Bibby Distribution will use its full allocation of 25 longer semi-trailers (LSTs) when it takes delivery of twelve more 15.65m models. They will join 13 identical Don-Bur trailers which Bibby added to its fleet in 2012 as part of the on-going trial of longer trailers.
Bibby is now lobbying to extend its current allocation, following the DfT’s announcement that it is unlikely to reach the total target allocation of 1,800 units by the cut-off date of 31 December.
Paul Kavanagh, Bibby's chief operating officer, said the firm could use at least another 25 LSTs in the fleet: “The extra load space they offer is allowing us to drive efficiency improvements across a number of key accounts and we’re keen to utilise this latest innovation with more of our customers.”
Last year Bibby put its first LSTs to work across three major contracts: three for Saint Gobain Isover, eight into Plastic Omnium and two for a beverage can maker. John Finn, Bibby Distribution’s feet and procurement director, said that for customers with high load volumes longer trailers offered approximately 13% more load capacity, reduced road miles and carbon emissions, better fuel consumption and fewer deliveries.
By Andrew Stone
