Fraserburgh, Scotland: Gray & Adams has supplied Waitrose with 18 bodies for gas-powered rigid trucks. Waitrose operates a mixed fleet of refrigerated trailers and rigids, mostly built by Gray & Adams. The 18 tonners are used for central London deliveries and to meet sustainability targets are and gas-powered Scanias with electric fridges.
The combination of gas-power and electric fridges means that the vehicles are much quieter and produce 80% less CO2 than a standard diesel rigid with a diesel-powered fridge. Over the life of the vehicles, Waitrose expect to see some significant cost savings compared to fuelling and maintaining a traditional diesel-powered option which will provide ongoing commercial benefits.
David Wake, fleet engineer, Waitrose said: “We have taken delivery of some of the rigids from Gray & Adams already and have incorporated them into our delivery routes in central London and the feedback we have had from the drivers has been fantastic.
“Not only are they cleaner when refuelling but they are also quieter and smoother which makes the driving experience more enjoyable for our colleagues. The general public have also provided similar feedback, and this is significant as it means that we may be able to apply to Transport for London for delivery slots outside the tight traffic and delivery timing restrictions currently in place in Central London. If this is approved this will make things much more efficient for our operations.”
“We have been a customer of Gray & Adams for a long time and we find them really easy to work with. I personally find that the team have a good “can do attitude” and this was apparent when they worked with us to spec unique aerodynamics requirements on a previous order. Nothing is too much trouble, and we enjoy the collaborative approach to problem-solving and providing solutions.”
