Arla variable deck trailer set to improve dairy capacity by 50% 01 April 2010

In a bid to massively increase load capacity and fleet efficiency, Arla Foods has invested in its first variable deck trailer.

Gordon Irvine, group fleet director at the dairy goods distributor, says that the company now expects to increase load capacity for palletised milk deliveries by a full 50%, from 24 pallets to 36.

He explains that the Gray & Adams trailer will support a major contract that requires milk to be delivered in palletised loads to a regional distribution centre, from where the retailer amalgamates it with other products, prior to delivery to its stores.

This process differs from most milk contracts where products are transported in roll cages, which are wheeled directly from the trailer onto the shop floor.

The higher centre of gravity caused by loading milk onto a raised floor within each trailer was one challenge for the new trailer design.

This issue was solved in part by fitting Michelin's low profile 455/45 R 22.5 X One MaxiTrailer tyres, in place of the regular 385/65 R 22.5 fitment. This tyre dimension provides a lower centre of gravity, which has been proven in handling trials to improve trailer stability when cornering.

"The variable deck trailer offers significant environmental and operational advantages for our palletised milk deliveries," says Irvine. "An initial three month trial has proven very successful and we are looking to add up to five identical trailers to the fleet this year."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Arla Foods plc
Gray & Adams Ltd
Michelin Tyre plc

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