-year project supports GEFCO France’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from its finished vehicles logistics (FVL) operations.

For these tests, GEFCO France and Gardien Transports have selected Altens PUR-XTL synthetic biodiesel. This alternative fuel is produced exclusively from waste materials, and can be used in regular diesel vehicles without any technical modifications. Compared to standard diesel, PUR-XTL promises to cut CO2 emissions by 85-90% and fine/ultrafine particles by up to 65% on short journeys with 500km of autonomy.

After committing to the EVcom voluntary carbon reduction program in 2019 and Objectif CO2 standards in early 2021, GEFCO France is now testing alternative fuels (natural gas and biogas) and rolling out a programme for its proprietary finished vehicles logistics business focused on four priorities:

Flow optimisation. Transport schedules, plans and loads are regularly revised and optimised to reduce the flow of trucks and avoid empty return journeys whenever possible.

Vehicles. GEFCO France is aiming to upgrade 100% of its FVL fleet to Euro 6 vehicle emissions standards by the end of 2021. Through these upgrades, the fleet’s fuel consumption at 100km already dropped by 10% between 2015 and 2020. GEFCO France is also asking its partners to make similar upgrades.

Drivers. Since 2015, GEFCO France drivers have followed an eco-driving training programme, renewable every two years. At the end of 2020, 80% had completed this training.

Fuel. To monitor equipment performance and optimise maintenance, GEFCO France tractors are equipped with integrated telematic systems to adapt fuel consumption to loads and road conditions.

This partnership further demonstrates its commitment to a more sustainable logistics sector in France.

“Like GEFCO France, Gardien Transports has signed the Objectif CO2 charter to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Frédéric Briand, COO Finished Vehicle Logistics at GEFCO France. “Our partner is committed to moving the transportation and logistics business forward. Gardien Transports’ values reflect our own, providing all the more reason to support its efforts.”

Successful project moves silos from Tunisia to UK

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Specialist Logistics Services (SLS), a specialist in the movement of out-of-gauge and abnormal project cargo, recently successfully executed one of its largest projects – the movement of seven silos and associated equipment from Sfax in Tunisia to the Wheelabrator Kemsley waste-to-energy plant in Kent, UK.

Moving project cargo requires coordination of stakeholders in multiple locations to ensure smooth and timely delivery of vital equipment. It is a complex business, involving much more than simply moving an item from A to B – though that, in itself, is a challenging task when it comes to heavy or outsize shipments.

It took two years to plan the move down to the smallest detail. In cooperation with the client and manufacturer, SLS also worked with landowners, government authorities, other transport companies and crane hire providers to ensure the delivery took place on time and on budget.

The support of Ridham Dock at Sittingbourne in the UK was also crucial. The key to the project’s success was finding a small port that was willing to make many infrastructure changes (for example  levelling yards, allowing SLS to make a new exit gate) to accommodate the sheer size of the silos. Consideration also then had to be taken of the overhead power lines and a transformer located near the exit point. The trucks carrying the huge silos had to comply with safety clearances specified by the National Grid.

SLS ensured that all cargo arrived in the UK on a weekend to avoid any disruption to local businesses and the surrounding area. SLS worked closely with local contractors to organise the removal of street furniture such as bollards and signage in order to pass unhindered and replaced it by the following morning along the private road between Ridham Docks and the job site at Kemsley, whilst ensuring minimal disruption to local businesses and residents.

SLS engaged many expert parties, including marine surveyors and customs clearance agents, to deliver this project safely and economically. On top of that, it is perhaps fitting that environmental considerations were of great importance in the logistics supporting this renewable energy project.

It was imperative that the largest silos, at 7.2m in diameter and 16m long, could be shipped to the job site in one piece without using public roads in order to minimise the amount of truck movements that would have been required if the cargo had been delivered as smaller units. SLS obtained special permission to use a privately-owned road for the final leg of the silos’ journey.

Detailed planning even helped to minimise the carbon footprint of the journey, making it as efficient and direct as possible.

AxlePower helps achieve zero-emission trailer refrigeration

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, in partnership with BPW, a leader in running gears and mobility services for transport businesses, revealed new AxlePower technology at the recent Solutrans exhibition in Lyon, France.

The AxlePower technology with BPW’s ePower axle is a highly innovative energy recovery system for trailer refrigeration units, which delivers immediate and long-term sustainability benefits while also helping cut day-to-day operating costs.

Francesco Incalza, president of Thermo King in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Sustainability is undoubtfully front and centre for the transport industry. For decades, Thermo King has considered it our responsibility to advance transport refrigeration, designing and manufacturing products for our customers that reflect our environmental awareness and answer ever-new challenges.

