BOC Procure Articulated Flatbed Trailer Fleet

BOC, the UK & Ireland’s largest provider of industrial, medical and specialist gases, began procuring specialist articulated flatbed trailers and rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger Trailers in 2023, and the 59 vehicles supplied by the Cheshire manufacturer in Q1 2025 take the running total to 135. Comprising 29 trailers and 30 rigid solutions, they signal an ever-strengthening and growing relationship.

Lorraine Purvis, BOC Head of Deliver – Cylinder Transport PGP, says: “The Tiger team have worked hard to deliver the needs of our business to a very high quality. The transport team are looking forward to integrating these vehicles into our fleet. I would like to thank them for their attention to detail and continued support they show us as a business. Also, a big thanks to Mark Beal our Fleet engineer who has worked tirelessly with Tiger to seek improvements on our fleet.”

Tiger’s flatbed trailers for the gas cylinder division of BOC’s fleet are designed for each transporting up to twenty-six BOC pintle pallets, secured in three rows of fifteen bottles, with a central aisle featuring a portable safety gate that closes off the load when part-laden. When not in use the gate is stowed within the front headboard. Following driver feedback from Schenk (formerly Suttons Tankers), various operational improvements have been implemented to the constantly expanding fleet.

The rear of the chassis is designed to provide an access ladder up to the central aisle, various components from the pintle blades to the grab handles are finished in yellow for safety, and a fire extinguisher and a tube document holder are fitted to each trailer to comply with ADR & IMDG regulations.

Ignacio Torres-Manzi, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “It is a great privilege for us to work with another fantastic customer and continue building upon the working relationship. A huge thanks to the wider BOC team for the continued efforts, with a particular shout-out to Mark Beal for all his expertise offered into the process. We look forward to the continuation of Tiger being a key partner to BOC for hopefully many years to come!”.

These new pintle trailers will be operating within the customer’s cylinder trunking network across the UK, Ireland, as well as into Europe, feeding the supply chain with full and made-up loads for onward distribution to its end customers. The trailers are operated by Schenk UK on behalf of BOC.

The latest order of rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger for BOC are built on DAF XB 18-tonne chassis from the Ford & Slater DAF dealership in Leeds. Designed for transporting eight pallets for easy delivery to a wide range of customers, the bodies are framed by galvanised plates on all four sides, with a pressed steel fabricated and galvanised walkway down the middle, and a large stowaway cylinder trolley fitted to the offside rear, completed with a kerb ramp. A downrated 1-tonne Dhollandia DHVOG.15. K1 1000.800 tail lift is incorporated at the back.

Other specification details of BOC’s latest Tiger rigid bodies include a small medical cylinder holder, a toolbox, cellar rope, full-enclosure wraparound safety gates, and solar platform lights to fully encompass the comprehensive BOC specification.

The new rigids will join a 100% fleet of DAF trucks and undertake the network distribution from 35 UK sites stretching from Inverness to Plymouth and Port Talbot to Thetford.

Part of the Linde Group, BOC’s fleet size is 650 vehicles from light vans, rigids from 14t to 32t, plus tractor units operating at 44 tonnes. The BOC trailer fleet, which includes tankers as well as the specialised pintle trailers consists of 320 vehicles across the UK & Ireland. The gases delivered cover every aspect of industry, from manufacturing and science to aviation and healthcare.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Lifting Deck Trailers Transform Automotive Logistics

Don-Bur, British supplier of commercial vehicle bodywork, has delivered 16 newly designed 13.6m long Box Van Lifting Deck trailers to Alliance Automotive in ‘NAPA Auto Parts’ livery. As a new client for Don-Bur, Alliance Automotive chose the company based on its established reputation for delivering exceptional reliability, durability and engineering quality.

This initial order introduces a tailored solution to meet the evolving logistical demands of Alliance Automotive, developed through numerous client discussions and visits to customer sites. It represents a significant evolution from their previous curtainsided double-deck design.

Precision-Engineered for Maximum Performance

Built to accommodate Alliance Automotive’s diverse payload — including parts for cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks — the new 4.95m high trailers feature a robust ‘Wedge’ box van double deck design including a full-length 10 tonne capacity lifting deck platform.

