John Mackirdy doubles up and chills out with Carrier Transicold

Haulage firm John Mackirdy has fitted a Carrier Transicold refrigeration unit to its inaugural double-deck trailer in an effort to increase efficiency.

The Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) system was added to a new Gray & Adams 13.6m double-decker. It will mainly be used for the distribution of food products from a local producer in mainland Scotland, and is expected to remain in operation for a decade.

The refrigeration unit employs Carrier’s electric E-Drive technology, which can allegedly cut fuel consumption by up to 30%. It is also said to be 10% lighter than previous units, quieter by 3dB and offer as much as 15% savings in maintenance costs. It can be plugged into the mains when the vehicle is stationary, which is said to render it more efficient by 19%.

The package includes the manufacturer’s telematics system, which allows users to remotely alter set points or operation modes, initiate defrosts and pre-trip checks, and clear alarms. A temperature recorder issues data on the unit’s performance and it was also supplied with the company’s Evercold service and maintenance package.

“As a business, we’re now looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and future proof our fleet,” said MD John Mackirdy. “The new double-deck will play a major role in this. We’ll be able to combine substantial fuel savings from the Vector with almost double the load space, meaning we make far fewer journeys.”