Freshlinc hit a century

Spalding-based distributor Freshlinc has ordered 50 new temperature controlled trailers from Schmitz Cargobull. This latest deal takes the number of Schmitz Cargobull trailers acquired by Freshlinc to over 100 and, to mark the company's century of Schmitz Cargobull reefers, the 100th trailer to be delivered will be finished in a specially designed livery.

When the new order is fulfilled, Freshlinc's total vehicle fleet will comprise 150 tractor units and 205 trailers 132 of which will be Schmitz Cargobull products. Some 40 of the new trailers are replacements for vehicles that had come to the end of their contract period, while 10 are additions to the Freshlinc fleet. All will be supplied by Gray Rentals on a five year repair and maintenance package.

FreshLinc is a distribution partner for a host of growers and packers and the new trailers will operate on UK routes delivering a range of chilled produce to RDCs operated by a leading supermarket chain. They will also run on the Continent notably to and from Germany, Switzerland and Holland.

The 26 pallet capacity refrigerated trailers feature a number of modifications to meet Freshlinc's needs. For example, to reduce damage to the rear of the trailer when it approaches the loading dock, a compression rear buffer has been installed, while extra reinforcement of the front bulkhead is designed to cut damage to the trailer during the pallet loading process.

With safety in mind Freshlinc has specified extra amber and red LED marker lights and these have been recessed into the sides and top of the trailer door frame. The extra lighting helps to improve trailer visibility particularly at junctions.

The new reefers feature a combination of Carrier and Thermoking fridge units and on-board temperature is monitored via an Isotrack tracking system which gives visibility of a host of operating functions at all times.

The  refrigerated trailer box units themselves are constructed using Schmitz Cargobull's well established and proven Ferroplast modular steel-skinned panels to keep loads at the desired temperature.

Ferroplast panels are filled with high quality expanded polyurethane foam and, importantly, their closed cell structure means that even if the steel skin gets pierced, water will not be absorbed. This is a big advantage over Styrofoam, which is commonly used in other reefers.

Despite the difficult economic trading conditions, Freshlinc's business has continued to grow. "A key part of our success has been our ability to manage our costs and provide a high level of service," explains Andy Marchant, the company's fleet engineer. "Schmitz Cargobull offer high build quality and their trailers always perform well which is why the majority of trailers in our fleet are Schmitz Cargobull products."