The trailers feature Don-Bur’s time-tested single ram + rope and pulley lifting deck system. This proven design delivers a smooth, balanced lift while ensuring operational efficiency and ease of use, a key reason why Alliance Automotive chose Don-Bur.

Inclusion of an 1800mm platform two-tier column tail-lift with a 1500kg capacity enables the flexibility to deliver direct to store. The final design allows for quick loading of both decks at a loading bay while enabling easy offloading at stores using the tail-lift.

Innovative Features for Operational Efficiency

These trailers include several advanced features designed to optimise their functionality:
• Wedge Chassis Design: A gently sloping chassis on 445/45 R19.5 mini single wheels provides two uninterrupted deck lengths ideal for wheeled dolly trays.
• Generous Deck Apertures: Clearances starting at 1.74m per deck at the front, increasing to 2.06m at the rear, maximise load volume and usability. The trailers can carry an impressive 120 dollies and a total capacity of 960 totes.
• Durable Side Panels: Constructed with Don-Bur’s proprietary ‘Blade’ panels, a lightweight and durable 7.5mm composite material, ensuring high impact resistance and extended service life.
• LowGlide Safe Ground Coupling: Don-Bur’s patented coupling system allows drivers to couple from the side of the vehicle and eliminates the need to access the catwalk; a practice known for its potential hazards.

Enhancing Logistics for Alliance Automotive

This bespoke design caters for Alliance Automotive’s operational requirements, streamlining their logistics operations while improving the safety and efficiency of loading and offloading processes. The compatibility with their new tote and dolly systems ensures faster, more efficient transportation.

Daniel Challinor, Commercial Director at Don-Bur, stated: “Partnering with Alliance Automotive on this project is a testament to Don-Bur’s engineering expertise and adaptability. These tailored Box Van Lifting Deck Trailers are built to enhance their logistical operations, and we’re confident they will deliver outstanding performance.”

The delivery of these Lifting Deck Trailers marks the start of a dynamic partnership between Don-Bur and Alliance Automotive. This collaboration highlights Don-Bur’s ability to create innovative solutions that meet and exceed the demands of modern logistics.

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Freight Crimes Could Drain £6.1 Billion from the Industry by 2049!

In the UK, an alarming £250 million is estimated to be lost annually to freight crimes, totaling a predicted £6.1 billion by 2049, research by SNAP, the haulage industry’s digital marketplace, has revealed. With inflation rising this figure could even reach a staggering £7.9 billion. Across Europe €8.2 billion is lost to cargo theft, every year.

How Criminals Are Attacking the Logistics Industry

Criminals are using increasingly bold and sophisticated methods to exploit weaknesses in the logistics industry. Here are some specific examples of how they’re targeting businesses:

  1. Truck Hijacking: Thieves are intercepting trucks on highways or at rest stops. They use fake police checkpoints or forceful takeovers to seize high-value goods, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals, costing companies millions in losses.
  2. Warehouse Infiltration: Organized gangs are breaking into warehouses during low-security times, such as shift changes or holidays. They exploit gaps in surveillance and security to steal large quantities of goods.
  3. Cyber Manipulation: Hackers are targeting logistics companies by altering delivery routes, rerouting shipments, or stealing sensitive information from poorly protected systems. These attacks disrupt supply chains and can lead to major financial damage.
  4. Insider Fraud: Employees with inside knowledge are leaking shipping schedules or tampering with deliveries. Some insiders collaborate with external crime rings, allowing them to intercept goods more easily.
  5. Fake Orders and Fraudulent Pickups: Criminals place fake orders or use forged documents to claim shipments. By impersonating legitimate customers or delivery agents, they reroute products before they reach their intended destinations.

With the haulage industry making technological advancements in other areas, like autonomous trucks and EV vehicles, decision-makers are questioning why the industry does not leverage available technology and incorporate the latest security features to help fight freight crimes.

Based on the newest crime-fighting innovation from across the world, it is anticipated that by 2049:

  • Truck parks will have 24/7 security, including the use of robot policing, such as dogs and patrols that provide autonomous surveillance, allowing all areas of truck parks to be monitored, without a human needing to be present.
  • Secure entrances and exits will be introduced, which will only be accessed by pre-booked trucks, and monitored via license plate recognition.
  • AI criminal pattern predictions, to anticipate crime.
  • Facial recognition.
  • Thermal cameras, to detect any unusual activity.

