The lifting-deck trailer has a single-temperature Carrier Vector 1950 refrigeration unit and has a 44-pallet capacity – four more than a standard double-decker.
The trailer is now being used to transport the finest beef, veal and venison on a daily basis from Dovecote Park’s Stapleton Estate in West Yorkshire to the Waitrose RDC in Bracknell, Berkshire.
Explaining the decision to commission its first double-deck trailer, Dennis Distribution’s general manager Andrew Revely says: “We identified a daily route that offered an opportunity to achieve some significant efficiency gains by making full use of the lifting-deck trailer’s additional carrying capacity.
“This increased productivity and the resulting reduction in road miles is benefiting the environment, through the reduction in emissions. By maximising utilisation of our tractor unit fleet it has also freed up a vehicle for other work.”
The operator runs 32 tractors and 50 semi-trailers, 20 of which are by Gray & Adams. As well as floor loading trailers, Dennis also runs a number of its meat railers, designed to transport hanging cuts on hooks suspended from the roof.
Revely adds: “The Gray & Adams lifting-deck is widely recognised as the best on the market... This, together with our own previous experience, gave us the confidence to go ahead.
“We couldn’t be happier with the new trailer, which is perfectly specified for our operation and looks fantastic in our customer’s striking livery.”