Family-owned Swindon haulier SW Group has added four 15m triple deck trailers to its fleet, in a move which aims to cut transport costs and CO2 emissions.
The trailers are designed to transport solar panels and other renewables equipment for distributuon specialist Segen UK.
The four trailers, which join SW Group’s fleet of more than 80 trucks and 100 trailers, will operate from Segen’s warehouse in Medway, Kent, which is managed by Wincanton.
The new trailers offer 60% more capacity than conventional double deck models, which will significantly reduces the number of trips needed for deliveries each year. SW Group estimates this will result in an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 280 tonnes.
The solar panels that SW Group transports have a large pallet footprint of up to 2.4m x 1.1m, but due to the fact that only eight panels are typically needed per home, the depth of each pallet is just 0.4m.
Since the pallets cannot be stacked without risk of damage to the fragile panels, this results in wasted cubic space in conventional double deck trailers.
Adding a third deck utilises this space, allowing the new trailers to accommodate up to 74 pallets - 28 more than a 13.8m double deck trailer and 48 more than a single deck trailer.
The triple deck trailers, which were custom built by Lawrence David in Peterborough, also feature a central “crucifix” support structure for the lower decks, ensuring easy access and efficient loading of the solar panel pallets.
Clive Oakley, SW Group MD, said the £250,000 investment in the four trailers underscores the company’s commitment to cutting costs and carbon emissions both for clients as well as for SW Group.
He added: “Our long-standing partnership with Segen has always been centred on delivering high-efficiency, sustainable logistics solutions, and this new initiative takes our collaboration to the next level.”
Mike Eaton, Segen UK & Ireland warehouse and logistics operations director added: “Segen is committed to improving distribution costs and efficiencies while moving towards a net-zero business model.
“Central to this is our focus on reducing the environmental footprint of our entire distribution network, from manufacturer to consumer, and working closely with like-minded partners who share our sustainability goals.
“This investment by SW Group is a clear demonstration of how our enduring partnership continues to deliver value for both companies.”
SW Group is a pallet network and warehouse operator, which was established 58 years ago and has its headquarters in Swindon.The business, which boasts a turnover of over £25m, has 160,000sq. ft. of storage.
The company’s independent pallet network specialises in out of gauge, damage sensitive and ADR Class 9 pallets which are delivered kerbside and next day across the UK, via its depots and warehouses in Telford, Peterborough and Leeds, and via partners in Scotland, Exeter and Sittingbourne.