Other predictions include using information from tachographs to monitor truck drivers, helping to predict when drivers will need to reach truck stops, and keeping drivers rest safely away from roadsides.

Matthew Bellamy, managing director at SNAP said “There is an urgent need for investments in the safety and security of truck parks across the UK and Europe, truck drivers are the lifeblood of our economies and ensure that the public gets what they need. We need to encourage more people into the industry by offering a safe and secure environment for all. This highlights the need to protect drivers’ wellbeing, keeping them physically and mentally safe, alongside the financial benefits for supply chain operators and improved services for the nation”

Recent investments include €750 million from the IRU advocacy and £16 million from the UK government to transform truck parks. £16 million is just 6.4% of the £250 million and under 0.3% of the predicted £6.1 billion lost due to freight crimes in the UK, alone. Whilst we are pleased to see investments across Europe, it will be important to start seeing changes in action.

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Temperature-Controlled Trailer Unit Reduces Fuel Consumption

The Vector® HE 17 temperature-controlled trailer unit is now available, adding to Carrier Transicold’s Vector High Efficiency (HE) range. Offering complete versatility for all trailer applications, this new unit offers refrigeration capacity output at above 16 kW, as well as a significant reduction in fuel consumption and noise levels. Carrier Transicold is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

By integrating advanced inverter technology with the proven all-electric E-Drive architecture, the Vector HE 17 sets a new benchmark for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and performance in its category. It delivers superior cooling capacity, reduces fuel consumption by up to 30%, and lowers noise emissions by 6dB, for a sound perception decreased by more than 50% compared to the Vector 1550.

“The Vector HE 17 positions itself as a versatile solution, the ideal fit for long-haul transportation and urban deliveries, providing our customers access to a more efficient and sustainable trailer solution,” said Victor Calvo, Vice President & General Manager, International Truck & Trailer, Carrier Transicold.

The system incorporates Carrier Transicold‘s E-Drive technology, a key technology of the company and constantly improved since 1999, which has revolutionised the semi-trailer segment by removing the need for the mechanical transmissions found in belt-driven refrigeration systems and converting engine power into electricity to drive the unit.

The Vector HE 17 also builds upon the proven strengths of the Vector HE 19 unit: a hermetically sealed compressor and an economiser, increasing the machine’s efficiency. This system offers greater efficiency, reduces the risk of refrigerant leaks, and significantly lowers fuel consumption, thanks to the inverter technology, which constantly adapts the compressor speed to meet the cooling demand.

In addition, the unit is equipped with a telematics box ensuring its compatibility with Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet digital platform, which combines refrigeration equipment data with machine learning. It helps customers to make faster, data-driven decisions and helps improve the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of their supply chains.

The launch of Vector HE 17 is another milestone for Carrier Transicold as it contributes to Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal of helping customers avoid more than one gigaton of GHG emissions by 2030.

First Autonomous Electric Refrigeration System

 

Trailer Truck Loading, Unloading

VisionNav Robotics launched its latest automatic trailer truck loading and unloading solution – featuring the newly unveiled VNST20 PRO AGV robotics – to a European audience at LogiMAT 2024, the international trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management in Stuttgart, Germany. The European premiere of the pioneering solution from the materials handling robotics specialist saw demonstrations of how it is capable of loading and unloading trailer trucks in just 45 minutes.

VisionNav’s high performance autonomous forklift VNST20 PRO combines an advanced Robot Control System (RCS) for fleet scheduling and 3D LiDAR SLAM positioning technology for market-leading accuracy. The VNST20 PRO has been designed specifically for floor handling and now enables us to load and unload trailers.

At LogiMAT 2024, VisionNav’s stand featured an immersive display allowing a technologically advanced exploration of the capabilities of VNST20 PRO, which marks an evolutionary step in the development of trailer truck loading and unloading.

