For fleet managers, ensuring temperature-sensitive cargo consistently makes a successful journey from the distributor to store shelves requires a sustainable, cost-effective solution.
There are three major benefits when a fleet uses premium refrigerated truck bodies: exceptional thermal performance, fuel-efficiency, and durability. This is why Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company chose Great Dane’s Johnson R-Series.
Truck Bodies Designed for Food Distribution
Founded in 1999, Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company is a family-owned business that produces and distributes hot and cold sandwiches to more than 26,000 convenience, grocery, and drug stores, as well as vending and other food outlets. Based in Iowa, Deli Express route trucks provide direct store delivery in 26 states.
Gregg Hodgdon, fleet manager at Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company, turned to Great Dane’s refrigerated truck bodies to co-develop a truck body that would provide a sustainable, durable, and economical solution for their expansive delivery operation.
Thermal Performance in Refrigerated Truck Body Equipment
The Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company needed a refrigerated truck body that would carry a typical day’s load without adding unnecessary weight.
For Hodgdon, Great Dane’s Johnson R-Series, built with food service and delivery fleet needs in mind, was the obvious choice for long-term thermal performance. The insulated fiberglass model offers substantial capacity and weight savings. The fiberglass truck body is also designed for maximum thermal integrity, which results in a steadier product temperature as well as reduced fuel consumption. Fresh and frozen compartments are also part of their truck body design, a crucial addition that keeps their delivery options flexible as the fleet continues to grow.
Refrigerated Truck Bodies that Improve Fuel Economy
In addition to the fuel savings that occur as a result of thermal performance, Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company’s delivery trucks also feature refrigeration units that operate with an engine-driven compressor, increasing fuel economy even further.
The fleet has several Johnson R-Series-equipped trucks on the road currently, with more planned for production. The vehicles in the field are already demonstrating a nearly 50 percent improvement in fuel economy over the fleet’s previous models.
Durable Truck Bodies for Last Mile Delivery
Deli Express/E.A. Sween Company specifically chose Great Dane’s Johnson R-Series for their delivery trucks because of their durable design, a must-have feature. The R-Series body is so durable that it lasts longer than several chassis, so the fleet can get multiple uses out of a single truck body. The Johnson R-Series takes full advantage of Great Dane’s innovative body tie-down system. The tie-down system, coupled with the durability of the truck body itself, allows the bodies to be moved to multiple chassis over time.
The Benefits of Great Dane Truck Bodies
Fuel economy, capabilities, and cost savings are at the front of most fleet managers’ minds these days. As customer expectations increase, it’s essential to take the lead in quality and sustainability. Consistent performance depends on reliable equipment.
“For us it’s a big win on many fronts,” said Hodgdon. “We’re pleased that we could significantly improve our fleet’s carbon footprint through an innovative solution that also saves money without sacrificing customer satisfaction.”
Interested in learning how you can use the Deli Express solution?
Get in contact to explore the refrigerated truck body possibilities with Great Dane.
