The trailers feature tail lifts, rear steer axles and front lift axles. The front lift axles result in reduced tyre wear throughout the working life of the trailer as, when the load allows, the tyres on the front axle can be raised from the road surface. The rear steer axle, meanwhile, enables the trailers to be easily manoeuvred even in the most cramped yard and loading bay areas.

Part of the German-owned Wilhelm bott group, Bott Ltd’s UK manufacturing base is situated in Bude Cornwall, with in Vehicle fitting centres in Leicestershire, Cumbernauld and Bude. The trailer fleet forms the backbone of the company’s logistics operation – collecting components and raw materials from production facilities in Germany, delivering them directly to the UK plants and delivering finished products to clients around the UK and Europe on a single and multi-drop basis.

In addition to the build quality and, of course, cost efficiency of the product, Bott chose Schmitz Cargobull as its preferred trailer supplier because of the short lead times that Schmitz Cargobull are now able to offer. Thanks to recent improvements in production technique at its curtainsider production factory at Harelaw, County Durham, Schmitz Cargobull has increased curtainsider capacity by 20 per cent. As a result, the time that it takes Schmitz Cargobull to build and deliver a finished trailer from the receipt of an order is significantly less than many other UK-based trailer manufacturers.

The fact that Schmitz Cargobull is a recognised European brand with a quality reputation was also a significant influence on bott’s purchase decision. Bott has also invested in two new Mercedes tractor units.

Mike Wosnitzka, Bott Ltd’s Operations Director, commented: “We operate our own vehicle fleet because it gives us the control and flexibility that we need to service our customers, and to run our business effectively. On time in full delivery is what our customers expect today, and we strive to deliver this as part of the service.

Over the years, we have tried most UK courier companies and have always experienced problems with the service that they offer, and high levels of damage.”

With the right trailer and tractor suppliers – Schmitz Cargobull and Mercedes Benz – and with spares available throughout Europe, I am confident that we can continue to undertake multi-drop deliveries to customers throughout the UK and Europe. With primary raw materials collected on return routes, we are extremely cost efficient within our Transport Department, with the added benefit of minimal product damage.”