Ryder, a leading independent provider of commercial vehicle contract hire, rental, and maintenance services, has supplied two new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks with fuel-saving fridges to Dorset-based BV Dairy.
The independent chilled dairy manufacturer prides itself on continually improving its environmental performance within its food operations, and wanted to extend this out to its distribution fleet.
“BV Dairy is very forward-thinking with regards to its green credentials, and because these vehicles will predominantly travel into London, I wanted them to be as efficient as possible,” said Charis Lewis, Logistics and Distribution Manager at BV Dairy.
Listening to BV Dairy’s requirements, Ryder suggested two 18-tonne Mercedes-Benz Actros 4×2 rigid vehicles with Solomon Slipstream Aerodynamic refrigerated body design and Carrier ECO-DRIVE fridges.
“Our Ryder account manager, Jon-Paul, was brilliant; he arranged meetings with Solomon and Carrier to help us decide exactly what we wanted. With the Carrier ECO-DRIVE, we have an electric fridge but with the peace of mind that it can run on diesel. In the eventuality of one of our drivers being stuck out overnight somewhere, then the produce would be kept chilled if the electric fridge couldn’t be charged,” explained Charis.
The new vehicles also include Solomon’s Slipstream system for over-cab fridge units and Solomon’s Kamm Tail. Custom-moulded Slipstream sections sweep down either side of the fridge, dramatically improving vehicle efficiency and body aerodynamics, while the Kamm Tail curves the roof downwards at the rear of the vehicle, accelerating the airflow downwards, thus reducing the large area of turbulent air that develops behind the vehicle.
The bulk of BV Dairy’s deliveries are managed by the company’s own seven-strong fleet, delivering its dairy products to food service wholesalers and food manufacturers across the UK.
“Our vehicles are on the road six days a week and will clock up around 130,000km a year. We don’t have any spare vehicles, so the reason we contract hire our vehicles is that we need a reliable service provider for maintenance and repairs,” said Charis.
“This enables me to get on with the day-to-day business of running the fleet, knowing our vehicle maintenance is in safe hands. We have a great relationship with our Ryder approved service provider, Rygor, based in Westbury, as well as our Ryder account manager Jon-Paul,” added Charis.
Jon-Paul Williams, Ryder Area Sales Manager, said: “BV Dairy is a dynamic, eco-conscious company, and it was a pleasure to work together with Charis to specify the most suitable vehicles to meet her requirements. With the Carrier ECO-DRIVE fridge, BV Dairy has ended up with a more fuel-efficient and quieter solution.”
