Gregory Distribution has updated its fleet of temperature controlled vehicles by adding 10 Vector™1950 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration units provided by Carrier Transicold UK. The new temperature-controlled systems will be used to transport chilled and frozen produce for the logistics company’s contract with Appleby Westward Group, which service convenience stores across South West England. 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 new Carrier units are mounted to single-axle Gray & Adams rear steer urban trailers, featuring internal moving longitudinal bulkheads to allow Gregory Distribution to alter the trailers’ compartments, enabling varying payloads of frozen, chilled and ambient goods to be carried.

“When deciding to invest in new equipment for the fleet it is essential we have the best and most reliable technology to ensure temperature integrity at all times. We’d previously run Carrier’s Vector 1850 units and been impressed with their performance, so it seemed an obvious decision to update the fleet with Carrier’s latest units. The Vector 1950 MT units enable us to have precise temperature control to within +/- 0.3 degrees in each compartment, even in the prolonged heatwave we experienced this summer,” said Andy Price, fleet support manager, Gregory Distribution.

Carrier Transicold’s Vector 1950 MT unit was launched at the IAA Show in Hanover in September 2012 and replaces the previous Vector 1850 system, offering a 4 per cent increase in refrigeration capacity for a total of 18,800 watts.

The updated units ensure Gregory Distribution benefits from faster pull-down times and the ability to haul larger loads over longer distances, whilst the Vector 1950 MT unit’s condenser is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, providing improved efficiency.

“Our new trailers will be worked intensively so choosing a brand we can trust is essential. I am confident that these new Vector 1950 MT units will adhere to our strict fleet standards, enabling us to deliver our customer’s produce in optimal condition every time,” adds Price.

The Vector 1950 MT units are equipped with Carrier’s patented E-Drive™all-electric technology, which removes mechanical transmissions found in conventional belt-driven systems and transforms engine power into electricity through a generator. The units also use a microchannel condenser coil which contributes to reducing fuel consumption by approximately 10 per cent per watt delivered; further increasing the efficiency of the Gregory Distribution fleet. These coils enable a compact design that results in a 17 per cent reduction in the unit’s refrigerant charge.

Devon-based Gregory Distribution runs a fleet of more than 500 vehicles from 17 UK sites, collectively travelling more than 40 million miles a year. The company plans to keep the new trailers in operation for up to 10 years. Gregory Distribution offers a broad range of logistics solutions including temperature-sensitive deliveries, ambient distribution of small pallet consignments, full and part load transport, waste transportation and bulk liquid deliveries. Gregory Distribution also provides ambient, chilled and frozen storage, picking and handling services.

For more information on the Vector™ 1950 MT (multi-temperature) and other products and services from Carrier Transicold, visit www.transicold.carrier.com or www.coolbycarrier.com.