The new 13.6-metre double deck – manufactured by Gray & Adams – is designed to increase fleet efficiency and improve sustainability across the business. It joins John Mackirdy’s 10-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet.
“As a business, we’re now looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and future proof our fleet,” said managing director John Mackirdy. “The new double deck will play a major role in this. We’ll be able to combine substantial fuel savings from the Vector with almost double the load space, meaning we make far fewer journeys.”
The refrigerated semi-trailer is cooled by the new Vector HE 19 MT, which combines Carrier Transicold’s all-electric E-Drive technology with a new multi-speed engine design that can cut fuel consumption by up to 30%, according to the supplier. The unit also offers a 10% saving in weight and a noise reduction of 3 dB(A) – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise. The system also delivers up to 15% savings on maintenance costs.
John Mackirdy has also opted for Carrier Transicold’s telematics package, and the new unit is also covered by everCOLD, Carrier Transicold’s fixed cost, full-service maintenance package.
Expected to stay in operation for 10 years, the new trailer will transport goods for a variety of customers. However, it will primarily be used for the distribution of food products from a local producer into mainland Scotland.