Improved efficiencies, increased sustainability and, most of all, proven fuel economy are the key drivers behind Huntapac Produce Ltd taking five new additional G&A refrigerated trailers that have been fitted with Thermo King’s brand-new Advancer A400 refrigeration systems for the first time.

This five reefer trailer deal, supplied via Huntapac’s preferred trailer supplier TIP Trailer Services, in conjunction with long term TK dealer Marshall Fleet Solutions, resulted from the West Lancashire company running one of MFS’s Advancer demonstration trailers in its fleet. Operating in the busy pre-Christmas December trading period, the MFS Advancer trailer returned 48% fuel savings in comparison with other similar fleet trailers running alternative refrigeration systems on the same routes.

In early 2021, Huntapac were looking to increase their trailer fleet to cope with the additional customer volumes and added a further five new Gray & Adams single temperature refrigerated trailers, with each one specified with an Advancer A400 system. These new trailers are now based at the company’s West Lancashire production facility and were supplied on a contract hire deal through TIP Trailer Services, with Marshall Fleet Solutions handling the Advancer refrigeration system service and maintenance support during the trailer’s working life.

“For many years now our trailer fleet has been wholly based on non-Thermo King systems. This recent switch over to Thermo King Advancer systems is a big change for the company however it has been based on strict operational performance out on the road. The MFS Advancer demonstration trailer was put straight into our fleet literally as soon as it arrived and was working during our busiest trading time, running full loads of carrots and other root vegetables, and with no special preferential treatment,” said Joanne Cleece, Huntapac.

Joanne adds, “The results spoke for themselves. MFS were able to give us full and accurate detailed performance data during the trial period, as well as identifying the significant fuel, environmental and operational cost savings that were achieved.”

st challenging elements of running a transport fleet is the cost of fuel which impacts on every operator. As part of its programme to increase its fleets’ overall fuel efficiency, Huntapac worked closely with MFS to see whether Advancer could play a significant future role in their refrigerated trailer fleet. Advancer soon proved itself out on the road and we are really pleased to now be actively involved with Huntapac as part of this ongoing fleet efficiency initiative,” said Mark Howell, managing director, Marshall Fleet Solutions.

Further information about the full range of Thermo King Advancer transport refrigeration systems from Marshall Fleet Solutions can be viewed on the MFS website at www.marshallfleetsolutions.co.uk

Gray & AdamsHuntapacMarshall Fleet Solutions

About the Author: John Loughran