The bespoke curtainsider incorporates a range of specifications to keep water out and ensure safe operation.
Bibby Distribution introduced the trailer to tackle the costly issue of water-damaged reels and limit risk of the manufacturer losing customers through having too many wet reels delivered to customers.
The logistics operator transports and processes around 550,000 tonnes of paper reels per year for Saica to packaging manufacturers across the UK, using a 90-strong fleet.
“To say there hasn’t been a single wet claim on deliveries made by the concept trailer is incredible,” says Chris Johnson, Saica Paper’s UK logistics manager.
“Bibby Distribution has raised the bar... We’re looking forward to seeing greater use of this trailer type, which could all but eliminate the problem of wet claims.”
Johnson describes the specification: “It has a triple-layer floor and a double-skinned, ultra-thick curtain, so that means we’re avoiding the problems caused by curtains that aren’t under the pelmet properly, or the sharp wires wrapped around paper bales that are prone to doing damage. That’s what makes it so special.”
The concept trailer, combined with general fleet upgrades and vigilant maintenance as part of Bibby Distribution’s on-site duties at Saica’s Carrington factory, has seen total savings for the year pass £8,000.