Tesco has taken delivery of its first temperature-controlled drawbar vehicle, which will be used to make deliveries to its convenience stores.

The 18.75m drawbar configuration will give the supermarket chain improved access to its Tesco Express stores, which are usually located in built-up and residential areas. It will allow it to reach the stores with more ease than in a 13.6m rigid and will offer an increased payload of three more roll cages to 48.

The drawbar vehicle, designed by Wheelbase Engineering, is fitted with Carrier Transicold’s Supra 1150 UMT multi-temperature refrigeration undermount unit. The forward compartment has a Supra 850 MT unit and Solomon bodywork.

All the refrigeration units are covered by Carrier Transicold’s everCOLD service, repair and maintenance contract.

Driver trainers at Tesco, which said it usually specifies Carrier’s refrigeration units, all received specific training from the manufacturer.