The investment includes 17 bespoke double-deck, triple-compartment trailers equipped with Vector® High Efficiency (HE) 19 Multi-Temperature (MT) systems, purpose-built for the nationwide distribution of a wide range of pharmaceutical products and supporting compliance with strict cold chain regulations. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
The new unique 13.6-metre trailers – developed through close collaboration among Carrier Transicold, Gray & Adams and Dawsongroup Truck & Trailer – combines the flagship Vector HE 19 MT unit with an innovative airflow system, managing two temperature-controlled compartments on the upper and lower decks operating at 18 degrees C, alongside a third section in the upper rear maintained at 5 degrees C. Chilled air is concentrated at the rear of the trailer during loading, enabling temperatures to be stabilised even when the deck is lowered and the doors open. Standalone chillers have also been built into the swan neck of the trailer to increase capacity and load flexibility.
“Carrier Transicold is an indispensable partner for our business – its systems ensure our temperature-controlled fleet always meets the sector’s critical cold chain requirements,” said Barry Key, National Fleet & Transport Manager, AAH Pharmaceuticals. “When it comes to the triple-compartment double-decks, we know we can rely on the Vector HE 19 MT to deliver consistent, accurate temperature control, which helps to reinforce our ability to safeguard pharmaceutical products under demanding operating conditions.”
Combining Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with a multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 MT is designed to improve fuel efficiency versus the previous generation unit. The system’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser can provide a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, alongside enhanced refrigerant gas containment, which can help reduce overall carbon emissions.
The unit also offers a 10% saving in weight and a reduction in noise of 3 dB(A) – compared to the legacy Vector 1950 – while being 19% more efficient when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, helping operators work toward sustainability goals while potentially reducing fuel, maintenance and electricity costs.
Alongside the triple-compartment trailers, AAH Pharmaceuticals has also placed an order for 21 dual-compartment 13.6-metre trailers – also built by Gray & Adams and paired with Vector HE 19 MT units – and 23 18-tonne DAF XB rigids, mounted with insulated multi-compartment box bodies from Gray & Adams and powerful Carrier Transicold Supra HE 11 MT systems.
“This project reflects the value of close cooperation in developing equipment designed to support precise, high integrity distribution,” said Tony Biggs, National Sales Manager, Carrier Transicold. “Drawing on our industry experience, we will continue to support AAH Pharmaceuticals with dependable aftersales service and technical expertise, helping them maintain the levels of reliability and cooling capacity they require.”
All the new units are backed by a comprehensive BluEdge fixed-cost full-service maintenance package, including annual temperature control testing and certification in line with pharma goods distribution practice (GDP) requirements, alongside full regulatory checks and access to the company’s oneCALL 24/7 incident management service.
AAH Pharmaceuticals is a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, serving pharmacies, hospitals and dispensing doctors nationwide. The new trucks and trailers will be based at depots across its network, distributing highly valuable temperature sensitive medicine and pharmaceutical products.
