Temperature-controlled transport operator P&C Hamilton says the promise of reducing unladen weight and improving fuel efficiency led it to specify its first Vector1550 unit from Carrier Transicold UK.
The Girvan-based firm currently operates 80% of its truck fleet with earlier Vector refrigeration technology – and partner Phillip Hamilton says he is keen to keep the "winning formula" going – and plans to add more Vector 1550s to its fleet later this year.
"Carrier Transicold has led the way in modern transport refrigeration technology, particularly with all-electric Vector technology, which continues to work well for us," comments Hamilton.
"We see the Vector 1550 as a natural step forward as we look to further reduce fuel consumption," he adds.
Hamilton says that, since the unit is one of the lightest trailer refrigeration systems on the market, it is allowing the firm, which runs mono-temperature operations for temperature-sensitive goods throughout the UK and Europe, to reduce the unladen weight of its trailers.
"This means we can maximise the volume of goods carried, which is a clear advantage," he says.
P&C Hamilton's new refrigeration unit has been mounted on a bespoke Gray & Adams tri-axle semi-trailer with Euro rails to transport raw meat and carcasses, a feature particularly favoured in Germany.
"Being able to operate across EU borders is a necessity for this trailer, so we specified it to meet the Class C ATP standard to operate with a set point between +12 and 20 degrees Celsius," states Hamilton.
The Vector 1550 uses a smaller, 1.5-litre diesel engine than its bigger brothers, as well as Carrier's patented combination of a hermetic compressor with an economiser. Lower fuel consumption is claimed to reduce its carbon impact by up to 35% compared to conventional systems – the equivalent of removing 2.8 tonnes of CO2 per unit per year.
