In 2012, Rand Refrigerated Logistics began purchasing refrigerated semi-trailers built by Genuine Truck Bodies (GTB). Two years on, the cold chain specialist has now turned its attention towards upgrading its A-trailer range. GTB is once again tasked with completing the picture.
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Almost 30 years ago, Rand established itself as a long haul refrigerated carrier operating out of Western Australia with just five road train combinations. Today, it is a cold chain powerhouse – servicing clients in all major Australian cities using a growing fleet of 325 tri-axle, 45-foot refrigerated vans that can be used in B-double and road train configurations. Yet the stunning rise in fleet numbers would not be possible without the help of Melbourne’s Genuine Truck Bodies – a company that is now building complete combinations for Rand, including a of string of new A-trailers.
“We started out with ordering two to three refrigerated semi-trailers per month, but rising demand in the cold chain market saw that number grow to five units per month. Now, GTB is building up to 10 units a month for us,” says David Cole, General Manager for Rand Refrigerated Logistics. “To ensure maximum efficiency, all trailers are required to be interchangeable, as we often use them in B-double and road train configurations, so we also needed a suitable A-trailer.”
“All trailers come with the appropriate load restraints and load bars, which enables us to separate the freight inside the trailer without having to stack it on top of each other. This allows for a better weight distribution and keeps the goods intact.”
During the first half of 2013, GTB, along with Rand and sister company Harris Refrigerated Transport, therefore began working on a new A-trailer design. “We didn’t previously source full B-double combinations from GTB, but since they were already designing our semi‑trailers, we thought why not come up with a standard design for a complete combination and modernise the entire fleet altogether,” David says.
By August of 2013, Rand took delivery of its first A-trailer. “The objectives of acquiring new models were two-fold. Firstly, we had to replace the existing A-trailers in the fleet that had reached the end of their life cycle; and we also wanted to increase the volume of B-double and road train combinations at our disposal,” David explains.
“Addressing these areas enabled us to meet the demands of the refrigerated transport market, while at the same time significantly improve the capabilities of our fleet. There is certainly a measurable difference economywise in delivering 34 spaces of fresh produce, chilled or frozen goods, as opposed to just 22 spaces in one semi-trailer.”
The production of A-trailers involved extensive research and development, particularly when it came to ironing out previous issues in Rand’s older A-trailer models. “One area of concern was the roll-back option, which was a common problem especially when our drivers would arrive at loading docks and leave the A-trailer behind. Often the rolling mechanisms would break down while shifting the body back and forth,” David says.
“After working closely with the staff at GTB, we came up with a new design and formulated a solution that’s more fail safe. GTB also reinforced the areas around the rolling mechanisms that are now heavily encased and protected from dirt, grease and other debris getting in. Since adding our first A-trailer last August, we have added 14 more units and none of the roll-back issues have resurfaced.”
“To ensure maximum efficiency, all trailers are required to be interchangeable, as we often use them in B-double and road train configurations, so we also needed a suitable A-trailer.”
According to David, all new B-double and road train combinations by GTB contain purpose-designed features built according to Rand’s requirements. “We often have multi-temperature loading in each van to accommodate all the fragile and perishable freight on board,” David says.
“All trailers come with the appropriate load restraints and load bars, which enables us to separate the freight inside the trailer without
having to stack it on top of each other. This allows for a better weight distribution and keeps the goods intact. In addition, each trailer is also fitted the latest in Carrier refrigerated units and is closely monitored 24/7 using Cooltrax technology.”
The added bonus of having GTB and Rand under the one corporate umbrella has helped produce the desired result, as David notes. “The fact that we operate within the same family, so to speak, has played a central role in helping us achieve our business objectives.”
GTB and Rand are subsidiaries of Perth-based motoring and logistics retailer, Automotive Holdings Group Limited, which brought Rand under the business umbrella in 1986. AHG is listed in the ASX200 index and holds more than 150 automotive franchises across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2011 Rand acquired Adelaide-based Harris. Almost immediately, the acquisition increased demand for tri-axle freezer trailers. By 2012, following extensive research and development, GTB commenced semi‑trailer production alongside the company’s traditional rigid body lines. As of 2014, GTB is now designing refrigerated trailers for all companies operating in Australia’s commercial road transport market.
