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Universal approach to trailers at Norfolkline
Page 12
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NORFOLKL1NE is replacing 90% of its trailer fleet with universal Huckepack Euroliners designed to piggyback on train bogies, which can run as far afield as the Czech Republic without modification. Norfolkline, which currently runs 4,500 trailers, uses two main trailer makers, Schmitz Cargobull and Krone, with the ratio 4:1 in Schmitz's favour. Schmitz has already built over 300 with more orders expected this year.
The first units were built for the Swedish and Dutch markets. All the Euroliners will meet the 4m European height restriction and they will share many parts.
Morley says the advantage to the company is less empty running because all trailers will be suitable whatever thedestination and the uniformity will result in quicker, cheaper repairs.
-Previously there were 26 types of rear light lenses on Norfolkline trailers, so a midnight repair on a dockside was unlikely to be successful first time," he explains. "It's too early to say what the savings will be, but we're sure that there will be savings."
According to Morley, agreeing commonality of all partsincluding curtains, fridges and landing legs, meant an initial increase in the specification of equipment "without building on extra capital, lease costs or weight".
He believes that increased consolidation in the market will change the face of the trailer industry, with European partnerships (illustrated by Norbert Dentressangle's recent interest in Stobart) propelling the need for such 'universal' solutions.