From zero to 17 vehicles as Rentruck grows with GR

Since Rentruck decided to expand its fleet offering to included temperature controlled vehicles two years ago, the Rochdale based company has experienced steady growth in this sector and now has 17 refrigerated vehicles in its rental fleet, all of which have GRP refrigerated van conversions, with plans for further expansion in the Spring 2008.

“We have specified GRP as our preferred supplier from the outset and they have proven to be an excellent partner. The build quality of their vehicles is excellent and ideal for our demanding rental operation,” said Richard Cotton, Director at Rentruck, incorporating Cool Running Rental.

GRP has recently completed the latest orders from Rentruck, comprising six vehicles in total for the hire fleet, including two Ford Transit 350 panel vans, two VW Transporters and two VW Crafter refrigerated vans.

The two VW Transporter refrigerated vans are being used for single compartment rental applications, covering either chilled or frozen operation. Both have been adapted for pallet load applications and the refrigeration is supplied by a GAH SRHCF 21C direct drive refrigeration system, with a standby facility.

The remaining Ford Transit and VW Crafter refrigerated panel vans were also converted by GRP at their Leeds factory, to dual compartment specification, covering both chilled and frozen operations within the same vehicle. Within the body, there is a moveable insulated mid bulkhead system to give flexibility of load compartment sizes.

On all four of these dual compartment vehicles, the factory side and double rear doors have been modified by GRP for deep frozen applications and the vehicles also have GAH SRHCF 21C direct drive refrigeration units as standard. Again, each vehicle has been adapted for pallet operation.

As the company, Rentruck originated over 80 years ago, in 1924, as a cotton haulier, however the company made the switch to a rental business 30 years ago. Rentruck now has a 140 strong rental vehicle fleet, with the latest move being to develop its refrigerated rental operation under the name of “Cool Running Rental”.

Cool Running Rental has a fleet of chiller, freezer and dual-compartment refrigerated vehicles capable of -25ºC up to + 8ºC, specialising in both short and long-term rental, leasing and contract hire.

“We first linked up with Rentruck two years ago and during this time we have developed a successful ongoing working relationship with them, supplying them with a range of vehicles converted to the correct temperature-controlled specification to suit their rental operation,” said Sales Director at GRP Group.

19 July 2007