Huntapac slashes fuel costs with new G&A refrigerated trailers

Huntapac Produce has added five new Gray and Adams refrigerated trailers to its fleet, fitted with Thermo King’s new Advancer A400 refrigeration systems, after running a demonstrator trial which delivered a fuel saving of 48%.

The West Lancashire family firm specializes in the growing, packing and distribution of a variety of root vegetables, brassicas, salads and organic vegetables and runs a fleet of 66 tractor units, 66 refrigerated trailers - of which 20 are dual temperature and 40 are single temperature - and 40 bulk trailers.

The deal for the five trailers was sealed after Huntapac ran a demonstration trailer in its fleet during the peak season, which saw it deliver 48% fuel savings in comparison with other similar fleet trailers running alternative refrigeration systems on the same routes.

Joanne Cleece, head of transport at Huntapac Produce said: “Across the whole spectrum of our tractor unit and trailer fleet, we are looking to increase the overall fleet fuel efficiency going forward, specifically to offset the continually rising costs of fuel. We were keen to try the Advancer system as soon as it was launched to see whether TK’s Advancer fuel cost claims were justified.”

She added: “Working closely with both TIP and Marshall Fleet Solutions, we were the first company to run the MFS Advancer demonstration trailer in the UK. Within the trial period, based on our running profile of 1,500 hours per annum, the fuel savings were exceptional, in comparison to our existing reefer trailers fitted with the equivalent incumbent systems.

“In addition, the Advancer performance stats also indicated a substantial environmental benefit with significant savings in CO² output per unit. Instantly we realised that Advancer was going to be a game changer, not just for our future refrigerated trailer fleet but for the industry in general.”

The new trailers are now based at the company’s West Lancashire production facility and were supplied on a contract hire deal through TIP Trailer Services, with Marshall Fleet Solutions handling the Advancer refrigeration system service and maintenance support during the trailer’s working life.