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Tesco, the largest retailer in the UK and one of the largest in the world, has introduced its first temperature-controlled drawbar vehicle, fitted with Carrier Transicold Supra™ truck refrigeration technology to help improve the efficiency of express store deliveries. Carrier Transicold, which operates in the UK as Carrier Transicold UK, helps improve global transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Tesco’s express stores typically are located in residential or built-up areas, making it difficult for tractor units with 13.6-metre trailers to deliver. The flexibility of an 18.75-metre drawbar combination vehicle means the truck can now reach express stores more easily and with a larger payload than a rigid truck operating alone – resulting in reduced road miles. The drawbar’s manoeuvrable design also has the capacity to carry 48 standard roll cages – an additional three compared with a standard 13.6m trailer.

The drawbar vehicle, designed by Wheelbase Engineering, is fitted with Carrier Transicold’s Supra 1150UMT (multi-temperature) undermount unit. It features two remote evaporators recessed into the trailer’s ceiling to ensure a safe walk-through environment for operators. The forward compartment relies on a Supra 850 MT unit to maintain the set point inside its Solomon bodywork, selected for its robust design and proven reliability.

“Continually improving the efficiency of our fleet is a key focus for the business, and with the help of Carrier Transicold UK we’ve been able to come up with a solution that really hits the mark,” said a spokesperson for Tesco. “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the team at Carrier. We specify their reefer units as they are so well suited to our operating needs.”

Carrier Transicold’s Supra range achieves rapid pull-down speeds and ensures accurate temperature control for all chilled and frozen cargoes, with a reputation in the industry for excellent product protection and low operating costs. The units are covered by Carrier Transicold’s new everCOLD™ service, repair and maintenance contract. This includes all maintenance recommended by Carrier Transicold and carried out by manufacturer-trained technicians using genuine replacement parts, plus access to 24-hour emergency assistance throughout the UK.

Carrier Transicold supported the delivery with a specific training programme for Tesco’s team of driver trainers.

For more information on Carrier Transicold and its products and services, visit www.transicold.carrier.com. Follow Carrier on Twitter: @CarrierGreen.

About Carrier Transicold
Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 40 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with the most advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units, and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.transicold.carrier.com or follow Carrier on Twitter: @CarrierGreen.