Refrigerated vehicles are primarily used for the transportation of perishable goods which must be kept under temperature control. Fridge vans, trucks, trailers and HGVs provide onboard refrigeration which enables the distribution of goods at a desired temperature. Refrigerated vehicle hire in general and, more specifically, refrigerated HGV hire, play a critical role in the operation of many industries across the UK, the largest of which being the food and medical industries.
In this article we discuss some of the uses of refrigerated vehicles, as well as listing our top tips for hiring a refrigerated vehicle in the UK – based on over 30 years’ experience in the industry!
Why should food in the UK be transported in refrigerated vehicles?
Food business operators need to keep their food as fresh as possible for as long as possible. It makes sense. The better the quality of the product they deliver, the higher the value of that product. Therefore utilisation of temperature control procedures, such as hiring refrigerated vehicles in place of non-temperature controlled vehicles is essential to keep stock at the desired temperature during transit.
Food business operators also have an obligation to abide by the The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, The Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006 and The Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, which detail how high risk food items that support the growth of microbes should be temperature controlled. As well as how any food items that may form toxins during the display, service, holding, preparation, handling and storage should be temperature controlled.
Please note the food regulations in Scotland differ greatly to the rest of the UK. For more information visit the government website: The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Ensuring food is transported at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth and therefore reduce the risk of food poisoning, means that choosing the correct refrigerated vehicle is essential. There are a wide range of vehicles available for this purpose in the UK. If you are unsure of which type of vehicle you require, we recommended that you contact an expert and get their advice. At Falcon Vehicle Solutions we have over 30 years of experience, so get in touch and let us point you in the right direction.
Why should perishable medical items in the UK be transported in refrigerated vehicles?
In the UK pharmaceuticals and medical supplies such as medicine, blood, and organs for transport must be kept at the recommended temperature to ensure their integrity and effectiveness.
A recent example is the Oxford Vaccine for COVID-19. This must be stored and transported at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. This constant temperature control would not be possible without the use of a refrigerated vehicle. Medical supplies also have specific packaging requirements which may dictate the type of refrigerated vehicle required, scroll down to see our tips for hiring the right vehicle for you.
Please check with the NHS for specific guidance on the temperature control and transportation of medical supplies.
Tips for hiring a refrigerated vehicle in the UK:
- Check the regulations for your industry
Contact the relevant authority for your industry to get a list of the specific conditions your good must be transported in by UK law. - Choose a leasing provider that offers servicing, maintenance and repair
It makes sense to keep everything in one place, saving you time, money and stress! - Check if your vehicle needs to be chilled or frozen
Some foods form and re-form ice crystals as they thaw and re-freeze, seriously affecting the flavour and texture – not ideal! Ice cream, for example, must be kept at a constant -25°C and so requires transportation in a vehicle with this capability. Vaccines and other medical supplies may lose their effectiveness if they are stored outside of recommended temperature, whether too hot or too cold. Make sure you know exactly what temperature you require and ask your leasing provider to recommend a suitable vehicle. - Check the weight of the goods (and their packaging) you are transporting
Some items may need to be stored and transported surrounded with ice – which can start to get very heavy. Similarly, the goods themselves (for example meat) can be very heavy on their own and required specialist refrigerated vehicles. Our fleet includes a range of vehicles to meet these needs, including refrigerated vehicles with robust bodies and tail lifts for easy on load and off load.
Why choose Falcon for refrigerated vehicle hire?
Poorly maintained refrigerated vehicles can lead to unforeseen business disruption including damaged stock, and additional cost. Falcon Vehicle Solutions on site workshop means you can rest assured that your vehicle is always fit for purpose, minimising downtime.
Falcon Vehicle Solutions take the lead with PMI’s and fridge services on vehicles, and can maintain all vehicles to each customer’s specific needs. Our long term contract deals can include all maintenance, with the ability to add tyre upkeep, leaving you with peace of mind for a set monthly cost. We also work with you to provide cover vehicles when MOT’s or maintenance are planned, minimising disruption to operations.
Falcon Vehicle Solutions have a wide range of refrigerated vehicles to accommodate all transportation needs, across a wide range of industries.
Our always in demand 3.5T fridge vans are ideal for multiple stops, food delivery services and perishable medical items. With a payload of up to 1 tonne and the ability to run dual temperatures, these are ideal for delivering a variety of items such as chilled and frozen goods, or medicines that must be kept at different temperatures. Our fridge vans have a 3.3M bed length and are almost 2 meters in height, meaning they can carry a large amount of stock within payload.
Falcon Vehicle Solutions also offer 26T refrigerated box vehicles. These are also dual temperature and boast an impressive 16 pallet capacity with an internal height of 2.5Meters and are over 8 meters in length.
With over 30 years industry experience, Falcon Vehicle Solutions are the experts on refrigerated vehicles. Speak to our team and find out how we can help your business.
