Northern Ireland haulier McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution has refreshed its specialist fleet with 12 new Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL semi-trailers.

The dual-temperature trailers come equipped with the manufacturer’s Ferry Operation package, which includes reinforced bodywork, protective skids and additional restraints.

Richard McConaghy, Managing Director at McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution, says: “We have had a long relationship with Schmitz Cargobull and have found their semi-trailers to be durable and the perfect workhorses for our busy operation.

“Another key feature for us is that the interior width of the S.KO COOL is among the best on the market. We often move goods that exceed the dimensions of the pallets they are sitting on, so the extra space is a big tick for us.”

Established in 1997, McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution is based in Derrykeighan, County Antrim. It works with some of the largest names in foodservice, transporting time-sensitive produce including cheese, milk powder, and vegetables. It also undertakes store deliveries for a major retailer in Northern Ireland.

McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution opened a sister company, Fridge Freight in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, in 2023. This helps groupage customers navigate the complex customs and food transportation rules introduced after Brexit.

Supplied by Kevin Wynd, Regional Sales Manager at Schmitz Cargobull, eight of the new S.KO COOL box-trailers wear the livery of Fridge Freight with the remainder in McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution’s colours. The work was undertaken by Sign-It Designs, in Coleraine. The reefers feature Thermo King refrigeration units.

“Kevin was really on the ball and guided us to the perfect specification, including Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and a 36-capacity euro pallet box in our colours to ensure these new trailers stand out,” adds McConaghy.

All the reefers are constructed with Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST® technology, which combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance.

Covering the UK, Southern Ireland and Spain, each trailer will clock up 100,000km a year. This is something their strong galvanised MODULUS bolted chassis are ideally suited to handle, and each comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts.

In addition, the glue-jointed design of the FERROPLAST® box body is self-supporting and warp-resistant, which means it only requires a “short chassis”. This permits a higher body height, as the box sits directly on the tractor unit, improving insulation and maximising interior height throughout the trailer. It also improves ground clearance, allowing customers to fit stowage options.

As with all new Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL models, the semi-trailers come with two years of TrailerConnect® access, facilitating easy control and monitoring of trailer temperature and performance.

Having taken its first Schmitz Cargobull trailer in 2008, today 80% of McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution’s 50-strong trailer fleet features the Blue Elephant.