Powerful 3D perception, state-of-the-art mapping, and market-leading accuracy

Fitted with a powerful RCS which utilizes state-of-the-art 3D perception, mapping, localization, and routing technologies, the VNST20 PRO generates efficient loading and unloading strategies.

Featuring 3D LiDAR SLAM positioning, the dedicated, proprietary system delivers increased space utilization, high scenario adaptation, high compatibility, and reliable solution redundancy to provide fast, safe, and efficient cargo handling.

Available in Europe from 2025, the VNST20 PRO can adapt to diverse trucks, goods, and environments, utilizing self-adaptive perception for diversified environments and dynamic mapping for dynamic routing in container. It is compatible with a wide range of trucks in Europe and North America, and can be tailored to a variety of pallets, including EPAL and CHEP. VNST20 PRO is easily switched into manual mode to prevent operational delays.

Key features of VisionNav’s VNST20 PRO:

– Rated load capacity of 2000 kg
– Minimum turning radius of 1,431 mm
– 3D LiDAR SLAM Technology

Enhancing work efficiency and safety, the VNST20 PRO represents the pinnacle of AGV robotics, transforming cargo handling by enabling rapid loading or unloading of trailer trucks in just 45 minutes. This groundbreaking approach revolutionizes traditional methods of trailer truck operations.

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14 Years of Innovation and Dedication

In the world of logistics and supply chain automation, few stories are as compelling as that of Nick Eijkemans, whose remarkable journey with Ancra Systems spans over a decade and a half. With a passion for crafting customer-centric solutions and a commitment to maintaining Ancra Systems’ position in the field of Automatic Loading and Unloading of goods in trailers, his’s story is one of unwavering dedication and technological prowess.

Eijkemans’ adventure with Ancra Systems started back in 2009, just after he had graduated from ‘s-Hertogenbosch College with a specialization in industrial automation. His early experiences included internships at CSi Palletising and a graduation project at Vanderlande, which ignited his fascination with logistics automation. It was at Ancra Systems in Boxtel, Netherlands, where he discovered his true calling — a place where he could be deeply involved in projects from their inception to execution.

For Eijkemans, the choice was clear: a role that seamlessly blended office work with hands-on practical testing in the workshop, culminating in the global commissioning of machines. Little did he know that this choice would pave the way for an incredible career filled with innovation and customer satisfaction.

The Rise to Engineering Manager

Over the course of fourteen years, Eijkemans‘ journey at Ancra Systems has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a recent graduate, he has climbed the ranks to become the engineering manager. He emphasizes that ‘no day is the same,’ which keeps his job as challenging and exciting as ever.

Unforgettable Projects

Throughout his career, Eijkemans has had the privilege of working on some truly unforgettable projects. One of his first projects, completed in 2009 at Hartog and Bikker in Den Bosch, involved a complex customization system with numerous buffer choices, a shuttle car, and pallet supply by AGVs. Another project that holds a special place for him is the one at SAS Automotive in Ghent, where a loading system for Volvo dashboards was developed. This system, with two levels in trucks and on the shuttle car, turntables, cross tables, and various buffer tracks to load and unload. Barcode scanners monitored the correct sequence, and through manual input sections or so-called ‘fast lanes’, a dashboard that was entered later could still be placed in the right position in the truck. It was a technical marvel that required precision.

Leading a Fantastic Team

Eijkemans thrives on the daily challenges he faces at Ancra Systems. He remarks, “both technology and customer demands change at a rapid pace. Every day, you must give 100% effort to come up with the most suitable solution for customers.” Together with his colleagues, he has dedicated himself to making Ancra Systems one of the market leaders in automatic loading and unloading.

LEGO Technic Passion

Lifelong passion for technology has been the driving force behind Eijkemans’ fascination, starting at a young age with LEGO Technic sets. Today, he remains deeply engrossed in technology, both at work and in his personal life. He’s the go-to person for repairing his children’s electronic toys, frequently dissecting them down to the circuit board level. At Ancra Systems, he and his fellow engineers stay up to date with the latest technology through regular courses, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge.

Customer-Centric Success

Eijkemans takes immense pride in Ancra Systems‘ global success. He emphasizes the company’s dedication to its customers, highlighting that, “giving each customer the right attention and time, involving them in what we do and what we excel at, is the key to success.”

