While trucking companies nationwide grapple with high fuel costs, increased regulations, and other challenges, refrigerated carrier C R England remains committed to sustainability and innovation.
C R England is using an enhanced intermodal transportation system, TempStack container-on-flatcar technology (COFC), which combines the benefits of rail transportation with the convenience of localized trailer delivery. The use of the intermodal network—which uses shipping via rail instead of over-the-road—saved the company and its customers more than 3.5 million gallons of fuel in 2009. This can also lead to lower consumer product costs.
The company also expects to lower fuel costs by 40% compared with traditional operating models by selecting more energy-efficient systems with superior control functions. These controls allow drivers to tightly manage temperature while optimizing fuel usage by cycling the cooling process, providing as-needed rather than continuous cooling.
In addition, C R England increased operational efficiency by standardizing its maintenance program, which leaders anticipate will reduce maintenance costs by $250,000 annually.
Because of its commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency, C R England recently received the Thermo King “Energy Efficiency Leader Award.”
The carrier has also incorporated controls that allow it to run refrigeration units on an as-needed basis while tightly controlling temperature. A customized temperature control system, OptiSet, offers more than 500 pre-set temperature options, allowing unit operation and product quality decisions to be made in advance. Fleet managers and drivers can collaborate to identify a tightly controlled temperature range based on the product load.
C R England has also increased operational efficiency by incorporating Cycle-Sentry modulation, which allows the unit engine to shut down when air temperature has reached the desired setpoint. This saves fuel and the accumulation of engine hours.
To cut variable maintenance costs, the firm has incorporated a standardized maintenance program designed to reduce load loss, extend equipment life, and increase driver safety.
For more information, access www.crengland.com or www.crengland.com/tempstack.
