The lifting-deck trailer has a sloping roof and aerodynamic panel cappings, both of which boost fuel efficiency. It is also equipped with a Carrier Vector 1950 multi-temperature refrigeration system.
Since 2015, Gray & Adams has supplied Creed with single-deck, 13.6m semi-trailers, as well as insulated and refrigerated bodywork for a number of 18-tonne rigids.
“We carried out extensive research before placing our latest order, and this confirmed that Gray & Adams is by far the market leader when it comes to double-deck semi-trailers,” says Richard Frost, operations controller at the Cheltenham-based operator. The manufacturer provided a trial unit before the order was placed.
The latest addition is based at Creed’s Derbyshire site and is transporting chilled and ambient goods to a centre in High Wycombe five nights a week – a task that previously required two tractors pulling single-deck trailers.
“The increased carrying capacity of the lifting-deck trailer means we can now do the same job with a single truck. It’s a round trip of 285 miles, which means we’ll be covering 74,100 fewer road miles each year,” says Frost.
“This new trailer has therefore enabled us significantly to improve our environmental profile through the very substantial reductions we’re achieving in CO2 and other emissions.”