Spalding, Licolnshire, UK: Freshlinc has ordered 50 Schmitz Cargobull reefers citing strong residual values that enable a more competitive weekly rate.
Freshlinc will add a further 50 reefers from Schmitz Cargobull to a fleet which is already 90% supplied by the manufacturer – taking its temperature-controlled trailer fleet to 325 tri-axle semitrailers.
Freshlinc adds 50 Schmitz Cargobull reefers
Andy Marchant, fleet engineer, Freshlinc, says: “Schmitz Cargobull equipment offers a build quality and residual value over and above others in the marketplace. This allows us to take advantage of competitive rental rates which are based primarily on the anticipated condition of the trailers when they finish their life on our fleet.
“We keep coming back for the simple reason that Schmitz has hit the nail on the head with a well-built piece of kit which holds its value and perfectly suits our European operations,” he added.
Schmitz Cargobull says its reefers achieve a residual value of approximately 20% more than any competitor of an equivalent specification due to the design which includes Ferroplast insulated panels, steel skins and a semi chassis which offers a 100mm overall lower running height.
Freshlinc will use the new trailers – which are an identical spec to those brought onto the fleet 12 months ago featuring strengthened front bulkheads and supermarket style rear compression buffers – to bring flowers into the UK from Holland.
“The sound construction of Schmitz reefers gives us the confidence to know that in the event of any damage, our downtime would be minimal as repairs can be undertaken quickly. This is particularly important when carrying temperature sensitive loads as the saying ‘time is money’ has never been truer,” Marchant says.
The bolted and galvanised construction method used by Schmitz Cargobull for its reefers removes much of the need for costly, and time-consuming, welding and paint repairs in the event of damage, the company says. Additionally, if a steel skin is damaged, it is not an emergency job as the overall structure will not absorb moisture.
The 50 new trailers are expected to remain on the Freshlinc fleet for five years and are supported by a 10 year anti-corrosion warranty and five year structural warranty.
