UK-based operator, Salford Van Hire, has acquired the first 40 S.KO PACE SMART semi-trailers from Schmitz Cargobull for nationwide contracts with major supermarkets, retailers and parcel delivery companies.
The new assets, which are the first to have been constructed in Schmitz Cargobull’s Manchester factory, join Salford Van Hire’s existing fleet of 1,800 dry freight curtainsiders and reefers, half of which were also supplied by Schmitz Cargobull.
“We are very proud to be the first logistics business in the UK to acquire these new S.KO PACE SMART semi-trailers which are perfectly suited to our needs,” said Salford Van Hire Contract & Fleet Engineering Director, Steve McNally.
“The fact they are manufactured in the UK is hugely beneficial both for lead times and cost, as well as reducing our environmental impact – which they will continue to do on a daily basis because of their lightweight construction.”
Featuring a galvanised MODULOS chassis, innovative STRUKTOPLAST panels and options for three different floor strengths, the fully modular S.KO PACE SMART is EN 12642 code XL certified and comes with Schmitz Cargobull’s telematics system TrailerConnect fitted as standard.
Innovative lightweight panels mean each semi-trailer weighs around 600kg less than competitor models, and its payload potential on day one will be maintained for the life of the asset – qualities which will translate into reduced emissions and lower fuel bills.
Salford Van Hire has worked with Schmitz Cargobull for more than 10 years and the team’s confidence in the manufacturer meant they placed their order without the need to trial a demonstrator vehicle.
“We have always been impressed by the quality, design and build of Schmitz Cargobull trailers so we were completely confident in our choice to be the first to run S.KO PACE SMART trailers,” said McNally. “Now we have them, they are already exceeding our expectations.”
Expected to be in operation seven days a week, the new trailers will be used to support Salford Van Hire’s largest customers who transport a variety of dry freight and parcels.
Independent and privately-owned, Salford Van Hire is one of the largest and most well-respected car and commercial vehicle rental and contract hire organisations in the UK, with bases in Leeds and Manchester.
