Lactalis Australia Strengthens Operations with Custom Trailer Fleet Deployment
Source: DairyNews.today
Lactalis Australia, a key player in the nation's dairy industry, has enhanced its logistics operations with the deployment of a new fleet of custom-built refrigerated trailers, leased through Scully RSV. This move has bolstered the company's ability to efficiently deliver its popular dairy products, including Pauls, Zymil, Ice Break, OAK, Breaka, and Vaalia.
As a subsidiary of the global Lactalis Group—one of the largest fresh dairy companies in the world with over 250 production sites across 94 countries—Lactalis Australia benefits from its parent company’s extensive resources and expertise. The company remains committed to providing exceptional products through streamlined, sustainable logistics, and its latest partnership with Scully RSV is a testament to this dedication.
In 2022, Lactalis extended its contract with Scully RSV for five more years, as part of a fleet renewal initiative. This extension included the replacement of 20 older trailers in its Victorian operations with new, custom-built trailers designed to meet specific operational needs. The fleet now supports the weekly transportation of 3.8 million litres of flavored milk across 200 deliveries throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Andrew Karetai, Lactalis Australia’s National Transport Operations Manager, emphasized the positive impact of this partnership, particularly in terms of fleet reliability and product safety. "Maintaining the integrity of our cold chain and ensuring product safety is critical. With Scully RSV, we have the reliability and confidence that our trailers meet our exact needs," said Karetai.
The custom trailers, equipped with ThermoKing A500 refrigeration systems, have significantly reduced fuel consumption, cutting usage from 3.6 litres per hour to between 1.6 and 1.8 litres per hour. Additionally, the trailers feature insulated roller doors and energy-saving switches, which turn off refrigeration units when doors are opened, further improving efficiency.
Lactalis has also implemented design improvements, such as tall rear apertures for double-stacking pallets and electric standby power outlets for dock access, to increase payload capacity and reduce fuel usage. Other features, like e-track rails, non-slip flooring, and increased ground clearance, ensure that the trailers are well-suited to the demands of the company’s distribution network.
According to Karetai, these design enhancements have translated into significant operational savings. "We've seen repair and maintenance costs drop by 38%, and the increased payload capacity has reduced the number of trips required each week. Our fuel savings have also been considerable, thanks to the efficiency of the refrigeration units," he added.
The performance of the new trailer fleet has also had a direct impact on Lactalis' on-time delivery (OTD) performance, which now stands at 96.3% nationally. In Queensland, the OTD rate has reached 99.8%, with similarly strong results in New South Wales and Victoria. This high level of operational reliability has strengthened the company’s supply chain and bolstered its customer trust.
Safety remains a top priority for Lactalis Australia. The company’s commitment to providing safe and reliable equipment for its workers has been reinforced through its partnership with Scully RSV. "Having the right equipment is essential for completing the job safely, and Scully RSV has been a vital partner in this process," said Karetai.
In 2022, Lactalis extended its contract with Scully RSV for five more years, as part of a fleet renewal initiative. This extension included the replacement of 20 older trailers in its Victorian operations with new, custom-built trailers designed to meet specific operational needs. The fleet now supports the weekly transportation of 3.8 million litres of flavored milk across 200 deliveries throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Andrew Karetai, Lactalis Australia’s National Transport Operations Manager, emphasized the positive impact of this partnership, particularly in terms of fleet reliability and product safety. "Maintaining the integrity of our cold chain and ensuring product safety is critical. With Scully RSV, we have the reliability and confidence that our trailers meet our exact needs," said Karetai.
The custom trailers, equipped with ThermoKing A500 refrigeration systems, have significantly reduced fuel consumption, cutting usage from 3.6 litres per hour to between 1.6 and 1.8 litres per hour. Additionally, the trailers feature insulated roller doors and energy-saving switches, which turn off refrigeration units when doors are opened, further improving efficiency.
Lactalis has also implemented design improvements, such as tall rear apertures for double-stacking pallets and electric standby power outlets for dock access, to increase payload capacity and reduce fuel usage. Other features, like e-track rails, non-slip flooring, and increased ground clearance, ensure that the trailers are well-suited to the demands of the company’s distribution network.
According to Karetai, these design enhancements have translated into significant operational savings. "We've seen repair and maintenance costs drop by 38%, and the increased payload capacity has reduced the number of trips required each week. Our fuel savings have also been considerable, thanks to the efficiency of the refrigeration units," he added.
The performance of the new trailer fleet has also had a direct impact on Lactalis' on-time delivery (OTD) performance, which now stands at 96.3% nationally. In Queensland, the OTD rate has reached 99.8%, with similarly strong results in New South Wales and Victoria. This high level of operational reliability has strengthened the company’s supply chain and bolstered its customer trust.
Safety remains a top priority for Lactalis Australia. The company’s commitment to providing safe and reliable equipment for its workers has been reinforced through its partnership with Scully RSV. "Having the right equipment is essential for completing the job safely, and Scully RSV has been a vital partner in this process," said Karetai.