FleetWatch is all about keeping trucks moving safely and profitably – and that means sharing practical advice from those who know the industry best. We welcome this contribution from leading food and beverage (F&B) trailer manufacturer, Serco, whose insights remind us that good fleet management starts with disciplined basics and a keen eye for detail. These are the habits that separate top-performing fleets from the rest.
Serco, a specialist fabricator of refrigerated and dry freight truck bodies and trailers, has been at the forefront of temperature-controlled load body innovation for decades and boasts a wealth of expertise on how to best to keep perishable goods fresh while on-board equally ‘fresh’ trucks.
According to the company’s CEO, Clinton Holcroft: “Transporting perishable goods is a high-stakes operation. Whether you’re moving fresh produce, pharmaceuticals or frozen foods, maintaining optimal temperature and minimising wear and tear on refrigerated trucks and trailers are critical.”
Serco has shared with us a collection of tips to help logistics and retail fleet managers improve thermal performance, reduce fuel costs and extend vehicle lifespan:
- General maintenance: Small checks can reap big savings
- Tyre Pressure: Keep tyres correctly inflated to reduce fuel consumption and extend tyre life.
- Trailer Weight: Always check the fully laden weight before trips to avoid fines and excessive wear.
- Load Distribution: Balance the load to prevent uneven tyre wear and mechanical strain.
- Wheel Alignment: Roads in poor condition can put wheel alignment out – check regularly to maintain tyre health.
- Fridge Servicing: Clean filters, check refrigerant levels and maintain service schedules to counter fuel-hungry cooling units.
- Refrigerated body specification: Build for performance through use of:
- High-Density PU Foam Panels: Superior insulation compared to polystyrene, with lower water absorption and faster cooling to set point.
- Durable Panel Facings: Coated steel or high strength composite facings resist impact damage and extend body life.
- PVC Strip Curtains: Retain cold air during frequent door openings.
- Insulated Bun Partitions: Isolate compartments to reduce cooling load and fuel usage.
- 60/40 Door Split: Minimise cold air loss during partial unloading.
- Vehicle body maintenance: Protect your investment
- Corner Capping: Maintain seals to prevent water ingress from tree strikes or road debris.
- Seal Holes Promptly: Even small punctures can compromise insulation and hygiene.
- Panel Damage: Cracks allow water into insulation, reducing thermal efficiency and increasing fuel use. Reinforce with internal scuffing or steel panels.
- Floor Integrity: Prevent damage from pallet dragging and overloading to avoid cold air leaks and contamination risks.
- Door Seals: Multi-leaf seals are best for preventing cold air escape – inspect and replace regularly.
- Operational Best Practices: Smart habits save fuel
- Pre-Cool Before Loading: Stabilise internal temperature before loading to protect product integrity.
- Load at Correct Temperature: The fridge maintains temperature – it doesn’t cool warm goods efficiently.
- Fridge Off During Loading: Prevent cold air from being blown out when doors are open.
Bonus Tips for Fleet Managers:
- Telematics Integration: Use real-time monitoring to track temperature, door openings and fridge performance.
- Driver Training: Educate drivers on best practices for loading, unloading and fridge operation.
- Route Optimisation: Reduce travel time and fuel usage with smart routing software.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Adapt fridge settings and maintenance schedules based on ambient temperature changes.
“Efficient refrigerated transport isn’t just about keeping goods cold, it’s about smart maintenance, thoughtful design and operational discipline. By implementing these tips, fleet managers can reduce costs, improve product safety and extend the life of their vehicles,” concludes Holcroft.
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