Fifty of the latest order will be in operation by October this year, transporting chilled and frozen food produce around the UK and across Europe, and all will be equipped with the manufacturer’s Executive Plus package for full cold chain visibility.
Each trailer is fitted with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics. Manfreight can access this information at any time via a bespoke online portal, which also displays an overview of maintenance and trailer scheduling data. The system also automatically sends the company alarm messages via SMS or email if a trailer is tampered with.
The high-spec units have been equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s own refrigeration unit, which is available in either a mono or multi-temp design. Its evaporator design also offers greater reliability, by reducing defrosting cycles by up to 50%.
Chris Slowey, managing director at Manfreight, says: “Schmitz Cargobull technology gives us a huge wealth of data at our fingertips, unlike any other brand in the market. We’re able to easily check the condition of each trailer and quickly alert the driver to any drop in temperature, without harming the payload inside.
“This gives us and our customers complete confidence, because we can tell them exactly where each trailer is at any time and that their products are safe on the road.”
Other features include: dynamic ramp protection roller bumpers to reinforce the bottom of the rear doors; Rotos running gear, which extends the life of brake pads and reduces maintenance costs; and a multifunctional PIEK floor, for quieter loading and unloading in urban areas.
The Executive Plus package also includes a full-service maintenance contract on the refrigeration unit, with all work being carried out at one of Schmitz Cargobull’s 1,700 service partners across the UK and Europe.
Slowey adds: “Manfreight has been buying from Schmitz Cargobull for nearly 30 years and its products have proven to be very versatile for our work. The whole process, from initial order to delivery, is excellent and coupled with its strong aftersales support is the reason why we keep coming back time and again.”