Working with trusted technology partners, TIP is providing temperature-controlled transport operators with the opportunity to trial the latest zero-emission technologies within their own operation and to evaluate the financial, operational and environmental benefits they can bring to their business. It does so with a view to embarking on a long-term hire arrangement, with this in itself providing the usual benefits to operators of not having to commit upfront capital outlay, which, in turn, makes the new technologies altogether more accessible.
TIP currently offers 3 ‘e-reefer’ solutions for trial and subsequent hire in the UK :-
Axle energy recuperation : a system that ‘recovers’ energy during braking or driving downhill to power its battery to enable zero emission temperature control.
Battery and solar-powered system : a system that enables zero-emission transport by the charging of its battery from solar power, supplemented by power from the mains to enable zero emission temperature control.
Retrofit battery and solar-powered system : a system that is integrated into trailers already in a fleet, enabling zero-emission temperature control without the need to purchase new transport assets. With this system, battery technology and solar power are used, with the added security of retaining the existing diesel-drive system as backup.
As a brand-independent provider of equipment for hire, TIP is able to take a consultative approach with prospective customers to ensure the best solution is provided to fit with customers’ operational and wider business needs.
Trials so far have established that the most suited technology for one operator is not necessarily the same for the next one, not least as cold-chain transport operations vary widely in terms of set temperature required, distance travelled, number of door openings and many more factors.
Using its international scale, TIP is able to gather insights from customer trials and operations from countries across Europe too, which are adding to the learnings and supporting TIP’s ability to advise on the differing technology solutions.
Trials include the sharing of a comprehensive reporting pack on the performance, with trials suggested to be a minimum of four weeks in order to ensure robust reporting of the performance.
“Our approach is all about offering practical, scalable options that help refrigerated fleets transition towards lower emissions, using the technology that best fits their needs,” said Mark Carlin, Fleet and Engineering Director, TIP UK & Ireland. “We’re now set-up to allow operators to trial different solutions as part of our commitment to helping them on their road to zero emissions.”
“Operators tell us they want to reduce their environmental impact, but need solutions that are the best possible fit for their operation,” added Carlin. “The role of this programme is to find that best fit with a combination of independent advice, flexibility to trial more than one of the technologies and provision of a comprehensive reporting suite as part of their trials”.
The programme continues to develop, with TIP confirming a healthy pipeline of interested operators for trialling one or more of the technologies available, of ongoing discussions and of firm commitments to roll-out a preferred technology.
The unique programme enables UK and Irish operators to explore the various e-reefer technologies available prior to adoption, facilitating a move towards a ‘greener’ transport and to take steps towards achieving their decarbonisation goals.