Letters to the editor

Copyright © 2001 FleetWatch magazine and FleetWatch On-Line.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission from the publishers. Views published are not necessarily those of the publishers.
Past Issues

September 2005

 

The refrigerated transport industry is as driven by payload optimisation as any other trucking sector and as a result, refrigerated body builders are constantly striving to design and produce insulated trailers that are as light as possible without compromising on body strength.

One such manufacturer is Serco Industries which recently launched a new 'Super Reefer Lite'. According to Serco director Clinton Holcroft, "the Super Reefer Lite reflects a new benchmark in refrigerated truck body and trailer fabrication."

He explains that Serco's new range of lightweight refrigerated truck bodies and trailers (which includes the Super Reefer Lite) has been re-engineered from the ground up, a move driven by customer demand for stronger, lighter reefers.

"The new reefer's main feature is the substantial weight saving which allows increased payload. The reduction in tare weight results in less wear and tear on vehicle components and leads to improved diesel consumption." He adds that further savings can be achieved from reduced licence fees and possible fines and down-time at weighbridges.

"We have also improved strength in critical areas by using new composite materials which ensure a longer product life-span. The side-walls and floor have been re-engineered for improved abrasion and impact resistance," says Holcroft.

"The front bulkhead has added reinforcing to withstand forklift and pallet contact and the new-design pultrusion reinforcing has been combined with superior quality imported ply wood to improve the structural strength of the floor for high-wear operations. Temperature efficiencies have also been improved by minimising thermal heat bridges."

More news from Serco is that the Cape Town division has moved to new premises in Bellville South: The larger facility will allow for significant improvements in production efficiencies and cater for growth in the after sales repair market in the region.

"It also acts as an indication of our positive sentiments towards growth in the South African market," says Holcroft.

VERY BIG CHILL ROOM - the Serco Reefer gives cold chain transporters an extra ton of payload thanks to the use oflightweight materials and Super Singles. Despite lower tare, durability has not been compromised.