Pan-European haulier Alcaline has maintained its 100% Schmitz Cargobull trailer fleet, having taken delivery of six new S.CS Mega curtainsiders with Varios top technology.
The new trailers replace older models in the company's 120-strong trailer fleet and will be used to deliver automotive parts throughout the UK and into mainland Europe.
In its search for the most competitive trailer on the market, Alcaline considered two manufacturers, but Schmitz Cargobull's manufacturing quality and reliability were the decisive factors, according to Lorenzo Zaccheo, managing director of Alcaline..
The trailers offer all of the advantages of a regular curtainsider, he says, but also allow the roof to be raised on one or both sides for forklift loading – or slid open for crane loading through the roof.
Being height-adjustable, the roof also allows the customer to utilise the maximum vehicle height in every European country – regardless of the fifth wheel height of the tractor. Hook and loop fasteners on the curtains permit adjustment for different body heights.
The new trailers have also been specified with a lifting axle to reduce rolling resistance and tyre wear when carrying lighter loads. A double deck system ensures capacity for transporting up to 67 pallets in a single journey.
"Running an extensive UK and European-wide operation, it is essential for us to be able to access parts for our trailers anywhere on the continent, in the unlikely event of a failure occurring," comments Zaccheo.
"Schmitz Cargobull's extensive service network gives us complete peace of mind," he continues.
"Also key to this order was the availability of the hydraulic lifting roof, which gives us the flexibility to vary our running height, depending on the load we are carrying and whether we are operating in the UK or on the continent," adds Zaccheo.
"When we need extra load space we raise the roof. And when we don't, we can lower it down to make the trailer as aerodynamic as possible – meaning we save fuel over every kilometre of the journey."