Strengthening fleet for European transport

NAT Enterprises has taken delivery of four Euroliners and a dropside flatbed trailer from Schmitz Cargobull to improve the efficiency of its European operations.

The haulage company, which is contracted by GreenChem to transport AdBlue storage tanks to Italy, Spain, Hungary, The Netherlands and Belgium, opted for the Euroliners to ensure compliance with European trailer regulations. It also recognises the benefits of Schmitz Cargobull’s extensive European network of authorised and trained service partners to provide breakdown and parts support.

Two of the firm’s new Euroliners are used for a different arm of the business, transporting fresh sawn timber out of France for distribution to suppliers in the Midlands.

Neil Harding, Operations Manager at NAT Enterprises, says: “We were impressed with two used Schmitz trailers we bought a couple of years ago, and the Euroliner’s specifications suit our business perfectly. For our work in Europe, they are better than I could buy off any UK-based manufacturer.”

According to Harding, the key benefits are the lift axle of the ROTOS running gear on the trailer – designed to increase driving safety while reducing tyre wear – as well as the lower floor height and load security.

“The furthest place we go is southern Italy. That’s a long run but the Euroliner does the job superbly. The look and build quality of the trailers is very good. They are robust but light and have flexible carrying capacity,” he says.

NAT Enterprises also acquired an S.PR BAU flatbed semi-trailer from Europe’s biggest trailer manufacturer. With its reinforced chassis, high headboard and removable dropsides, the flatbed is used to transport oversize AdBlue storage tanks to European customers.

Working with Scania and Renault tractor units, the new arrivals join a mixed 50-plus fleet of trailers, HGVs and vans operating out of the company’s Stafford base and are expected to clock up around 120,000 km per year.

Commenting on Schmitz Cargobull’s service, Harding adds: “The turnaround time from order to build and delivery was much quicker than other companies could offer. We can keep a close eye on the trailers via the TrailerConnect telematics system and have access to Schmitz Cargobull’s Europe-wide service network, which are great benefits.”