... as Lever goes aero on artics
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• TNT is hoping for 15% fuel savings on a contract with Lever Industrial by introducing a fleet of aerodynamic tractor units and trailers. It is the first time the transport company has used aerodynamic trucks on a distribution contract. It has been run ning four MANs and 16 Cartwright trailers in its parcels fleet for a year as a trial for the Department of Energy, and has reported 16% fuel economies (CM 20-26 June).
A total of 25 ERF E10.32 38-tonners are deployed on the Lever operation replacing the existing fleet — TNT has held the contract since 1988. The tractors are fitted with a full aerodynamic kit. The 65 curtainside trailers are also by Cart wright.
Although MAN was involved in the DoE aerodynamic experiment with TNT, Lever specified ERFs for its contract, which was enlarged earlier this year when TNT took on the distribution for Lever subsidiary Jeyes Hygiene, The ERFs have aerodynamic equipment by design consultant Ricardo — as did the MANs.
The trucks deliver to hospitals, hotels, laundries and food production plants. They are all 6x2s with a Southworth raise and lower pusher axle.
The aerodynamic equipment includes a roof fairing, side