Elevate fleet sustainability with cost-effective refurbishment

One simple yet efficient initiative that minimizes the environmental impact of transport and logistics services, is to refurbish and give the trailers a second life, which at the same time gives operators a cost-effective alternative proposition to expensive trailer replacement.

In today’s competitive global marketplace, industry is faced with a double-edged dilemma. Firstly, new product supply is scarce, with long lead times currently running into 2024. At the same time, the damaging effects of global warming on the environment are now seriously high on everyone’s agenda.

For many commercial trailer fleets, it’s a question of whether to replace their trailers at the end of their contract or refurbish them and extend their working life.

The European supply chain issues encountered over the last few years has ensured that operators have had to take a much closer look at their future fleet plans. It’s no longer a case of a simple and traditional ‘replace at the end of the contract’ option.

What are the benefits to refurbishing a trailer fleet?

· Trailer refurbishment is a speedier and financially attractive way of keeping a current trailer fleet in tip top condition, whilst naturally extending the life of the fleet

· Refurbishment can also sharpen up the overall fleet image by incorporating additional items, such as updated corporate liveries or re-brands should the trailers be used on new or alternative contracts

· Additional ancillary equipment such as tail lifts can also be added to existing trailers

· Trailers can even change from one format to another (curtainsider to flatbed for example) as part of the refurbishment programme, should the new/alternative contracts demand a different type of trailer

· Refurbishment of a trailer fleet can also play a vital and integral part within an organisation’s environmental sustainability programme by aligning to the principles of a circular economy

· Refurbishing, rather than replacing trailers, can enable companies to save carbon, while continuing to deliver services of a consistently high quality to end customers

Embracing the bigger sustainability picture

Today’s modern transport companies are actively moving towards operating more sustainably. Realising these ambitions often involves high-level innovation and new technologies.

However, this can be achieved by implementing solutions that are more straightforward. This is where trailer refurbishment plays a significant role as it is far more affordable than purchasing new replacement assets, as well as enabling much greener credentials.

As part of any trailer refurb programme, traditional items such as brake discs, brake pads, airbags and side and roof curtains will be refurbished or replaced to extend the lifetime of the trailers.

For example, on a curtainsider the old curtains will be replaced and recycled, ultimately being repurposed into useful items.

Refurbishing trailers rather than replacing them is a step forward towards more circular logistics and strategic growth. Operators are increasingly looking to adopt these cleaner, and more efficient, trailer solutions, which will ultimately enable them to turn the green transition into a successful long-term future for their business operations.

Sustainable development is at the heart of TIP’s trailer solutions

TIP Group has years of experience when it comes to the overhaul and repair of trailers. Various experts at TIP work in the field of trailer refurbishment. As such, an asset overhaul can be a favourable option, enabling the supply of good quality refurbished equipment quickly, whilst at the same time reducing the CO2 footprint.

Worldwide, TIP Group is committed to help drive the industry towards greater sustainability by helping its customers achieve their environmental targets faster, easier and at a much bigger scale.

Sustainable development is at the forefront of the TIP Group operations, bringing a suite of sustainable solutions to the global market, including targeting the refurbishment of over 5,300 trailers by 2025.

Further information about TIP Group’s commitment to its Environment, Social Governance (ESG) strategy can be viewed on https://www.tip-group.com/en/about/sustainability