Howard Tenens has taken delivery of three double-deck longer semi-trailers (LSTs) for use on its contract with online trade retailer Toolstation.
Built by Tiger Trailers, the 15.6m step-frame double-deck box units were designed to accommodate Toolstation's diverse range of tools, accessories and hardware supplied to the trade.
They feature a three-quarter length hydraulic moving deck rated to seven tonnes, with a fixed deck over the step frame.
This is designed to house plastic piping and other abnormal loads, providing a dedicated area for products that previously would have taken up cage space.
Each LST can accommodate up to 87 cages – 38 on both decks, with an additional 11 on the neck of the trailer – optimising efficiency when transporting stock between Toolstation’s DCs in Redditch, Daventry and Swindon.
Howard Tenens opted for the LSTs following successful operation of a standard Tiger Trailers double-deck trailer that it said had boosted fleet efficiency over the past two years.
Richard Philpotts, national feet and compliance manager at Howard Tenens, said: “Since then the company has gone from strength to strength and the additional capacity of the LSTs became increasingly appealing.”
He added: “We knew the spec had to be perfect to get the full benefit of the 15.6m length, and following a detailed design consultation, Tiger worked relentlessly to find the perfect double-deck solution. These new trailers are proving really versatile – combining the ability to carry a diverse payload, with an increased number of cages.”
Each trailer also includes an on-board weighing device to ensure every load remains within legal limits, a self-tracking rear axle for improved maneuverability and an aerodynamic sloping front roof to lower drag and reduce fuel consumption.
Howard Tenens operates a mixed 40-strong commercial vehicle fleet for its Toolstation contract, including 25 standard trailers and three LSTs. The new additions are expected to stay in operation for seven years and will be on the road five days a week, averaging 180,000km a year.
Last month, the Stroud, Gloucestershire-based operator also took delivery of six new Lawrence David LSTs in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions from trunking movements.
It is also taking part in trials of cleaner freight vehicles through the government’s £20m Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial.
