Maritime drives distribution performance with 150 more trailers

The UK’s leading intermodal transport operator, Maritime Transport Ltd. (Maritime), has added 150 curtainsided trailers to its distribution fleet, 50 of which are currently on the road, and 100 due to be delivered in September and October. The single-deck, 13.6-metre trailers supplied by long-term partner, Lawrence David, will accommodate Maritime’s expansion efforts to meet growing demand from its increasing customer-base.

The tri-axle EN12642XL-compliant curtainsiders each featuring clearspan, pillarless roof designs comprise a variety of bespoke specifications, including a soft dock feature to mitigate loading bay damage, a load restraint system designed to securely carry both pallets and roll cages, heavy-duty flooring for increased durability, state-of-the-art tracking and a tail lift option.

Commenting on the new trailers, Stuart Wardlaw, Fleet Director at Maritime Transport, stated: ‘We have always been really pleased with the quality of Lawrence David’s products and their personal approach throughout our six-year relationship with them.’ He added: ‘The new trailers will further enable us to continue servicing our customers during these challenging times so that Britain can continue to function. We are extremely proud of our curtainsider fleet and the drivers and staff who operate them, and look forward to their integration across our depot network.’

Already the UK’s largest container transport operator, Maritime decided to diversify into the domestic distribution sector on 1st February 2011 with the purchase of 100 curtainsiders. In the nine years since, it’s distribution division has become the chosen supplier to some of the world’s largest FMCG companies experiencing exponential growth with significant contract wins even awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic. 16 of Maritime’s 33 depots are attributed to distribution, a division which sees an annualised turnover of £120m with a distribution fleet of over 300 vehicles carrying out an average of 6,000 customer deliveries per week.

‘It is a real pleasure to once again be working alongside Maritime, a company that like us is incredibly passionate about providing the best possible service to their customers utilising the best equipment,’ said Andy Dodge, Managing Director at Lawrence David. ‘We are delighted the new trailers will strengthen Maritime’s intensive operation and capacity to provide vital logistics during the pandemic, and thank them for their loyalty.’