European logistics firm Manfreight has invested in 100 additional Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated trailers, equipped with the manufacturer’s EXECUTIVE PLUS package to give complete cold chain visibility.
The latest order adds to 70 Schmitz Cargobull reefers the company bought in 2018, with the new arrivals transporting chilled and frozen food produce to retail distribution centres (RDCs) in the UK and across Europe. Fifty of the new builds are to be added to the Manfreight fleet by October this year
Chris Slowey, Managing Director at Manfreight, says: “Schmitz Cargobull technology gives us a huge wealth of data at our fingertips, unlike any other brand in the market. We’re able to easily check the condition of each trailer and quickly alert the driver to any drop in temperature, without harming the payload inside.
“This gives us and our customers complete confidence, because we can tell them exactly where each trailer is at any time and that their products are safe on the road.”
To meet the increasing demands of temperature-controlled transport, each trailer is fitted with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics, which provides 24/7 monitoring of the trailer’s exact location and its contents.
Manfreight can access this information at any time via a bespoke online portal, which also displays an overview of maintenance and trailer scheduling data. The system also increases safety, because it automatically sends the company alarm messages via SMS or e-mail if a trailer has been tampered with.
The high-spec units have been equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s own refrigeration unit, which is available in either a mono or multi-temp design. Its intelligent evaporator design also offers greater reliability, by reducing defrosting cycles by up to 50 per cent.
Dynamic Ramp Protection (DRP) roller bumpers are also fitted to reinforce the bottom of the rear doors when drivers are reversing into narrow bays.
Other features include Schmitz Cargobull’s ROTOS running gear –
which extends the life of brake pads and reduces maintenance costs for the operator – and a multifunctional PIEK floor, allowing for low noise loading and unloading when making urban deliveries early in the morning or late at night.
The EXECUTIVE PLUS package also includes a full-service maintenance contract on the refrigeration unit, with all work being carried out at one of Schmitz Cargobull’s 1,700 Service Partners across the UK and Europe.
Chris adds: “Manfreight has been buying from Schmitz Cargobull for nearly 30 years and its products have proven to be very versatile for our work. The whole process, from initial order to delivery, is excellent and coupled with its strong aftersales support is the reason why we keep coming back time and again.”
Manfreight specialises in the transportation of ambient, chilled and frozen food produce from its base in Craigavon, County Armagh and its Operations offices in Belfast and Dublin. The company works closely with Schmitz Cargobull to ensure its trailer fleet is always equipped with the latest technology.