Looking ahead, Eijkemans envisions a future at Ancra Systems filled with exciting challenges. He has been increasingly involved in operational matters like project management and procurement, which he finds incredibly fascinating. As the months unfold, he’s focused on finalizing the standardization of important ATLS systems, knowing that new goals and technologies are just around the corner. “Engineering is a department that never stands still; each year brings new goals and new technologies.” With his dedication and Ancra Systems’ commitment to innovation, the future looks bright for this dynamic leader and the company he has helped shape.

Electrification for Trailers

ZF’s latest version of its pioneering concept to electrify the trailer will be on show at the NUFAM commercial vehicles trade show in Karlsruhe (Germany). The ZF electrified trailer solution is made possible by integrating ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle with a modular battery system box for recuperation and traction support. Thanks to its ability to recuperate energy from braking, the system can effectively convert a heavy-duty diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle, generating up to 16 percent fuel and CO2 savings, while the optional plug-in variant can save up to 40 percent. The trailer also provides benefits for zero-emissions electrified heavy trucks by extending their range.

ZF’s electrified trailer concept is gaining traction as interest from the industry grows. Bringing the benefits of electrified trailers to fleet operators took a step closer as ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division announced that it will cooperate with BPW to offer a fully integrated running gear system for trailer builders including ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle. Kässbohrer and Krone, two leading trailer manufacturers will also start to implement ZF´s pioneering electrification system into their platforms. This announcement will see the companies start the process of integrating ZF’s pioneering electrified trailer technologies into their range of products.

“Electrification for trailers is an innovative solution to decarbonize road freight transport in the very near future,” said Dr. Bernd Meurer, responsible for the electric trailer program at ZF. “Instead of solely being pulled by the truck, the new approach provides additional traction while generating fuel savings, reducing CO2 emissions and improving sustainability.

“The fact that industry leaders are embracing our system demonstrates that we have taken the right concept approach in developing a lightweight and modular system that can be adapted to suit the diverse requirements and various applications of manufacturers and fleet operators.”

Thore Bakker, General Manager Business Unit Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services at BPW said: “Every trailer needs a chassis, suspension and braking technology that can be trusted. With our axles for 7.5t trucks and the generator axles for reefers, we already have a lot of experience regarding the integration of electric drives. It therefore makes perfect sense that ZF, with expertise in drivelines, cooperates with BPW to offer a robust and highly engineered running gear solution with the AxTrax 2 axle for recuperation and traction support for semitrailers that can be easily assembled by trailer builders and is fully trusted by the fleets.”

İffet Türken, Kässbohrer Board Member said: “Together to the next 125 years”, we highlight the importance of a wide ecosystem of innovation and partnerships to advance the trailer industry towards sustainability. We support our industry with longer and heavier vehicles, our award winning intermodal product range and our already tested electrified reefers. We are committed to invest our proven innovation capability, engineering competence to advance the technical integration challenges of the new system safely and efficiently. We look forward to our cooperation with ZF and all our partners furthering electrification application to include all sectors of transport business.”

Dr. Stefan Binnewies, Board Member of the Krone Group, said: “ZF and Krone share similar attributes like commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovative technology. Very early on, Krone investigated and invested in possible options for trailers to provide electrified traction support as a way towards meeting decarbonization targets of road transport. We are happy to see that well-established partners of the industry like ZF and BPW team up to support the transformation to more sustainable logistics by offering innovative solutions that we as trailer OEMs can integrate into our Trailer Systems. At Krone we are convinced that we can only meet the challenges of the future together – generating the best solutions for our customers.”

With this announcement, customers will be able to draw on ZF’s leading expertise in combining brake control and electrification systems with innovative technologies, such as the AxTrax 2 electrified axle system which enables recuperation and traction support to deliver up to 210 kW continuous power and 26,000 Nm of peak output of seamless torque.

The ZF system has been designed as a highly integrated solution enabling manufacturers to combine electrified technologies into their own trailer platforms more easily. The system takes advantage of braking energy recuperation to recharge the batteries to generate 16% fuel and CO2 savings, while the Plug-in Hybrid version can achieve 40% when combined with an ICE-powered truck.
ZF’s electrified trailer solution is designed to meet future standards and comply with national and regional regulations. The first electric trailers are expected to be operating on EU roads, once regularity classification has been received.

