|
KN Drinks
Logistics Ltd has taken delivery of 149 Iveco Stralis Active
Time tractor units, representing the UK’s single largest
Stralis order from a retail customer. KN Drinks Logistics,
part of the Kuehne + Nagel global logistics network
commenced operations in July 2006, and with 22 sites is the
largest national drinks distribution company in the country.
Supplied by Blackwell-based Iveco distributor Sherwood
Commercial Vehicles, the Stralis’ join a fleet of 550 medium
and heavy trucks and will be dedicated to the bulk movement
of beverages from production sites to the company’s ten
regional distribution centres, as well as to large multiple
retail customers.
“We placed the order with Sherwood Commercial Vehicles
following an extensive evaluation of vehicles from a number
of different manufacturers,” explains Ewan McGregor,
Regional Operations Director for KN Drinks Logistics. “The
process saw each vehicle assessed in a number of key areas
including whole life costs, economy and driver comfort, with
the Stralis AT chosen as the vehicle best suited to our
requirements. Iveco was set a kerbweight target of 7,900 kg
per tractor unit which they beat by 100kg, providing a
healthy payload advantage,” he adds.
The Stralis tractor units will operate primarily with 13.6m
tri-axle curtainside trailers, together with a small fleet
of 12m tri-axle tankers. Each vehicle is expected to cover
up to 120,000 miles a year and will be on the road between
six and seven days a week. Each vehicle is powered by
Iveco’s 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine, which is capable of
producing up to 430 hp between 1,590 and 2,100 rev/min and
up to 1,900 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,590 rev/min,
driven through an automated EuroTronic 12 speed gearbox. |
