Improving distribution efficiency with dual-temperature vehicles

During 1998, Nestlé Argentina implemented an effective way to improve vehicle utilization in its fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles, reducing the number of journeys by 7% and cutting fuel consumption by over 30 000 liters per year.

The innovative approach is based on the use of separators inside normal temperature-controlled vehicles. The separators create two temperature zones and enable Nestlé Argentina to consolidate deliveries of compatible temperature-controlled and conditioned products (e.g., ice cream and confectionery) into a single vehicle. This approach has resulted in significant improvements in vehicle space utilization, fewer journeys and reduced transportation distances.

In addition to reducing the impact on the environment, the use of dual-temperature vehicles has benefited customers. Orders for both confectionery and ice cream can now be sent together and not as separate deliveries.

Nestlé Argentina has extended the concept to chilled product distribution between factories and distribution centres. With the introduction of more vehicle separators, additional savings of close to 16 000 liters of fuel are expected per year.

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