Co-op has successfully completed the first UK trial of Carrier Transicold’s new Supra High Efficiency (HE) 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) truck refrigeration unit. The trial, which lasted six months, demonstrated notable fuel savings, reduced noise, and lower operating costs compared to previous models.
The Supra HE 11 MT was installed on a 26-tonne DAF CF rigid truck with a two-lane insulated body from Gray & Adams. It was tested alongside Co-op’s existing Supra 1150 MT unit, showing a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and 10% less electricity usage on standby. These efficiency gains could lead to an annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction of nearly 2.5 tonnes per unit.
Following the trial, Co-op has ordered 86 Supra HE 11 MT units, scheduled for delivery in 2025.
“In the two decades we’ve worked with Carrier, they have continually supported our commitment to embracing the latest technologies, and this trial represents the next step for the business as we strive toward our 2035 net zero ambitions,” said Nicholas Orwin, General Manager Fleet and Compliance, Co-op. “We’ve been hugely impressed by the results, and moving forward the Supra HE will be the unit of choice for our rigid truck fleet, delivering huge sustainability benefits while also helping us provide the optimal work environment for our drivers.”
The new refrigeration unit integrates mechanical and electrical subsystems, making it quieter, lighter, and more compact. The 30% reduction in brazed joints minimizes potential refrigerant leakage. Additionally, the unit demonstrated a 2dB(A) noise reduction compared to the Supra 1150 MT, improving driver comfort and reducing urban noise pollution.
Maintenance requirements are also lower, with only three scheduled service visits over a 6,000 engine-hour cycle, compared to six visits for the previous model.
“With more than 4,000 retail outlets nationwide, maximizing uptime to ensure stores are consistently stocked for our customers is vital. The new Supra offers improved performance coupled with less time needed off the road for servicing, which is an ideal combination. That said, we know we can always rely on outstanding aftermarket and service support from Carrier when we need them,” added Orwin.
The trial unit, based out of Co-op’s Newhouse facility near Motherwell, conducted multi-drop deliveries across Scotland, including major cities, the highlands, and islands. The 26-tonne truck is expected to cover 50,000 kilometres annually and will remain part of Co-op’s 2,300-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet.
“We consider our relationship with Co-op a collaboration,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK & Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold. “We are always looking at ways to support the business through fresh thinking and new technology. This was a perfect opportunity to showcase the new Supra HE 11, and the trial results speak for themselves. We look forward to supplying many more units for their operations in the future.”
Beyond the Supra HE 11 MT units, Carrier Transicold will also supply 106 additional temperature-controlled systems to Co-op in 2025, including Vector HE 19 and Vector HE 17 trailer units. This initiative aligns with Carrier’s 2030 sustainability goal of helping customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1 gigaton.