hopwells-isuzu-in-snow-0209.jpgThe first production 12 tonne Isuzu ‘Forward’ trucks in the UK have now joined the 100 strong all-refrigerated distribution fleet at the Head Office of frozen food supplier Hopwells, as the company continues on its programme of working towards having an all-Isuzu based distribution fleet, where possible.

Hopwells already operate Isuzu trucks at 7.5t GVW, but these dozen new vehicles are the first Isuzus to join the Hopwells fleet at 12 tonnes GVW.

The 12 Isuzu Euro 4 “Forward” F120.240 12 tonne rigids, fitted with RVL refrigerated bodies and Hubbard 720L refrigeration systems, are now delivering the company’s full range of frozen foods based out of their seven depots across the UK.

Although the bulk of the loads being carried are deep frozen at -25°C within the bodies, Hopwells have also incorporated a small chiller section on the nearside for chilled products. On average, the trucks will have between 25 and 30 drops per day on a normal delivery cycle and the vehicles are expected to cover in excess of 60,000kms per annum.

With the Isuzu 12t chassis cab, RVL body and Hubbard fridge combination, Hopwells can achieve an increased payload of 6.5 tonne, which equates to more than
1/2 tonne additional payload in comparison to their incumbent 12 tonne trucks. With this in mind, Hopwells anticipate running these vehicles with a planned refrigerated body refurbishment usually after five years.

According to David Williams, Fleet Manager at Hopwells, “We have had Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigids in our fleet for many years now and their performance during this time has led us to dedicate our fleet to one brand, Isuzu, whenever we can. The new 12 tonne Isuzu trucks continue the Isuzu philosophy of maximising payload, combined with all round superb performance.”

Hopwells took delivery of its first Isuzu rigid back in 2004 and, with the recent arrival of the dozen new 12 tonners; there are now 42 Isuzu’s in the fleet of 100 vehicles.

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