Axil Integrated Services has added two Manchester-manufactured Schmitz Cargobull S.CS FREEPOST semi-trailers to its busy fleet – citing the look, quality and payload benefits of the product as key reasons behind the deal.

The high-spec curtainsiders are the first trailers from Schmitz Cargobull to be put into service by the Cannock-based business. They will be paired with new Scania tractor units and used for hazardous waste collections across the UK.

Mark Downes, Director of Logistics and Fulfilment at Axil, says: “The new trailers look fantastic, offering exactly the right image for our forward-thinking business. We have traditionally leased our trailers, and these are among the first that we have purchased outright. They are spot on for our operations.”

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the UK & Irish market – the S.CS FREEPOST offers quick, easy and safe side loading by incorporating a bolted galvanised steel cant rail and fixed aluminium roof sheet, as well as a reinforced chassis structure.

Axil worked closely on the specification with Aaron Howarth, Schmitz Cargobull Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands, even down to the artwork for the eye-catching silver livery.

“Paired with the new Scanias, they do look very smart,” adds Downes. “The drivers have been very complimentary, they particularly like the lay-out – for instance where the storage boxes and fire extinguisher are located. The pillarless design also makes loading and unloading easier, and we’ve opted for a tail-lift on the back. The fact they are built in Manchester means we are supporting British manufacturing too. Overall, it’s a great package.”

The unique design of the S.CS FREEPOST is focused on handling, the safety of the goods and the safety of the driver and those loading the vehicle. With no sliding posts, the trailers offer the driver free, lateral loading and unloading with a side aperture height of up to 3,200mm.

To facilitate unloading, the curtain can be tensioned from both the front and the rear. Driver safety is improved further by the Schmitz Cargobull Susi-Rail, with electrical and pneumatic connections which can be moved to the edge of the trailer to make coupling easier.

In addition, due to the bolted design, should the cant rail get damaged either by fork-lift masts or even a bridge strike it is possible to replace one of the five individual sections rather than having to replace the whole rail – which can be extremely costly.

Like all Schmitz Cargobull trailers, the S.CS FREEPOST is equipped with the ultra-durable, repair-friendly MODULOS chassis with a 10-year guarantee against rust-through. The manufacturer’s TrailerConnect® telematics system is factory fitted as standard.

Axil provides nationwide waste management solutions to some of the UK’s best-known brands across a range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, food, manufacturing and pharmaceutical. Its innovative total waste management services focus on reducing customers’ business costs, while also reducing the impact on the environment.