UK: Wincanton, a leading European supply chain provider, has announced today that it will introduce 20 new curtain-sided Teardrop trailers into its construction transport operation.
This initiative, in partnership with Lafarge UK, follows the addition to 25 Teardrop trailers that were introduced to the fleet last year.
Wincanton and Lafarge UK have worked together closely on the latest batch of trailers, manufactured by Don Bur, to achieve a new design which could reduce carbon emissions by 119 tonnes a year. The trailer’s aerodynamic design increases payload capacity. Research trials have shown that the current vehicles have improved fuel consumption by between 7-8%, and the new vehicles could increase this to a saving of 10%.
Chris Kingshott, managing director for manufacturing at Wincanton, said: “Working in partnership with Lafarge UK, we have put innovation and sustainability at the heart of our strategy for the construction industry. The addition of the new trailers to our fleet further underlines our leadership in this sector, and demonstrates our desire to continually deliver improved efficiencies for our customers.”
The trailers also offer significant safety improvements. Each is fitted with an air-actuated “Safe-Suzie”; a device which was recently awarded the IOSH ‘Innovation of the Year’ award. The addition of rear floodlights and rear-mounted camera systems have also improved drivers’ ability to manoeuvre the vehicles safely
Ian Ford, strategic sourcing manager for Lafarge Worldwide Transport Services commented: “This second generation of teardrop trailers reinforces our belief that continual improvements on safety and carbon reduction can be delivered today. Innovation and technology are the key to achieving our corporate social responsibility and we are delighted that Wincanton and Don Bur are along for the journey.”
