Forward thinking fleet solutions for Wincanton trailers

Wincanton's container business has introduced the final batch of 78 Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units during Q4 of 2011. This latest investment was part of an order for 278 MAN and Mercedes product being introduced into the sector leading business. The company has also introduced 355 skeletal trailers along with their new design tail-lift skeletals to develop hybrid transport solutions and support peak retail activity.

As a leading provider of container logistics services in the UK, handling over 7,000 container movements weekly, Wincanton is committed to using the latest technology to deliver safe and efficient operations for  its customers.

Ian Wilson, managing director, says:  "As a key player in our industry we have a responsibility to consider safety, environment and of course the most cost effective asset base.  Our entire fleet now consists only of Euro V vehicles, making us ready for the new LEZ Zone regulations that take effect from 3 January 2012.  We constantly design our own products to remove cost and enhance service and performance. At the same time, we continually review all the latest products on the market to identify safer, cleaner, more cost effective ways to operate our fleet and where we see a clear benefit we will implement the improvement immediately."

Such benefits include a 'motorised air management kit' that has been installed throughout the container fleet.  The company's own invention, this has resulted in significant savings in fuel due to the air management kit being set at the correct height for the continuously varying trailer profile.  The Haldex soft docking system has also been introduced, preventing drivers from reversing closer than one metre from their docking location without prior warning, which has helped to improve safety and minimise damage. 

Wincanton containers continues to seek new improved ways to run its vehicle fleet and trials are currently taking place to install further innovation to reduce costs and maintain as near to 100% uptime to support customers.  The company is also looking at alternative energy solutions.   Solar power systems are being tested to deliver further levels of reliability with the aim of reducing vehicle downtime to zero with only planned maintenance stops during the vehicle's life.