Family-run J Richardson Transport still loves its ‘old-timer’ Ekeri unit.
The Stranraer, Scotland-based hauler recently heaped special praise on the trusted trailer, saying it has provided faultless service for more than 13 years.
“It was already 6 years old when we bought it,” said Alan Richardson, director. “It’s a typical Ekeri trailer with the multiple side-opening doors but with a front-mounted fridge. Despite many years of hard work, save for a couple of hinges, it has cost us nothing in terms of maintenance or repairs. It just keeps going and looks as good as the day it arrived.”
According to Richardson, the Ekeri trailer is useful on multi drops, carrying mixed loads such as cheese and sundry items, for various supermarkets in Scotland and England.
“We first got the trailer to help with return loads of 600-kilogram (1,323-pound) bags and have used it regularly for multi-drops because the side-opening doors allow us easy access to any part of the trailer for quick loading and delivery,” he said. “It has the flexibility of a curtainsider but with the strength and security of a refrigerated box van and, considering it’s pushing 20 years of age, it really has proved to be a remarkable asset.”
Designed and built by Ekeri in Finland, ATP type approved FNA and FRC (+12 degrees to -20 degrees) bodies are available as standard with fully opening doors on both sides and are equipped for multi-temperature purposes with various specifications of moveable, insulated bulkheads. The bodies fulfil all the strict quality requirements for the transportation of foodstuffs and have a relatively low unladen weight, while the insulation material is environmentally friendly and Freon-free.
Established in 1967, J Richardson is a previous winner of the Transport News Scottish ‘Fleet of the Year’ and operates a sizeable vehicle fleet comprised of 100% Volvos and a mixture of ambient and temp-controlled trailers.
“We are thinking of adding another Ekeri to the fleet at some point and definitely recommend these trailers for any hauler who is looking to improve load flexibility and save on running costs,” Richardson concluded.