“Thermo King was the first to offer true hybrid and non-diesel truck and trailer refrigeration solutions. Today, combining our expertise, research and development with BPW, we’re introducing new technology that turns the energy typically lost by a trailer during transit into clean, sustainable power for trailer refrigeration units.”

Thore Bakker, General Manager Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services at BPW, added: “We are proud to present a climate-efficient solution for refrigerated transport that implements our strategy of system and mobility partnership just perfectly: Vehicle operators can rely on operational safety, mobility and service around the clock with the European service networks of Thermo King and BPW.

“Additional benefit is that the customised cooling solutions fit seamlessly in vehicle manufacturers processes. Whether air suspension, spring centres, wheel ends or interfaces – nothing changes, nothing has to be redesigned. In this way, we are making a joint contribution to the breakthrough of emission-free refrigerated transport.”

Across global cold chains, trailer vehicles routinely dissipate energy due to constant braking and deaccelerating in traffic and in downhill routes. At the same time, transport companies are seeking the most sustainable energy sources, both in terms of CO2 emissions and noise, to power their refrigerated trailers.

The new AxlePower technology results from a partnership of two technology leaders for freight transport solutions that combined their competences to answer these needs and deliver a solution, which will drastically reduce the environmental impact of refrigerated trailers.

The AxlePower technology is a fully integrated system that combines Thermo King hybrid or fully electric trailer refrigeration units, BPW’s ePower axle energy recovery system, and battery storage technologies developed to create an efficient, autonomously powered trailer refrigeration solution.

The system stores the energy generated while the vehicle is rolling or braking in a high voltage battery and reuses it to power the refrigeration unit and keep the cargo at optimal temperature.

The AxlePower system is tractor-independent, which makes it easy to deploy across the customer’s fleet. The technology also offers immediate compatibility with all Thermo King and Frigoblock trailer refrigeration units.

Ideal option for sustainable operations

The possibility to recover and reuse energy makes the AxlePower system an ideal solution to increase the sustainability of all types of trailer journeys. With silent running and no CO2 emissions when operating from the battery-pack, this technology allows customers to easily run inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs).

Laurent Debias of Thermo King concluded: “The AxlePower technology represents a significant advancement in both operational flexibility and long-term sustainability of refrigerated trailer fleets. Enabling this form of electric power supply recovering energy that would typically be lost, allows for significant emissions and cost gains during every single journey. This is especially important in a price competitive industry like commercial transport.”

Providing electric solutions for refrigerated transportation is part of Thermo King’s and Trane Technologies’ overall approach to reducing carbon emissions in the industries and markets it serves. It helps advance the 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion tonnes.

Carrier delivers trailers to Dale Brothers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Telford-based transportation company, Dale Brothers UK, has taken delivery of six new refrigerated trailers, each mounted with the company’s first Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (high efficiency multi-temperature) units, a move designed to help reduce running costs and improve fleet efficiency. Carrier Transicold is a leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

A Carrier Transicold customer since 2000, Dale Brothers UK’s six new 13.6m Chereau trailers replace older assets. Eight more identical trailers are expected for delivery in 2022.

“We first started using Carrier equipment more than 20 years ago when we bought some second-hand trailers mounted with their systems,” said Neyland Dale, Managing Director, Dale Brothers UK. “We were so impressed with the performance and reliability, when it came to replacing those trailers, specifying new Carrier units was the only logical next step – and we’ve been doing that each time we’ve updated our fleet since.”

Combining Carrier Transicold E-Drive all-electric technology with a new multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 unit delivers up to 30% fuel savings when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950. In addition, the system’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser provides a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, as well as a 50% reduction in refrigerant escape.

Carrier Transicold says the system is also 19% more efficient when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, meaning that the Vector HE 19 unit can help to lower diesel, maintenance and electricity costs. In addition, the units operate 3 dB(A) quieter than the legacy Vector 1950, significantly reducing sound pollution.

“We specifically chose the new Vector HE 19 unit after hearing good things from our fellow logistics customers about how efficient they are,” said Dale. “With increased cooling capacity and better fuel efficiency, we will reduce our running costs while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint.”

Dale Brothers UK has also opted for Carrier Transicold’s advanced telematics package. The system’s two-way wireless communication helps fleets manage their refrigerated assets through remote unit monitoring and control, alongside diagnostics and data management. The system allows Dale Brothers to demonstrate its effective management of the cold chain to its customers, helping to provide additional levels of customer service.

Expected to operate for eight to 10 years, the new trailers will transport a variety of fresh and frozen food products for customers across the UK and northern Europe. Operating six to seven days a week, they typically clock up around 130,000km per year from the company’s main depot in Telford.

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