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The Co-operative Group is enhancing its national capability with 46 new refrigerated trucks, developed with Solomon Commercials and DAF Trucks.

Built on the robust Lancashire-engineered DAF XB Day Cab chassis, each truck is designed for maximum payload efficiency and long-term durability, these temperature controlled vehicles will help boost the Co-op’s operational resilience and support consistent, reliable deliveries across its UK store network.

A core focus of the project was maximising payload without compromising strength.

Each vehicle features:

  • Lightweight, highly durable insulated bodywork engineered by Solomon to optimise load capacity.
  • Kemlite hygienic interior surfaces that withstand heavy daily use and prolong body life.
  • Impregnated Co-op blue exterior panels designed to resist wear, UV damage, and environmental exposure, ensuring the vehicle maintains structural and brand integrity.
  • This lighter, stronger build enables the Co-op to move more chilled and frozen goods per route, improving fleet utilisation and reducing total fleet emissions.

    During the specification phase key design choices where made to improve lifespan and reduce maintenance requirements:

  • Reinforced body joints and high-grade insulation to retain thermal performance throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
  • Stainless steel load-restraint tracks, robust bulkheads, and durable interior fittings ensure long-term reliability under continuous loading and unloading.
  • Efficient Multi-Compartment Temperature Control

    Each vehicle is powered by a Carrier Transicold Supra HE 11 multi-temperature unit with dual evaporators, providing accurate and reliable control of both chilled and frozen compartments.

    This allows the trucks to operate fully independent temperature zones, giving the Co-op greater load flexibility and dependable performance across complex nationwide multi-drop routes.

    Complementing this with a carefully engineered aerodynamic package to ease air resistance, these enhancements also reduce mechanical strain at motorway speeds, supporting greater vehicle longevity over the life of the fleet.

    Safe, Efficient Loading and Driver Support

    To promote safer and more productive operations, each vehicle includes:

  • Tail lift with ramps, roll stops, and battery guard
  • LED lighting for improved visibility and reduced energy consumption
  • Cyclist safety signage and 360° camera readiness
  • Microlise telematics for real-time monitoring, compliance, and predictive maintenance
  • Together, these features improve handling, reduce accident risk, and support better long-term vehicle health.

    A Fleet Built for the Long Run

    These additions will be finished in full Co-op livery and will help serve Co-op’s nationwide network of convenience and on-the-go stores, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of fresh, chilled, and frozen products.

    Neil Ormerod, Sales Manager at Solomon Commercials, said

    ” Our collaboration with the Co-op focuses on delivering vehicles that combine efficiency, safety, and operational flexibility, These lightweight 18-tonne multi-temperature vehicles offer increased payload and long-term reliability, supporting the Co-op’s mission to deliver fresh and frozen goods consistently and efficiently across the country.”