The Chichester-based operator’s new additions are thought to be the first extra-long reefers to be operating in southern England, and are supplied on seven-year, full-service contract hire.
The deal sees Asset Alliance retaining ownership of the 15.65m trailers and the supplier will also be responsible for operational costs such as servicing, maintenance and repair requirements, tyre replacements, breakdown cover and safety inspections.
Asset Alliance has already supplied 40 of NV Transport’s 60-strong trailer fleet, so it was the obvious choice, according to Steven Zwinkels, NV’s managing director.
The trailers are “highly appealing” to his major supermarket customers, he says, given the environmental efficiencies they deliver.
“They allow us to load a lot more pallets, which means we’re getting more out of each chilled produce delivery.”
Zwinkels adds: “We’re not worried about weight as much as other hauliers because we have a lot of salad products, and we can’t use double-deckers because the pallet heights don’t allow us to.
“These longer trailers give us the efficiency we need and will benefit the environment because fewer vehicles will be on the roads. It’s a case of doing more with less.”