Carrier Transicold eCool Hybrid improves Trans-Bridge pharmaceutical deliveries

Trans-Bridge has received its first carrier, the Transicold Vector® eCool unit, to optimise fleet efficiency and sustainability for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical deliveries between the UK and Northern Ireland.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare distributor Trans-Bridge Freight Services has taken delivery of its first carrier, the Transicold Vector^® eCool unit, to maximise fleet efficiency and sustainability for its temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical deliveries between the mainland United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

The Vector eCool is powered by a Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 refrigeration unit mounted on a 13.6-meter Grey & Adams trailer, allowing Trans-Bridge Freight Services to primarily use electricity from the trailer axle and brakes, with the option to use the unit’s diesel engine in emergencies.

Brian Anderton, Director at Trans-Bridge Freight Services, said, “Since welcoming our first Carrier unit in 2015, we’ve been consistently impressed with its performance and reliability, so bringing the advanced technology of the Vector eCool into the fleet was the next logical step. Even the smallest temperature change can have a significant impact on the products we transport, so set point control is vital. Bad weather regularly means our trailers can be stuck in the port or on the ferry for much longer than anticipated, so having the ability to revert to diesel power if required gives us extra peace of mind. This combination makes the Vector eCool the ideal product for our needs.”

Carrier Transicold’s Vector eCool system was the industry’s fully autonomous electric refrigeration system, producing no direct carbon dioxide (CO₂) or particulate emissions. The Vector eCool is PIEK-compliant, which, combined with its emissions performance, makes it the ultimate solution for tightening inner city and urban regulations while creating a more harmonious working environment for drivers. The trailers can be plugged into the electrical grid when parked and are fully charged in two hours using a standard five-pin, three-phase standby plug.

Geoff Fearnley-Hill, National Key Account Manager at Carrier Transicold UK, said, “The Vector eCool is an ideal fit for customers like Trans-Bridge Freight that need to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. The battery system ensures the Vector HE 19 operates with the same level of performance as the standard setup, but having the hybrid option in this case highlights the sheer flexibility it can provide operators.”

The Vector HE 19 combines Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive technology with a multi-speed engine design that includes a fully hermetic scroll compressor and copper pipework, helping to deliver unparalleled levels of refrigerant containment. The system offers annual F gas containment rates in excess of 95 percent, compared to rates typically lower than 85 percent for traditional diesel units reliant on mechanically belt-driven open-drive compressor technology. This plays a significant part in reducing overall carbon emissions, contributing to Carrier’s goal of helping customers avoid more than one gigaton of GHG emissions by 2030.

The new unit is also backed by Carrier Transicold’s comprehensive BluEdge fixed-cost full-service maintenance package, including annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks, and access to the company’s oneCALLTM 24/7 incident management system.

The Vector eCool-mounted trailer will be based at the customer’s headquarters in Manchester, where it will be used to collect orders from Trans-Bridge Freight Services’ pharmaceutical customers for delivery to the business’ Antrim facility in Northern Ireland via the Scottish port of Cairnryan, clocking up to 90,000 miles annually.