TIP is embarking on a major refurbishment project for half of Howdens Joinery’s 800-strong fleet.
TIP will transform 400 tri-axle curtainsider trailers over the next 10 months with the support of its service provider partners.
The process will involve shotblasting the chassis and superstructures of the trailers, repainting, mechanical refitting, fitment of new strapping, a livery refresh and the adding new curtains. The addition of TIP Insight telematics means the fleet will have an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System.
The existing units are expected to get a 10-year working life extension thanks to the project.
According to TIP, this refurbishment initiative will save approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per trailer by avoiding a new trailer manufacturing process. TIP is also providing nine new Volvo LNG trucks to Howdens as it expands its truck fleet to further reduce its carbon footprint.
“Using the expected lifetime mileage and scope of refurbishment of each trailer across the Howdens fleet, we are able to calculate the carbon dioxide savings for the business in taking the refurbishment route, as opposed to purchasing from new,” said Head of ESG at TIP, Markus Pretzl.
Further environmental benefits are being made by recycling all 400 sets of trailer curtains. Buckles and poles are being salvaged for the metal, while the curtains and straps are being cleaned and recycled, avoiding approximately 60 tonnes of landfill.
“It is our responsibility to future proof the transport side of our business in the most efficient and safe way we can, and this is a fantastic method of doing so,” said Howdens’ Head of Transport, Gareth Sterland. “The support we are receiving from TIP makes this project possible and we look forward to completion of the programme and to continuing our partnership.”
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