Swindon, UK: Fish wholesaler, T Quality has opted for an all-new rigid body design developed by Paneltex and vehicle supplier Fraikin on its latest 10 vehicle order.
T Quality traditionally uses split-load rigid bodies but needed to address a number of issues with the design said Graham Kay, national logistics and safety manager at T Quality.
“We knew we needed to address a number of issues with our existing truck design, so we turned to Fraikin to make that happen. With more than 20-years working together, I was confident they would find the perfect solution, and they didn’t disappoint.”
The new bodies are mounted on three 7.5-tonne, five 15-tonne and two 18-tonne Daf LFs. he new bodies have been totally re-engineered to improve fleet efficiency and driver safety. Representing a mixture of replacement vehicles and new additions, the trucks will be delivered throughout 2021 as part of the company’s latest seven-year, full-service contract hire agreement with Fraikin.
A major part of the re-design was to swap the position of the refrigerated and ambient compartments, providing the Carrier Transicold fridge at the front of the vehicle direct access to the freezer section. The new layout removes the need for extensive internal piping that previously connected the two, something that had caused maintenance issues and costly downtime.
“We’re delighted with the level of support we’ve had from Fraikin and Paneltex in tackling the complexities of this project. Our trucks are the lifeblood of our business and we are always looking at ways of making improvements to help our drivers and, ultimately, our customers, “ Kay said,
“We had a wish-list of things we wanted to include in the new design, and we’re happy to say each and every one was ticked off,” he said.
The new bodies have improved load restraints to protect products in transit, with re-designed steps and flooring for safer loading. Both sections can be accessed from either side of the vehicle, meaning the driver never has to work in the road. In addition, each truck has a camera and telematics package to monitor and improve driver performance and ensure compliance with the London Direct Vision Standard.
Phil Lang, truck and trailer sales manager, Paneltex said: “As soon as we sat down with Fraikin and T Quality, we quickly understood what needed to be done and that our design team would be able to make it happen.”
Of the 10 new trucks six are replacements for older trucks – two already supplied by Fraikin and four from a competitor – with the remainder new additions to the company’s 100-plus commercial vehicle fleet, of which Fraikin now supplies close to 60%.
The trucks will clock up around 40,000 miles a year, delivering ambient and frozen food products to UK fish and chip shops, fast food outlets and wholesale fish markets.
