Blakes first to use new limit
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• Blakes Chilled Distribution hopes to become the first UK haulier to operate at the new 16.5m combination length when its latest six artics take to the road in the early hours of New Years Day.
The 26-pallet-capacity vehicles will give benefits to Blakes and its customers, says distribution manager Brian Swinburne "With more products coming available and being available in a multitude of package sizes, any increase in vehicle space is welcome."
Blakes has chosen the threeaxle F10 6x 2 S-ride tractive unit with a standard sleeper cab, which gives good weight distribution and a tight turning circle, connected to Norfrig's latest reefer trailer.
Norfrig's John Bowkett says: "The traditional nose-mounted unit is far more practical and cost-effective than an undermount unit. A clear internal length of 13,190mm has been achieved with a clear internal width of 2,495mm while maintaining high levels of thermal efficiency."
Bowkett says it has been possible to develop a 26-pallet artic combination using a standard sleeper cab tractor and a nose-mounted fridge unit by using slim panels with high thermal efficiency, and by positioning pallets right up to the front bulkhead. Adequate air flow is maintained by putting a single stack of pallets at the bulkhead.
The six Norfrig trailers were built by A&M Vehicle Builders of Norwich, which also fitted the trailers with 'Acrydue nonslip floor covering.