COOL QUALITY GETTING FRESH
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Huge variety sharing high quality distinguished the goods and services on show at the Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution Exhibition. Everything needed for the dedicated fleet operator to run a reliable service and avoid the pitfall of product rejection could be seen at GMex last week. Show and conference complemented each other, and were a good indication of how closely all parts of the business are listening to their customers in what has become definitely a customer led business.
• The fourth Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution Show featured the products of all the high specification body builders. They all answer the calls heard at the TCS&D conference to eliminate erratic temperature control.
The bodywork on show was all high quality, and the spotless interiors appeared clinically hygienic and easy to clean. A particularly good example is the Supercool 2000 from Bedwas Bodyworks of Newport, Gwent: the body is bonded together, rather than built using rivets or screws.
Bedwas claim that this structure gives better body strength and is more resistant to accident damage. The bonded capping rail does not tear out over its whole length like a rivetted one might, so damage is localised and easy to repair. Supercool is available for 3.5-tonne rigids right up to 38-tonne semi-trailers.
Hicore is the name Wilsdon has given its new composite dry freight panel. Currently under evaluation, this product is 30% lighter than the equivalent panel made from a plywood/GRP sandwich and is currently the subject of a patent application.
The core of the panel is made from a honeycomb filled with a urethane-based foam filling, which, says Wilsdon, is three to four times more thermally efficient than the plywood/GRP sandwich. A thicker GRP skin should lessen accident damage but, for the unfortunate, Wilsdon is to market Hicore repair panels with either one or both skins.
One of the more striking bodies at the
show was on the Carrymaster stand. The demonstration trailer was clad in stainless steel to illustrate the steel construction. Between two stainless steel skins is a high density polyurethane foam which allows the trailer to comply with ATP class C regulations.
A vital weapon in the battle against product rejection is the new York Tempscan 600. A digital thermometer/ control unit, it allows the driver to constantly monitor the temperature of his load and features control relays and warning lights to ensure accurate switching of refrigeration units. The Tempscan 600 can also be used with the T150 printer, to provide proof of temperature maintenance throughout the journey.
York Tempscan was showing three other new products on its stand: the 500, 180 and 700 models. The 500 runs on mains electricity, and can measure up to 16 points in a cold store, the T80 is a battery powered refrigeration engineers test unit and the 700 is a more sophisticated version of the Tempscan 600. This variant measures up to 16 points on a vehicle, monitoring and recording on paper around the clock.
York Thermostar had three rigid vehicles on its stand each fitted with what York claims are 'trailer-quality rigid bodies'. A Mercedes 709 chassis carries a body with an insulated bulkhead with a door that has heated seals to prevent it freezing shut. Like many vehicles in this specialist field, it will be used on a dedicated contract through a rental company.
York claims to have a body to fit every available chassis, and the bodies are all jig built at its plant at Stanley, County Durham. These vehicles are a good illustration of how specifications can be varied to meet individual customer needs. Crane Fruehauf showed a 38-tonne GCW tri-axle trailer suspended on air and featuring its new high-grip aluminium floor. This is made from interlocking aluminium planks that have strengthening ribs running along their underside. The floor is claimed to have great inherent rigidity and will not lift or buckle.
The GRP Massey stand was dominated by a trailer built for Dawson Rental on an Overlander tri-axle chassis. With a 24-pallet capacity, it conforms to ATP class C standards. GRP Massey claims to be able to satisfy the more unusual customers requirements, such as roll mat floors.
Boalloy had the latest example of its well known Insuliner trailer bodies. Air leakage is minimised and extensive use of stainless steel and mould-resistant curtain material should keep the trailer smart and efficient. A Mercedes-Benz 814 chassis was also on show, fitted with a Seven 5 liner body, which are available for a wide range of chassis and are jig built at the Boalloy plant at Congleton.
Besco brought along a Beskimo refrigerated body fitted to a Volvo FIA and using a Carrier Mistral 410 refrigeration unit to maintain 20 degrees of frost and so conform to the ATP class C regulations. Built with GRP/ply/foarn Concargo panels with a profiled roof and flush-finish GRP cappings.
Both Petter and Thermo King used the show to launch its new products (CM 5-11 November). The Fetter P1-500 is the smallest of the new range, and is aimed at the local delivery chilled distribution market. The Thermo King SB11 and FID11 are both more efficient than their predecessors, being smaller but with improved capacity.
While not a crowded show there was the full range of goods and services on display, covering the whole world of temperature control. Rockfield Contracts was typical. Despite celebrating 40 years in contract hire, this was its first show and, although did not seal any business, was pleased to have been there.