A longstanding customer of Gray & Adams, Pilgrim says it has “not looked back” since first specifying the bodywork20 years ago.
The Lincolnshire-based operator’s latest additions are Atego 1624L models, which have uprated front axles, and 1321Ls, all supplied by dealer Intercounty Truck & Van. Their ClassicSpace day cabs are air-conditioned, while they also feature optional Lane Keeping Assist safety systems, carbon filters and air suspended rear axles.
The new vehicles are assigned to intensive, multi-drop delivery duties, and feature 6.6m and 7.6m bodies with twin compartments for frozen and chilled/ambient product, and Thermo King T-1000R and T-1200R multi-temperature refrigeration systems.
The bodies have movable bulkheads with internal doors, along with additional features to minimise temperature ‘creep’ between compartments and restrict any loss of cooling arising from frequent openings of one or more of the triple rear doors, which have Planarctic strip curtains.
Pilgrim’s managing director Peter Bateman says: “We used to shop around for temperature-controlled bodywork but began dealing with Gray & Adams nearly 20 years ago and have not looked back since.
“Gray & Adams equipment is manufactured to a very high standard and we know it will last long enough to give us a double life – we have boxes that are 16 and 17 years old which we’ve remounted on to new chassis and are still going strong.”
Pilgrim’s latest vehicles are equipped with Thermo King technology that allows operations staff to monitor vehicle temperatures remotely in real time and, where necessary, intervene to adjust the fridge output from a computer back at base.
“It’s all about ease of operation and maintaining temperature integrity,” adds Bateman. “We can see when the doors are opened and for how long, and if necessary make finely-tuned adjustments to the cooling system from the office.”