Transdek UK has said better use of urban double-deck trailers could play a significant role in reducing congestion, lowering emissions and tackling noise associated with city centre deliveries.

The trailer manufacturer, which is exhibiting two Duet urban double-deck trailers at Freight in the City Expo next month in London, said that urban double decking could save up to 520 road miles each year as each unit is able to carry twice as much load per delivery as a standard trailer.

Mark Adams, Transdek MD, said: “Based on DfT statistics, we’ve calculated that if just 10% of the UK’s 18 tonne rigids were changed for urban double-deckers, this would save 104 million road miles a year, mainly in urban centres.

“Converting half of the trucks would see a reduction of 520 million miles.”

Transdek is also working with the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) to set new standards for quiet road freight in the UK.

At Freight in the City, it will be introducing a low-height, multi-temperature version of its Duet urban trailer, which features quiet technology developments designed for town and city deliveries during the night.

The trailer incorporates a PIEK-certified fridge unit, sound-deadening coatings on all surfaces, an internally mounted tail-lift motor, and specialist acoustic panels in the rear doors.

Transdek said the multi-temperature trailer is highly suited to any combination of chilled and frozen grocery product distribution.

Also on display will be an ambient Duet urban double-deck trailer in a standard configuration.

Both trailers use Transdek’s patented twin slide doors, which improve safety and load security.

“The low-height urban double deck trailer we’re showing at Freight in the City is just part of the story, though,” said Adams. “By using a range of double-deck trailer types and sizes, logistics operators could achieve 100% extra load on most of their conventional HGV fleets that are used for retail deliveries.

“Transdek’s urban Wedge double-deck trailer, for example, carries exactly twice as much as standard urban artic of the same length,” he added.

Transdek will be on stand W06 in the West Hall to offer advice about double-deck loading in urban environments and high cube trailer supply chain issues.

Make sure to book your free place to attend Freight in the City Expo, taking place on 2 November at London's Alexandra Palace.