Norfolkline upgrades trailer fleet

Norfolkline Logistics' fleet has integrated 260 new trucks and trailers into its Continental and UK operations since April.

More than 1,000 have been added in the past financial year as part of a rolling fleet replacement programme. This substantial investment in assets has been achieved with a mixture of purchase and lease. By replacing 25% of its vehicles in such a short time, their average age has been greatly reduced - to as little as 18 months for many trailers - and specifications significantly enhanced.

The suppliers were Scania for tractor units Schmitz and Krone for trailers Thermoking for refrigeration and Bridgestone for tyres. Norfolkline's technical managers worked closely with them to achieve optimum design. The standard curtain-sided trailers have sliding roofs, stanchion pockets for carrying steel and timber, and inter-modal capability.

As a member of the ETB (European Transport Board), Norfolkline is campaigning within the EU for MoT standardisation across European countries. At present, trailers on international movements have to return to their country of registration for test Norfolkline is working to achieve universally accepted certification and cross-European compatibility among its operating centres.

Of the new trailers, 400 have the latest GPS tracking on reefer units, so real-time temperature can be read online from anywhere. The system also provides customers with up- to-date location information.

"Focusing on safety and the environment, we are also fitting the latest stability and braking systems. We buy reefer trailers that are 100% recyclable, and trucks with the latest [Euro 5] compliant engines and trailers which can be used on rail, taking freight off roads," 

- Norfolkline commercial director Rodney Ferguson.

"The Scanias are fitted with the Opticruise gearchange management system which improves driving styles and fuel consumption, both of which have a positive environmental impact. That also played a strong part in our choosing the smaller 420 engine, capable of meeting emissions levels without AdBlue," 

- Norfolkline equipment manager Mervyn Mcintyre.

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