Unipart Logistics keeps cool with refrigerated trailers for NHS work

Unipart Logistics is putting a new fleet of temperature managed trailers into service on its NHS Supply Chain logistics contract, which it was awarded earlier this year.

In total 25 new Gray & Adams box trailers will be introduced with the final units expected in place next month.

Supplied via Close Brothers Vehicle Hire, the trailers have a 26 pallet configuration with extended internal height; Thermo King refrigeration units and live temperature tracking.

Trailer temperatures will be recorded and monitored via live tracking from the Unipart Logistics transport consolidation centre in Coventry.

The new fleet will be used to provide temperature controlled collection services from NHS Supply Chain suppliers nationwide, as well as onward delivery to NHS Supply Chain DCs.

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The trailers are the latest addition to the Unipart Logistics transport capability, supporting a 200 strong final-mile fleet delivering to NHS trusts in temperature managed conditions.

Frank Burns, MD at Unipart Logistics, said: “The new trailer fleet is an important investment in our distribution network supporting the NHS Supply Chain, enabling us to monitor temperatures in transit and maintain our absolute commitment to quality and performance.”

Unipart Logistics took over the NHS Supply Chain Logistics contract on the 24 February as part of a five-year deal covering the delivery of medical products and health consumables (but not medicines).

This includes a home delivery service – around 10% of the contract - to care home and patients for continence products.