One of the UK’s largest distributors of chilled and ambient-temperature goods, Gist, has added its first longer semi-trailers (LSTs) to its fleet, each specified with Carrier Transicold’s Vector™ 1950 MT (multi-temperature) technology. 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 Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The five new Gray & Adams trailers are more than 15 metres in length and are fitted with Carrier Transicold’s powerful refrigeration technology, which offers rapid pull-down times and the ability to haul larger loads over long distances.

By adding the new LSTs to its fleet, Gist will be able to carry higher volumes of temperature-sensitive goods whilst still meeting the current regulations regarding maximum permitted weights and turning circles.

“The LSTs are great new assets to our fleet. They allow us to deliver more products in fewer journeys, helping us to increase the efficiency of our operation. The longer trailers fill the gap between standard semi-trailers and our double-deck trailers,” said Sam de Beaux, engineering director for Gist.

“As the LSTs have a larger area to fill, they naturally have a larger area to cool. As such, we needed to make sure the refrigeration technology we chose would be powerful enough to maintain the integrity of our loads.

“We’ve run Carrier Transicold units in most of our fleet, including the larger-volume double-deck trailers, and we know the equipment is technically sound and our drivers are comfortable using it. The power of the Vector 1950 unit is exactly what we need to keep the LSTs cool. Carrier Transicold was the perfect choice,” de Beaux said.

The Vector units are equipped with Carrier Transicold’s patented E-Drive™electric technology, which removes the mechanical transmissions found in conventional belt-driven refrigeration systems and transforms engine power into electricity through a generator.

The new trailers are operating in conjunction with DAF tractor units with drivers specifically chosen for the LSTs project. The drivers have each completed a comprehensive two-day training course to meet the requirements for operating these longer articulated vehicles.

All of the units are covered by Carrier Transicold’s Golden Cold ® repair and maintenance contracts. This ensures all maintenance recommended by Carrier Transicold is undertaken by manufacturer-trained technicians, using genuine replacement parts, plus access to 24-hour emergency assistance throughout the UK.

The Department for Transport (DfT) launched its trial of LSTs for longer articulated goods vehicles in January 2012, with a total allocation available of 1,800 LSTs in the UK. The trial hopes to provide significant economic and environmental benefits, as it is expected to save more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the course of the trial and allow fleets to transport more in fewer trips.

Gist fulfils the transportation needs of more than 3,000 customers and operates from more than 40 sites in the UK and continental Europe. The logistics expert has an annual turnover of €600m and is owned by leading gases company The Linde Group.

For more information on Carrier Transicold and its products and services, visit www.transicold.carrier.com . Follow Carrier on Twitter: @CarrierGreen