U.K. logistics provider Sovereign Speed recently diversified into the temperature-controlled transportation sector with the addition of a high-specification multi-temp Cool Liner trailer from Krone, a European trailer manufacturer.
The high-volume, “mega-fridge” Cool Liner is equipped to carry most perishable goods and pharmaceuticals. The trailer features twin evaporators and Krone’s KSC Pro-plus telematics system, the companies said.
“Real-time monitoring and precise temperature control is vital for the correct handling of all temperature-sensitive products, especially pharmaceuticals, a sector which we are now able to serve,” Ellis Blackham, Sovereign Speed business development manager, said in a news release. “With Krone’s telematics, we have remote real-time information regarding the load temperature, at every stage of the journey.”
Sovereign Speed formed in 1998 in Hamburg, Germany. The company now operates 500 vehicles in seven countries, with over 100 overnight connections throughout the U.K. and Europe. The new Krone telematics system allows the company to monitor and record general data such as door openings, brake status, fridge fuel level, and coupling status.
“This sophisticated level of performance control allows us to guarantee efficient load protection for customers throughout the cold chain,” Blackham said.
The trailer also features an internal clearance of 2.8 meters (9.2 ft.), a 980-milimeter (38.6-in.) fifth wheel, and a two-tonne-capacity (2.2 U.S. tons) retractable tail lift.
“This flexibility means we can service routes anywhere in the U.K., Ireland, and Europe,” Ellis said. “We now run a dedicated Ireland service and operate within T2 transit procedures (whereby goods maintain EU customs status) and where needed, can connect from key airports with 16 Sovereign Speed stations in Europe, including Ireland and the Nordic states.”
Sustainability also is a key consideration for Sovereign Speed, and the ‘environmentally aware’ manufacturing processes employed by Krone fit well with the company’s own carbon-neutral strategy, the companies maintained.
“We pursue an ongoing sustainability program,” Ellis explained. “‘Our Way to Zero’ is a long-term corporate strategy aimed at achieving zero-emissions logistics and we are conscious of the contribution that manufacturer suppliers can make. In this regard, we have always been impressed by Krone’s use of energy-efficient manufacturing and sustainable technology.”
Sustainability feature include a retrofittable roof-mounted solar power system.
“This is our first venture into the temperature-controlled sector,” Blackham concluded. “But we also use a number of other Krone trailers for ambient work. Their team is expert when it comes to recommending the right equipment for the job and in our view, their trailer technology is second to none.”
