The new equipment boasts a 70% increase in capacity compared to traditional high loaders with no increase to the overall footprint of the vehicle. Along with its aim to optimise efficiency throughout the longhaul supply chain, DHL's main objective was to increase the capacity of the high loader while complying with global operating regulations regarding height, length and width.
In collaboration with high loader specialist Mallaghan Engineering, DHL designed a new model which, while in transit, meets all current restrictions relating to dimension, but during loading and unloading its roof rises to provide operators a safe working height of 1.8m. Owing to lower fuel prices and other enhancements, the new development is predicted to cut operating costs by some 20%.
At the launch event, Paul Richardson, Managing Director Specialist Services, DHL Supply Chain, commented: "As part of our 'GoGreen' programme, we are committed to delivering significant environmental improvements for our customers. The "Double Decker High Loader" is the latest in a series of innovations we have introduced in recent years, including the teardrop trailer – now a familiar sight on UK roads – and our award-winning "Rail Kit" which has shifted over 300,000 general merchandise products a week from road to rail, cutting 750,000 road miles and saving over 800 tonnes of CO2 every year. The initial response from our customers suggests the new "Double Decker High Loader" is set to have an equally dramatic impact."
