Retailer Morrisons is working with Buffaload Logistics to reduce vehicle usage by its distribution network. Operating between suppliers and Morrisons’ regional distribution centres, a fleet of 44 pallet-capacity, temperature-controlled double-deck trailers transport chilled foods which are consolidated for onward delivery to more than 600 stores across the UK.
Buffaload and Morrisons have worked closely together for more than two years to optimise handling times and improve vehicle utilisation.
Wes Smallwoods from Morrisons’ fresh meat processing plant in Deeside, says, “Our objective is to bring fresh food to all our stores in perfect condition, while keeping transport and distribution costs to a minimum. With the Buffaload double-deckers, we can load greater volumes and use fewer vehicles, which in turn, reduce road miles and cost.”
To accommodate the double-deckers’ extra height, Morrisons called upon Buffaload’s engineering team to modify a number of its existing loading bays, while two new bays were purpose-built.