Bakery Receives 8 Double Deck Tiger Trailers

Eight moving double deck articulated trailers manufactured by Tiger Trailers have joined the fleet of Banbury-based bread-makers Fine Lady Bakeries, with innovation and on-time delivery proving key influencers in their decision to change suppliers.

Fully painted in the baker’s distinctive Straw Yellow livery, Fine Lady Bakeries’ new Tiger trailers feature a three-quarter-length moving deck rated to ten tonnes, operated by the manufacturer’s proven four-ram hydraulic system, offering enhanced robustness, reliability, and an increased load capacity.

Used for the transport of unbranded bread loaded in bread baskets, the trailers will primarily serve Fine Lady’s two bakery sites in Banbury and Manchester, from where their range of loaves, buns and other products are then transported to the supermarket, wholesaler, and other customers.

Adam Robson, Fine Lady Bakeries’ Logistics Manager, comments: “For the ordering of our new trailer fleet additions, we sought to identify a manufacturer that would be able to deliver on time, in full, and meet our specific operational requirements. It was clear from discussions with Tiger Trailers that they would be able to meet our timescales and custom requirements, and we were also encouraged by their complementary services and work in the community. We’re very pleased with our new double-decker trailers from Tiger and look forward to fostering a strong relationship with Darren, Tom, and the team going forwards.”

To reduce the potential for damage, Tiger has incorporated recessed hinges into the rear frame of the new trailers, along with reinforced pillar lowers, and rubber cones fitted to each door and side panel. Inside, load securing is provided by means of specifically designed nets retained by vertical e-tracks. A full-width gate is fitted at the neck area, and the lifting deck is operated either by the bank of control buttons or by a wanderlead. To enhance operator safety, various lights, alarms, and visual warnings have been installed.

Thomas Stott, Technical Sales Manager at Tiger Trailers, says: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Fine Lady Bakeries on board as a new customer. After our visits to their sites, followed by their visit to Tiger to sign off the 3D model that our design and engineering team produced, it’s fantastic to see this established bakery’s new double deck trailers in the flesh on the road. Huge thanks to Adam and his colleagues – it’s been brilliant to work with them, and we look forward to supporting and continuing to work with the Fine Lady team over the coming months and years.”

Fine Lady Bakeries, part of the Heygate Group, is a long-established manufacturer of bread products which it supplies to leading supermarkets, wholesalers, and to the sandwich industry. Originating in Banbury, Oxfordshire, Fine Lady opened a second purpose-built bakery in Manchester in 2010.

Cheshire-based Tiger Trailers is one of the UK’s top-five manufacturers of articulated trailers and rigid bodywork. Soon celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Tiger builds the complete range for road transport operators, from curtainsiders, fixed and moving double decks and temperature-controlled trailers, to swap-body demountables and specialist vehicles such as flatbeds. Supporting its customers and the wider industry, the company is home to Tiger Finance, Tiger Parts, and Tiger Rentals divisions. Its ESG initiatives include a tree planted for each product sold, solar panels on its factory roof, and EV chargers for staff and visitors. Tiger’s CSR activities span working with The Prince’s Trust, Women in Transport, and Cheshire Community Foundation, while the Tiger Safety Team delivers its ‘STOP, LOOK, BE SEEN’ road safety programme into schools.

Vector eCool: First Technology of its Kind

The all-electric, zero-direct-emission Carrier Transicold Vector® eCool has become the first technology of its kind available to UK customers without the requirement for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing. After a detailed two-year process, Carrier Transicold has paved the way for customers to maximise the sustainability potential of its cutting-edge trailer technology. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Launched in 2020, Carrier Transicold’s fully autonomous Vector eCool was a genuine industry first. However, being at the cutting edge meant there were no standardised, technical regulations related to the system’s axle regeneration technology, so every new unit had to undergo IVA testing. Working closely with Gray & Adams, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and following a rigorous evaluation programme at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA), the Vector eCool is now the first of its type that does not require this time-consuming and costly procedure.

