KBC-Logistics

KBC Logistics has taken delivery of 51 Box Liner FS10 skeletal trailers from Krone UK to support rapid growth in its deep-sea business.

The investment comes after KBC landed a number of significant new contracts and increased levels of business with existing clients, after opening a depot at DP World in London Gateway.

KBC Logistics specialises in transporting ambient and chilled containerised goods from ports to regional distribution centres. It also provides traction services for unaccompanied trailers.

The company operates a fleet of more than 300 vehicles from four locations, with depots in Purfleet in Essex, Killingholme in Lincolnshire, Southampton, and London Gateway.

It currently has 360 skeletal trailers and plans to increase this to 450 by the end of 2022 as it continues to expand its business.

David Ashford, KBC company director and transport and compliance manager, said: “Previously we predominantly operated fixed chassis trailers.

“However, our presence at London Gateway has enabled us to win some substantial new deep-sea contracts, which required investment in more sliding skeletal trailers.”

Ashford said KBC decided to invest in Krone trailers following feedback from its in-house workshop team.

“The workshop really like the Krone kit as the build quality is excellent - they are robust and extremely easy to maintain,” he said, adding that Krone was also competitive on price, “which made it a very straightforward decision”.

The FS10 has a flat chassis configuration with a sliding bogie for carrying 20ft, 30ft, 40ft and 45ft containers. Features include fold-out and retractable container locks, as well as extendable under-run protection. The trailers come with a 10-year guarantee against corrosion perforation.

Krone trailers are manufactured at its facility in Werlte, Germany, with Krone UK providing nationwide product support and aftersales care in Britain.

Ashford praised Krone’s customer service. “Krone UK has been great,” he said, adding: “They listen to us, take on board what we need and are very accommodating.

“They went the extra mile to help us specify the right axles for our trailers, which we really appreciated. KBC Logistics is a very customer-driven business and it is always nice to see that same ethos from your suppliers.”

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