Morrisons goes long again with Gray & Adams LSTs 30 June 2014

Supermarket chain Morrisons has begun taking deliveries of a third batch of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) from Gray & Adams, which are due to enter service in the autumn.

The additional trailers bring the total number of LSTs Morrisons will be running to well over 100, and are part of the DfT (Department for Transport) licensed 10-year trial.

John Ward, head of engineering at Morrisons, says the extra 15% productivity – arising from the fact that the 15.65m trailer is capable of carrying four more pallets than a standard 13.6m single-decker – translates into "tremendous" cost savings.

Although command steer versions are available, Morrisons' latest boxes are being fitted with 27-degree BPW self-tracking axles that allow them to meet turning circle requirements.

"The self-steer axle works very well and helps to ensure that the long trailers are able to access a very high proportion of our 400 large stores nationwide," comments Ward.

However, in a first for the supermarket, Morrisons has opted for multi-temperature refrigeration, using Carrier Vector 1950s with dual-discharge slim line evaporators. Previously, it has specified single-temperature systems with fans.

"We've purchased these latest trailers for operation in the south of the country, where there is more traffic congestion and where, as a result, the loads are likely to be on the vehicles for longer periods," explains Ward.

"The switch to multi-temperature refrigeration allows us to guarantee the integrity of three separate regimes in the most demanding of circumstances," he adds.

"We've also just ordered another clutch of lifting deck 13.6m trailers from Gray & Adams," continues Ward.

"That's an excellent piece of equipment, and also capable of carrying up to 40 pallets. But for obvious reasons, the lifting deck trailer comes at a significantly higher capital cost than a 15.65m [LST] single-decker.

"For the majority of our deliveries, once you've factored in all of the variables, the long trailer is definitely the best solution, and one that's producing tremendous savings worth many thousands of pounds per week."

Morrisons, he says, is maximising efficiency by using its truck and trailer combinations to collect product from its manufacturing facilities, as well as delivering to stores from its network of eight RDCs.

"Whenever we're ordering anything outside the norm, whether it be a lifting deck trailer – and we now have more than 100 of those, too – a long trailer or, as in this case, our first multi-temperature units, we'll always put our trust in Gray & Adams," states Ward.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd
Gray & Adams Ltd

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