Chiltern Cold Storage, specialist in temperature controlled warehousing and distribution, is reaping the benefits of increased performance, fuel efficiency and service support following the specification of Carrier Transicold Xarios® 350 truck refrigeration systems.

The Xarios 350 units have been specified on a fleet of five new 3.5 tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, which have entered operation with Cambridgeshire-based Chiltern Cold Storage. The order, which comprises three mono temperature and two multi-temperature systems, marks a change in supplier as the company sought better service support for its growing dedicated courier business across the UK and Europe.

“We ask two things of a supplier,” said Paul Jackson, managing director of Chiltern Cold Storage. “A reliable service network that can provide rapid assistance and technology that can fulfil the demands of our business. Direct experience with our truck fleet has shown that Carrier Transicold can deliver on both fronts simultaneously.”

The Xarios 350 is one of Carrier Transicold’s best-selling direct drive systems and is designed for the transportation of refrigerated or frozen goods in medium-sized delivery vehicles with a load volume of up to 32 cubic metres. It offers excellent temperature recovery, and its sleek evaporator allows goods to be loaded to within 200 millimetres of the roof.

“We have seen a marked improvement since taking delivery of the new vans, notably in the speed of temperature pull-down. Where previous systems have taken over an hour and a half to pull down to the desired temperature, we are now reaching our set point in just 30 minutes. This is having a positive impact on fuel efficiency due to reduced engine running time,” said Jackson.

The five Sprinter vans operate seven days a week and are expected to cover an estimated 120,000 miles annually, with frequent trips onto the Continent. They will be used as part of the company’s dedicated temperature controlled courier service in which loads, such as pharmaceuticals, can value up to £80,000.

The vehicles will remain on the fleet for three years and are supported by a GoldenCold® fixed cost maintenance contract. This includes all maintenance recommended by Carrier Transicold, carried out by manufacturer-trained technicians using genuine replacement parts, plus 24-hour breakdown assistance throughout the UK and Europe.

Chiltern Cold Storage’s decision to replace its existing van fleet with light commercial vans featuring the Xarios 350 follows the proven performance of Carrier Transicold temperature controlled systems across a fleet of 21 trucks and 14 trailers.

“We are hard task-masters but also believe you get what you pay for. Our business is at the top of its game, and we expect from our suppliers exactly what our customers expect from us: the best service in the industry. And we certainly get that from Carrier Transicold,” concluded Jackson.