Glastonbury-based Sparks Transport has signed a deal with Schmitz Cargobull worth more than £1m, ordering 53 aluminium fixed-roof curtainsiders to replace aging assets and grow the fleet.
Sparks has previously been a loyal Schmitz Cargobull customer and has renewed its relationship thanks to the introduction of the fixed-roof curtainsider to the German manufacturer’s range. Schmitz Cargobull trailers now comprise of approximately 60 per cent of Sparks Transport’s 155-strong fleet.
The new trailers will operate across the UK carrying a variety of palletised goods and have been funded through Cargobull Finance, Schmitz Cargobull’s own finance company.
Jonathan Sparks, MD, Sparks Transport, says: “We’ve bought from Schmitz Cargobull in the past because we like the quality of the trailers they supply. With their fixed-roof curtainsider now available, we’ve now reaffirmed our relationship and have been very pleased with the results.”
Supplied in Sparks’ striking green and yellow livery, the new trailers have been specified to comply with DIN EN 12646 Code XL load security regulations.
Developed specially for the UK and Irish markets, the Schmitz Cargobull fixed-roof curtainsider is manufactured in Altenberge, which can build up to 200 trailers a day – enabling the company to react quickly to even large fleet orders. It is one of nine Schmitz Cargobull manufacturing plants in Europe.
While the trailers for Sparks are equipped with European front bulkheads with a tilt board, the 13.6m trailers are also available with a specification which includes wraparound curtains and a new aluminium front bulkhead with galvanised steel front and rear corner posts. This is favoured by many UK operators as it enables standard-spec forklifts to load through the side aperture, without requiring a side-shift capability.