Halloween and Christmas may come in quick succession with consumers expecting continually replenished supermarket shelves, but this certainly doesn't faze Spalding-based chilled food distributor, Freshlinc, as it takes delivery of 25 new reefers from Schmitz Cargobull in preparation.
One of the new reefers features livery designed by local school children as part of a charity project*, and is currently being used to assist Freshlinc in delivering more than a million pumpkins in just a two week period to meet Halloween demand.
A further 25 are also in the pipeline to join the 210-strong trailer fleet which will help to fulfil the Christmas delivery schedules of major supermarkets. All 50 trailers are being mounted with Carrier Transicold's most powerful Vector 1850 MT (Multi Temperature) refrigeration units.
"Seasonal demand for produce always presents a logistical challenge but the key to meeting customer requirements is robust equipment and good planning," said Andy Marchant, Fleet Engineer, Freshlinc. "The lion's share of our trailer fleet is now Schmitz Cargobull and this is because we insist on high spec trailers; these products really stand the test of time."
As well as strengthened front bulkheads, supermarket style compression buffers and additional marker lights, all 50 new trailers will feature Schmitz Cargobull's unique semi chassis which is, on average, 500-700kg lighter than competitor models built on a full chassis - offering increased payload capacity.
The semi chassis also sits approximately 100mm lower than conventional trailer models whilst maintaining the same internal working height dimensions - improving aerodynamics.
Each of the Vector 1850 MT refrigeration units has been specified with a fuel level sensor to alert the driver if the fridge unit is running low on diesel - helping to safeguard the integrity of the cold chain.
The temperature controlled systems are also covered by Carrier's fixed cost Golden Cold repair and maintenance agreement, which includes all maintenance recommended by Carrier Transicold, genuine replacement parts and 24-hour breakdown assistance throughout the UK.
"Pullman Fleet Services in Spalding is our local Carrier service partner and will be maintaining the fridge units. This allows us to give something back to a local business; something we are always keen to do wherever possible."
The trailers will operate from Freshlinc's Spalding depot supporting major supermarkets and also transporting produce from the company's own farming division, Lincolnshire Field Products. They are expected to remain on the fleet for the next five years.
Schmitz Cargobull reefers come with a five year structural warranty and 10 year anti-corrosion warranty.
* The Well Project, based in Normanton, West Yorkshire, is a charity organisation focused on social inclusion and personal development in the local area. For further information visit www.thewellproject.org.uk
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