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In the current economic climate, procurement teams in the cold chain sector are facing a perfect storm.

Global geopolitical tensions have pushed crude oil prices upwards per barrel, leading to sharp increases in diesel and refined fuel costs. For refrigerated transport where vehicles are inherently heavier and energy-intensive these rising energy costs are no longer just an operational hurdle; they are a direct hit to the bottom line.

To mitigate these pressures, forward-thinking procurement strategies are shifting focus from simple “price-per-litre” deals to long-term technical efficiencies. One of the most impactful of these is aerodynamic vehicle design.

Overcoming the "second largest" energy loss through increased aerodynamic performance.

Research indicates that aerodynamics is the second-largest cause of energy loss in refrigerated HGVs, accounting for an average of 21% of total energy consumption. While the engine accounts for the majority (60%), aerodynamic drag becomes a “petrol-hog” the moment a vehicle exceeds 40mph. At cruising speeds, approximately half of the fuel burned is used solely to overcome air resistance.

For procurement teams, investing in fuel efficient HGV bodywork is one of the few ways to “lock in” savings.

Aerodynamics temperature controlled vehicles PRINT 04

Advantages of Aerodynamic Fleet Integration

Substantial Fuel Saving: Modern streamlined designs can enhance an HGV’s fuel efficiency by 7% to 15%. Specialised kits, such as Solomon Commercials Slipstream technology, use advanced airflow optimisation to drastically reduce the drag coefficient.

Direct Impact on ROI: For a fleet of 100 HGVs each traveling 100,000 miles per year, an efficiency improvement of just 0.5 MPG can translate to over £319,000 in annual savings.

Future-Proofing for EV Adoption: As the industry moves toward electrification, aerodynamic vehicle design becomes even more critical. Reducing drag directly extends the battery range of electric refrigerated vans, allowing for longer routes and reduced charging downtime.

Regulatory Compliance: New UK regulations now allow for elongated cabs and aerodynamic rear devices (flaps) that reduce drag without sacrificing valuable load space, making it easier for fleets to “build back greener”

With non-commodity energy costs projected to account for up to 65% of business energy bills by the end of the year, every litre of fuel saved through smarter hardware is a win for procurement. By prioritising fuel efficient HGV bodywork, companies can turn a necessity vehicle replacement into a lasting competitive advantage.

For procurement managers looking to stress-test their fleet’s resilience, the evidence is clear: Aerodynamic vehicle design is no longer a luxury; it is an essential financial instrument in the fight against rising energy costs.

Airflow optimisation
for refrigerated vehicles.

slipstream graphic@2x