Harrier Express keeps its cool with Orbcomm temperature-controlled telematics

Frozen food haulier Harrier Express has upgraded its fleet of 60 refrigerated trailers with Orbcomm temperature-management telematics.

The systems feature two-way reefer control, maintenance scheduling, temperature compliance data and real-time alerts.

Harrier Express said this enables visibility, management and control of its unaccompanied trailer fleet as it travels through multiple points and handlers in the Cross-Channel supply chain.

The Faversham-based operator has specialised in refrigerated haulage for 40 years, moving frozen foods across the English Channel.

Brexit prompted a shift in its business model to unaccompanied trailer freight, which has enabled Harrier Express to double the size of its trailer pool.

“Working with Orbcomm has eliminated the risk of disruption to our business at multiple points of the supply chain, said Simon Wilkinson, owner of Harrier Express.

“We have saved ourselves from many potential claims, reduced time spent tracking trailers manually, helped improve maintenance scheduling and added remote control of the refrigerated units which we did not have before.”

Kelley Duarte, senior vice president, MD and general manager, EMEA at Orbcomm, added: “Harrier Express is a great example of how Orbcomm solves fleets’ pressing business problems.

“Our comprehensive cold chain solutions deliver strong ROI value to Harrier Express by reducing the risk of produce spoilage, facilitating better trailer utilisation and enhancing maintenance scheduling.”

The telematics systems were supplied through Orbcomm UK distributor Longhurst Refrigeration.