Carmarthenshire-based food wholesaler Castell Howell has taken delivery of two new Volvo FH tractor units specified with Carrier Transicold’s Eco-Drive technology, which means it can now drive its Vector trailer systems via the trucks’ own engines.
The Eco-Drive power module uses a hydraulic pump connected to the truck engine’s power take-off, which drives a generator that delivers the electrical power required to run any of Castell Howell’s Vector units. The power is delivered independent of the truck’s engine speed, ensuring 100% refrigeration capacity even when the vehicle is idling.
In addition to the new Volvo tractors, Castell Howell has invested in two new 13.6-metre Gray & Adams double-deck trailers mounted with Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 refrigeration units.
“Experiencing the reliability and performance of Carrier Transicold’s technology first-hand over the years gave us the confidence to continue our sustainability journey with them,” said Martin Jones, transport director of Castell Howell.
“As a business, we’re always looking to stay at the forefront of the technology curve and adding the Eco-Drive to these tractor units was an exciting next step for our operation. They will interface perfectly with our existing Carrier fridge units, giving us genuine hybrid flexibility across our trailer fleet.
“If you couple that with the associated backup and support we can call on throughout their service partner network, it’s a win-win for the business.”
Compatible with the electric architecture of its existing Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 and 1950 MT trailer units, the technology delivers improved sustainability through reduced emissions and lower fuel requirements, key features that are becoming increasingly important with rising fuel costs.
“Castell Howell has been an early adopter for many of our new technologies,” said Tony Biggs, key account manager at Carrier Transicold. “They were one of the first to specify the Vector HE 19 and have seen the performance benefits of the Eco-Drive on the engineless Iceland units they run in their rigid truck fleet.”
