FEATURE

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

Due to technological advances, the entire refrigerant market is moving away from mineral-based products to synthetic lubricants.

THERMO KING LAUNCHES ECOMODE TO CUT FUEL USE IN ADVANCER TRAILER UNITS

Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, has introduced ECOmode, a new operating feature for its Advancer trailer refrigeration units. The mode is designed to help fleet operators reduce fuel consumption by up to 50 % compared to continuous operation, while maintaining tighter temperature control than the existing start-stop CycleSentry mode.

ECOmode expands the operational flexibility of the Advancer range by optimising performance based on the sensitivity of the cargo and delivery profile. It limits temperature deviation from the set point and uses sequential airflow to protect cargo, making it suitable for goods that require consistent, though not ultra-tight, temperature control.

With the addition of ECOmode, Thermo King now offers three operating modes for Advancer units: Continuous, CycleSentry, and ECOmode. According to the company, the new mode helps reduce operational costs without compromising cargo safety or regulatory compliance.

“ All Thermo King Advancer units offer complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption, accessible both on the unit and remotely via telematics,” says Colm O’ Grady, product leader: trailer at Thermo King.“ We have introduced ECOmode to give more flexibility and control to fleet managers and help them reduce their operational costs.” CLA

REFERENCE

1. Norman Highnam MInstR | LinkedIn

Eastern Cape-based Crickley Dairy has completed a major upgrade of its refrigerated transport fleet, marking a milestone in the company’ s ongoing growth and commitment to delivering high-quality dairy products across the region.

The upgrade comes in response to Crickley Dairy’ s growing distribution needs and the increasing pressure placed on its ageing fleet, which had become unreliable due to excessive mileage and high maintenance demands.

“ Some of our trucks had clocked over a million kilometres. We couldn’ t deliver reliably, and the cost of constant repairs made it unsustainable. A complete fleet replacement became a necessity, not a choice,” says Crickley Diary CEO John Conway.

With consumer expectations rising and product integrity critical in dairy logistics, the company recognised the urgent need for modern, efficient and robust cold chain capabilities.

A TAILORED, TIME-SENSITIVE BUILD

The agreement with Serco was signed earlier this year, and all vehicles were completed and delivered well within the tight four-week window. Crickley praised Serco’ s planning, resource co-ordination and commitment to meeting the deadline without compromising on quality.

Each truck features GRP-insulated bodies, with 50mm polyurethane panels rated to maintain temperatures as low as-18 ° C. The interiors include durable aluminium‘ rice grain’ flooring, expected to extend floor lifespan by up to 10 years, and customised pallet jack storage integrated at the rear door, enhancing hygiene and operator efficiency.

“ This project was executed flawlessly thanks to strong collaboration between Serco, UD Trucks and Spheros. From chassis integration to refrigeration and body construction, teamwork and transparent communication made it all possible,” Conway noted.

NEXT-GENERATION REFRIGERATION WITH SPHEROS

The trucks are powered by Spheros MT310 refrigeration units, capable of maintaining internal temperatures from + 25 ° C to-25 ° C. These systems include a two-cylinder diesel engine and a 380V electric standby function, offering both flexibility and reliability for different operating conditions. Key technical specs include:

• 5kW cooling capacity at 0 ° C setpoint( 30 ° C ambient)

• 3kW capacity at-20 ° C setpoint

• Three-zone temperature monitoring( front, middle and rear)

• Real-time tracking via the Carrus system

Optimal airflow is ensured by proper pallet spacing during loading, which prevents hotspots and ensures uniform temperature throughout the cargo space – critical for preserving the quality of sensitive dairy products.

The benefits of the new fleet extend beyond reliability. Crickley reports improved fuel efficiency, fewer

breakdowns and enhanced branding visibility, thanks to sleek new truckside advertising – something that was impossible on the ageing fleet.

“ More than just increasing capacity, this upgrade boosts our operational efficiency and reduces our environmental impact. With fewer unplanned repairs and better mileage, we can now reach more markets, more often,” says Conway.

The trucks also enhance safety, for both the products and Crickley employees, through updated technology and improved build standards.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO MODERN LOGISTICS

Founded in 1984 by Ken Clark with just five cows and one farmhand, Crickley Dairy has grown into a respected regional dairy brand in the Eastern Cape. The company’ s legacy of delivering nutritious, locally produced dairy now enters a new phase, supported by high-tech transport infrastructure.

Conway hinted at future expansions:“ We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this project. There’ s definitely potential for additional fleet upgrades, including our truck tractors used to collect milk from farms.”

Environmental considerations were also key in the decision-making process. Crickley selected UD Euro 5 trucks, reducing emissions and aligning with shifting regulatory and consumer expectations around sustainability in logistics. While traditional refrigerants were used for this phase, the company is actively evaluating greener alternatives and advanced technologies for future upgrades.

Serco CEO Clinton Holcroft reflected on the project’ s success and the potential of the partnership:“ We’ re proud to support Crickley Dairy’ s growth by delivering vehicles tailored to their operational needs. With our Deal Party facility in Gqeberha, we’ re well-positioned to provide ongoing support and repairs. We look forward to building on this relationship as Crickley continues its remarkable journey.”

SOURCE:

Submitted by Crickley Dairy