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New body gives
better efficiencies
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The left side of the body of the vehicle is fitted with double doors to suit the twin temperature compartment applications. The side doors also give easy access to the front load for off-loading purposes. Easy access steps and stainless steel grab handles at each door add to the speed of offloading.
With the new body, routing efficiencies have improved as one vehicle can deliver two temperature disciplines.
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Cape Town based, Newline Products, a division of Serco, has collaborated with its client Vector Logistics to successfully manufacture a twin compartment temperature controlled truck body.
"This new configuration allows us to use multi temperature vehicles to deliver a combination of frozen, chilled and dry goods to our clients," says Herkie Brits, national transport manager of Vector.
Gert van Rooyen, Newline's GM says that "the specifications were developed as a result of a good working relationship and an understanding of Vector's requirements. The compartments have accurate controls to ensure stock is delivered at optimum temperatures."
Commenting on the new body, Vector's Brits says that in the past, they would need two or three vehicles to call on each client. "Now we can use one vehicle which allows us to be flexible to our customers' needs, an advantage particularly in the retail industry. Routing efficiencies have improved as one vehicle can deliver both temperature disciplines."
The split of the compartments is achieved by inserting an insulated pliable bun that is completely removable if a twin application is not required. The bulkhead is designed to be easy - and light enough - to fit into position or to remove from the vehicle. Probes and wiring for the twin temperature refrigeration unit are recessed into the roof externally in a water-sealed conduit.
Although the Vector fleet has the normal Newline features of a polar white high gloss external finish, 3Cr12 rear frame fitted with heavy-duty door gear and Serco type extruded aluminium around the external corners, the rest of the features are far from standard.
Interesting is that due to the high crime rate in the industry, the Vector truck body includes an escape hatch on each side door. "It has happened in our industry that drivers are locked inside the vehicles after being robbed and need to escape from the extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air inside the body so we have added these hatches to ensure our drivers are protected," says Brits
If off-loading occurs in a dark area, six super diode lights are fitted internally with an external on/off light switch. The life span of the diode lights is far greater than the normal truck lights that are generally used for this purpose. The vehicle itself is also fitted with rear diode tail lights.
Air curtains fitted to the side and rear doors ensure that most of the cold air remains inside the body when products are being off-loaded.
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