Clive Cowern, Managing Director of the business, says: “We’ve been impressed by the new trailers. The build quality is very good, and the pillarless design means that there’s no poles for forklifts to damage during loading. Another big thing for me is that they are built in Manchester. It means support and spare parts are readily available, and that we’re backing UK manufacturing.”
The curtainsiders are the first new Schmitz Cargobull products to join the Shropshire business in more than 40 years of operation. They replace older equipment in the fleet of 60 trucks – a mix of Scania and DAF tractor units – and a mix of 50 trailers.
Designed specifically for the UK market, the S.CS FREEPOST comes without sliding posts. It offers quick, easy and safe side loading by incorporating a bolted galvanized steel cant rail and fixed aluminium roof sheet, as well as a reinforced chassis structure. The trailers also comply with DIN EN 12642 Code XL load security regulations.
Clive Cowern’s new additions feature Alcoa Dura-Bright wheel rims, additional storage boxes and anti-theft curtains to ensure load security. The trailers are already hard at work delivering mainly palletised goods including food, drink and fuels – such as logs and charcoal – to retail locations, including garden centres and petrol forecourts.
“The drivers have said they’re ‘the best trailers we’ve ever had’,” adds Cowern, who notes that their popularity means he’s scarcely seen them in the yard since they arrived. “I was also impressed with the ordering process, which from the factory tour to specification of the trailers and collection, was open, honest and easy.”
The S.CS FREEPOST semi-trailers come with a year of complementary TrailerConnect® access. Manchester-built trailers also have Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System functionality, allowing hauliers that opt for this to enhance road safety, reduce vehicle downtime and ensure compliance.
The deal was facilitated by Geoff Ward, Regional Manager for the North West, Wales and the West Midlands at Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland.
In addition to general haulage and warehousing, Clive Cowern Transport Services is a Pallet-Track network member and has made a successful move into temperature-controlled transport in recent years, which it services with a fleet of 21 reefers.