Reed Boardall invests in another 30 bespoke refrigerated semi-trailers

Leading temperature controlled storage and distribution business Reed Boardall Group is continuing its rolling programme of fleet upgrade having recently ordered another 23 single deck semi-trailers plus seven double deck trailers as part of its 300-strong trailer fleet.

Supplied by the company’s nominated trailer partner, Fraserburgh-based vehicle manufacturer Gray & Adams, the 13.6m tri axle trailers have been built to Reed Boardall’s specifications to meet the particular needs of its individual customers. For example, the 44 pallet double deck trailers feature a moving deck tailored to the specific heights needed for the company’s deliveries; and two of the single deck trailers have been fitted with roller shutter doors as required for a specific contract.

With a total value of £2m, all of the new trailers are equipped with Carrier Vector 1550 or 1950 refrigeration units as well as full satellite tracking to enable constant monitoring of the location and temperature of the vehicles in line with Reed Boardall’s stringent quality control procedures. In addition, the double deck trailers feature super single 445 wheels and tyres for improved stability and significantly enhanced tyre wear.

“As a business, we are committed to ensuring that our fleet is as modern and efficient as possible to enable us to provide the best and most competitive service for our customers, consequently, all of our trailers are less than five years old and our tractors are under three years old,” explains Graeme Richardson, managing director of Reed Boardall’s transport division. “These latest trailers feature improved aerodynamics and load fill, giving them a stronger profile to deliver customers’ loads.

“Having worked with a number of trailer builders in the past, we have found that the quality and service from Gray & Adams has been outstanding as well as proving reliable in terms of consistently delivering new vehicles on time. We have established a solid relationship with the company and have been impressed by their innovative approach and continual product development, for example, our trailers now feature the most aerodynamic capping and roof vortex designs. We are already planning to order more trailers from Gray & Adams next year.”

Andrew Brown, sales director Doncaster for Gray & Adams, said: “I’ve worked with Reed Boardall for over 20 years and am well aware that they have been at the forefront of much innovation in the logistics sector.  The company was the original instigator of the moving double deck trailer concept which has massively reduced road miles and CO2 footprint as well as increasing operational efficiency.

“Now operating one of the biggest independent double deck fleets in the country, Reed Boardall continues to demand the latest innovations for better fuel efficiency, enhancing its green credentials and providing the most cost effective service for its customers. We are proud to be partnering with the company which is now the largest consolidator of frozen food in the UK.”

Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperature controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, storing and delivering frozen food from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets.  Operating 24/7, its 170-strong fleet of vehicles moves an average of 12,000 pallets a day and it stores around £100m worth of products on behalf of its customers.  It employs over 750 staff at its single site in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire.