A greener fleet of brewery-specification 'Teardrops' is set to hit the UK's drinks distribution network following a successful trial of a new bespoke trailer.
Tradeteam teamed up with commercial vehicle specialist Don Bur to create and test the new streamline, lightweight and robust housing, designed specifically to improve aerodynamic and fuel efficiency.
The 13.7 x 2.55 metre super steel trailer boasts a powerful combination of teardrop shaped roof, tapered sides, high tech load restraints and extra tough flooring, along with awarding winning healthy and safety features including the Safe Suzie ground coupling device.
During the six-month trial an average fuel consumption saving of over five per cent was made versus a standard trailer. Tradeteam has since taken delivery of 64 units to integrate into its existing primary fleet.
Roy Johnson National Accounts Manager at Don Bur said: "We are delighted to have been offered the opportunity to develop this challenging brewery-specification Teardrop trailer with Tradeteam, and are proud to have reached a solution which provides such substantial logistical benefits."
Chris Fleck, Engineering Operations Manager at Tradeteam, said: "We worked very closely with Don Bur on this project and were incredibly impressed by the performance of the specially manufactured Teardrop prototype.
"The distribution of drinks from brewery to pub is an intensive process both in terms of fuel and labour.
"Anything we can do to reduce carbon emissions whilst making the job as easy and as safe as possible for our drivers is a must. The new Teardrops achieve all three of these objectives."
Earlier in the year Tradeteam announced it had achieved a 10,000 tonne cut in its carbon footprint since it first launched its dedicated 'go green' initiative at the end of 2007.