Tesco trials extended-length trailers
Tesco is running a trial of 25 extended-length Gray & Adams refrigerated trailers as part of plans to cut its carbon emissions.
The supermarket, which already operates a fleet of Gray & Adams supplied temperature-controlled single and double-deck 13.6m and short, urban trailers, said the company was an “obvious supplier” for the trailers.
Tesco fleet engineering manager Cliff Smith explained: “It was best-placed in terms of the development work it had already done on these longer trailers, while experience has also proved that its products are well designed and ‘fit for purpose’.
“We run our trailers for eight years but know that Gray & Adams’ equipment is sufficiently reliable and strongly built to withstand the rigours of a demanding, round-the-clock operation.”
The trial is being backed by the Department of Transport.
Tesco’s 15.65m trailers are equipped with Carrier Transicold Vector 1850 multi-temperature refrigeration units and 1500kg capacity Dhollandia retractable tail-lifts, as well as Tridec command steer axles which allow them to meet statutory turning circle rules.
Operating from regional distribution centres in Avonmouth, Livingston and Peterborough, each trailer can carry 51 cages, six more than a standard 13.6m trailer.
Smith continued: “That represents an increase in productivity of more than 13 per cent, so the potential benefits in terms of reduced vehicle movements and lower emissions are obvious.
“But we’ve only just set these trailers on the road, so we still have a fair bit of work to do in terms of driver-training and risk assessment at the delivery points before we come to any firm conclusions.”
Tesco is committed to achieving reductions in carbon emissions across its distribution operation. Its ‘F plan’– Fuller cages, Fuller trucks, Fewer miles and Fuel economy – has enabled it to take 111 million miles off the road over the last five years, saving 142,000 tonnes of CO2.
