Tomoana Warehousing working in partnership with customers by offering innovative transport solutions to increase efficiency in the supply chain. Last week our new 22.8m b-train arrived from the manufacturer which has been specifically designed to carry two full 20’ containers for Fonterra / Dairy Transport Logistics (DTL).

Whilst not the first of its type in New Zealand this unit was a collaborative effort between DTL, Tomoana Warehousing and Fruehauf trailer manufacturers.  The loads were very specific so we could determine that with a 59 ton HPMV permit we could carry two fully laden 20 ft containers of UHT milk out of Waitoa to Tauranga Port. Simply put, this truck can transport twice as many containers in a single day than what our other trucks can achieve. We’re going to be keeping a close eye on its efficiency and fuel usage over the coming months.

In order to achieve our objective, the truck and trailer unit needed to be as light as possible, therefore the truck, a Freightliner Coronado 6×4, doesn’t have an aerofoil and has no exhaust stacks and there is only one fuel tank to reduce the weight. The trailer can only carry 20’ not 40’ containers which reduces the need for the extra twist locks, again saving weight. And there are no fixed landing legs on the trailer unit. It’s like running a thoroughbred race horse, and we joke that our driver, Mike Bowden is not allowed to put on any weight!

Currently the truck is doing a few loads between Napier and New Plymouth at 50MAX before working up in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region with the HPMV permit.

“It’s amazing how it tracks around corners, i was first going wide in order to allow for the trailer to track in but it doesn’t at all. It’s easier to driver than our quad skeles “ 

This is another great example of how Tomoana Warehousing works in partnership with our customers to produce great transport and logistics solutions. Reducing the cost of transport for our customers is important, so coming up with innovative solutions like this allows us to pass on savings to the customer and Tomoana Warehousing can continue its good relationship for many years to come.