P&S Logistics, a temperature-controlled transport business run by owner-operator Phillip Hudson, has taken delivery of a custom-built Schmitz Cargobull drawbar trailer designed to operate with his existing 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz Actros.
The 2016-plate rigid already features Schmitz Cargobull bodywork, and the new combination will allow him to increase payload capacity from approximately 13 to 24 tonnes, with loads now split between three temperature zones – for maximum customer flexibility.
Hudson says: “I’ve been planning this project for the best part of 12 months, so it was fantastic to collect my new trailer for the first time. It means I can now accommodate a further 12 pallets per journey, which will be great for my business.
“This is a fairly unique specification vehicle for the UK, but it offers me far more flexibility than moving up to a tractor and trailer. If I don’t need the extra capacity, I can simply park the drawbar and just run at 26 tonnes.”
Twickenham-based P&S Logistics – which has just secured FORS Bronze accreditation – specialises in carrying temperature-sensitive loads throughout the UK and across Europe. Hudson has specified the new trailer with a tail-lift and full telematics, offering live tracking of the vehicle’s location, set point and temperature inside the load space.
The new drawbar has been built to the same high specification as the rigid truck, featuring Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST® side panels, which are stronger yet thinner than glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork – helping to increase the loading aperture inside the body.
It is also mounted with a Carrier Transicold Supra multi-temp refrigeration system, offering set points from -30 to +30 degrees Celsius and the ability to carry any mix of ambient, chilled and frozen cargo.
Hudson comments: “Adding a drawbar trailer is a big move for the business, but after careful planning and some expert advice from Schmitz Cargobull I knew it was the right decision.
“One of my key priorities was ensuring maximum reliability, which is another reason I chose to stick with Schmitz Cargobull. From experience I know their products are robust and dependable – perfect for an owner-operator like me, where any unscheduled downtime could stop me from working.”
Hudson will benefit from full access to Schmitz Cargobull’s pan-European service centre network, with expert technicians at more than 1,700 authorised workshops across the Continent offering maximum peace of mind wherever he’s operating.
ends
Editor’s notes:
Schmitz Cargobull UK and Ireland is a subsidiary company of the German-owned Schmitz Cargobull Group.
With an annual production of some 61,000 trailers and around 6,400 employees, Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods. The company achieved sales of more than € 2.2 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year. As a pioneer in the industry, the North German company developed a comprehensive brand strategy early on and consistently established quality standards spanning every level: from research and development, to production and specialist services such as consulting, trailer telematics, financing, spare parts and used vehicles.
Visit Schmitz Cargobull UK’s dedicated online press room at https://gk.news/schmitzcargobull
Press Contact UK:
James Boley
Garnett Keeler PR
Tel: 020 8647 4467
Email: james.boley@garnettkeeler.com
Company Contact Europe:
Anna Stuhlmeier, Head of Corporate Public Relations
Silke Hesener, Manager Public Relations
Tel: +49 02558 811501
Email: silke.hesener@cargobull.com
Andrea Beckonert, Manager Public Relations
Tel : +49 02558 811321
Email : andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com
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