KFL strengthens fleet with SDC Freespan

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Tuesday 22 September 2020

Suffolk-based haulage operator Kersey Freight Ltd (KFL) has added 20 new SDC Freespan Curtainsiders to its 180 strong trailer fleet, in addition to 24 new trailers from the manufacturer in 2019.

Specialists in the UK road haulage sector, KFL placed the order following a number of key contract wins earlier this year.

Built on SDC’s chassis technology, the EN-XL rated Curtainsiders feature a clear side aperture and advanced Easy-roll curtain rail technology, said to provide a highly efficient and reliable solution for sideloading.

Manufactured in high tensile steel, the Freespan incorporates SDC’s unique bolt-on body which relieves stress on critical parts of the trailer and allows for ease of repair in the event of accident damage.

The bodywork and curtains have been independently tested by TÜV Nord to EN 12642 XL standard and a 29,000kg payload, guaranteeing the structural build.

Traditionally running SDC posted curtainsiders, this is the first time KFL opted for the post-less design following the full release of this model to UK operators in January.

A personalised trailer spec will further enhance KFL’s uptime with BPW eco-plus 9-ton axles and low maintenance drum brakes, Haldex Generation 3 braking, full LED lighting, SDC’s universal coupling box, and additional toolbox storage.

Fleet manager at KFL, Robert Steele, said: “Kersey Freight is trusted by some of the UK’s biggest retailers and manufacturers to deliver their products on time and our new fleet of curtainsiders will ensure we continue to achieve this.

“When I saw the Freespan model earlier this year I was impressed by what it has to offer, the practical design and user-friendly operation is favoured by our drivers and will bring significant savings to our everyday operations.

“Out of the 180 trailers that we operate, 121 of these are SDC, we have always found them reliable, well-built, and robust enough to stand up to our demanding haulage operations. Matt and the team have provided us with excellent service and back up, which has helped us to achieve the best service possible to our customer base.”     

Until January of this year, sales of SDC’s Freespan Curtainsider were limited to the company’s Irish customer base due to a manufacturing and supply agreement across the rest of the UK.

Since the full roll-out of the post-less model, the Freespan Curtainsider has been a popular choice among UK hauliers, says SDC, thanks to the highly functional design and robust chassis.

UK sales manager at SDC Trailers, Matt Kerrison, added: “SDC’s robotically welded chassis is the foundation for strength and durability across our trailer range and complete with 5* easy-roll technology, our Freespan delivers the performance and reliability that customers expect from our trailers.

“I am delighted to see another batch of SDC trailers on the road with Kersey Freight, a well-known name in the industry and key provider of haulage services throughout the UK.”

Developed in-house by SDC’s engineering team, the Easy roll roof-rail technology is a low-friction track system that features a curved design to eliminate the risk of dirt gathering and impacting the function of the curtain. As a result, the curtains glide along the clear side aperture, making it easy to operate and reducing the risk of driver injury.

The Freespan model is available in a straight or step frame design with a host of door, floor, storage, and load restraint options which come as standard across the SDC trailer range, and can be tailored to suit the operator’s specific transport requirements.

Spanning over 800 trailer models, the SDC range includes single and double deck boxvans, curtainsiders, platform and skeletal trailers certified to EN 12642-XL standard.

SDC has direct control over the trailer manufacturing process at its four trailer production facilities in the UK and Ireland, with additional aftersales locations for vehicle graphics, truck and trailer parts, trailer repair, and second-hand sales.

www.sdctrailers.com