Notts-based Farrell Transport has invested £500,000 in an all-weather canopy that it said was increasing loading capacity as well as maintaining social distancing.
The Pallet-Track member unveiled the canopy ahead of the coronavirus lockdown as a measure to increase efficiency and capacity in all weathers.
The uniquely-curved canopy, claimed to be the only one of its kind in the UK, has no internal supports to optimise space and has increased safety for drivers as well as transforming the operation.
Robert Farrell, director and founder said: “Even against the backdrop of these uncertain times, being able to complete trans-shipments protected from the elements is key to the proper handling of our pallet network and direct customer freight.
“We originally had undercover loading for four double-deckers, but the new canopy has the space to have eight undercover bays and, because of the way it’s been thought out, we can have the trailers back-to-back.
“This means the loading vehicles are parked very close together, meaning it’s a short distance for each pallet to be handled and makes for a much quicker operation.”
Farrell added: “Importantly it also has a major health benefit as we are now loading without drivers being present, which aids the social distancing that we require.”
The canopy was supplied by SpacioTempo, which is also providing structures to help other UK sectors cope with the coronavirus crisis.
