Chiltern Distribution orders Sunswap Endurance as operator raises the bar on cold chain performance

Cambridgeshire-based cold chain operator brings Sunswap’s electric refrigeration into its multi-temperature fleet through a long-term hire agreement with TIP Group.

Leatherhead, Surrey - Chiltern Distribution, a cold chain operator with over 30 years in temperature-controlled logistics, has ordered Sunswap Endurance units fitted to SOR trailers from the Reefer Group and on long-term hire from TIP Group.

Chiltern is a business that invests with intent. The past year has seen changes across systems, people and processes, and Sunswap Endurance fits into this by introducing technology that improves how the fleet performs - and what it costs to run.

Brian Sagaseta, owner and Managing Director of Chiltern Distribution, said: "We've spent the last year investing in our people, our systems, and the way we run this business. We want to stay ahead, and that means making sure the technology we run gives us the same commitment to our customers that we do. Endurance does this, it gives the performance, data, and emissions-reduction that wasn't possible before.”

Drivers operating the unit have noted a significant reduction in noise during overnight and residential deliveries - a practical benefit on routes where Chiltern's pharmaceutical work requires early morning access to urban and residential areas.

Endurance charges from standard shore power already present at most temperature-controlled depots, with trailer-top solar extending range and reduce costs. There is nothing to install and nothing to change. For Chiltern, and for most operators, it fits into the existing operation from day one.

Mike Furnival, Managing Director of TIP, said: “TIP is seeing growing demand from operators looking to adopt next-generation refrigerated trailer technology in a flexible and cost-efficient way. Our agreement with Chiltern Distribution demonstrates how long-term leasing can enable customers to access innovative low and zero emission solutions without the need for significant upfront capital investment.”

Operators running Endurance have achieved up to 81% reduction in refrigeration operating costs versus diesel. For a business running a multi-temperature fleet this leads to a significant operating cost saving alongside the environmental benefits of switching to a zero-emission refrigerated trailer.

The business holds BRC AA accreditation and operates to a 99.5% on-time delivery standard. This means Chiltern cannot afford to manage their fleet reactively. Endurance changes that, moving from responding to problems to anticipating them - with asset performance data that supports planned maintenance and temperature compliance records available for every run, including the audit-ready documentation Chiltern's pharmaceutical customers require.

Alaistar Gough, Head of Business Develop, said: "Chiltern has built a strong reputation over 30 years by taking their operation seriously. They invest carefully and hold themselves to a high standard for their customers. Endurance fits into that - it performs on demanding routes, removes diesel costs and emissions entirely, it gives the team data they can act on."

Chiltern joins a UK customer base that includes Tesco, DFDS, Ocado, Birds Eye and Noble Foods.

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