Pan-European logistics specialist P&O Ferrymasters is expanding its CEE fleet by leasing a further 300 trailers from TIP Trailer Services in a new seven-year deal with one of Europe’s leading equipment services providers.

The deal covers 200 coilers for deployment in central Europe and 100 huckepack trailers to boost the P&O Ferrymasters intermodal fleet operating on rail services from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge to Eastern Europe and vice versa.

Manufactured by Germany’s Schmitz Cargobull AG, all the new trailers will feature the company’s recently updated logo, which gives a more modern look to the familiar P&O Ferrymasters flag emblem to underline the company’s place in today’s ultra-contemporary freight market.

The latest agreement with TIP maintains a close 12-year relationship that also includes trailer maintenance. P&O Ferrymasters assets director Wim Blomme says: “This stage of our asset renewal programme takes our Europe-wide trailer fleet to a total of 1,400 units and meets particular demand for extra capacity in key growth markets in central and eastern Europe. The fleet will be further expanded on a similar scale in 2015.”

Rogier Laan, European commercial leader at Amsterdam-based TIP, adds: “Delivery of the new trailers started in July and will be completed in September. We look forward to continuing to work with a company that shares our goal of providing cutting-edge customer support across Europe.”
The trailers are being supplied with the superior EN 12642 Code XL rating for load bearing capacity. Their special side curtains each have 24 vertical aluminium boards – 48 per trailer – to reinforce the curtain structure. This ‘fit and forget’ solution also eliminates the need to equip trailers with horizontal wooden boards, which have a limited life and are costly to renew.

In addition, P&O Ferrymasters has specified that the trailer parking brake is mounted on the front bulkhead - rather than the standard position near the rear axle – to make access easier and safer when picking up or dropping off. Drivers normally have to walk down the side of the trailer to operate the brake button, which can be difficult and potentially dangerous when trailers are parked closely together in high-density areas such as ports.

About P&O Ferrymasters

P&O Ferrymasters (www.poferrymasters.com) is one of Europe’s leading specialists in tailor-made transportation, logistics and supply chain solutions. With origins from 1953, the company is part of P&O Ferries - owned by Dubai World - and operates from 22 strategic locations in 12 European countries.

About TIP Trailer Services

TIP Trailer Services is a market leader in providing transportation and logistics customers with leasing, rental and value-added equipment services, keeping customer freight on the move all over Europe. These value-added services range from maintenance, breakdown assistance and damage protection to sophisticated asset tracking solutions. TIP was established in 1968 and since, has progressively increased its size, market share, customer base and services offerings. With more than 45 years of experience, TIP is one of the most trusted and respected names in the industry. Visit TIP’s website: www.tipeurope.com to learn more.

About Schmitz Cargobull AG

The German company Schmitz Cargobull AG (www.cargobull.com) was established in 1892 as a forge. Today the company has developed into the European trailer and body manufacturers with the highest turnover in the commercial vehicle sector. Schmitz Cargobull produces its products at eight industrial manufacturing sites in Europe. It serves all of the sales markets in Europe, Middle East and China with its own sales structure and an authorised service partner network.