C.R. England is using an enhanced intermodal transportation solution, TempStack container-on-flatcar technology (COFC), which combines the benefits of rail transportation with the convenience of localized trailer delivery. The use of the intermodal network — which uses shipping via rail instead of over-the-road — saved C.R. England and its customers more than 3.5 million gallons of fuel last year. This can also lead to lower consumer product costs.
The company also expects to lower fuel costs by 40 percent compared to traditional operating models by selecting more energy efficient solutions with world-leading control functions. These controls allow drivers to tightly manage temperature while optimizing fuel usage by cycling the cooling process, providing as-needed rather than continuous cooling.
In addition, C.R. England increased operational efficiency by standardizing its maintenance program, which leaders anticipate will reduce maintenance costs by $250,000 annually.
Because of its commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency, C.R. England will receive the Thermo King “Energy Efficiency Leader Award.”
“It’s not often in business that you find a solution providing end-to-end benefits,” said Dan England, president and chairman of the board, C.R. England. “Our commitment to sustainability has also opened the door to improved safety, reliability and cost savings while giving our customers even better service.”
Intermodal Transportation Solution Increases Sustainability
C.R. England has introduced TempStack to its Intermodal division. TempStack is an innovative, 53-foot temperature-controlled COFC technology that offers significant cost savings, expanded network coverage capacity and a reduced carbon footprint. C.R. England’s COFC technology makes the company’s fleet the largest in the industry with the ability to double-stack refrigerated containers on railroad flatcars, creating greater movement of freight through more green and cost effective transportation. The fleet will include 300 containers by the end of the first quarter of 2011.
Every load that travels by rails means having one less truck on the highway, reducing fuel costs, carbon emissions and traffic congestion, and ultimately creating safer roads. On average, each load converted to intermodal results in a 60 percent carbon footprint reduction.
Refrigeration Controls Generate Savings
C.R. England has also incorporated controls that allow them to run refrigeration units on an as-needed basis while tightly controlling temperature – changes which save money and increase operational efficiency.
A customized temperature control system, OptiSet™, offers more than 500 pre-set temperature options, allowing unit operation and product quality decisions to be made in advance. Fleet managers and drivers can collaborate to identify a tightly controlled temperature range based on the product load, which can result in more consistent product quality and more efficient use of the unit.
C.R. England has also increased operational efficiency by incorporating CYCLE-SENTRY modulation™, which allows the unit engine to shut down when air temperature has reached the desired setpoint. This saves fuel and the accumulation of engine hours.
Standardized Maintenance Program Increases Operational Efficiency
To reduce variable maintenance costs, leaders at C.R. England have incorporated a standardized maintenance program. C.R. England anticipates the enhanced maintenance approach will reduce load loss, extend equipment life and increase driver safety.
Tailored to maximize uptime and productivity for C.R. England, the maintenance program provides drivers 24/7 access to expedited services. The company anticipates that carefully maintained equipment will further improve safety and efficiency every step of the way.
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