Semi-Trailers Cut Idle Time
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-'HE value 01 the articulated vehicle 1 for the distribution of packet foods is excellently demonstrated by the delivery arrangements for Mornfiake, a breakfast oats product which is processed at the Crewe mills of Morning Foods, Ltd.
The principal unit employed is a Foden tractor. It is used in conjunction with semi-trailers, of which the chassis are by the British Trailer Co. and the bodywork by J. H. Jennings and Son, Ltd., Sandbach. One trailer is loaded at the mills each day in preparation for the morrow. While that unit is engaged
on deliveries, the other van is loaded in readiness for the next day.
To load each van occupies six hours, and the tremendous saving of idle time by the use of the semi-trailer system is obvious. To work this scheme there arc two mates—one in charge of each semitrailer. The man who supervises the loading of a particular semi-trailer also accompanies it the next day and is responsible for the deliveries, as he, of course, knows exactly how the consignments are arranged.
The total number of packets regularly carried in each outfit is 9,600, and the weight amounts to approximately 8 tons.
The bodies are strongly constructed of seasoned timber, with the interiors lined with plywood to facilitate cleaning and to protect the exterior panels. A single row of shelves is incorporated approximately half-way up the interior, so that the Tloor shall not have to bear the full weight of the load; when not. in use, the shelves can be carried in attachments suitably arranged, well out of the way, beneath the body roof.
Roller shutters and hinged tailboards are fitted at the rear. Exterior panels are made from 18-gauge aluminium, highly polished and varnished, and ample ventilation is provided by means of 10 louvres arranged around the sides.
The trade name is inscribed on each side in raised aluminium letters. All lettering is in red, and Mudguards and incidental fittings are enamelled in the same colour. The whole outfit is of striking appearance,