The Co-operative has become one of the first operators to take delivery of Gray & Adams’ new “Dolphin” design of truck body.
The Dolphin is designed to maximise fuel efficiency and uses new leading-edge cappings that follow the 3D curvature of the roof, and a vortex generator to smooth the airflow around the back of the vehicle.
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The Co-operative’s two Dolphins are fitted to 26-tonne Scania chassis with roof-mounted, adjustable air deflectors by Hatcher Components.
Despite the fact that the body’s roofline then tapers towards the rear of the truck, there is still sufficient interior space to accommodate the roll cages used by The Co-operative to transport its frozen and chilled product.
Both vehicles have entered service at The Co-operative Group’s recently opened, £22-million regional distribution centre in Avonmouth.
Ken Thompson, logistics service transport fleet manager for The Co-operative Group, confirmed: “We’re always keen to explore any opportunities to cut costs, especially our fuel bill, while at the same time reducing our carbon footprint and improving our environmental profile.
“These vehicles are certainly turning heads and we will be monitoring their performance in terms of fuel efficiency with great interest over the coming months.”
