Hunt’s Food Group Adds Gray & Adams LST Trailers
New trailers support certified B-Corporation Hunt's Food Group's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Hunt's Food Group, a certified B Corporation that manufactures and sells over 10,000 products, has recently added three bespoke Gray & Adams LST trailers to its fleet to support its night trunk distribution network. Operating across the South of England, Hunt's specified the trailers to enhance route optimisation, aid efficiencies, and support its carbon reduction ambitions.
Hunt's Food Group feature in T&L issue 262.
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Collaborating with Gray & Adams and Carrier, the Sherborne-headquartered company sought to ensure that its trailers were tailored precisely to Hunt's operational needs without compromising on sustainability. The decision was made to embrace the Multideck configuration, coupled with trailers built to the maximum length of 15.6 metres and a height of 4.8 metres. The rationale behind these specifications stemmed from the diverse range of pallet heights encountered in the company's distribution operations.
By opting for the Multideck system, Hunt's could effectively accommodate varying pallet sizes, thereby maximising load capacity. This strategic choice proved fruitful, with nights where the trailers comfortably accommodated over 80 pallets, significantly reducing the frequency of trips to outer depots and subsequently slashing carbon emissions. Moreover, the company's commitment to sustainability extended beyond trailer design, encompassing the integration of advanced technology into its fleet.
Notably, Hunt's paired one of the newly configured trailers with a state-of-the-art DAF tractor equipped with the Carrier TRS unit. This innovative solution enables the refrigeration unit to operate directly from the truck's power take-off (PTO), further reducing carbon footprint by minimising auxiliary engine usage.
The synergy between the Multideck trailers and the Carrier TRS-equipped DAF tractor unit has yielded remarkable results, showcasing the potential for efficiency and sustainability in distribution logistics. By aligning trailer specifications with operational requirements and integrating cutting-edge technology, the company has not only optimised load capacity and minimised environmental impact but also demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to modern logistics challenges.
Hunt's has also considered HVO as an alternative fuel. It carried out extensive trials across the fleet using this diesel replacement and was able to run all of its HGVs on HVO. It also used the alternative fuel in its refrigerated units.
The trials proved to be very successful. Hunt's is now considering its use as a viable substitute going forward. In addition, the company has installed solar arrays at all sites.
The new Gray & Adams trailers join a fleet comprising multi-temp vehicles ranging from 3.5 to 26 tonnes, supplying over 10,000 frozen, chilled, and ambient products across the hospitality and retail sectors. It currently runs distribution vehicles from its four main depots in Bridgwater, Fareham, Redruth and its head office in Sherborne. The fleet includes 40 3.5-tonne vans split between Man TGEs and Mercedes Sprinters (12 of which were delivered at the end of last year), 86 HGVs ranging between 7.5 and 18 tonnes, one 26-tonne DAF, and seven tractor units alongside 10 trailers.
Further investment will take place in 2024. A further 15 HGVs will be added in the next 12 months. New additions are expected in 2025 and 2026 as Hunt's looks to replace older vehicles with newer, more efficient models.
Over the next five years, Hunt's has outlined ambitious plans to drive growth, sustainability, and community engagement.
With a focus on strategic initiatives, the company aims to surpass GBP150 million in sales while maintaining a steadfast commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Key to its mission is embodying company values such as a personal touch, relentless determination, selflessness, adaptability, trustworthiness, and dependability. Continuing its tradition of philanthropy, Hunt's pledges to donate GBP150,000 annually to charitable causes, including ongoing support for food banks like the Devon and Cornwall Food Action Group.
Additionally, the company plans to address the industry-wide shortage of HGV drivers by expanding its Drivers Academy programme, nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. Embracing innovation, the company intends to leverage technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. Moreover, it aims to diversify its product offerings by developing and promoting its exclusive brands within the market, further solidifying Hunt's position as a leader in the food distribution industry.
Through these comprehensive strategies, the company, which in addition to achieving B-Corporation certification maintains a minimum standard of A grade BRC accreditation across all sites, holds ISO 45001 accreditation, and is a living wage and hours employer, is poised to thrive not only as a profitable business but also as a responsible corporate citizen committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
https://www.huntsfoodgroup.co.uk
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