trans-o-flex adds 548 new vehicles for pharmaceutical logistics

With 548 thermally qualified vehicles for pharmaceutical transport, the express service trans-o-flex is renewing and expanding its fleet for its ambient service (transport at 15 to 25 degrees Celsius) and its subsidiary trans-o-flex ThermoMed, which specializes in nationwide pharmaceutical distribution with active temperature control at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.

(Weinheim) “This new million investment in our fleet will further enhance our quality and improve our efficiency,” says Wolfgang P. Albeck, CEO of trans-o-flex. “Thanks to new technology, we can reduce maintenance-related downtime, and many vehicles will be quieter and more economical due to electric temperature control.” The order for the vehicles was placed in 2022 and distributed among several manufacturers. “We wanted to spread the risk of delivery delays,” Albeck explains. “The manufacturers have now delivered the first vehicles, and all new vehicles are expected to be in operation by the end of January 2024.”

All box vehicles receive innovative electric thermo units

trans-o-flex ThermoMed is receiving 100 Mercedes Sprinter with a box body from Spier and 75 VW-Crafter with a box body from Kress. “We were able to combine all the box vehicles with electric cooling from Mitsubishi,” explains Albeck. “Although they are more expensive to purchase than conventional units, they are quieter and cleaner in operation and lower in overall costs.” The reason for this is the savings on fuel.

Conventional thermo units of vans draw the necessary energy exclusively from the vehicle’s engine. “When the vehicle stops for delivery, the engine must keep running to ensure temperature control,” explains Albeck. “This not only leads to higher fuel consumption but also to increased noise pollution.”

Innovation thoroughly tested: Good in all temperature ranges

Both issues can be avoided with electrically operated units, which ThermoMed tested in practice before ordering: in the pure cooling range of 2 to 8 degrees, in the so-called ambient temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees, as well as in dual-chamber operation with both temperature zones. “The devices met expectations in all areas. They are a real, green innovation.”

During driving, the energy supply for the electric units is provided by a separate buffer battery, which is charged by the generator. Once the engine is off, the buffer battery supplies the necessary power. The vehicle engine is also not needed for the necessary pre-conditioning of the cargo area to the correct temperature. The vehicle can be connected to a conventional 230-volt outlet, which simultaneously charges the buffer battery. Albeck: “We have installed outlets at our loading gates and can pre-cool the vehicles electrically in summer and heat them in winter.” Since trans-o-flex exclusively uses green electricity from renewable sources, the pre-conditioning of these vehicles is CO2-free. Another advantage of the new solution: In case of engine failure, the vehicles can maintain the set temperature for several hours using the battery.

In addition to the box vehicles, trans-o-flex ThermoMed has already received 23 fully temperature-controlled vans of the Mercedes Sprinter type. Another 230 of these special vans will go to trans-o-flex Express for use in the ambient service. For all new acquisitions, it applies: “On the one hand, the vehicles are already qualified according to pharmaceutical standards directly from the factory, either by the service provider Pharmaserv or VL Thermo-Solutions.” Thus, they can be used for pharmaceutical transports directly from delivery. “On the other hand, all vehicles are now equipped with plug sensors that allow us to measure the temperature.”

120 trailers for line services

The advantage of these plug sensors is that the vehicles do not need to go to the workshop for the annual calibration of the temperature sensors. “We have signed a contract with the supplier Euroscan Parts & Service, where the company’s employees come to us for calibration and carry it out professionally.” This reduces maintenance-related downtime of the vehicles. The current order also includes 120 two-axle trailers from Krone for the line services of trans-o-flex. Currently, a total of 467 actively temperature-controlled and pharmaceutical standard-certified trailers are in use in the express line service. Overall, trans-o-flex has more than 2,750 vehicles with active temperature control in Germany and Austria.

Photo: trans-o-flex