Tesco is saving 50,000 road miles and cutting 61 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions annually since installing a Transdek double-deck lift at its Belfast DC to receive its new double-deck trailers.
Previously, the retailer used single-deckers and powered double-deckers, the latter of which, at 16 tonnes, have a restricted payload, therefore carry five to six tonnes less than a fixed trailer, making them unsuitable for mixed grocery deliveries.
Tesco’s fixed double-deckers carry up to 26 tonnes payload.
Transdek installed a 12-roll cage, surface-mounted rope lift at the site, which took one day to install.
The extended lift stroke on the units can reach from ground level to three metres, and was of “particular benefit” to the retailer, because it meant the depot could accept deliveries from any type of double-deck trailer, including continental ones which have lower floor heights of 200mm.
Transdek lifts feature internal floodlighting, traffic lights, dock seals, a hydraulic bridging plate and vehicle buffers as standard. At Tesco’s request, it also designed wheel guides with adjustable wheel stops to prevent standard trailers from colliding with the lift house due to their longer rear overhang.