TIP Group, leading provider of truck and trailer hire services, has announced a long-term hire agreement with Cambridgeshire-based cold chain operator Chiltern Distribution for two new temperature-controlled trailers fitted with Sunswap’s ‘Endurance’ refrigeration units.
Chiltern Distribution utilise a variety of temperature-controlled vehicles to transport chilled, frozen, ambient and pharmaceutical goods across the UK and has over 30 years’ experience in temperature-controlled logistics. Their two new ‘e-reefers’ sees SOR manufactured trailers combine with Sunswap’s refrigeration technology and are added to their temperature-controlled fleet.
The Endurance units will be initially charged via a mains connection at the operator’s depots, with supplementary charging of its battery coming from solar power generated by trailer roof-based panels. The latter will help reduce reliance on mains charging, help extend range and reduce operational costs by eliminating diesel as a source of power.
The refrigeration technology being adopted is supported by a trailer specification designed to optimise its zero-emission capabilities, with the solution expected to considerably reduce the operator’s carbon footprint.
Operating to strict delivery and compliance standards, the experienced cold chain operator was looking for a refrigeration solution that provided real-time temperature performance data and audit-ready documentation, in particular to meet the needs of their pharmaceutical clients. Chiltern’s decision to adopt Sunswap’s technology follows a trial within their operation, which demonstrated the performance that they were looking for. The trial also highlighted significant noise reduction benefits, as noted by the operator’s drivers during overnight residential deliveries.
Mike Furnival, Managing Director of TIP, said: “TIP is seeing growing demand from operators looking to adopt next-generation refrigerated trailer technology in a flexible and cost-efficient way. Our agreement with Chiltern Distribution demonstrates how long-term leasing can enable customers to access innovative low and zero emission solutions without the need for significant upfront capital investment.”
Alastair Gough, Head of Business Development at Sunswap, said: “Sunswap’s Endurance units have achieved up to an 81% reduction in refrigerating operating costs compared to diesel. This can mean significant cost savings for operators such as Chiltern and we are delighted that they have chosen our solution.”
Brian Sagaseta, owner and Managing Director of Chiltern Distribution, said: “We’ve spent the last year investing in our people, our systems and the way we run this business. That includes our transport operation, which we want to be efficient, reliable and cost effective, all whilst ensuring it is as sustainable as it can be. We’re confident that the addition of these units to our fleet will provide this.”
