WARRINGTON, United Kingdom, May 23, 2011 – The key to cost efficiency is through strategic and trusted partnerships with suppliers, according to cold storage and transport specialist company Rick Bestwick, which has taken delivery of five new trailers fitted with Carrier Transicold’s powerful Vector™1550 transport refrigeration units. Carrier Transicold is a unit of Carrier Corp., the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, improving the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier Corp. is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Chesterfield-based firm prides itself on being able to deliver temperature sensitive products to 75 per cent of the UK in under three hours, relying heavily on proven technology and equipment to meet demand and remain competitive.

“We run a smart operation that must adapt to the changing needs of customers, and this is mirrored in the service we receive from Carrier Transicold,” said Kevin Hancock, commercial director of Rick Bestwick. “Every business is looking to improve its operations and share savings with customers, and we are confident the new Vector 1550 systems will help us achieve both of these targets. Early indications suggest these units are going to be very competitive on fuel and allow rapid pull-down to the set point.”

Vector 1550 technology features a patented design to offer reduced fuel consumption, achieved with the combination of a hermetic compressor and economiser – allowing for the use of a 1.5 litre diesel engine. The units benefit from all-electric technology, which contains fewer serviceable parts and joints than conventional belt-driven systems. This also allows for industry-leading pull-down and temperature control, increased reliability and uptime, reduced maintenance requirements and lower refrigerant leak rates.

The new Montracon tri-axle trailers break the mould for Rick Bestwick in that they are the first vehicular assets to be acquired on long-term rental – the firm previously owned 100 per cent of its fleet outright. Rick Bestwick has also ordered an additional four trailers from DMC Trailer Rentals, all outfitted with Vector 1550 units.

Hancock added, “You can’t bury your head in the sand and rely on tradition. Technology and the way fleets are acquired and managed are constantly evolving, and savings are there for the taking, but you have to be willing to think long-term and consider whole-life costs.”

DMC Trailer Rentals is a strong supporter of Carrier Transicold’s products, having specified Vector and Carrier Maxima® trailer refrigeration technology on 75 per cent of its temperature controlled rental fleet.

“The service and support offered by Carrier Transicold is second to none,” said Kevin Cook, director of DMC Trailer Rentals. “We can clearly see the benefits of the Vector 1550 technology and are keen to introduce this, in turn, to our customers.” The new trailers, which are fleet replacements, are expected to cover 160,000 km annually and will operate 24/7, carrying frozen and chilled foods. They are covered by Carrier Transicold Golden Cold® fixed cost maintenance contracts. This includes all maintenance recommended by Carrier Transicold, carried out by manufacturer-trained technicians using genuine replacement parts, plus access to 24-hour breakdown assistance throughout the UK.