3 Distribution can now offer customers split temperature deliveries thanks to its first four multi-temperature Vector™1850 units from Carrier Transicold UK. Carrier Transicold helps improve global transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Kings-Lynn-based haulage company, which has concentrated primarily on mono-temperature frozen groupage work since its inception in 2007, is keen to open up new business avenues whilst also growing its temperature controlled fleet to meet existing customer demand.

“We are now more established as a business and with that comes a requirement to move forward and widen the service offering for both existing and potential customers,” said Patrick Finch, director, 3 Distribution Ltd. “In the current market you can’t afford to stand still, so we listen to the needs of customers and bring in equipment that enables us to accommodate those needs. The new multi-temperature trailers mean we can now look at chilled, frozen and ambient work and combine these where necessary.”

The new Vector 1850 MT units are fitted to Gray & Adams tri-axle semitrailers and join a fleet of 26 refrigerated trailers and two 26-tonne rigids with reefer bodies, all featuring Carrier Transicold refrigeration equipment. Also included are 22 tractor units and two curtainsiders. The 3 Distribution fleet is used on multi-drop work on behalf of UK manufacturers and wholesalers.

“Carrier Transicold equipment has always performed well for us so it was natural to turn to them when we decided to enter the multi-temperature market,” added Finch. “In addition to the first-class temperature integrity we achieve with our Carrier units, we also believe in building strong relationships with suppliers. The team at Carrier Transicold UK has never let us down.”

A high refrigeration capacity (18,000 watts at 0 degrees Celsius), and the unique ability to heat and cool different compartments simultaneously, makes the Vector 1850 MT unit the ideal solution for 3 Distribution’s expansion into the multi-temperature market.

3 Distribution says all refrigerated trailers that come up for renewal in future, typically after 10 years on the fleet, will be replaced with multi-temperature capability fridge units. All trailers on the fleet also feature Carrier’s Foretrack™ fleet management and satellite tracking systems.