PEEDS TURNROUND
Page 29
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The original intention was that ',a security alarm system would be connected to all the doors on the vehicle, but Roberts were advised against this by the manufacturer of the system on the grounds that the sliding doors would increase the possibility of malfunction.
The security system is, therefore, confined to the cab doors and the rear roller shutter.
Production manager Eric Webb told me that the operation of the new vehicle had reduced transport costs so significantly that the company was considering the addition of further similar units to the fleet. On the trunking run, the vehicle had become more acceptable for loading by the suppliers and loading time had been reduced to a maximum of 20 minutes for up to 40 pallets and about 500 loose cases at the rear; a total payload of 600 cases weighing just under 10 tons, Unloading by fork-lift truck at the Worthing warehouse has also been speeded up.
Moreover, as the vehicle was equipped with a two-speed axle, journey times had been reduced giving greater availability for the distribution activity. A reduction in the number of trunks was also possible.
Used for this purpose, the vehicle design had enabled the driver to obtain access to any part of the load with greater ease than with the previous vehicle. In this way it had been possible to reduce parking time required at retail outlets for delivery.
By the nature of the business, the wines and spirit trade is subject to peaks of activity at certain times of the year. Not the least of these is the Christmas period. Fortunately for Roberts, the new vehicle was available during the recent Christmas peak when it proved its worth beyond doubt.