“When Carrier Transicold broke new ground with the Vector eCool, axle-regeneration technology in this configuration was something the industry hadn’t seen before,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK and Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold. “We understood that it would take close collaboration with our partners and government agencies to get to this point and it has been two years of hard work. But just as we were the first to launch this type of all-electric technology, we are proud to be leading the way once again, setting an important industry benchmark for accessible, sustainable solutions that will create a roadmap for others to follow.”

The technology behind the Carrier Transicold Vector eCool is a sophisticated energy recovery and storage system that converts wasted kinetic energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electricity, which is then stored in a battery pack to power the refrigeration unit. This loop creates a fully autonomous system that produces no direct carbon dioxide (CO2) or particulate emissions and is PIEK certified to operate below the 60 dB(A) noise limit.

Vector eCool trailers are now operating in the UK and Europe. With the new approval for use, the total number in operation can now be rapidly and easily accelerated, offering the unit’s significant emissions savings to an even wider number of potential users – helping to contribute to Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to reduce its customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton by 2030.

Continental Adds Tiger Trailers to Fleet

Continental, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, has further bolstered its UK articulated fleet through the addition of seven more box vans from Tiger Trailers, with this particular order divided into two different products to suit its operational requirements.

The tyre firm’s first Tiger order for 2023 is comprised of five 4.2m high box van trailers for their next day regional truck tyre delivery and casing collection business, and a pair of 4.8m tall ‘high cube’ variants, equipping Continental with increased load capacity for inter-depot trunking and waste recycling activities.

Continental’s new standard-height 4200mm trailers are fitted with an LED strip-light facing down at the rear to light up the working area for operator safety, and with cycle warning sideguards, which align with Tiger’s own aims as demonstrated through the Tiger Safety Team’s school road safety programme.

The trailers’ specification also includes a GRP translucent roof with wooden rub rails, a bespoke load securing setup including nets, an Anteo 1,500kg tuckaway tail-lift with safety gates, and solar panels from Trailar. The 4800mm high-cube iterations are equipped with full aerodynamic sideguards to reduce CO2 and increase fuel efficiency, and the trailers and their cargos are protected from damage through the incorporation of full-coverage overlay floor tread plates and full-length wooden rub rails fitted below and above each load lock row. Both heights are finished with the international company’s ultra-distinctive livery and are fitted with its in-house tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) interfaced into the ContiConnect 2.0 web-based platform for safety and efficiency purposes.

Simon Sumner, Continental’s Transport Operations Manager, comments: “Tiger Trailers have taken time to fully understand our business and its challenges, identify our requirements, then design and build trailers that suit our unique operation. Features for functionality, longevity and safety in operation have been engineered in by Tiger without compromise. The trailers perform exceptionally well and have a very impressive presence on the road. Tiger Trailers deliver a premium product in line with Continental’s position as a premium brand. It is a pleasure to work with Tom and the rest of the team at Tiger and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

Continental acquired re-tread tyre manufacturer Bandvulc in 2016 and Tiger’s first trailers wore Bandvulc’s distinctive black livery with yellow logo. The latest Tiger-built trailers were collected by a pair of the group’s new MAN TGX 26.510 tractors from Bandvulc’s Ivybridge Plant in Devon, and the fleet serves the UK via a number of strategic sites including Continental’s regional distribution centre (RDC) in Rugby, which stocks passenger car, truck and specialty tyres. Continental placed its first order with Tiger Trailers in 2020, followed by further orders in 2022, before taking delivery of this latest batch of box trailers in early 2023.

Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailer’s Technical Sales Manager, says: “We are proud to continue supporting Continental with what is now the third year of articulated trailer supply. Simon and the team are great to work with in tailoring the specification and ensuring that the end product meets their requirements. It’s brilliant to see such an iconic livery and eye-catching colour out on the road complete with Tiger badges and we look forward to continuing to support the customer in subsequent years.”

Tiger Trailers is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of articulated semi-trailers and rigid bodywork. Based in Cheshire and soon celebrating its 10th year in business, the firm builds the complete range, from curtain-siders, fixed and moving double decks and flatbeds, to temperature-controlled trailers, specialist vehicles and demounts.

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