Hulsteins helps Ferytrans and BigFoot Logistics to slash their emissions and fuel bills

Ferytrans and sister company BigFoot Logistics have cut the emissions and fuel consumption from their trailer fridge units after installing bolt-on hybrid systems.

The Southampton-based firms, which between them run 40 Scania tractors and 65 dual temperature-controlled trailers, tasked their fridge unit service provider AMW Transport Refrigeration to find a way to reduce emissions from its chillers.

AMW’s solution was Hultsteins’ Ecogen CostSaver hybrid drive unit. The device, which couples to a tractor’s PTO, generates electricity to run the trailer refrigeration unit during transit. According to Hulsteins, it has the ability to slash CO2 by up to 90%, DPM by 98% and NOx by 400%.

Feri Lazar, joint owner of the temperature-controlled transport firms said: “Cutting emissions was our primary concern but the return on investment is also very attractive. Our calculations show that we would recoup the costs within 18 months, so it is really a win-win for us.

“In addition, the new fridges are much quieter so it helps minimise noise around deliveries, particularly in residential areas. I actually live near a Lidl and can really tell the difference. We have fitted two units already to existing Scania tractors, one for BigFoot Logistics and one for Ferytrans – with a number more to be fitted in April to a batch of Scania CNG tractor units.”

The system is designed to last for between 10 and 12 years, and can be moved from one truck to another when the vehicle is replaced.

Ferytrans has purchased the systems outright, but Hultsteins UK also offers them on an operating lease.

• To find out more about the Ecogen CostSaver hybrid drive unit, be sure to visit Hulsteins’ stand at this year’s Road Transport Expo. The event, which takes place at Stoneleigh NAEC on June 28-30, is FREE to attend. Registrations are now open.